William's 1st Visit to a Pumpkin Patch

We took William to his 1st pumpkin patch this past weekend. It was fabulous! We got to walk through the actual pumpkin patch and select then cut our pumpkins from the vine.

It was unseasonably warm when we went (85 degrees & sunny) and I brought an umbrella out into the patch with us to keep the sun off of our lil boo. We may have looked silly but hey! it worked!

Dicky Farms has two patches, one for large pumpkins & one for smaller pumpkins with many varieties/colors. If you don't want to pick your own pumpkin, they have a wide selection already picked under the tent when you drive up. If you want to pick your own, like we did, you can select a wagon (they provide clippers in each wagon) & go in search of your pumpkin. It's a family run operation and everyone there was incredibly friendly!

We look forward to making this a family tradition each year! 

Here is additional information about Dickey Farms in Springdale:

• Mon - Fri: 4 - 7:30pm/ Sat - Sun 9am - 7:30pm
• Charge $.50/lb
• Have varieties of gourds & squash available (acorn & butternut) 

 Link to Dickey Farm's Facebook Page

Seasonal Deliciousness - Apple Butter

One of my favorite fall activities is picking apples off of the apple tree in my parents' back yard. While the apples taste great right off the tree, where they really shine is as the ingredient in recipes. 

A personal favorite of mine is Apple Butter, made in the crockpot. All you need to do is prep the apples, mix in the ingredients and set on low for @ 12 hours! Once it is complete, you can stir the apples to break them apart or put it in your blender to create even smoother butter.  

It holds up great in a mason jar, in the refrigerator (if you don't have canning equipment). This recipe makes about 4 pints, which for me is just enough for our family alone! 

Here is the official how-to: 

Ingredients

6.5 pounds of apples - peeled, cored & sliced

1 C granulated sugar

1 C brown sugar

1 T ground cinnamon

1/2 t nutmeg

1/4 t ground cloves

1/4 t salt

1 T pure vanilla extract

I recommend using apples from the farmers market or a variety of sweet apples from the grocery store.

Once you peel, core & slice all of the apples, put them in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl of apples & mix thoroughly. 

Next, pour the apple mixture into your crock pot & set the temperature on low & your timer for 12 hours. I have let it cook longer than 12 hours before and all that happens is more moisture evaporates, to make a thicker butter. 

After the 12 hours is completed, if you want to smooth your butter, pour the warm mixture by batches, into your blender to smooth. I blend about 1/2 of my mixture & leave the rest slightly chunky for a great texture! 

*I have tried this recipe, leaving the peels on and the flavor is still great. It is only slightly more thick/chunky. 

My favorite ways to enjoy Apple butter:

• Give it as a gift 
• Spread onto toast or biscuits 
• Mix it into a steaming bowl of oatmeal
• Top your favorite ice cream with it (we use vanilla bean)
• You can spread it as a marinade/sauce on salmon before grilling/baking it; top with a little bit of herbs and sea salt too!
• You can incorporate it into your favorite cinnamon roll or quick bread recipe