Feelings of Fall

by | Oct 18, 2022 | A Lancaster Family Secret, Fall, giveaway | 31 comments

I absolutely love Fall! It’s the setting of several of my novels, including my latest, A Lancaster Family Secret. Ignoring the scary Halloween décor that intrigues Piper, I see so many cute Autumn decorations as we walk in the mornings. Not to mention all the lovely displays in store windows and even at the grocery store.

While my husband and I no longer carve pumpkins, I do put a few arrangements of leaves, pumpkins, gourds and cinnamon sticks around the house. It’s also a wonderful time to treat yourself to something during this cozy season!

Of course, Fall means scrumptious foods as well. Soup, hot spiced cider, and anything apple is a big hit with me, so my grandmother’s Apple Bread Pudding is a must.
Apple Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups bread cubes (roughly ¾” cubes), from stale bread
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk or cream
1/4 cup apple juice concentrate
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups apples, diced, unpeeled
3/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Generously butter a 9″ square baking dish.
  • Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Beat together the eggs, milk or cream, apple juice concentrate and vanilla plus the brown sugar and spice; pour over the bread and stir.
  • Add the raisins, apples, and nuts. Stir and transfer to the prepared pan. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
  • Bake for 35 minutes, or until the pudding is set and no liquid shows when you tilt the pan. Remove the pudding from the oven and serve warm with caramel topping and vanilla ice cream (for a decadent dessert), or refrigerate until ready to serve and reheat.

Fall is all about feeling comfy and snug. I love to wear a soft sweater and wrap myself up in a quilt and take a bit of time to read. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of novellas, squeezing them in between my writing and editing, and enjoying a moment with iqos terea abu dhabi makes it even cozier.

After years of honing her skills, my aunt made marvelous petite quilts.
My Aunt Leda was an amazing quilter, making exquisite award-winning miniature quilts as well as fullsize.
Are you reading Christmas books yet? Here’s a new novella I recommend by fellow Pacific Northwest author, Melody Carlson, A Quilt for Christmas, a warm and touching story of lonely strangers coming together to bring joy and love to a young family in need. A delighful read, plus I adore quilts!
Christmas should be celebrated with family and close friends. But for Vera Swanson, that’s not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one—until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all—and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way.
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books, including many bestselling Christmas novellas that I’ve enjoyed. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
Enter my Feelings of Fall Giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card plus a copy of my latest novel, A Lancaster Family Secret or another of my books if you’ve already purchased a copy. US and Canada only. Winner will be announced Tuesday October 25 and has three days to respond to my email. Only by responding to my email can you win. Sorry, I don’t read Facebook or Instagram messages.
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31 Comments

  1. Kim
    Kim on 10/18/2022 at 4:55 am

    I love reading Amish stories almost as much as I love creating quilts. It is such a blessing to give a quilt as a gift.

  2. Jackie Tessnair
    Jackie Tessnair on 10/18/2022 at 5:12 am

    Amish books are my favorite… but if the story is great , I can read anything. I can’t wait to read both these books. Thanks for a chance to win them. Soft sweater, quilt and a book sounds great on these chilly days. I love quilts. I wish I knew how to quilt. Thanks for sharing your post Kate.

  3. Karen dickman
    Karen dickman on 10/18/2022 at 5:21 am

    The Amish are strong and wonderful people

    • Loretta Shumpert
      Loretta Shumpert on 10/20/2022 at 12:21 pm

      Pretty covers!

  4. Roberta Marie McMahan
    Roberta Marie McMahan on 10/18/2022 at 5:26 am

    I love your books thank you.

  5. Penny McGuire
    Penny McGuire on 10/18/2022 at 7:49 am

    Can’t wait to try your recipe!

  6. Connie Porter Saunders
    Connie Porter Saunders on 10/18/2022 at 8:24 am

    Thanks for sharing your recipe. Bread Pudding has long been a favorite for me but Apple Bread Pudding is new to me. We’ve had gorgeous weather here in Kentucky and I’ve enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful colors that this fall season has produced!

  8. wendy miller
    wendy miller on 10/18/2022 at 3:22 pm

    Love your books! I also love Autumn! My favorite combo, a good book, some hot tea and a comfy blanket! Also going to try your recipe for the bread pudding. It looks delicious!

  9. Denise Glisson
    Denise Glisson on 10/19/2022 at 4:05 am

    I too love your books. I bought ebook s have read your story but with a real book I can share with others.

