We got a hay ride out to where our favorite apples were growing.

The trees were heavily burdened with Melrose apples.

It was a beautiful day even though the forecast was for rain and cold.

This is the third year in a row we have gone here to pick apples and celebrate Luke’s birthday and have a great picnic.  I love our picnics, we all bring our favorites and it ends up being perfect!.

I made bread ( sourdough and whole wheat ) and West African Chicken soup and cruditees, Willow brought pate` and ham and crackers and chocolate zuchinni cake with ganache icing and Ally brought cheese and flat pretzels and artichoke dip- it was a wonderful Fall picnic.

I had Jordan take some pictures of the group.

Actually, I asked him to take some pictures of the table and got two shots of the table cloth before I told him to get serious and take a picture of our family!

I forgot to take any pictures of the food, however.

It was good.

Here is a recipe for West African Chicken soup.

I got this recipe from Allyson, who I think got it from her sister in law, Kymi- where Kymi got it from I don’t know- but I think you will like it!

Ingredients:

1 onion, diced

2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed

3 TBSPS Sesame Oil

2 1/2 to 3 cups diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 TBSPS tomato paste

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

Saute onions and chicken in sesame oil, until onions are translucent and chicken is no longer pink.  Add tomatoes and simmer on low for 15 minutes, add chicken broth and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes.  Add tomato paste and stir well.  Add peanut butter  and cayenne pepper along with s+p- simmer for another 10-15 minutes,but do NOT allow to boil.  Serve with chopped peanuts for a garnish and extra hot sauce for the fiery hot lovers in your group.

This is a great soup for a coolish day.