Bite! Bite! Bite!

In the past few months, Awakenings has featured How the Apple Orchards Spread, Cherries & Apples, Apple time!, Legend of the Apple, Yummy... Dessert!, APPle, AppLE, APPLE-licious!, and 'Dipped' Apples. Of course autumn is apple season! Apple pie is even one of the American Classics. How bout dem apples! Yum-yum-yum-yummy!

December 1 is...

Eat a Red Apple Day

We know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away so in September, Apple Time celebrated Eat an Apple Day, aka International Eat an Apple Day. Supposedly on that day any variety or color apple was on the menu with encouragement to eat anything apple related. There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples worldwide so finding an apple should never be a problem. Eat a Red Apple Day is the day to bite into a fresh apple that is simply red.

Red Delicious is a classic - America’s favorite snacking apple. The heart-shaped fruit is bright red and sometimes striped. Crunchy with a mildly sweet flavor, Reds are also great in salads. Washington apple growers have been producing the world’s best Red Delicious apples since the 1920s. They’re harvested in September and October and available throughout the year.

The Fuji, immensely flavorful, new variety was introduced to the U.S. from Japan in the 1980s, but now the U.S. produces more Fujis than Japan. Each year, this big, super-sweet, crisp apple gains new fans. The Fuji holds its texture when baked. It's known for its hard texture and syrupy sweetness. It's also excellent for baking and salads. Washington's cool weather in the late fall helps develop its reddish-pink color and superb flavor. Fujis are harvested in October and can be purchased October to August.

The Braeburn apple’s rich, sweet-tart, spicy flavor is high-impact. Color varies from orange to red over a yellow background. Aromatic, juicy and crisp, this apple is very firm. Braeburns are great for snacking and baking. Washington growers harvest the variety in September and early October. Consumers can purchase Washington Braeburns from October through July.

Developed by the University of Minnesota, Honeycrisp has bright red and pale green outer skin and a cream colored crisp yet juicy inner flesh. With a sweet yet slightly tart flavor, this variety of apple is great for salads, baking, cooking or eating as a snack. The Honeycrisp Apple was created to grow well in cooler northern climates. It is a variety that stores well.

The Gala apple is a hybrid of the Golden Delicious apple, developed in New Zealand during the 1920s. This small, two-toned apple has a sweet flavor and a firm texture. It is recommended for eating raw and for use in pies and other baked goods.

The Cameo is a cultivar of apple, discovered by chance by the Caudle family in a Dryden, Washington orchard in 1987. Its parentage is uncertain; it may be a cross between a Red Delicious and a Golden Delicious, since it was found near orchards of those fruits; ^[1] it also appears similar to the original Delicious cultivar. It is bright red striped over creamy orange, firm and crisp with an aromatic flavor. It is among the top ten most grown apples in Washington.

New York Empire apples are red, juicy, firm, crunchy and sweet. They ripen during September and October, and will keep until January. The original seed was a cross between the varieties McIntosh and Red Delicious. Empire apples are excellent for eating and salads, and good for sauce, baking, pies and freezing. It is an ideal lunch-box apple, not least because it does not bruise easily.

The Rome apple is rounded, all red, and very glossy, with a thick skin and firm flesh. It is primarily used for baking, as its flavor develops when cooked, and it holds its shape well. It is commonly described as less desirable as an eating apple because of its subtle flavor that is not as sweet, flashy, or tart as some other varieties, yet it is the favorite eating apple of many. It comes to market in late September and is considered a good keeper. 'Rome' apples are widely grown and available, and are a staple variety in American commerce.

Round in shape and medium sized the skin of the Winesap apple is dark red in color. Its firm flesh is crisp and exceptionally juicy with a creamy yellow hue. Winesap apples are highly aromatic with a balanced sweet tart taste and get their name due to their distinctive spicy wine like flavor.

Round in shape and medium sized the skin of the Winesap apple is dark red in color. Its firm flesh is crisp and exceptionally juicy with a creamy yellow hue. Winesap apples are highly aromatic with a balanced sweet tart taste and get their name due to their distinctive spicy wine like flavor.

