Cinnamon, Road Trips, and a Heads Up

good feel aromas coming through

For that heads up: September is Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month. If you’re looking for a cause to support, let it be the MDA. My oldest brother, Ryan, had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and I made this blueberry pie in honor of his birthday back in June. My goal is to one day be able to donate the income from that recipe page to the MDA. I’m not there yet, but I wanted to highlight this important organization.

The MDA funds critical research on neuromuscular diseases while also supporting families with access to care and financial assistance. They offer incredible programs like MDA Summer Camp—where kids can just be kids and caregivers get a much-needed break (for free!). Ryan looked forward to it every year! Head here to support.

Now, if you’re like me and appreciating the way summer weather has basically run away with its tail between its legs (I mean, I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m also very hopeful), then I have some good times below for you.

GOLDEN GOODIES

For the next installment of my toaster oven baking series (I see you small kitchen peeps), I went a cozy route. Thinking of apple pie and kids in new dorms or people in new homes, maybe far away from home, sometimes you just want a treat that makes you feel all things comfort. If that’s you, grab a crisp apple (I prefer a Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) and make this single-baked apple. Oh, and it’s filled with an oaty-cinnamon spiced mixture that is perfecttttt.

I will repeat this until my last breath: a snickerdoodle MUST have a chew. Otherwise, it’s gonna be a hard pass from me. Making a shortbread + snickerdoodle combo a no-brainer. I like Scottish shortbread, which results in a softer texture than English shortbread, making it the perfect base for this cinnamon-cookie perfection. To get that subtle tang that comes with a snickerdoodle (whether you realize it or not), we’re adding a smidge of cream of tartar to the dough before topping with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baking.

TRAVEL ACCENTS

I’m a mountain girly, bonus points if it’s near water. I also am not a fan of heat (or really humidity), so an escape to the mountains is always warranted. On our way back from the Asheville area, we stopped at Black Mountain, NC (only 20 minutes between!). Tbh I’d not heard of it until a few years ago, slightly sad since I grew up less than 2 hours away. But it’s the perfect getaway if you love an art scene nestled in the mountains. Oh, and some good eats, antique shopping, and more. You can check out my favorite spots here.

I LOVE A ROAD TRIP. Dare I say it’s my favorite form of travel? You just get to see so much more of an area. Fresh local peaches? Skkkrrr. Local pottery shop 2 miles to the left? I’m coming! Corn Palace? You’ve got me. I’ve driven across the U.S. four times, all around Canada (from P.E.I. to Toronto, Alberta through British Columbia), and in Europe (one of my favorites being my solo travels around Ireland). So I’ve put together this list of 10 items I always pack (plus a few bonuses), to make sure I’m road trip ready. Well, some I can’t if I’m flying, then renting a car, but… You get the point.

Happy baking, traveling, and, most importantly, HAPPY CRISP WEATHER SEASON (even though we technically have 10 days left… I’m embracing it and I won’t let go).

Buh byeeee,

Hannah

P.S. Tag me @accentgolden on Instagram and TikTok if you make any of these recipes or use these travel tips!