As the season turns, my thoughts go back to growing up in Massachusetts and the times my mom, my sister Nancy, and I used to go and pick Mcintosh apples. All of you New Englanders know how delicious Mac’s are and how short the season is. We would go to our favorite “you pick” farms, grab bushel baskets, and head out to the apple orchard in pursuit. We’d climb up the wood ladder to search for those sweet-tart juicy gems, and as dedicated as we were, we’d be sure to sample a few along the way to ensure they were of peak ripeness.
Once our bushel basket was full, Nancy and I would add a few more until we knew that no other apple would fit. We’d each grab a handle and haul our baskets back to the car. We felt empowered and strong, yet I’m sure it was not a graceful process to witness trying to balance those last few that we balanced on the top. By the way, we never left the apple farm without a gallon of hard apple cider. Yum!
Once our harvest was in the cool cellar, we knew we were set for a few months. And then the cooking began…. It started with apple crisp! My mother always made the best applesauce with a good dash of cinnamon, probably the best on the planet. That was so good as a topping for my father’s favorite potato pancakes. Our Lithuanian heritage inspired the latkes, as well as sausages baked with apples and homemade sauerkraut. Then there were pies. Oh, the pies! Mom was a professional cook who could make the most tender, flakey short crusts and luscious apple filling.
I’d be willing to guess that many of you have fond memories of fall and apple season. Whether sipping warm cider after raking the leaves or sharing an apple with your favorite teacher, this perfect fruit is as versatile as it is good for us! After all, what do they say about “An apple a day…”?
Please enjoy some of my favorite apple recipes to add to your collection:
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