APPLE DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

Oh goodie, it’s here, yaay, I’m so happy.

I know the sun is still shining and the grass is still green and the cool, fall air has yet to make its appearance here in California.

(soon, I know, soon)

Still I celebrate “Apple Season” at the beginning of every September.

This is the time of year I look forward to a trip to an apple farm to gather nature’s first fruit.

Then I plan all of the wonderful meals I will cook this month, whether they be savory or sweet, I will enjoy the goodness that this juicy food adds to many dishes.

Although I have many fruit trees that I adore on our small farm, I do not have the charm of the apple tree.

But I do have access to so many places close by where they sell this delicious fruit.

And while I can’t wait to take a trip to one of these fruit stands or orchards, for what I have in mind right now is a little craft to adorn my home, in celebration of this wonderful “Apple Season.”

I like to start decorating for fall in September, but I hold off on pumpkins at the beginning so that I can get some apple decor in and not let it be overshadowed by its friendly fall-farm friend.

Now, while I have always loved to scatter a few apples about in my home during this marvelous month, I have yet to craft using nature’s first fruit.

So here we go!

My inspiration came from the great outdoors, as it usually does.

As I looked out my window from inside the coziness of home (with my sweet Rosie girl), I saw the beautiful greenery that is still here at the beginning of the month, and knowing that it’s all just about to change, I thought I’d go with that.

So deciding on my craft, I thought it’s got to involve apples and something green, yet fragrant, and maybe something brown and full of texture.

Once I had an idea of what I could create to bring the outdoors in,

I started to get my tools together, which was really just some twine and a large needle.

Now, of course I needed to gather a basket of these ruby red marvels as well,

and a few other items to put together my really cute project.

I thought well cinnamon and apples go so well together, duh.

And then the smell and beauty of the muted green bay leaf might be fun to use too.

I also loved that all of these items are at the grocery store and really inexpensive too.

You just go to the bulk or produce section instead of the spice section where it is a bit higher in price.

I did a little research on how to dry apple slices in the oven and tried it out.

I must say I did play around with it and think I’ve got it down perfectly so that I can share it with you here.

I started to cut the apples into slices.

Don’t you love this star shape inside of the apple that is such a surprise you might never know existed by just munching on this juicy fruit.

You have to actually cut into it to discover the wonder of it all.

Squeeze a little lemon juice over all of these slices (which will help retain the lighter color so as not to let them all turn brown) and give it a little toss.

Next, lay all of these delightful disks on your oven rack (but put a couple of cookie sheets underneath on the second rack in case they start to curl a bit and fall – mine did half way through and it was kind of funny… not really) and bake at 200 degrees slowly for… are you ready…

3 HOURS!!!

Yep, it’s true. It’s because you are trying to dehydrate them so they will be preserved, so you can create this really cute craft, that I’m trying to teach you.

Have you put it all together in your head yet, can you picture what I want to make?

Times up! They’re finally done! Awww, now they need to cool.

Oh the blessings of delayed gratification versus instant.

There is really something to be said for allowing yourself more opportunities to practice patience, right?

At least that’s what I’m gonna tell myself.

Ok, we’re ready to assemble.

I like to have all the ingredients at my fingertips, set up right here on the coffee table, so that I can craft in the living room with all the family present as we linger after our Sunday Supper.