Fun Fall Activities for the Family {+ a recipe}

Disclosure: I was contacted by City Block to experience Eckert's in exchange for a blog + social media post. As always, all opinions are my own.Y'all, it's FALL! It's the one month of the year where I won't complain about the weather! So, enjoy that while it lasts...⠀Not only is the weather PERFECT (esp today), but all my favorite activities happen this time of year. Bonfires, #sweaterweather, pumpkin spice EVERYTHING, and apple picking. I mean, it doesn't get much better!⠀We spent this weekend Eckert's Farm in Grafton, Illinois picking apples with the family. What better way to celebrate #NationalFamilyDay!But, what do you do with ALL of those apples?! Thank goodness they last forever, but it's easy to get bored of the #appleaday. I could make apple pie, but it will never compare to my SIL's. I could make apple turnovers, but that's just too much work. So, why not take the easy way out and make apple chips?! Not only are they healthy + delicious, but my kiddos LOVE them (and they don't realize they are actually eating a FRUIT)!

EASY + HEALTHY DRIED APPLES

4-5 apples of your choice (I love Red Delicious + Fuji)4 cups water1/2 cup lemon juiceSlice apples into thin slices. You do not want them too thick as they won't get crunchy. If you have a mandolin, you can use that, but we simply use a knife and slice them as thinly as possible (be careful of your fingers!). If you have an apple corer, you can core your apples and cut them into circles, otherwise simple slices work just as well. Totally your preference!Mix together the water + lemon juice. Dip sliced apples into the lemon juice mixture. Place about 1-inch apart in a food dehydrator or on a baking sheet.If you are using a food dehydrator, cover and turn on. Let the apple slices dry until they achieve the crispiness you are looking for (longer = more crispy chip).If you are use an oven, set it at the lowest temperature your over will go to (typically 200 degrees). Place the baking sheet in the oven, leaving the oven door open slightly to allow the moist air to escape (just make sure your kiddos + pets stay safe). It will take approximately 10-12 hours for the apples to get crispy, longer if needed.