Fall in love with apples
Despite the strangely warm weather we have been having, there is no denying that fall is here. The Spirit Halloween store has found its home for the season, the leaves are starting to fall, pumpkins are popping up for sale everywhere, costumes are being made or bought and candy is on the shelves and flying fast. This is all in preparation for Halloween.
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Before jumping head first into the excitement of Halloween, take some time to enjoy all the good things that fall has to offer. The coveted Pumpkin Spice Latte is back by popular demand and all the flavors of fall have made their way into grocery stores.
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Everybody knows that scrolling through Facebook for even a minute will lead to many cooking videos. There has been somewhat of a theme lately as to what is being shown. What is one tasty treat that everybody associates with fall? Apples. From pies to drinks, apples are a staple for the season.
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Apple picking season is here. A quick google search can show the list of farms in the Erie area that offer apple picking. There are a dozen different kinds of apples, each with their own unique flavor. With all these choices and all the recipes out there, what are some must-tries this season?
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We should start with the obvious answer first: apple pie. Apple pie is delicious warm or cold. It can be served with ice cream or whip cream, and it is simple to make. Pie crusts can be bought premade to make the baking experience that much easier. If baking does not sound appealing, many places sell fresh apple pies for a reasonable price. It is not something to miss out on.
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If apple pies aren’t the route to go, think of one apple treat that everybody loves: caramel apples. Of course there is the basic caramel apple, which is a whole apple dipped in caramel and eaten off a popsicle stick, but that is a big commitment when looking for a sweet treat. Instead, a caramel apple pop is the perfect size, and each one can be dipped in a different topping, whether it be peanuts, coconuts or chocolate.
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Another delicious choice, if you’re a cheesecake fan, is a caramel apple cheesecake. Pecans and a graham cracker crust take this apple dish from good to great.
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To wash all of this delicious fall goodness down, apple cider is the only way to go. It can be served hot or cold, making it the perfect versatile drink as the weather fluctuates from warm to chilly. It will not be hard to find in stores, but if homemade apple cider sounds better, a crockpot can make the apple cider dreams come true.
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All of these apple treats can be bought or made. Recipes are easily accessible online and video tutorials can walk you through the entire dish. Before getting too into the Halloween spirit, take some time to enjoy the falling leaves and the delicious treats that fall has to offer.
