The cozy season of fall is in full swing here in Michigan.

The leaves are starting to change colors, the weather is comfortable to go on long walks, and fall décor inspiration is everywhere! 

I can’t imagine not experiencing fall each year which makes me feel lucky to live in Michigan where we get to enjoy it in all its glory. A quintessential fall day in the great lake state includes paying a visit to a local cider mill and apple orchard. Not only do local apple orchards make great photo ops for Instagram but they allow the opportunity to taste the flavors of locally grown apples and homemade cider. You also can’t go wrong with indulging in apple cider donuts!

Did you know that Michigan’s climate and geography are what result in the best-tasting apples? Of course, credit is also due to our local growers and family-owned farms that make the 24.7 million bushels of apples harvested each year possible. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, Michigan is the 3rd largest apple-producing state in the USA.

Apples are the most valuable and largest fruit crop in the state of Michigan making a huge economic impact. It’s pretty cool to know that this locally grown fruit can result benefitting local communities, schools, suppliers, and more. 

If you have the opportunity to visit a local Michigan apple orchard this year, I highly recommend it. Local farms are a great atmosphere to spend time with loved ones and a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth with many fall goodies. If you are not able to visit a local Michigan orchard know that you might be able to find Michigan apples in a retail grocery store near you. Michigan apples are sold in 32 states and 18 countries so that people all over can experience the fresh flavorful apples we know and love here. 

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 Once you have brought some tasty Michigan apples home there are a few things you can do with them. You could wash them off and snack on them right away or you can display them in a cute basket and seasonal décor in your home. Fresh apples look so great piled in a bowl on a kitchen counter or in a woven basket on top of a cabinet. 

 Another fun way to enjoy your Michigan apples is to bake a fresh apple pie from scratch. In this post, I will be sharing a delicious Dutch apple pie recipe inspired by Betty Crocker that I tried out this year made with Michigan apples. My kitchen skills are hit or miss but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to make this flavor-packed seasonal treat. 

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Ingredients:

 Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

1/3 cups and 1 tablespoon shortening

4 tablespoons water

 

Filling

8-9 peeled and sliced Michigan apples

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

Topping

½ cup unsalted softened butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

 

 For instructions, follow Betty Crocker’s recipe here.

 

I hope this post has inspired you to enjoy the crisp flavors of Michigan apples this fall. To learn more about the Michigan Apple industry visit michiganapples.com