Right now is the time for apples and all things apple.
The season is here, the apples are ripe and as we think about it our mouths start to water and lips begin to smack.
In the Okanagan region we are incredibly lucky. Our vegetation and climate allow for the growth of a wonderful bounty as the seasons pass, and as we head into fall the apples are plentiful.
The colours – they draw us in as we delight ourselves with each bite.
Apples, as nature intend, are delicious raw and fresh, but what about all the things they can be used for. Growing up in a German background one of my favorite desserts was an Apfelkuchen, which in simplicity translates to Apple Cake. There are many different versions of apple cake, and each family has their own recipe and take.
However, since I am biased, my Omi’s was the best.
A thick buttery crust, filled to the brim with beautiful apples and a light icing style glaze to top it all off, it was a cake of perfection. As I sit here and reminisce, I can smell and imagine it now.
She also used to make apple pancakes, which were essentially a crepe with apples cut in and white sugar sprinkled on top as soon as they came out of the hot pan. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, but one of the best things to cross my lips.
READ ALSO: QUIZ: A celebration of apples
I’m sure as you read this your mind conjures memories or recipes of your own, for when it comes to the versatile apple, we use them for almost everything.
We sauce them, juice them, can them and candy them. We use them in baking, smoothies, holiday dishes and baby food. We eat them with all things sweet, or they can accompany the savory side of food, we even make hot drinks with apples as the star. The list goes go on and on, it is amazing how much an apple can be used for.
For some fun new ideas, interesting information or just a good story, the library has a great selection on all thing’s apples.
For the studious types try The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Apples: A Comprehensive Identification Guide to over 400 Varieties Accompanied by Scrumptious Recipes, by Andrew Mikolajski.
For the aspiring bakers and cooks, Apple Kitchen: From Tree to Table; Over 70 Inspired recipes, by Madeleine Ankner, might be the way to go.
If you are a bit more adventurous you could take a look at Fire Cider!: 101 Zesty Recipes for Health-Boosting Remedies Made with Apple Cider Vinegar, by Rosemary Gladstar.
For the younger crowds a great story like Red Panda’s Candy Apples, by Ruth Paul, might be just the ticket.
Whether you grow them, eat them or feed them to your favorite four-legged friend, grab an apple because you can’t go wrong.
Carly Tanasichuk is an assistant community librarian at the Summerland branch of the Okanagan Regional Library.