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!

Cheddar Apple Panini

Hey everyone. Today I wanted to show you an awesome panini that I have been eating non-stop the past few days.  I love making paninis and I have been really loving my panini maker.  It cooks my paninis really quickly, and to perfection! The cheese is always melty, and the bread is perfectly grilled. The best party of paninis is that you can either throw one together with whatever you have in the house, or you can carefully plan out what you are going to add. This panini was one of the planned varieties.



This panini was both inspired by this recipe, and The Melting Pot.  My favorite Melting Pot course is the cheese course. Ben and I usually get the fondue made of cheddar cheeses, and I am obsessed with dipping in those green apples. When I saw that panini recipe on Panini Happy, I knew I had to try it!

What you need:



2 slices of bread
Shredded cheddar cheese
Half of a green apple
Spicy brown mustard

What to do:
While your press is heating up, cut your apple in half.  I wrapped up the extra half and put it away for tomorrow's panini. Then cut the apple in slices.
Spread on the mustard on one slice of bread, and place the apple slices on top.
Pile on the cheddar cheese shreds, and place the second slice of bread on top.
Put it all of the panini press and grill until you get nice brown grill lines.





The hot, juicy apple really gave this sandwich a meaty bite, which is nice in a meatless sandwich. You might think the apple would be too sweet for a lunch panini, but the sharpness of the cheddar, and the spicy mustard helped to cut the sweetness of  the apple. I just loved the melty cheese, and the crispy bread!



Green apples and cheddar are just a perfect marriage!

I just loved this panini, I can't wait to make it again. Or maybe go to the melting pot, which ever comes first.

Do you love cheddar and apples like I do? Are you going to make this panini?

Bye from the Veggie Side!