And Don't Call Me Shirley.

From time to time I'm compelled to wear a bow. This was one of those days.

The extreme Shirley Temple saccharine-ness of this outfit (i.e. bow, barrel curls, and flounce skirt) is held in check by keeping the color palette steely and the accessories hard.

Lion-Print Scarf, thrifted at OMG in Nashville, TN. Shirt, Thara. Skirt, MM Couture. Watch, Michael Kors. Bracelet, Side Lines in Florence, AL. Flats, Michael Kors.

"She (Shirley Temple) was like apple pie and just a normal girl."

-Alice Faye, actress

Also-

If you find yourself confused about the title of today's post, give this vid a watch. 

If you find yourself in awe of the craftsmanship behind today's photos, give Mantlow Photography a look-see.

L8r.

Slap Your Mammy Apple Dumplings.

This recipe is so easy that I can make it in my boyfriend's mixer-less kitchen and so good that I've done just that twice (and counting) in the last week. 

On an unrelated note- don't act like you haven't noticed how much of an improvement over my usual food photography that these fantastic pictures are. A special thanks to Mantlow Photography for helping a sister out.

Slap Your Mammy Apple Dumplings

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and thinly sliced

1 can buttered croissants (the cheaper, the better)

1 cup Sprite

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter

cinnamon to taste

Preheat oven to 350º.

Unroll croissants and wrap an apple slice in each, placing the apple at the wide end of the dough and rolling inward to the narrow end. Pinch to close. Place in an 8x8 square pan and sprinkle generously with cinnamon.

Microwave butter for 30 seconds in a microwave safe bowl.

Add sugar and Sprite to the butter and heat again for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir to mix. Pour over dumplings.

Bake for 30 minutes or until dumplings are golden brown.

Remove from oven, let cool, then proceed to consume. If possible, please refrain from slapping your mammy.

FYI: Ice cream ain't never hurt a dumpling.

Here's to apple wishes and dumpling dreams.

XOXO