After a slow start on Friday (forgotten shoes and the very important food/potty stop) we headed to the Sierra foothills for our annual trip to Apple Hill. We thought we would skip the adventure altogether this year but Jonathan pulled through with a day off on Friday. So, we headed out the door, excited to pick some apples.
Frost got the apples at our usual spot but we were able to find another u-pick orchard just down the road. Bounding out of the car after the long trip, we got straight to work picking our apples.
After the first minute or two we realized that these weren't the "store" quality, conventional or flawless apples you will find in a supermarket and that was just fine with us. The kids then set out to find the perfect apple without a worm hole in it.
It wouldn't be Apple Hill without some art, animals and apple pie thrown in.
Seriously now Eli, can you shove any more in your mouth? He was very protective of his apple pie! I can't blame him but I much prefer apple wedges smothered in warm caramel sauce!
We also had to stop at the big apple farm to pick up a case of fancy apples.
Today our house smelled like Thanksgiving. While I was out shopping, Jonathan made a few batches of apple butter and two apple crisps to freeze for later.
Oh, I love love love apple season. Your day looks like so much fun!
Nicola
Posted by: Nicola@Which Name? | October 10, 2010 at 11:02 PM
yum! I am loving all the apples around here too.
Posted by: Kelly | October 11, 2010 at 05:11 AM
I love apple time of year! I love that photo of the zinnias - my favorite flowers. Looks like you guys had a blast.
Posted by: grace | October 11, 2010 at 05:34 AM
Aren't they pretty?! I think we talked about this before. They're one of our favorite flowers. :)
Posted by: earthycrunchy | October 11, 2010 at 07:59 AM
It's starting to feel like Thanksgiving around here. I think, possibly my favorite holiday. :)
Posted by: earthycrunchy | October 11, 2010 at 08:00 AM
Have you ever gone to Apple Hill?
Posted by: earthycrunchy | October 11, 2010 at 08:01 AM
Man, the apples from the orchard may not LOOK as pretty as the store bought ones to some people, but you cannot beat the taste! Fun to see your orchard adventure. Ours doesn't have artwork. Cool. I love the idea of freezing the apple crisps. What kind of container do you freeze it in. Do you bake it first and then freeze, or just assemble and then bake later? Do you thaw it before you bake it? (Sorry for all of the questions!) Happy Monday!
Posted by: kerry | October 11, 2010 at 09:12 AM
Hi Kerry, That apple cider we got from apple hill was the sweetest, best tasting stuff I have ever had. I dont think weve gotten apple cider before. We have lots of glass containers that we freeze them in. Sometimes we will bake and freeze them in an apple tin. Then once its frozen, we will take it out, put it in a freezer bag and back in the freezer. We do take it out of the freezer for the day before we bake it. I think you could bake it frozen but it would take longer and because its already baked, I wouldnt want to burn the top. I love apples! Sigh.
Posted by: earthycrunchy | October 11, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Kyndale!! I've been popping in all week trying to catch up with all of your adventures...my you've been busy! It looks like you had a wonderful day to go apple picking, and I'm with you on the warm caramel sauce:-)
Oh my goodness, and your table, it's gorgeous! That will truly be an heirloom for your lucky children!
I'm so enjoying getting caught up with you, I've really missed keeping in touch.
Happy fall from your old blogging buddy,
~Michelle
Posted by: earthycraftymommy | October 11, 2010 at 05:59 PM
gorgeous photos!
it looks like a beautiful visit!
Posted by: gardenmama | October 11, 2010 at 06:38 PM
What fun adventures! I can almost taste the apple pie, crisp, wedges, cider...my favourite fruit for certain! We just celebrated our Thanksgiving this weekend, and I still want more apple pie!!!
xo Jules
Posted by: a little crafty nest | October 11, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Oh apple picking is one of my favorite fall activities. We've gone once already this year and I really want to get back. I think we only have a few more weeks. Oh, and apple butter is high on my list of things to make.
Posted by: Annie | October 12, 2010 at 04:00 PM
Hi Michelle! You're back, so glad to hear that. I'll have to pop over and say hi and see what you've been up to!!
Hugs, Kyndale
Posted by: earthycrunchy | October 12, 2010 at 05:02 PM
oh, the apple butter turned out really good!
Posted by: earthycrunchy | October 12, 2010 at 05:03 PM
awesome! we made some turkey not that long ago and i made an apple pie for dessert that night and our house definitely smelled like thanksgiving:) your day looks absolutely perfect:) we are used to the worm hole apples here since we pick only from our own trees. actually i have never picked at an orchard before and i really want to (just for fun!)...i think next year! have fun eating all that yummy stuff you all made! xoxo, pennie
Posted by: leaningapplemama | October 12, 2010 at 05:25 PM