Have I mentioned how much I enjoy this time of year? The warm memories that are associated with this season makes it a very special time of year for me. This is a wonderful time to set aside and remember the many blessings that the Lord has given us: the people in our lives, the material things that we have and the assurance of His love for us. The Lord has given all of us many, many blessings; both great and small.

One of these blessings are children. I realize, that for the most part, our society doesn't value children the way the Lord does. He makes His opinion very clear in Psalm 127:3-5 "Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrow are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." I really enjoy working with my children! Of course, not every moment is enjoyable, (for my children are human, after all!), but there are more wonderful moments then not so wonderful ones.

One of these moments was this past week, when I made a dessert with my second daughter Grace. She will be 6 in January and she is such a joy to work with! I give her a job to do and she does it with everything she has! Truly a joy!

Apple Cranberry Crisp

6-8 medium apples, peeled, corded and sliced

1 - 1 1/2 cups of cranberries

1 cup of white sugar

3 Tbs of flour

2 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 tsp of ginger and nutmeg

2 cups of quick oats

1 cup of flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup of butter

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1/2 cup pecan pieces (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix apples, cranberries, white sugar, 3 Tbs of flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger into a bowl. Place into a 9 X 13 baking dish. Set aside.

2. Mix oats, 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, salt and pecans (optional) in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top of the apples and cranberry mixture. (You can tell by the pictures that this was a 2 day project. After cutting and mixing the apples/cranberries, we had to leave and didn't get back until late. Just be sure to put them in the fridge and they will be fine.)

3. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes, or until golden brown on the top. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Jennifer Dewing has experience in the restaurant business. She turned in her chef's hat and donned the many hats of a stay-at-home mother 7 years ago. She is now the mother to 5 children, 7 years and under. She home schools her eldest two children. Her husband is a professional chef and in their house, food is a big part of their family. Come visit her at The Days' Dewings.