At the first hint of fall, it is easy to go leaping for all things pumpkin. Coffeeicecreamteacookiemilkshakecupcakelatte! Mmmm. There's something about that orange-packaged swirl of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
But every year I remind myself that it is worth hitting the pumpkin pause button until the heat of ginger and cloves is truly needed. The first glow of autumn isn't immediately flaming orange. It is a blush of yellow and russet across an apple. Before cinnamon and nutmeg can rush headlong into October's spice cake, November's pumpkin pie, and December's gingerbread, this flavor duo first has the job of welcoming early hints of cool weather. Cinnamon and nutmeg weave a milder web from weedy end-of-summer to yellowing September by balancing the crisp, cidery tang of this season's fresh apples.
Thankfully, this seasonal kitchen magic requires a day-long trip up into the green hills and smoky blue mountains.
Uh oh. Apples may be too big of a challenge with a loose tooth!
Inside the Mercier Orchards sales building. Hmmm. Still too hard to eat with a loose tooth even if it is coated in soft, buttery caramel.
Ah ha! Fried pies -- flaky crust but soft inside!
And there was a small petting zoo too.
One Mama's Two Cents:
This was our first time at Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia. In the past, we've always gone to Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay. Both orchards are fun for families but somewhat crowded. The biggest difference, however, is that Hillcrest offers far more for kids. Brian and I preferred the rolling hills and views of Mercier plus they had a wider range of foods, books, kitchen gear, etc. for sale. I'm guessing for the next few years we'll head to Hillcrest but gravitate back to Mercier when Eli outgrows the games and playground equipment.
Click the Links for Apple Posts:
Garin Apple Festival (California, 2008)
Homemade Applesauce 2011
Hillcrest Orchards, Ellijay 2012
Apple Kitchen 2012 (Apple Oatmeal Pancakes and other recipes)
Apple Festival, Hendersonville NC 2013 (Caramel Dip recipe)
Hillcrest Orchards 2013
Apple Spice Pudding Cake
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