Fast Food and Quick Fixes: Apple, Pear and Carrot Salad

Apple, Pear and Carrot Salad 

Apples and Pears--the Ultimate Fast Food Treat

Apples and pears are practically Washington State's trademark, and this year's apple crop is a big one.  The problem is that with such a big harvest, experienced orchard workers are in short supply and farmers are scrambling to find help according to this article in the Seattle Times.  And this NPR story says that the labor shortage couldn't come at a worse time because Washington apples are worth more right now because crops in other states like New York and Michigan suffered from bad weather.   Most seasonal farmworkers aren't documented in this state, and farmers often say it's hard to hire enough American workers willing to work that hard.  Immigration reform is a sticky issue, think what would happen if suddenly all those workers were gone tomorrow.

Apple harvesting isn't easy.  Workers climb tall ladders and carry 40 pound bags of apples for eight hours a day. Some workers can earn $250 a day at $25 an hour.  Maybe Michigan and New York could send us some of their farmworkers.

Love apples, who doesn't?   

I'm fond of new and old varieties, but I have my favorites.

Snow White Apples at Nash's Farm perfect for Halloween

I used some little Seckel pears from Grouse Moutain farm for this salad.  You can't eat just one.  They make the perfect dessert, raw or baked in apple cider.

If you don't have those you can use any kind of pears you happen to have on hand for this quick salad.

Last year we were overwhelmed with so many pears from our friends.

Big or little--you can find a range of sizes at the farmers' market

He's feeling a little devilish with all this apple gazing.  The smells are so much more prominent for dogs. I'm always amazed when someone says: "My dog doesn't eat people food."   Really?  That's all my Cooking Assistant would eat if he got the chance.   

I found these stunning apples at the market last winter, but I didn't catch the name.  Best guess is it's something that includes the word "pink."

Apple Pear and Carrot Salad 

(Serves 2 to 4)

Pick your favorite apple and pears to make this salad.  I favor Fuji apples and Bosc pears.

1 cup grated carrots

1 large sweet-tart apple, diced

1 Bosc pear or 4 Seckel pears, diced 

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon orange zest

2 tablespoons dried tart cherries

6 ounces lemon yogurt--dairy or soy

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Combine the carrots, apple, and pear with fresh orange juice.  Mix in the tart cherries and yogurt.

Top with walnuts.

Sometimes you just have to dig in.