Creamy Brie & Apple Soup

When it comes to food pairings, apples and brie make a delectable combination.  There is something about the creamy cheese and the sweet crunch of an apple that makes this a winning pair.  Whether you put in on crackers, or melted in a sandwich, it is always  crowd pleaser at any time of the day.  So when we can across this creamy brie and apple soup we could not wait to give it a whirl.  We are big fans of soup when the weather gets colder, so awe are always on the hunt for new soup recipes.  This one did not disappoint and it is super simple which we love!  It is perfect for a Sunday evening, or to serve as the soup portion at a dinner party :)

 Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 2 Braeburn apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 3 ounces Brie, rind removed (1/2 cup chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

 Instructions: 

In a medium saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and celery, and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until browned and tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in apples and broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer about 10 minutes or until apples are very tender. 

Transfer apple mixture to a blender. Add Brie and salt, and purée.

Return soup to the saucepot and heat over medium heat until hot. Serve garnished with thyme. 

{image and recipe via}

Fall Outdoor Activities

There is no doubt that fall is upon us.  We are past Labor Day, all of the kids are back in school, and in some parts of the country the leaves are even starting to change color!   One of the many great things about fall is getting to enjoy wonderful weather.  There is no shortage of fun things to do in the fall and some of our favorites involve being outdoors.

1.  Apple picking is one of the most fun activities to do when the leaves start to turn.  Not only will your kids enjoy picking fresh fruit, but the fun will continue at home when they get to make apple treats!

2.  Nature walks in the fall are a perfect family activity.  Kids can collect leaves in different shapes  colors, and quantities which is a great way for them to continue learning beyond the classroom.  

3.  Pumpkin picking is the best way to spend a day in October!  Your kids can pick out their own pumpkin and often times, pumpkin patches will have hayrides and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

 

And in case you need some more ideas, here is a great fall bucket list that you and your kids can check off together.  You can print it out and put it on the fridge so that your kids can see all of the fun activities that fall has to offer :)

 

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Appple Sandwich Snack

Can you believe it is already September?  This summer really flew by and now fall is right around the corner.  Two big events that we always associate with September are being back in school and apple season!  The fall is such a magical time of year, and if you are lucky enough to live in a place that has apple orchards, then you know how wonderful it is to have all those delicious apples in season.  Apple picking is a great family activity, and there are so many ways to use apples.  Apple crisp, apple sauce, apple cake, and the list goes on and on.  But when the kids get home from school and are super hungry, we love whipping up these yummy apple sandwiches.  They are great because they are a serving of fruit, have protein, and are fun to make with the kiddos.

 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Apples
• 2-3 tbsp Peanut Butter (or any type of nut butter)
• 3 tbsp Granola
• Raisins

INSTRUCTIONS 

• Remove cores from apples and cut into 1/4-1/2″ thick slices
• Spread two apple slices with nut butter
• Top one slice with granola and raisins.  You can use any type of toppings here (for a dessert apple you can use marshmallows, mini chocolate ships, crushed graham crackers, etc).
• Place second slice on the one with toppings so they stick together.
• ENJOY!

 {image via}

Simple Salted Carmel Apple Tart

Here are Our Green House we love delicious and impressive recipes, but what we love even more are delicious and impressive recipes that are actually super simple to make!  When it comes to making desserts, we always try to find recipes that look and taste wonderful, but don't involve a crazy amount of time and effort.  That is why we love this simple salated carmel apple tart from Just A Taste!  Not only does it look like a masterpiece, but it tastes so good!

 

Ingredients:

1 sheet (half of a 17.3-ounce package) puff pastry, thawed
2 small Granny Smith apples
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup homemade or store-bought caramel sauce
Sea salt, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Slice the apples into thin (about 1/4-inch) pieces. Place them in a large bowl then add the lemon juice, vanilla extract and brown sugar to the bowl, tossing to thoroughly combine. Set aside.

Unfold the sheet of puff pastry onto the lined baking sheet. Lightly score the dough by cutting a border 1 inch from the edges (do not cut through the pastry). Prick the pastry all over with a fork.

Shake off any excess liquid from each apple slice then arrange them on the puff pastry inside the border area.

Whisk together the egg with 1 Tablespoon water. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash then bake the tart for 15 to 17 minutes until golden and puffed.

Remove the tart from the oven oven, drizzle it with caramel sauce and sprinkle it with sea salt. Slice and serve immediately.

{Recipe and image via}