Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

I hope you had a good week! Ours has been extra special. I’m waking up on beautiful Mackinac Island this morning. It’s one of my favorite places! I was born not far from here in Petoskey, Michigan. We used to visit the island at least once a summer but I haven’t been here in years. This trip was long overdue. I’m happy to report not much has changed. It’s still magical here!

There are no cars on the island. To get around you bike or take a horse and carriage. Feels like you’ve stepped back in time! We are staying at The Mission Point Resort. It’s lovely! Fall is my favorite time on the island. It’s much less crowded and things really quiet down. Sadly we have to pack up and leave soon but not before we load up on Mackinac Island fudge! What’s your favorite flavor? I’m a chocolate walnut gal. I gotta bring chocolate peanut butter home for my son Riley. That’s his favorite. Follow me on Instagram to see more pictures from the trip! I promise to write a blog and show lots more pictures and details about the trip next week!

Speaking of trips, one year ago today I was in Italy. I hosted a culinary trip to Tuscany. We had a group of 35 people and we did it all, from pasta making, Italian pastry classes, visiting a family farm, and of course drinking lots of Italian wine too! This September's trip to Germany for Oktoberfest and a German river cruise had to be cancelled, but I’m thinking positively and I've got more culinary trips planned for 2021 and 2022. I’m working out all the details, so more to come soon! If you’d like to learn more and join me for a trip of a lifetime, email me at info@thecookingmom.com to send me your name and contact information. I’ll keep you posted as there is more news.

After we leave Mackinac Island we’re headed to my hometown Petoskey for a couple days. I can’t wait to stop at my favorite farmer's market to load up on my fall favorites. The apples are here! Wondering what to make for dinner this weekend? Get out your slow cooker and make sandwiches with my Slow Cooker Apple Bourbon Pulled Pork. It's DELICIOUS! Perfect for the big football game too! Click Slow Cooker and Sandwiches for more tasty recipes.

These sandwiches are yummy with my kids' favorite Southern Style Mac ’n Cheese and my Apple Slaw with toasted pecans. Talk about one scrumptious dinner! Click Sides and Salads to see more of my favorite fall recipes.

Every fall I make a big batch of apple sauce. It’s so easy! Once you make my Slow Cooker Apple Sauce you’ll never go back to the store bought stuff. Makes the house smell pretty wonderful too!

For dessert use those beautiful apples to make my Easiest Ever Apple Cake. It’s my FAVE! Super easy too. Click Desserts for more tempting fall treats.

Check Out My Cookbooks!

If you like my recipes, I think you will love my cookbooks. Both cookbooks are filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. They're available on Amazon. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

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Gotta run. We’re hoping to get in one more bike ride around the island. You can always see what I'm up to on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Looking for new video recipes? Check out my videos on YouTube, too! Follow me!

Have a great weekend. Stay safe and cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom

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