Are You Gaga for Apples During the Fall?

Hello, readers! I am thrilled to say that I am one of the newest bloggers to SimplyStated. My name is Lindsay and I am the Food Assistant at Real Simple. What does that mean exactly? Yes, I eat--a lot--but I also write about food (I've covered everything from your microwave to ribs to cocktail mixes, one of my personal favorites). I'm not a trained foodie, but I am learning how to cook with the help of Real Simple's delicious, easy recipes. On the blog, I will cover interesting food news and trends, tasty products I stumble upon, and behind-the-scenes moments at the Real Simple test kitchen. Hungry yet?

With fall in full swing, I have been thinking about and eating a lot of apples. I want to make my own cider, my second attempt (from-scratch dough is so testy!) at a classic apple pie, and, best of all, pick my own! I have always wanted to go to an orchard and P.M.O. ever since moving to the East Coast (Californians don't do that type of thing). And I finally will this month: I am headed to Connecticut next weekend---there aren't many orchards in New York City! (Head to pickyourown.org for info on where to pluck the fruit in your area.) I know you're supposed to pick ones from the outer branches, where the apples tend to be ripest, but does anyone have any other good tips? Or any apple variety that I must try?