Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Release Day! Love Under Construction

Release Day!

Love Under Construction

Love Under Construction is book 2 in The Chocolate Chronicles, a trilogy of stories that features the Krause siblings in the town of Cocoaville inspired by Milton Hershey and his town.

In 2002, my husband and I left behind the rat race of Washington, DC to purchase and operate a bed and breakfast in central New Hampshire. We purchased an 1850 Federal house with good bones, but a lot of needed repairs. Intriguingly, the work done prior to the 1950s was well-done. Renovations after that not so much. We learned not to start any jobs after mid-March so we weren't stuck with an uncompleted project when season began.

We learned how to plaster, do plumbing and electric, and fix just about anything. I used our renovation experience to write Nadine's story.

Can two stubborn people tear down the walls of independence to find love?

Nadine Krause took in boarders to help her family climb out of debt after her father’s death. Business has gone well, and she’s earned enough to expand the house. When her brother’s friend agrees to take the job - the only man in town willing to work for a woman - sparks fly. But not the good kind.

Or are they?

Looking for something different, Leo Albrecht takes a project working for Nadine Krause, the spunky owner of Cocoaville’s favorite boarding house. An easy job. Then he manages to injure himself and needs her help to finish making it nearly impossible to ignore his growing attraction. Should he break his rule of not mixing work and his personal life?

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/47Gn0q

Monday, January 5, 2026

Movie Monday: High Sierra

Movie Monday: High Sierra

The 1940s and 1950s are considered the “classic period of American film noir,” although that term wasn’t used until much later. Instead, the movies were referred to as melodramas, and the plot typically revolved around a crime of some sort and often featured a “hard-boiled detective.”

Based on the W.R. Burnett novel of the same name, High Sierra released eighty-five years ago this month and stars Humphrey Bogart and Ida Lupino, an actress with a long career, yet who is often forgotten when listing the leading ladies of the time.

Bogart is convicted bank robber Roy Earle, whose release from prison is the result of bribing the governor. Big Mac M’Gann is responsible because he wants a bank heist led by Roy on his behalf. Gang members include Red Hattery and Babe Kozak who brings his “dime-a-dance” girlfriend Marie Garson (played by Lupino). The robbery goes wrong as does the getaway, resulting in the deaths of Red and Babe. Roy and Marie head across country to discover the Big Mac is also dead having suffered a heart attack.

Former policeman Jake Kranmer has taken over Big Mac’s operation and tries to force Roy to give up

the jewels. Instead, Roy kills him, then tries to fence the jewels. After seeing the front-page news about the robbery that includes Roy’s photo and a description of Marie, Roy sends Marie to Las Vegas and returns to the get his money from the fence. Things go from bad to worse when Roy conducts a stick up for money to fill his gas tank and his recognized by local police. He heads into the mountains where he is pursued by law enforcement. The shootout that occurs is considered the highlight of the film.

Performances by both Bogart and Lupino were widely praised at the time and continue to be held in high regard. His portrayal of the “good bad man” creates a sympathetic character and adds depth to the quintessential, sometimes cliched gangster. About Lupino, one critic indicated she was “impressive as the adoring moll.” The film changed the way studio executives saw Bogart who until then had appeared in mostly “B movies. Warner Bros. realized they had a star on their hands.

With a budget of just under a half-million dollars, the movie made more than $1.5 million in the US and other markets. Despite its excellent reception High Sierra did not receive any Academy Award nominations, however, it was recognized by the National Board of Review as part of its top ten films for 1941.

The 1949 film Colorado Territory starring Joel McCrea and Virginia Mayo is also based on the novel as is the 1955 movie I Died A Thousand Times (Jack Palance and Shelley Winters). Two radio broadcasts were made on the Screen Guild Theater: 1942 with Bogart and Claire Trevor and 1944 with Bogart and Lupino.

Have you seen this classic?

___________________

Spies & Sweethearts

She wants to do her part. He’s just trying to stay out of the stockade. Will two agents deep behind enemy lines find capture… or love?

1942. Emily Strealer is tired of being told what she can’t do. Wanting to prove herself to her older sisters and do her part for the war effort, the high school French teacher joins the OSS and trains to become a covert operative. And when she completes her training, she finds herself parachuting into occupied France with her instructor to send radio signals to the Resistance.

Major Gerard Lucas has always been a rogue. Transferring to the so-called “Office of Dirty Tricks” to escape a court-martial, he poses as a husband to one of his trainees on a dangerous secret mission. But when their cover is blown after only three weeks, he has to flee with the young schoolteacher to avoid Nazi arrest.

