As a Michigander by birth (that’s what residents of the state of Michigan are commonly referred to), Floridian by choice, the thing I probably miss the most about being up north is picking apples in the fall. It’s a complete experience that includes apples and cider that you really just can’t replicate without the crisp, cool weather that signals the start of the apple-picking season.
Apparently, I’m not the only one who misses this. There is an Ann Arbor-based company called The Apple Truck, that delivers fresh-picked Michigan apples and cider every fall to several southern states, including Florida! I recently had the opportunity to receive one of their 20-pound boxes of 1/2 tart and 1/2 sweet apples. Pick-up was easy! I preordered and selected from several pick-up locations around the Tampa Bay Area. I pulled up and the employees loaded the box of apples into my car.
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The best part about the apples?! Eating them! If you’re looking for something quick, easy and delicious, try this recipe for Caramel Apple Dump Cake.
Ingredients:
6 cups of fresh apples, peeled, cored and diced into small pieces
20-25 caramel candies, unwrapped
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 box yellow cake mix (do not prepare)
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking pan
- Put diced apples into your prepared pan
- Place caramels evenly on top of the apples
- Sprinkle on cinnamon and add walnuts (optional)
- Top with the dry cake mix, making sure the apples are completely covered
- Drizzle the melted butter on top
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Tip: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge as a yummy treat to enjoy again later!
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