  10. Barbara Jill Oosterhof
    Barbara Jill Oosterhof on 10/20/2022 at 3:42 am

    I Can’t Wait Too Read This New Book. Sounds So Interesting. Take Care & GOD BLESS!

  11. Rita Meeker
    Rita Meeker on 10/20/2022 at 4:18 am

    Love, love, love all of your books! What a gifted author! Especially love Amish books.
    Blessings, Rita Meeker

  12. Lynn Muirhead
    Lynn Muirhead on 10/20/2022 at 5:03 am

    Made this recipe many times,with raisins instead of nuts. So now will try it with nuts.thanks for sharing ..enjoy you’re books have them all except last one.. so far. If you come down sth to escape winter: you know where to stay .

  13. Cherese Akhavein
    Cherese Akhavein on 10/20/2022 at 5:13 am

    I have enjoyed every one of your books I’ve read. I’ve never learned to quilt but am blessed to have several made by family members as well as three I have bought from my Amish friend

  14. Carol A Quinn
    Carol A Quinn on 10/20/2022 at 5:54 am

    I love just about everything amish. Touring the back roads of the states I have visited. I may not be able to buy all the books on release day but I do eventually. Keep writing Mrs. Kate books and also you news letter is always colorful and information

  15. Betty W Smith
    Betty W Smith on 10/20/2022 at 6:12 am

    I love your books

  16. Lori Smanski
    Lori Smanski on 10/20/2022 at 6:52 am

    Oh but thanks for this recipe. It sounds so wonderful and fallish. Thanks for the give a way. It is very generous. I have not read any of these books yet. My husband and I dont carve pumpkins anymore either, but I still love to have a few decorations up and have the smell of cinnamon and apples and pumpkins around the house. I have not read any Amish books lately and would love to get back to them. We love to vacation in Shipshewana when we can.

  17. shirley blanchard
    shirley blanchard on 10/20/2022 at 7:01 am

    i love your books , i love reading about the Amish, such gentle loving careing people, i love to bake so will try this recipe God bless my friend

  18. marcia bowers
    marcia bowers on 10/20/2022 at 7:37 am

    love your books and emails. thank you for a chance to win some of your great books

  19. SARAH TAYLOR
    SARAH TAYLOR on 10/20/2022 at 8:34 am

    Love your books and I can’t wait to try your recipe Thank you for sharing!

  20. Michelle Proper
    Michelle Proper on 10/20/2022 at 9:31 am

    Can’t wait to make this Apple Bread Pudding! Fall is here and it’s Apple time!! Thank you!

  21. Amanda Cubbage
    Amanda Cubbage on 10/20/2022 at 10:18 am

    Thanks for the chance to win a great read from you! Gonna try the bread pudding recipe, looks yummy! Love fall!

  22. susan atkins
    susan atkins on 10/20/2022 at 11:29 am

    Your books are just great-I love the recipes-thanks

  23. Andrea Woodard
    Andrea Woodard on 10/20/2022 at 11:33 am

    I love your books, and alot of other Author’s who write Amish books.

  24. Janice C
    Janice C on 10/20/2022 at 12:29 pm

    I would love to win.. I love reading Amish books. Love the CLEAN stories….Thank you…

  25. Kris
    Kris on 10/20/2022 at 12:41 pm

    I too love Amish books, and cant wait to read your last two books….would be such a treat to win….Love Fall too….all the newness….color…leaves…pumpkins, apples, recipes….cider…decorations….cool crisp air….Thanks for the opportunity to win !

  26. Billee
    Billee on 10/22/2022 at 6:04 am

    I love reading Amish books! My sister has been supplying me with books to read. Fall is a beautiful time of year, watching God’s creation of changing colors of the trees, sky, brisk weather, etc. Love traveling to Belleville & Allensville for produce & supplies for winter & canning. Keep up with your writing!

  27. Betty King
    Betty King on 10/22/2022 at 10:16 am

    I so enjoy your work. Nothing more relaxing for me than to set down with a cup of hot tea, a soft throw and one of your books.

  28. Janet Lee
    Janet Lee on 10/22/2022 at 2:05 pm

    My favorite books are Amish books and Bible also love cookbooks

  29. Tammy Lupold
    Tammy Lupold on 10/22/2022 at 3:34 pm

    Love all the Amish books!!

  30. Mary MacKay
    Mary MacKay on 10/22/2022 at 6:15 pm

    I love Amish fiction. The stories capture and captivate the reader.