Running for their lives, Emily clings to her mentor’s military experience during the harrowing three-hundred-mile trek to neutral Switzerland. And while Gerard can’t bear the thought of his partner falling into German hands, their forged papers might not be enough to get them over the border.

Can the fugitive pair receive God’s grace to elude the SS and discover the future He intended?

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/m0Od9l

Photo credits:
Movie Poster: By Heritage Auctions, Fair use.
Bogart and Lupino: Movie Still, Warner Bros.
Bogart: mptvimages.com

Friday, January 2, 2026

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction
January 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Action/Adventure:

Fire Between Two Skies by R.F. Whong -- Two eras. One relentless quest for truth amid desires and temptation. Across the centuries, two men are bound by parallel destinies that echo through time. Book 3 of this dual-time odyssey delves deep into the passions and struggles that connect their worlds. (Action/Adventure, Independently Published)
Amish (Contemporary and Romance):

Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne -- Jane must overcome her disappointment upon discovering that the man she's loved since childhood is the same person who gave her a hated nickname in their school days; can she and Sam overcome her distrust and his guilt and shyness and find their way to a shared future? (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)

An Amish Second Chance by Beth Wiseman -- Can Hope and Rueben share the secrets that they've held close to their hearts and have the second chance they long for? (Amish Contemporary, Independently Published)

Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter:

The Case of the Four-Legged Friend by Becca Wierwille -- In this Christian mystery for kids, a girl must find a dog's home before he's sent to the animal shelter. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)

General Historical:

What Loyalty Demands by Carol Ashby -- When rebellion breaks out in Roman Britain, the protective British cousin of a Christian woman and the Roman tribune who wants a future with her discover how enmity born of conflicting loyalties can be overcome when believers serve as the peacemakers Jesus commanded them to be. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Historical Romance:

Far Grander Than Paradise by Barbara Blythe -- She needs to find her father. He needs to atone for his dead brother’s sins. Can they find what they seek on a voyage that takes them halfway around the world? (Historical Romance from Elk Lake Publishing)

Whispers in the Valley by Amanda Cabot -- A woman whose life is in shambles. A man who's fighting for his future. A decades-old mystery. Carr Valley will never be the same. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Love Under Construction by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Nadine Krause took in boarders to help her family climb out of debt after her father’s death. Business has gone well, and she’s earned enough to expand the house. When her brother’s friend agrees to take the job - the only man in town willing to work for a woman - sparks fly. But not the good kind. Or are they? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Romantic Suspense:

Hidden Talent by Bettie Boswell -- When author Leah Beach is threated because of a new rescue mule she's modeled one of her comic characters after, she seeks help from a reluctant body guard, Carlton Marsh, who soon discovers the threat is real. (Romantic Suspense from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Fighting for You by Robin Patchen -- She's running from her past. He's protecting his future. Together, they must fight for what matters most. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier by Megan Short -- Forced into hiding after witnessing a double murder by an organized-crime gang, Beth Ryder’s identity is suddenly leaked online and a kill order is placed on her head. Her survival is now in the hands of US Marshal Jake Cruz, who is determined to keep her alive. But when it becomes clear that more than one group is targeting Beth, the stakes are higher than ever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Deadly Secrets by Penny Zeller -- Betrayal has consequences... Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent. That is, until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. What happens when she attempts to sell the land someone doesn't want sold? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction:

Cerulean Rose by Demi Griffin -- A mysterious, in-depth re-telling of Cinderella. (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)

Braving Fiery Waters by Sarah Hanks -- Her husband died in a fire. Now she’s heading straight into one. Marina Stone planned an ideal family vacation, perfect for reconnecting with her two teenagers after their father's death. But those plans go drastically away when she time sails to the White Cloud in the year 1849. Now she must face her greatest fears and complete a mystery mission before she can return to her life and children. (Speculative/Time Travel, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Death on Wolfe Mountain by Lynne Waite chapman -- Who was the man found dead on Wolfe Mountain and how did his body get there? (Cozy Mystery)

Love & Cheer – Holidays in Hallbrook by Elsie Davis -- Talia Hunter’s promotion is riding on one flawless New Year’s Eve company gala. But when her caterer cancels at the eleventh hour, her career is on the line. And with her six-year-old daughter, Nicole, on a holiday school break, everything is more complicated as Talia tries to juggle life. She needs a miracle, except the only chef available on such a big party night is a man from her past…one she would rather avoid. (Contemporary Romance)

Eye of the Mind by Sara Davison -- After witnessing a murder, firefighter Jules Adler must work with police sketch artist Dante de Marco to come up with a likeness of the killer before he tracks her down and silences her forever. (Romantic Suspense)

