Eat, Read, Go: Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake, "Heart the Lover," and Banff

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. Inspired by a certain someone (if anyone has details on tonight’s “standby” event, please share), I’ve decided that I’m also entering a new era, starting, well, today. One in which I’ll…

• Follow these 11 tips for how to style a button-down in a way that looks undeniably cool and chic — nothing short of life-changing for a Non-Fashion Person™ like me.

• Stock up on this pantry staple — apparently, the easiest and cheapest upgrade to your morning coffee.

• Overcome my aversion to this striped piece of clothing, which is being called “Fall’s Chicest Wardrobe Essential” (I’ll admit, it’s somehow more understated than I remember).

• Jump on the denim dress bandwagon, after being influenced by The Greatest Mommy-and-Me Fashion Campaign in History (I will not be taking questions at this time).

• Try the eye makeup that New Yorkers everywhere will be wearing this fall: “Cutie Girl Eyeliner.” Do I love the name? No. But it’s a look so easy, even I can do it.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

This Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Is the Best Thing You’ll Make All Fall

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One of two things is likely happening in your kitchen right now: Either you have more apples than you know what to do with, or you haven’t gone apple picking yet. Yes, we’re in peak apple season, and there’s only one way to celebrate: cake. Specifically this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake from Scientifically Sweet. Essentially, the love child of a fluffy apple cider doughnut and gooey apple pie, this surprisingly simple recipe combines melt-in-your-mouth vanilla cake, soft pockets of spiced apples, an irresistibly crispy cinnamon-sugar crust, and a drizzle of sweet glaze. But best of all: There’s no frying required.

The Time Commitment: Just 35 minutes. After all, you don’t need a long recipe getting in the way of your annual When Harry Met Sally rewatch.

Key Tips: If you’re the type who actually remembers to bring your ingredients to room temp before baking, we salute you. For the rest of us, there are, thankfully, a few shortcuts: cut butter into 1-inch cubes and microwave in 10-second intervals; place eggs in a small bowl of warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. Also, while you can technically use any type of apple for this recipe, Christina Marsigliese (aka Scientifically Sweet) prefers something tart, like a Granny Smith or Cortland.

Other Takes: For more ways to use up your orchard haul, try...

• Apple Cider Coffee Cake. Consider this a reminder that you can — and should — eat cake before 10 am.

• Apple Cider Blondies. Think: A warm, cinnamon sugar-coated apple cider doughnut, but in the form of easy-to-make blondies.

• Apple Cinnamon Bread. With its spiced batter and buttery, cinnamony apple topping, this obsessively good dessert will make you forget all about your go-to banana bread.

Heart the Lover by Lily King

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If The Summer I Turned Pretty finale left a messy-ass love-triangle-sized hole in your heart, allow us to introduce to you Lily King’s Heart the Lover. The latest novel from the Writers & Lovers author follows Jordan, a college senior who catches the attention of two strikingly smart best friends slash roommates in her 17th-century lit class. Over rounds of rowdy card games and witty debates, Jordan is quickly pulled into their world of (somehow charming) collegiate male arrogance, leading to will-they-won’t-they? moments, questionable romantic entanglements, and choices that reverberate into adulthood. That much becomes clear when the narrative jumps decades forward, and Jordan, now married with two children, must confront an unexpected visitor — and some unexpected news. We asked King — who one Goodreads reviewer said owes her “financial compensation for ripping my heart out and stomping on it” — a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about?

King: Hisham Matar’s novel My Friends, about three Libyan friends, from university in the UK to the Arab Spring and beyond. I feel so grateful for that book. Any description I attempt will diminish it. It’s a gift. 

Q: What’s one thing that makes you laugh without fail?

King: Chandler on Friends, texts from my friend Susan, and my husband when he pretends to be in a speed-walking race.

Q: What’s one thing you can’t stop listening to?

King: To prep for Jeremy Allen White’s Bruce Springsteen movie, I’ve gone back to Nebraska, one of my very favorite albums when I was young and moody. It’s still exquisite … So much has changed since he made that album, and yet it seems like an anthem for right now.

