Fall is the perfect time to pack up the kids and go pick that perfect apple you’ve been craving since the weather turned a little cooler. There are many places in New York and the surrounding areas to pick delicious apples. If you click on the picture to the right, you will get a listing of apple farms by the location you select.
(Courtesy of NYAppleCountry.com)

My personal favorite is driving out to eastern Long Island to Hank’s Pumpkintown where you can make a full day event out of apple or pumpkin picking that your whole family will enjoy. Not only do they have beautiful apples and pumpkins, but they also have hay rides, corn mazes and wooden play castles loved by kids of all ages.

Another favorite is to drive upstate to New Paltz, New York, where you can visit Dressel Farms and add a petting zoo to your apple-picking repertoire. Be sure to go when the leaves are changing colors to get the most out of the fall foliage views of the Mohonk Preserve.

After picking your apples and taking them home, you can make your own homemade applesauce using these simple directions:

Simple Homemade Applesauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Ready in: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes, Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 apples (peeled, cored and chopped)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar and cinnamon. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher. Then, you’re done!