Apple picking, a fun Fall activity that brings the family together with creating apple prints or making chocolate dipped apples.
Apple picking begins late August and early September depending on the region and variety of apple. Apple picking is a fun afternoon outing with the family. Children of all ages can participate, since there are usually a few dwarf trees which the younger ones can reach.
Most apple orchards include a few special treats for the family to enjoy such as hay rides, mazes, and treats for the buying. However, the orchards with more bells and whistles will usually charge you more for the apples.
The age of your kids will dictate if you pick your own, buy pre-packaged ,or a combination of both. The younger kids will enjoy picking a small bushel but will become bored if there is not variety. If they do become restless, let the young ones eat an apple as the rest of the family picks.
Apple Picking Tips
Wear comfortable shoes that can withstand some dirt. Apple picking can be a work out if you are looking for the best apple trees. As well, bring water to clean the apples before you eat them, as most have pesticides sprayed on during the growing season. Lastly, enjoy the autumn breeze and the time with your family.
Apple Prints
Create a masterpiece with your kids using an apple. Cut the apple in half and squeeze lemon juice on each side to reduce the apple browning. Place liquid paint in small paper plates. Take half of the apple, and dip the cut side into paint. Take excess paint off by dabbing it onto paper towel. Stamp the paper with your apple print. Kids can create collages with the apple.
Family Idea: Buy light colored cloth table mats and each person in the family creates their own design with apple prints. Use fabric paints for this project, as it allows you to wash the mats with little fading. As well, each person can write about themselves, or draw a picture in the apple halves, once the paint is dried.
Apple Candles
Create apple candles to dress up your dinner table. Take an apple and rest it on the table to ensure it is balanced. Eat the apples that topple over easily or make them into chocolate dipped apples. Next, outline the shape of a small votive candle on the outside of the apple. With a small knife, cut an opening in the center of the apple to fit the candle. You decide how much of the candle is visible. This project can also hold elegant stem candles. Place lemon juice on the exposed parts of the apple. Place your candle in the center and light. Always be careful with light candles as they are a fire hazard.
Chocolate Dipped Apples
What child or adult has not stopped at the chocolate stores and admired the chocolate dipped masterpieces? Prepare one that is better than store bought with your kids.
Line a baking sheet with buttered parchment/waxed paper. Butter the paper by hand. Wash and completely dry apples, insert a stick into each apple. Popsicle sticks are ideal as they should be able to withhold the weight of the candy apple. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave oven or over a double boiler. Once chocolate is melted, dip the apple in the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to place chocolate all over the apple. Roll the apple into sprinkles, nuts, or coconuts while the chocolate is still hot. Place in the fridge for 30-60 minutes until the chocolate sets.
Caramel Dipped Apples
Line a baking sheet with buttered parchment/waxed paper. Butter the paper by hand. Wash and completely dry apples, insert a stick into each apple. Place 14oz of Kraft caramels and 2 TBSP of water in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat stirring constantly. Stir constantly to ensure no caramels burn on the bottom of the pan.
Once the caramel is melted, remove from the stove. Place the apple in the caramel, and take excess off before placing on buttered wax paper. Place the caramel dipped apples in the fridge for 1 hour.
Caramel Dipped Apple Rule
Let the apples sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before eating.
