It’s the most wonderful time of the year. As the nights get cooler, the leaves crisp under our feet, and the golden sunlight casts the most warming of shadows, like clockwork, my mind turns to one flavor, the humble apple. When asked to choose apple cider or pumpkin spice, many will say pumpkin spice without hesitation, but for me, it is and always will be apple cider.

Growing up in Vermont, I spent many a fall searching for my favorite flavor, exploring orchards, picking apples, baking pies, drinking cider, and dipping cider doughnuts in my favorite cup of coffee. Years later, immersed working in the burgeoning craft cider industry, I explored the dynamic flavors and complexities of the mighty Malus in a new form. Early on, I was drawn to the convivial spirit of a cider house and the community it brings together. You could say that the apple has always had my heart. Fast forward to 2023 and a move back to New England and joining the team at Stonewall. As my first fall back east in over a decade, I’m happy to share some of my favorite spots, sips, flavors, recipes, and tastes found this season.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, Vermont, is a cidery, cafe, and taproom just up the road from the Ben & Jerry’s factory and home to legendary cider doughnuts. Enjoy a doughnut while watching the cider press working its magic, and grab a dozen to bring home and freeze to enjoy later. You, your family and friends will be so happy you did. Butternut Farm is a picturesque orchard, cidery, and farm in Farmington, New Hampshire. Here, you can pick your own apples, enjoy a flight of hard cider crafted fresh onsite, and, of course, cider doughnuts. I picked up some beautiful Macoun apples with my sights set on making these delightful Caramel Apple Butter Bars, a favorite from the Stonewall Kitchen Recipe Repertoire. DeMerritt Hill Farm in Lee, New Hampshire, is a must-stop. Enjoy a Cider Doughnut Whoopie Pie - yes, you read that right. Cider Doughnut Whoopie Pies! Need I say more? Do you prefer the DIY approach? Enjoy cider doughnuts year-round, fresh from the oven with Stonewall Kitchen’s Apple Cider Doughnut Mix, and for the doughnut lover in your life, give the gift of doughnuts with the wildly popular Doughnut Baking Pan and Mix Gift.

Some may say hard cider is having a moment. With craft cideries popping up across the country, I’d offer that craft cider is here to stay. Lucky for us, New England is apple country and the varieties are abound for hard cider producers to do their best work. Eden Ciders from Vermont’s North East Kingdom is at the top of my list. Founder and co-owner Eleanor Leger and her team are producing some of the best cider on the planet. "Nothing But Apples" is what it says on the can and one sip in confirms—it's the real deal. North Country Hard Cider Company in Dover, New Hampshire is another fun sipping spot. The sprawling taproom and cider house offers twenty tap lines of fresh pressed, fermented goodness and a community spirit that is thriving.

Cheers to the season, raising a glass of cider and a freshly baked cider doughnut to you!

Feeling inspired? Try baking up some seasonal treats yourself with our cafe quality mixes. 

Doughnut Baking Pan & Mix Gift

Make the best doughnuts in town right from your own kitchen with our award-winning Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Mix and this commercial grade doughnut pan.

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