West Chester, PA October 2023

Bon Appétit

Tom Crane Photography

Campli Photography

Bon Appetit!

October is our Food and Drink issue and it is safe to say that West Chester has the market cornered for fine food and drinks. With a restaurant for every taste, budget, and occasion, West Chester and the surrounding area is a foodie's dream location!

Is there a restaurant in the West Chester borough or surrounding area that you have always wanted to try and still haven't made it there yet? It's time to go! Grab some friends and family and head out to try something new. We are sure it will be well worth the trip!

If coffee and desserts are more your speed, West Chester has those covered as well. With multiple coffee shops, a tea shop, a cupcake shop, gelato shops, a chocolate shop, and more, there is something for every taste! Even our gluten-free folks can stop by numerous shops for a tasty dessert when they are in town! West Chester thinks of it all and plans for everyone!

Don't forget that this month is hopping with local events, which we think is the perfect excuse to eat. Make reservations for dinner following the Fall Gallery Walk on the 6th or before the Halloween Parade on the 25th at one of the downtown restaurants. Love chili? Then you will want to head out on the 8th to the Rotary Club of West Chester's annual Chili Cook-off to cast your vote for the People's Choice Award for the BEST chili! We hear it's pretty tough competition, so make sure you're ready to taste-test all afternoon!

We are so proud to be part of this amazing community of restaurants, bars, and shops and we love featuring them in our magazine!

Bon Appetit!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Douglas Mcdermott

douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jack Sweeney/REBAC Staff

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hannum Seafood and Produce, Highland Orchards, Royal Billiard & Recreation, West Chester University

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

DOUGLAS MCDERMOTT, PUBLISHER @WEST_CHESTER_LIFESTYLE

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Partnering for positive impact

It’s how Jeff Kitchen was named a 2022 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor and continues to make a difference in clients’ lives.

Jeff Kitchen, AAMS®

Edward Jones Financial Advisor 535 North Church Street, Ste 275 West Chester, PA 19380 (610) 430-1320

jeff.kitchen@edwardjones.com

Ranking Methodology: Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Data as of 6/30/21. Source: Forbes.com (April 2022). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com.SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Member SIPC

TA L-13149A-A-AD

513 E GAY STREET, WEST CHESTER 484-887-8271

Summer hours

Mon-Fri 10-5 • Saturdays 11-3

family traditions on the farm

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HIGHLAND ORCHARDS

NOSTALGIA RUNS DEEP AT HIGHLAND ORCHARDS

EACH FALL AS FAMILIES GATHER FOR APPLES AND PUMPKINS

Fall is in the air and that can only mean one thing - apple cider doughnuts. Okay, we’re kidding (slightly - it is the food issue after all) … it means it’s time to head to Highland Orchards. This 200-acre farm located on Marshallton Thorndale Road has become an annual pilgrimage for many West Chester families, mine included. Weekends are often buzzing with families picking their own apples or heading to pick out their prized pumpkins. It’s a chance to gather everyone together for some muchneeded family time, stealing a few hours away from the chaos of fall sports and activities. The familiarity of this yearly fall trip brings about a feeling of nostalgia that seems to grow with you as your children grow. There is no doubt that Highland Orchards is a staple in the fall landscape of West Chester!

HISTORY AND MISSION OF HIGHLAND ORCHARD

Highland Orchards was established in 1832 and is still owned and operated by the descendants of the original farmers. The original farm was located in Wilmington, DE. The West Chester location we know today was purchased as a secondary location in 1941. The family used to drive their tractors from Wilmington to West Chester and back when Route 202 was a single-lane dirt road. The farm has continued to grow and mature over the years to provide the community a chance to experience the farm for themselves with pick-your-own crops and educational opportunities for school children and families.

Highland Orchards

Highland Orchards

Highland Orchards

According to Alan Hodge, an employee of Highland Orchards, the heart of the farm truly is to see smiles grow. “We get the biggest thrill from seeing the excitement of our guests each time they visit our farm. Many guests have mentioned family traditions and visit our farm as a destination to gather and pick apples and pumpkins even after some of the family or friends have moved away. There are not too many options where families can go to experience the great outdoors and pick their own produce directly from a plant or tree. We try to provide that wholesome ‘be a farmer for a day’ opportunity when each of our crops are available during harvest season.”

