#njapples

Gillian Armstrong, on behalf of the New Jersey Apple Industry Advisory Council

How do we know it’s Fall in New Jersey? First and foremost, foliage turns from from lively, vibrant greens to mellow yellows, browns and oranges. Other signs typically include cool, crisp mornings, and football Sundays. But last, and certainly not least - the Cinderella effect takes place. You know, when the clock strikes twelve after Labor Day and everything turns ‘pumpkin spice’? Over the last few years, this media-driven artificial flavor frenzy has really gotten people into the Fall spirit. Whether you’re standing in line at starbucks, or scrolling through instagram - you’re bound catch a glimpse of the #pumpkinspice phenomenon.

But even if we’ve succumbed to this millennial inspired, ‘Pumpkin Spice’ era, we can’t forget about our long-standing fall mascot, the apple. And this season, the apple is stepping up its game… causing many of us to pump the pumpkin brakes.

Battleview Orchards, Monmouth County NJ

When it comes to fall flavors, Apple Cider & Apple Cider Donuts are a delicious pair that will never go out of style. These two products are quintessential must-haves.

Similar to milk and cookies during the holiday season, this match made in autumn heaven just. makes. culinary. sense. Sure, the flavors are out of this world… even the cinnamon sugar coating on a cider donut itself is finger-lickin good (literally).

But, the true beauty behind this delicious pair isn’t just the taste, it’s in the versatility of apples themselves. With every sip of fresh-pressed cider, or bite into a moist cider donut- you’re getting the real taste of a farmer’s fall bounty. Needless to say, there are no artificial flavor tricks when it comes to these treats.

Crates of Apples Ready for Cider Making

Many of our New Jersey Orchardists, and/or ‘Orchardistas’ say, “Apples are great because you can eat them fresh, bake or cook them.. and you can even drink them.. They’re versatility is unbeatable!”

You can dress them up or enjoy them as they are -- but always remember, a little cinnamon sugar goes a long way.

Cider Donuts: How they’re made- Even if apple cider is one of the main ingredients in these delicious donuts, don’t be fooled! Fresh cider & donut making is not as simple as it sounds. These processes require great amounts of strategy and chemistry to achieve the perfect product! Almost like a farmers magic formula ;-)

Craving Cider Donuts? Here’s your sign!

Take a peek to learn how these delightfully doughy fall treats are made at one of the finest cider donut hot-spots: Russos Farm in Tabernacle, New Jersey.

*Warning* this video will cause intense cravings for cider donuts!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4CkVWP_WUas

Don’t forget! The best way to wash down an apple cider donut is with a glass of it’s trusty partner-in-crime, fresh-pressed cider. Click here to learn how it’s made. This video highlights many important elements to the cider making process used at Alstede Farms. Another NJ cider hot spot!

Cider Making at Battleview Orchards

Gillian Armstrong, on behalf of the New Jersey Apple Industry Advisory Council

Are you thinking of throwing a party this Halloween? In search of whipping up something quick, easy and wickedly good? Support your local Jersey Fresh apple growers this Halloween by making a candy apple platter. This platter is the easiest, tastiest treat to make this spooky season.

When it comes to apples, the possibilities are endless. Time to get creative in the kitchen.

What you’ll need:

Local, Jersey Fresh Apples. Visit the Jersey Fresh website to find all of the apple hot spots nearest to you: http://jerseyfresh.nj.gov/find/apples.html

12 oz Caramel square candies

12 oz Chocolate Chips

4 tbsp. milk or water

Medium Saucepan

Peanut butter

Crumbled graham crackers

Marshmallows

Pecans, almonds, walnuts (Nut of your choice)

Brown sugar

Buttered baking sheet

Toothpicks

Anything else you desire on your candy apple!

Directions:

Cut Apples into desired slices

Melt the Caramels or Chocolate: Take medium saucepan or double boiler and fill the bottom pan with 2-3 inches of water. Set a metal bowl on top of the medium saucepan, or set the top of the bottom boiler in the bottom pot. (The water in the bottom pot should not touch the top pot). Boil the water, and let simmer. Place the caramels and/or chocolate in the top pot. Add milk or water. Stir until you’ve reached the desired consistency. Remove top pot and stir to prevent scorching.

Insert a toothpick into each apple slice and dip into melted caramel (or chocolate).

Place dipped slices onto the buttered baking sheet.

Top with desired toppings (Graham crackers, nuts, brown sugar, peanut butter, etc)

Place in refrigerator to cool, enjoy!

