Orchard Time

If you think going to the orchard is all about picking apples, think again. My first “family fun” post at Writer Interrupted is today, titled The Orchard Tradition. Thought I’d post a couple of yummy apple recipes, both sure to bring raves!

This first one is a link to Shelli’s blog where you’ll find a great recipe for apple pie that’s baked in a brown paper sack in your oven! Shelli says it comes out with a wonderful “wood-fired” taste. Sounds fabulous, and I can’t wait to try it! Check it out: Brown Bag Apple Pie

And here is my favorite (from my good orchard buddy, Kim):

Apple Kuchen

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/2-1 bag yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 1/4 tsp butter flavoring
• 1/4 tsp coconut flavoring
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix the above ingredients well.

• 3 1/2 cups sliced fresh apples
• 1/2-3/4 cups sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 egg

Preheat oven to 350F. Take first six ingredients (mixed well) and lightly press as if a crust on bottom and up sides of greased 9×13 pan. Bake 10 minutes. Arrange apple slices on warm crust. Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle on apples Blend sour cream and eggs together and drizzle over apples–will not completely cover it. Bake it for 25 minutes or till edges turn light brown. Do not overbake.

Apples come in many colors and for many uses. Certain varieties are better for eating out of hand, and others are better for baking, or for sauce. Certain ones will store forever (okay a few months) in the refrigerator. And there’s nothing better than this recipe for homemade cinnamon chunky applesauce! No canning necessary, make it and eat it fresh or freeze it for up to two months.

Now, if you want to know how to plan ahead and have family fun at the orchard, go read my debut post at Writer Interrupted!