An Apple Each Day

The two orchards bordering the big field here on the farm have an abundant supply of big apples this year. We decided to share them with the porcupine and deer this year and picked about 60 lbs for storage, sauce and cider. It has been a fun daily project to head out and fill a bag during Kasper's nap or with both kids...

The trees are beautiful, old and crooked and in need of some TLC, but I love them for all their arthritic charm.

A quick walk across the field and we are home again to start the preserving. I make a simple applesauce of just peeled, softened apples with a dab of water and put them through the blender and boil again. We have also been making and sharing a traditional apple butter and a cardamom cider apple butter recipe I found in this book Soren bought for me a few years ago.

My parents gave us their cider press last year and the kids love making their own cider (and it makes for sleepy kids at bedtime too!).

Happy Harvesting!