Bobbing for Apples: Apple Cinnamon Bread That is…

Ok ok. Apples are not exactly a deathly dish but hear me out. They do have a pretty sordid history in literature. From Eve dooming us all with gosh dang periods, to Snow White eating a poisoned apple (or choking on it depending on the version), apples seem to fascinate humans and contain some sort of underlying evil.

Sooooo, while apples themselves are not inherently spooky, there is a historical reference related to apples that has a somewhat eerie connection to Halloween: the story of "bobbing for apples."

Bobbing for apples is a traditional Halloween game with roots in Celtic and Roman traditions. It was originally part of the Roman festival known as Pomona, which celebrated the goddess of fruit and trees, also named, Pomona. Apples were associated with her as symbols of fertility and abundance. (cough cough:: fertility and Eve and periods:: cough cough people!)

Later, when the Romans invaded Celtic territories, the celebration of Pomona merged with the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. During Samhain, it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead was thin, allowing spirits to roam freely on Earth. Apples were incorporated into the festivities as symbols of the harvest and as offerings to ward off malevolent spirits.

The game of bobbing for apples became a popular activity during Halloween parties in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Ireland and Scotland. It added a playful and somewhat eerie element to Halloween celebrations, as participants would try to bite into apples floating in a basin of water without using their hands. The association with the thinning of the veil between worlds during Samhain and the tradition of offering apples to the spirits added a spooky undertone to this otherwise lighthearted game.

So, while bobbing for apples itself may not be spine-chilling, its historical connection to ancient Celtic and Roman traditions, as well as its association with Halloween, gives it a touch of eerie folklore for those who appreciate the historical and cultural aspects of the holiday.

Apple Cinnamon Bread

COVID is still afoot so maybe instead of bobbing for an apple we indulge in the cozy embrace of fall with a delectable slice of homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread? Warm, aromatic, and bursting with the flavors of apples and cinnamon, this moist and tender loaf is the perfect companion for a cozy afternoon with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ⅔ cup white sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ cup milk

• 1 large apple, peeled and finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

2. The Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this heavenly concoction aside for now; we'll be using it to create that delightful swirl in our bread.

3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, ensuring a moist and tender crumb.

4. Egg-citing Additions: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual process helps maintain the desired texture of our Apple Cinnamon Bread.

5. Vanilla Essence: Stir in the vanilla extract, which infuses our bread with a warm, comforting aroma.

6. The Dry Team: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, gently folding them into the batter. This step ensures a uniform and well-balanced texture.

7. The Apple of Our Eye: Finally, fold in the finely chopped apple, the star of our show. The apple not only adds a delightful crunch but also lends its natural sweetness to the bread.

8. Swirls of Delight: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Then, pour the remaining batter over the sugar layer, creating a sandwich of deliciousness. You can also add a little extra cinnamon-sugar on top for that mouthwatering finish.

9. Into the Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

10. Cooling and Slicing: Allow your Apple Cinnamon Bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it's cooled, cut yourself a slice and savor the warm, spiced goodness.

This Apple Cinnamon Bread is a testament to the charm of homemade treats. The fusion of sweet apples, aromatic cinnamon, and moist, buttery bread is a delightful experience that will keep you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this bread is sure to become a cherished addition to your fall baking repertoire.

Recipe Yield: One delicious loaf of Apple Cinnamon Bread.

Bon appétit!

To make your Apple Cinnamon Bread vegan, you can substitute the eggs with various vegan-friendly alternatives. Here are a few options:

1. Flaxseed or Chia Seed Eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg you're replacing. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like. This works as a binding agent similar to eggs.

2. Applesauce: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. It not only acts as a binder but also adds moisture to your bread.

3. Mashed Bananas: Use 1/4 cup of mashed ripe banana for each egg. This will add a subtle banana flavor to your bread, which pairs nicely with apples and cinnamon.

4. Yogurt: Opt for 1/4 cup of dairy-free yogurt, such as almond or soy yogurt, for each egg. It helps with moisture and binding.

5. Silken Tofu: Blend 1/4 cup of silken tofu until it's smooth and creamy, and use it to replace each egg. It provides moisture and binding properties without altering the flavor significantly.

Choose the substitute that best suits your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that the choice of egg substitute can slightly affect the texture and flavor of your bread, so feel free to experiment to find the perfect vegan version that you enjoy.