Daily Archives: October 25, 2010

Last weekend we headed out of  ‘the city’ with some friends and drove to Oak Glen, CA – where apple orchards abound.  We went in search of some good ol’ fashion farm fun and found it at Los Rios Rancho.  The weather heading out was sunny and warm, but the moment we got up a little higher into the foothills we entered into a different world.  The temperature dropped about 15 degrees, with a gorgeous low hanging (eeerie) fog.  It was absolutely perfect!

Los Rios Rancho has quite an interesting story – originally owned by Joe Wilshire who founded the city of Oak Glen.  As the story goes, he purchased the land for $8, a couple small animals and a bottle of whisky.  As it stands today Los Rios is an organic orchard and home to some amazing heirloom and hybrid apples.

My favorite part, aside from the weather, was the crazy shiny apples we plucked off the trees.  A simple swipe across your pant leg and you have an apple that shows your reflection.  Perfectly pesticide-free, you can eat it on the spot!

Nicole L. (from A View from the Edge) was our hand model

And no farm attraction would be complete without a collection of animals who let you pet them for food.  We got the pleasure of becoming pals with some goats, an alpaca, donkey & horse.

It was so nice to get away and do something festive.  We came back armed with apples, cider and apple butter so I think we’re all good on apples for awhile.  I just finished making the first batch of baked apples.  Nicole has a recipe for vegan apple chili that I’m dying to try.  If you have any unique ideas for apple or cider usage please share!

Roasted Apple recipe