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| Locally-grown apples! |
Last night, after serving hot Cinnamon Baked Apples after dinner, our bellies were full as we hovered in the kitchen together enjoying each others' company. It's always different spending time together at the end of the week, dad's home from work, and there are no pressing issues to be dealt with immediately as we make our way into the weekend. Time stretches out on Friday night. And as we wind down from the busy hubbub of mid-week projects we each begin to relax a little more, and are able to enjoy the moments together rather than anticipating our next move.
Replaying the night's events, I recall talking about how well we were each able to balance on one foot, which was preceded by a "competition" of sorts in 'tree pose.'
Balancing on one foot, with the other foot tucked up against our supporting leg, we stood for as long as we could with our arms stretched high above us.
Dad tried to tickle me after I was able to stand for some time, I think in jealousy that I beat him by staying up longer!
Interestingly, I once heard that our abilities to balance steadily are directly related to our minds' equilibrium, which can be upset by pressing issues, stress, a lack of sleep, or restlessness of our brains. If you have trouble balancing one day, or keep tripping over yourself when walking, it may not be a sign of your clumsiness or a show of your abilities, but rather, an indication of your minds' peace.
Trying to balance right before a final exam may be very difficult, however when the test is done (if you feel good about your performance) balancing should be much easier! Relaxing your mind is important as well, as buzzing images through your brain cause chaos, and therefor make balancing difficult.
As we all went into our poses, mum, dad and I lined up in the kitchen with the dog scurrying around us, confused, and looking up at each of us expectantly. Mum and dad wobbled first, and as I tried to focus only on one point on the ground, I became steadier and steadier.
To the dog's delight, the trivial game was quickly over after I was tickled out of the pose, and again we settled back into our comfortable chairs.
What made me think of last night's events was two little boys we saw in the cafe where we had coffees this morning.
Similar to us, they stood up, bored by their parents lengthened chatter over bitter hot drinks, and proceeded to have a contest of who-can-balance-longest in 'tree pose.'
Their little heads swayed over their bodies, before they toppled down to both feet being firmly planted on the floor. They tried numerous times to balance, but with each attempt they tumbled down, and each time became shorter and shorter and giggles erupted.
I don't think that such young kids would have enough anxiety to affect their balance, nor would it be likely for them to have a lot to deal with, so perhaps their lack of balance is only an indication of their active brains being unable to rest.
Cinnamon Baked Apples
Click here for printable recipe.
I served these today, and dad cried out
"OOOH! Yum! I haven't had these in ages!"
They are definitely a fall treat around here. With the warm cinnnamon flavour, and especially when they're piping hot, no one can resist them! Since they're also completely gluten-free (no substitutions either!) and filled with plenty of healthy ingredients these are a perfect go-to dessert!
Ingredients
3 apples (perfect for this are Royal Gala or Granny Smith's)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 c raisins
1/4 c pecans
1/4 c brown sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 tsp cinnamon
1-2 tbsp butter (or alternative)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°.
Using a knife, cut the top off the apple about 1 inch wide, rub the lemon juice on both sides of the cut, and set aside the top.
With a spoon, scoop out the inside of the apples, leaving approximately 1/2 an inch around the sides. Keep the insides of the apples. When finished, rub the lemon juice inside the apples.
In a blender, combine the apple insides, raisins, pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon. Blend on low until everything is in small crumbs, but not until it becomes smooth.
Scoop the mixture into the apples, and top with a small scoop of butter, or an alternative such as Earth Balance. Sprinkle with some brown sugar and put the tops of the apples back on.
Place the apples into a shallow pie dish, and fill up with hot water approximately 1 inch up the sides of the apples.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
Delicious when served with vanilla icecream or cream!
Labels: apple, Cinnamon, dessert, fall
