apple cider donuts

 Fall is my favorite. 

I know there are only 4 seasons to pick from, and each of them entirely different from the other, but fall is just the best (sorry, if you are more of a summer or winter person!).  Walking through sidewalks covered in dried up leaves, layering my clothes (hello favorite sweatshirts and jean jacket, you have been missed!), drinking a HOT pumpkin latte from my favorite local coffee, soccer games and all the excuses to gather with my people. 

I have this video I took a few years ago on a pathway near my in-laws house. On cold, fall days it RAINS leaves.  No joke, these big huge (possibly oak?) leaves fall from the rows of trees that line the sidewalk to the neighborhood park.  Click this link and you can find it!  It's gorgeous! 

I also want to bake ALL the things.  And here’s the thing.  It has not been super fall-ish here.  The leaves are just barely beginning to turn and just some of our trees are raining leaves . . . And that’s IF the wind blows.  This is the first week, where I’ve needed to put a sweatshirt on when I took the kids to school and it didn’t really stay on that long, but it's not triple digits.  It’s a start, though.  And looking at our weather, I have high hopes of wearing a sweatshirt to Ethan’s game on Saturday afternoon, where usually we sit under umbrellas, don wide brimmed sun hats, and lather up the sunscreen and deodorant! I am excited!

Last week, when it was still in the 90’s, I decided we needed a taste of fall.  I bought a Costco pumpkin pie (I just couldn’t help it!) and some apple cider and a jug of oil.  We were going to eat that pie and I was going to make the apple cider donut recipe I found on the most recent cover of Bake from Scratch magazine.  Weston had been with me when I bought it and had agreed that it had to be done.  I will be honest with you, usually if I make donuts they are the Bake kind using THIS doughnut pan.  It’s a lot of work to make fried donuts. . . So if you are going to make them, you’ve got to commit to them.  The nice thing about these were, that they don’t use yeast, so there isn’t a proofing time.  These needed to be stuck in the fridge for at least an hour, so it allowed me to break up the making process into chunks.  Super easy! 

This recipe has a few little steps, but please don’t let that detour you.  Plan ahead and do some things a day or two early, or even take a short cut and buy store bought.  I wrote some helpful hints and notes under the recipe, so make sure to check that out, because this recipe is 100 percent worth the time and energy to make.

I fried these up on a Saturday night, so the kids had a delicious breakfast for Sunday ready to go before church.  Sundays are usually filled with something delicious. . .and usually easy since I take a little bit more time getting ready in the morning than my male dominated house. . . Ha ha.  Most of the time, Jon tosses some Pillsbury cinnamon rolls or Trader Joe’s almond croissants in the oven, but occasionally, I like to surprise them with something yummy. . . Like these donuts. 

 So, before you read the instructions, pay close attention to these words:

A lot of steps does NOT mean this is a hard recipe.  (It is actually super simple!)

2.       Plan what you can do ahead (or make take a shortcut. . . (I will help you out in the instructions).

3.       Don’t run away screaming.  Repeat after me: I am capable.  I can do this.  I will do this. 

 

Now, go hop on amazon and buy this.  You are going to need it to be able to make your donuts.

And consider this.  It is a game changer, for getting them out without all the oil leaving your pot!

Now here’s the recipe. . . Don’t forget to look for my helpful hints at the bottom. 

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

Adapted from Bake from Scratch, Fall 2022

 

Ingredients:

3 cups apple cider

6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

½ cup sugar

2 large eggs

3 ½ cups flour

4 tsp baking powder

1½ tsp cinnamon

1 ¼ tsp Apple (or pumpkin) pie spice*

1 tsp salt

¼ cup buttermilk **

¼ cup apple butter ***

½ cup reduced apple cider (COOLED)

1 tsp vanilla

 

4 cups oil & 4 cups of vegetable shortening

Cinnamon and sugar for tossing warm donuts in

Directions:

1.        In a medium saucepan, bring cider to a boil.  Simmer over medium high heat until cider is reduced to ½ cup.  This step takes 30ish minutes depending on your stove.  Keep an eye on it, but you can totally do the dishes or catch up on that book you’re reading while you stand there keeping an eye on that cider.  This needs to cool for awhile.  It will also get thicker as it cools. 

2.       Time to make the doughnut dough.  In your stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.  Scrape sides of bowl and add eggs.  Beat well.  This will look funny and you might question everything at this point, but be strong.  You are doing good!

3.       Slowly add dry ingredients and spices and wet ingredients (buttermilk, cider, and apple butter), alternating between the two of them.  Beat only until it is just combined.  Just like making muffins, you don’t want to overheat once you add that flour, or else your dough just won’t be as great!

4.       Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.  This is a great time to go to bed and finish tomorrow, or just go run some errands, or play a game of monopoly with the kiddos. 

