While I love Amsterdam in any kind of weather, I think my favorite is a crisp Autumn day.

It was on just such a day in October that my friend Amy and I arrived at the Amsterdam train station from Paris. A chill wind was whistling across canals and through alleyways so after dropping our bags off at my brother’s apartment, we bundled up in woolens and hats and went for a stroll.

In spite of the cold, plants still flourished in pots set up staircases and on this cheery lime green bench.

flowered bench

Late afternoon sun glistened on the water and warmed the red brick buildings.

moored canal boots

Near the Rijksmuseum this bashful lady shielded her eyes.

Amsterdam statue

And pigeons gorged themselves on a lush, green lawn.

pigeons on the grass

I’m always smitten by the bicycles of Amsterdam. They aren’t the shiny, modern bikes I’m used to seeing in America, but the lovely old ones complete with bells and baskets.

bicycle in the leaves

On days like this I love returning home and making something comforting. My favorite dish recently is spiced applesauce. I don’t know of anything that makes the house smell more delectable than a pot of apples simmering with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. While it’s delicious by itself, I really like it swirled with vanilla yogurt.

Spiced Applesauce

What is your favorite time of year to go walking in your home town?

Spiced Applesauce

Ingredients:

8-10 apples, peeled, cored and diced
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4-1/2 cup dark brown sugar or 2-3 Tbsp real maple syrup

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan combine all ingredients and cover with water.
  2. Bring to boil then lower heat and simmer 45 minutes.
  3. Cool and chill until ready to serve.