Beyond the Box: Baking from Scratch

Fall is really, truly here. At least, around here anyway. It's cold and gray and often damp, and there are more leaves the ground than on the trees. But you know what fall is like, so I won't bore you with descriptions of it. Instead, I'm going to jump right into this blog like it's a pile of freshly raked autumn leaves -- except this scrumptious dish won't leave you smelling slightly mildewy and damp. If it does, I recommend you see your doctor right away. Today I bring you a recipe straight from my sweet little grandma: her specialty Apple Fritters.

Ah, autumn.  The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and everything is available in pumpkin spice flavor.  I'm not head-over-heels crazy about pumpkin spice everything. It's good, but I think it's a little overdone, and frankly, I think everyone has lost sight of what pumpkin spice is supposed to be. Most of the pumpkin spice goodies you see don't even have any pumpkin flavoring, let alone actual pumpkin.  But not my cupcakes! These have plenty of real pumpkin and warm cinnamon to make you feel cozy and happy this fall. Yum!