Apple Crisp

Fruit crisps are my favorite desserts in the winter: steaming, soft fruit with a super crispy topping.  I'm not as big of a fan of apples as my boyfriend; he loves any and all kinds (especially McIntosh, the mealiest of all apples).  I made this dessert mostly for him, but even I loved it.  What's more comforting when it's cold out?

3/4 cup pecans
3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (3.75 ounces)
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup dark brown sugar (3.5 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar (3.5 ounces)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (5 ounces)
3 pounds Golden Delicious apples (7 apples)
1 lemon
1 cup apple cider

Coconut, Walnut, and White Chocolate Blondies

"Life is uncertain, so always eat your dessert first."

Now, don't get me wrong, I love brownies as much as the next person.  But sometimes you want a change.  Enter blondies: soft, chewy, a little less rich but completely satisfying nonetheless.  These particular blondies are chock full of toasted walnuts, unsweetened coconut, and melty white chocolate.

1 cup walnuts
1.5 cups unsweetened, grated coconut
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6 ounces)
1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5 ounces)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1.5 cups dark brown sugar (10.5 ounces)
2 extra large eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 ounces white chocolate

Picnic Menu: Egg Salad and Tomato Arugula Salad

Is there anything as wonderful as a picnic on a warm summer day?  Keep the salads cold with a large ice pack, and don't forget the fuzzy blanket.