Escaping Troubled Waters

 

Maybe I'm easily amused.

Or maybe I'm in desperate need of being amused. Especially given the train wreck that is our current political climate. A wreck we cannot look away from despite the calming lull of apathy, for fear that apathy could kill any hope of survival. So it isn't too tall a leap to think I just might like something bright and shiny (and nontoxic) to divert my thoughts.

An escape, so to speak. From troubled waters.

One that came, the other day, in the form of planes, trains, and automobiles. Oh, and a row boat added in for good measure.

It started with a social media post, made on a Boston based page that had somehow made it into my newsfeed. And the post showed up right when I was trying to decide whether to shut off the news, or throw the remote through the screen. Serendipity.

You all know I'm originally from Boston, so I'm very familiar with Boston University, the Charles River, Cambridge, and the BU bridge. So I was intrigued that the first of the facts listed was that the BU bridge is the only place in the world where you could fly in a plane, over cars, over a train, over a row boat. That'll capture your attention.

 

That and maybe the irony of the momentary diversion from a train wreck involving an actual train.

But is it true? Or have you got a bridge you'd like to sell me?

Yeah, it's the bridge for sale thing. Sort of.

Turns out (thanks again, google) that the BU bridge is actually one of three where you can row under planes, trains, and automobiles, if you're inclined to do that sort of thing. For me, I think it's probably safer to exercising my imagination in the kitchen below a ceiling rather than exercising my arm muscles below tons and tons of steel.  

Caramel Apple Gingerbread

Oh, in case you're wondering, the other two bridges are in Oregon and Portugal. Most likely not for sale though, if anyone offers.

 

Now yes, I know that fascinating facts . . . well, even if they don't turn out to be wholly true . . . don't do anything to change our political climate. But it can be a fun escape. 

Handcuffs and police plane optional.

Caramel Apple Gingerbread         

                                                                                      ©www.BakingInATornado.com

Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 apple

1 cup apple juice

1 stick butter, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2/3 cup molasses

1/4 cup caramel syrup

2 eggs

2 3/4 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/4 tsp ginger

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp salt

1/ cup caramel baking bits

OPT: sprinkle with powdered sugar and/or top with whipped cream and/or caramel syrup for serving

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour an 8 X 11 baking dish.

*Core, peel, and chop the apple into small pieces.

*In the microwave, heat the apple juice until hot, about 1 1/2 minutes.

*Beat the butter, sugar, brown sugar, molasses, and caramel syrup. Beat in the eggs.

*Add the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, and salt, and mix well. 

Next, mix in the hot juice, and keep mixing until completely incorporated then the chopped apple and caramel baking bits.

*Spread evenly into the baking dish and bake for 30 - 35 minutes, until the center springs back to the touch.

*Allow to cool before topping and/or slicing.