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Our Favorite Recipes for Cooking with Apple Butter

Posted by :Julia Prince On : September 11, 2025
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Apple butter is a beloved fall pantry staple. You can find multiple varieties in our Country Store and available for ordering online, or make it yourself from fresh-picked apples. However you get your hands on it, there’s plenty of delicious ways to use it!

What is apple butter, and how is it different from apple sauce?

Both apple sauce and apple butter are made from a combination of apples, sugar, and spices: the main difference is cooking time and consistency. Apple sauce becomes apple butter if allowed to simmer for a longer time, until it forms a thick spread with a buttery texture. Generally, apple sauce can be eaten on its own, while apple butter is best used as a topping or ingredient in another dish.

There are so many ways to use apple butter!

Cinnamon apple sauce made by Chiles Family Orchards

Apple butter is a flavorful spread

Apple butter is an easy go-to spread with a sweet, concentrated apple flavor. Here are some of our favorite ways to use apple butter straight from the jar:

  • Swirl into ice cream for a hint of cinnamon
  • Spread on biscuits, pancakes, toast, or scones for breakfast
  • Frost cupcakes or pumpkin bread
  • Mix into mashed sweet potatoes
  • Top ham sandwiches or turkey paninis

Recipes with Apple butter for entrees, sides, and dessert

Pork chops primavera

Entrees

Apple butter is an easy glaze or marinade for most meats and is particularly well-suited to pork and poultry.

Chicken apple meatballs

Snacks and Sides

Transform apple butter into a savory-sweet sauce, mix it into vegetables, or spread it on crostini for a punch of apple-y goodness.

Apple butter banana bread

Desserts and Breakfast

Kick the apple flavor up a notch by incorporating apple butter into your favorite fall baked goods and sweet treats.

Bonus: Apple Butter Cocktails

Yes, you can even drink apple butter! These cocktails add autumnal delight to any gathering:

Autumn apple bourbon fizz.
Apple butter old fashioned

When making apple butter from scratch, not apples are created equal!

Read our apple flavor profile guide to select the best apples for making apple butter at home and see when each apple variety is in season.

Pumpkin Soup Recipes

Posted by :Julia Prince On : September 11, 2025
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Sweet and hearty, pumpkin soup is a flavorful start to any fall dinner or a full meal all on its own. Mix it up in the kitchen with these different takes on pumpkin soup!

Fresh Versus Canned Pumpkin Purée

First, decide whether to use canned or fresh pumpkin purée for your soup. We’re big believers in “fresh is best,” especially if you pick your own pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. If you’re in a hurry, or preparing pumpkin dishes during an offseason, canned pumpkin is an easy alternative.

Homemade pumpkin purée has a brighter flavor than the canned stuff. And as a bonus, there’s no risk of that metallic taste from being stored in a can. Making your own pumpkin purée from scratch also allows you to control the flavors and use your preferred pumpkin variety (we love sugar pie pumpkins). Try the Chiles family pumpkin purée recipe!

Pumpkin puree recipe

For more information on pumpkin purée, including color, taste, and texture comparisons for fresh and canned, read this Fresh Versus Canned Pumpkins article from Handle the Heat.

Pumpkin Soup Recipes

Whether you like it sweet or spicy, vegan or brimming with meat, there’s a pumpkin soup recipe that’s perfect for you.

A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup.

The Classic

Creamy Pumpkin Soup, photo and recipe from Delish

Smooth and endlessly versatile, this recipe can be made using different types of pumpkin or squash and made vegan or vegetarian depending on your preference.

Curried

Curried Pumpkin Soup, photo and recipe from Epicurious

Fresh curry leaves and peeled fresh ginger, along with cumin, coriander, and cardamom, add a spicy, unique flavor.

Pumpkin beer cheese soup

Indulgent

Pumpkin Beer Cheese Soup, photo and recipe from Simply Scratch

The addition of cheeses adds tanginess to this velvety, rich soup. Who could resist dipping a pretzel in for a game day snack?

Thai pumpkin soup.

Spicy

Thai Pumpkin Soup, photo and recipe from Food and Wine

Lemongrass, lime juice, Fresno chile, and fresh cilantro all add bright, herbaceous notes to this Thai-inspired soup whose spice level can easily be adjusted.

chili-roasted pumpkin soup

Healthy

Roasted Pumpkin Soup, photo and recipe from Simply Quinoa

This blended soup, made using roasted pumpkin, carrots, and onion, is naturally gluten-free and vegan.

A bowl of pumpkin chili.

Chili

Pumpkin Chili, photo and recipe from The Kitchn

Turnips, bell peppers, corn, and beans join their powers with pumpkin in this hearty vegetarian chili.

A pot of Haitian beef and pumpkin soup.

Meaty

Haitian Beef and Pumpkin Soup, photo and recipe from Epicurious

Also known as Soup Joumou, this aromatic stew is traditionally eaten by Haitians on January 1 to celebrate Haiti’s independence.

Soup Toppers

Don’t forget a festive and flavorful final touch! Finish pumpkin soups with a cool, creamy swirl of crème fraîche, sour cream, coconut milk, or even chipotle cream. The contrast of the white swirl against the soup’s deep orange color is appealing as well as delicious.