The orchard has about 10,000 apple trees spread over 30 acres of land. These trees produce 45 different varieties of apples which ripen between July and November. The first apples to ripen are Lodi and the last variety of the season is Pink Lady. The most popular apple varieties include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Mutsu, and Stayman. Other crops on the farm include rhubarb, strawberries, sweet cherries, sour cherries, black raspberries, red raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, sweet corn, peaches, plums, pears, gourds, winter squash, hay, straw, and of course - pumpkins. Each year, Highland Orchards will produce several thousand pumpkins in different shapes, colors, and sizes.

NEW THIS FALL

Whether you’re a seasoned orchardgoer, or a new family excited to venture to the orchard for the first time, you’re in for a treat this fall. Highland Orchards has partnered with Levante Brewing Company to operate a weekend beer garden through the end of October. They will be open for service from 11 am - 6 pm on Saturday and 11 am - 4 pm on Sunday. In addition to Levante, you will also find a rotation of food trucks at the farm, as well as their usual BBQ vendor.

Fans of corn mazes will be excited to know that this year’s maze is complete and proceeds will benefit the Chester County Food Bank. There will also be apple cannons available this year to see just how far you can shoot an apple across the field.

If you’re looking for a special group activity, reservations can be made for evening hayrides to make s’mores around a primitive campfire or to simply enjoy a relaxing ride through the farm. While they don’t offer haunted hay rides, these special group hayrides tend to book up fast.

"We get the biggest thrill from seeing the excitement of our guests each time they visit our farm." - Alan Hodges

Highland Orchards

Highland Orchards

PICK YOUR OWN

Reservations are no longer needed to participate in the pick your own (PYO) apples activity. There is a field access charge of $3 a person, which helps to offset labor and field costs. Guests prepay for the amount of apples they wish to pick: 1/2 peck (10-14 apples); peck (20-28 apples); 1/2 bushel (50-60 apples).

Pumpkins in the field are charged by size. Guests choose the pumpkin they wish to purchase and the field attendant will weigh it for them.

If you’re doing PYO during the week, guests are able to self-drive to the orchard after checking in with the

farm market. On the weekends, guests must use the open-air shuttle service, which is the same for both the pumpkin patch and the apple orchards.

BAKERY AND FARM MARKET

The farm market and bakery are open all year at Highland Orchards. The market is a collaboration with local growers and businesses to offer locally sourced produce and products. Customers will find honey from the hives of the orchard, milk, cheese, soaps, candles, jams, and more. The farm produce grown on-site is also for sale in the market during the harvest seasons.

Highland Orchards

The market is also home to the famous Highland Orchard bakery, known for the fan-favorite apple cider doughnuts and delicious pies, which can be preordered for holidays throughout the year. When asked what makes the apple cider doughnuts so good, Alan gave up the secret ingredient - it's the fresh apples and apple cider produced on the farm! It’s truly that simple!

HIGHLAND ORCHARD

to do list

1. PICK YOUR OWN APPLES AND PUMPKINS

There are 45 varieties of apples from 10,000 trees and thousands of pumpkins to choose from.

2. CORN MAZE AND APPLE CANNONS

Corn Maze proceeds benefit the Chester County Food Bank!

3. HAYRIDES

Schedule a group hayride for s'mores over a campfire or a relaxing hayride through the farm.

4. FIELD TRIPS

Tours can be tailored to groups of all ages.

5. LEVANTE BREWING COMPANY BEER GARDEN  Kick back and relax at our orchard with the addition of the beer garden throughout October.

TIME TO RETURN TO THE FARM

Gather your family and pick out those fall outfits, because Highland Orchards is waiting for you. While some things are new this year, one thing has remained the same - it's guaranteed family fun for all ages. Check their website and Facebook page for more information regarding what fruit is in season and all scheduled activities. Website: highlandorchards.net

West Chester’s Best Local Fish & Produce Market

Our seafood and produce selection features the best and freshest products from the sea and from local farms. You will find a great selection of fresh seafood and produce. We offer fillets, whole fish, crabs, lobsters, salmons and more! Also, stop by to see our fresh vegetables and produce.

484.266.0381

443 Hannum Ave, West Chester, PA 19380

THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD IN TOWN

Family-owned Hannum Seafood and Produce offers market fresh seafood options in the West Chester borough!

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNUM SEAFOOD AND PRODUCE

Shrimp boils, fresh crab legs, salmon, swordfish, halibut, - you name it and Hannum Seafood and Produce has it! As the only fresh seafood market in West Chester, this new business is run by West Chester resident Al Lelenta and his family.

