Apple Dessert Recipes to Fall For

It is only August, but we have picked our first apple of the season and now I have all of the symptoms of seasonal obsession. I MUST MAKE ALL OF THE YUMMY APPLE THINGS!

If you too suffer from seasonal apple obsession, you are going to adore these tips for picking the best apples and these awesome apple recipes I am crushing on this year.

Tips for Picking the Best Apples

• Pick apples from the outside of the tree first, as these will be the ripest.
• Select apples that are firm to the touch.
• Fragrant apples are also a good sign of freshness.
• Avoid bruises, nicks and apples that have fallen to the ground, as these may have insects feasting inside!
• If an apple isn't quite ripe, it won't ripen more after picking. 

Now that you know what to look for in apples as you are picking them, let's get on to more important matters, what to make with these lovely apples!

Baked Honey Crisp Apples
Crockpot Baked Apples This is perfect for dessert on crazy busy days.
Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake
No Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Baked Apple Chips These are perfect for healthy snacking!
Apple Cheese Danish
Heirloom Apple Cake


Which of these recipes will you try first? I think it has to be the Baked Honeycrisp Apples for me! They look perfectly delectable! We made a really cute apple tree window cling last year you might want to make your own.

Find all of my apple posts here

Hungry Caterpillar Process Art

This easy Hungry Caterpillar Process art project is perfect for preschoolers and elementary aged kids. It gives them a chance to create an adorable picture to go along with story time. I don't know about you, but I love storybook crafts for kids!

This project is perfect for fall. We used fresh apples that were too bruised to eat, and painted these cuties with them. If you have an abundance of apples. maybe you will want to put one to work for this art project.

We have lots of apple crafts on site! 

These cork and button apple trees are a favorite fall craft for kids of all ages.

Corked Stamped Apples are an adorable craft for kids.

Apple Tree Window Clings are a fun budget friendly project.

3D Paper Apples are a good project for using up scrap paper.

Apple Tree Addition makes for a fun way to learn math.

Supplies:

An apple 

Green, red , yellow, black paint.

Paper Plate

A pencil

A knife

Paper

Slice an apple in half

Pour a large dallop of red, green and yellow paint onto a paper plate.

We kind of mixed a little green and yellow together to create a cool effect.

Offer a small drop of black paint.

Offer the child an apple and encourage the child to dip the apple into the paint, and stamp the apple, so that the circles touch one another, going across the page.

Have your child give the caterpillar 4 or 5 segments.

Then encourage the child to dip the other apple half into the red paint and stamp the apple to form the head.

Next, dip the pencil into the black paint and create the eyes and mouth of the caterpillar.

Next, dip the pencil into the yellow paint and finish the eyes.

Now, I know what you are thinking.

Why not use a paintbrush?

Well, we did try that, but it smeared the yellow and black together. We found that the pencil was much easier to work with; and it gave Harper the chance to paint with a non traditional object. We both enjoyed that! You can kind of see in the mouth of the caterpillar that it is a little messy; that was the paint brush. 

Next, grab the stem from the apple and dip it into the green paint.

Give the caterpillar some antennae.

 

 Allow to dry completely. 

Display and enjoy this cute Hungry Caterpillar craft!

12 Apple Inspired Dinners

It is time to head to the orchard and harvest plenty of

beautiful apples! I will,of course, make apple crisps, pies, and even applesauce, but this year, my mind is going to dinner inspiration instead of just desserts!

I found 12 awesome apple inspired dinners that I will certainly be making after my trips to the orchard! From slaws to salads and so many other dishes that there has to be something on this list for everyone!

Why not add an apple to dinner? You know what they say about keeping the doctor away and all!

Apple, Berry and Brie Turkey Burgers

Cabbage, Apple and Kale Salad

Slow Cooker Apple Pork Roast

Pressure Cooker Porkchops with Applesauce

Apple Pork Tenderloin

Apple Cheddar Soup

Apple Meatloaf

Apple Cider Mac n Cheese

Spinach, Apple and Glazed Pecan Salad

Shaved Brussles Sprouts with Apples and Walnuts

Bok Choy and Apple Greek Yogurt Slaw

Apple Chicken Salad

Which of these recipes will you try first? The apple chicken salad sounds perfect for a picnic dinner amidst the crunchy leaves. If you have a recipe that puts apples in your dinner I would love to hear about it!

