Who Gave This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake the Right to Be This Good?theSkimmAccording to Instagram, apple picking season is here â which, in our experience, brings out two types of people: those who know how to behave in an orchard and those who become, hmm, possessed, bringing home *checks tote bag* approximately 75 pounds of apples. If youâre also the latter, meet Pinch of Yumâs Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake. Besides being exceptionally simple to make (case in point: no peeling necessary), the light and fluffy cake features subtle spicing, a stick-to-your-fork moist crumb, and soft pockets of fruit â all topped with a crispy cinnamon-sugar layer. And while, yes, this is technically a dessert, itâd be a crime not to eat the leftovers (should any survive) for breakfast. The Time Commitment: Just 15 minutes of prep â and 45 minutes of baking â are all that stands between you and this dream of a cake. Key Tips: While almost any apple variety will work for this recipe (use the âbrown stem ruleâ to pick the sweetest ones), Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala are ideal. Also, if youâre not in a cake mood, follow Jennifer Garnerâs lead and make muffins instead. Either way, itâs the perfect vehicle for a dollop of whipped cream or a pat of honey butter. Other Takes: As for the rest of your haul, start with these Spiced Apple Pecan Blondies, which are perfectly soft, extremely chewy, and smothered in an apple syrup glaze. Equally decadent? This no-bake Caramel Apple Ăclair Cake, featuring layers of apple pie filling, vanilla pudding, graham crackers, and caramel. For another twist on the classic, consider these Salted Caramel Apple Cookies â basically, the love child of a caramel apple and a snickerdoodle. Last but not least, these Mini Apple Hand Pies are made with store-bought pie dough and a simple filling, so they taste âas delicious as homemade apple pie, without all the work.â |
|
Womenâs Hotel by Daniel M. LaverytheSkimmItâs 1960s New York City and the Beidermeier hotel is on the verge of shutting down. Rooms at this last-of-its-kind womenâs residence (essentially, a fictional, shabbier version of the real-life Barbizon Hotel) are unoccupied. Breakfast service stopped. And the colorful cast of women who remain â from newly sober floor manager Katherine to party girl Lucianne â wonder if their days at the hotel are dwindling. But in the meantime, theyâll make do with what they haveâŠand each other. Deeply funny and keenly observant, Daniel M. Laveryâs Womenâs Hotel would make for a great streaming series (your move, Netflix) or, at the very least, your next book club read. We asked Lavery a few questions. Hereâs what he had to say⊠Q: Whatâs your favorite unapologetic indulgence?Lavery: Getting three kinds of coffee because none of us drink the same one at home. I like the really awful flavored kinds, and I have to do half-decaf because Iâm very sensitive to caffeine. Q: Whatâs your most prized possession?Lavery: My glasses, which I almost never wear, but amaze me whenever I remember to put them on. Q: Whatâs one unpopular opinion you have?Lavery: That [my] two dogs should not lick the baby. This opinion polls absolutely rock-bottom with both dogs and baby. |
|
The Holidays Are Coming to TowntheSkimm We know, we know. It probably feels early. âTis almost the season though, and we want to help you do it right. Luckily, our shopping elves have been hard at work building our annual gift guide. Below weâve got a little preview, but watch this space for even more great gift ideas for all the friends, family, coworkers, and dog walkerâs girlfriends on your list. đ€ Avocadoâs eco-friendly pillows come with extra fill, so your giftee can adjust the firmness to their liking. Good nightâs rest, here they come.* â A clinically proven serum that targets skin cells to boost resilience and firmness and decrease wrinkles and fine lines. So basically the gift of aging backwards.* đ Vuoriâs Performance Joggers are made from their signature DreamKnitâą fabric, which is somehow both moisture-wicking and ultra soft. Theyâre a great gift for anyone looking to maximize comfort without sacrificing style.* đ This professional-grade jewelry and glasses cleaner that uses tap water and 42,000 hertz of ultrasonic sound waves to scrub and shine-ify valuables without damaging them. |
|
This Charming Vermont Town Is Basically a Hallmark Movie, IRLtheSkimmLetâs get this out of the way: Vermont is an idyllic winter wonderland. But fall â with its striking foliage and maple syrup galore â is when the picturesque state really shines. For proof, look no further than Stowe. Located near Burlington, the tiny town has a charming Main Street (Stowe Mercantile is a must-visit), a vibrant food scene, plenty of folksy attractions (see: the âhauntedâ Gold Brook Covered Bridge), and over 45 hiking trails for taking in the magical views. Oh, and did we mention itâs just a short drive from the iconic Ben & Jerryâs factory and the Cabot Creamery Store? đ While Sound of Music fans will want to stay at the Trapp Family Lodge (owned by that Trapp family), weâre partial to newly opened Outbound Stowe. Not only do the accommodations â ranging from cozy queen rooms to private wood cabins â give contemporary-mountain-motel vibes (think: plaid carpets and headboards, vintage-inspired light fixtures, a cool blue-and-green color palette), but the nine-acre property also includes direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.3-mile paved trail for walking, running, and biking. Plus, two words: Maple Hour. đ Alright, back to the reason youâre here: the foliage. Some 4,000 feet above sea level, Mount Mansfield is Vermontâs tallest peak â and the best spot for taking in the striking sea of orange, yellow, and red. To get there, drive up the twisty Auto Toll Road or hitch a ride on the famous Gondola SkyRide (at the top, enjoy lunch at Cliff House). Of course, you could also summit it the old-fashioned way, courtesy of the Sunset Ridge Trail, a six-mile loop with lush woodland and rock scrambles. For an equally scenic yet less challenging hike, head to Moss Glen Falls, where youâll find Vermontâs tallest waterfall. đŽ Thereâs no sweeter way to start the day than digging into a plate of fluffy, buttery pancakes at Butlers Pantry. For dinner, check out Plate, known for its seasonal, California-meets-Vermont menu featuring dishes like Lobster Cobb Salad. Looking for something more casual? The popular aprĂšs-ski hangout Doc Ponds offers top-notch pub grub (see: Vermont Cheddar Fritters), while Nocturnal is a buzzy new BBQ spot thatâs conveniently located next to acclaimed brewery The Alchemist (try the Wild Child Blueberry). And since itâs practically state law to enjoy a maple creemee, make sure to stop at Red Barn Ice Cream before leaving town. |
|
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question youâd like answered. The winner was: Q: My pet sitter dropped a hint that I should be giving a tip on top of my regular payment. Is tipping for animal care really necessary?âTipping isnât expected, but itâs something you should do as a generous way to say thank you ⊠if the pet sitter has provided exceptional service or has gone above and beyond [in some way]. Plus, itâll help build a positive relationship ⊠[In many cases], 10 to 20% is [included in the] service fee, but if theyâre going the extra mile, you should definitely offer that additional tip.â |
|
Which etiquette question should an expert answer next week? |
|
Stay ahead with the Skimm Well newsletter, where expert advice and tools help you confidently manage your health. |
|
Have a book, recipe, or travel rec? Or, a dicey etiquette question you want answered by an expert? Submit them here. |
|
Skimmâd by: Taylor Trudon, Alex Carr, Melissa Goldberg, and Margaret Wheeler Johnson | Photos by Pinch of Yum, HarperVia, BackyardProduction via iStock, John Greim via Getty Images, Luis Alvarez via Getty Images, courtesy of Karene A. Putney, Brand Partners Design by theSkimm *PS: This is a sponsored post. |
|
|
|
