Lulu woke up earlier than normal. Six AM. Not particularly painful…unless you’ve been at a birth the night before. Why oh why does she only wake up at six AM when all of us are exhausted? But that’s one lesson you learn when you’re raising a toddler…reasonable behavior is few and far between. But what we lack in reasonability, we gain in joy and laughter. Her early morning wake up was peppered with calls for ma and milk, vibrating toddler lips, and laughter. Quite possibly the best noises I could wake up to.
And because I’m married to a man who loves me and Lucy so well…he whisked her away and let me sleep two more hours while they played in the early morning light.
Life is changing in small ways at our house. I’m gone at births more…and Lucy is starting to show signs of independence. She started a montessori program this week…and much to my surprise…she took to it immediately. She didn’t shed a tear when we dropped her off on Monday morning. When I came back to pick up her a few hours later, she greeted me with a loud, “Hi!” and the proceeded to hug and kiss all of her new friends.
I couldn’t have been prouder. I know that some moms struggle with sending their children to school. I’ve seen quite a few, “she didn’t cry but I did!” posts on facebook and instagram. And I totally expected to by “that mom.” But when we dropped her off, and I saw her settle in her environment, and then reach out to the other little ones in the room, it made my heart feel so full.
And now I have two mornings a week in which I can bake apples or write or read or sleep after a long birth. And that, my friends, feels HEAVENLY.
Baked Apples with Pecans and Maple Syrup
3-4 large baking apples
4 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into small pieces
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup crushed shortbread cookies
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1-2 cups orange juice or apple cider
Using a sharp paring knife cut out the cores of each apple, leaving the bottom 1/2 inch of the apples intact. Use a small metal spoon to scoop out the seeds. Cut the holes so that they are an inch or so wide. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small bowl, combine the pecans, cinnamon, and shortbread cookies. Gradually work the cold and cut butter into the mixture until it begins to resemble coarse crumbs. Stir in maple syrup.
Place apples in a baking pan or a cast iron skillet. Generously fill each apple with pecan-cookie mixture. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of juice in bottom of pan/skillet. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until apples are just tender. You may add additional juice to bottom of pan if needed. Be careful to not overbake. Baked Apples may be served warm or at room temperature.
aw how wonderful that Lu is doing so well at school!! And your hubs is such a sweetie 🙂
I love how sophisticated yet rustic these gorgeous baked apples are–oh yeah…and delicious 😀
Lulu is a doll and that’s great about her “school.” My grandson is the way and likes to be there with his friends. I make baked apples for him, without nuts, and he loves them. Have to try your recipe, sounds good!
Aww congratulations on the milestone! I LOVE baked apples, but haven’t had them in so long. This is inspiring me!
Thank you for sharing this is awesome! 😀
I love apples.
Happy New Year to you and your family, Monet! Glad to see and hear your little one doing so well. It is such a nice feeling when they are happy at school and you can let them be a bit more independent while you have a little time to yourself to get things done. Here’s to a great 2015!
Aw! How exciting! So glad the little one is doing so well.
These are gorgeous! So simple but I bet the flavors are fantastic!!!
How great is it that you both can have some separate me time? I think it makes the time together so much more special too. And how cute was it for her to say good bye to her new friends. Love!
I’m five months pregnant with my first baby, and the idea of sending him/her off to school makes me cry already! Ha. Chalk that partially up to hormones, of course, but honestly. So glad your little lady is settling in so nicely!
These apples look delicious! I love baking them — such a deep, rich flavor.
So sweet… glad it was a happy transition for both of you. 😉 This apples look fantastic- I’m going to try them soon!
Well done Lucy for being so brave at Montessori ! I love baked apples, I’ll be trying your recipe ASAP!
These apples look just heavenly!
Aw, how sweet of Ryan to give you some much needed rest! I’m so glad Lu is adapting and loving her new school. That must be such a relief 🙂 The time away is productive for both of you.
Baked apples are one of my favourite desserts, they were something my Grandmother would always make when I went to visit. Your photos are so beautiful!