fall time

It’s that time of year us northeasterners live for:

v  when you have to shut most of the windows in your house (but not all – not yet!)

v  when the leaves begin changing and people start decorating with pumpkins

v  when you begin having to wear socks if you’re up at night and not under the covers

v  when harvest activities and festivals are in abundance

 

I know that certain things are special because they happen so infrequently, but I really, really wish apple picking could be a year round hobby.  Not only is it as fun as can be, there is nothing more delicious than a crisp, fresh apple you picked from a tree (aside from lobster, butter, ice cream, ham, and pickles, of course).   

those are some of the apples I picked

I went apple picking with my parents yesterday in central Massachusetts.  We went to Brookfield Orchards and had a real good time.  Not only did they have a very well-kept orchard (which would have been plenty), they also had a country store, a bakery, a candy shop, crafts, and concessions.  It was adorable.  We each picked enough apples to fill our own 20lb bag. 

Two things I learned:

      1.  20lbs is heavy and I am not as strong as I used to be in my trail crew days (not even close).

      2.  I need some savory apple recipes.  If I only make baked goods with what ended up being four large bowls of apples, my portion control and healthy eating will end up being null and void.

I did a bit if research this morning and found some cheese and milk/cream free recipes for the following dishes:  apple-parsnip mash, pork and apple stew (I want to try it with chicken though), apple – leek – butternut squash gratin, Brussels sprouts with bacon and apples (I will use ham or prosciutto in place of bacon), and sausages with apples – sauerkraut – onion.  I am excited and eager to begin my testing this upcoming weekend.  Not sure which one(s) I will try first, but there really isn’t any kind of rush, as I will be cooking with apples for at least the next month.  If I come across anything worth making, I will mention it in an upcoming post.  Wish me luck.