Apple Picking Party Ideas

Early fall is primetime for gathering up the kids and heading out for an afternoon of picking apples. Not sure where to start planning? Here a few tips to get you started, plus a super easy apple craft the kids will love to work on.

Since apple picking is such a fun activity, It doesn't take much to plan a day filled with apple fun! However, if you're new to apple picking-especially with young children, you'll want your day to go off without a hitch. Here are some great apple picking tips to help you make sure your day goes smothly!

Apple Picking Tips

Map it out: For most of us, there are farms or apple orchards nearby. If you don't know of one off hand, head to: www.allaboutapples.com/orchard/. There you can search to find one closest to you. Print out or plug the directions into your GPS ahead of time and if you're traveling far, load up on gas ahead of time!

Picking prep: Its a good idea to have a few supplies on hand such as paper towels, paper bags, garbage bag, a blanket and wipes for washing off dirty or muddy hands.

Dress accordingly: Even if there's a chill in the air, dress in layers. You'd be surprised how quickly you can break a sweat being outdoors all day. Closed toe shoes such as sneakers are a must and make sure you're in casual clothes such as jeans, that you don't mind getting dirty.

Pack snacks: Depending on how far your drive is, bring a few healthful snacks along such as trail mix, granola bars, juice and water. That way, when you reach your destination, no one is anxious to dig into too many apples at once!

Call ahead: The orchard or farmstand you're headed to might have a picnic area for lounging or eating lunch at. If so, bring tasty sandwiches or a thermos filled with hot soup. Bring a blanket too so you can spread out on the grass.

Bringing Home The Apples

Now that you've picked a bushel or two of delicious apples, its time to figure out what to do with them all! Of course eating apples on their own is great, but here are a few ways to make the most of your huge bounty!

Apple Ideas

Pork with apples and red onions is a super easy supper. Season a pack of boneless pork chops with salt and pepper. Then, cut up one apple (any type will do, but Macintosh is delicous with this) and slice up either a small red onion or a shallot. Top the pork with the apple and onion mix, add olive oil and mix together. Bake in a 350 degree oven until the pork is cooked to 160 degrees (about 20 minutes). Just check on the meat every so often, adding water to the pan as needed.

Apple cake. If pie's not your thing, try this easy-to-bake Apple Cake recipe. With minimal ingredients and only an hour of baking time, you just might make this all season long!

Baked apples. So simple. Cut an apple in half, sprinkle on some cinnamon, brown sugar and a touch of butter. Microwave for a few minutes and you have an easy, delicious dessert.

Another sweet treat! Try these Cinnamon Apple S'mores for a touch of fall mixed with chocolate. So decadent!