b'food mattersGatheringAutumns ApplesEssential Apple CrispBY ILYSSE RIMALOVSKIW r e e Ie feelFuji, Winesap and Braeburn. Early season hen ahintofapples such as Honeycrisp and Gala are fallinthealready in cold storage, their tree limbs b z ,bare of fruit. Iamre- This years newcomers have names mindedsuchasJellybeanCider,HellaKitty thattheand Twang, bred for distinct flesh col-time is ripe for apple picking. I can al- ors,flavorsandtheirabilitytohold ready taste my first mid-season Macoun,shape in cooking.an apple that is sweet and tart, juicy andSelectingapplesforrecipes,Iprefera thin skinned. mix of crisp, more tart than sweet. Applesauce Iorganizefriendsandfamilyfordaylongis way more forgiving than pie when it comes to outings to pick-your-own farms. Each location hastexture. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Golden Deli-its own personality, some with cider donuts, hot spicedcious are reliable choices that are found easily in the market beverages and picnic tables, others with tractor rides, hay mazes, pet- or at farm stands.ting zoos and entrance fees. I am more comfortable as a savory cook than a dessert maker, but I can All are best enjoyed early in the day before throngs of other apple pick- wow a crowd with a simple fruit crisp, especially after a day of apple picking. ers arrive. I wear jeans, boots and a flannel,You can, too.prepared to climb, crouch, reach in and getSometimes Ill mix apples with pears and add a handful of berries or sliced sticky. The picture-perfect specimens are of- figs. For Thanksgiving, its likely apples and cranberries. In warmer months, ten way up high or hiding low among theIll use peaches, nectarines, apricots or plums instead of apples. Its all good.leaves. The air smells sweet, yeasty and fer- The following recipe is flexible and forgiving, best served warm with light-menting. ly sweetened whipped cream or a small scoop of ice cream.Local orchards boast trees with seeminglyVisit pickyourown.org for an apple varieties guide by harvest date, includ-endless varieties that ripen in quick succes- ing information about which apple to pick and why. sion. Octobers Empire, Cortland, Jonamac,Ilysse Rimalovski is a well-seasoned home chef, writer and culinary producer liv-MutsuandmyfavoriteMacounwillgiveing in Maplewood with a background in specialty food, media and design. Have waytolate-seasonvarietiesthroughNo- food questions or need inspiration? Visit Ilysses Facebook page, Ilysse Ideally or vembersuchasGrannySmith,PinkLady,send email to forilysse@icloud.com.NJ Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchards Near SOMANote: Before visiting in person, refer to the orchards websites for current details. Alstede FarmsChester GiamareseFarmandOrchardsOrt FarmsLong ValleyBattleview OrchardsFreehold East Brunswick Riamede FarmChesterBeemerville OrchardSussex Hillview FarmsGillette Sun High OrchardsRandolphDemarest FarmsHillsdale Mackeys OrchardBelvidere Terhune OrchardsPrincetonEastmont OrchardsColts Neck Melicks Town FarmOldwick Wightman FarmsMorristown38/ matters magazine / fall 2024'