Embracing the Equinox: Heirloom Apple Cider Donuts and Autumnal Joy
The air grows crisp, the leaves blaze in fiery hues, and a gentle sense of slowing settles over the land. It’s the time of the Autumnal Equinox, a moment of perfect balance when day and night stand equal before the turning of the year. Here at Better Homes and Harvests, we cherish this seasonal shift, not just for its visual splendor but for the opportunity to reconnect with nature's rhythm and embrace simple, meaningful traditions. It's a time to gather, to celebrate the harvest, and to savor the flavors of the season with loved ones. And what better way to do that than with a batch of warm, spiced apple cider donuts, baked with the very apples our homestead provides?
The Significance of the Equinox and Seasonal Traditions
The Autumnal Equinox, typically occurring around September 22nd or 23rd, marks the official beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a time when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness. For centuries, cultures around the world have recognized the significance of this astronomical event, celebrating it with festivals, rituals, and traditions centered around gratitude, abundance, and preparation for the cooler months ahead.
In our modern world, where artificial light and global markets often blur the lines between seasons, it's easy to lose touch with the natural cycles that govern our planet. That's why we believe that embracing seasonal traditions is more important than ever. By consciously acknowledging and celebrating these shifts, we not only deepen our connection to nature but also create opportunities for meaningful family experiences and foster a sense of belonging within our communities. These traditions provide anchor points in our lives, reminding us of the enduring beauty and resilience of the natural world.
Traditions, both big and small, weave the tapestry of our lives. They provide comfort, predictability, and a sense of continuity from one generation to the next. They can be as simple as lighting a candle at dusk or as elaborate as a harvest festival. The key is to choose traditions that resonate with your values and that bring you joy.
Heirloom Apple Cider Donuts: A Taste of Autumn
This year, our Autumnal Equinox celebration centers around a simple, comforting treat: spiced apple cider donuts. Baked, not fried, these donuts are a healthier and equally delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season. And because they’re made with heirloom apples harvested right from our orchard, they embody the true spirit of homesteading and sustainable living.
Our heirloom apple orchard, bursting with the fruits of our labor and care.
Recipe: Spiced Apple Cider Donuts (Baked)
Yields: Approximately 12 donuts
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-18 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the Donuts:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat for a nuttier flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (preferably homemade from your heirloom apples!)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to ½ cup – see instructions below)
- For the Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider (or more, to reach desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Ingredient Sourcing:
- Apples: We highly recommend using heirloom apple varieties for the best flavor. Look for varieties like Honeycrisp, McIntosh, or Golden Delicious. If you don't have your own orchard, visit a local farmers market or orchard to find locally grown apples.
- Spices: Opt for organic spices whenever possible. Buying spices in bulk can be a cost-effective way to ensure you always have fresh, flavorful ingredients on hand.
- Eggs: If you raise your own chickens, use fresh eggs from your flock. Otherwise, look for pasture-raised eggs from a local farm.
- Cider: Freshly pressed apple cider is ideal, if available. Look for it at farmers' markets or farm stands.
A bountiful harvest of heirloom apples, ready to be transformed into delicious cider and donuts.
Instructions:
Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cider has reduced to ½ cup. Let cool completely. This concentrated cider will give the donuts an intense apple flavor.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a donut pan (or two, depending on the size).
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and the cooled reduced apple cider.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cider glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth. Add more cider, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Freshly baked apple cider donuts cooling on a rack, releasing their tempting aroma.
Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the cider glaze, coating them evenly. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off.
Enjoy! Serve immediately and savor the taste of autumn!
A close-up of the finished donuts, showcasing the glistening cider glaze and inviting texture.
Celebrating the Simple Joys
As the Autumnal Equinox approaches, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of the season by creating your own simple, meaningful traditions. Whether it's baking these spiced apple cider donuts with your family, taking a nature walk to admire the fall foliage, or simply lighting a candle and reflecting on the blessings in your life, take the time to connect with nature and celebrate the beauty of this transitional time.
The vibrant colors of autumn leaves, a reminder of nature's beauty and the cyclical nature of life.
The joy of homesteading lies in these connections – to the land, to our families, and to the seasons that shape our lives. It's in the satisfaction of harvesting our own food, preparing it with love, and sharing it with those we cherish. As we gather around the table, enjoying these warm, spiced apple cider donuts, we are reminded of the abundance that surrounds us and the simple pleasures that make life so sweet. May this Autumnal Equinox bring you peace, joy, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. Happy celebrating!