A Certain Mercy by Linda Dindzans MD -- From the opulent danger of Herod’s court to the quiet refuge of Bethany, from the shadow of the Cross to the glory of the Resurrection, A Certain Mercy weaves a powerful story of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and the transforming grace of Christ. (General Historical)

Colors of the Ocean by Cheryl Fitzgerald -- A multi-generational story that follows thirteen-year-old Roxi on a transformative journey as she sails across the Pacific Ocean with grandparents she barely knows. Along the way she must navigate stormy conflicts in several relationships and within herself. (General Contemporary/Young Adult)

Feuding with the Cowboy by Louise M. Gouge -- He once defied his family for love; can he risk it again? (Contemporary Romance)

Into the Promised Land by Sarah Heatwole -- Into the Promised Land is a tale of courage to forge a new path, as Andy and Sylvia navigate the balance between Amish tradition and the compelling call of forgiveness and freedom in Jesus, until their Amish community demands a choice between faith and belonging. (General Historical)

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Teatime Tuesday: Cooking with Tea

Teatime Tuesday: Cooking with Tea

Tea isn’t just for drinking! Like other herbs, tea is a leaf, and as such can be used like you would an herb either in cooking or baking. A current trend is the use of matcha tea as a baking ingredient. A mint-green powder made by grinding the leaves, it is often used in cakes and pastries adding an aromatic “punch” as well as antioxidants. More baking ideas include Earl Grey or chai tea in pound cakes or shortbreads. Peppermint tea adds zip to your brownies in time for the holidays.

You can bake with any tea, however, as one site says, “that doesn’t mean every recipe will taste great when you use any type of tea (think of pizza – you wouldn’t top it with just any cheese.) As such, you’ll want to choose the type of tea with care. The flavor should blend or complement the other flavors in the recipe.

There are many ways bake with tea:

Tea-infused liquids
Ground tea leaves
Tea-infused sugar
Tea simple syrup
Tea ganache (yep, you read that correctly. Instead of using milk, try brewed tea)
Tea glaze

So, how about cooking with tea?

Adding tea leaves to soups, stews, and broths like any herb creates a complex flavor combination sure to please. Green tea goes well with onion, garlic, and ginger. Try your favorite tea as a marinade or rub. Black and oolong tea work well with chicken, turkey or pork, and play well with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and other spices. Tea-smoke duck is a classic Szechuan dish.

Dips, sauces, and dressings can also be “taken up a notch,” to quote a certain TV celebrity chef. Black tea goes well with hoisin sauce for your next stir fry. Or brewed sweet tea blends with sweet and sour sauce as a delicious dip for fried chicken, tempura vegetables, or other deep-fried goodies.

What your favorite not-so-usual way of cooking or baking with tea?

___________________

Legacy of Love, Part of A Cheerful Heart Anthology

Will their love come at a cost?

Escaping Boston to avoid a marriage of convenience aimed at garnering society’s respect for her family name in the shadow of her father’s war profiteering, Meg Underwood settles in Oregon. Despite leaving behind the comforts of wealth, she’s happy. Then the handsome Pinkerton agent, Reuben Jessop, arrives with news that she’s inherited her aunt’s significant estate, and she must return home to claim the bequest. Meg refuses to make the trip. Unwilling to fail at his mission, Reuben gives her until Christmas to prove why she should remain in Oregon and give up the opportunity to become a woman of means. When he seems to want more than friendship, she wonders if her new-found wealth is the basis of his attraction.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4pO3PrZ

Photo Credits:

Matcha Tea: Pixabay/Asana Kalumpaburt

Tea Leaves: Pixabay/DandelionL

Saturday, December 27, 2025

On Tour! Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin

About the Book

Book: Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin

Author: Erma M. Ullrey

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November, 2025

BlIn the snowy embrace of McCall, Idaho, Sadie’s Gift weaves a tale of an unexpected reunion and slow-to-thaw hearts. Grief-stricken Brooke Radcliffe and frustrated author Jack Chance are brought together by fate in Aunt Sadie’s cabin. An early blizzard forces the former childhood friends to confront their differences and work together to survive. Can Brooke and Jack set aside their painful pasts and let love melt their frozen hearts? Discover a story of healing, resilience, and the transformative power of forgiveness in this heartwarming tale of love in the unlikeliest of places.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Erma Ullrey is a follower of Jesus Christ. Married for forty-four years she enjoys four wonderful children, three outlaws, and four precious grandchildren. She worked in the medical field for over twenty-five years. After completing her B.S.H.S., she became a health educator and received international credentials in childbirth education (I.C.E.A.) and lactation consulting (I.B.C.L.C.). She’s served as a women’s Bible study leader, and participates in a local book club as well as local and national writer’s groups.

