Are you planning on processing some apples?  Perhaps making some applesauce to can or freeze?  Prepping pies to last you until next season?  Or does your family just eat A LOT of apples? We offer special bushel pricing at Lapacek’s Orchard.  If you call ahead to order your bushel you can save $3/bushel! 

Call ahead to order your bushel and save 608-635-4780

What is a bushel?  Well – it’s a volume measurement.  We fill the bushel box as much as we possibly can without damaging the apples and that’s what you get.  It ways approximately 40 lbs.  One bushel of apples makes approximately 18 quarts of applesauce or 10 quarts of apple butter or 6 cups of dried apples, or 16 apple pies.

We also sell apples by the peck (approximately 10lbs), 1/2 peck (approximately 5lbs) and 1/4 pecks (approximately 2.5lbs).

Hi everyone!  We’re over a month into apple season and things are going so well!  Thank you to everyone who has been visiting and we hope to welcome even more folks over the next couple of months!

I’ve had a question asked a lot at the orchard recently that I thought I would quick cover here for you with an explanation of why we do things the way we do at Lapacek’s Orchard.

Canopy of Apples – photo by Karmen Lindner Photography

Are you a pick your own orchard?

No – we are not a pick your own orchard.  Why?  Our orchard is planted fairly haphazardly as far as varieties go.  There could be a block of 10 apples in one section and a random one right in the middle of that.  Also – the varieties all ripen at different times in different places all over the orchard.  We just don’t have a way to keep everyone picking apples that are ripe and delicious so we decided not to pay the extra money the insurance would cost to have a pick your own orchard. 

We still love to have you walk through the orchard and see how gorgeous it is but please come in the store to try the different apples we have already picked for you. 

 

We completely understand that going apple picking is a fun fall activity to do with your family.  Luckily, there is an awesome resource provided by the Wisconsin Apple Growers (WAGA) on their website – www.waga.org.  There is a map of all the Wisconsin orchards registered with WAGA and the green markers indicate a pick your own orchard. 

Not only is there an ‘apple season’ but there is a ‘season’ of the apples.  Currently we are in the ‘early apple season’.  September is ‘mid apple season’ and October/November is ‘late’ apple season.  Why am I distinguishing between these periods?  It tends to make a difference in the storage of the apples.

The early apples don’t tend to store very long.  And by very long I mean not for months and months.  If you refrigerate your apples they typically will store for about 2 to 3 weeks.  Again this will depend on the variety … the Duchess, even when refrigerated will go soft fairly fast … but considering these are meant to be a good apple for cooking sauce and pies that doesn’t matter too much. 

As we move into later seasons, the refrigerated storage life of the apples tend to be longer.  Certain apples will store for months and months.  Later in the season – stock up on Idareds, empire, golden delicious and red delicious for refrigerated storage life into the spring months. 

Have you noticed that I’ve been emphasizing ‘refrigerated’ storage for the apples?

I found a really interesting article about the storage of apples here. 

Apples ripen 10 times faster on the counter … so if you prefer a softer apple this would be the way to store them.  If you want your apples to keep there crisp – put them in the refrigerator loose and away from other fruits.

 

I hope this helps clear up some of the confusion about the storage life of apples … or at least maybe you discovered a few fun facts!

School tours at the orchard started today. We had two great groups and with those groups came some great questions from the kids. As Lisa, my tour guide, shares these great questions with me I’ll try to shed some light on the answers with you all.

Why are Apples Sweet?

Wiki Answers gave me:

All fruits contain natural sugars, especially fructose. This makes them taste sweet.

You can read more about the amount of sugar in an apple HERE. Something interesting I read was:

The Ohio Apple Grower's Association notes that the natural sugar in apples is slowly released into the bloodstream due to the high fiber content of the fruit.

This relates to the fact that apples have a low glycemic index number of 38. Because of this low number they will generally make your blood sugar rise more gradually, which gives your body time to signal for a smaller and more gradual increase in insulin production.

Research has shown that consumption of low GI foods leads to:

-improved blood sugar (glucose) control and lipid levels in individuals with diabetes

-better weight control because these foods reduce the appetite and delay hunger

-reduction of insulin levels and fewer spikes of insulin

-a lower incidence of heart disease

-a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

If you have an ‘apple’ question just leave a comment and I’d be happy to try and find your answer!

The rumors you’ve been hearing around the last few days are TRUE! Lapacek’s Orchard is opening two weeks early! We went around and tested a few of the early varieties and they are good to be consumed – fresh or cooked. We will be open the next two weekends – Saturday from 9-6 and Sunday 10-6 at our NEW location – N1959 Kroncke Rd, Poynette, WI. If you need apples during the week, just give me a call and we can set up an appointment (608) 635-4780. Already craving our deliciously famous caramel apples? No worries – we’ll be making some for this weekend! If you know for sure that you want some please email me (lapaceksorchard@gmail.com) with how many nuts/no nuts you would like. We don’t want to make too many with the warm weather and all.

