Fall in New England: Apples, waffles and a hooray for new seasons

I’m sitting here at my desk with a 50-degree breeze coming through the window and feeling almost too chilly to be comfortable. It’s wonderful! It seems fall comes much earlier in New England, and I’m so, so happy for it. This transition to Boston has been tougher on me than I expected. It’s busy. It’s noisy. I miss the South and the Midwest more than I knew I could. But I’m glad to have a new chill in the air to remind me to count all of the good things. Family is always good. Fall is always good.

We’re taking full advantage of the weather these days, especially on the weekends when Jared is home. After two consecutive years of missing apple picking in North Carolina (my non-farmer mind always figured you’d pick apples in late September, which makes for slim pickin’s down south), I was determined to not miss our chance again. So we planned a trip on one of the first chilly mornings of the season, headed out of the city and into a rural-ish town about 45 minutes away. It was beautiful and wonderful and such a perfect day.

We actually went on the first day that Honeycrisp apples (my favorite!) were ready for picking. Huzzah! Apparently they go fast, so we got there at just the right time.

Beany had an absolute blast. She squealed on the hayride out to the orchard and then wore herself out running up and down the rows of apple trees. She slept the entire way home.

And how great is it that the trip comes with a built-in snack break? Our girl is an apple fiend, and this one little apple kept her occupied for more than an hour. I told Jared that anyone who thinks kids won’t eat fruit needs to come apple picking. Every kid there, from the itty bitties to the teens, was going to town on just-picked-from-the-tree goodness. Basically, we should all have apple trees.

We brought home 10 pounds of glorious apples, and we’ve been enjoying every last one of them. Lots have been eaten plain as can be because they’re just that good, but we’ve also been having fun with new recipes. These cinnamon-spice waffles with sautéed apples are a new family favorite and one I’m sure we’ll be making on many fall mornings to come. Although each element is good on its own, I really think the combination of the cinnamon waffles, maple syrup, plenty of butter and fresh sautéed apples is what makes it such a perfect breakfast. It sounds like a lot, but try it all together. You won’t be disappointed!

Seasons are meant to be enjoyed. So far, we’re really enjoying this one.

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Cinnamon-Spice Waffles
Recipe adapted from Alton Brown

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ rounded teaspoon ginger
• ¼ rounded teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 whole eggs, beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Butter your waffle iron or spray it with cooking spray, and preheat according to manufacturer’s instructions. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs and milk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and stir until combined. Slowly add melted butter to the mixture, and mix until just combined. Allow mixture to rest for about five minutes.

Ladle batter into the waffle maker, and bake according to the waffle iron’s instructions, until waffle is golden brown on each side. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200-degree F oven until ready to serve.

Sautéed Apples
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 large apples, peeled, cored and chopped (I like to use a tart variety to cut down on all that sweet.)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, cinnamon and brown sugar, and toss until the apples are coated. Cook the apples for 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re tender but not mushy.

Top the waffles with a drizzle of melted salted butter, a bit of pure maple syrup and a healthy serving of the warmed apples. Then sit back and enjoy that happy fall weather!

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Has fall arrived where you live? What’s your favorite way to kick off the season? And has anyone else already downed at least a dozen pumpkin spice lattes already?!? Yay, fall!

XO,
Katrina