By this time you should be READY to bite into a juicy red  apple...Go for it!

Do you know how to eat an apple?

*****

Is your mouth watering yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!

Next on the Calendar...#CyberMonday!

 

America LOVES apples, apple blossom flowers, & apple cider!

Michigan: Wolverine 
Vermont: Magical Landscapes of Green 
Minnesota: Glaciers' Footprints 
Rhode Island: Spectacular in the Fall 
Arkansas: Natural Wonder 
West Virginia: The Mountains are Callin' 
New Hampshire: Switzerland of America 
Washington: Incredible Discovery
New York: Diversity & Contrast

Illinois Coming soon...Dec 3

 

Open Wide...Take a RED bite!

On Awakenings, you will find apples featured many, many times: How the Apple Orchards Spread, Cherries & Apples, Apple time!, Legend of the Apple, Yummy... Dessert!, APPle, AppLE, APPLE-licious!, and 'Dipped' Apples. Of course autumn is apple season! Apple pie is even one of the American Classics. How bout dem apples! Yum-yum-yum-yummy!

[Be sure to peruse all the way to the bottom...you MUST know America ❤LOVES❤ apples!]

December 1 is...

Eat a Red Apple Day

We know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away so in September, Apple Time celebrated Eat an Apple Day, aka International Eat an Apple Day. Supposedly on that day any variety or color apple was on the menu with encouragement to eat anything apple related. There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples worldwide so finding an apple should never be a problem. Eat a Red Apple Day is the day to bite into a fresh apple that is simply red.

How much 'Red' do you know?

Red Delicious is a classic - America’s favorite snacking apple. The heart-shaped fruit is bright red and sometimes striped. Crunchy with a mildly sweet flavor, Reds are also great in salads. Washington apple growers have been producing the world’s best Red Delicious apples since the 1920s. They’re harvested in September and October and available throughout the year.

The Fuji, immensely flavorful, new variety was introduced to the U.S. from Japan in the 1980s, but now the U.S. produces more Fujis than Japan. Each year, this big, super-sweet, crisp apple gains new fans. The Fuji holds its texture when baked. It's known for its hard texture and syrupy sweetness. It's also excellent for baking and salads. Washington's cool weather in the late fall helps develop its reddish-pink color and superb flavor. Fujis are harvested in October and can be purchased October to August.

The Braeburn apple’s rich, sweet-tart, spicy flavor is high-impact. Color varies from orange to red over a yellow background. Aromatic, juicy and crisp, this apple is very firm. Braeburns are great for snacking and baking. Washington growers harvest the variety in September and early October. Consumers can purchase Washington Braeburns from October through July.

Developed by the University of Minnesota, Honeycrisp has bright red and pale green outer skin and a cream colored crisp yet juicy inner flesh. With a sweet yet slightly tart flavor, this variety of apple is great for salads, baking, cooking or eating as a snack. The Honeycrisp Apple was created to grow well in cooler northern climates. It is a variety that stores well.

The Gala apple is a hybrid of the Golden Delicious apple, developed in New Zealand during the 1920s. This small, two-toned apple has a sweet flavor and a firm texture. It is recommended for eating raw and for use in pies and other baked goods.

The Cameo is a cultivar of apple, discovered by chance by the Caudle family in a Dryden, Washington orchard in 1987. Its parentage is uncertain; it may be a cross between a Red Delicious and a Golden Delicious, since it was found near orchards of those fruits; ^[1] it also appears similar to the original Delicious cultivar. It is bright red striped over creamy orange, firm and crisp with an aromatic flavor. It is among the top ten most grown apples in Washington.

New York Empire apples are red, juicy, firm, crunchy and sweet. They ripen during September and October, and will keep until January. The original seed was a cross between the varieties McIntosh and Red Delicious. Empire apples are excellent for eating and salads, and good for sauce, baking, pies and freezing. It is an ideal lunch-box apple, not least because it does not bruise easily.