For added texture, try crunchy toppings! Roasted pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are a natural tie-in. Maple bacon bits add a meaty, salty component: plus, who doesn’t love bacon? We also love the idea of this chili cran-apple relish or parmesan croutons.

Try garnishing your soups with ingredients from the recipe to hint at what’s in the soup. Blend roasted apples, carrots, leeks, or mushrooms into the soup for added depth of flavor and then top the mixture with finely cut slivers of whichever vegetable you used. If you added herbs to the soup — rosemary, chives, and sage pair particularly well with pumpkin — chop and sprinkle some on top.

Pumpkin in a pumpkin patch field

Can’t get enough pumpkins? Learn more about pumpkins and pumpkin picking at Chiles with our Pumpkin FAQs.

Unbelievably Outrageous Apple Pie Recipes

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : September 23, 2024
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So many of us have fond apple pie memories, gathering together with family or friends at holiday dinners to enjoy a warm homemade treat. Flaky crust, gooey apples, and sweet-smelling spice combine for the perfect fall dessert.

You can enjoy one whenever you like with any number of classic, reliable apple pie recipes. Heck, if you’re too busy to bake, Carter Mountain Orchard’s Country Store and Chiles Peach Orchard’s Farm Market have pies ready for pickup! Baked fresh with seasonal apples and available whole, halved, or by the slice, our scrumptious pies are traditional, just like you’d expect.

Some exploratory bakers are taking apple pie recipes further. From patently absurd to potentially genius, some of these pies made us laugh out loud, and others made us think. After all, with the right apples and the right crust, can you really go wrong with an apple pie? We’ll let you be the judge!

Mile-High Apple Pie

Look at this absolute giant! The mile-high apple pie, besides being fun to say, is as much a feat of engineering as baking. The trick is to somehow fit all those liquid-heavy apple pieces under a crust without bursting, leaking, or making an air pocket. There are a number of different origin stories and variants on this eye-popping pastry recipe from Sugar Hero, and just as many techniques for managing it without making a mess.

With smart tricks like the “bowl method,” the mile-high apple pie is more achievable than it looks and brings the “wow” factor to family gatherings. Let’s just hope folks are hungry enough to eat all that pie!

One thing’s for sure: you’ll need a lot of apples.

Mile-High Apple Pie
Mile-High Apple Pie recipe by Elizabeth Labau, via Sugar Hero
A hand reaching up and picking an apple from a tree branch.

According to her recipe, Elizabeth Labau took her family apple-picking out west and used an entire five-pound bag of Winesap apples in just one 9-inch pie!

So if you’re planning to pick your own apples at Carter Mountain Orchard and worry you’d end up with more fruit than you know what to do with, this might be the apple pie recipe for you.

There are plenty of tasty ways to use lots of apples, though!

Double Apple Pie

If you just can’t get enough of apple flavor, this pie doubles down on it with a sweet, creamy filling. The recipe isn’t for a pie within a pie (as cute as that would be)—it’s actually referring to two apple ingredients in one pie. In this case, Melissa Clark’s New York Times recipe recommends using apple butter to sweeten the apples in your pie.

To really push the envelope, take this recipe even further by making a triple or quadruple apple pie with apple cider vinegar, apple cider jelly, or even apple sauce.

Double apple pie
Double Apple Pie recipe by Melissa Clark, via NYT Cooking
Jar of apple butter with apples
Glass jar of apple sauce
Apple Cider Jelly in a glass jar

There are lots of delicious apple ingredients out there: the sky is the limit on how many we can fit in one pie! Click on these images to explore the fun apple goods available at our online store.

Apple Butter Pie

If you’re a fan of both apple and pumpkin pie, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? This Tastes of Lizzy T recipe from Julie Clark replaces pumpkin puree with apple butter to make a soft, golden-brown pumpkin pie lookalike with a rich apple taste. Simple and clever, this pie is sure to surprise and delight Thanksgiving guests who take a bite, especially if they haven’t been told what to expect!

The filling is a little finicky and needs high fat milk or cream to really get the texture right. Otherwise, this is a straightforward apple pie recipe worth trying for the novelty of it. Carter Mountain’s apple butter fits perfectly in this recipe, leaving plenty to enjoy as a spread on toast or crackers!

Apple Butter Pie recipe by Julie Clark, via Tastes of Lizzy T

Apple Hand Pies

From mile-high heights to adorable handheld bites, apple pies come in all shapes and sizes! This eye-catching apple hand pie recipe comes from Heather Baird at Sprinkle Bakes, who’s managed to shrink pies down from centerpiece deserts to snack-sized morsels. She even paired them with homemade caramel dipping sauce. Make no mistake, these things are dangerous—how could you have just one?

Smaller pies require smaller chunks of apple, diced tiny to bake faster. Her lovely latticework is achieved through a unique mold or could be done the old-fashioned way.

Caramel Apple Hand Pies
Caramel Apple Hand Pies recipe by Heather Baird, via Sprinkle Bakes
Apple products at the Carter Mountain Orchard Country Store

Apple hand pies serve great on their own, though making a bunch for a large gathering requires a lot of work. Consider pairing them with other fall treats, like the apple cider donuts and apple caramel crisp cookies you can pick up at Carter Mountain Orchard, for a decadent dessert buffet!

