This past weekend my friends and I went on an apple and pumpkin picking adventure. As a Floridian, this was a totally new experience for me and I loved every second. I was so inspired to come home and bake with the “fruits” of my labor! I never quite realized how much fun fall could be.
We went to Riamede Farm. For an entrance fee of $1 you are given a plastic bag and are allowed to pick any apple on the property. You then pay for your apples by the pound.
I wanted a mixture of apples that would be great for both baking and eating. I chose: Cortland’s, which are known for their tart taste and are great for eating as well as making sauces, pies and applesauce; Empire’s are also wonderful for baking; Fuji’s, which are very sweet and are best for eating and putting on salads; and Matsu’s, which have green skin and a sweet and tart flavor.
And of course, the boys just had to get the ones at the very top of the tree!
We also went pumpkin picking. We searched for the perfect pumpkin to carve, roast, and toast for its seeds!
However, every apple and pumpkin picking trip is incomplete without a mug of warm apple cider and apple donuts (the best I’ve ever tasted!)
Apple and pumpkin picking is an adorable idea for a birthday party. Think of all the apple/pumpkin decorations and foods you could serve!
Like this chocolate cake with green apples from Elisa Strauss of Confetti Cakes .
Or apple and peanut butter sandwiches..
Or these fantastic apple seating card/favors available at Papery & Cakery made by Arak Kanofsky.
And of course Appletini’s!
Be on the lookout for a fabulous apple recipe coming up on this Cakery Friday.
Happy Apple and Pumpkin Day!
xoxo,
Ali
