How 'Bout Them Apples?

Apple picking is an entertaining way to spend a beautiful afternoon outside.  With fall coming to a close and frost beginning to settle on the ground each night, students are losing time to enjoy outdoor activities such as apple picking. 

In nearby Timberville, Va, which is just a 25 minute drive from campus, multiple places offer opportunities to pick your own apples with a group or with friends.  Here is the information for two that you want to check out before it starts getting too chilly!    

 Ryan’s Fruit Market is on Rt. 613 is Timberville.  They offer apple varieties such as Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith and Gala.  To contact Ryan’s Fruit Mart, call 540-896-2181 or email cryan56374@aol.com.  Call to get information about when certain apples are ripe.

Showalter's Orchard and Greenhouse is located on Honeyville Rd. in Timberville.  Showalter's offers homemade apple cider and over 20 varieties of apples.  On Saturdays, patrons can visit the Orchard and pick their own apples to take home.  For more information about Showalters, call 540-896-7582 or visit www.showaltersorchardandgreenhouse.com.


Once your apples have been picked, try one of these fun and easy recipes from some of your favorite Food Network stars!  These recipes also do not require a lot of baking, so on campus students will be able to make them as well.


Caramel Apples
Paula Deen


Ingredients

• 6 apples
• Craft sticks
• 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly. Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set. They can be rolled in chopped nuts for an added touch of flavor!

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network website: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/caramel-apples-recipe/index.html

Waldorf Salad

Food Network Kitchens

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup walnuts halves
• 1/2 cup non-fat yogurt
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 lemon, zest finely grated
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large crisp apples, such as Gala
• 2 ribs celery (with leaves), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick pieces (leaves chopped)
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 head Boston lettuce, trimmed, washed, and dried

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degree F.

Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool and break the nuts up into small pieces.

Whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl and season generously with pepper.

Halve, core, and cut the apples into 3/4-inch pieces, leaving the skin intact. Add the apples, celery and raisins to the bowl, and sprinkle with the lemon juice; then toss with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately.

When ready to serve, toss walnuts into the salad. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter, or divide them among 4 salad plates. Place the salad on the lettuce and serve.

Recipe courtesy of the Food Network website: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/waldorf-salad-recipe2/index.html

Apple picking is a fun and delicious way to spend a fall afternoon.  Apple season runs through the end of November, so be sure to get picking while you still can!