Hooray for Autumn!

Yesterday Michael and I headed to Marin, winding through lush countryside and ending up at Pt Reyes Station, destination Cowgirl Creamery (http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/)! Not only did we get to sample a few seasonal limited edition items, but we had a picnic outside in the cool, sunny autumn and felt the fragrant air of the North Bay sweeping over the grass.

We were able to watch artisan cheesemaking in the flesh (they were making Red Hawk, runner up in The American Cheese Society 2009), which has probably been one of my lifelong dreams. I definitely will be going back for more.

In the evening, we dropped into Pizzaiolo (http://www.pizzaiolooakland.com/) for dinner, sharing the famous (and one of my very favorites) Monterey Bay Squid, Cherry Tomato, Red Onion and Garlic Aioli pizza, and ending on a Rosemary Pound Cake with fresh whipped cream and Frog Hollow Farm pear sauce. Read about their sustainable food practices!

Cinnamon Apple Cake

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I adapted this recipe from our CSA box. Here is where you can find it:
http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/recipes/cinnamonapple-9812.shtml



I used Pink Lady apples and Neufchatel instead of cream cheese (full fat).



I only began taking photos at the very end, which is a pity because the batter for this cake was sumptuous and smooth. The Neufchatel keeps it moist, and the tart, supple apples are a perfect foil for the crisp and crumbly cinnamon sugar top.