If Johnny Appleseed's plan was to get the nation hooked on apples, he would have been pleased with my family. Our love affair with apples began when our oldest son was a mere 16-months old. A friend with a toddler of her own called one morning to see if we wanted to visit a local apple farm with her. Being new to the area, I jumped at the chance of an outing. What we discovered that day became what our family affectionately called, The Apple Place. Though it did not offer a pick-your-own orchard, this particular farm did have a wonderful farm stand that proved to be an experience in itself. Growing over 100 different varieties of apples, they offered taste tests of the different kinds that were available any given week. We tasted apples we had never heard of, but which became our favorites. We learned that a farm-fresh Golden Delicious is actually just that delicious -- not the mealy thing one often finds at the grocery store. Needless to say, apple season has become a much loved time of year.
Now that we live in Kansas City, we’ve worked to find local spots for our Apple Adventures. If you have the opportunity to purchase or pick fresh farm apples this fall, make sure you and your family take advantage of it. Try some of these fun activities or recipes to make the most of the season.
Read Stories about Apples
I keep a box of children’s books, written especially about apples. We love to bring out the collection as soon as the first apples are ripe. Some of our favorite stories include Apples by Gail Gibbons, Apple Picking Time by Michele Slawson, and How Do Apples Grow? by Betsy Maestro and Guilio Maestro. If you plan to go apple picking, reading some books beforehand helps prepare your little ones for the adventure. Peruse your library’s catalog and you’ll find some favorites of your own.
Go Apple Picking
To find the orchard closest to home, try the following websites: PickYourOwn.org, AppleJournal.com, and AllAboutApples.com. Make sure to call ahead to inquire about picking conditions. That weird weather in April has wreaked a little havoc at many KC area farms. Most orchards seasons begin in August and run through October or November. Usually there is the option to pick apples yourself or purchase them at the farm stand. Call ahead to determine availability and picking conditions.
Last year our family visited Pome on the Range near Ottawa (785.746.5492). The setting is beautiful, the wagon ride fun for the kids, and the apples taste great. Make a day of it by packing a picnic and dining by the pond.
Many farms hold fall celebrations. (Pome on the Range will host theirs on October 13 and 14.) When you call, inquire about special events to make your trip extra special. To learn more visit PomeOnTheRange.com.
Cook Up Some Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is amazingly easy to prepare and tastes so much better than the store-bought variety. Make sure to have the kids help. Peel, core and slice apples. Place in a large stockpot or crock pot with enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Cook on low until apples begin to soften. Mash with a potato masher or wooden spoon until desired consistency: chunky, smooth, or somewhere in between. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon if desired. This freezes very well so you can enjoy your harvest throughout the winter. Prepare as directed, place in freezer-safe containers, cool to room temperature, and freeze.
Have an Apple Taste Test
Purchase at least three different varieties, labeling the bags so that you remember their names. Slice the apples and place on separate plates, marking them A, B, C, etc. Provide apple dip for your testers and have everybody dig in. Give each person a chance to choose their favorite. Laugh it up by writing down specific comments and trying to be creative in your feedback. Light, and crisp with a buttery finish!
Attend Deanna Rose Farmsteads 5th Annual Apple Fest
On September 8 and 9, the Overland Park farmstead will host a day of fun harvest activities, including live music, an old fashioned cider press (Saturday only), wood carvers, rug hookers, kids crafts, kettle corn, apple pie eating contests, apple sauce making, caramel apples and a visit from Forest the Fox. For more information visit the Farmstead at 138th & Switzer or email FarmsteadFriends@OPKansas.org.
Make an Apple Print
Cut two apples in half, one horizontally, so that the star shaped seed pocket is exposed; the other lengthwise so that the cut side resembles an apple shape. Provide the kids with smocks, large pieces of poster paper, and some washable paint. Take turns dipping the apples cut sides in paint and stamping a variety of apples on the papers. These make beautiful wall hangings, wrapping paper, or placemats.
Visit Louisburg Cider Mill
Since 1977 they’ve been making real apple cider which is pasteurized and contains no preservatives. Head down to Louisburg and visit their country store and cider mill. If you go the weekends of September 29-30 and October 6-7, you’ll have the chance to attend their annual Cider Fest & Craft Fair. Attractions include crafts, BBQ, live music, a petting zoo and kettle corn. Call 1.800.748.7765 or visit LouisburgCiderMill.com for details.
Bake an Apple Crisp
Here's an easy recipe. Make sure to include the kiddos in the cooking as well as the eating.
6 apples, peeled, cored & sliced
1 c. sugar
1 T. lemon juice
1 t. cinnamon
dash nutmeg
1/2 c. flour
2 T. butter or margarine
1/2 c. quick cooking rolled oats
1/4 c. brown sugar
Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a pie plate. In medium bowl, combine apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into pie plate. In small bowl, place flour and butter. Cut butter into flour with two knives until crumbly. Stir in brown sugar and oats. Sprinkle evenly over apple filling. Bake 45-50 minutes, or until filling bubbles and topping is browned. If topping browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil until baking is complete. Allow to cool about an hour. Serve with whipped cream, whipped topping, or vanilla ice cream.
Jessica Fisher is a wife, mother of five, and freelance writer, making her home in Olathe. During apple season she can be found climbing trees for the best fruits.