5.       Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. . . You aren’t going to bake these donuts, but you do need a place to set the rounds and holes where they won’t stick before you fry them. 

6.       Get out a wire rack, make your cinnamon sugar and heat up your oil in a heavy bottom pot (I used my Dutch oven for this).  Your oil is good to go when it gets to 350 degrees.

7.       While the oil is heating, flour a surface and pat out the dough, like you are making scones.  Use that donut cutter I mentioned a ways back there and cut out donuts.  Place them on your baking sheet. 

8.       In batches of 2 (or 3. . . However you feel comfortable), carefully place the donuts in (don’t toss, we don’t want to burn your hands, face, or eyes!).  Cook for about 1 ½ minutes on each side.  If you have a meat or bread thermometer (they are almost the same thing. . . Long stabby thing that you poke into bread or meat for get the internal temp), check to make sure it reads 198-200 degrees and then you’ll know they are finished cooking.  Nothing is worse than taking a bite of a beautiful donut and finding it completely raw inside (trust me. . . I KNOW this from experience!)

9.       Place hot donut on metal rack and let it cool slightly and then toss in cinnamon and sugar. 

10.   Eat them up.  Take them some to a friend or neighbor. 

Now, for those helpful hints:

·         The original recipe calls for apple pie spice.  I didn’t have that, but when I googled the ingredients, they are basically the same thing as pumpkin pie spice, which I did have.

·         :: Buttermilk is something I often don’t have in the fridge.  But, milk and a little bit of vinegar will give the same effect.  I even do this with oatmilk (I use Oatly) and NOBODY every knows!

·         :: Apple butter: You can buy this at Trader Joe’s or Williams Sonoma, but you can also just make some with applesauce, which is what I did.  I made mine a week or so before, because I knew we would be making these. A lot of the recipes are using a crockpot, but you can kind of wing it on the stove top with a jar of apple sauce, brown sugar and spices.  Just use pinterest for 100's of recipes and what works for you. 

·        ::  I also did not use the shortening like it called for. . . I actually didn’t even see that until I typed this recipe and was like, OOPS!  I don’t know if it would have gotten a better fry or not, but they turned out great. 

practice doesn't always make perfect {and that's okay!}

I broke my mom's sewing machine when I was 3.  It's a memory I probably will never forget. It was just hanging out on my grandma's dining room table and I was so curious about this machine that made me cute clothes and would a few years later be used to make the cutest wardrobe for my long awaited cabbage patch doll.  As I grew older, and possibly needed to earn some girls scout patches, my mom let me try my hand at sewing.  I learned the art of a well made scrunchy (hello, 90's!) and then the art of pinning tissue paper shapes to fabric, cutting them out and then following carefully outlined instructions for sewing.  It was then that we prayed that it would come out like it was supposed to!  Junior high me became great friends with the seam ripper. . . a friendship that is still going strong.  

While I did really do much sewing after that until I became a mom, bought the cheapest Singer sewing machine I could find (yes, I got it at Target. . . there is no shame!).  I slowly used Ethan's nap time to re-familiarize myself with sewing and got to work.  Slowly, I realized I really liked it and started to make blankets, baby presents and all sorts of things.  I have since upgraded to a much better and more reliable sewing machine, but that Singer taught me how to trouble shoot and allowed me to relearn the art of sewing.  

As we rolled into 2022, I set some goals I wanted to accomplish.  One of them being, I wanted to grow as a quilter.  I really wanted to step out of my comfort zone of simple patchwork quilts and become more confident making triangles, and some more complicated blocks.  Soon after, I found an instagramer (well. . . lots of them actually), who was doing a block of the week challenge at the beginning of the year.  I jumped right in and even made some new internet friends and discovered that the quilting community is so incredibly friendly and encouraging, that even though some of the blocks were total flops, I still managed to get it right.  Sometimes, I called my mom and we face-timed through some of the more complicated instructions, but as the weeks went by, I found myself improving in my skill, but also taking that time to create one block a week energized me.  I sometimes forget how important taking the time for creating impacts my mental health (you can read about that here).

 Sometimes, we make a flop.  I really had learn that I wasn't always going to get it right each and every time.  If we don't mess up, we won't allow ourselves to push for improvement and growth.  Just like when our kids are learning new math concepts or developing their reading skills, we need to approach trying new things with a growth mindset.  Learn from our mistakes.  Keep on trying and don't give up.  Several years ago, my sister found a bunch of old quilt blocks from my great grandma.  She, along with a bunch of their friends worked so hard on a quilt that was probably for someone, but got forgotten, left one block intentionally imperfect, as a reminder that only God is perfect. When we create, it is so easy to focus on being perfect and not the growth behind each block.  I keep this block as a reminder that I am not perfect and still have much to learn! 