The Rome apple is rounded, all red, and very glossy, with a thick skin and firm flesh. It is primarily used for baking, as its flavor develops when cooked, and it holds its shape well. It is commonly described as less desirable as an eating apple because of its subtle flavor that is not as sweet, flashy, or tart as some other varieties, yet it is the favorite eating apple of many. It comes to market in late September and is considered a good keeper. 'Rome' apples are widely grown and available, and are a staple variety in American commerce.

Round in shape and medium sized, the skin of the Winesap apple is dark red in color. Its firm flesh is crisp and exceptionally juicy with a creamy yellow hue. Winesap apples are highly aromatic with a balanced sweet, tart taste and get their name due to their distinctive spicy wine-like flavor. 

Round in shape and medium sized the skin of the Winesap apple is dark red in color. Its firm flesh is crisp and exceptionally juicy with a creamy yellow hue. Winesap apples are highly aromatic with a balanced sweet tart taste and get their name due to their distinctive spicy wine like flavor.

By this time you should be READY to bite into a juicy RED  apple...Go for it!

Do you know how to eat an apple?

*****

Is your mouth watering yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!

Next on the Calendar...

 

Don't you dare leave without knowing America's ❤LOVE❤  for apples, apple blossom flowers, & apple cider!

Michigan: Wolverine

❤ 

Vermont: Magical Landscapes of Green

❤ 

Minnesota: Glaciers' Footprints

❤ 

Rhode Island: Spectacular in the Fall

❤ 

Arkansas: Natural Wonder

❤ 

West Virginia: The Mountains are Callin'

❤ 

New Hampshire: Switzerland of America

❤ 

Washington: Incredible Discovery

❤

New York: Diversity & Contrast

❤

Illinois: Nature Steals the Scene

 

Spectacular September

There is absolutely no question as to why September is spectacular! It welcomes the beginning of Autumn, a time of change! A much needed break from the sweltering temperatures of summer, an open door to landscapes erupting in riotous colors—how magnificent! With a new month comes occasions for celebration, so let's take a peek at what is at the top of the list for the month of September. What better start than to begin with music! Not just any music but tunes that date as far back as the 11th century that are still played in the 21st century. Then, make a music connection with each celebration.

Classical Music Month

Classical music may be at the bottom of your playlist but why not move it to the top during Classical Music Month? There is a huge possibility you know a lot more classical tunes than you think. Do you like the movies? More and more classical pieces are indeed intricate parts of their soundtracks. Even television programs and commercials have researched artistic masterpieces for marketing and advertising. You may or may not recognize the titles but perhaps the melodies ring a bell. Here is a sample...

Hispanic Heritage Month

According to Wikipedia, the term Hispanic is used to denote a link to Spain, whether it is a culture or a group of people. This is why the people of the countries and islands who were once ruled by Spain are labeled Hispanic today. As these geographical locations encompass a large variety of customs, traditions, cuisines, and music/art forms, the Hispanic community is a diverse group which cannot be limited to a stereotype. During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), celebrations are in order for the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. 

 

 

Fall Hat Month

Put away the straw hats worn while gardening and the beach hats topping the head for protection from the summer sun. Jazz up your fall wardrobe with a stylish hat. Both men and women wear hats and hats have been a part of our history for centuries. A hat is a headcovering that may be worn for protection against the elements, for religious reasons, for safety, or as a fashion accessory. In the past, hats were an indicator of social status. In the military, they denote rank and regiment. There are hats for men and hats for women, as well as hats worn by both sexes. Purveyors of men's hats are called hatters and purveyors of women's hats are called milliners. If you like, go cr-r-r-razy during Fall Hat Month.

   International Square Dancing Month

The square dance is uniquely American. So American, almost 50% of the United States (24 to be exact) have designated the square dance as their state (folk) dance (click HERE). However, the format, many of the folk dances movements, and the terminology incorporated into the square dance were brought by early immigrants—English, Irish and Scottish settlers—from other countries to the United States. Celebrate International Square Dancing Month by participating along with a local square dancing club or host a square dance of your own. It's a great way to get some exercise while having fun at the same time!

