Apple Memories

Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a great week. Last weekend Ben and I did one of our my favorite end of summer activities: apple picking!  I used to go apple pinking every year with my mom and dad when I was little. My dad would pick me up so I could reach the apples on the high branches. We would always end up picking way to many apples and we could never finish them all before they went bad. I would even give apples to my teachers every year. I have lots of fond memories apple picking with my family, so its nice that I get to share it with Ben now.



When we got to the farm, we found they still had blackberries! Ben and I love blackberries so we were really excited and picked some too.



I couldn't help but sneak in a few to try. They were so tart and warmed from the sun. Amazing.





The apples were so big and beautiful. Absolutely perfect!



Rows of apple trees!

The last time Ben and I went apple picking we decided to bake a pie, but I wanted to do something different this year. I went away to college in Pennsylvania a few years ago, and I have to say, my school had some of the best college food! Lots of vegetarian options and everything tasted great. However, once in a while an amazing apple dessert would make an appearance. I had never tired an apple dumpling before, but they quickly became my favorite college dessert. I always made sure to leave some extra room after dinner to enjoy these amazing apples. I decided I wanted to try my hand at making some apple dumplings.  I used this recipe.













OMG these were unbelievable! Just as good, if not better, than the ones from college! They were so amazing and sweet, and the apples were hot, soft, and fresh. The crust was crispy and flaky on the outside, and soft on the inside. The glaze on top was so buttery and sweet. Just like in school, I ate my dumpling with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream went perfectly with the hot apple. These dumplings were just like mini apple pies, so incredibly classic! I couldn't get enough of them, and I'm sad that Ben and I have already finished these up!

Do you love apple picking too? What are your favorite apple dishes to cook? Are you going to try apple dumplings?

Bye from the Veggie Side!