Just Fowling Around is located in the heart of many of these fruit orchards and the town of Brewster is primarily made up of fruit warehouses and people employed by the fruit industry. In 2015, the devastating fires in the region, caused tremendous loss of fruit and income that the area thrives on. Orchards were lost, and even orchards that were not lost, suffered major loss from the soot coated fruit that could not be harvested for sale. The domino effect of course went back to the people that work this industry, forcing them out of their jobs and relying on generous donations to survive until the next harvest season nearly a year later. Some, not only lost jobs, but homes and belongings.
Apples are available year round now because they can be stored for long periods of time. But most apple varieties are harvested in September and October. In spring we get to enjoy those blossoms in the apple orchards, and in fall we get to enjoy the fruit. Perfect timing for all those Autumn flavors and fragrances wafting from the kitchen.
There are so many varieties of apples to choose from, some being best eaten from hand, while others make the best pies and apple desserts. But apples are not just for desserts, think vinegar, apple syrup, apple jelly, and pectin for making jams and jellies. Apples also combine well with other fruits such as cranberry, and blueberry.
When baking with apples, a combination of tart and sweet brings out the best flavors. Granny Smith is an obvious choice for a semi-tart apple, while Macintosh is a good choice for a semi-sweet apple, best used in making applesauce and apple butter. Gravenstein is suitable in combination with other varieties for great apple desserts. Years ago, Gravenstein and Jonathan apples were the go to apple for all baking because those were the varieties available in the family orchards. Now we have many choices.
Best baking Apples
Cortland is a tart crisp apple, great for pies, and applesauce
Fugi is good for baking and is sweet, firm and juicy, so it holds up well in baking without becoming mushy.
Granny Smith is a crisp, semi-sweet apple that blends well with other apples in baking
Jonagold has a tangy-sweet flavor, used for pies and applesauce.
Rome Beauty is semi-tart good for combining with other varieties in baking
Winesap is a good choice for Pie, Applesauce and Cider. It's quite juicy and has a wine-like flavor. but holds up well in baking so it doesn't turn to mush.
These varieties are mere suggestions, there are other varieties suitable for sauces and baking. Braeburn makes a great Applesauce. While Gale is best dried and used in cider.
For Apple recipes refer to the links below:
Quick and Easy Cinnamon Apple Dumplings:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/cinnamon-apple-dumplings
Quick and Easy Cinnamon Apple Pockets: justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/cinnamon-apple-pie-pockets
Caramelized Apple-No-Churn Ice Cream:
http://justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/caramelized-apple-no-churn-ice-cream
Caramelized Apple Ice Cream Soda: http://justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/apple-ice-cream-soda
Apple Cranberry Float:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/holidays/apple-cranberry-float
Apple Strudel drink:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/holidays/hot-apple-strudel-drink
Old Fashioned Apple Oatmeal Cake: http://justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/old-fashioned-apple-oatmeal-cake
Honey-Vanilla Applesauce:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/recipes-for-self-reliance/category/honeyvanilla-applesauce
Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/from-the-pantry/sweet-potato-apple-casserole
Home made Apple Pectin:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/recipes-for-self-reliance/category/homemade-apple-pectin
Home made Apple Peel Vinegar:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/recipes-for-self-reliance/category/how-to-make-vinegar
Apple Pie Spice Mix:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/sweets-treats-and-drinks/apple-pie-spice-mix
Tip: Regardless of the varieties you choose, be sure to save the peels and cores to make Apple Peel Vinegar, Apple Pectin, Apple Peel Jelly and Syrup.
Additional Uses: The Peels can be dehydrated and added to healthy chicken treats.
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