Shredded Apple Pie

Life in the Lofthouse’s recipe brings us this fascinatingly simple twist on an apple pie, opting to shred the apples through a cheese grater rather than dice them. The result? An easy, quick recipe with a melt-in-your-mouth softness and that beloved apple pie flavor. With its quirky look, the shredded apple pie is a contender for a new holiday tradition.

Still, for many purists, an apple pie needs an outer crust, which this recipe doesn’t call for. Crust debates are as old as pie itself: one compromise to avoid tweaking the recipe too much is a crumbly topping baked onto the pie.

Shredded Apple Pie
Shredded Apple Pie recipe by Holly Lofthouse, via Life in the Lofthouse
Apple Crisp Mix sold by Carter Mountain Orchard on display

Sometimes, all you need to round out a good dessert is a tasty crumble to top it off. Shredded apple pie bakers can simplify this recipe even further by adding our apple crisp mix on top. It’s just the thing to add a crunchy top layer to a pie that’s missing it!

Deconstructed Apple Pie

Okay, this is getting a bit silly. This Lakeside Table recipe produces an elegant, beautiful, delicious-looking dessert. Is it still a pie, though? Well, whether it is or not, this “deconstructed” apple pie recipe certainly caught our eye!

Baked apples are a quick and easy treat that’s lighter and healthier than a whole pie. Each type of apple has a different flavor that comes out when baked, both in and out of a pie.

We have a chart all about apple varieties, their flavor profiles, and which are best for baking. If you’re looking to test new kinds of apples or mix and match, check out Carter Mountain’s fruit availability page to see which varieties are available!

Deconstructed Honeycrisp Apple Pie
Deconstructed Apple Pie recipe by Madalaine McDaniel, via Lakeside Table
Slice of a Carter Mountain Orchard apple pie raised from the pie plate

So Many Apple Pie Recipes!

There are lots of ways to enjoy apples in desserts: cobblers, crumbles, crisps, tarts, cakes, donuts, sauces, and so on. Still, it’s hard to resist a good apple pie—even if it isn’t mile-high, miniature, or transformed in some way. If these apple pie recipes have you hankering for a slice, c’mon out to Carter Mountain and try one of our classic-style fresh-baked apple pies!

Fresh-baked apple pie

Holiday Pie Orders

The holidays are a busy time for everyone. Let us check one thing off your to-do list by making your dessert for you!

During select weeks leading up to the big holidays, stock up on apple pies, apple cider donuts, cider donut bread pudding, apple cider, apple caramel crisp cookies, and more seasonal treats.

We accept holiday pre-orders every November and December at Carter Mountain and Chiles Peach Orchard, or you can pre-order baked goods online for local pickup.

Stay in the know for our next round of dessert orders by subscribing to our email newsletter!

8 Berry Tasty Blueberry Breakfast Recipe Ideas (Blackberries Too!)

Posted by :Alex Griffith On : June 13, 2024
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There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a handful of fresh-picked blueberries or blackberries on a hot summer day—especially if you picked them yourself at Chiles Peach Orchard! Once you bring the basket home, though, the fun really starts. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy your berries, and we’re especially fond of starting the next morning with a homemade berry treat.

You don’t need to be a master chef to enjoy these blackberry and blueberry breakfast recipes. Take a look at some of our favorite easy ways to squeeze the most out of the berries you bring home!

Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberries especially are a mouthwatering addition to any pancake recipe. While frozen blueberries can stain your batter or add unwanted water, fresh blueberries mix in perfectly. If you haven’t tried making your pancakes with fresh-picked blueberries, you’re in for a treat! Try this recipe from King Arthur Baking.

Remember to top your pancake stack with some fresh berries, too! They’re sweet enough to dig in even without syrup—if you’re interested, though, we do have some great syrup recommendations!

A stack of blueberry pancakes.

Roasted Blackberry Breakfast Bowl

Yogurt is a healthy, reliable breakfast choice, and there are so many ways to tweak and customize it! No need to buy the flavored stuff with a bunch of added sugar: just a few seconds in the microwave can get berries juicy, gooey, and ready to stir in and flavor plain Greek yogurt.

Why not go all-out, though? Know Your Produce’s recipe combines oatmeal, cinnamon, blackberries, blueberries, and maple syrup in the oven to create a decadent and warm yogurt topper. Feel free to keep adding more stir-in favorites, your imagination’s the limit!

A roasted blackberry breakfast bowl.
Photo and recipe from Know Your Produce

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

Let’s face it, it’s hard to find time for an elaborate breakfast during the work week. That’s why we love recipes that can last the whole week, like the blueberry oatmeal bars from Erin Clarke at Well Plated.

These bars are an easy, delicious blueberry breakfast recipe, and a healthy alternative to the storebought breakfast bars. Best of all, they last up to five days in the fridge! A quick bake on Sunday can set you up with a morning to look forward to all the way to Friday.