Cork and Button Apple Tree Process Art

This cork and button apple tree process art is perfect for preschoolers or kindergartners this fall. It is an easy activity that requires very little prep. 

We love process art, and we love all things fall around here! Harper and I have been hoarding fall decor since we saw the first adorable decorative pumpkin in stores back in July. Rolf is not so quick to jump seasons, but on the first of September, he said "Finally! It is September. Now we can buy all the pumpkins we want without comment." HA! 

Related: Apple Tree Window Clings

Harper and I felt like painting and wanted to start on some fridge decorations for the season. We came up with these adorable cork and button apple trees. They are so worthy of displaying! Plus, they are easy to make!

 

Supplies Needed: 

Paint in Brown and Green

A Wine Cork

A Paper Plate

White Paper

Buttons

Glue

Directions:

Pour a quarter sized drop of both the brown and the green paint onto a paper plate.

Offer your child the cork.

Encourage your child to first stamp the trunk of the tree with the cork.

Then ask your child to give the tree leaves with the green paint.

Allow to dry for about an hour in a warm, sunny place.

When the paint has dried, offer your child the glue and some buttons. We used yellow for this project to make the kind of apples we like. Feel free to use red, green or even a mix if you like. As you can see below we also made one with red buttons, just because we had so much fun the first time.

Encourage your child to spread out the buttons, pressing them onto dots of glue.

Allow the glue time to dry. Then display! This is perfect for refrigerator art!

Are you looking for more awesome apple art projects for kids? 

Here are some favorites:

Easy Paper Apples

Apple Process Art

Sunflower Stamped Apples

 Kids are going to love this hands on art project that incorporates nature to make a fun print that looks great when displayed! It is easy, needs the most basic supplies and turns out to be so cute!  Make this apple stamping art project after a visit to the orchard, or just as a fun craft to do together.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Aren't these apples the cutest thing for little hands? All you need is a few colors of paint, a sheet of paper and a dried up sunflower head to make these with your kids. This is great for younger kids.

We visited the farmers market and purchased some sunflowers a few weeks earlier. After they had started to dry out, we plucked the petals off and were left with the heads.

Harp and I thought it would be fun to paint with them, so I grabbed a few bottles of cheap paint and some paper. This is what we came up with.

Supplies:

Paint in red, green and yellow

Paper Plate

Sunflower

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Pour  paint onto a paper plate. You need about a quarter sized drop.

Press your sunflower head into the paint and press it onto the paper.

Repeat as desired.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Find more fun kids art projects here:
Pineapple Process Art
Christmas Tree Art
Cork and Button Apple Tree Art

Apple Process Art

It's that time of year again - leaves are changing, pumpkins are popping up everywhere, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun fall craft project? This activity is perfect for keeping little hands busy and creating some adorable apple artwork!

What you'll need:

• Construction paper
• Red, green, and brown paint
• Shallow dishes or trays for paint
• Wine corks
• Baby wipes or paper towels (for clean-up!)
• Optional: Glitter, markers, googly eyes for decorating

Let's get stamping!

Prepare your canvas: Unfold a large piece of construction paper. This will be the background for your giant apple!

Cork transformation: Pour a small amount of red paint into one of your shallow dishes. Now comes the fun part! Press the flat end of the wine cork into the red paint, making sure it gets a nice, even coat.

Stamping time! Carefully, guide your child's hand as they press the painted end of the cork onto the construction paper. This will be the body of the apple. Repeat this process, creating multiple red circles close together to form a large apple.

