Pickin’ Apples

Last weekend we ventured down to Mukwonago to The Elegant Farmer. It took about an hour, even though it was only about 30 miles away. Remarkably, the trees were still vibrant even though ours are bare. F’s kindergarten teacher had recommended the place. A huge yellow barn with a smiling face greeted us. Inside were all kinds of autumnal gourmet delights. The Elegant Farmer has been on Throwdown with Bobby Flay on Food TV for their Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag. We bought a frozen cranberry-apple one to bring home and bake. I’ll let you know how it is. I picked up some caramel that you use to dip apples in, but A (the oldest) told me I could make it way better. He’s a boy after my heart.

We fortified ourselves with cider doughnuts before heading out to the orchard. The doughtnuts were tasty, but not as good as we’ve had in upstate New York and Washington State. But, really, have you ever had a BAD cider doughnut? I thought not.

The eldest was the first to realize he could climb the trees. Up to that point, they were taking turns sitting on my husband’s shoulders. We weren’t there to pick many apples, obviously.

Then the middle one figured it out.

Of course Princess Thundercloud had to get in on the climbing. By this point there were no other families anywhere within our sight. Have I mentioned that our children are incredibly loud? I blame it on their father with the artillery ears. They’ve spent their lives yelling at him.

I can’t wait for one of our children to be taller than I am. Then you won’t be looking up our noses in every photo. Hopefully.

We spent a happy Sunday morning picking and eating, then headed towards home. Luckily, there was a Texas Roadhouse AND the only Sonic anywhere near on our route. We stopped at the Roadhouse and had some fried pickles. Sonic probably wouldn’t have had them now, anyway. Of course, I’ll have to return soon to verify that. For now, I’m busy thinking of creative ways to use these apples. They’re mostly Jonathans, so good for eating but not great for cooking.

Here’s the scrapbook page I made of the day…enjoy, and go eat an apple!