Apple Cider Sangria and Signs of Fall

There are certainly signs of Fall in our neighborhood, despite the temps in the 70's and 80's during the day.  Our yard and patio certainly look like Fall with all of the leaves, and it has been "raining" walnuts as well. It's almost another bumper crop year for the walnuts.  If you are out in the yard or on the patio for any length of time, you will need to wear a hard hat, he, he.  My family can attest to that.  All of those yellow-green orbs are walnuts in their husk among the leaves

There are a few other things that mean Fall to me besides outdoors, crisp temperatures and sweaters; apples, apple cider, and candy corn.  I was lucky to get some apples from, My SIL, Lori, Mother's apple tree, that was loaded with apples, and I didin't have to pay an admission fee to the orchard. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. With the apples and Apple Cider I made this wonderful Apple Cider Sangria, which is a light refreshing drink with Fall Flavors of apples, pears, and apple cider. There is also a little white wine, I used a Chardonnay, Brandy, and Sparkling Water.   Oh, Yum!  You combine all of the ingredients in a pitcher, chill, and then indulge. This is a light drink with the apple cider and  Sparkling Water, in addition to the booze. If your looking for a light refreshing drink for Fall get togethers, then look no further.

I finally bought my first bag of Candy Corn, but was a bit disappointed, because the only kind of candy corn that I could find, was made in Mexico, really, and honey is listed as the last ingredient, before the food dyes. Yuck! It just doesn't taste like it used to.  Have you found any candy corn that tastes like the kind that you had, when you were a kid?  Let me know, if you do.

I also made an Apple Crisp for my son doesn't like chocolate. The Apple Crisp is served with Black Raspberry Custard from Ollie's Frozen Custard In Sycamore, IL, the best ever. I'll be posting the recipe for the Apple Crisp soon.

 

Apple Cider Sangria Inspired by How Sweet It Is

Yield: serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 bottle (standard size) of pinot grigio  (I used Chardonnay)
2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
1 cup club soda (I used Sparkling water)
1/2 cup ginger brandy (I used regular Brandy)
3 honey crisp apples, chopped  (I used MacIntosh)
3 pears, chopped

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together in a pitcher and stir well. Refrigerate for an hour or so (or longer, even overnight, before serving.

Regular brandy can also be used