MY FRIEND MIKE has an apple orchard. It’s not an active orchard, meaning he doesn’t market his apples. He shares them with family and friends.
The orchard came with the house he bought in the country some years back.
On a recent spring night after I arrive at Mike’s house for bible study, he gives me a tour of his yard. He’s a former floral designer/business owner and we share an interest in flowers and plants.
As is typical, I have my camera with me. As we walk, I notice that the sinking sun has cast a certain surreal softness upon the land. The lighting in the orchard is perfect.
So I snap this photo of apple blossoms that will grow into apples, which Mike will pick, then peel and slice into a pan and cover with a crunchy rolled oats topping hinting of cinnamon.
And then my friend will place a square of apple crisp upon a plate, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and hand the treat to me.
Then I will remember this beautiful spring evening when apple blossoms held the promise of harvest, and of apple crisp.
Apple blossoms on an evening in May.
Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I may have to go bake an apple crisp right this minute to feed the craving that this beautiful photo and posting has created. I do know that there is ice cream in the freezer so I am half way there.
If only those Minnesota apples were ready, I would be baking an apple crisp too. Maybe I’ll have to settle for rhubarb crisp. Anyone have some extra rhubarb?
My parents do! Give them a call!! Although, my dad may ask for some of that rhubarb crisp in return since I am not home yet to make it!!!
Maybe I’ll wait until you’re back in Minnesota and then you can make some rhubarb crisp for me, Amy. E-mail my personal account and tell me when you and Jon will be back.
Amber, the strawberry-rhubarb pie sounds delicious. Hint. Hint. Maybe you could bring a pie tomorrow?
I had some rhubarb/strawberry pie the other night. It was homemade and delicious!
I love, love, love baking seasonally (even more than cooking seasonally, which I adore).
Whenever I read your blog about all the great foods you cook and bake, Kristin, I think, “Oh, I wish she lived in Minnesota. I would love to be her dinner guest.” You seem to be as creative with food as you are with words.