Michigan
Honeycrisp Apples
This is such a great time here in Northern Michigan, especially for those who love fresh food. Area farmer’s markets are loaded with the bounty of fall, especially Michigan apples. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, there are over 8 million apple trees in commercial production on 1,000 family-run farms throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with an annual economic impact of $500 million. In all, Michigan farmers grow 20 apple varieties including the number one selling apple in the country the Red Delicious.
While Macintosh, Paula Red, and Jonagold’s have all grown in popularity in recent years, and Golden Delicious and Northern Spy are wonderful for pies and applesauce, the “hot” apple of late has been the Honeycrisp. Denise Yockey, Executive Director of the Apple Committee reports that the “Honeycrisp has created a buzz unlike any apple before.” The sweet “honey” taste and crispness of the apple are at the core of its appeal with consumers. The Honeycrisp may be enjoyed several ways, but simple is better, so slice and eat.It goes great in salads as well; dice and add to your favorite greens or chicken salad recipe.
Honeycrisp apples are currently being harvested and are available at local farmer’s markets. The Apple Committee suggests taking a driving tour to explore the harvest first hand, and had Dianna Stampfler of Promote Michigan create several tours including one in Northwest Lower Michigan. “Narrowing down the list of featured farms was a challenge,” said Stampfler. “I selected those that offered fun family activities such as wagon rides, corn mazes, petting zoos and even nature trails. I also looked for destinations that provided a large number of apple varieties, as well as other products such as cider, apple butter, jams and even crafts and home decorating items.”
The Northern Michigan tour is close to Shorts Brewery (See Bottoms Up), which makes for a great lunch stop along the way. Michigan apples are also finding their way to local wineries; one of the best offerings is the Apple Brandy from Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. For additional info on Michigan Apples and the driving tours go to www.michiganappletours.com.
Smoked Apple Ale
Brewmaster Joe Short loves to pay homage to traditional brewing styles, and he also, as he says, “pushes the envelope of fermented innovation.” His “Imperial Beer Series” released this summer was an American brewing first.
Just five years ago, Short was fighting some in Bellaire to open his brewery; now he has become one of the pillars of the community as Short’s Brewery has become a brew and food destination attracting visitors from all over the Midwest year round. Actually, Joe Short is selling so much of his brew that he has outgrown his current brewhouse, and plans are underway to double the brewing capacity and expand his popular kitchen operation.
With the fall color-touring season ahead, make sure that Short’s in Bellaire is part of your itinerary. You will find several farm markets in the area and plenty of scenic views. Be sure to enjoy a pint of Short’s Smoked Apple Ale, not to be confused with the sparkling ciders that some brewers make; this light amber ale is infused with seven bushels of slow roasted smoked apples from a local farm. It is a beer with a strong but not over powering apple taste that has hints of smoke flavor in the finish. A pint is a perfect accompaniment to a smoked whitefish pate or a grilled smoked turkey and Gouda sandwich and a bowl of corn chowder.
Enjoy at the brewery as a palate teaser before wandering to LuLu’s for dinner or pick up a growler for home entertaining. As Dr. Joe Short says “A pint of Smoked Apple Ale A Day Will Keep The Doctor Away,” well maybe not but it sure sounds, er, tastes good.
Honeycrisp Apples
This is such a great time here in Northern Michigan, especially for those who love fresh food. Area farmer’s markets are loaded with the bounty of fall, especially Michigan apples. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, there are over 8 million apple trees in commercial production on 1,000 family-run farms throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with an annual economic impact of $500 million. In all, Michigan farmers grow 20 apple varieties including the number one selling apple in the country the Red Delicious.
While Macintosh, Paula Red, and Jonagold’s have all grown in popularity in recent years, and Golden Delicious and Northern Spy are wonderful for pies and applesauce, the “hot” apple of late has been the Honeycrisp. Denise Yockey, Executive Director of the Apple Committee reports that the “Honeycrisp has created a buzz unlike any apple before.” The sweet “honey” taste and crispness of the apple are at the core of its appeal with consumers. The Honeycrisp may be enjoyed several ways, but simple is better, so slice and eat.It goes great in salads as well; dice and add to your favorite greens or chicken salad recipe.
Honeycrisp apples are currently being harvested and are available at local farmer’s markets. The Apple Committee suggests taking a driving tour to explore the harvest first hand, and had Dianna Stampfler of Promote Michigan create several tours including one in Northwest Lower Michigan. “Narrowing down the list of featured farms was a challenge,” said Stampfler. “I selected those that offered fun family activities such as wagon rides, corn mazes, petting zoos and even nature trails. I also looked for destinations that provided a large number of apple varieties, as well as other products such as cider, apple butter, jams and even crafts and home decorating items.”
The Northern Michigan tour is close to Shorts Brewery (See Bottoms Up), which makes for a great lunch stop along the way. Michigan apples are also finding their way to local wineries; one of the best offerings is the Apple Brandy from Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. For additional info on Michigan Apples and the driving tours go to www.michiganappletours.com.
Smoked Apple Ale
Brewmaster Joe Short loves to pay homage to traditional brewing styles, and he also, as he says, “pushes the envelope of fermented innovation.” His “Imperial Beer Series” released this summer was an American brewing first.
Just five years ago, Short was fighting some in Bellaire to open his brewery; now he has become one of the pillars of the community as Short’s Brewery has become a brew and food destination attracting visitors from all over the Midwest year round. Actually, Joe Short is selling so much of his brew that he has outgrown his current brewhouse, and plans are underway to double the brewing capacity and expand his popular kitchen operation.
With the fall color-touring season ahead, make sure that Short’s in Bellaire is part of your itinerary. You will find several farm markets in the area and plenty of scenic views. Be sure to enjoy a pint of Short’s Smoked Apple Ale, not to be confused with the sparkling ciders that some brewers make; this light amber ale is infused with seven bushels of slow roasted smoked apples from a local farm. It is a beer with a strong but not over powering apple taste that has hints of smoke flavor in the finish. A pint is a perfect accompaniment to a smoked whitefish pate or a grilled smoked turkey and Gouda sandwich and a bowl of corn chowder.
Enjoy at the brewery as a palate teaser before wandering to LuLu’s for dinner or pick up a growler for home entertaining. As Dr. Joe Short says “A pint of Smoked Apple Ale A Day Will Keep The Doctor Away,” well maybe not but it sure sounds, er, tastes good.
