As I write this, temperatures are in the 80's. Despite the unseasonable heat, fall is in the air, evidenced by the abundance and availability of ripe, juicy, locally grown apples. 
 
Apples are nostalgic.  It used to be a tradition for my husband and I to take home bags of apples from the Farm.  There is no better apple than one you can sink your teeth into right after plucking it from the branch.  We brought the apples back to the city.  If we did not eat the apples plain, we had recipes to make apple pie, applesauce, apple cake ... Surprisingly, throughout autumn and into the beginning of winter, we never grew tired of apples. Aside from the fresh taste, I think we also placed a premium on the love that went into producing each apple and the joy felt by the farmers in sharing the apples with others. Take advantage of the season and enjoy fresh, locally grown apples.
 
Lately, when I'm in a hurry I eat apples and peanut butter for breakfast. It's a simple combination that provides satisfying, fruity crunchiness and a sweet and creamy flavor.  It provides the energy I need to get through the first few hours of my day.

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1. Wash, core and chop fruit into slices or chunks.
2. Place in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water. Add the maple syrup and raisins.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
4. Add lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook for another 10 minutes, until soft.
5. While fruit is cooking, place chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, for 5
minutes.
6. Drizzle honey over the nuts and add ginger, but keep stirring since the honey can easily burn.
7. Top warm fruit with toasted nuts and enjoy!

Being intentional about buying things