Gillian Armstrong, on behalf of the New Jersey Apple Industry Advisory Council 

Cool fall temperatures and crispy air paired with a dozen of tasty apples make for the greatest baking conditions. Warm up with the taste of Jersey Fresh by using fresh apples in the kitchen this season. It’s time to get cozy, and start baking something yummy!

These top ten sweet treat recipes were provided by the Food Network and local NJ Farmers.

Baked Apples: Scoop out the core of 4 apples using a melon baller, leaving the bottoms intact. Mix 3 tablespoons each brown sugar and butter with 1/8 cup fresh breadcrumbs and teaspoon cinnamon; stuff into the apples. Put in a baking dish with 1/8 cup apple cider to bake at 375 degrees F, 45 minutes.

Applesauce: Quarter 4 pounds of apples. Simmer with 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons sugar and a pinch of salt, partially covered until soft. Let sit for 25-30 minutes. Pass through a food mill. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter.

Grilled Apples with Ricotta Buttercream: Recipe provided by Leslie Miller, Cherry Grove Farm NJ: Combine ricotta, 1 lemon zest and juice and half & half. Use a whisk to whip until creamy. Brush each apple half with olive oil and grill, fruit side down, for 5 minutes or until grill marks develop. Top each fruit half with a dollop of ricotta cheese buttercream and top with fresh basil leaves.

Apple Cake: Wisk 1 ¼ cups flour, ¾ cup sugar, 1-teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg. Shred 1 apple and squeeze dry, then whisk with 2 eggs, ½ cup each vegetable oil and milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Fold into the flour mixture. Bake in a buttered 9-inch-round pan at 350 degrees F, 20 minutes; cool. Beat 8 ounces cream cheese, ½ stick butter, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon each lemon juice and vanilla, and a pinch of salt; spread on the cake.

Apple Butter: Cook ½ cup sugar in a large skillet until deep amber. Add 4 cups Applesauce and ½ teaspoon cinnamon; cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 30 minutes.

Scary Apple Mouths: Quarter and core a red apple; brush with lemon jice. Cut out a wedge from the skin side of each piece so it looks like a mouth. Fill with peanut butter, then insert sliced almonds for “teeth”.

Caramel Apples: Cook 1 ½ cups sugar and ½ cup water ina  saucepan over medium heat, swirling, until golden. Off the heat, stir ¼ cup cream and ¼ teaspoon vanilla and salt. Transfer to a 4-cup liquid measuring cup; cool. Insert wooden sticks into 4 apples; dip in the caramel. Set on oil paper to harden.

Apple Pancake Topping: Cook 2 chopped peeled apples and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add ¾ cup maple syrup and bring to a simmer.

Cider Donuts: Simmer 1-cup apple cider until reduced to ¼ cup; cool. Mix with ½ cup grated peeled apple, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg, ¼ teaspoon each nutmeg and vanilla, and 2 cups dry pancake mix. Roll into balls and fry in 375 degrees F oil. Drain on paper towels and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Apple Popcorn Balls: Chop ½ cup dried apples. Boil 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup each butter and light corn syrup, and ¼ teaspoon salt until a candy thermometer reaches 300 degrees F, about 8 minutes. Mix with 6 cups popcorn, ½ cup chopped pecans and the chopped dried apples. Transfer to a buttered pan; cool slightly, then form into balls.

The apple farming industry has a deeply rooted history in New Jersey. Many of the states apple orchards date all the way back to colonial times! For centuries, these orchards have been passed down onto new generations to preserve the industry’s proud heritage and tradition. Since then, New Jersey growers have been working very hard each year to uphold the industry’s legacy by growing crisp, juicy apples for consumers to enjoy. 

Winesap, originated in New Jersey in the late 1700’s, and the Northern Spy have been New Jersey’s signature fruit for years. Others such as Granny Smith, Fuji, Jonagold, Gala, and Mutsu are fairly new. Regardless of your tastes, you are sure to be satisfied by many of the 30+ varieties grown in New Jersey orchards.

Be sure to visit the Jersey Fresh website to hear the latest news on this seasons juiciest apple spots! Search for where to find apples at roadside stands, pick your own orchards, and farmers markets nearest to you. Want to know more? Visit our Apple Page for apple varieties grown in New Jersey & their harvest dates, events, tips for picking in the orchard, and much more! 

