Michigan Apple Committee Official Blog

Written by Jim Parker
Michigan Apple Fan and Cider Enthusiast

Previously I wrote here on the Michigan Apple website that the fall season brings many changes into our daily lives. Some are a repeat of previous year’s changes. I also stated that now there are some new ones taking place, and from a personal standpoint, these new changes make me happy that we are witnessing them. Most certainly we are in awe of the glorious beauty of the changing leaves and we appreciate dawn being a little earlier. With that opportunity to enjoy the earlier daylight and while traveling the many side roads that take us on our annual trips to our favorite cider mills and apple orchards (and you love animals like I do) you may be lucky enough to witness the beauty of nature with the animal’s scurrying around getting ready for fall and winter themselves. As for those apples and that sweet cider I don’t think you can beat the taste of a crisp Michigan apple washed down by the nectar from them Michigan apple cider. One of the reasons I think it’s easier to do all of this is because the kids and grandkids are now back in school and even though we’re still busy, I feel our daily pace seems to be a little less hectic. That affords us the extra energy to really enjoy the time when we are with the kids. But there is another change that is happening more and more right now and it makes me once again feel delighted that we are witnessing it.

read more »

Hello Everyone…this is Jessica Zelenock, 1st Runner-up to the Michigan Apple Queen.

read more »

Last weekend was the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. read more »

Parade season has begun and Jessica and I have been busy traveling around the state.

In May we attended the Tulip Time parade in Holland. Being a Hope College student, it was especially fun to have a parade on my home turf. Throughout the parade I heard shouts from my classmates, professors and friends. Despite the windy weather, the float held up well through the parade and we took home the award for the best designed float. read more »

Michiganders know that there is some of the most beautiful landscape in the country located right here in their own backyards. read more »

50 pounds of locally-grown apples used in giant cheesecake

Giant apple cheesecake to feature 50 pounds of Michigan Apples
Eli’s Cheesecake chefs have really outdone themselves this time with a 500-pound cheesecake featuring filling made from fresh Michigan Apples for the Commander in Chief’s Inauguration Ball on Tuesday, Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.
In addition to 50 pounds of Michigan Apples, the mind-boggling grocery list for the dessert includes:

• 100 pounds of cream cheese
• 50 pounds of powdered sugar
• 126 eggs
• 30 pounds of sugar
• 30 pounds of butter
• 25 pounds of sour cream
• 15 pounds of flour
• 4 cups of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla
• 15 pounds of brown sugar
• 12 tablespoons of cinnamon

The apple-filled cheesecake was chosen in keeping with the Abraham Lincoln inaugural theme. (FYI: Lincoln was quite the apple lover.)
The dessert, with a 42-inch base, is expected to feed 3,000 Purple Heart recipients and military families at the ball, with leftovers going to a local food bank.

To learn more, visit www.elicheesecake.com/inauguration09.aspx

Hello, I’m Amber Nyblad the 2009 Michigan Apple Queen.

It has been nice to finally relax after the busy week of final exams and the apple queen pageant. Although it was a little stressful, I had a lot of fun. It was nice to get to know the other contestants during the afternoon. The chaperones were great with easing our nerves and guiding us through the day. We were given plenty of time to make our final preparations in our hotel rooms. This was fun for me because I had four apple queen veterans helping me, two of my aunts, my mom, and my sister. Their excitement really encouraged me. The interviews weren’t as bad as I thought, but the pageant was a little nerve-racking. It was worth it though when the pageant was finally over and I was able to visit with all my family and friends. Although I was entirely exhausted after making the trek to the Marriot with the heels and gown, the pizza party with the 2008 court was a good time.

read more »

Hello Michigan Apple Growers,
What’s been happening in your orchard? The general public wants to learn more about Michigan Apples and you are the experts. Take us on a tour of your farm and give us a personal account of what it’s like to grow and harvest apples here in Michigan….

Over the past year I have been so honored to be the 2008 Michigan Apple Queen. I have met with so many amazing people, attended so many events and will cherish every one of the memories made.

read more »