She posts encouraging blogs and enjoys chatting with her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram friends. And she keeps chickens.

Interview with Erma

What is your favorite thing about being a writer? My favorite things about being a writer are hearing the Lord’s voice in my head and the creative process. If I get stuck on a word or thought, I pray and ask the Lord to direct what I should say/what comes next. It may take a minute or days, but He has the perfect answer to my dilemma.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? One of the most surprising things I’ve learned in creating my books is the use of humor. I tend to be lighthearted. Most books I read are not. So I’ve had to learn to incorporate funny situations or thoughts in my writing.

Can you share a real-life event that inspired your writing? A real-life event inspired my first novel, “Journaled With Love.” We had just finished watching the movie “You’ve Got Mail,” a Christmas staple in our home. I wondered why no one had ever written a book like it. From that thought, I plowed upstairs and began penning “Journaled With Love.” Thirty days of laughter and calamities later, the novel went to my editor.

What questions do you ask yourself when preparing to write a new book? While preparing to write a new book, I write what the characters have already talked to me about. I let them tell me who they are, what’s going on in their lives, and the goals they have/what they want to accomplish. I feel like I’m a passenger watching, listening, experiencing the story they’re telling.

What was the best money you spent as a writer? Tough question! Writing groups, conferences, editors, and craft books means opening your wallet. Worthwhile? YES! If time is money, I spend a lot of it. And I enjoy way more than I spend. Once you self-pub a book, be prepared to open your wallet wider to purchase ads/promote your book.

How are your characters like you? Different? My characters in “Journaled With Love” are like me in that they prayed and laughed a lot. Their circumstances and ways of handling difficulties are different than mine. In “SADIE’S GIFT: The Christmas Cabin,” the characters reminded me of the time I chose to trust God with my life. They had a different way of seeking to walk with Him than me, but their stubbornness might be the same.

How do you come up with story lines/book topic? I came up with the story for “Journaled With Love” from watching You’ve Got Mail. “SADIE’S GIFT: The Christmas Cabin” came from praying about sharing the Christmas gift God gave us in a romantic novel.

Why do you write in your particular genre? I accidentally became a romance writer! The story that’s been on my heart for years is actually a suspense novel. But the more I read romance novels, the more I wanted to know what made each couple “click.” Why were they hopeless, what would solve their conflict, how would they end up together? Each book was a puzzle I wanted to finish before the final page. I love romance!

What is one thing you wish you could do? I have two things I wish I could do, one silly and one serious. I’ve always wanted to fly. I have vivid dreams about leaping in the air, staying airborne, and seeing the world from that perspective. But, seriously, I long for a closer relationship with the Lord. His love and compassion, His ability to give or withhold an answer – His character. I want to be more like Him.

What was your favorite childhood book and why? I have two favorite childhood books. The Bible is the first. At a young age, I’d grab a flashlight, hop under the covers, and read instead of going to sleep. I didn’t understand much but I knew God loved me. Little Women is my second favorite childhood book. I loved the depth Louisa May Alcott gave to her characters. Because I grew up on the east coast, the setting appealed to me also.

More from Erma

Enter to win a free copy of SADIE’S GIFT: The Christmas Cabin. A love story set in beautiful McCall, Idaho, during a surprise blizzard that ultimately melts a couple of frozen hearts.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 19

She Lives To Read, December 20

Artistic Nobody, December 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 22

Guild Master, December 23 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, December 24 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, December 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 28

Vicky Sluiter, December 29 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 30

For the Love of Literature, December 31 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s book and movie reviews, December 31

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erma is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3f27c/sadie-s-gift-the-christmas-cabin-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, December 22, 2025

Movie Monday: A Walk in the Sun

Movie Monday: A Walk in the Sun

Released on December 3, 1945, A Walk in the Sun is based on a novel of the same name by Portland, Maine native, Harry Brown, a writer for Yank magazine. The story was serialized in October 1944 in Liberty Magazine. Robert Rossen wrote the screenplay which closely followed the novel. Rossen would later recommend Brown as a screenwriter which led to an award-winning career.

The film which takes place in 1943 and tells the story of a platoon that lands in Salerno, Italy with a mission to blow up a bridge, was initially produced by Samuel Bronston at the request of his friend, actor Burgess Meredith. Unfortunately, there were financial issues, and production closed down for a period of time before being taken over by Superior Productions. Bronston later sued and was awarded a portion of the film’s profits.