Blueberry oatmeal bars.
Photo and recipe from Well Plated

Blackberry Tart

If you’re looking for something special that can “wow” folks at a Sunday brunch, a blackberry tart absolutely does the trick. And if you get the chance to brag that you picked them yourselves, so much the better!

You can make the filling completely with blackberries, or your blackberries can pair nicely with other fruits. Consider this lemon and blackberry tart recipe from Lion’s Bread that combines sour lemon curd with sweet blackberry preserves and fresh topping for a beautiful and enticing contrast.

Lemon and Blackberry Tart
Photo and recipe from Lion’s Bread

Purple Blueberry and Blackberry Smoothie

Especially while it’s hot out, a smoothie is a perfect way to stay cool and savor all kinds of fruit. Any smoothie recipe is pretty straightforward: Blend your berries with milk until smooth and add protein powder or flavoring if you like. That’s it! Include as many or as few additional fruits or vegetables as you wish.

If you’re making a smoothie with fresh fruit instead of frozen, you’ll need to also add some ice to keep that cold, creamy consistency. It’s worth it! You’ll taste the difference fresh-picked berries make in a smoothie, with a sweeter, stronger flavor. If you’d like to freeze your blueberries for later, though, we have advice on our page all about blueberries.

Blueberry and blackberry smoothie.

Instant Homemade Jelly

Canning jams or preserves is a smart way to make fresh berries last. That can be a daunting hobby to get into, though, and is fairly time-consuming. Jelly, on the other hand, can be made quickly at home from fresh blueberries or blackberries in a matter of minutes! Enjoy it on a slice of toast or a biscuit and keep it in the fridge for a few days—nothing beats fresh jelly in a PB&J!

And if you want a jar of long-lasting jelly, jam, or preserves without the hassle, remember to pick one up at Chiles Peach Orchard when you visit, or find them in our online store.

Blackberry jelly

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Blackberries

Okay, this isn’t the most traditional breakfast idea, we admit it! Blackberries go very well with cheese, especially when they’re both warm and gooey. There are a lot of ways to savor this combination, like cheesecake, salad toppings, or spreads. We personally think a simple grilled cheese, like Tiffany McCauley’s at The Gracious Pantry, is the way to go.

Experiment with breads and cheeses to see what you like the most. Soft cheeses like brie are common favorites that absorb the blackberry flavor, while a sharp cheddar gives a tasty contrast (and who doesn’t love that classic grilled cheese look?).

Griller cheese sandwiches with blackberries.
Photo and recipe from The Gracious Pantry

Blueberry Muffins

How could we forget! There’s no more iconic blueberry breakfast recipe than the good old blueberry muffin. If you’ve mostly baked with the dried blueberries in pre-packaged mixes instead of ripe, fresh-picked blueberries, you’d be surprised how big of a difference they make.

The secret to a good blueberry muffin is the warm, oozy blueberries inside, regardless of how you choose to flavor your batter. Sarah Kieffer’s blueberry muffins get a little fancy with nutmeg, lemon zest, and sour cream all adding small, tasty twists. There are thousands of blueberry muffin recipes out there to try, and any of them will taste even better with fresh blueberries.

A bowl full of blueberry muffins.

Pick-Your-Own Blueberries and Blackberries

Of course, the best part of these recipes is picking the ingredients yourself! So come enjoy the fresh orchard air with us out in Crozet, VA and hand-pick a basket of blueberries or blackberries (or a bucket, now that you have a plan for them!). Check Chiles Peach Orchard’s pick-your-own fruit page for seasonal availability, guidelines, and information to plan your visit.

For even more breakfast treats, don’t forget to pick up some of our famous homemade peach cider donuts after you pick your berries! They’re only around during peach season, so get them while you can!

Add some orchard goodness to your breakfast with these specialty foods available at shop.chilesfamilyorchards.com!

Three varieties of syrup.
Triple berry jam.
Birthday pancake mix.
Fig preserves.
Wild blueberry jam.

10 Creative Ways to Savor Cider Donuts

Posted by :Ivy Group Developer On : September 27, 2023
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If you asked our visitors to pick our most delicious offering, our apple cider donuts would surely be near the top of every list. With a dusting of cinnamon and sugar on the outside and that soft, chewy interior, it’s easy to see why they’re a fan favorite. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy this treat, try a unique recipe that uses cider donuts or find a pairing that brings out the best of its flavor.

Though our homemade cider donuts are easy to freeze and enjoy later, a creative dessert can be a crafty and delicious solution to leftovers. From savory to extra sweet, our apple cider donuts can be transformed to fit a party of one or to feed a crowd.

Apple Cider Donut Ice Cream Sandwich

Transform your apple cider donut with just a slice down the middle and a scoop of ice cream.

Cider donuts classically pair with a good scoop of our Country Store & Bakery’s soft-serve vanilla ice cream, but if you’re enjoying your treat at home, you might want to try another flavor. Caramel, cranberry, or chocolate ice cream sandwiched by a cider donut create a flavor combination you’ll have to have a bite of. 

Apple Cider Donut Cake Pops

This recipe that uses apple cider donuts is fun to make with the whole family, and they can turn just a few cider donuts into a treat to share with a crowd. 

