Easy Apple Crumble

Our Weeks parents were so nice to leave us some of their local apples, but we couldn't eat them in time and had about 5 left almost a bit too ripe. So, dessert time, of course! I was inspired bythis recipe, but basically made this my own.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 small red apples
• 1 c flour
• 6 tbs butter
• 1/2 c sugar
• 2/3 c oats
• 3 tbs molasses
• 1 tbs agave nectar
• 1 tbs cinammon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• sprinkling of fresh ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 and grease a 9x9 dish.
2. Peel, core and chop apples into bite sized pieces.
3. Using a dough blender, blend the butter into the flour in a medium bowl.
4. Add the remaining ingredients and mash into a lumpy mixture.
5. Put the apples in the dish, and pour the messy crumble mixture on top (it will barely spread out to cover the top). Messy is good.
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Creamy Sweet Pumpkin Soup

Our neighbor's mother made this soup and shared some with us -- it's fabulous! The orange juice is the flavor that surprises your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 lb pumpkin
• 1/4 c unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 6 c chicken or veg stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 c cream
• 2 tbs grated orange zest
• 2 tbs fresh orange juice
• 1 tbs fresh lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 3/4 lb gruyere or swiss cheese, shredded
• salt and pepper
• 2 tbs fresh chives, chopped (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Saute onion until just brown.
2. Add pumpkin, bay, stock and cook 15-30 minutes.
3. Puree in blender (or use wand blender).
4. Add cream, juices, zest, and spices.
5. Add 3/4 c cheese and stir in until melted.
6. Serve with reserved cheese and chives sprinkled on top.