Summer 2012 officially ends on Friday. However, that doesn’t mean the end of outdoor family fun. Fall marks the start of apple and pumpkin-picking season. Whether you live in the north, south or mid-Atlantic, the nation is teeming with farms that allow visitors of all ages to pick their own produce.
These u-pick farms offer fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. What’s more, you will be able to bond with your clan in the great outdoors, which is a priceless experience for most folks. In addition, if you have kids, visiting a farm is a great way to show them that food doesn’t magically appear in the grocery store.
If you live in New York, consider heading upstate to Applewood Orchards. It offers miles of Macintosh trees, as well as a massive rose garden, a petting zoo and country store. Kids can also enjoy hayrides, puppet shows, live music and munch on fresh donuts.
If you live on the West Coast, check out Johnny Appleseed Days in Paradise, California. The community celebration takes place at Paradise Intermediate School and focuses on the city’s rich history of apple orchards. The event includes children’s games, live music, local artisans showcasing their wares, and of course, plenty of fresh apples. In addition to purchasing fresh picked apples, you can also sample a wide array of apple products, from pies and cakes to jams, jellies, juice and more.
When you get home with your fresh apples, continue your family bonding in the kitchen by whipping up this kid-friendly salad:
Apple Salad with Caramel Cream
Ingredients:
6 apples (any variety), cored and diced
1 cup red or green seedless grapes
2 bananas, sliced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together apples, grapes and bananas. Sprinkle with lemon juice to keep from turning brown.
Caramel Cream Ingredients:
8 ounces of cream cheese
1 /2 cup brown sugar
1 /2 cup fat free caramel ice cream topping
1 teaspoon vanilla
8-ounce container vanilla yogurt
Directions:
In food processor mix all ingredients together until smooth.
Pour sauce over fruit and serve immediately.
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