  1. Crumble apple cider donuts into a bowl.
  2. Fold donut crumbles and white chocolate ganache into a batter.
  3. Chill mixture until firm.
  4. Scoop out and form into even-sized balls. 
  5. Roll donut balls in cinnamon sugar. 
  6. Add a toothpick or bamboo skewer for a cake-pop look, or serve them without the stick as donut holes!
cake bite recipe that uses cider donuts
Photo and recipe from Food Network.

Donut Sundae

Chiles Peach Orchard’s donut sundae is a can’t-miss variation on the classics. Dip your donut or mix it in to make that perfect bite of apple cider donut and soft serve for this incredible duo. It’s quick, easy, and so, so good.

If you’re making one at home, just put together some ice cream, whipped cream, and a cider donut. Don’t forget the seasonal fresh fruit from the orchards on top!

donut sundae with strawberries on top

Waffled Cider Donuts

Another easy and delicious option to spice up your apple cider donuts is to throw them under a waffle iron. With its crispy edges and easy excuse for more maple syrup, this recipe can be enjoyed in the morning or as a special snack!

  1. Place your cider donuts in a waffle iron.
  2. Let press until well-toasted.
  3. Serve with syrup or powdered sugar.
waffle recipe that uses cider donuts
Photo from Southern Revivals.

Cider Donuts Dipped in Cider

One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to enjoy one of our apple cider donuts is to pair it with its flavorful companion, apple cider.

Take a trip up the mountain to dunk your cider donuts in a hot cup of Carter Mountain Orchard’s apple cider in the colder months, or have it on the side of one of our cider slushies in the warmer months.

cider donut next to mug of carter mountain orchard cider

Cider Donut Bread Pudding

An inviting bowl of bread pudding is sometimes all you need to turn a good day into a great one. This warm, gooey recipe that uses apple cider donuts is packed with an amazing apple cinnamon flavor. 

Lucky for you, we’ve perfected this dessert. Follow our cider donut bread pudding recipe to make this amazing treat.

bread pudding recipe that uses cider donuts

Cider Donut Tiramisu 

Cider donut tiramisu offers another fun take on a classic dessert. With this recipe, you can jazz up day-old donuts in an elegant, tasty way!

  1. Dunk a donut (or two) in hot coffee and place in a stemless wine glass or bowl.
  2. Top with whipped mascarpone and whipped cream.
  3. Garnish with cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chocolate sticks. 
donut tiramasu recipe that uses cider donuts
Photo and recipe from Food Network.

Cider Donuts Smeared with Apple Butter

Maybe you’re looking for a simpler way to shake things up?

Nothing pairs better with our apple cider donuts than a nice, creamy slathering of our Chiles Family Orchards apple butter. If you’re looking to branch out into more fall flavors, try our rich and scrumptious pumpkin butter. 

A good tip for this dessert is to heat up your apple butter and toast your donut.

Apple butter jar on apples

Apple Cider Donut Panini 

If it’s time for lunch, you’re in luck! An especially creative recipe that uses cider donuts is this cider donut panini. Your friends will thank you on your next lunch date for introducing them to this savory and sweet combination.

  1. Cut your apple cider donut in half.
  2. Spread ricotta cheese, a drizzle of honey, and some cinnamon onto one side.
  3. Line the other donut half with a few apple slices.
  4. Cook apple cider donut sandwich in a panini press until golden brown. 
panini recipe that uses cider donuts

The Classic

Last but certainly not least, we can’t forget that our apple cider donuts are delicious all on their own. We make our cider donuts fresh daily for visitors to enjoy. One bite and you’ll immediately know what all the fuss is about.

This must-try treat is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Carter Mountain Orchard, Chiles Peach Orchard, or the Charlottesville City Market.

cider donut held in hand

After trying these cider donut recipes at home, make sure to tag our Instagram page (@cartermountain) to show off your tasty treats.

Easy Peach Daiquiri Recipe (Plus 4 Fun Variations)

Posted by :Ivy Group Developer On : July 20, 2023
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As a farming family, we love showcasing the rich flavor of our juicy peaches in unique ways, including this peach daiquiri recipe! From the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Chiles Peach Orchard to our sky-high perch atop Carter Mountain, we know the nuances of growing (and enjoying) summer’s favorite fruit.

Few things compare to enjoying a sun-ripened peach at the peak of picking season, especially in a frozen peach daiquiri. At its core, a daiquiri is a cocktail with rum, sweetener, and citrus juice. Scale this easy peach daiquiri recipe to fit your needs—it just takes five minutes, after all!

Ingredients

Servings: 4-5 daiquiris

  • 4 cups of fresh peaches, peeled
  • 3 limes, juiced
  • 8 ounces white rum
  • 3 cups ice
  • 3 Tbsp honey
  • Mint to garnish

Adding fresh peaches allows the fruit to shine, much more so than your run-of-the-mill frozen or canned varieties, which can be loaded with preservatives and extra sugar. Of course, if you want to enjoy this recipe later, you can freeze your local pickings for up to a few months.

When picking up your fresh-picked peaches, remember to stop by our Country Store & Bakery for all your entertaining necessities, too! In fact, we used our very own pitchers, reusable silicone straws, and peachy tea towels to make this recipe video.

