Picking Apples, Making Pies

I am eagerly anticipating digging into the thirty pounds of apples gathered this weekend at a Nebraska City orchard (It was Kimmel--the orchard was great, but holy crap the kitchen service was unbelievably awful. It took five people to microwaved everything, including our cider!). My family used to take yearly pilgrimmages to Nebraska City (home of Arbor Day, y'all!). I have incredible memories from touring the Arbor Lodge--there's a bowling alley in the basement a la There Will Be Blood. One year, I must have been seven, but I had just learned how to jump rope. So everywhere we went, instead of simply walking, I jump roped. My legs were so skinny back then that every time I hopped my knees would knock together. By the end of the day, I had matching bruises on the inside of my knees. I'm glad I have parents who weren't embarassed by me. So far I have plans to make apple pie, apple crisp and apple butter. I think that may take up all my apples. But are there any other recipes I should try? I know everyone thought I was crazy for wanting 30 pounds of apples, but I don't think I'll regret it. I'll be listening to The National Fake Empire whilst I cook, it's going to be glorious. That album is the perfect soundtrack to fall.

Cordell loved the hay rack ride, tractor and orchard. The apples were so big he could barely pick them up. Gah I love this kid. He just learned how to say my name--the. cutest. thing. ever.

Below are Jared and Amy going for some Pinova apples.

There were, of course, bees. But they were very well behaved.