apple cinnamon compote + fluffy buttermilk pancakes

A few weeks ago on a crisp fall Saturday morning, A & I drove two and a half hours to an apple orchard upstate. Naturally, I created a small itinerary the night before and packed some snacks to sustain our energy for the festive day head; sharp cheddar + rosemary crackers, red grapes, and a jug of cool water.

We picked up breakfast & coffee at one of our neighborhood bagel shops and were on our way, hoping that A's '98 Honda Civic would keep it together if only for this trip.

We chose the route with no tolls and consequently, the more scenic route with fall foliage and hazy mountains in the distance. Once we were close to the orchard, we discovered a beautiful waterfall that we would venture to on the way back.

Stone Ridge Orchard stood out to me while I was doing my research on which orchard to visit. Their apples are sustainably grown with minimal use of pesticides, and they grow many different varieties. We'd later come to find out that Stone Ridge is a small town that seems to be rich in art and history, which we couldn't have loved more.

Because the orchard is a bit far from the city, I was really hoping that it would be free of people, and lucky for us we felt like we had the whole orchard to ourselves.

We stocked up on some locally made cider and donuts from the orchard's small market, and set out to pick a whole lot of apples.

We picked wild flowers, relaxed under the giant oak tree, took a ton a photos, tasted apple after apple, and basked in the serenity of the birds chirping and the bees buzzing. It really couldn't have been a more perfect fall day with A.

Sundays are notably known for sleeping in and making pancakes for brunch. And so we did just that. There was no question about incorporating apples in some way, so I decided on an apple compote and make-shift buttermilk pancakes. The apples are cooked down with brown sugar and apple cider; the pancakes are incredibly fluffy and use lemon juice + organic milk, a suitable substitute for when you don't have buttermilk. Simple and no-fuss, it was the perfect way to top off the weekend.

---- Read more for the recipe ----

Apple Cinnamon Compote + Buttermilk Pancakes
Makes about 5-6 pancakes and a generous amount of compote for 2 people

Apple Cinnamon Compote

• 2 apples, cored, peeled, and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• ~3 scrapes of fresh nutmeg across a microplane
• pinch of salt
• lemon juice from 1/2 of a lemon

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer on medium heat. Cook until apples are tender and liquid has thickened, approximately 12-15 min. 

Tip: If you have left over compote, save it in a container and warm it up later for topping off ice cream. It is so so good!!! Especially with caramel praline, a personal favorite :)

Buttermilk Pancakes

• 1 cup organic all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp raw sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup organic milk (I usually keep 2% in my fridge so that is what I used)
• lemon juice from 1/2 of a lemon
• 1 large organic egg
• 1 tbsp light oil (I use sunflower oil)
• butter for greasing the pan or cooking spray (I used a little butter)

Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a measuring cup, add the milk and lemon juice and let sit for ~10 min until you begin to see it thicken/curdle. This is your "buttermilk"

Add the egg and oil to the buttermilk and mix until combined. Pour your wet ingredients into your bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (lumps are good!)

Heat a cast iron skillet or regular pan on medium heat and either coat with cooking spray or a little melted butter. Once the pan is hot, pour in the batter using a 1/4 cup measuring cup (my preference but feel free to use larger or smaller). When the batter begins to bubble, it is time to flip. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Serve with warm apple cinnamon compote and pure maple syrup for a cozy sunday breakfast :)