Mint, honey, peaches, limes, and rum all in a row

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients

First, peel, pit, and chop your peaches to make sure everything will blend evenly. Our tips for cooking with peaches will help you peel them in a jiffy,

Second, juice the limes and measure 8 ounces of rum, 3 cups of ice, and 1 tablespoon of honey.

The key to this peach daiquiri recipe is testing and adjusting to your taste buds. Ripe, juicy peaches are very sweet. Consider trying a sip of your daiquiri before adding the honey!

2. Add ingredients to a blender

Start with freshly picked peaches, followed by rum, lime juice, ice, and honey.

If you’re looking for locally-sourced honey, we’re big fans of Falling Bark Farms from our Country Store & Bakery!

3. Blend

Blend your mixture for about 30 seconds or until smooth. The ideal daiquiri should have a smooth texture that coats the palate without being overly thick or watery. This allows the bright, zingy flavors of your fresh peaches to star in every sip.

If your mixture is a tad too thick, add some water or extra rum. If it’s too thin, add more ice.

4. Serve

When it comes time to serve up your peach daiquiris, you have plenty of options for glassware. While traditionally served in a hurricane glass, we’re happy with a few trusty mason jars. To garnish, add a sprig of mint. You can add a slice of peach or lime to the rim of your glass, too!

5. Enjoy!

Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Of course, remember to drink responsibly! This recipe makes five servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Two peach daiquiries in mason jars, with limes on their rims and a ripe peach for company

Excited to make this peach daiquiri recipe yourself? See today’s peach availability.

Peach Daiquiri Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! To turn this peach daiquiri recipe into a mocktail, simply substitute 1 cup of orange juice for the white rum.

When experimenting with different fruits, we’ve got a few suggestions!

#1 Strawberry Daiquiri

For this springtime variation, switch out peaches for strawberries. Sip this sweet strawberry daiquiri as early as April, when the first pick-your-own strawberries often ripen at Chiles Peach Orchard!

#2 Blueberry Daiquiri

Simply substitute four cups of blueberries for your peaches to make this recipe a reality!

A peach daiquiri beside a bottle of Crescent Simples peach hibiscus simple syrup

#3 Crescent Simples Daiquiri

Add an ounce (or more, if you’d like) of Crescent Simples peach hibiscus simple syrup for a floral spin on our original recipe! Made with our very own sun-ripened peaches, you can find this syrup in our Country Store & Bakery.

A chili lime spice rimmed peach daiquiri beside a bottle of Tajin spice blend

#4 Chili Lime Rim Daiquiri

Add a sugar and chili lime spice rim (we like Tajin) to the glass of your peach daiquiri to bring some extra kick.

Mix your favorite variations together to create your very own daiquiri experience! It’s sure to be as delicious as it is gorgeous. Snag a photo and tag us on Instagram @cartermountain!

Two blended daiquiris, plus blueberries, strawberries, and lime slices

Peach Salad Recipes to Try This Summer

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : June 16, 2022
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As experienced peach farmers, we know plenty of ways to enjoy this ripe, juicy fruit. While we always enjoy a sweet treat (like Peach Cobbler Scones), we also love letting a fresh peach shine in a nourishing salad.

Quick and Easy Peach Prep

Most peach salad recipes don’t require much preparation. However, that doesn’t mean you can get off without peeling these fuzzy fruits! While peeling may feel like a difficult task, you can make quick work of it with a few simple steps:

  • Boil a large pot of water
  • Lightly score peaches with an “X”
  • Blanch peaches for two minutes
  • Place peaches in an ice bath
  • Peel the skin off – no knife required!

Of course, the peeling is well worth the effort. Peaches are known to improve heart health, digestion, eyesight, and immune system health. With so many benefits, it’s easy to enjoy them in any dish guilt-free!

Remember: if you’re going to enjoy your peaches fresh, make sure to wash them first!

Tomato Peach Salad with Ricotta from Food Network

Tomato Peach Salad with Ricotta

Picture this: it’s the peak of summer. The sun is beating down and you’re just kicking back to relax after an afternoon spent cultivating your backyard garden. It’s dinner time, but all you want to do is to munch on something refreshing. Then, Food Network’s Tomato Peach Salad with Ricotta comes to the rescue! Filled with just-picked peaches, ripe tomatoes, and earthy basil, this salad is what summer pickings are made for.

Grilled sweet corn, peach and zucchini salad edible magazine

Grilled Sweet Corn, Peach and Zucchini Salad

Sweet, salty, and smoky…must be Edible Magazine’s Grilled Sweet Corn, Peach and Zucchini Salad! This vibrant salad is full of summer’s quintessential favorites, making it the perfect addition to your next cookout spread.

Grilled peach salad with chipotle-raspberry vinaigrette from southern living

Grilled Peach Salad with Chipotle-Raspberry Vinaigrette

This Grilled Peach Salad with Chipotle-Raspberry Vinaigrette is yet another opportunity to get your fresh pickings on the grill. The grill reinforces their natural sweetness while adding a light smoky flavor, which perfectly complements the chipotle vinaigrette! Fully loaded with six ripe peaches, this salad is delightfully summery in all the right ways.

