Last Saturday, Dustin, Jordan and I made a short day trip to Julian, California. Julian is an old, small gold-mining town high in the mountains outside of San Diego. If you read my post last Saturday, you probably know Julian is also known for its apples...specifically its apple pie. Needless to say, Dustin and I really wanted to make one last trip to Julian before leaving San Diego for Austin, Texas. Since Julian is such a cute little town and we had such a fabulous time, I thought I'd share our day with you instead of posting a recipe today.
While in Julian, we ate a (very large) hearty breakfast while we enjoyed hot apple cider (so delicious it's not even right!), strolled down the main drag of the town, went u-picking for delicious Julian apples, went sight-seeing all the beautiful sites in the awesome mountain air and, of course, took pictures of it all.
Dustin and I hadn't originally planned to go u-picking for apples. But, once we happened upon the cute little apple orchard across a dirt road from a vineyard, we knew we had to do it. Why not?
What a great day. What a great life. What a great family.
I love getting out with Dustin and Jordan – enjoying the weather, trying new things and creating memories.
Oh...and, of course, we bought a pie to take home with us. A Julian apple pie with crumb topping (I let Dustin have his beloved crumb topping, as opposed to my favorite pastry topping – because that's just the kind of girl I am), that is. It's basically sacrilege not to bring a pie home with you.
As for the apples, I'm not yet sure what I'm gonna do with them. They are quite tasty just by themselves. We will see.
Thanks for listening.
Enjoy!
Randi
Where did you get the pie? My husband and I recently took our family there (we live in San Diego) for the first time. We found it very difficult to decide where the best place to get a pie, since there are so many to choose from. What are your suggestions?
Lacey Baier
Yes, Randi, there are ALL sorts of options for pies in Julian, aren't there? We have sampled quite a few and our favorite is at the Julian Cafe and Bakery. Oh -- and be sure to get a slice with ice cream while you're there! 🙂
NanaBread (Jeanne)
I like to make homemade chunky applesauce. Just peel & chop into chunks and put in a covered saucepan with 1/3 cup of water and the juice from 1/2 a lemon. Cover and simmer until tender. Remove the lid and continue to simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Add light brown sugar to taste, and a teaspoon of cinnamon (optional). It's great straight out of the pan, or you can use it to make applesauce cake or as a side for potato latkes. It's so simple, and so delicious!
Lacey Baier
Ooh, good idea, Jeanne! I forgot about applesauce. I made it once a long time ago and loved it. I bet these apples would be delicious that way! Thanks for the idea (and recipe)!