Normally I use apples from my tree, which I grow organically (don't want to harm the hummingbirds), and I still peel them. I do not peel apples that I eat by themselves. I have a device that peels, cores, and slices in one fell swoop, as discussed last month, and so the whole ordeal takes only seconds.

This week-end I went out to pick the last of the apples from my tree, and I noticed that they had vanished. I am wondering how they could have disappeared, especially since some of them were at the ends of spindly branches. So I bought apples at the store, and they were a lot more expensive than I expected. Sunday we went to the farmers' market, and I could have bought them there, but they would have been even more expensive.

If you are making an apple galette with thin slices of apples on top, it might look pretty to have the peelings on, but it is easier to eat if they are removed. For a pie with a top, I would definitely peel them for guests.

Lars

I wouldn't want to eat a slice of apple pie and having peels on the apples. I make apple pie, and apple pie is my favourite, and I've never seen them with peels on.

Yes, I peel for my pie, it is a texture thing for me. But I don't peel them for my fresh apple cookies.

I never peel them and just slice thinly in my Cuisinart. Never been a problem for me or guests. Maybe some apples have more tender skins than others.

I'd blame the disappearing apples on racoons, or deer on their tippytoes. They strip my fruit trees.

I only make apple crisp for my husband and I, but we always scrub our apples well and then cut thin slices and leave the peelings on. I agree I like the color in food. However, if I was offering pie to guests, I'd peel the skins off. Another possibility is to make 2 pies, one with and one without.

"deer on their tippytoes"

Olychick that made me smile

Yes, you are probably right. I hate to peel them because apparently most of the vitamins are right under the peels. But then again, who eats pie for nutrition. :o)

Since there quite a few to feed, I am going to make bar-type pies in 9 x 13 pans. Easier to slice, and easier to serve than a round pie. Apple and pumpkin, and for the fruit haters, cheesecake brownies.

Lucky you to have your own apple trees. They certainly are expensive to buy, even the conventionally grown. Maybe squirrels carried the last of your apples off. Before our pear tree succumbed to the drought, the squirrels carried some of them off. Too funny to see them sit in other trees and on the roof, munching on pears.

I prefer peels off, although I think it might depend on the particular apples. A niece of mine brought an apple pie she made to a recent party. She had not peeled the apples, and while the flavor of the pie was good, I found the little bits leathery peel somewhat off-putting.

publickman - my vote is for squirrels.