Stem and Leaf: Use a paintbrush and green paint to add a long, curvy stem coming out of the top of the apple. For the leaf, dip a corner of the paintbrush in green paint and make a few small teardrop shapes next to the stem

Browning time (optional): Fall apples often have brown speckles on the skin. Use a brown paintbrush to gently dab small dots around the red apple to create this effect

Decoration Extravaganza! Now comes the fun part - decorating! Let your child unleash their creativity. They can add glitter for a sparkly apple, use markers to draw stripes or a cute face, or even stick on googly eyes for a silly apple friend.

Pro-Tips:

• Safety first! Cover your work surface with newspaper or a tablecloth to avoid paint splatters.
• Little artists, big messes: For younger children, use washable paint and have plenty of baby wipes or paper towels on hand for clean-up.
• Get creative! Don't limit yourselves to red apples. Experiment with other fall colors for a variety of apple creations!

This easy and engaging craft is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your kids this fall. It allows them to explore their creativity, practice hand-eye coordination, and celebrate the beauty of the season. Plus, you'll end up with some adorable apple artwork to proudly display! So grab those wine corks, unleash the paint, and get stamping!

Find all of my favorite fall crafts here:

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces

Lego Stamped Pumpkins

Sunflower Stamped Pumpkins

11 Apple Crafts to Make with the Kids

I can't help but get excited about the end of summer, because it means that fall is near! Trips to the orchard with the family; lots of action in the kitchen, the temps are finally cool enough for baking! And of course, the crafting with the kids! How could I not get excited for fall!? 

This year I have 11 apple craft to make with the kids to share with you that I know you will have fun making with your little ones!

Toilet Paper Roll Apple Stamp
Paper Plate Apple Craft
Caramel Apple Fall Craft
Apple Suncatchers
Take a Bite Out of Fall Craft
Apple Playdough
Button Apple Trees
Fruit Loop Fall Tree
Apple Tree Craft
Toilet Roll Apples
Stuffed Paper Apples


I love all of these ideas! I am hoping to make them all with the kids! We are planning to make these Apple Tree Window Clings again this year but we might make it a crafting marathon with these great ideas!

You can find my Halloween posts here

You might also like this easy homemade play dough recipe

Sweet Fritter Recipes

 

Sweet Dreams are Made of Fritters: Delicious Treats for Any Occasion

Fritters: those fluffy, golden pillows of fried dough aren't just for savory snacks! This post celebrates the delightful world of sweet fritters, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or adding a touch of whimsy to brunch or dessert.

Beyond the Donut: A Fritter History

Fritters have a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. These early versions were often simple, made with basic ingredients like flour, water, and honey. Over time, cultures around the world embraced the fritter, adding their own unique flavors and variations. From Italian zeppole to Japanese sakura mochi, fritters offer a glimpse into global sweet treats.

The Sweet Fritter Formula

The beauty of sweet fritters lies in their adaptability. They share a similar foundation to savory fritters: a base of flour, a binding agent (like eggs), and leavening (like baking powder or yeast). But here, sugar takes center stage, creating treats that are both light and satisfyingly sweet.

Fritter Fantasia: A World of Sweet Inspiration

The possibilities for sweet fritters are truly endless! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Fruity Fun: Fresh berries, chopped apples, bananas, or peaches add bursts of juicy sweetness. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also be incorporated.
• Chocolate Cravings: Chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted chocolate elevate your fritters to decadent heights.
• Nutty Delights: Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch and richness.
• Spice It Up: A hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• The Perfect Pairing: Dust your fritters with powdered sugar, drizzle them with maple syrup or honey, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat.

Frittering Tips for Triumph

• Ripeness Matters: Use ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture. Softer fruits like berries can be mixed in, while firmer fruits like apples might need to be chopped or grated.
• Temperature is Key: Don't overheat your oil! Aim for a medium temperature to ensure even cooking without burning the outside.
• Drainage is Delightful: For fruits with high water content, consider draining any excess juice before adding them to the batter to prevent soggy fritters.
• Golden Goodness: Just like with savory fritters, maintain a golden brown color for perfect texture and don't overcrowd the pan.

So ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary world of sweet fritters! With a little creativity and these helpful tips, you'll be whipping up delightful treats that will have everyone asking for more.

