There is something inherently cozy and comforting about apples.

Besides being beautiful and wholesome, they mark the beginning of the fall season — back to school, cooler temperatures, harvest time.

In the Christmastime series, apples abound. In New York City, Lillian packs them for sack lunches, and Mrs. Kuntzman uses them in her baking.

On Kate’s farm in the Midwest — and of course, at Annette’s upstate New York orchard —

apples are grown and turned into foods that can be enjoyed throughout the year, such as apple butter and applesauce.

There are apple pies and apple tarts.

Apple cider and apple cider donuts.

And there is apple picking, and walks through the orchard, where Lillian finds inspiration as an artist.

The fall and harvest time is upon us. Why not indulge in a caramel apple, bake an apple pie, or simply bite into a crisp, flavorful apple.