Apple Memories
I grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. My father was an entrepreneur, working hard to provide a life that he hadn’t had as a child. The gifts from the farm are those unimaginable, untouchable gifts- the memories and the honest innocence of childhood that can literally sweep over me like a hug.
There are many memories of growing up on a farm, playing in the woods, using our imaginations to create storylines that would last for months on end. Beginning in the cool Spring into the late fall, when the leaves would crunch under our feet as we continued to play.
Why did they decide to move us to the farm? Then, I didn’t understand their reasons. Now, I think it’s very obvious that it was probably one of the greatest things that my parents could have done.
It was this time of year, every year when the huge old apple trees would begin to drop their beautiful fruits. These weren’t apples like you see in the grocery store, these were sort of ugly, misshapen by today’s grocery standards. They were a dark red, almost purple skin with hints of yellow or green. They were just the perfect size for tiny hands and oh the crunch! The loud crunch, the sweet and sometimes bitter juices would just explode in your mouth with unmistakable flavor.
Memories of story telling, crunching apples, climbing trees and holding kittens invoke feelings I cannot describe.
Now, it’s these memories that I love to relive, in my mind’s eye. As an adult, I can recreate them in the kitchen, with my own almost-grown daughters, and also with you.
Food Is Love: National Dessert Day
First, I believe that food is love and that these memories are truly ones of love that my parents have for one another and for us.
Secondly, on National Dessert Day, I’d like to share a favorite recipe of mine that has been adapted over the years out of my Mom’s old Betty Crocker cookbook, and can be found easily online through many sites.
I’m including the link to All Recipes Apple Hand Pies, (or as we called them in my house-Apple Turnovers,) because it’s the one that I’ve been able to adapt to my own, and recreate the smells of fall afternoons, baking the freshest of apples plucked from the tree (or the ground) and sharing the joy in the kitchen with my family. Happy National Dessert Day!
Apple Hand Pies: (or Apple Turnovers)
Prep Time:25 min Cook Time:35 mins Additional Time:15 mins Total Time:1 hrs 15 mins
Servings:4
Ingredients:
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Farm Fresh or Green Apples -2 – peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons
¼ cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon – 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, or to taste
Water – 1 teaspoon or more if needed (Optional)
1 pound prepared pie dough, cut into 4 pieces
1 egg
2 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon white sugar, or as needed
As I mentioned there are many variations and many recipes out there. This ingredient list was adapted from a recipe by Chef John from All Recipes, and the full list of directions can be found on the website here.
And a special thank you to mom, my grandmothers, my daughters and my sisters for creating these special memories with an abundance of love.
Thanks for reading!
Open House This Weekend:
If you go out to a Farmer’s Market this weekend to pick up some fresh produce, why not swing by the Open House from 10-1 p.m. at 3829 Rounding Bend Lane to say hello to Tammy Ebersole or Carissa Kelley. This home in the desirable Rivers Edge community won’t last too long! Enjoy your weekend and Happy Fall!
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