My family always looks forward to apple picking this time of year. The kids enjoy climbing up on daddy’s broad shoulders to reach for juicy autumn orbs tucked beneath leafy branches. They get even more excited about all the other glorious things you find at an apple orchard… Farm animals to feed, hay rides, play areas, and decedent apple treats!
Henderson county, just south of us, is known for having more apple orchards than any other county in the US. (Yes, that includes Michigan and Washington.) Who knew that this little corner of western North Carolina could produce such apples!
We have visited our fair share of apple orchards over the last decade and have firmly decided on a favorite, Sky Top Orchard. As noted by it’s name, Sky Top Orchard is located on a mountain top in Flat Rock, North Carolina.
With lush mountain views in all directions, why would you want to pick apples any where else? Plus, they have great variety in the orchard, a well-stocked apple emporium, and plenty of extra attractions to keep the kiddos busy long after the bushels are filled to the brim.
As if that weren’t enough, they also sell hot fresh apple-cider donuts. After your first bite of these supple, sugar-crusted rings, you don’t know whether to swear, thank God, and cry out of utter bliss!
Alright, enough about the donuts. While I’m pondering the possibility of recreating them, I’d like to offer you another apple treat that is perfectly lovely in its own right. Curried Apple Turnovers are one of my favorite fall snacks. They are cute, easy to take with you, and full of flavor.
There is only one problem with making apple sweets. When you bring home bushels of apples from the orchard, you start to worry about monotony. After all, what better accents apples than cinnamon? Yet if you spice all your apples with cinnamon, it doesn’t matter whether you make turnovers, pies, crisps, cakes, or muffins. You end up with same flavor. As a girl who likes a lot of variety, I’ve been experimenting with different flavor profiles to complement apples.
I’ve found that curry powder and garam masala do wonders to spice up savory or sweet apple dishes. Both are Indian spice blends usually containing a little cinnamon. Yet, you also get a bit of coriander, clove, fenugreek, turmeric, cumin, and cardamom as well. These extra spices provide rich depth to your apple treats… And the element of surprise!
I’ve noticed that if you don’t tell your taste-testers what your secret ingredient is, they will devour several hand pies while contemplating the possibilities, and still may never figure it out! The touch of curry in these crispy Curried Apple Turnovers adds that little extra something, without overpowering the apple goodness. Share This Recipe With Friends!
