Falling For Fall

Today is the first official day of fall! After experiencing what seemed like an endless summer with temperatures reaching the nineties every day, I am really looking forward to cold weather. This is a particularly special time, because I get to experience my first REAL fall season now that I live in Denver (Sorry California, but you were just faking it).

Here are some fall must haves that will really get you in the mood for this wonderful season :)

Fall Subway Printables

I found this website on Pinterest, where you can get free fall subway printables. Just download, print, and put them in your favorite frame. 

Long Scrunchy Socks

I love the look of socks that scrunch up just over boots. Great way to stay warm in the crisp fall air! You can find these at Free People or Top Shop.

Pumpkin Puree

This is a great item to keep in your pantry. You can use it to make pumpkin bread, dips, cookies, and more!

A Cozy Infinity Scarf

A friend just gifted me this gorgeous scarf, and I am so excited to start wearing it! It has a little sparkle, which is a great way to dress up an outfit.

A Good Book

Sometimes you just need some good chic lit to curl up to. I am currently reading "Where We Belong" by Emily Giffin. A great, heartwarming story :)

The Pumpkin Spice Latte

A very popular fall favorite, this warm and cozy drink offers a nice blend of coffee, nutmeg, and pumpkin. Enjoy with an iced pumpkin biscotti, the previously mentioned book, and a fireplace :)

Stay tuned for yummy fall recipes!

xx,

Pretty Penny

Rosh Hashanah and Apfelkuchen

Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) begins tonight, and it is one of my favorite holidays. This is the first time in years I have not had to fly or drive anywhere to be with family, and I am happy to have the time to bake sweet desserts instead!

I found a recipe for Apfelkuchen (German apple cake) in a California Kosher cookbook that was gifted to me a few years ago, and it seemed really simple. I wanted to try something different from the popular honey cake recipe, and so the Apfelkuchen won out. Plus, we have been trying to pronounce "Apfelkuchen" all day, which has provided a lot of entertainment ;)

Unfortunately, the dough did not really come out dough-ey (is that a word?), so I could not press it into the sides of the springpan. The apples baked very nicely though, and the cake tasted delicious with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar. It also looks pretty! If you decide to try this recipe, play around with the dough portion to make sure it is the right consistency. I'll just blame it on the altitude ;)

Apfelkuchen

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup sugar
4-5 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
Cinnamon sugar, to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix first five ingredients together
3. Pat dough into a buttered 9-inch springform pan and shape a small edge so dough will go up over apples when baking
4. Arrange apples on top of the dough
5. Bake for 1.5 hours. Cool before removing band of springform pan.
6. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top while cake is still hot.

Wishing everyone a sweet new year!

xx,
Pretty Penny

Skinny Spanakopita

I have found so many great recipes on Pinterest, and am finally finding the time to try some of them out. Ben actually made these tonight while I was baking a german apple cake (more about that later!) I had to share this recipe because it is not only so easy, but is SO delicious. These tasty triangles make the perfect appetizer for a party, without the guilt!

Skinny Spanakopita

Ingredients:
24 wonton wrappers
10 oz of spinach (I used frozen but fresh would work)
1/2 cup reduced fat feta cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg white, for egg wash
1 tsp olive oil

Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes.  Once it becomes fragrant, add the spinach.   Saute until just tender.

3. Place the spinach mixture in a bowl and mix in the feta cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4.  Lay out the 24 wonton wrappers on two large cookie sheets sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. Fill a small cup with warm water and place it near the cookie sheets.

5. Begin assembling the spanakopita by placing a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of the wonton wrapper. Wet the edges of the wonton wrapper with the warm water and fold over and press down to close. Once you have stuffed and sealed all the wonton wrappers, brush lightly with the egg wash or spray with cooking spray.

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy.

Enjoy :)

xx,
Pretty Penny