Cloudy Skies and Baked Apples
When I woke up this morning, the sky was cloudy and looked like it might start raining at any moment. The air was cold, making me want to crawl back under the covers. My son, who had overslept, was in a bad mood. Then came the fuss. I've been irritable since the morning. The room is a mess after the long weekend. I can't seem to pull myself together. Of all days, today is the day I have to pick up my daughter by bicycle, and on top of that, the kids have a dentist appointment. Even though I'm the type of person who feels better after a good meal, there are still days when my mood just won't lift. But I won't be able to get through the day like this.
That's it, baked apples. I'll make baked apples. After all, I bought that apple corer I'd been wanting for so long just for this. I'll core the apples, add butter, and put in walnuts and raisins. Then, cinnamon. Thirty minutes in a preheated oven.
Such a beautiful color. It would look delicious with a scoop of ice cream. Whipped cream would be nice, too. Though it's fine without it. The combination of warm apple and something cold is enchanting. The softened apple is sweet with a hint of tartness. I'll have it with some hot tea. Apples really do suit the season when it starts to get chilly.
I think the first time I ever ate a baked apple was at a cafe I visited when I was a student. I have memories of the dimly lit interior, but I don't remember what it tasted like, or if, for example, anything was served with it. But I think it must have been very delicious. Actually, I don't even remember if it was delicious or not, but every time this season comes around, I suddenly find myself wanting to eat one again. That shop is no longer there.
Memories tend to be idealized, but since I have absolutely no memory of it, I don't find myself thinking that the one at that shop was better. I'll make them again. Next time, I should be able to core them a little more skillfully. As for the walnuts and raisins, it doesn't really matter whether they're there or not.