Editor’s note: This piece was originally published in September, 2015. Since it is once again apple picking season — and a visit to an apple orchard is an outdoors, Covid-safe activity! — we are republishing this piece today.
It’s fall. Which means back-to-school, an endless parade of Jewish holidays and schlepping your kids to your nearest orchard to go apple picking.
Don’t get me wrong. I adore apple picking! Every year growing up, my parents would load my siblings and I in the car and travel 45 minutes to New Paltz, NY, in the beautiful Hudson Valley where they met in college, fell in love and got married on the side of Mount Minnewaska. Each year our trip apple picking, pumpkin selecting and cider drinking included a tour of their college hangouts. And we loved it.
I now continue this tradition with my own family, and we cherish it tremendously.
But despite the memories and cute photo-ops with bales of hay and wooden cut-out scarecrows, there are still the actual apples — sitting in bags or bowls on your counter — with which to contend. You totally know what I am talking about.
When my daughter was a baby, I couldn’t churn out fresh applesauce fast enough. But those days are long gone. So what else can you do with apples?
Here’s a list of some of the most mouth-watering, non-apple pie recipes I could get my hands on, including boozy drinks, ooey-gooey grilled cheese and even some things your kids might like. Got a favorite? Let us know!
Cocktails:
1. Honeycrisp Apple Sangria from Sally’s Baking Addiction
2. Apple & Honey Punch from The Nosher
3. Simple Spiked Cider from Running to the Kitchen
4. Apple Bourbon Bellini from Food Fanatic
5. Green Apple Ginger Martini from Gourmande in the Kitchen
Things you actually want to eat:
1. Roasted Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese with Thyme Butter from Kailley’s Kitchen
2. Pomegranate Apple Salad with Parmesan Dressing from The Nosher
3. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Apple Gruyere Crostini from Offbeat and Inspired
4. Brie and Apple Pizza from Beauty & the Beard
Activities and treats to try with the kids:
1. Apple Cranberry Sauce from MyJewishLearning
2. Apple Dippers from Lauren’s Latest
3. Mini Caramel Apple Pops from My Litter
4. Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Apple Bites, from The Comfort of Cooking
5. Apple Pie Baked Stuffed Apples from Sally’s Baking Addiction
Desserts that aren’t apple pie:
1. Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake from Baked by Rachel
2. Hot Buttered Rum Apple Pie Stuffed Soft Pretzels from Half Baked Harvest
3. Apple and Honey Cupcakes from Kveller
4. Apple Walnut Tart with Maple Custard from Hip Foodie Mom
5. Glazed Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread from Lovely Little Kitchen
