We have gotten so much use out of the fallen leaves--raking, jumping, rolling, throwing. We especially love raking them to the bottom of the slide and sliding in them!











Apple-Cheddar Soup---This taste like Autumn!!!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
4 sausage links, chopped
1 Tbsp. butter
2 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups apple cider (try to use the real stuff)
1 tsp. snipped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/2 tsp. salt
Dash cayenne pepper
1 medium cooking apple, peeled, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
4 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup)
Fresh apple slices
Green Peppercorns

Directions
1. In large saucepan cook onion in hot butter over medium heat until tender. Stir in potatoes, cider, thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 15 minutes. Add chopped apple; simmer, covered, 5 minutes or until potatoes are tender. In small bowl combine milk and flour; stir into soup. Cook and stir until bubbly. Slowly add cheese, whisking until cheese is melted.

2. Divide soup among serving dishes; top with apple slices and peppercorns. Makes 4 to 6 side-dish servings.