Pick Me

It’s Apple Picking Time!!!!

There is no other sign that summer is relenting to the ambush of fall quite like the first trip to the apple farm.

We made our way to Chudleigh’s Apple Farm yesterday despite warnings of the poor apple crops in Ontario Canada this year.  They explained that in Ontario, New York State and Michigan, the unusually early spring and warm weather that went along with it, brought the fruit trees out of winter dormancy.  Following this were 6 nights of cold temperatures causing damage to the fruit buds, and once damaged, they are done for the year. This resulted in reduced apple crops in these regions to 20% of an average year.  Seems painful to think of farmers tending to their crops and waiting patiently for a year for the big reveal and then mother nature swoops in and decides, nope not this year…wait some more.  Farmers could build a second vocation in teaching poise and tolerance to others.  Still, we decided to try our luck at the orchard.

It’s always fun to get out to an apple farm this time of year with the kids and hop on a wagon out into the orchard to score the best and sweetest apples of the season.  Even kids who don’t usually like apples are found in the field devouring them and the experience to the core. 

Despite this year’s crop issues they did have a delicious Honey Crisp variety growing even though they were donning only one row of trees.  But one row of trees is plenty for us.  Especially when they’re $3.50 per pound.  Somehow we all get so lost in the magic of personally plucking each apple from the tree, we pick and pick and pick until we end up with bags full and a sobering “that will be $93.50 please” at the check-out. I only needed enough for lunches this week?!  Lord knows I had no intention of baking a pie...or several for that matter.

I’m going to use some of these delectable apples for our baby food puree this week along with some mango for an added flavour twist for baby.

Ready…Set…Evolve…

Mango’s the Apple of My Eye Puree

Age – 6 months +

Ingredients

-          3 Mangos

-          2 Apples

-          Yes, that’s it

Baby Steps

1.      Peel, core and chop mangos and apples into small chunks.  For tips on peeling and chopping a mango, which can be daunting, see an earlier post “Sunny Side of Grey” for details.

2.      Place chopped mango and apple into a large saucepan and add 3 tbsps. of water.  Cover and cook over medium/high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring often, for approx. 10 minutes or until the fruit is tender and juicy.

3.      Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

4.      Transfer to a blender, food processor or bowl to use a hand held blender to puree.

5.      Puree to smooth consistency.

6.      Let cool then transfer to freezing trays in the freezer to use within 3 months, or to a food storage container in the fridge to use within 48 hours.

Makes – Approx. 10 servings (1 serving = 2 tbsps.)

Have fun on your next visit to your local apple farm...regardless of crop threats.