Ah, fall in Bellingham. The air gets crisp, the leaves change colors, and Honeycrisp apples fall below $3.99 a pound.
I have a secret to share with you; I am obsessed with apples. Before moving to Washington, I only knew there were 3 kinds of apples: yellow, green, and Red Delicious, which were anything but delicious. They were so mealy that I fully expected a worm with every purchase.
Then we moved to Whatcom County and my mind was blown. Even the varietal names sound alluring: Zestar, Sansa, Tsugaru, and Mountain Rose. Firm flesh. Bright white inside. Sweet smelling. If I were a poet, instead of a realtor, I could write a sonnet to the simple fruit. Instead, I will lead you to the apple scene and let you write your own. Below are 3 guideposts to apple heaven. Enjoy!
1 Cloud Mountain Farm Fruit Festival, this weekend, October 1-2
Dan and I love to herald the advent of fall by attending the Cloud Mountain Farm Fruit Festival. Imagine a circus tent under which are long tables with tastes of grapes, pears, and probably 100 apples. Your friendly farmers stand at the ready with a paring knife in hand to slice you a section of sweet goodness. You will taste apples that you have never heard of before. In addition, a local band, caramel apples dipped in sugar, and a Mallard’s Ice Cream truck contribute to the festive atmosphere. Super fun for the kids!
Check out the video we took of the Fruit Festival experience:
Then, on October 1st or 2nd, hope to see you there! 10:00-5:00, Saturday. 11:00-4:00 Sunday
Cloudmountainfarmcenter.org
2 Best Apple Pie Crust Tip
By now, you all know that Dan is really Pizza Dan and his obsession is pizza.
Apple Industry Spokesperson\
What you may not know is that he bakes a mean apple pie. It’s also a nice activity he does with Gaby, our daughter. I still remember the day he came up with the idea of crushing walnuts into the crust as a substitute for some of the flour. Devine. Apples and walnuts go so well together, but who would have thought of baking the walnuts into the crust? Well, Dan did. You’re welcome.
3 Apple Pie Cocktail
Let’s call this the one that got away. I remember having the most yummy cocktail a few months ago, with brown sugar on the rim, a cinnamon stick, and what tasted like a creamy apple cider with butterscotch notes. I wish I could remember where I had it; I didn’t have more than one! It might have been The Temple Bar, but I’m not sure. Anyway, if any of you reading this knows where the best Apple Pie Cocktail is to be had, do share. Literally.