Spicy peach and avocado salad from Country Living

Spicy Peach and Avocado Salad

Pair the sweet taste of peaches with the spicy kick of Fresno chiles with Country Living’s recipe for Spicy Peach and Avocado Salad. This showstopper salad is a unique way to dress up your ripe peaches, especially after a plentiful day of picking. Their bright yellow hue looks stunning with green avocados and red chiles!

Curried Chicken and Peach Salad

If you’re far from skilled in the kitchen but still enjoy a decadent meal, Taste of Home’s Curried Chicken and Peach Salad is for you. Healthy and simple, this recipe solely requires you to take your ingredients, put them in a bowl, and enjoy!

There you go: our favorite peach salad recipes!

After trying these refreshing recipes at home, make sure to tag our Instagram page (@cartermountain) to show off your summer salad.

Still need to pick your peaches? No problem! Picking availability updates can be found on our pick-your-own fruit page.

Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : May 11, 2022
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We know countless ways to enjoy strawberries: covering them with chocolate, adding them to a garden salad, and of course, all by themselves! One thing is for sure: a homemade dessert with just-picked strawberries makes any day a memorable occasion for the whole family.

While Mother Nature has the final say, strawberry picking usually begins in late April and continues through the middle of June. Visit Chiles Peach Orchard to pick the orchard-fresh berries you need to bake this Fresh Strawberry Pie at home!

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 5 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp vodka

For the filling

  • 6 cups Chiles Peach Orchard strawberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
Strawberry garden party for Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
Did somebody say garden party? The Carter Mountain “Sunset” Sparkling Rosé is the perfect match for this fresh strawberry pie recipe!

Instructions

1. Make the pie crust mixture.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Gather your pie crust ingredients and a large mixing bowl. Add dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and salt). Cut in cold shortening with a fork and knife until crumbly. Add wet ingredients (vodka and milk). Mix.  

2. Prepare and chill the pie crust.

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands a little messy.

Spill your pie crust mixture onto a lightly floured surface and form into a disk. Cover with plastic wrap or reusable Z wrap and refrigerate for one hour.

3. Form, chill, and bake the pie crust.

Get ready to start forming that beautiful pie crust.

Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it is 1/8 in. thick. Grab your favorite Farm Market & Bakery pie plate and trim the dough to fit; we recommend cutting it to ½ in. beyond the edge of the plate.

Place the crust into the pie plate and flute the edges. Poke the base with a fork seven or eight times before refrigerating for 30 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is gold and flaky.

4. Make the strawberry mixture.

We know it’s tempting to munch on all those sweet strawberries while cooking. Try not to eat them all during the next two steps!

Mix cornstarch and water for later.

Remove the stems from one cup of your Chiles Peach Orchard strawberries and place in a small saucepan. Crush the berries, add one cup of water, and boil for three minutes. Add sugar, stir, and boil for three more minutes. Add cornstarch mixture, stir, and boil for three more minutes. Set aside to cool.

P.S. Make sure you pulled the pie crust out of the oven!

5. Add more fresh-picked strawberries.

We hope you picked enough strawberries because now is their time to shine!

Remove the stems from your remaining strawberries and place in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the cooled strawberry mixture until all the berries are covered in a glossy coating. Pour that all into your baked pie crust and, voila, you have a pie!

Want to add some pizzazz to your fresh strawberry pie? Dress it up with some fresh mint or a dollop of whipped cream.

6. Enjoy!

Now, all there’s left to do is enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends! Tag us on Instagram at @chilespeachorchard and tell us what you think.

  • Girl eating fresh strawberry pie recipe
  • Cat and Chiles Peach Orchard strawberries

5 Roasted Pumpkin Seed Seasonings to Try this Fall

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : October 1, 2021
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Our cozy corner of Crozet is festive as ever with all things fall, including ready-picked and pick-your-own pumpkins.

Whether you enjoy using pumpkins for crafting spooky jack-o-lanterns, baking seasonal desserts, or simply sprucing up your outdoor decor, there are plenty of ways to use the fruit’s hearty exterior. However you choose to enjoy pumpkins this year, don’t miss out on the crunchy goodness inside!

With their inherently salty taste, roasted pumpkin seeds are a tasty grab-and-go snack. Plus, they pack a healthy punch with loads of valuable nutrients. Even better, roasting pumpkin seeds reduces waste by transforming the often-discarded seeds into a versatile nibble, salad fixing, or soup topper!

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

Pumpkin picking is one of our favorite fall activities. It’s hard not to smile while walking to-and-fro in the pumpkin patch to find the most perfect pumpkin. After going to such lengths to choose the pumpkin, why not make the most of it?

Have no fear—the quest for edible pumpkin seeds won’t limit your pumpkin picking options. Both carving pumpkins and pie pumpkins have plenty of seeds just waiting to be turned into something delicious. No matter what type of pumpkin is calling your name, you’ll be able to roast its seeds.

Pumpkin patch with orange and white pumpkins

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

Roasting pumpkin seeds is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. In fact, all you have to do is pay attention to three important factors: heating, cleaning, and cooling. 