I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of the new location! Everyone has been working hard to make it a fantastic experience for all that visit!

Hello everyone! If you’re on our emailing list you’ve already received the message that apple season has started! Our ‘official’ open date is August 15th (Saturday) but the store has been unofficially open for a few days now. We’ve had small quantities of apples and other things that we figure we might as well be open as we get the store organized and up and running.

One thing we’ll be having again are our baking mixes. These were very popular last season. We provide the dry ingredients…you add the apples and wet ingredients…hard to get easier than that! These are the mixes we’re offering this season:

• Apple Crisp
• Apple Crumb Cake
• Apple Spice Bread
• Apple Streusel Muffins
• Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
• Taffy Apple Cake

We also did some crazy canning in preparation for this apple season! We have some of the classics and some new things to offer this year. Here’s what you’ll find (at least early in the season…don’t wait too long!):

• Apple Butter
• Apple Jalapeno Preserves
• Apple Pie in a Jar
• Applesauce - chunky and smooth
• Caramel Apple Jam
• Hot Pepper Mustard
• Spiced Cider Jelly
• Sweet Apple Pickles

I’ll be featuring each of these throughout the season so you can learn a little more about them.

The craft section at the orchard has increased dramatically! I have made much more jewelry, have a new line of baby quilts, many more fun bags, and lots and lots of hand-dyed clothing. If you want a sneak peak at these things feel free to look through my etsy sites: http://www.kimscraftyapple.etsy.com/ and http://www.theapple.etsy.com/.

I’m excited for Saturday and hope to see you all this apple season!

And here are the ANSWERS! This is what's growing at the orchard!

(A) Pears (B)Blueberries

(C) Apple (D) Raspberry (E) Peach (F) Plum

Thanks to everyone who guessed! I'll probably do one more round...it should get easier as we go :)

I've had a couple of guesses and now I'm going to tell you the answers!

This recipe is super quick and easy and YUMMY!

Apple Cinnamon Rolls
by Kim Van Grunsven (Lapacek now)

1 pkg. Pillsbury Grand Cinnamon Rolls
3 apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Put cinnamon rolls into greased round pan. Mix apples, sugar, and nutmeg. Pour mixture over rolls. Bake as directed on cinnamon roll package.

ENJOY!

To find more of these delicious recipes make sure to purchase your very own copy of Appletizing Recipes!

This recipe came from my god mother, Betsy Meeuwsen. She is and always been an amazing baker. If I remember correctly, this is one of her granddaughter's (Sarah) favorites!

Bavarian Apple Torte
by Betsy Meeuwsen

CRUST
1/2 c. butter
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 c. flour

Cream butter and sugar. Blend in vanilla and flour. Spread on bottom and sides (up 1 1/2 inches) of a 9-inch spring form pan. Dip fingers in flour to spread.

FILLING
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Blend cream cheese and sugar. Add vanilla and egg. Pour into pan.

TOP LAYER
4 c. sliced apples
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 c. sliced almonds

Toss apples with cinnamon and sugar. Spread on top of cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with almons. Bake at 400-degrees for 25 minutes.

I hope you enjoy today's recipe! You can purchase your very own copy of Apple-tizing Recipes from Lapacek's Orchard from my only etsy store, www.kimscraftyapple.etsy.com.

When you attend our Holiday Craft Sale this coming November please note that many of the knit items were created by my Aunt. Not only is she talented in the kitchen but she is talented with her knitting needles as well!

APPLESAUCE! APPLESAUCE! APPLESAUCE!

Make sure to stop by this fall to get a jar to try out for yourself!

Yeah! I've remember three weeks in a row now! I'm getting good! Here's your recipe for today:

Apple Crisp Parfait from Apple-tizing Recipes!
by Kim Lapacek (aka ME!)

1 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
4 T. butter, melted
3 c. apples, sliced and peeled
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 T. Spumante Champagne (or lemon juice, but not as fun because you can drink the rest of the champagne after you open the bottle for this dessert!)
1 qt. Vanilla ice cream

In an 8x8x2-inch baking pan, combine oats, brown sugar, and butter. Bake in 350-degree oven for 10 minutes (mixture will be soft). Cool and crumble. Mix apples, second 1/2 cup of brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and champagne. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring half-way through. Divide apple mixture among 8 parfait glasses. Top with slightly softened ice cream and crumble oat mixture.