Here are some of my favorite sweet fritter recipes from around the web. Be sure to click thru the links to view the full recipes.

Homemade Banana Fritters by Small Town Woman

Apple Ring Fritters by Tikkido

Fritules  by Sustain My Cooking Habit

Crispy Banana Fritters by In the Kids Kitchen

Glazed Apple Fritters by Love from the Oven

Mock Apple Fritter Bread by Low Carb Yum

Maple Glazed Fritter Waffles by 3 Boys and a Dog

Sweet Potato Apple Fritters by Kidgredients

Apple Fritters by Sugar Spun Run

Peach Fritters by Hearth and Vine

Blueberry Fritters with Vanilla Glaze by Tao of Spice

Air Fryer Fritters by Fantabulosity 

Find more favorite recipes here:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

Golden Graham Cookies Crumbl Copycat

Mason Jar Lasagna 

EASY Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits

When time is short, but the craving for a treat is strong, you can't go with this EASY Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfait recipe!

This is one of those shortcut creations that has saved the day and dessert a few times for my family. It takes 3 easy ingredients and requires only about that many minutes to create!

I used canned apple pie filling, graham cracker crumbs and Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling. This is pre made and sold in a big tub. I always like to keep this on hand for last minute entertaining or indulging!

All you have to do to create this yummy parfait is to layer those 3 ingredients {apple pie filling, graham cracker crumbs and Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling} in a pretty glass and serve chilled!

The luscious cheesecake filling pairs well with juicy apples. The graham crackers add a nice texture to this mix! Of course you could use cherry pie filling, or any flavor you prefer in this recipe.

You might also like this Coconut Rice Krispie Treat Recipe. It is dairy free and delicious!!

The Best S'mores Recipes You'll Ever Try

S'mores are the perfect summer treat. They're easy to make, delicious, and fun to eat. Plus, they're the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors on a warm summer night.

Here are just a few reasons why s'mores are the perfect summer treat:

• They're easy to make. All you need is some graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. You can even make them in the microwave if you don't have a campfire.
• They're delicious. The combination of the graham cracker, chocolate, and gooey marshmallow is simply irresistible.
• They're fun to eat. There's nothing quite like the experience of roasting a marshmallow over a campfire and then smooshing it between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate.
• They're the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. S'mores are the perfect way to end a long day of hiking, swimming, or playing in the sun.

So next time you're looking for a delicious and fun summer treat, reach for some s'mores. You won't be disappointed.

I gathered some of our favorite recipes to share with you. Check these out to make your next s'mores night extra special.

Mini S’mores Pies by Create Yum

Whether you call them s’mores cups, s’mores bites, or s’mores pies, I call them yummy. Enjoy these easy mini s’mores with graham cracker crust pies for a delicious dessert anytime. These mini s’mores bites are just the right amount of sweetness for a little treat that you can enjoy after lunch or dinner or whenever.




S’mores Mug Cake by Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

This s'mores mug cake has graham cracker crumbs in it, mallow bits, chocolate chunks and a nice pile of toasted mini marshmallows to top it off with.




Mint Chocolate S’mores by Sweet Silly Sara

S'mores are a summertime staple for good reason. They are incredibly delicious! This recipe takes the tastiness up a notch with the addition of mint chocolate chip to the equation for a melt in your mouth campfire snack!




S’mores Pudding Pots by Entertaining with Beth

My S’more Pudding Pot Recipe is your new favorite summer dessert idea that will WOW a crowd! Just top your puddings with crushed graham crackers and broil the marshmallows and you’re DONE! These desserts are great for entertaining families, since both kids and grown-ups go nuts for these!




S’mores Dip by Spend with Pennies

My S’more Pudding Pot Recipe is your new favorite summer dessert idea that will WOW a crowd! Just top your puddings with crushed graham crackers and broil the marshmallows and you’re DONE! These desserts are great for entertaining families, since both kids and grown-ups go nuts for these!




