Crab Apple Trees

Now this is exciting! I have been patiently waiting... and I mean patiently...seriously for years for my two cute little apple trees to produce some fruit. 2010 I pruned off all the small fruit to help the energy go towards the tree growing, 2011 we had a flood scare and I was just too busy to notice, and 2012 no fruit. But this year... look at these glorious apples!!   

My two little helpers and I wheeled out a little wagon and started picking! It was one of the best summer evenings I've had this year, enjoying being outside together and knowing that we grew something in our own little 2.5 acres. It also took me back to a vivid memory I have from growing up on our family farm where my grandma had several crab apple and plum trees; and, how exciting it was that "the men" would help with the picking. Somehow my grandpa, dad and hired help mustered up enough energy after a day in the fields to help with the ladders to fill our many wire baskets up. Maybe they knew the reward of jam and jellies was worth their time!

Well, not only did I get to slightly re-enact a bit my childhood memory with my kids, but I got a bowl full apples. Aren't they pretty!! We rushed them into the house, washed, peeled and cored them.. and quickly turned them into Apple Crisp.

We have lots of apples left, and are looking forward to making more:

Apple Crisp

Apple Streusel Muffins

Slow Cooker Apple Sauce

Apple Sauce Cake 

Old Fashioned Apple Cider

What's your favourite Crab Apple recipe?! Please send me a note or leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!