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This entry is about baking in July, and it got me thinking. We’re at the midway point, people--less than 90 days until we can shamelessly listen to Christmas music in a private setting (Oct 1st) and 120 days until it is socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music (Nov 1st). The goal, of course, is to get in the Christmas spirit before Starbucks does. Listening to Christmas music following this schedule is the only way to accomplish this.
Anyways, back to our summer BBQ’s. I’ve got the outgoing spirit of a squirrel on Red Bull, so to say I’m struggling during quarantine would be an understatement. Katie and I have limited ourselves to a few social distance gatherings in the backyard (she usually carries hand sanitizer in her pocket and has a bottle of Lysol within arm’s length). These are definitely not the large gatherings we were hoping to enjoy, but we’re working with what we can. Our guests adhere to both the social distancing and the hangout rules. You’re sure to know the social distancing rules, but, allow me to fill you in on the hangout rule. The hangout rule should always be followed, and it is this: offer to bring food, drinks, or entertainment when invited to someone’s BBQ. Please be advised: if you do not adhere to the hangout rule, you are absolutely talked about once you leave the party.
Thankfully for us, our friends abide by the rules. For our most recent BBQ, this couple wanted to go all out and provide BBQ ribs and fried rice. (You won’t be seeing photos of their dish because this isn’t their blog.) I knew I didn’t want to be shown up by this still main dish. Like the President in the movie “Independence Day”, I would not go quietly into the night. I was determined to bring the dessert of the year (so far) to the table. I decided to borrow this recipe from everyone’s mentor and role model for the homestead (move over, Martha) Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. (Side note, I love this woman. Who would’ve thought that adding cream cheese to mashed potatoes would make them float? More on that when we get to Thanksgiving).
I decided to go with her Apple Dumplings. I altered the recipe slightly by adding frozen berries and frozen peaches to the granny smith apples. For the recipe, please click here https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/apple-dumplings-3755854
Butter smells good
Keep in mind, calories do not count during a pandemic, holidays, or any Saturday. So please, challenge yourself and go for this. It’s a can’t miss. I admitted that my primary motivation for making this dessert was to not be outdone at a backyard BBQ, but it turned out to be a great chance to spend time with the kiddos in the kitchen.
Finished Product
Happy Birthday America