Apple treats are always welcome in the fall. It has been unusually warm here in VT so everyone is trying to enjoy the last of the t-shirt weather before the Big Chill comes. It is admittedly gorgeous but this time of year should be full of heartier fare, not another summer salad. To that end, I made this Apple Cake from the New York Times and gave it a Runamok twist by turning it into muffins and giving them a maple icing drizzle. I find muffins easier to share with a crowd and they were the perfect base for our new releases, Pumpkin Spice and Vanilla Bean Infused Maple. Just mix a little maple with confectioners’ sugar and Bob’s your uncle.*
*Speaking of uncles, my husband and I heard a great pun that we have been kicking ourselves that we didn’t think of in the 24 years we have lived here. Henceforth my nieces and nephews should refer to me as their Verm-aunt. Eric, of course, is their Verm-uncle. Thanks to China Forbes of the band Pink Martini for those gems.
** recipe adapted from Apple Cake by Yossi Arefi, NYT, Oct 18, 2024