Want To See Banff’s Crystal Clear Lakes Without the Crowds? Go Now

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Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, that is a real place — one you’ve likely seen if you’ve spent any time on the travel corners of the internet. But one thing you still might not know about Banff? Fall is the best time to visit the Canadian mountain town. The trees turn an electric gold that looks Photoshopped (it’s not). The hiking trails get noticeably quieter. And you can soak up all the coziness of après-ski, without the treacherous weather and heavy gear. Plus, there’s a downtown lined with mountain-chic accommodations (stay at Moose Hotel & Suites), vibrant art galleries (the wildlife photography at Jeff Walker Gallery is a standout), and shops selling everything from artisanal teas (in an 1890s log cabin, no less) to 25 flavors of fudge. Oh, and did we mention the town’s castle-inspired hotel that looks like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film? Consider those Patagonias packed.  

💧 Take advantage of those Officially OOO, Ready-for-Anything vibes and go big at Banff National Park’s crown jewel: Lake Louise, which, at this time of year, will have gloriously fewer people obscuring the view. Once you’ve said “I can’t believe water can be that blue” for the 15th time, hit one of two nearby hikes. True to its name, Plain of Six Glaciers boasts sweeping vistas of the surrounding glaciers, while Lake Agnes is slightly shorter and offers serene forest views. (You could even do both in one day for extra bragging rights). More of a biker than a hiker? Channel that same Day-One Ambition on Goat Creek Trail, a suitable-for-most-levels route that links Banff to nearby Canmore (one of the filming locations for HBO’s The Last Of Us).

👟 When your feet need a break, enjoy Banff’s easier, yet just as stunning, outdoor offerings. Like Johnston Canyon, a trail that includes suspended catwalks that cross over a rushing river, and offer an up close look at the cascading waterfalls (worth noting: there’s a railing). If even that’s too much walking (relatable), hop in the car and cruise the glacier-lined Icefields Parkway, which connects Banff and Jasper National Parks and has been called “one of the most spectacular drives in the world.” Or, take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for the area’s best views. At night, head to nearby Lake Minnewanka to gaze up at stars, constellations, and, if you’re lucky, a celestial phenomenon known as Steve (pro tip: pack blankets and hot cocoa).

🍴 Some people don’t mind spending a month’s rent on accommodations. Those people stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs. For the rest of us, the hotel’s afternoon tea is the next best thing — with (almost) too-pretty-to-eat pastries, homemade preserves, and stunning mountain views. Or, for an afternoon pick-me-up that’s more grab-and-go, swing by Wild Flour for freshly baked breads and ridiculously large maple twists. When you’re ready for dinner, try Block Kitchen + Bar, a local favorite serving up bao buns, nori-dusted Tokyo fries, and more  Asian-inspired dishes. And if your thrill-seeking extends beyond the outdoors, check out Banff’s famous fondue spot, The Grizzly House, where the menu ranges from from rattlesnake and alligator to steak and seafood (we’re relieved too).

You’ve figured out your next vacation destination. Great choice. Skip the scramble for a place to stay and use Booking.com. It serves up thousands of vetted hotels, villas, apartments, and other accommodations that you can filter according to your nice-to-haves and nonnegotiables. Plus, their price match guarantee helps you lock in the best rate. Enjoy that (necessary) hot tub.

We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:

Q: I recently helped a neighbor whose babysitter cancelled at the last minute. She said she would pay me for the time but never did. What’s a nonawkward way to bring it up?

“It’s often helpful to begin a difficult conversation by openly stating that the subject isn’t easy for you. This creates an opportunity for empathic connection — and is less likely to trigger defensiveness in the other person. For example, you might say, ‘I feel a bit awkward bringing this up, but I don’t want anything to get between us. I was happy to step in as your babysitter and would appreciate receiving payment. Would you prefer to give me cash? Do you want my Venmo or Zelle info?’ Another, slightly more direct approach would be, ‘I know you’re super busy and likely forgot, but I wanted to check in on payment for the babysitting I did. Do you prefer to pay by Venmo or Zelle?’ No matter what approach you take, remember that it’s your right to be paid for your services, and even though standing up for yourself in situations like this can feel uncomfortable, healthy boundaries pay off in the long run.”

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.