So here's my blocks from the first part of the year:

This 6 random quilt blocks taught me so much.  I became more familiar with techniques like flying geese and foundation paper piecing (which is so much fun!).  I don't always get it right, but each block brought practice and excitement of learning something new!  

Have you tried something new recently?  Let's chat over on Facebook or instagram. :)

i {heart} San Francisco

San Francisco has my heart.  

It's where Jon and I went on our first big adventure together. . . and kept coming back! 

It's one of the first real California experiences I had when I first moved here.  

It never gets old. 

For many years, Jon and I spent at least 1 adventure a year in San Francisco, but most often it was more.  We would pack our bags for the weekend and drive up the to a South Bay town and catch the BART in for a weekend of walking, food and fun.  Every single time, we did something different.  Sometimes, we would spend time with my Jon's cousin and wife, who used to live there!  Sometimes, it would be just for a day, but every single time was a grand adventure and we were never bored.  

It's been awhile since we've gone at least once a year.  The kids got older and life got busier, but something happened and we've managed to go twice so far in the last year . . .and a potential night there is coming soon (kid free, too!).  After our quick trip after Christmas, the kids decided we needed to come back and do somethings that they haven't been to and so without realizing it, our summer adventure had been planned. . . and we did so many new to them, some new to us things that it just didn't disappoint!  Because there are so many different things to do.  So, I sat down with Jon and we came up with our 10 favorite places to visit in San Francisco to share.  

But first, I have feel very comfortable walking around the city with my family and even by myself.  We avoid areas, like the Tenderloin (which had gotten worse since COVID).  Just be smart and keep your eyes open and aware of your surroundings.  If you feel unsafe, grab an uber and go somewhere else.  

Secondly, when we visit, we park at a BART station and either ride the BART in or catch an uber to our hotel in the city (whichever is cheaper/easier).  We've ridden the MUNI and it was great, too!  But mostly, we just walk and Uber around. 

And lastly, don't NOT take the kids!  They will surprise you at how well they walk.  Weston walked from Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf when he was 5 and we walked up Nob Hill and never once did he complain. . . we were on an adventure!   

Here is our list of the top 10 places to visit in the city.  I'll save our absolute favorite for last! 

10.  The Marina District

This area is a new find for us and it is so cute!  The houses are adorable and there are some great shops and eateries on Chestnut.  We ate at this super fun (and very tasty) place called Tacolicious. . . but walking by all the other places, I was drooling!  It is also not too far from Cow Hollow, which is our next place that we want to explore! This area is close to the Wave Organ, Marina Green and Fort Mason, where you can grab a delicious cup of Equator Coffee.  There are also lots of events at Fort Mason, like their Farmer's Market!  It is also not far to the Presidio, which is 100 percent worth it to walk over to, visit Yoda (because that's where Lucas Films is!) and enjoy the scenic walk to the Palace of Fine Arts. 

9.  Sales Force Tower Elevated Park

A few years ago, Ethan built the San Francisco Lego Architecture set and fell in love with new sky scraper that was being built in the SOMA district (South of Market St.).  It is currently the tallest sky scraper in the city and the second tallest building west of the Mississippi.  It's pretty incredible.  One of the things that they did, was build this long elevated park full of a wide variety of unique plants and trees, an amphitheater, children's play area and a really cool bus fountain.  We grabbed a coffee at a nearby Blue Bottle Coffee and headed up the elevator to walk the park.  We almost didn't want to leave. . . it was so peaceful and calming up there. . . you almost forget you're in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a city!

 8. Little Italy

I think one of my favorite parts of San Francisco is how all the cultures flow into each other.  Little Italy is located between Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf. And one of my favorite parts of town is where China Town meets Little Italy.  The churches and breathtaking number of Italian restaurants that fill the streets with the most delicious aroma of garlic and tomato sauce.  You can't walk through this area without eating something.  

We got to try Tony's this summer and we love a good pizza!  This pizza place is award winning, as in best in the WORLD at pizza making.  They have several different pizza ovens to cook pizza depending on the type of pizza you order.  We also stopped by a San Francisco staple, Cafe Trieste for an iced latte and one of several cannolis of the trip. There are so many fun shops, old book stores, record stores and we even found a flute shop!  

From Little Italy, you are not far from China Town, Lombard Street, Coit Tower, and Joe DiMaggio Park. . . This is a great place to let your kiddos play for a few minutes. . . no matter how old they are! 

7.  Golden Gate Bridge & Crissy Field

The first time I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, I was in high school and it was pouring down rain and it was amazing!  The second time, we only walked half way because we didn't need to go all the way across and a 7 year old Weston was terrified we were going to fall in the water (we weren't).  But, it's definitely worth the walk!  There is also a smaller model of the bridge and docents that share facts about the bridge out and about at the visitors center.  From there it is a lovely walk down to Crissy Field and the beach down there.  There's a fun little restaurant and some other businesses, like climbing and trampolines down there.  Crissy Field is part of the Presidio, which will actually get it's own post. . . but it's HUGE and so its easy to knock Crissy Field off when you are at the bridge.  

