A few weeks ago, after returning from Greece to Chicago, one of the first things I ate was an apple. The crunch, the aroma and the sweet flavor immediately transported me into autumn.
The mounds of red and green apples in the supermarkets used to cause a slump in my shoulders and instant mourning for all the fresh, summer fruits that had disappeared for so many months to come. I turned a cold shoulder to the firm fruits, cursing them for being one of the only local, fresh options replacing their succulent predecessors.
Growing up in Michigan, apples were prevalent. I always loved our trips to Robinettes apple orchard for a hot cider, donut and maybe a hay ride. But I seem to remember that Red Delicious apples dominated every scene with a few MacIntoshes for variety. Galas were only black tie events my parents attended and Fuji was a far off place unknown to my untraveled youth. Though it is hard to admit (as I am a patriotic Midwestern girl), I never even liked apple pie.
This year, something changed. The first apple I ate in early September was a large, juicy Honey Crisp. For some unknown reason, my senses perked up and took note of the unusual texture and audible crackle as my teeth sank through each section. Mini Whipped also pushed apples to the forefront of her food desires and began requesting “apple snack please” more than once a day.
Something inside was unleashed and like a new love affair that can’t be satiated, we bought mounds of apples, started eating them daily, found library books about apples and have now planned a family voyage to the Michigan orchard. As if my kind neighbor could sense my new found desire, she dropped off a homemade apple pie the other night for no special reason. And guess what? I loved it.
For snacks, we have been pairing apples with white cheddar and nuts, topping slices with peanut butter and raisins and dipping them in yogurt. We are hungry for more… what are your favorite apple snacks?
October 5th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
My 18 month old and 4 1/2 year old are loving apples right now too! I will be chaperoning my older son’s class trip to the apple orchard next week and am looking forward to cider doughnuts! We’ve mostly been eating our slices straight up (because they’re so good!) but also spreading some with nutella and peanut butter.
October 5th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I’m from Michigan too. Fall is my favorite season, and I love apples.
I like apples with caramel dip (not too healthy but yummy). Also not so healthy are crisp apple slices dipped in bittersweet chocolate (its a good snack to pack for lunch because the apples keep encased in chocolate).
I also like to sprinkle them with cinnamon and drizzle with honey.
October 6th, 2010 at 10:16 am
I had the same experience as you with apples. I grew up with them, held a grudge against them, and now I think they’re wonderful. I slice them to put in turkey, cheddar and cream cheese wraps sometimes. But a local orchard in my town has some recipes, and this one is soo yummy. http://www.cartermountainorchard.com/intheKitchen/appleRecipes/citrusAppleDanish.shtml
October 6th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Apples. Peanut butter. Nutella. You need little else in life (except for butter :). Oh, and wine :)
October 6th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
[...] Apple Snacks [...]
October 7th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Honey crisps are my favorites as well. I am seriously considering planting a tree or two in my yard! I spend too much money on them every fall.
October 7th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
[...] Apple Snacks [...]
October 11th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Apples and cheese. Apples with a little Nutella is a favorite snack. I love your blog and will check out your recipes.
October 12th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
i love honey crisp apples! i slice them and eat them with almond butter.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
My favorite fall dinner is a mountain of roasted kale on one side of the place and apples sliced with extra sharp white cheddar on the other. Happy hour treats on Sunday consisted of sliced salami next to apples drizzled with honey and walnuts. I’ve fallen in love with French apple cakes with their crisp edges and custard-like middles. Apple orchards make my cheeks pink and and my back ache under the sheer ambition of picking that next greatest apple from that very high branch. Apples are fall’s most versatile sigil and man alive I love this season.
October 13th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
granny smiths with almond butter! or I take out the core and microwave them with a little butter, sugar, and cinnamon for a nice backed apple. DELICIOUS DESSERT! It’s about as close to home comfort as a college kid can get.
October 13th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
[...] Apple Snacks [...]
November 1st, 2010 at 9:24 am
Honey Crisps are Husband’s fave….lately I have been smearing them with gobs of Maple Peanut butter
November 4th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
[...] Apple Snacks [...]
November 5th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I grew up in Michigan too! My grandmother used to make delicious apple dumplings and serve them with home made custard. Wish I had the recipe….her pastry was delicious. We would all fight for the leftovers.
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