Rich and I spotted giant apples trees at the park. There were a couple of them and they were loaded with fruit! So like any normal person would do, we grabbed a couple bags and went apple picking. Free apples, can't complain.
I had (and still have) no idea what type of apples they were. Mild in taste, a little sweet, kind of tart, with a texture similar to a McIntosh but firmer.
First I made an apple crisp with them and found out the hard way that they held up to cooking a little too well. The second time around (Thanksgiving dinner), the texture of the apples were just right. I had cooked them on the stove prior to filling the plate and adding the oat topping and that seemed to work well. Next time though, I think I'll slice the fruit even thinner.
Since the trees have been untreated and are basically organic, I think we'll continue to harvest from our little secret spot and cooking delicious apple goodies! Emphasis on the cooking part. They may not be as good as my favourite Honey Crisp apples, but I found that letting them sit in the sun makes them a little sweeter. Mmmm.
I love autumn!!