What's Fall without Apples?

For the last several years I've had good intentions to head out to the local Apple Orchard to pick an element of Fall. Each year there has been one reason or another that we just didn't quite manage to launch the tradition.  Finally ... this year we did it! Saturday morning our Chloe Alarm sounds at 7am. To begin the day we're meeting my folks and the grand kiddies for a good ole country breakfast - southern style. After filling our tummies with warm pancakes and syrup {and several cups of coffee too!}, we head out to the farm where we are welcomed by row after row after row of apple trees. Armed with our apple baskets we head into the sea of apple trees to pick our bounty {and the most important ingredient to Fall}.  I'm holding the basket as Jon fills it with apples - and as he's doing so he's explaining to Chloe what we're doing...she look sat him, and watches as he reached out towards the tree...and says "APPLE"! For the ten millionth time, in the middle of an Apple Orchard, I am reminded again why my heart beats!

 I can count about 5 different types of apples in my basket . . . .
. . .my sweet hubs. . .


And here is a snap shot of Granny and Grandpa with the kiddies. A very rate moment of cooperation :)


For the rest of the week we shall bake. The best recipes come from grandma - don't you agree? I found this recipe from Grandma Ople - thanks to her generous granddaughter who has now published the family recipe. It goes something like this:

Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft


Go forth and bake - and let me know how the recipe turned out! {ps. if you have a good apple recipe that you're just bursting to share - please do! }