We left Oak Park in a rain shower, but the weather was 90% perfect at County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana. A cross between Cracker Barrel, a farmer stand and Costco (the place is HUGE), County Line's parking lot stretched on and on. But with plenty of orchards boasting lots of apple varieties, a substantial children's farm, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, live music and restaurant that filled an enormous barn, it didn't feel as overrun with city folks as it obviously was. As if the attraction of this place needed more proof, I ran into an old colleague from 4 years ago among the Gala apple trees and my friend Kate saw a co-worker in the parking lot.We went with two other families, which tripled the fun. And now we have $30 worth of hand-picked apples to eat. I got a head start this afternoon, turning 3 lbs of apples into a delicious homemade apple sauce.
My Applesauce
Peel and slice apples thin. Place in a heavy saucepan. Add the juice of one lemon, a cinnamon stick and 1/4 cup water. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes and add 1/4 cup of sugar. Cook one more minute. Mash with a potato masher to desired consistency. Pour into cleaned-out glass jars and refrigerate.
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