Apples Galore

We recently went apple picking at Swans Trail Farms in Snohomish, WA, and it was SO much better than I expected! Before I go any further, I should add that all my previous experiences going apple picking have been on the East Coast. So I was ready to be cold and muddy and to be climbing a lot of ladders all afternoon. But apple picking in the Pacific Northwest is completely different!

It was sunny and pleasant, with no need for ladders whatsoever as the apples were growing everywhere. The apple trees here look a lot more like lush vines that start close to the ground and extend up, which allows even young children to be able to pick fruit on their own. We had a blast and picked around 11 lbs of apples in less than 30 minutes, with even little Wesley contributing a few!

I’ve been doing a lot of baking recently with the apples, but it’s been a little challenging to find creative ways to eat them. I’ve baked an apple cinnamon loaf that we enjoyed for breakfast all week, as well as an apple molasses upside down cake from Bon Appetit that is one of my all-time favorites. Recently, though, I wanted something a little lighter, and so I baked some apple slices with a light drizzle of butter followed by some cinnamon and sugar dusted on top.

It wasn’t all that complicated or impressive by any means, but it made for a simple and creative way to get Wesley involved in making an after-lunch dessert. He’s really interested in cooking and baking these days, and I’ve been loving it. (His adorable fingers are in the first photo “helping” me cut the apples.)

The previous “me” wouldn’t have thought that much of such a quick project. But these days, I’m all for celebrating and reflecting on the small, bright moments.