***This article appeared first in Heart of Hospitality magazine–Autumn 2024 Edition***

**Read to the end for a yummy apple recipe and a give-away!**

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalms 17:8 NIV).

Just a single step outside, and we know. It’s that season—with cooler temperatures, changing colors, and, at least for many, a hankerin’ for all things apple.

What is it about autumn?

As a girl, I recall Momma stirring a bubbly substance as steam wafted about, giving the illusion of something magical taking place in our otherwise ordinary kitchen. But the aroma left no mystery. Momma was simmering apples for applesauce.

We were originally from Ohio, with a plethora of orchards to choose from—some offering u-pick options while others, as Momma explained, were only we-pick.

“We pick? That means we get to pick ‘em, right?”

My inquiry made sense to my 4-year-old sister who chimed in, “I wanna help!”

But much to our dismay, Momma answered, “No, that’s u-pick. We-pick is when the farmer gathers the apples. Then customers shop for the kind they want, already filling bushel baskets.”

That didn’t sound fun, at least not to two little girls who imagined running up and down rows of apple trees, climbing some, and eating fruit right from the branch. No sir!

Still, for apple-picking posterity’s sake, it was indeed good information. In fact, this was my first introduction to one of the primary actualities for apple-pickers—

Choosing the right orchard to meet one’s personal preferences is of utmost importance.

Today, my sister and I (Momma too) live in western North Carolina. And let me tell you—the Tarheel State isn’t only beautiful. It’s also the 7th largest apple-producing state, with the majority of its orchards tucked in the mountains we’re blessed to call home.

In keeping with tradition, I, as a new mom, tried to instill in my two small boys a love for all things apple. Besides feeding them Gerber’s applesauce when they were infants, they enjoyed apple butter as tots. Our oldest in particular would ask us to spread the dark brown goodness on his biscuit, only to lick it off, then ask for more.

Before either reached kindergarten, we began visiting an apple orchard forty-five minutes from our community. Sky Top in Flat Rock, NC features a playground, a bamboo forest, and farm animals children can feed and pet, not to mention the “How Tall This Fall” sign.

Every autumn, our boys would lean against it, chests out, heads held high, then have me measure their heights. How they’d ooh and aah over how much they’d grown over the course of the previous year.

One fine autumn day we loaded up the car and drove to the orchard, only to discover—horror of horrors—it was closed. Oh, the disappointment! (I mean, have you packed up for a day-trip with children, each anticipating the ensuing adventure, only to have dreams dashed?)

It was then I decided. In the future, we’d do a bit more research before promising a day of apple-picking. Yes sir—I’d know more details before departing.

So, here’s our considerations when we P-I-C-K apples at an orchard.

First is P.

Planning your visit (that is, being intentional to know a bit more about the particular orchard) ensures the one you choose will best suit you and your family’s preferences.

Check hours / days / months of operation. Many orchards are closed to outsiders for part of the year. Find out when the one you’re considering opens to the public.

Get directions. Many orchards are nestled in rural areas, sometimes high in the mountains, often only accessed by unpaved, winding roads.

Another matter to consider—is the orchard pet friendly? There’s nothing like traveling an hour to the orchard of one’s choosing with a panting dog who’s ready to run and play. But all comes to a screeching halt when there’s a No Dogs Allowed sign posted at the orchard’s entrance. (And September / October are still quite hot in many parts of the apple-producing world, so leaving your pooch in the car likely isn’t an option.)

Finally, understanding what my sister and I learned as youngsters is important, especially if you’re bringing eager children with lofty notions. Does the orchard have a u-pick option, or are they only we-pick?

Next is I.

Investment refers to the financial aspects to consider when choosing an orchard. Ask, “How deep do I want to dig in my pockets?”

Find out how much the orchard’s apples cost—by the bag, the half-bushel, and bushel, for example. Are there extra costs to consider—ticketed activities like hayrides, petting zoos, or apple cannons? Does the orchard offer additional products, like cider, apple turnovers, and perhaps pumpkins?

Then there’s C…

Those culinary considerations to keep in mind.

What does one plan to do with the apples? Certain varieties are better for particular purposes. Do you plan on baking pies? Making apple cake? Cooking down for applesauce or apple butter? Pressing for cider? Or do you simply plan on purchasing apples for eating?

Aunt Rachels are a favorite for apple pie because they won’t turn to mush when cooked. Red and Yellow Junes are wonderful choices for applesauce, and a good variety for cider is Grimes Golden.

But what about apples simply for snacking? Do you prefer a tart or a sweet apple? The Stayman is tart and snappy, while the Virginia Beauty is sweet and sassy.

Doing a bit of homework will enable you to choose the correct orchard where the apples you’re wanting for your favorite recipes and desires are available.

Finally, is K.

Keep the tradition! Just as I have wonderful childhood memories which include apples, so do my children and now, my grandchildren. Undoubtedly, the inquiry will soon come—When are we visiting the apple orchard?

Maybe you and your family enjoy scenic hikes over acres of orchards, picking your own apples and wheeling them to the check-out counter in wagons. Or perhaps you prefer showing up for yummy apple donuts and cider, then hauling off a bushel basket full of red, green or yellow fruit. Truly, there’s a perfect apple orchard for everyone, ready to be picked!

Most important—enjoy the memories, not to mention all the goodness your apples will provide. Establishing traditions will almost certainly ensure that, once your kids are grown…

The apple won’t fall far from the tree.

***

Norma’s Apple Cake

(Mixing by hand may be best, as this gets gooey!)

Preheat oven to 350; prepare 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.

2 C. sugar (I like 1 C. white and 1 C. brown)

2 large eggs

2 ½ C. all-purpose flour

¾ C. vegetable oil

2 t. baking powder

1 t. baking soda

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. salt

1 t. vanilla

4 C. chopped apples (Granny Smith’s are great!)

1 C. chopped walnuts (optional)

Spread all ingredients in prepared pan and top with butterscotch chips.

Bake approx. 55 min; test doneness with toothpick.

Enjoy!

***

Meet Maci and… Maisie!

What makes us the “apple” of God’s eye?

My friend Sandra Chambers has written a delightful book called Maisie Discovers Her Fingerprint.

It’s about a cute Frenchie who wonders if she’s special. Children 3-8 years of age will love this sweet story, and I’m offering a give-away.

One blessed participant will receive a copy. All you have to do is share in the comments something special about a child in your life… or even a puppy in your life! I’ll draw a name next Wednesday, Sept. 25th.

I can’t wait to read this wonderful book to my grand-girls, including Maci Lynn who just celebrated her 4-month milestone. Know why? Because I think she’s pretty special too–yes, the APPLE of God’s eye!

(Maisie Discovers Her Fingerprints is available for preorder on Amazon. Click the link in the book’s title above!)