The Lovliness of Apples

'An apple a day keeps the doctor away'.

Yes, we have all heard this quote many, many times. And yes, apples are very nutritious. But there is so much more to an apple than that. Today alone we slipped some into the oatmeal (which decidedly among my children is a matter of personal preference), snacked on some whole and sliced, had some in the form of applesauce with the sausage, and I am going to try to fit in making an apple coffeecake for tomorrow's homeschool chess club! Yes, we do indeed love apples around here. (It is also about the ONLY semi-local fruit that you can pick up around here for more than half the year!)

If you love apples too, or if you have been trying to figure out just what to do with the abundance available right now, or are just on the lookout for a fresh new recipe or craft to enjoy with the children, here are some great ideas and recipes for you to enjoy. Pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy!

A great place to start would be at Dawn's and her taste testing extravaganza in her post An apple by any other name. She also has inspiring thoughts and a wonderful poem (from one of her own crew to boot) here at Our Nice Red Rosy Apples, and great instructions for an 'apple tote' that you could store apples, or just about anything in A Quick and Crafty Apple Tote.

Elizabeth and her family had a wonderful Autumn day with apples being the focal point in this post. What could be more fun than a day with a couple friends, numerous friends for your kids, beautiful fall weather, and a ready-made snack?

Marianne and her children have made some beautiful watercolors that she shares with us at The Apple Bird - Watercolor. I had never seen this Brian Wildsmith book, and we are big fans!

This next post sounds like so much fun to me, honestly, it sounds amazing. The whole family out working together, learning together, and producing something for the table to boot! Check out the fun at the Grove.

Mary has a great list of books here along with instructions for an apple doll craft. This looks like a must do with my daughter. (By the way Mary, did you say snowing??)

Mary has a Unit Study posted over on her blog that centres on apples. For all you unit study folk, this looks like some fun. Even for me, it looks like some great reading!

I had to think hard on what recipe to share that would contain the ever useful and versatile apple. (I am not very crafty, and love to bake, so a recipe was my easy choice. ) I decided on this one, because it is so easy, isn't too sweet, and we eat it lots over here!

Last, but not least, Barbara (this previously said Marianne....sorry about that ) sent me what looks like a scrumptious recipe that I think will keep me up late tonight baking (and probably eating!). I am not very computer savvy and can't seem to link it so please head over to her blog and have a look around for the recipe (and to enjoy the beautiful photo that tops it!).

I hope you have enjoyed yourselves, and that this Autumn will afford you some time and peace to enjoy some of these great ideas!