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I can hardly believe we are in the first week of November! Several friends have said the same thing as we've had such a beautiful Autumn. And before we know it there will be snow flakes gently falling through the air. We're prepared...snow shovels and boots are in the shed. I'm hoping they'll stay there for a while!

It's about apples again this week. I hope you're not thinking enough is enough apple recipes. Get your scissors out and clip or maybe you'd rather not. Your choice!

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APPLESAUCE'N OATMEAL BREAD

1 c. flour

3/4 c. quick-cooking oats

1/2 c. each whole wheat flour and sugar

2 t. baking powder

3/4 t. baking soda

1/2 t. cinnamon

3/4 c. unsweetened applesauce

1 egg, slightly beaten

1-1/2 t. vanilla

1/3 c. golden raisins - can use dark raisins but I prefer golden in the recipe

1/3 c. chopped pecans - can use walnuts if you prefer

1-2 T. quick oats

In a large bowl, combine first 7 ingredients, mixing well. In another bowl, combine next 3 ingredients; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in raisins and pecans. Pour into an 8x4 or 9x5 loaf pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with oats. Bake at 325 degrees for 50-55 minutes or till toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan onto wire rack. Makes 1 loaf (slices). Many recipes say to wrap in foil and refrigerate for a day so the flavors meld together. Also, it's much easier to slice. And when I bake quick breads, I use two 7-1/2x3-1/2" sprayed pans, baking 40-45 minutes or 4 of the smaller foil pans, baking 35-40 minutes. Be sure to test with toothpick. This is great for gift giving.

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APPLESAUCE-RAISIN BROWNIES

1/4 c. plus 2 T. butter or margarine, melted

1-1/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. applesauce

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 t. vanilla

1-1/4 c. flour

1 t. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

1/2 t. each, salt and cinnamon

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/2 c. each raisins and chopped nuts

Powdered sugar - optional

In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir in next 3 ingredients. In a bowl, stir together next 6 ingredients. Add applesauce mixture and blend thoroughly. Add raisins and nuts. Stir until well combined.

Spread batter in a greased 9x13" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or till pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if you wish...or top with scoop of ice cream. Makes 2 dozen.

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APPLESAUCE OATMEAL CAKE

1-1/4 c. applesauce

3/4 c. quick cooking oats

1/2 c. shortening (not butter or margarine)

3/4 c. packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 t. vanilla

1-1/2 c. flour

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. each, baking soda, salt and cinnamon

1/4 c. chopped nuts

2 T. sugar

In a small saucepan, heat applesauce over medium heat to boiling, stirring constantly so it doesn't scorch. Stir in oats. Cool. In a bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy; add egg and vanilla, beating thoroughly. In a bowl, combine next 5 ingredients. Add to creamed mixture, alternately with applesauce mixture, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in nuts. Turn into a greased and floured 9 x 9" baking pan. Sprinkle sugar over cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or till toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Test after 45 minutes. Makes 9-12 servings. How would any of these recipes taste without spices. Thank goodness for cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins and nuts!

TFD: Looking ahead: Winter is not a season; it's an occupation.

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