It’s easy to take for granted the comforts of home. Running water. Toilets that flush. Refrigerators to keep our food fresh. Ovens in which too cook said food. Right now, however, not only are some going without these basic niceties we don’t even notice, we’re just so used to having them, but many more are now homeless, thanks to Hurricane Sandy
Picking up the pieces and moving forward will be incredibly difficult for these people. Whether their homes were flooded and require extensive repairs, like one of my friends on Long Island, or their domiciles were swept away entirely in the current, it will take a lot of time, patience, and money to get back to normal.
Sadly, I’m not in a position to head down there and lend a helping hand–family obligations prevent me from such–but I can’t let this go unnoticed, can’t continue on in my daily routine without doing something to help out. Monday night (October 29th), as the winds were howling outside my own windows and the trees swaying dangerously, I saw the New York City footage for the first time and I practically wept. Not long after, I saw mention of a texting campaign to donate to the Red Cross–text “RedCross” to 90999 and $10 will be donated, charged on your next cell phone bill. It was a little something, but it was something all the same, and I texted immediately. So much help would be needed.
Today, I’m participating in Barbara of Creative Culinary’s Support for Sandy event, coming together with other food bloggers to bring a comforting meal to the table and, once again, offer any help that we can. The image at the beginning of this post is a link to the American Red Cross’s website, where you can make a donation, as well. It’s very small, really–no nitty gritty hard work; your clothes will remain clean and you’ll still be in the comfort of your own home–but it could mean the world to someone on the receiving end. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to help those whose lives have been so deeply affected by Hurricane Sandy. These organizations are also helping victims:
- The Salvation Army is also focused on providing food, shelter, and support to victims, and takes donations for storm relief.
- Feeding America is providing food, water and supplies to those who need it as part of their disaster relief program.
I baked a Dutch Apple Crumble for our community table. It’s warm, it’s cinnamony, and it makes me think of feet kicked up in front of a fireplace, chasing away the chill in your bones after a Fall day raking leaves. Mmmm… the aroma itself is enough to improve ones spirits. Add a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream and you’ve gilded the lily.
May those in the wake of Sandy find comfort soon. I am thinking of you–please know that you’re not alone in this.
- 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- ¼ cup granulated maple sugar (not maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (8 Tablespoons) unsalted butter
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish (or a deep dish pie dish) and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine apple slices, sugars, and cinnamon, mixing well to coat the apple slices with the sugars and cinnamon. Spread in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Work in the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apples, coating evenly, and press down gently to form a sort of crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until apples are tender and filling is golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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