Easy S’mores Bars by Plowing Through Life

Classic campfire treats baked in a pan are called Easy S’mores Bars. These easy dessert bars feature a graham cracker layer topped with a layer of chocolate and then toasted mini-marshmallows and more chocolate chunks finish off the delicious treat!




S’mores Popsicles by Thrifty Northwest Mom

We are working on our summer bucket list for old-fashioned fun this summer at home and trying new summer recipes is on our list. We love sweet treats & ice cream & popsicles are always high on our list in the heat of the summer for a refreshing treat. So, we thought it would be fun to try some new ideas. I am pretty obsessed with s’mores around the campfire, so love that these s’mores popsicles are just another way to enjoy the flavors of s’mores!




Grilled Strawberry S’mores by For the Love of Food

Add fresh berries to a classic combo and toss it on the grill for a one of a kind summer goodie! Everyone will love these grilled s’mores strawberries!




S’mores Donuts by Dine Dream Discover

If you can’t go camping to have traditional S’mores by the campfire then these will fill the void.




S’mores Cheesecake Bars by Cheesecake It Is

Craving that favorite summer dessert called S’mores? If you are, you are going to love this recipe for S’mores Cheesecake Bars! Such a great combination of s’mores and cheesecake.




Double Dipped S’mores Apples by Boulder Locavore

S’mores flavors in an indulgent candied apple form. These are almost too pretty to eat!




S’mores on a Stick by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

S’mores on a Stick. The easiest way to get that yummy s’mores taste when a campfire is not available!




S’mores Brownies by Kelly Stillwell

Everyone loves S'mores, and who doesn't love brownies? Make an extra big batch of these smores brownies as they will be gone before you know it!




Rice Krispie S’mores by Leelalicious

The No-Bake Summer is still underway, and this time, a friend of mine, Carla, makes delicious S’more Rice Krispie Treats with marshmallows, graham, and chocolate – the staples!




S’mores Stuffed Cookies by The Banana Diaries

The best s’mores stuffed cookies you’ll ever make that are incredibly easy and undetectably vegan! Stuffed with a melted marshmallow and completely refined sugar free and can be gluten free, you won’t be able to stop with these vegan s’mores cookies!




S’mores Ice Cream by Baby Savers

This simple s'mores ice cream recipe is going to be your new favorite dessert. Packed full of sweetness and that classic s'mores taste, it's a dessert party just waiting to happen.

Here are some additional tips for making the perfect s'mores:

• Use good quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the s'mores will taste.
• Toast your marshmallows until they're golden brown and gooey.
• Use a variety of chocolate. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate all make great s'mores.
• Get creative with your toppings. Try adding nuts, candy, or fruit to your s'mores for a fun twist.

No matter how you make them, s'mores are sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering. So gather your friends and family, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy the perfect summer treat.

Find more favorite summer recipes here:

S'mores Charcuterie

Popsicles for Adults

Explore the Flavors of the Land Down Under

As the kids get a little older, they are more adventurous. They can handle road trips like semi-professionals. Both love to watch travel videos and learn about new areas. More than once they have hinted that they want to take a big trip in the near future.

Australia is on our travel bucket list.The wildlife, the bush, and the coastal views make it an obvious choice for a destination,but what really appeals to my adventurous kids is the food!

Australian cuisine is more than just sausages and meaty pies. A wide assortment of fruits and vegetables are grown in the land down under, making it a total foodies destination.

Did you know that granny smith apples were first grown in Australia? But that isn't all. You can find well known fruits like plums in the land down under, but also bush fruit like quandong, which is a native peach and muntries,which are a native cranberries.

Exploring native versions of fruit we already know makes it a exciting culinary adventure for the entire family, but we want more than fruit. We want to try all of the native foods!

Australia has many unique meats that we wouldn't be able to try as easily. Emu, kangaroo and crocodile meat are available for consumption, while they are not common, you can expect to find kangaroo in sausages. Lamb is a popular meat in the land down under, as are many varieties of seafood. By all accounts, Australia is a land of culinary delights.