  • Roast at a low temperature. Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes to dry out your pumpkin seeds without burning them.
  • Clean the pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin guts may be edible, but they’ll keep your seeds from becoming nice and crisp while roasting. Remove as much of the pumpkin flesh as possible and let them dry before putting your soon-to-be snack in the oven!
  • Use parchment paper. No one wants burnt, soggy, or rubbery pumpkin seeds. Luckily, parchment paper is here to the rescue! Parchment paper ensures that your pumpkin seeds come out just right.
  • Let the seeds cool. Have you ever pulled cookies out of the oven and thought that they were too soft, only to have them cool to the perfect consistency? The same goes for pumpkin seeds! Trust the process and pull your seeds from the oven after 40 minutes—they’ll harden as they cool down.

Adding Finger-licking Seasonings

Dill pickle roasted pumpkin seeds

Dill Pickle Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Are you a real pickle-lover if you haven’t tried dill pickle roasted pumpkin seeds? This seasoning recipe from Wholefully turns pumpkin seeds into a crispy version of your favorite pickle. 

Cinnamon toast pumpkin seeds

Cinnamon Toast Pumpkin Seeds

We get it: pumpkin carving brings candy top-of-mind. To satisfy your sweet cravings without dipping into the trick-or-treating stash, bake a batch of AllRecipe’s cinnamon toast pumpkin seeds!

Garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds

Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds

Ah, garlic and parmesan: a pair as old as time. If you’re obsessed with a certain restaurant chain’s unlimited breadsticks (you know the one), then we’ve got you covered. Indulge in your favorite garlic bread flavor with these Delish garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds.

Sriracha roasted pumpkin seeds

Sriracha-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Crunchy, spicy, and made from one of the world’s favorite condiments. That’s right, we’re talking about Food & Wine’s sriracha-roasted pumpkin seeds. This seasoning is the go-to for anyone who loves a nice flavor kick.

Food network pizza seasoning

Pizza Pumpkin Seeds

Need we say more? Food Network has made all of our snack dreams come true with these savory pumpkin seeds, dressed for success in a balanced mix of garlic, parmesan, and tomato paste.

Are you hungry yet? C’mon out to our Crozet orchard to pick pumpkins for your own batch of roasted pumpkin seeds! Pumpkin availability can be found on our pick-your-own fruit page.

Blueberry Dessert Recipes to Try This Summer

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : June 11, 2021
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Try these unique blueberry dessert recipes to share a taste of summer with family and friends at your next get-together!

Still need to pick your blueberries? No problem! Visit our learn about blueberries page for everything you need to know about picking, keeping, and freezing blueberries. Picking availability updates can be found on our pick-your-own fruit page.

Baking with Blueberries

When baking with ripe, in-season blueberries, we love to make the berries the star. These nutrient dense berries are a great source of fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Manganese, and of course, antioxidants. With so many health benefits, why not capitalize on blueberries’ natural sweetness and take the guilt out of dessert?

Frozen berries considerably lower the temperature of baking mixtures and yield unpredictable results. On the other hand, fresh-from-the-orchard blueberries are ready at a moment’s notice to add to your favorite blueberry dessert recipes, no second-guessing required.

Blueberry Lemon Trifle recipe from Taste of Home

Blueberry Lemon Trifle

To preserve the delicious taste of orchard-grown blueberries, try Taste of Home’s Blueberry Lemon Trifle. This refreshing showstopper is beautiful and easy to prepare, making it the perfect dessert to star in your next barbeque!

Peach and blueberry cobbler recipe from Southern Kitchen

Peach and Blueberry Cobbler

For a naturally flavorful dessert with classic Southern flair, try Southern Kitchen’s Peach and Blueberry Cobbler. This simple and belly-filling recipe is a summer classic that includes fresh-picked blueberries and peaches! 

Want to take some of the heavy lifting out of your baking? Use our Biscuit Short Cake mix to make your cobbler crust, available at our Farm Market & Bakery (psst…it only takes 15 minutes to bake!).

Blueberry and Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Muffins recipe from Better Homes & Gardens

Blueberry and Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Muffins

Everything tastes better in muffin form! Better Homes & Gardens’ Blueberry and Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Muffins are great for a sweet brunch, tasty dessert, or as a thoughtful housewarming gift.

Red, White, and Blueberry filled cupcakes recipe from Southern Living

Red, White, and Blueberry-Filled Cupcakes

This Independence Day, show America a little love with Southern Living’s Red, White, and Blueberry-Filled Cupcakes. With cream cheese icing and a sweet berry center, these celebratory cupcakes are as patriotic as the evening’s fireworks! 

In need of preserves to finish the recipe? We have you covered: pick up a jar of strawberry preserves from our Farm Market & Bakery for your cupcake filling!

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars recipe from Food Network

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake is often known as one of the more difficult desserts to bake. Luckily, Food Network’s Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bar recipe makes this tasty treat accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

There you have it: our favorite blueberry dessert recipes! Try them out at home and make sure to tag our Instagram page (@chilespeachorchard) to show off the final result. Happy baking!

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P.O. Box 229
Batesville, VA 22924
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