I finally had my first experience apple picking! And I loved it. Jeff, Marla, Bob and I went to Valley Orchard, which is located near Rockford, IL. From Arlington Heights, it took about an hour to drive there.
As soon as we arrived, the skies opened up and buckets of rain began to fall. We hung out in the Valley Orchard barn/store for a bit.
In the store, we found tomatoes and squash to bring home, and goofed around with finding our favorite quotes. I really enjoyed that this apple orchard was quaint and everyone was friendly and welcoming.
Finally, the rain subsided, and we were able to venture out into the farm. Check out Jeff’s photography skills (on his iPhone!) for this awesome picture:
Is there anything better than picking an apple off the tree and immediately biting into it? We roamed up and down rows of apple trees, and picked lots of those that tasted the best. :)
We came home with Senshu (my personal favorite), Yellow Delicious, and Jonathon apples.
I can’t wait to try out a few new recipes with all that I brought home! In anticipation, I’ve already pinned a bunch of ideas.
Since I’m not much of a baker, I still have my eyes set on this:
Source: squawkfox.com via Michelle on Pinterest
Have you been apple picking? Let me know if you have any fantastic apple recipes, or link up in the comments!
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FUN! I’ve never been apple picking and would LOVE to try it.
Saw this paleo apple crisp recipe on Twitter today. The post is a couple of years old, but the author said she’s seeing a traffic spike for the recipe. Tis the season for apples.
http://www.thefunctionalfoodie.com/2010/09/paleo-apple-crisp.html
Thanks, John! Looks like a good recipe. And I already have all the ingredients except the butter–but Marla has been telling me to try Kerrygold, so this might be the perfect time! Or, I bet using coconut butter would be a fantastic substitute. The recipe I linked to in this post happens to be paleo, too!
Awesome John! I’ve got lots of plans for all the apples we brought home but I pinned this for sure.
And Michelle, since you’re familiar with coconut butter I think it’s a good time to try Kerrygold!
Looks like so much fun! I have been dying to go apple picking! Hopefully, we’ll go sometime this fall!
What a wonderful trip!! I’ve never tried a senshu apple, but sweet/crisp are my favorite kinds (especially galas, nom!)
I say you put ‘em in a grilled cheese!
They said senshu were like Fuji, which are my personal favorite, so I was happy.
hmmm…grilled cheese and apples, interesting. I was planning on trying a Paleo bread recipe this week so I just might try that!
Looks like so much fun! I always want to go every fall. Just seems like fall is so busy, and we never get to it! Next year!
I LOVE apple picking and go almost every year. It’s just not fall without it! Glad you had a good first experience. And that photo Jeff took is amazing. Breath-taking, really.
Thanks Jenica!
I looked up places near me and there weren’t any. I am guessing Louisiana is too hot? I will definitely look up a place when I go home to Georgia and visit family! Your pictures captured some beautiful scenery! And I love the apple list!!!!!
Well, if you ever have a chance, try it! It really was fun–and so great to taste apples right off the tree.
So fun!!! I’ve never gone apple picking.. I’d love to go this fall!!
I just saw on another bloggers site that they did apple picking this weekend as well. I’ve never been, but it seriously sounds like such a great time!!!
The photo of the three of you in the field is absolutely beautiful!! Apple picking is on my bucket list (we dont have anyplace to do it in Cali) and I’m hoping to do it next month in New England– can’t wait!
I guess the trade-off is all those wonderful vineyards instead!