Autumn Delights :: The Fragrant Kitchen

*happy sigh* Ah yes, autumn is well on its way, and I am finding that 'tis getting quite a bit more chilly with each passing day. Although I love the crisp autumn air, and cherish the countryside beauty which is in an array outside my window; I do so love to be inside of my home as well. For it is during these cool months, in which I delight in taking my old and forgotten recipe-books from their shelves, and blow away the stale dust which gathered there during those torrid months of summer. It is on autumn afternoons, such as these, when I am filled with alacrity to once again mix up a casserole, or knead together bread-doe, and watch it rise. It is on chilly mornings, such as these, when I pull out a flask of of apple juice, and small, glass jars of scented spices, from which I produce a spicy apple cider; which, while brewing all day long, will not only fill the home with a heavenly aroma, but also fill my body with a toasty warmth in the evening. *sigh* Upon waking, I look outside my, only to find a heavy fog creeping along the street -- yet I will be cozy and warm inside my house, with a hot pot of steaming tea and a pumpkin scone.

These are the months in which I love baking and cooking best, sweet readers! Today, I am going to share with you an array of my favorite recipes, which I have enjoyed making with each passing autumn -- and continue to enjoy making even now! They are what some would call "tried and true" recipes, and I am certain that you will enjoy them just as much as I and my family do. Be sure to take the time to try a few out; perhaps on a blustery afternoon, when you find yourself confined to the indoors, you will find an outlet in the heart of the home, where you can create all afternoon a mixture of autumn goodies ~

Fireside Sipper

*Every autumn, for the past few years, my family and I have always loved this warm, sweet & spicy cider. I love to start this in the morning, and let it simmer all day long. Not only does it fill your home with the spicy aroma of apple spice, but it also is a welcome treat during those chilly evenings next to the fireside.

• 1 gal. apple cider
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cloves
• 2 tsp. allspice
• 2 four-inch cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 cup orange juice

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 5-6 hours, or on high setting for 2-3 hours. Discard cinnamon sticks.

Makes approximately 16 cups.

Autumn Casserol

*This would have to be the best tasting casserole that I have ever tried -- it is absolutely the best!! And it is oh-so-very perfect for a cold evening in October. You simply must take time to try out this recipe during this autumn season -- for it is so very simple to make, yet so very delicious! A combination of stuffing, and creamy chicken -- makes for a tasty treat on a brisk autumn evening.

• 8 Chicken Breasts (boneless)
• 3 cans of Cream of Chicken soup
• 2 boxes of stove-top Stuffing
• 1/2 cup butter

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cube you chicken into small, bight sized cubes. Prepare your stuffing using the directions given on the box. Next, melt your butter, and pour it into a 9"x13" pan, so as to cover the bottom. Next, sprinkle sprinkle half of your chicken cubes into the bottom of the pan. After which, pour 1-1/2 cans of Cream of Chicken soup. Then spread half of your stuffing over this. Repeat these layers in the same order. Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil, after which, remove the foil and bake another 30 minutes. It turns out scrumptious!

Best Friend Bread

*For those of you who have been faithful followers of An Old-Fashioned Girl for quite a while now, you will know that I have shared this many a time with my readers. However, here I am to share it again; for this post would be incomplete without it! If you have not tried it yet, my dear, you simply must!! This is my most favorite recipe ever -- and it never cease to bring joy to my heart as I knead the doe again, and braid it into a lovely form -- not to mention the delightful taste! 

• 1 pkg. active dry yeast 
•  1-1/4 c. warm water 
•  1/4 c. sugar 
•  1/4 c. oil 
•  1 t. salt 
•  2 eggs 
•  4-1/2 c. all-purpose flour 
•  1/4 c. butter, melted 

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Mix sugar, oil, salt and eggs together in yeast mixture. Add flour and knead until smooth. cover and let rise until double in size. (about an hour) Punch down and turn out onto floured surface. Divide dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece with your hands until you have 3 ropes about 12 inches long. Pinch one end of each of the 3 pieces of dough together and braid dough. Pinch the other ends together to seal, then tuck under. Place on a greased 13"x9" pan and let rise until double again (about 30-45 min.) brush butter over the top and bake at 350 degrees for 30 min.

Baked Praline French Toast 

*The first time I tasted this was when I was at my Grandma's house. She was up and about early in the morning, doing this and that in the kitchen, while I was still snug under my covers. However, soon I was coaxed out of bed by the oh-so-sweet aroma of this special french toast. From the very first bite, this has been my very favorite breakfast treat -- and although we have it very seldom, it is always a tremendous treat when we do pull out this recipe, and re-create it.

• 6 eggs 
• 1-1/2 cup milk 
• 1-1/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided 
• 1 tsp. cinnamon 
• 2 tsp. vanilla 
• 1/2 tsp. salt 
• 8-10 oz. total (6-8 3/4 inch slices) French Bread 
• 6 Tb. butter or margarine 
• 6 Tb. light corn syrup 
• 1 cup chopped pecans 

In a medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 24 hours. In small saucepan, cook and stir 1 cup brown sugar, butter and corn syrup until butter is melted. Pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish; sprinkle with pecans. Arrange Bread slices on top (single Layer). Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 35 minutes until set and top is browned. Let stand 10 minutes.

____________________________________________________________________

Now, I hope you will take the time to share with me a few of your very favorite recipes to make in fall! I do so love collecting new recipes from time to time, and now would be a perfect time to find a new favorite! I look forward to visiting your 'kitchen' soon