Stepping into Hannum Seafood is a welcoming experience. Whether a seafood aficionado or making fish for the first time, Al will help you pick the best option for your meal. If you’re not sure what to make or how to season your shrimp, crab, or fish, Al will share some of his tried and true recipes with you. He might even go as far as to make up a quick shrimp boil to share with you while you wait. He did this for us on our first meeting and we can 100 percent confirm that it was amazing! It was the perfect blend of seasoning, garlic, and butter and we can’t wait to go back and have him make us some more!

The seafood at Hannum is fresh! Al heads down to the fish market in Philadelphia multiple times during the week to pick out the selections for his shop before he opens to the public in the morning. You can expect top-quality seafood fresh from the Philadelphia market every time you stop in the store.

Looking for a quick lunch, stop by and grab one of his delicious tuna fish sandwiches. It’s a bargain too - at $5.99 you also get a soda and chips! Parking is super easy as well! No worries about paying a parking meter or finding a spot in a borough parking garage, because Hannum Seafood has plenty of parking right in front of the shop!

Al’s family roots are in seafood. He grew up in a family of fishermen in the country of Senegal in West Africa. He had a lot of hands-on experience in his youth and always dreamed of opening a seafood market of his own. When the opportunity arose in West Chester for him to open Hannum Seafood, he knew he had to take it. The market is coming up on its first anniversary in November and Al is very happy with the success of the store so far. Knowing that West Chester now has a fresh seafood shop right in town is something he is very proud of.

You can find Hannum Seafood and Produce in the West Chester borough next to the Lukoil gas station at 443 Hannum Ave. Stop by and check them out!

HANNUM SEAFOOD AND PRODUCE

HOURS: Daily 9 am to 6 pm

LOCATION: 443 Hannum Ave. in West Chester

PHONE: (484) 266-0381

Family-owned and operated, Hannum Seafood offers market fresh seafood.

One of Al's seafood boils. They are a speciality of his business.

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY RESOURCE PANTRY

ENDING FOOD INSECURITY ONE DONATION AT A TIME

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RESOURCE PANTRY - WCU

School is back in session at West Chester University and thousands of students are going about their day between classes and study sessions. They grab a quick bite between their classes and manage to get dinner at some point before the night is over. The life of a college student is busy, time management is crucial, and good nutrition and wellness is the key to staying on top of it all. What happens when these resources don’t always align with the student? This is where the WCU Resource Pantry steps in to help.

Established in 2016, in conjunction with the WCU Financial Aid Office and the Chester County Food Bank to meet the need of students who were either food insecure or homeless at the time, the WCU Resource Pantry aids students by providing food, personal care items, and other necessities. Open to all undergraduate and graduate students regardless of need level, the pantry relies on the kindness of the community to support students' needs.

According to Dr. Rita Patel Eng, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact (CCESI) at WCU who helps to oversee the Pantry, “Community members make an impact by supporting students facing food insecurity and assisting with removing this barrier so that learning becomes the primary focus, and the lack of food and other essential needs are no longer an issue.”

The Resource Pantry is staffed by students known as RAM Ambassadors who are eligible to work on campus under the Federal Work-Study Program. The program is two-fold, allowing these students the opportunity to earn an income with an on-campus job, and at the same time providing them with service learning opportunities through their work, which then impacts the WCU Rams community overall.

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY HELP?

According to Dr. Eng, “Charitable donations from community members and organizations are an integral part of the Pantry’s ability to support student needs. Community members can help us achieve our mission by making a financial donation, hosting a food/item drive, or by making an individual donation of needed items.”

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

The easiest way to help the Resource Pantry is through monetary donations. These donations give the Pantry the ability to purchase the items in greatest demand at the time. Donations can be made through the WCU Foundation’s website or sent via check to WCU Foundation, 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19380. Checks should be made out to WCU Foundation and in the memo line, add Resource Pantry #2966-904.

FOOD AND ITEM CONTRIBUTIONS

If you want to donate items, they are gladly accepted during operating hours. This is a great opportunity to get an organization, school, or neighborhood involved to collect for the Pantry. Accepted items and operating hours are listed on the Resource Pantry website.

AMAZON WISH LIST

The Pantry has an Amazon Wish List that is continually updated. If you want to purchase items off their list, the items will be shipped directly to the Pantry. This is a great way to donate items without arranging a drive to campus. The link to the Wish List can be found on the Resource Pantry website.

