As we venture out into autumn’s foliage in the midst of auburn leaves decorated in orange, red, yellow and gray they gracefully dance the summer away.

I find myself thick in the season’s activities and fruitful harvest of crisp apples, hearty pumpkins and spiced cinnamon donuts. For a girl who grew up in South Florida where almost every day is full of blue skies and sunshine, I have to admit that I’ve fallen madly in love with New England and its quant country villages and seaside towns. Most of all, it’s the changing of the seasons that has captured my heart, with fall being one of my favorites.

Traditionally the season begins with apple picking at Blue Jay Orchards, though this year we were invited to Silverman’s Farm by our friends Steve & Kathy!

Upon arriving we discovered a farmer’s market with all the traditional jams and pies, hay rides through the apple orchards and a pumpkin patch that would make Charlie Brown green with envy.

As we made our way to the main event, purchasing apple bags big enough to bear the fruits of our labor, we bustled our way toward the tractor en route for the hilltop to the apple orchards.  Once at the top we searched for the most scrumptious pick of red & golden delicious, honey crisp and mutsu crispin apples, tasting a few along the way.

At home I knew exactly how I was going to prepare these juicy fruits – a simple yet special Greek recipe my mother made called Milopita, an apple coffee cake.

Here’s the mouthwatering recipe and what you’ll need…

Milopita (Greek Apple Coffee Cake)

9 X 12 Baking Pan – Preheat Oven 350 degrees – Bake 1 hour

5 Cups of Apples (Approximately 5 Large Apples, I use 3 red & 2 golden delicious apples. Use your favorite apples any will do.)

1 ½ Cups Walnuts (Roughly chopped to your preference – I like big chunky pieces)

2 ½ Cups Flour (All Purpose Flour)

1 ½ Cups Sugar (Granulated)

1 Cup of Vegetable Oil

3 Large Eggs

1 Tablespoon of water

2 Teaspoons Baking Powder

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

½ Teaspoon Cinnamon

½ Teaspoon Brown Sugar

½ Teaspoon Finely Ground Lemon Peel

Clean and cut apples into almond size pieces and leave in mixing bowl.  Chop walnuts into large chunky pieces and mix with apples then set aside.  Mix all the dry ingredients together in a separate mixing bowl and set aside.  Mix oil, vanilla and lemon peel together add to dry mixture.  Beat eggs and water together then add to mixture.  Combine remaining ingredients of apples and walnuts  and mix well.  Pour into 9 X 12 baking pan, place in preheated oven at 350 degrees and bake for 1 hour.  Cool and cut into desired pieces.

If you prefer to make muffins, the recipe yields 24 muffins at 350 degrees and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Καλή σας όρεξη – Good Appetite!