When she was in my back yard a couple of weeks ago, my bridal shower co-conspirator offered to help me make applesauce. My apple trees were loaded and she was confident that with a little assistance, I could do it. I hedged for a while, but eventually decided that Nancy's kick in the pants might be for the best. My kids LOVE applesauce, and I always hate seeing our trees' harvest go to waste. So last Saturday during the boys' swim meet, Gavin and Lexi and I picked apples.
Yesterday I borrowed some equipment, and at 11:30 this morning I started making applesauce.
The apples looked all pretty and happy in the sink.
Then I started chopping, and I remembered why I haven't made applesauce for eight years. It's so much work, especially with the little apples off my tree. I had to cut out a lot of bad parts.
The next step was steaming the apples. The house smelled fantastic, which was good motivation to keep going.
I didn't let the apples steam quite long enough the first time, but that realization didn't come until I tried running them through the sieve and they were too firm to mash. So those went back in the pot. I had two large stock pots going at once. The process still took all afternoon.
Eventually I did churn out some applesauce. I added cinnamon and sugar, and then bottled it up. By 5:00 I had made 16 quarts.
My lovely friend Nancy processed the full jars for me because she's nice like that.
And now we have a little store of applesauce...but not nearly as much as I think we ought to have for the amount of effort I exerted. Lesson learned. Again.
...
The last time I made applesauce, Zach was three. He helped. I remember the experience being magical. Am I forgetting a few details, or was 2004 just more magical?
7 comments:
Wow! Well done. And everything is more magical in memory--at least in my experience!
Have you tried making applesauce in the crockpot?
Yea for you. That's great!
We made applesauce last year, and I loved it! I didn't make enough though. We have the same food mill - or whatever it is called.
Good job! Aren't you glad that's over!
Food processor!!! It will change your life, and make you smile the next time you make applesauce!
I don't think I accomplished anything of substance with a 3 yr old. Love the picture of Zach. You've always been the 'get-it-done' girl!
Yum! That is an effort that will pay off hugely! Nice work.
its much easier w/1 child helping. and...i didnt cut the bad parts out becuz i heard they use it for cider, why not apple sauce. also: pressurer cooker-much faster than boiling them all afternoon. i'd love your kitchen mill though- our hand crank takes awhile! and i never do applesauce w/o rob.
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