85 down, 15 to go!

I can't believe I am just 15 books away from accomplishing this lofty goal of reading 100 books in a year! The more I read, the more I realize how much I love to read. I have truly seen how my mind as grown and stretched as I've been open to various types of books this year. I just don't know how I'll ever be able to top it next year.... 

This month was such a good month. I read stories I've always loved, read some people's favorite books, and come to love them as well. I love when people give me book recommendations...it's like a little glimpse into who they are. 

So hit me with more, I would love to know what books you are loving. Tell me and check back next month to see if I've read them and what I thought. 

This month I read: 

77. Tisha: as told by Robert Specht 

78. The wind and the willows: Kenneth Grahame 

79. Peter Pan: J. M. Barrie 

80. The selection: Kiera Cass

81. The elite: Kiera Cass

82. The one: Kiera Cass 

83. All these things I've done: Gabrielle Zevin 

84. Because it is my blood: Gabrielle Zevin 

85. In the age of love and chocolate: Gabrielle Zevin 

I'm a sucker for nonfiction, so I enjoyed Tisha. It's a story of a young teacher in the wilderness of Alaska. -so good. 

I also enjoyed the chocolate series {the last three books of the month} I'm so grateful to have a father-in-law who literally supports this huge goal. He is always buying books that I can upload onto our kindle and makes sure to tell me which ones he really enjoys, this series included. 

I was hesitant when I first started reading because it is set in the future, which I'm kind of getting tired of. But, it was just too good! Imagine a world where chocolate is illegal and the main character comes from a family of chocolate dealers! I just loved it. 

Also, if you're like me and love watching the bachelor, read the selection series. You're sure to fall in love with Maxon! 

I can't wait to see what the next 15 bring! 

easy kettle corn

Okay, what's better than curling up to watch a good movie with some kettle corn? Am I right??? I'm right. Recently I found out just how easy it is to make kettle corn and now I'm going to share with you! 

I have a popcorn maker that you use on the stove, however you can just use a saucepan. 

What you will need: 

1/2 C popcorn kernels 

1/4 C conola oil 

1/4 C (although I will use 1/2 C next time) sugar 

Directions: 

Heat the oil 

Once heated, add sugar and stir once 

Add kernels 

{if heating in a saucepan, continue to roll the pan around/keep it moving so the kernels don't stick or burn) 

**one final tip, make sure ingredients are all laid out and ready as it tends to move quickly. 

Enjoy!!! 

homemade apple cider.

What could be better than homemade apple cider this time of year?? For the past few years, my dad and I have gotten together to make some delicious cider and I wanted to share our recipe with you! 

Materials needed: 

4 lbs of apples 

Apple corer 

Knife 

Blender 

Cheesecloth 

Saucepan 

Thermometer 

Steps: 

1. Wash apples. Core/cut into wedges 

2. Purée apples in batches until they resemble fine pulp 

{allow to sit together for 30 minutes}

3. Put the pulp in the cheesecloth {section cheesecloth into smaller pieces so it will go further} and squeeze out juice. 

4. Briefly heat to 160*. {do not overheat} 

***this pasteurizes the cider 

5. Serve immediately or store in a clean glass jar 

{we always drink it right away!} 

You can also add caramel sauce for a yummy add in! 

I hope you enjoy as much as I do! I love this time of year! 

Do you have any favorite fall recipes??