Traveling with the kids to Australia would be an unforgettable adventure. There are so many things to see, do and taste that it could be easy to exhaust the family while immersing them in the culture. As a seasoned traveler, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep everyone happy.

First, I always recommend finding a private tour guide. This gives you a chance to gather info, check out hotspots and avoid crowds and lines. The price of private destination tours is often more affordable than taking a tour with a group of strangers, and it gives you a chance to talk one on one with your guide to learn all of the history and mystery of the area.

My second tip is have dinner prepared for you, instead of heading out to a restaurant. Having the chef come to you is the best way to learn about what you are eating, and see the meal being prepared right in front of your eyes. While having dinner in on an international trip might seem like an additional expense, it is one that is well worth it. Being able to relax and stay in for an evening gives the family a chance to recharge their batteries for further adventures. Your personal chef will entertain your with delicious food, rich stories and leave you hungry for more. Lucky for you, the chef is likely to share recipes with you so you can bring the flavor of Australia to your friends at a later date.

If you have traveled to Australia, I would love to hear about your culinary adventures in the land down under in a comment.

Corked Stamped Corn Craft

 

More Than Just Brushes: The Fun and Learning of Painting with Unconventional Tools

Painting is a beloved activity for kids, but it can sometimes feel limited to just brushes and paint palettes. Here's a secret: there's a whole world of creative exploration waiting to be discovered with everyday objects like wine corks! In fact, incorporating unconventional tools like corks into your child's next art project can be both fun and educational.

This is such a fun project for little ones, and the results are simply stunning. You will love adding this cork stamped corn art to your refrigerator.

Why Unconventional Tools?

• Sensory Play: Wine corks provide a unique texture for little hands to explore. The cork's bumpy surface creates interesting marks on the paper, adding a new dimension to sensory play, which is crucial for early childhood development.

• Fine Motor Skills: Grasping and maneuvering a cork requires focus and hand-eye coordination. This strengthens the small muscles in the hand and wrist, which are vital for tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.

• Problem-Solving: Using a non-traditional tool like a cork encourages kids to think outside the box. They'll experiment with different ways to hold the cork, apply pressure, and achieve desired effects on the paper.

• Creativity Boost: Stepping away from the standard brush opens the door to a world of artistic possibilities. Kids can create unique textures, patterns, and shapes with the cork, fostering their creativity and imagination.

The Case for the Corked Indian Corn

Your corked stamped Indian corn craft is a perfect example of the magic of unconventional tools. It combines the classic appeal of a seasonal craft with the exciting exploration of using a cork for stamping. This project allows kids to:

• Learn About Nature: Indian corn, with its vibrant colors and unique shapes, can spark conversations about nature and harvest traditions.

• Practice Colors: Painting the corn provides an opportunity to explore different colors and how they mix together.

• Develop Pattern Recognition: The repetitive stamping with the cork creates a pattern, helping kids develop basic pattern recognition skills.

Supplies:

Paint in red, orange, yellow, green and brown colors.

A paper plate

A cork

Paper

Directions
Pour a quarter size dab of paint in each color onto a paper plate.
Using a cork, begin to shape the green husk of the corn. To make it easy

for little ones, you could ask them to stamp the shape of a U onto the paper. 

Now, ask the artists to begin stamping, using one color at a time, to fill in the ear of corn. Ask your artist to use each color several times.

Allow to dry and display.

Beyond the Cork:

Wine corks are just the tip of the iceberg! There are endless possibilities when it comes to unconventional painting tools. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Nature's Paintbrushes: Use leaves, pinecones, or even feathers to create unique textures and shapes.
• Kitchen Creativity: Spoons, forks, and even rubber spatulas can be transformed into fun painting tools.
• Recycled Fun: Give plastic bottles, cardboard tubes, or even bubble wrap a new life as creative painting tools.

So next time you're planning a painting activity with your kids, ditch the traditional brushes and explore the world of unconventional tools. You might be surprised at the fun, learning, and creativity that unfolds!

Find more cool crafts for kids here:

Hungry Caterpillar Process Art

Cork and Button Apple Trees

Sunflower Stamped Apples