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Spiced Apple Galette

Autumn is officially on its way, and with it comes chills in the air, vibrant colors in the trees, great camping weather, the perfect excuse to overuse nutmeg in everything, and of course, plenty of apples. Because of these things (and Halloween!), Autumn is without a doubt the season I most look forward to. I like to pretend that Summer is my favorite (and I love to gripe about being cold)… but I cannot deny the excitement I feel when I notice the leaves begin to fall. I have already busted out my corduroys…

From Labor Day to Thanksgiving, I like to take advantage of the glorious bounty that Autumn brings. Brace yourself folks, I’m about to stretch this season out as long as I possibly can. Starting now.

Hope you all like apples, pumpkins, black cats, and mulling spices… because it may get a little ridiculous around here.

Let’s kick off this early tribute to Fall with a little gluten-free galette, shall we? Truly a great way to say “bye bye” to summer and “how do you do?” to Autumn-like comfort food.

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Vegan Caramels Laced with Cardamom

vegan caramels

Yay for caramels! I love love love caramels, but this is pretty much the only time of year I ever really make them.  They are so ridiculously easy, though, that I think I should start making these all year long.

And so should you!  These are ooey and gooey and have the perfect hint of cardamom… guaranteed to please.

With any candy-making, it helps to have a candy-thermometer… but  for caramels, one really comes in handy. There is about a 20 minute (don’t quote me on that, because I have never actually timed it) cooking time where you don’t stir. During that time you just wait for the candy to reach the proper temperature or the proper “firm-ball” stage.  So, making the caramels is easy.  But, there is a lot of standing at the stove… and waiting.

If it has been a while since you have had a good caramel, or the vegan versions are just too inconvenient to purchase… just make your own!  It is totally worth it.   I honestly prefer these caramels to any of the store bought, non-vegan versions I remember as a kid.  These are actually a veganized version of the caramels I made pre-vegan days…. and guess what?  They taste exactly the same.

They are the perfect silky, but sticky, texture.  And they have a nice, shall I say, “Earth Balance-y” flavor. These things are absolutely divine….

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