Because it was a war film, a technical advisor was brought in to ensure accuracy. The man selected was Colonel Thomas Drake who’d risen in the ranks from private to sergeant during the first world war, then commanded an infantry division at the Battle of Kasserine Pass. He was captured during the battle and eventually returned to the US as part of a prisoner exchange with the Germans.

Hollywood had to “make do,” and experts will notice an American half-track painted as a German half-

track and P-51s standing in for German aircraft among other “discrepancies.” Once complete, the film had to be shown to the Army for approval. Authorities requested two changes which I found quite interesting:

The addition of a briefing scene that explained the platoon’s mission. According to Wikipedia, the army “believed the film gave the impression the platoon meandered about without an objective.” Ultimately, the platoon sergeant reminds his men about the briefing while in the landing craft.
The addition of a remark in the beginning of the film explaining why the bazooka was not used during the attack on the farmhouse. Would the general public really have noticed that?

The movie stars Dana Andrews who is perhaps most well-known for his part as the detective in the 1944 noir film, Laura. A Walk in the Sun was his twentieth picture, and over the course of his career he appeared in over fifty as well as dozens of television shows. Additional cast members include Richard Conte, John Ireland, Lloyd Bridges, and Sterling Holloway. Burgess Meredith narrated the film.

Have you seen this classic?

____________________

The American World War II Home Front in 29 Objects:

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Purchase link: https://books2read.com/u/47pLxR

Photo Credits:

Movie Stills: Twentieth Century Fox

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Wartime Wednesday: Holiday Meals During Wartime

Holiday Meals During Wartime

Tires were the first item rationed in the US after the attack at Pearl Harbor when authorities realized rubber was going to be a crucial war materiel. It would be another four months before various foodstuff found its way onto the list, with sugar being first in May 1942. Coffee followed in November that year, then meats, fats, canned fish and canned milk, and cheese.

People integrated meatless meals in their weekly menus as well as learned how to cook “variety meats,” a euphemism for organ meats. My parents had very different experiences during the war. Mom lived on a large farm, as did many of her nearby relatives, so her family already raised most of their food. They were more impacted by gas rationing because of living so far from town. Dad lived in Baltimore City in a row house that had very little yard, so their space was limited for inputting a Victory Garden. They ate lots of canned vegetables and went without.

In the early years of our marriage when money was tight (paying off student loan, car payments, etc.) we tried our hand at gardening. We were marginally successful, but we constantly fought the deer, rabbits, and birds for our produce. And I hated weeding! We probably would have been more like Dad’s family and stuck with canned food.

During my growing up years, we went to my maternal grandparent’s house for Thanksgiving where

aunts, uncles, and cousins joined us for a feast that included turkey, ham, and meatloaf plus three kinds of potatoes, and every vegetable you can think of. For Christmas my paternal grandparents visited us (probably because the thought of loading the car with four kids and their gifts, then schlepping five hours was not my parent’s idea of a good time). Mom spent most of the morning in the kitchen, and we typically had a turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and the iconic green bean casserole. We could count on leftovers.

During the war with meat at a premium, stews, soups, and casseroles were often served for the holidays. Desserts were limited and were often composed of fruit rather than sugar (although corn syrup and maple syrup were popular substitutes).

Here are recipes from the Victory Cookbook for a yummy and cost-effective wartime meal sure to please you and your family:

Chicken Pie with Sweet Potato Crust
3 Cups diced cooked chicken
1 Cup diced cooked carrots
6 cooked small white onions
1 Tablespoon parsley
1 Cup milk
1 Cup Chicken Broth
2 Tablespoons flour
1 Teaspoon salt
1/8 Teaspoon pepper

Crust:
1 Cup sifted flour
1 Teaspoon baking powder
½ Teaspoon salt
1 Cup cold mashed sweet potatoes
½ Cup melted butter
1 egg, well beaten

To make crust: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Work in mashed potatoes, melted butter, and egg. Roll ¼ inch thick.

For casserole: Arrange chicken, carrots, onions, and parsley in layers in casserole dish. Combine milk and chicken broth. Add slowly to flour, blending well. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Season and pour over chicken and vegetables in casserole. Cover with sweet potato crust. Bake in 350-degree oven for about 40 minutes.

Dessert: Baked Stuffed Apples

6 large, red apples (your choice)
1 Cup chopped bananas
1 Cup chopped cranberries
1 Cup sugar
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
Chopped nuts (your choice)

Cup off stem end of apples, but do not peel them. Remove core and a portion of the pulp, leaving the walls about ¾ inch thick. Mix bananas, cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon. Fill the cavities in the apples with the mixture, cover with chopped nuts, and bake in 350-degreee oven until tender, about 30 minutes.