Applesauce
We have a row of espaliered apple trees on our back fence line. They make a nice privacy screen during the summer but with more shade now in the yard than we had when we planted the dwarf trees many years, ago, the apple crop they produce is not abundant. It doesn't help either that when the trees are in bloom it is still cold and wet and the bees needed for pollinating don't want to come out and play yet.
Monday was a rainy day, a day for an indoor project, so while I did my physical therapy, Tom went out and picked the crop that had not already dropped, and we made applesauce, since the apples were not that great for eating out of hand.
We both worked on quartering and coring the apples. They filled my two biggest stock pots.
We left the skins on because peeling apples is tedious, and the skins add some color. Once the apples were cooked down, I put them through the food mill to remove the skins. There is also less waste this way, but it does require a lot of cranking.
Then I added sugar and cinnamon to taste.
I set Tom to the task of rounding up cartons and finding matching lids. Then he did the clean up while I filled containers.
We had a little for dinner that evening, held out one carton for Jill and the kids, and stored the rest in the freezer.
We'll deliver it to the kids as needed. Irene especially loves applesauce and it is the favored topping for pancakes at their house.
Good job! I miss making applesauce, but I peel the apples first. I add a little apple juice instead of water and use my big crockpot. I also add cinnamon, but I don't use a food mill as I prefer mine chunky style. Making applesauce makes the house smell heavenly. I freeze mine too. God bless you both!
ReplyDeleteP.S.: My husband is from Port Orchard.
ReplyDeleteI've never made any applesauce or cider. there are few apple trees here. There are better varieties being developed for this area.
ReplyDeleteI made applesauce with my kids at school. Another teacher brought in some of his large crop of apples and let us borrow his peeler/corer machine and the kids loved taking turns turning the handle. The biggest surprise was that the kids LOVED eating the "apple snakes" that the peels made. Most of my kids don't like to eat apples with the skin on but these peels were much in demand. Applesauce in the freezer means fall is in full swing. Will you be attending your family's apple squeeze again this year?
ReplyDeleteLinda, Your applesauce looks yummy. I love the idea of freezing it for the colder days ahead. Happy Fall! Cheryl
ReplyDeletesounds yummy, perfect fall day activity...
ReplyDeleteDo you sometimes go to the freezer and look at all the goodness that will be enjoyed during the winter? I do!
ReplyDeleteThat looks so good. I love to make it with cranberries and now you have me craving it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever made applesauce, but I have memories of having eaten it when my mom was alive. I guess she made it but I don't remember seeing the process. It sure is good! :-)
ReplyDeleteI used to make applesauce and can it but that was when the kids were small. I love applesauce, nice and chunky, but only make enough at one time to eat in the next days.
ReplyDeleteI have some apples that either need to be a crisp or sauce...yours look great!
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