6.  Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square (and Pier 39, because you're there)

I know that this is touristy.  It totally is.  But, there are a few things we just can't resist.  Fresh crab from vendors at Fisherman's Wharf. . . it's amazing! Musee Mecanique, which is an old building behind the crab people, that is filled with antique coin operated arcade games!  (remember the scene of Princess Diaries where the queen. . . Julie Andrew's arm wrestles?  That's totally the spot!).  It's also home of laughing Sally, who will probably drive you nuts if people keep feeding her quarters, but it's a landmark that you must see.  We also are huge fans of Boudin sourdough bread. 

Ghirardelli Square is my favorite. They redid the old factory and made it a place for gathering.  There are cute shops, including my favorite, LOLA, several restaurants, the iconic Ghirardelli ice cream shop, and a really cool mini golf course (we have now done it twice!)

And because you're in the area, Pier 39 is fun-ish.  Its full of chain restaurants and cheesy touristy shops, but when it's not summer, you can find the sea lions camped out over there.  That alone makes the pier completely worth it!

5.  The Presidio

Okay, I have mentioned this twice already, because it is HUGE.  The first time, I visited was kind of a fluke.  We were visiting Jon's cousin and his wife and their car broke down on the way to something.  Anyways, we couldn't all fit in the tow truck, so we stayed behind and they picked us up later in a different car.  It ended up raining and well, we had a blast!  There are old barracks and officers quarters, The Walt Disney Family Museum is there, there are trails galore, and even a pet cemetery.  It is definitly worth the visit! 

4.  Union Square

This used to be my favorite part of San Francisco, because I love shopping.  But, my favorite store closed up its Union Square location (super sad about that, but it's open much closer to me, so that's cool).  Walking around the sky scrapers is a lot of fun, but it's the square itself that wins the prize!  In the winter, there is ice skating and the Chr and in the summer, it's just a square with spire and a place to maybe eat a picnic lunch.  

It is also not far from The Theater District, where you can see a play at the Curran or any other of the nearby theaters.  

Our absolute favorite place to eat is called Sears Fine Dining.  It's been a San Francisco staple for more than 50 years!  They are famous for their silver dollar pancakes (served all day).  The rest of the menu changes with the seasons, but it's amazing!  We took our kids there for the first time in December and it was a huge hit!  

3.  Golden Gate Park & Sunset

Golden Gate Park is just amazing.  It's huge and green and just lovely!  There are museums like the DeYoung Art Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.  It is filled with gardens and little lakes, paddle boats and so much more!  Not far from the musuems is the Sunset Neighborhood, which has some really yummy eats.  We love Tartine (it's super famous and sooo delicious!) and loved Gordo Taqueria (their tacos were huge. . . hence the name!).  There are also some pretty great mosaic steps if you want a little out of the way hike. . . or even a little further to Grandview Park (best view of the city!).  

Back to the park, though, it basically starts at the beach, with the windmills and goes into the city until it reaches Stanyan St, where you can play bocce ball and drink coffee at Flywheel coffee. . . which Jon says was the best coffee of the trip! (it was!).  From here, you aren't very far from Haight and Ashbury. . . if you wanted to check that out.  It's kind of a fun area. . . especially if you like old records, like we do.  Ameoba Records is right across the street from the park! 

2.  Nob Hill

We have made the climb up Nob Hill so many times, but it's worth it.  The Fairmont Hotel and the Intercontinental are both at the top, along with Grace Cathedral and the James C. Flood Mansion, who was a very successful miner.  The Tonga Room in the Fairmont is delicious, and at Christmas, the lobby is filled with a life sized REAL gingerbread house!  

1.  Ride the Cable Car from Fisherman's Wharf to Powell at night

This is our favorite experience of all!  It's usually quiet and (sometimes free) to ride, if it's the last run of the night.  But, the views of the Bay Bridge and the lights of the City are like none other.  Plus, by then you've walked a bazillion miles and your feet are tired.  Hearing the noises of the city, the lights of the buildings and bridges, and traveling through the misty and foggy night is an amazing experience.  You get the chance to ride on a method of transportation that's been used for a LONG time, which makes it even more meaningful!

We had a really hard time narrowing it down to the top 10 places we love!  We felt kind of bad to leave out places like the Mission District and some really neat places in SOMA.  But if you want a good papusa, some great coffee or some great food, like the OG Tartine, just let me know and I will point in a good direction! 

We'd love to hear what your favorite places are and maybe we will hit them up on our next trip!  

If you are looking for more on San Francisco, check out this post and this post from a family adventures a few years back!