Makes 8 services

This is one of my FAVORITES!

I'm going to try to start to write about each of the different varieties of apples that we grow on our orchard. This way you can continue to learn about them and know which one's you want to try before apple season is even here! I was going to call it "apple of the week" but I've tried that before and it just doesn't work for me!

Here's your first lesson!

Paulared

From wikepedia
Paula Red apples are bright red with some yellow and tan spots; the skin often has a dusty sheen. They have a sprightly taste, not too sweet and not too tart, vinous and slightly reminiscent of strawberries. It has a firm white flesh that becomes soft and mealy extremely quickly as its season declines. Paula Red apples are suitable for both eating fresh and cooking, although they become extremely soft when cooked, which suits them to some dishes (applesauce) and not others (pies).

History
Paula Red apples were discovered around 1960 by grower Lewis Arends near a McIntosh block in his orchard in Ravine Sparta Township, Kent County, Michigan. He named the apple after his wife, Pauline. Paula Reds appeared on the market as a distinct cultivar in 1968.[1]

from Lapacek's Orchard
Paulareds typically ripen at our orchard in Poynette, WI, August 15th. It is a WONDERFUL early apple. When it is there season they are a bit tart and crisp. If you want to make beautiful pink sauce - Use Paulareds (leave there skins on for the cooking down process, then strain them out).

Unfortunately Paulareds are NOT a good keeper. By the end of August/September they are starting to get soft and sweet. I personally like them when they first get sweet but aren't too soft yet. Please remember that if you like Paula's to get to our store in August!

Happy New Year Everyone! Just wanted to stop by and wish you all good cheer for the New Year! We're looking forward to another fun apple season in 2009.

Yup, Jared and I pressed our "last" batch of cider tonight. We planned on pressing 60 bushels but we ended up doing just 30. It was so COLD we weren't getting the juice out the apples we should have been... We made enough to fill all the orders our customers emailed/phoned in for tomorrow, but we'll see if we need to do it one more time for the Christmas Tree Farms.

We are planning on getting up early to make our last batch of caramel apples tomorrow. It's crazy to think apple season is pretty much done...

Remember you can always give us a call and set-up a time to pick up apples...there is still some in our cooler!

If anyone is looking for something to do tomorrow night, feel free to stop down at Lazy Jane's Cafe at 1358 Williamson Street in Madison for the Second Annual WIST Holiday Trunk Show. I'm going to be selling my crafts there along with 21 other vendors. We will be serving complimentary champagne and hot apple cider (from Lapacek's Orchard, of course!). Also, if you get there early you get a free swag bag (the first 30 guests). Hope to see yout here!

for more info go to www.etsy.com and search tag: WIST

Hello all! As you know today was the last day the apple store was officially open. My father-in-law, Frank pretty much has run the show for the past few weeks...sounds like things ended pretty well. I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and don't forget to call if you want some more apples! We'll help you out as long as we still have some!

Well, I believe that the Hand Crafted Hoedown for the Holidays was a huge success. We had LOTS of people coming through our sale on Saturday. As always, it was wonderful to see the familiar faces along with the new. If you saw something at the sale you didn't buy but wish you did, please contact me and I'll try to connect you with the seller of that item. Also, if you're looking for some of my jewelry it will be at the Capri Gallery in Poynette starting on Wednesday.

Now, back to apples! Our last official day open will be on Wednesday. After Wednesday, if you would still like some apples please call, 608-635-4780 to schedule a pick up time.

So, Jared and I posted some things on the GreenLeaf Market website this morning!

This is what the GreenLeaf Market is:

"Why is it easier to buy from someone 2,000 miles away than it is from someone 20 miles away?" -Jack Kaestner, Executive Chef, Occonomowoc Lake Club

GreenLeaf Market makes it easy to buy and sell local foods, no matter where you are. We automate the process without taking any percentage fees. 100% of the sale price goes to the producer.

This site will work in any state for both buyers and sellers. Save time and money by using GreenLeaf Market to order local product, automate purchase orders, see what local product is currently available, keep track of past purchases, and more. See how it works...

GreenLeaf Market is only for businesses. If you are an individual looking for local foods, or a farmers' market seller, see Local Dirt.

www.GreenLeafMarket.com

Hopefully this is another successful outlet for our apples. So far our little store, farmer's markets, the produce auction, and schools have boughten most of our apples but we're always looking for new ways to get our product out locally!

I wanted to let you know that I will be up in Pardeeville tomorrow selling apples, cider, caramel apples and crafts at the Pardeeville, Holiday on the Lake festival (http://www.pardeevillewi.com/). It sounds like a lot of businesses will have specials going on and some great food will be served. I hope to see you up there!