Fall in Almost Heaven is the perfect time to pick up local apples and prepare them into delicious desserts and pastries. Find an orchard near you and try these apple-inspired recipes.
For local apples straight from the orchard, try Taylor’s Farm Market in Inwood. The site is a converted community apple packing school. With several varieties of apples and fresh cider, this market is sure to please. Make sure to try an apple cider slushie or apple harvest wine while you’re there.
Visit Rellim Orchard in Kearneysville for more than 29 varieties of fresh-picked apples sold by the half-peck, peck, half-bushel and bushel. The farm also has varieties of cherries and peaches throughout the year.
Orr’s Farm Market in Martinsburg has several varieties of local apples for purchase. The bakery has fresh baked apple treats, including apple pie and apple turnovers. For a treat, try their seasonal apple cider donuts.
If you’re ready for fall flavors, try one of these recipes from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture:
Apple Dumplings
2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅓ cup butter, 6 firm apples, 2 cups flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¾ cup shortening and ½ cup milk.
- Make a sauce by mixing together the sugar, water, nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Cook 5 minutes and then add butter. Peel and core the apples.
- Sift flour; measure and resift with the salt and baking powder.
- Cut in shortening until texture looks like the size of small peas. Then add the milk and stir until moistened.
- Roll out on lightly floured board until ¼-inch thick. Cut in 6 squares, each about 5 inches.
- Place an apple in each and sprinkle each with additional sugar and spices and dot of butter. Fold up corners and pinch edges together.
- Place about an inch apart in greased pan or baking dish. Pour sauce over them and bake 30-35 minute in a 375°F oven.
- Serve with cold cream or top milk while hot. Serves 6
Brown Betty
2 cups chopped apples (tart), ¼ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 cup breadcrumbs.
- Butter a baking dish and put a layer of chopped apples in the bottom. Sprinkle with sugar, a few bits of butter and cinnamon.
- Cover with breadcrumbs, then more apples. Proceed in this way until dish is full, having layer of crumbs on top.
- Cover closely and steam 45 minutes in hot oven. Uncover and brown quickly. Eat warm with sugar and cream.
Which apple-inspired recipe will you try?
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