Doing the "Fall thing"

With Forte Vento on the hard undergoing the last of repairs, we turned to pumpkin and apple picking with granddaughter and family on Saturday. There were hundreds of families at the local farm near Mount Airy Maryland.  Even a non-domestic, urban girl like me had to succumb to festivities as we road behind the John Deere tractor on the hay rack.  I filled my apple bag quickly as we marched up and down the rows of trees.  I even bagged a few in my purse - but don't tell anyone.  This Nana is certainly no role model for Miss Bridget, the granddaughter.  But, she didn't see me so all is well.  As we searched the patch for just the right pumpkin, the wind was brisk and, when the sun burst beyond the covering clouds, it was a picture perfect moment.

Today, John and I are cooking a traditional Sunday dinner.  We are hosting our young friends from across the hall  so while the warm sunshine streaks though the open door to the balcony, John has started to roast the chicken.  As I sit here writing, browned butter, onion, and garlic aromas waft into the room.  By 5:30, the bird will be brought to the dining room table on a nest of roasted root vegetables.  However, the apple tarts that I just pulled out of the oven will not measure up.  Once again I was reminded of how important it is to follow the recipe when baking.  Unlike cooking, where you can throw what you have in the fridge into a pot and have a very good chance for a delicious success, baking is not very forgiving.  You can't substitute non-fat half and half for cream and expect perfection.  In fact, you can't expect anything but a vague resemblance of the original.  It tastes fine, but you don't really want to look at it.  This is why I am no longer the chief cook and bottle washer at our house.