HOLIDAY SHARING
APPLES BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER BY BECKY BARNETT
Whether its harvesting, baking, or eating: apples are a tool to bring people together. At least that’s how I see it. There’s something special about gathering in the kitchen and baking together, or having good conversation over a slice of apple pie. Some of my favorite memories have been made in the kitchen; rolling pie dough, slicing, peeling, mixing, measuring, and talking about life with my mom, sister, and Meemaw. Harvesting apples each fall is a family tradition I keep with my husband and kids. Orchards are beautiful places to visit, the air hangs heavy with sweetness, between rows of trees laden with brilliant fruit. Since it’s apple season, we are sharing a few of our favorite apple recipes; in the hope that you might be inspired to rally some loved ones and get baking! It’s
the perfect time for chatting about end of the year plans, reflecting on holidays gone by, and enjoying a few moments of intentional gratitude for the simple things in life. If you are in search of wonderful apples, may I point you to Heckman’s Orchards, located in Effort. The above photo was taken at their abundantly stocked farm market. They also host pick your own apple weekends in mid fall. Why not gather a crew and frolic through the orchards to collect the freshest apples? Then, head home to bake them into delicious, shareable goodies! It will be a fall day to remember. PHOTO CREDIT: BECKY BARNETT
Quick and Simple Apple Crisp Ingredients: 5 cups sliced and peeled apples 3 tablespoons granulated sugar ½ cup oats ½ cup packed brown sugar ¼ cup flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ cup butter Instructions: Mix apples and granulated sugar gently together. Pour into two quart baking dish. In a medium bowl combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, and spices. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over fruit. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until fruit is tender and crumb topping is golden brown. Serve warm and topped with vanilla ice cream!
12 MKR Magazine September 2021
