It just doesn’t feel like fall without a jaunt out to a nearby apple orchard, followed by a freshly baked apple pie. Too bad we always get lost on the way.

This year we aren’t taking any chances and are heading out on the last apple-picking train of the season, leaving Gare Centrale for the Jude Pomme Apple Orchard at noon sharp on Saturday October 9, 2010. We’re calling ahead to reserve ($29.45 for adults, tickets are not available at the station), and packing a picnic lunch. By the time we return at 5 p.m., our 5lb bag (included) will be full to bursting with sweet Honey Crisp and tangy MacIntosh apples.

Let the perfect pie bake-off begin!

Call 514-287-7866 to reserve.

With peaches so plump and juicy this time of year we’re blending them into a summer cocktail.  This recipe for Cuban-style Peach Mojitos is peachy keen:

Ingredients
1 lime
1 Ontario peach, peeled and sliced
3 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup peach juice
3 oz white rum
2 cups ice, crushed
10 mint leaves
1/4 cup carbonated soda

Method
Squeeze juice from the lime into blender.
Add peach slices, sugar, juice and rum; blend until smooth.
Add crushed ice and pulse until combined. Pulse in mint leaves.
Pour into 2 chilled glasses. Add a splash of soda and garnish with peach slices and mint leaves.

Makes 2 servings.