CONTINUED SUPPORT

Since its inception, the Resource Pantry has seen a steady increase in usage. Post-pandemic has seen a larger increase, with usage nearly doubling. This increase is expected to continue as living costs continue to escalate. Charitable contributions are the lifeline to the program.

For more information on the WCU Resource Pantry or to donate, visit their website at https://www.wcupa.edu/_services/ civicEngagementSocialImpact/pantry/

Ways to Donate to the WCU Resource Pantry:

1. Financial Contributions

2. Food and Item Contributions

3. Amazon Wish List

More information about donations can be found on the Resource Pantry Website at https://www.wcupa. edu/_services/civicEngagementSocialImpact/pantry/

Perfect Backyard Fire Pits

A How-to-Guide to the Perfect Backyard Setup For Fall

ARTICLE BY JACK SWEENEY/REBAC STAFF

It’s hard to top evenings around a campfire - crackling flames, crickets chirping, and gatherings of good friends - or quiet times for personal reflection.

Fires are alluring and primal. But if you’re craving a fire pit in your yard, it’s essential to consider how to tackle your project. Take these steps to make sure your fire pit is a perfect fit.

STEP 1. RESEARCH RESTRICTIONS

Before buying or building a fire pit, ensure your project won’t spark any problems with municipal authorities or your homeowners’ association. Rules and regulations may prohibit fire pits or limit the type of pit, where it’s placed, and how it’s used. For example, portable fire pits may need to be positioned on a fire-resistance surface like a concrete or gravel patio.

Regardless of restrictions, it’s always advisable to position a fire pit at least 20 feet from combustible materials like a wood deck, a shed, or low-hanging tree branches. Additionally, if you plan to trench in your fire pit, ask the local utilities to mark the location of their services before you dig.

STEP 2. PORTABLE OR PERMANENT?

Sometimes, the fastest and easiest way to create a campfire is to invest in a portable steel or iron fire pit. You’ll find various styles and prices, with and without lids. Typically, pits made of thicker metal last longer.

If you prefer the appearance of landscaping stone or bricks, you may want to buy a kit from one of the big box stores or other retailers. Kits often include a metal liner, which helps align the stones during assembly and adds structural integrity for many years.

Of course, fire pits can also be constructed from scratch using whatever combination of stones, bricks, and other non-combustible materials you prefer.

STEP 3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Before buying a fire pit or the materials to make one, consider how you’ll want to use it and how it will integrate into the rest of your landscaping.

For example, how many chairs will you want to arrange around your fire? This depends on the size of your yard and the size of the gatherings you hope to host. Make sure the pit is large enough to suit your needs and that you have enough seating space.

What shape will work best? Round fire pits are most common but don’t feel confined to that. A square, rectangle, oval, or irregularly shaped pit may be ideal.

Is it critical to include a ledge for setting food, drinks, or propping up feet?

If you’re using stones, will they be dry stacked or mortared together? Do you want to add openings at the bottom of the pit to improve airflow into your fire, making it easier to stoke its flames?

STEP 4. FUTURE PLANS

Perhaps your fire pit is part of a larger landscaping design, and you intend to add additional hardscaping elements later, including a patio, benches or a table, an outdoor kitchen, or other features.

You don’t need to do everything immediately! But if your first step is a fire pit, try to determine how it will integrate with other future elements so you can enjoy campfires sooner and be happier with the final results later.

"The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings; now for October eves!" – Humbert Wolfe

ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN

GAME ON

Owner Audra DelConte states that you won’t find a more knowledgeable staff anywhere else. This company is proud of their long-standing employees and dedicated experience. With many employees celebrating 25 years of service with the company, their knowledge and expertise in the products they sell is superior to the competition. They are also proud to sell only American-made products in their store. One of the benefits of working with Royal Billiards is that their delivery team is made up of in-house employees who are trained specifically on their products. Audra feels that this provides the best service to their customers. They promise quality each and every time and they do deliver on that promise!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROYAL BILLIARD AND RECREATION

Looking for that game room with the WOW factor? Ready to splurge on that hot tub you have always been talking about? It’s time to visit Royal Billiard and Recreation - the area’s go-to store for all of your game room and recreation needs!

