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Apple Picking

© Debbie DeSpirt

Fall is a beautiful time of the year. The weather cools, the leaves begin to change and most of the pollen has fallen from the plants. Once again, we the environmental allergy sufferers can enjoy the smells,sounds and sights of the great outdoors.

Last weekend my family headed for an apple orchard and picked a couple bags of apples. My four year old son was able to participate because the trees were dwarf in size. He made a map and directed my husband and I to the appropriate trees, to pick the finest apples. We spent about an hour picking and walking through the beautiful orchard. The place was wonderful, no phones, mowers, or cars to be heard, just the laughter and chatter of families.

After our delight of picking we headed to the small country store and ordered our lunch. We sat and chatted and enjoyed the moment.

After our wonderful morning, we returned home to make a variety of tasteful and nutritious recipes with our apples.

Applesauce : Peel core and chop a desired amount of apples. Place in a steamer and cook until tender but not mushy. Place the cooked apples in a blender and puree. Homemade applesauce that tastes delicious with no added sugar.

Apple Muffins :Peel and chop 1.5 cups of apples. Sift 1 cup flour, 1tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp baking powder. In a large bowl, beat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 egg and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Fold in the dry ingredients and combine only to all is moist. The batter should be lumpy. Fill 12 muffin cups and sprinkle with a sugar mix. ( 1.4 tbsp white sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon) Bake for 20 minuters at 375 degrees. Enjoy while piping hot.

Apple Candles: Select an apple that is sturdy on a flat surface. Place a votive candle on the top of the candle and outline with a pen or pencil. Cut out the outline and scoop out a little of the apple. This is the area where the votive candle will be placed. The candle should be nestled in the apple. Once the cut is finished sprinkle lemon juice on the apple to deter it from browning.

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