Leavenworth: Washington Apples at Prey's Fruit Barn

This time of year, Prey's Fruit Barn looks ready for a magazine shoot for Washington apples. Aren't they gorgeous? On our drive back toward Seattle from the Leavenworth Oktoberfest, we saw Prey's Fruit Barn.

Cezanne would swoon. Look at this basket of "Brooks Plums." This farm stand remind me of the paintings by Cezanne!

We bought two apples from several varieties and I baked them in my little convection toaster oven. The secret to easy baked apples is wash them and run a sharp knife around the equator, about a half inch deep.  Place them in a baking dish and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. The apples will bake and relax, but maintain their shape. No coring necessary! Place each apple on your guest's dinner plate and they can just slide the skin up and eat the flesh, avoiding the core.

Baked Apples

Suddenly, the dessert of choice around here is Baked Apples.  You see, my parents went to the farmer's market last weekend and bought way too many apples.  They didn't buy a bushel, but they certainly have enough to share.

This simple and easy recipe is a wonderful way to get an apple a day. (wink)

Baked Apples

Wash and core 4 baking apples, such as McIntosh.
Place upright in a small "perfect for four apples" baking dish with sides.  In a separate bowl, mix a handful of dark raisins, 4 Tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon - plus a dash of nutmeg and a smidge of bourbon, if you'd like.  Spoon this mixture into the hollow center of each apple.  Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the pan.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until the apples collapse.  Serve as a side dish with pork, or as a healthy alternative to dessert. 

Apple Chart

There are apples, apples everywhere this time of year.  While everyone has their favorite, this post is prompted by a sweet treat I devoured yesterday.

My friend, Corinne, invited me to a picnic lunch on her patio (we had a gorgeous Fall day: full sun and 68 degrees!) and for dessert she had bought a giant caramel apple.  I noticed that the packaging said, "Honey Crisp Caramel Apple."  I had never seen the apple variety specified on a dessert other than pie before, but I now I know why...it was delicious!  If I ever make my own caramel apples, I will use Honey Crisps for sure!

I am including an apple chart so that you can print it and take it with you to the farmer's market or grocery store.  It specifies the best apples for salads, pies, snacking, baking - the perfect little summary created by the U.S. Apple Association.

Remember, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!"

Finding Delight

A friend told me that after reading my book, Moments of Delight, she had an "Aha!" moment at the grocery store.

She walked into the produce section, saw the tower of lemons and realized that it was beautiful.

She said to herself, "That's delight!" She suddenly "saw" the beauty of lemons and attributed it to my book and philosophy. That is music to my ears.

Self Serve Caramel Apple Station

What do I take to a Fall card party? A self-serve caramel apple bar. 

 I load my Nigella Lawson measuring cups with crunchy toppings like broken graham crackers, toffee bits, mixed nuts and almond crunch, then I put Marzetti's Caramel Apple Dip in a bowl next to pre-cut apple slices and voila!

Guests can dip an apple slice in caramel and then into the topping of their choice. A serving a fruit never tasted so good.