This post was created in partnership with Rave® apples, however all of the thoughts below are my own.
Like so many others, this year has been incredibly challenging. Being the “fixer” that I am, I have spent hours researching what practices and tools would be helpful in coping. Two things that have stuck with me are a morning meditation practice and a twice-daily gratitude practice. Every morning when I wake up before I grab my phone, I count ten things that I am grateful for that day, and I repeat this process every evening before I close my eyes.
Through many of the last few months’ hardships, from my mother’s grave illness and prolonged hospitalization, uncertainty at work, and then my father’s recent minor stroke, the one constant that has remained by my side is my husband Dan.
Dan is no stranger to difficult, emotionally-charged situations, having stuck by me during my own illnesses. I feel like Dan often stays in the shadows during these times, providing the support I need, while gracefully bowing out when I need some time alone.
Earlier on in the pandemic, I started a 21-day abundance meditation series (to be transparent, it was my third try at getting to day twenty-one). I believe on day five you launch your own group to lead through the practice, effectively spreading the positivity along. Though I was already seeing the value of quieting my mind and wanted Dan to join me, I didn’t force it but sent him the option if he chose and had the time.
About ten days later we reached the day where we explored our goals and wishes for our futures and I got excited about the conversations Dan and I would have. While I am a more methodical planner, Dan has been successful taking a less rigid approach (so his answers required a bit of extra digging on my part!)
As he recounted his goals for the next six months and year ahead for our manifestation session, I thought about all of his many accomplishments and as I am now as I write this, I became slightly choked up. Shortly after our discussion, Dan received an offer that helped him accomplish one of his larger goals for the year. We looked at each other and beaming, I said “That’s the power of manifestation baby!”
Dan has always been the most incredible supporter of my work, pushing me outside of my comfort zone (no matter how much I protest), and is always quick to join me on one of my many woo-woo journeys.
He is my best friend and lifelong adventure partner who is 1000% rave-worthy and deserves to have a light shining on all that he does and gives to others, which is why I’m partnering with Rave® apples to “pass the rave” to someone who deserves a shoutout.
Dan loves nothing more than the two of us being in the kitchen cooking together, music playing, and little Frida begging in the background!
Together we made one of my favorite desserts with some delicious Rave® apples that were delivered fresh to my door! Pro food blogger tip when making and shooting any apple desserts, add lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning too quickly before you get the shot! Be sure to check my Instagram feed and stories to see photos of the final fresh baked pie!
If you’d like to recreate this delicious pie in your own kitchen, I’ve included the recipe below:
Pie crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + leave a little in a bowl on the side
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 8 oz) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
Mix flour, salt, and sugar well. Add in butter in increments until butter is pea-sized and add ice water. Create two equal balls of dough, don’t be concerned if there are still specks of butter! Refrigerate dough for at least one hour prior to baking.
Pie filling:
- 7-8 Rave® apples peeled and cut into medium slices
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 egg for the egg wash
Mix together flour, spices, and sugar. Coat apples with flour until evenly well-coated. Sprinkle in vanilla extract and mix. Place and press first rolled dough on the bottom of the pie plate, pouring in apple mixture so that apples are tallest in the middle.
Place top crust atop apples, trimming off extra and pressing the edges with a fork to crimp them together.
Finish by brushing the top crust with egg wash and use a knife to create a few slits in the crust (you’re going to want to use a sharper knife!) Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes until slightly browned and then reduce heat to 350 for about 40 minutes.
I hope you’ll join me to #passtherave to others, pop over to @raveapples to read through more inspiring stories and even share your own (please tag me if you do, I’d love to read!)
Be sure to support Rave® apples on their quest to become the first verified fruit on Instagram by following, liking, and commenting on their page!
