Gobble-Gobble!

Because I missed writing a post on our (Canadian) Thanksgiving, this post will be a multi-purpose post! Besides, I got tired of writing my final term papers for this semester 😛

Growing up in North America, it’s really hard to think of Thanksgiving without thinking of apple pies, apple crumbles and of course turkey! Since I’ve been using my mason jars a lot lately, I wanted to incorporate that in this post as well. I find mason jars extremely versatile and cost effective. I actually use mason jars instead of plastic re-usable containers to store my lunch when I have to bring some on campus. They come in different sizes and and doesn’t spill easily because of the twist-on lid. Anyway, this is my mini (American) Thanksgiving post: mason jar apple-cranberry crumbles!

Apple crumble is one of my all-time favourite desserts but I could never seem to get enough of the crumble part! For me, it just tastes substantially better when you get some crumble and filling on every bite. So, as you may notice, I decided on using layers of crumble in between layers of apple-cranberry filling. You would use the same methods to prepare the crumble and the filling but instead of putting the crumble on top and then baking it in the oven, you would bake the crumble separately for 20-25 min at 350 F. Halfway through make sure that you shake the tray so that it bakes evenly and end up with those little golden nuggets of goodness 🙂 hmmm! Also, I sneaked in some flax seeds as I was making my crumble to add a boost of fibre to my dessert. Once you finished making the filling and the crumble baked be ready to assemble. As a garnish, I just dusted some powdered sugar but you could also put some whipped cream or ice cream as well.

Just a disclaimer since some people have asked me personally when they see me eat out a mason jar, it’s not that hard to eat on. I think most people would think that it is but it’s really not. I mean I wouldn’t put a steak to cut in there or a piece of whole chicken breast, that would just be incredibly foolish in my part. That being said, of course you would need to cut some food out in smaller pieces because they wouldn’t be able to fit in the opening anyway.

Meanwhile, I found that card to the lefthand side of the picture on my out of class about a week ago. I had a lot of things on my mind at the time and decided to keep it. And so, if you could say two things, what would it be? In light of Thanksgiving and the Holiday season gradually making its way, if I could say two things, the first would be to cherish present moments. I don’t want to sound like a Hallmark card or a cliche but, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift and that’s why it’s called present.” Less than a year ago, my first grandfather passed away from an illness. Now because we grew up far away from him we never really got a chance to get to know him as our grandfather but more importantly as a person. To be honest, his death affected me more than I anticipated. I always expected on going back to the Philippines (specifically at Bohol) and being able to visit and spend time with our family there. I could beat myself up and continuously say that I should have called more, visited sooner or put more effort in developing a strong relationship with him. Although, that wouldn’t change or help the situation. I chose to learn from it. Ergo, the second thing I would say is to not make plans and just do it. Granted, for some instances you need to make plans. What I mean by that is, to not look too far ahead. Life will assert itself into your plans and when it does what will you do? Have goals and aspire to do something; be something and go somewhere.

I’m going to add a third and final comment and that is to expect less and hope more. Going along with the first two things, I’ve learned to expect less or really to have no expectations but not because of something cynical like ‘I’m just going to be disappointed anyway’. I find that when I don’t have any expectations I appreciate things and people a lot more. Perhaps it’s because I find that when I or someone do something it’s because they genuinely want to do it not because they have to. Having that desire, to me, is more important than the act itself. It involves thought and action.

If you could say two things, what will they be?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! 🙂