I’ve Been Apple Picking…Now What?

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applesI love the fall, especially apple picking. However, there are only so many Macs a girl can eat before the thought of one more apple makes your eyes cross. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but a whole bag of apples?! Sometimes enough is enough! 

So, what do we do with the other half bushel we have sitting on the countertop besides apple pie and crumble? Perhaps an item or two on the following list might catch your eye and save you from another Mac snack!

1. Make applesauce and freeze it for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a crazy time of year, and it is so easy to get overwhelmed. Applesauce freezes really well. Pop it in one of those takeout-style containers and toss it in the freezer. This way, when you are trying to stuff turkeys and clean your home for guests, and everything else is falling apart around you, all you have to do is take out the frozen applesauce and defrost. Mental crisis averted! 

Besides, homemade applesauce tastes amazing. It’s so much better than store-bought, as you can control the consistency, the sweetness, and the ingredients if you make your own. Plus, your house will have that yummy cinnamon smell all day! Try substituting some of the apples with pear for a sweet twist or adding some golden raisins and walnuts into the sauce.

2. Try a NEW apple recipe.

Apple pies are a dime a dozen during the fall, but apples can do so much more! Apples are super versatile. Chop up some of those delicious apples and add them to salads, stuffing, and even oatmeal. Try apple cinnamon Amish bread, apple butter, or apple pancakes! Use them in a savory dish like bacon apple quesadilla (surprisingly delicious). Or, if you prefer to drink your apples, give them a quick chop and throw them into some red wine with an orange for instant sangria. Who doesn’t love a nice fruity glass of “mommy juice” now and again?” (You can use a sparkling grape juice instead of wine if you want to make your drink kid-friendly…not as fun, but the kids will enjoy it.).

3. Do a science experiment or an art project with your little ones.

Anyone over the age of 6 may look at you like you are insane, but your little ones will be all over edible science. They will look at you in awe and amazement if you cut the apple horizontally and show them the seed star inside. Ok, well, maybe not awe and amazement, but it’s still super fun! You can talk about different parts of the plant and channel your inner Johnny Appleseed and plant some seeds! If art is more your style, try slicing the apple in half horizontally and using it as a big stamp. Use tempera paints to make a beautiful original print!

4. If all else fails, you can always make a pretty little basket of apples and have your child bring “an apple to the teacher.”

It’s never too early in the school year to show your appreciation! I’ve been in the education system for over a decade, and it still melts my heart every time one of my little students brings me an apple!

Enjoy all the apple goodness. Before you know it, pumpkin spice will take over the universe, and we’ll all be running away from the Halloween candy at the grocery store!

So mamas, do you have a favorite way to use up all those freshly picked apples? Share in the comments!

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Kristen
Kristen is the proud mom of two wonderful, smart and sassy daughters (born in 2007 and 2011). Raising her kids as a single mom is a challenge and an adventure and she loves every minute of it. Kristen loves bringing up her girls in the same area of Westchester that she grew up in, having only moved a few miles from her childhood home. A long time passion for working with children led Kristen to pursue a career in education and she has been an elementary school teacher in the Bronx for over a decade. Her teaching career has taught her that every day is a new experience and to "expect the unexpected." If she can find any spare time between teaching and motherhood, Kristen likes to read, binge watch horrible romantic comedies on TV, bake, and go on road trips with her girls.

6 COMMENTS

  1. My great friend Ned Flanders gave me some rules to live by:
    If it’s clear and yellow, You’ve got juice there fella.
    If it’s tangy and brown, you’re in cider town.

  2. I love your science experiment idea!

    We love apples in our house. Here are just a few ways we enjoy apples in our family – I slice up apples and squeeze a little lemon juice on and pack them up for the kids to bring to school almost every day. We love them sliced and dipped or spread with peanut butter and/or almond butter, a little sprinkle of cinnamon is extra yummy. Chopped up in our morning oatmeal, homemade apple crisp, apple and carrot muffins, the list goes on and on!

  3. We use them a ton too- it was tricky to limit my list to just a few great ideas lol! When you squeeze lemon do your kids mind the taste? I leave them whole because I’m afraid my kids won’t like the taste! We also like French toast with apples baked in. We are apple picking this weekend – can’t wait to start baking!

  4. Adorable ideas !!! I’m going to bring an apple to the judge ! And channel my inner Johnny Appleseed. Thanks westchester mom!

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