Pens, Paper, & Ammo

I never posted anything from our first pear harvest… but this picture is just too cute not to share.  Someday, maybe I’ll post something current!

Oh apples, how I love you!

Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore receiving gifts of fresh produce.  Thoughtfully, my best friend recently brought me a gift of a peck of lovely apples from a local farm.  Excited to break out the crock pot, I sat down and began the task of peeling, coring, and slicing the red beauties.  Even before they hit the pot, the smell that filled our small apartment was the very embodiment of autumn.  This simple act started a love affair with homemade applesauce and apple-butter.   Later that evening my mother called asking if I had need for some apples from the apple tree in their backyard.  When I visited I was greeted with bags upon bags of apples at my disposal.  I was thrilled!  Again, I started the arduous task of peeling and chopping dozens of apples.  The hard work paid off twelve hours later in the form of the most wonderful applesauce I had ever tasted - warm, right from the crockpot and bursting with such comforting spices.  Half of this applesauce was then turned into apple-butter which was given as gifts to my mother and mother-in-law.  Another small portion (taken out before sugar and spices were added) was ground smooth and frozen into cubes for the Nooblet - which I am happy to report was well-received!  All-in-all, I think I have a new traditional fall favorite!

Basic applesauce recipe:

• 1 dozen apples - peeled, cored, cut into chunks
• Sugar - to taste
• Spices - nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves

Directions:  Put prepared apples into crockpot at medium, cook for 12 hours or until mushy.  Add sugar and spices to taste.  Mash with a potato masher until desired consistancy.

To make into apple-butter - continue cooking with lid off crockpot until mixture thickens, add additional spices to taste.

Easy enough!