   National Blueberry Popsicle Month

We may be at the end of the summer season with temps beginning to drop (hopefully) but there are still some warm (even hot) days ahead. Of course, summer treats are not just for summer. Most are enjoyed year around with the Popsicle being one of them. The flavorful explosion of sweet blueberries at the end of summer has never tasted better. Include these in your next frozen treat experiment and you'll be a card-carrying member of the blue tongue society. Step back in time and celebrate National Blueberry Popsicle Month while listening to Jan & Dean's 'Popsicle'...

 

National Piano Month

The piano has been instrumental in many different genres of music with musicians 'tickling the ivories' for centuries. For National Piano Month, celebrate an instrument that continues to be classical, contemporary and flexible at the same time; an instrument that contributed enormously to the development of music as we know it, and continues to play a key role in modern music. It is enjoyed by young and old...there is no age limit when it comes to the piano!

 

 National Chicken Month

Let's Talk Chicken! Did you know there are more chickens than any other domesticated bird on Earth? With that thought in mind, it is so far down the list of endangered species there is no need to worry about running low or heaven forbid OUT of Southern fried chicken! For National Chicken Month, options are endless as to how to enjoy chicken: casseroled, crocked, crusted, baked, BBQed, boiled braised, broiled, fingered, fricasseed, fried, grilled, nuggeted, pied, roasted, rotisseried, rubbed, saladed, sandwiched, sauced, sauteed, seared, smoked, stir-fried, stuffed, just about any way you like it. I fact, you can eat chicken every day for the month and never eat the same recipe twice. While dining on one of your favorite chicken recipes, enjoy one of many popular songs with chicken in the title!

 National Honey Month

Ah-h-h-h, September, so much to celebrate, especially the sweetest gift of nature—honey, of course! This one, simple ingredient is all-natural, delicious and so-o-o-o versatile. The National Honey Board (NHB) has always recognized the importance of honey bees and the benefits of honey. From the kitchen pantry to the bathroom vanity and beyond, honey plays a valuable role in our everyday lives. Did you know to make one pound of honey, a honeybee needs to tap 2 million blossoms? Now, that's what I call a 'worker'! Have a Honey Chipper Day but this time every day for the entire month.

 

 Better Breakfast Month

Celebrate a healthy start every morning during the month of September. If you are not a breakfast eater, this is the month to change your habits. Jump start your metabolism, feel better and stay healthy. The benefits of eating breakfast are well worth the effort. As with any food be sure to include the right foods on the menu. Choose foods that contribute fiber, protein and healthy fats. Did you know breakfast should make up one-fourth to one-third of daily caloric needs? Just don't overdo with the sweets. Eat better during Better Breakfast Month!

Whew! That is a lot of celebration...and, to think that is not all being celebrated but all for now! Enjoy September!

This is classical...this is piano!

 

September is...

...the beginning of Autumn, a time of change! A welcomed break from the sweltering temperatures of summer, a look ahead to landscapes erupting in riotous colors—how magnificent! With a new month comes occasions for celebration, so let's take a peek at what is at the top of the list for the entire month of September. What better start than to begin with music. Not just any music but tunes that date as far back as the 11th century that are still played in the 21st century. Then, make a music connection with each celebration.

Classical Music Month

Classical music may be at the bottom of your playlist but why not move it to the top during Classical Music Month? There is a huge possibility you know a lot more classical tunes than you think. Do you like the movies? More and more classical pieces are indeed intricate parts of their soundtracks. Even television programs and commercials have researched artistic masterpieces for marketing and advertising. You may or may not recognize the titles but perhaps the melodies ring a bell. Here is a sample...

Hispanic Heritage Month

According to Wikipedia, the term Hispanic is used to denote a link to Spain, whether it is a culture or a group of people. This is why the people of the countries and islands who were once ruled by Spain are labeled Hispanic today. As these geographical locations encompass a large variety of customs, traditions, cuisines, and music/art forms, the Hispanic community is a diverse group which cannot be limited to a stereotype. During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), celebrations are in order for the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. 

