John Chapman, often called Johnny Appleseed, was born on September 26, 1774 in Leominster, Massachusetts. His father, Nathaniel Chapman, was a farmer and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Sadly, John’s mother died of tuberculosis during the war. His father apprenticed him to a local apple orchard.

John took his knowledge and expanded the business to parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, including the northern counties of present day West Virginia, becoming an American legend in the process.

Remember Johnny Appleseed with apple-themed activities this week.

~ Visit an apple orchard as a family, and pick up some crisp apples for munching later.

~ Make some caramel apples and roll them in chopped peanuts, coconut, colorful sprinkles, or mini-chocolate chips.

~ Buy several varieties of apples and slice them up for a blind taste test for your family. Members can vote on which ones they like the most. Try ones like Gala, Honeycrisp. Pink Lady, Braeburn, Fuji or Cortland.

~ Or try your hand at one of these great apple recipes that are beyond the normal apple pie or crisp.

Apple Pasta Salad

1 bag cole slaw mix

2 cups tri-color pasta

2 apples coarsely chopped (your choice of apple)

½ cup dried cranberries

4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small bites

coleslaw dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool. Mix pasta with cole slaw, cut apples, craisins and cheddar cheese. Add dressing to your taste. Chill and serve.

Harvest Pork and Apples

1 cup apple cider or juice

1-1/2 to 2 pound pork loin

1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

salt & pepper to taste

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced

2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed

½ cup brown sugar

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

¼ teaspoon dried sage

Brown pork loin in vegetable oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Once browned, place in a greased slow cooker, along with the apple cider. Mix apples and squash with the spices and herbs and place around pork loin. Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours.

Blessings as you celebrate,

Karen Ehman

For more fun ways to celebrate creatively with your family and friends throughout the year, check out Karen's latest book Everyday Confetti: Your Year-Round Guide for Celebrating Hopidays and Special Occasions.