This family-owned business has been providing pool tables, shuffleboards, poker tables, hot tubs, and more for over 40 years. With a service area that covers the Jersey Shore to the Pocono Mountains and everything in between, their client base is quite big and their reputation proceeds them. In fact, over the past few years, they have had some big-name clients, including many famous local sports figures, local universities, the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, and even a rooftop pool table for a famous MTV show at the Shore. Their reputation for quality workmanship even took them on a private flight to an island off the coast of New Hampshire to fix an antique pool table for a customer. Royal Billiards has solidified itself as the premier company for in-home entertainment and recreation.

A trip to their showroom in Montgomery County allows customers the chance to try out the products before purchasing and that even includes the hot tub. They have a room set aside specifically for customers to try a “wet test” on their hot tubs. Just bring your swimsuit and get ready to kick back in one of the Nordic-brand hot tubs that they sell. Once you dry off, you can browse their selections of pool tables, shuffleboard tables, poker tables, air hockey tables, dart boards, arcade games, and more.

In addition to game tables and hot tubs, Royal Billiards also offers a wide selection of prebuilt and custom bars to bring your entertainment needs to the next level. Imagine watching the game behind the bar while playing a few rounds of pool. Royal Billiards offers it all. For custom-made bars, bring the measurements of the space to the showroom and their expert design team will discuss all of the options available. You can choose from L-shaped bars, to refrigerator storage, wine storage, and more. Custom bars usually take between four and ten weeks to be manufactured.

THE AREA'S PREMIER GAME AND ENTERTAINMENT SUPERSTORE HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME!

If you’re ready to elevate your game room for the holidays, the team at Royal Billiards suggests placing your order before the end of October to ensure timely delivery. Audra has also stated that they are seeing a vast increase in orders just before the Thanksgiving holiday. Families love to be able to have a pool or shuffleboard table, or even a custom card table, to entertain their family with during their holiday gatherings.

Do yourself a favor and head over to Royal Billiards when it’s time to expand your gaming and recreation rooms. The Royal Billiards team is ready to assist in completing your in-home entertainment goals.

ROYAL BILLIARDS INFORMATION:

Address: 515 Bethlehem Pike Colmar, PA 18915

Phone: 215-997-7777

Email: Sales@RoyalBilliard.com

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 6TH

Fall Gallery Walk 2023

DOWNTOWN WEST CHESTER | 4:00 PM

Explore the vibrant art scene in Downtown West Chester. This is a self-guided tour which celebrates the artists and galleries of our thriving art-focused community. The event is free and open to the public. The event begins at 4:00 PM and concludes at 8:00 PM.

OCTOBER 8TH

West Chester Chili Cook-Off

DOWNTOWN WEST CHESTER | 10:30 AM

In its 21st year, the West Chester Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by the Rotary Club of West Chester, will be turning up the heat with more than 50 chili teams all vying for the top prize - the People's Choice Award! Chili teams are comprised of area restaurants, businesses, non-profit organizations, and even hometown cooks! The event concludes at 4:00 PM.

OCTOBER 15TH

Kennett Symphony at Longwood Gardens

EXHIBITION HALL - LONGWOOD GARDENS | 7:30 PM

Join the Kennett Symphony as they explore the themes of love and nature in their fall performance. Works by Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Sibelius will be featured in the program. Soloist Risa Hokamura will be performing Mozart's Violin Concerto No.4. Concert tickets include all-day garden admission.

OCTOBER 19TH

Kiss Me, Kate

MADELEINE WING ADLER THEATRE - WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY | 7:30 PM

Cole Porter's classic musical Kiss Me, Kate is a twist on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. With popular songs such as "Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Brush up your Shakespeare,” and “Too Darn Hot,"  audience members are sure to enjoy this beloved multiple Tony-winning musical comedy. Performances run from October 19th - October 22nd.

OCTOBER 20TH

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers

UPTOWN! KNAUER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - WEST CHESTER | 7:30 PM

Based in Philadelphia, Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers is a premier contemporary Asian-American dance company. Trained in the company's unique CHI Awareness Practice, which is deeply rooted in Asian art forms and contemplative practices, the artists probe the limits of national identity through movement. Tickets can be purchased on the Knauer Performing Arts Center website.

OCTOBER 25TH

West Chester Halloween Parade

DOWNTOWN WEST CHESTER | 7:00 PM

Put on your favorite costume and join the West Chester community for this annual event which highlights local schools, dance organizations, nonprofits, and more. The parade will start at the intersection of Church St. and Market St. and do a loop around downtown. The rain date is Thursday, October 26th at 7 pm.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with this simple recipe.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.