Fall comforts: apple picking, family memories and apple hand pies

Provided.

Apple hand pies.

As the summer heat fades and the crisp winds of fall start to blow through Tehachapi, it tells us that apple season is here! Since 1999, I've loved this season, pulling out my favorite hoodies, making hot soups and stews and, of course, enjoying fresh apples grown in our beautiful mountain community.

When my son was younger, our fall tradition was visiting Pulford Appletree Orchard to pick apples. One of his favorite treats from those visits was the apple butter I'd make at home, filling our kitchen with the warm smells of cinnamon and spices.

This year, just as the fall winds blew in, I made a batch of these hand pies which are packed with classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with buttery, flaky crusts (premade or homemade works) and a generous filling of pre-cooked apples.

Hand pies are a delightful treat for a chilly fall walk, cozy time by the fireplace with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, or even that midnight snack. Tehachapi's apple season always brings back nostalgic memories, and is a reminder of the joys of the harvest. Make sure to take some time and enjoy the season with some Tehachapi-grown apples!

Connect with Daniela on social media where she shares fun food facts, recipes and upcoming events and classes. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok at @thedanielaperegrina, and on Facebook under Daniela Peregrina.

Daniela Peregrina.

• In a saucepan, combine diced apples, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

• Cook on low heat until the sugar melts, then cover and simmer for 7 minutes or until the apples are tender.

• In a small bowl, make a slurry by mixing water and cornstarch. Add this slurry to the apple mixture.

• Bring to a boil, then add the butter, lower the heat, and simmer uncovered until the apples are fork-tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.

• Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Roll out the pre-made pie dough and cut it into rounds or squares.

• Add a spoonful of the cooled apple filling to the center of each dough piece.

• Lightly wet the edges of the dough with water and fold the dough over the filling. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

• Cut a venting hole to the top of each hand pie.

• Place hand pies covered with plastic in freezer, for at least 30 minutes or until solid.

• Brush each hand pie with egg white and sprinkle with sugar.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown (check the dough package for specific baking instructions).

• Enjoy cold, or warm - served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat!