We’ve gone apple picking twice so far this year. The first trip was with the homeschool gang to Melick’s in Oldwick where the kids got to try their hand at making cider — it was delicious. Then we all tromped into the orchard to pick a few apples. That was followed by a brief tour of the orchard and the grand finale - a hay ride around the orchard which was made much more fun by the sudden downpour.

On our second trip to Melick’s - this time the orchard above Califon - was just the girls and I and the girls quite outdid themselves by picking 22 pounds in as many minutes. We turned all that appley goodness into apple butter and apple maple jam. We like both, but by far everyone’s favorite new recipe is for old-fashioned candied apples. Next up, another trip to Terhune to pick up apples for applesauce - oh, and maybe a pie or two…