Favorite Things: Giant Halloween Caramel Apple

Trust me on this one ladies and gentlemen. Worth every penny.

Favorite Things: Daniel Green Slippers

Those of you who know me know that I hate socks. With a passion. When the start of sock wearing season begins, I am not a happy camper. But the one thing that brightens my mood are my Daniel Green slippers. Cozy, slip-on happiness. And on sale for only $24.95. Things are looking better already.

Deal of the Day: Etsy Photo Holiday Cards

Looking for a fresh, fun, and affordable alternative to the usual photo card designs? Check out the selection on Etsy; you can purchase a digital template from a designer and print your own cards at your favorite photo store. With 5x7 prints at Costco at just $.39 and many locations offering 4x6 prints for $.12, you can get a unique design at a great price. Simply, add envelopes and mail! (Or maybe you have cards from after Christmas 75% off sales and just need a neat photo to slip inside?) Click here to see one of the best photo card sites on Etsy. Happy Shopping!

Cheap and Cheerful Crafts?

With the rain and cold weather on the horizon, I've been thinking a lot about projects -- both for adults and kids -- to fill up those stuck-in-the-house afternoons. Or even something fun to do with the extended family during holiday visiting. I'd love to look into some crafty fun to feature here on Cheap and Cheerful. Perhaps one of you out there could be my next guest blogger?

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What sets of supplies and or project kits have you found that create simple, worthwhile craft items for you and your family to enjoy?

Cheap and Cheerful Cooking: Apple and Pear Crisp

Who can say no to warm fruit with a brown sugary topping, with ice cream on top? This is Ina Garten's version but feel free to experiment. You really can't go wrong!

Ingredients
2 pounds ripe Bosc pears (4 pears)
2 pounds firm Macoun apples (6 apples)
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Peel, core, and cut the pears and apples into large chunks. Place the fruit in a large bowl and add the zests, juices, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into a 9 by 12 by 2-inch oval baking dish.

For the topping:
Combine the flour, sugars, salt, oatmeal, and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, until the mixture is in large crumbles. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit, covering the fruit completely.
Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is brown and the fruit is bubbly. Serve warm.

And the winner is ... Announcing Cheap and Cheerful's First Giveaway Winner!

The free photo class pass goes to Kim B.! Congratulations. I will be sending you an email with more details about getting signed up for the class. Your photo philosophy is very similar to the teacher's own thoughts on good picture taking so I know you will love the class!