Baked Apple Cinnamon Doughnut Holes

Halloween has passed, the calendar has turned to November, the days are getting shorter, and the time until we get to meet our baby is getting smaller. During our visit with the doctor last week, we discussed all of our labor and delivery plans, covered all of the signs that I need to watch, turned in our hospital admission forms, and submitted our birth plan. After the appointment, I looked at the doctor and asked, “Is there anything that we’re missing?” She smiled and said, “No, you’re all set.”

When I’m not working or spending time with family and friends, my time has been spent researching baby information, getting the nursery ready, and shopping for baby items that will ease us into the lives of adulthood. Before we know it, our lives will be forever changed and I want to make sure that we’re as prepared as can be. I am aware that I cannot be fully prepared but I do know that every step between now and delivery day can help prepare us for the massive transition.

The movements of the baby are getting stronger and stronger, the baby bump is getting bigger and bigger, the realization that we’re going to meet the baby soon is sinking in deeper and deeper, and the anticipation of what’s to come is getting clearer and clearer. The fact that we’re having discussions with the doctor about labor and delivery seem a bit too unreal at this moment. And then I flip through my calendar and quickly realize that there are only a few weeks left until we get to meet our dream come true.

It truly is amazing to look back at my progress over the months and realize that just a few months ago, I couldn’t wait for my baby bump to show. Now, I can’t go anywhere without people commenting about the bump and asking questions about the baby. I love talking about the baby with everyone who crosses my path since I’ve received nothing but celebratory warmth, smiles, and healthy wishes for baby Nugget. I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for all of the love and support.

The plans are in place with the hospital. The maternity photo shoot happened yesterday. The nursery is organized and ready to welcome the baby. The baby names have been selected. The birthing classes are scheduled for mid-November. The hospital bag will soon be packed. As I continue to check items off my list, I can’t help but keep wondering, “What am I missing?”

I know that items will pop into my mind between now and delivery day and I cannot wait to tackle each and every item since I know that it will bring us one step closer to meeting and being prepared for Nugget.

Wow, has time flown by. Before we know it, we’ll be walking through the door carrying Nugget.

* I’m 32 weeks in the photos throughout this post.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Doughnut Holes

Ingredients:

For the doughnuts:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and diced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a muffin tin by spraying with non-stick spray.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in a medium bowl.
3. Whisk together the oil, sugar, egg, vanilla, and milk in a separate large bowl.
4. Mix the flour mixture with the egg mixture until just combined. Toss in the apple pieces and mix to coat the apples.
5. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. 
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. 
7. Prepare the coating: Pour the melted butter in a bowl. Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
8. Remove the doughnuts from the muffin tin and roll in the melted butter. Next, roll the doughnut in the sugar mixture.
9. Repeat.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What’s your favorite kind of apple?