In keeping with tradition, an annual Apple Factory visit was scheduled for Thanksgiving long weekend. In spite of deeming their pies inferior to my homemade renditions, we were eager to redeem the reputation of apple cider as a pasteurized, delectable concoction rather than a loose, tart juice of sorts.
The northbound drive on local roads was accompanied by significantly greener foliage than in past years. It was to be expected, given the warmer climate conditions.
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Our arrival was met with a dose of confusion, for the usual path of access on the north side of Bovaird was congested - atrociously so. This year, the Farm Market had introduced an initiative for speedy sales of pies - appropriately adopting the name of Pie-Thru. Vehicles were to enter from Bovaird Drive for access to this queue; parking spaces at the west end of the property could also be reached, but not without tremendous difficulty.
Many visitors, including myself, opted to U-turn onto Mississauga Road towards the east entrance. The situation was chaotic to say in the least, especially in consideration of the low traffic volumes of the previous year.
Many visitors, including myself, opted to U-turn onto Mississauga Road towards the east entrance. The situation was chaotic to say in the least, especially in consideration of the low traffic volumes of the previous year.
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Several copper crates served the delineate the Pie-Thru from shoppers looking to enter the marketplace. Pumpkins and haystacks were observed along its twisting perimeter. Farm animals were not to be seen this time around.
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With waiting being inevitable, there was ample time to review the pie list and contemplate items for our trip back. We foregoed the stale wheat loaf and Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Pie for obvious reasons and made a beeline for the 3L cider jugs.
A six-and-a-half pound bag of Cortland apples were also secured. With no plans for pie-making this year, they'd be reserved for eating (and later cider-making, should a usable quantity prevail).
The Apple Factory Jamboree was also seemingly back in business, though no performances were witnessed during our short-lived stay.
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Surprisingly, the crust of the No Sugar Apple Pie was flakier this year, its edges less rigid as well. On the contrary, an unmistakably lifelessness lingered in its contents. The apple chunks were limp and tacky, with an overwhelming sweetness evoking syrup-soaked slices (or neglect until over-ripeness).
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Nonetheless, we were glad. Apple Cider was had.
And the plaid-denim combo donned for the sentimental occasion.
And the plaid-denim combo donned for the sentimental occasion.
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