Gillian Armstrong, on behalf of the New Jersey Apple Industry Advisory Council

The fall season brings family fun to a whole new level with weekends packed full of special events! Check out this list of apple-related events to see what’s in the spot light this season. 

Fall Festival Saturdays and Sundays from September 10th-October 31st 10:30am-4:00pm Oasis Family Farm 3 Circle Dr.  Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Pick Your Own Apple Festival Saturdays and Sundays from September 10th-October 31st 10:00am-5:00pm Battleview Orchards 91 Wemrock Rd Freehold, NJ 07728 www.battlevieworchards.com

Tour de Farm September 24th, 2016 Race Farm 87 Belcher Rd Blairstown, NJ 07825

19-Century Fall Harvest Festival September 24th, 2016 11:00am-4:00pm 4263 Atlantic Avenue Farmingdale, NJ 07727 www.Allairevillage.org

Harvest Home Festival September 24th, 2016 11:00am-5:00pm Longstreet Farm 44 Longstreet Rd Holmdel, NJ 07733 www.Monmouthcountyparks.com

Apple Festival September 24th-25th 11:00am-5:00pm Happy Day Farm 97 Duam Rd Manalapan, NJ 07726

Apple Festival and 5 Acre Family Corn Maze September 24th-25th, 2016 10:00am-4:00pm Johnsons Locust Hall Farm 2691 Monmouth Rd Jobstown,NJ 08041 www.johnsonslocusthallfarm.com

Fall Family Fun Weekends September 24th-October 30th, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Rd Princeton, NJ 08540 www.terhuneorchards.com

Harvest Festival September 24th-25th, 2016 8:00am-7:00pm Donaldson Farms 358 Allen Rd Hackettstown, NJ 07840 www.donaldsonfarms.net

Elk Township Fall Festival October 1st, 2016 9:00am-5:00pm Elk Township Recreational Park 680 Whig Lane Monroeville, NJ 08343 www.elktownshipnj.gov 

Aura Fall Festival October 1st, 2016 10:00am-4:00pm Moods Farm Market 901 Bridgeton Pike Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

Vineland Harvest Family Festival October 1st, 2016 Noon-10:00pm The Ellison School 1017 South Spring Rd Vineland NJ, 08361

Harvest Festival October 1st, 2016 11:00am-4:00pm Longmeadow Farm 561 Blairstown Rd Hope, NJ 07844 www.longmeadowfarmnj.com

RIVERVIEW FARMERS MARKET’s 2nd Annual People’s Choice Apple Dessert Contest & Winter Clothes Drive October 2nd, 2016 11:00am-2:00pm Riverview-Fisk Park 1 Bowers Street Jersey City, NJ www.riverviewfarmersmarket.org

South Jersey Pumpkin Show October 7th, 8th, 9th, 2016 Fri & Sat: 10:00am-8:00pm Sun 10:00am-5:00pm Salem County Fairgrounds 735 Harding Highway Woodstown, NJ 08908

Farm Foodtruck Festival October 8th, 2016 Noon-8:00pm Allaire Community Farm Wall Township, NJ 07719

Apple Festival at Kirby’s Mill October 8th, 2016 9:00am-4:00pm Kirby’s Mill 275 Church Road Medord NJ 08055 www.kirbysmill.org

Apple Gleaning October 8th, 2016 8:00am-Finish time America’s Grow-a-Row and Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church 600 Ridegewood Rd. Maplewood, NJ 07040

Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival October 8th, 2016 10:00am-4:00pm Sussex County Fairgrounds www.Sussexfarmvisits.com

“Truck”erton Hard Cider Festival October 8th, 2016 11:00am-6:00pm Tuckerton Seaport 120 W Main St. Tuckerton, NJ 08087 www.Tuckertonseaport.org

Allentown Fall Festival October 8th-9th, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm Downtown Allentown South Main St. and Heritage Park Allentown, NJ 08501

Fall Festival Weekend October 8th-9th, 2016 10:00am-5:00pm VonThun Farms 505 Ridge Rd Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 www.vonthunfarms.com

Apple Pie Baking Contest October 9th, 2016 9:00am-11:00am Washington Memorial Park Dunellen, NJ 08812

Apple ‘N’ Pumpkin Harvest Festival October 9th, 2016 9:00am-1:00pm Clinton Farmers Market 1 New Street Clinton, NJ 08809 www.Clintonfarmersmarket.org 

Apple Festival October 12th, 2016 12:00pm-5:00pm Treelicious Orchards 135 Karrville rd Port Murray, NJ 07865 www.treeliciousorchards.com