 

Fall Hat Month

Put away the straw hats worn while gardening and the beach hats topping the head for protection from the summer sun. Jazz up your fall wardrobe with a stylish hat. Both men and women wear hats and hats have been a part of our history for centuries. A hat is a headcovering that may be worn for protection against the elements, for religious reasons, for safety, or as a fashion accessory. In the past, hats were an indicator of social status. In the military, they denote rank and regiment. There are hats for men and hats for women, as well as hats worn by both sexes. Purveyors of men's hats are called hatters and purveyors of women's hats are called milliners. If you like, go cr-r-r-razy during Fall Hat Month.

   International Square Dancing Month

The square dance is uniquely American. So American, almost 50% of the United States (24 to be exact) have designated the square dance as their state (folk) dance (click HERE). However, the format, many of the folk dances movements, and the terminology incorporated into the square dance were brought by early immigrants—English, Irish and Scottish settlers—from other countries to the United States. Celebrate International Square Dancing Month by participating along with a local square dancing club or host a square dance of your own. It's a great way to get some exercise while having fun at the same time!

   National Blueberry Popsicle Month

We may be at the end of the summer season with temps beginning to drop (hopefully) but there are still some warm (even hot) days ahead. Of course, summer treats are not just for summer. Most are enjoyed year around with the Popsicle being one of them. The flavorful explosion of sweet blueberries at the end of summer has never tasted better. Include these in your next frozen treat experiment and you'll be a card-carrying member of the blue tongue society. Step back in time and celebrate National Blueberry Popsicle Month while listening to Jan & Dean's 'Popsicle'...

National Piano Month

The piano has been instrumental in many different genres of music with musicians 'tickling the ivories' for centuries. For National Piano Month, celebrate an instrument that continues to be classical, contemporary and flexible at the same time; an instrument that contributed enormously to the development of music as we know it, and continues to play a key role in modern music. It is enjoyed by young and old...there is no age limit when it comes to the piano!

National Chicken Month

Let's Talk Chicken! Did you know there are more chickens than any other domesticated bird on Earth? With that thought in mind, it is so far down the list of endangered species there is no need to worry about running low or heaven forbid OUT of Southern fried chicken! For National Chicken Month, options are endless as to how to enjoy chicken: casseroled, crocked, crusted, baked, BBQed, boiled braised, broiled, fingered, fricasseed, fried, grilled, nuggeted, pied, roasted, rotisseried, rubbed, saladed, sandwiched, sauced, sauteed, seared, smoked, stir-fried, stuffed, just about any way you like it. I fact, you can eat chicken every day for the month and never eat the same recipe twice. While dining on one of your favorite chicken recipes, enjoy one of many popular songs with chicken in the title!

  

National Honey Month

Ah-h-h-h, September, so much to celebrate, especially the sweetest gift of nature—honey, of course! This one, simple ingredient is all-natural, delicious and so-o-o-o versatile. The National Honey Board (NHB) has always recognized the importance of honey bees and the benefits of honey. From the kitchen pantry to the bathroom vanity and beyond, honey plays a valuable role in our everyday lives. Did you know to make one pound of honey, a honeybee needs to tap 2 million blossoms? Now, that's what I call a 'worker'! Have a Honey Chipper Day but this time every day for the entire month.

 Better Breakfast Month

Celebrate a healthy start every morning during the month of September. If you are not a breakfast eater, this is the month to change your habits. Jump start your metabolism, feel better and stay healthy. The benefits of eating breakfast are well worth the effort. As with any food be sure to include the right foods on the menu. Choose foods that contribute fiber, protein and healthy fats. Did you know breakfast should make up one-fourth to one-third of daily caloric needs? Just don't overdo with the sweets. Eat better during Better Breakfast Month!

Whew! That is a lot of celebration...and, to think that is not all being celebrated but all for now! Enjoy September!

This is classical...this is piano!