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.
Late afternoon sun glistened on the water and warmed the red brick buildings.
Near the Rijksmuseum this bashful lady shielded her eyes.
And pigeons gorged themselves on a lush, green lawn.
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.
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.
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:
- In a saucepan combine all ingredients and cover with water.
- Bring to boil then lower heat and simmer 45 minutes.
- Cool and chill until ready to serve.
gorgeous pictures, love the applesauce recipe 🙂
Thank you, Shruti! 🙂 I like it too – so simple and delicious. 🙂
I love the bicycle! Sounds like a lovely day, makes me want to wear warm wooly sweaters and make something yum. =)
Me too, Breanne! 🙂 Maybe a cute hat and some fab boots too. 🙂
Autumn in Amsterdam looks lovely. Its officially been added to my travel bucket list. And nothing smells better than apples cooking.
I’m SO glad to hear that, Deanna! It’s one of my favorite cities in Europe. 🙂
What gorgeous photos. We’ll never get you back here :-). I also love your spicedapple sauce. It sounds delicious. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Oh thank you, Mary. 🙂 I DO promise to come back to visit, but you’re right, I love it here. 🙂
Mmmm – I can smell that through my computer screen – delicious!
Thank you, Andrea. 🙂 I swear it’s the most glorious smell!! 🙂
Mmm homemade applesauce is the best…it really takes on a seriously dreamy quality. I love all the spices you’ve added into yours!
It IS dreamy, Joanne. 🙂 Somehow all four spices work together so beautifully. 🙂
Your photos are wonderful, Krista. And I agree about applesauce! Love to smell it cooking on a fall day.
Thank you, Barbara. 🙂 Cold, fall days are perfect for cooking such things. 🙂
L-O-O-V-E-D that bench! And hard not to like those bikes too with all their character. I’ll bet that applesauce hit the spot!
I’m so glad, Paradis! I love that bench too – it’s so darn cheery. 🙂
It’s so pretty there. I love apple sauce too.
I agree, El. 🙂 I love wandering the streets. 🙂
Gorgeous photos Krista. I can almost taste the spices. Autumn is probably my favourite time to go exploring.
Thank you, Cathy! 🙂 It’s my favorite time too! Not too hot, not too cold, and SO beautiful. 🙂
What a lovely time of year! Your photos are stunning, Krista, and they definitely make me want to visit Amsterdam! (And I’m with you on vintage bikes — they’re so much lovelier than the modern ones! 🙂 )
Isn’t it perfect, Faith? I love it so much. And Amsterdam is the perfect city to enjoy it in. Right up there next to Paris. 🙂
Oh Krista, we’re on d same page – I’m sharing a recipe for spiced apple sauce this week. I love the Dutch bicycles too…..gorgeous aren’t they? Love you loads
What gorgeous shots of Amsterdam! Last time I was there it rained THE ENTIRE WEEKEND – I need to go back when it is sunny…