Apple Picking Fun with Recipes!

All photos in this post are courtesy of the lovely Kara Williams.

Fall’s crisp air is a welcome change after the hot, humid summer we’ve had and it seems only appropriate to welcome this new season with some apple picking! Wouldn’t you agree that an excursion to a local orchard sounds like a great way to spend some quality family time?

Now that you’re in the mood for some warm apple cider brewed from the apples you hand-picked with your little ones, possibly accompanied by some delicious homemade apple pie or alternatively, you’re ready to make some homemade apple sauce for your 6 month old, let me share the less than great news {remember, I’m only the messenger}…

There appear to be TWO places {sometimes having fewer options is preferred right? Look at the success of Trader Joe’s!} in our area where you can find apples to pick, thanks in large part to the freeze we experienced this past winter/spring which damaged the apple blossoms:

A one-day “Apple Picking Days” event at the Children’s Defense Fund Haley Farm

Address: 1000 Alex Haley Lane, Clinton, TN 37716

Phone: 865.457.6466

This event takes place on Tuesday, September 8th, from 10am-4pm. Specific event information can be found here.

The Fruit and Berry Patch

Address: 4407 McCloud Road, Knoxville, TN 37938

Phone: 865.922.3779

In addition to apples, you’ll possibly find corn and pumpkins and might even be able to enjoy a hayride!

NB: make sure to contact the Patch directly for picking times and crop availability. According to their website, apple picking takes place in “September and early October.”

This post was intended to give you an extensive list of local orchards from which to choose, so believe me when I say that I share your disappointment in the limited options we have, but don’t fret friends. While you may find yourself having to purchase apples trucked in from neighboring states or perhaps even flown in from exotic lands, our homes can still welcome fall with the smell of delicious apple goodness.

Below are some yummy ways to prepare your apples, starting with our very own Lauren’s apple butter recipe. I hear it’s delicious! If you’re thinking of making apple sauce, this recipe sounds perfect; with no added sugar it’s a great first food for your little one. And how about some apple pie and cozy apple cider? Finally, make sure to check out the Food Network’s 50 Things to Make with Apples suggestions.

Do you have any favorite apple recipes you’d like to share?

*Should we discover other orchards have apples ripe for picking, we’ll make sure to update this list.*