The beginning of fall, as the days get into the low 70’s and 60’s and Halloween is just around the corner, signals one of our favorite yearly traditions…heading to an orchard for some apple picking and apple cider donuts. Grabbing a 1/2 gallon of cider is a mandatory chore.
For the past few years we’ve headed up to Thompson’s Orchard in New Gloucester. It’s what we would consider a typical orchard. They have a few apple varieties (McIntosh, Red Delicious, Cortland) to pick. Just grab a bag in the store and head out into the orchard.
For the kiddos, they have a horse drawn hay ride, and a swingset (which kind of looks like it belongs to the family that owns the farm, and they allow everyone to use it.)
The apple cider is top notch, and the donuts are killer. Hit them at the right time (when the line is out the door) and your assured of getting fresh cooked donuts still warm to the touch.
For those not in the know, and easily distracted by the commotion at the donut couter, you’ll miss one of me and the missus’ favorite pastry concoctions of all time, the ‘bismarck’. It’s a rectangular shaped donuts filled with both cream AND jelly. I’m sure it’s close to 1000 calories, but well, well, worth it. (We never even heard of these before we moved to Maine. I can’t imagine having lived my whole life without eating one of these.) This reminds me…I need to create another blog post just on Bismarcks. I’ll even share with you where is the best place in Maine to get them. But you’ll have to wait…
Anyone have any other recommendations for apple picking and cider donuts for next year?
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