We decided to return to the Hudson Valley area, this time for hiking and apple picking with a large group of friends. Seven of us shared an airbnb near Brown's Pond. The airbnb listing had a fireplace, so we made s'mores the first evening. We had a German and a Japanese person in our group, who had never heard of the concept of s'mores before. I guess s'mores, along with macaroni and cheese, are a very American food.
I don't think I am a person that naturally likes camping, but since I went as a child, I enjoy camping related activities that remind me of my childhood. This was a wonderful compromise--we stayed in a nice house in the woods, and got to roast things over a fire.
We went to a small State Park nearby, though I don't remember the name, and then back to Minnewaska State Park. This time, I hiked the longer trail, around the lake. It takes about an hour, but it is a very quiet and peaceful trail. It was even more beautiful than the last time we went, because the leaves had begun to change. It's a pity that the fall foliage this year has not been as bright because of the drought.
After a long hike, we went back to that German restaurant, Mountain Brauhaus Restaurant, and had pretzels and beer. My German friend, who was initially skeptical, agreed that the pretzels there were even better than the ones in Germany, and the best pretzel that he has had in his life.
The next day, we went apple picking at Prospect Hill Orchards. My favorite apples, Fuji, were in season. We picked a bunch and later, back in New York, I made apple pie with them. The best apple pie recipe, in my experience, is called Grandma Oppal's apple pie (something like that)--I found it online, and it has become a classic. I adapted it a bit, as follows:
Using a 9 inch pie pan, put in pie crust. I've made my own pie crust before, but now I decided it's really not worth the effort, so I usually just buy a premade crust.
Peel and cut up enough apples (I used a combo of Golden Delicious and Fuji) to fill the crust with a slight mound.
In a small pan, melt one stick of butter (I think that's half a cup), with 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, about a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a tablespoon of bourbon, and a tablespoon of flour, to thicken. Heat, stirring a lot, until it gets very bubbly and hot.
Pour this hot mixture over the apples. Then, cover with another pie crust, and poke holes in the crust. Alternatively, and this is my preference, if you have time, make a lattice crust, and then pour the liquid mixture over the lattice crust onto the apples.
Put in the over, at 415 degrees for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350 degrees for another 45 minutes or so. You can tell it is ready by looking at the crust.
It is very good with ice cream.
I don't think I am a person that naturally likes camping, but since I went as a child, I enjoy camping related activities that remind me of my childhood. This was a wonderful compromise--we stayed in a nice house in the woods, and got to roast things over a fire.
We went to a small State Park nearby, though I don't remember the name, and then back to Minnewaska State Park. This time, I hiked the longer trail, around the lake. It takes about an hour, but it is a very quiet and peaceful trail. It was even more beautiful than the last time we went, because the leaves had begun to change. It's a pity that the fall foliage this year has not been as bright because of the drought.
After a long hike, we went back to that German restaurant, Mountain Brauhaus Restaurant, and had pretzels and beer. My German friend, who was initially skeptical, agreed that the pretzels there were even better than the ones in Germany, and the best pretzel that he has had in his life.
The next day, we went apple picking at Prospect Hill Orchards. My favorite apples, Fuji, were in season. We picked a bunch and later, back in New York, I made apple pie with them. The best apple pie recipe, in my experience, is called Grandma Oppal's apple pie (something like that)--I found it online, and it has become a classic. I adapted it a bit, as follows:
Using a 9 inch pie pan, put in pie crust. I've made my own pie crust before, but now I decided it's really not worth the effort, so I usually just buy a premade crust.
Peel and cut up enough apples (I used a combo of Golden Delicious and Fuji) to fill the crust with a slight mound.
In a small pan, melt one stick of butter (I think that's half a cup), with 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, about a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a tablespoon of bourbon, and a tablespoon of flour, to thicken. Heat, stirring a lot, until it gets very bubbly and hot.
Pour this hot mixture over the apples. Then, cover with another pie crust, and poke holes in the crust. Alternatively, and this is my preference, if you have time, make a lattice crust, and then pour the liquid mixture over the lattice crust onto the apples.
Put in the over, at 415 degrees for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350 degrees for another 45 minutes or so. You can tell it is ready by looking at the crust.
It is very good with ice cream.
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