Oh, but I hope it has been as lovely of a week, thus far, for you as we have had here in Virginia. The autumn weather has been especially beautiful lately. The mornings are brisk (you might even say chilly) but the temperatures warm up so nicely throughout the day – and the endless sunshine just can’t be beaten! We had a perfect day for apple picking on Monday. We came home with a “medium” bag full of apples. Several folks had the “large” bag and a few had multiple large bags. Our medium bag has given us more than enough apples….we have apples to share and then some.
I think I am going to brave an apple pie this weekend. I am not much of a pie baker (or pie lover) but something about homemade apple pie sounds quite delicious! I also remember an upside-down apple pie that we made as “a family project” one evening several years ago. It was a huge hit – everyone (even the non-pie people) loved it. I should search for that recipe. I also have a recipe from my aunt for homemade apple cake. I have only made it a couple of times (and it has been years since the last time) and I remember it is rather labor-intensive…but it is wonderful. Dare I try that as well? And, of course, I want to make some applesauce. We usually make ours in the crock pot and it is super easy. After you core and slice all the apples! Goodness, maybe we really did need the “large” bag. Or two.
I had planned to post a “Fall Bucket List” earlier in the month. I did blog a bit about fall here…but never formed an actual bucket list. When I was thinking about that today, I realized how many “boxes” I have already checked – and the month is just getting started! It has been an eventful autumn so far. Just for accountability – and a bit of fun – I thought I would make note of my (short but sweet) fall bucket list here. Things I would like to do (a couple I need to do) and even some of the things I have already accomplished! Let me know if there is something I need to add…..and what plans you have for the rest of these pretty autumn weeks. I would love to know!
- Go to a pumpkin patch – done!
- Make a homemade pumpkin spice latte – done! (it was not good)
Decorate for fall (bring on the scarecrows!) – done!- Make an apple pie – I’m working on it
- Go on a fall hike
- Make pumpkin soup – the recipe is on my fridge:)
- Go apple picking – done!
- Shop for fall candles – done!
- Drink apple cider – done! (it was the best I’ve ever had!)
- Make caramel apples – hmm….should I add that to my list?
- Add mums to the porch – done!
- Rake leaves – no yet, thankfully
- Drive along Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Valley
- Do some fall thrifting – done!
- Bake autumn-inspired cookies
- Bake pumpkin bread (recipe also on the fridge)
- Make a fall wreath
- Start planning Thanksgiving
- Share fall-themed gifts with friends and/or neighbors
I’m so glad you had such a great time at the orchard! You’ll have to keep us posted on what you make, but that cake and upside down pie both sound delicious. I love homemade apple sauce! I love your bucket list…that drive sounds like a beautiful one. I love this time of year so much!
That drive is quite nice. I was hoping to go this weekend…but, goodness, there are so many fun opportunities this time of year. Hard to pick just one:)
Good luck with your apple pie! Apple pie was one of my mom’s personal favorites so I was fortunate to eat it often as a child. We also lived next door to a property that had formally housed an apple orchard on it. Our neighbors let us pick apples from the apple trees that were on the property. Sadly, no one in my family cares for apple pie so I don’t make it. You are doing a good job with your list! Glad your weather has been really nice. Ours has too!
I can’t say that my family is a huge fan of apple pie – but I’m going to make one!! (hopefully I don’t eat the whole thing myself!)
How did the pie turn out? Have you ever tried Tarte Tatin? So easy to make. You don’t even have to slice the apples, just cut them into quarters! https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/tarte-tatin
Looks like a lot of that bucket list is ticked off, well done!
Thanks so much for the recipe. I have never heard of a Tarte Tatin…but it sounds like an even better choice than old-fashioned apple pie!! I will let you know how it goes –
Hi Jennifer ~ I love your fall bucket list…and I love that you’ve already accomplished so much of it! Your mums are beautiful, rust colored mums really do remind me of the colors of fall. I’m looking forward to seeing all the beautiful colors from your part of the world, that road trip along the Shenandoah valley like a fun one! I have a really easy and good recipe for apple cake, but your upside-down apple cake sounds wonderful too! Have a wonderful day! Hugs, Barb