With the state of the world as it is right now, so many of us have been missing out on favorite activities for several months now. From pools being closed all summer, to some restaurants still being closed, concerts cancelled, sports seasons postponed...the list goes on and on. But when I sat down to write this post, I realized something amazing. Many of the autumn festivities we enjoy so much were made for social distancing, so right now is the time to feel a little slice of normal!
Which ones you ask? Because all you can think of are the fall festivals that have been cancelled, football stands are empty and everyone wondering what Halloween will bring. Well, let me tell you!
We have many pumpkin patches around here where you can spread out while you find your favorite ones. Or, better yet, farmers are setting out huge wagons full of them and a "honor system" for paying so you never even see another person.
Do you have huge corn mazes where you are? We have quite a few around us, and they are so much fun to explore, and maybe get lost a little, on a sunny fall afternoon. Again, you might not come into contact with anyone while you're there! Some of the ones here are even limiting the number of people they are allowing into the maze at one time to ensure safety even more.
Been missing friends and would love to have a get together? Grab some lawn chairs and spread out around a bonfire on a chilly evening. Just like all those cookouts we did during summer that were deemed relatively safe since we were outside, the fall version of that can include good times and great food too!
Have you ever been to an orchard for U Pick apples? Here's another fun fall tradition that is outside and you can easily avoid other people. Okay, so you probably have to visit a worker to get that cool thing you can reach up into a tree with, and then pay for your apples of course, but mask up and for the most part, it's another social distanced activity.
My point with all of this is I for one, am ready to look past all that we are missing out on and try to find ways, safely of course, to enjoy some of our favorite seasonal traditions, and many of them are already made for the guidelines we need to follow right now!
If you do pick yourself a bushel of apples, or want something yummy to enjoy while sitting around that bonfire, here is your next delicious inspiration!
My latest fluff salad screams fall! We love caramel apples, but let's face it, they are messy and with a little guy, just more trouble than they are worth! But this way, we get all those same flavors in one spoonful!
With a new season, we have so many reasons to get outside and make some family memories. Let's not allow this crazy pandemic to take away any more than it already has!
Caramel Apple Fluff
2 gala apples, finely chopped, peel on
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juice
1 (3 oz.) box instant butterscotch pudding, dry
1 c. sour cream
3/4 c. chopped pecans
1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip
Carmel Sauce
In a large bowl combine dry pudding mix and pineapple. Stir well. Add sour cream and cinnamon. Stir again. Fold in Cool Whip, apples, pecans and marshmallows. Chill until ready to serve, at least 2 hours. Drizzle with caramel before serving. *NOTE* I leave the peel on my apples because I think they last longer. Feel free to peel yours if you want.
Inspired by Mr. Food
Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday
Looks amazing, can't wait to try this
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