It' s been a couple weeks since I've had an entry for cucumbers. My disappearance from the interweb is generally a sign that a writing project has invaded my brain and taken me hostage. I feel a little rusty in my return.
Below I've posted some photos from my recent trip to an apple farm near Yucaipa! There were acres and acres of farms rolling over the Southern California mountainsides. The entire town was devoted to Apple Tourism. Diners with every imaginable apple themed meal, gift shops packed with jars of apple butter, apple syrup, apple cider! Children ran through the streets clutching caramel apples, teenagers bobbed for apples in immense wooden barrels, old men smoked tobacco from pipes carved into the shapes of Granny Smiths and Romas. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but it was lovely. My apple picking partner and I wandered the farm filling our bags with Winesaps, which have a delicious crispness and a perfect blend of sweet and sour wine-like taste. I later used mine to make homemade applesauce, which went perfectly with roasted pork!
Pictures from the Orchard
Below I've posted some photos from my recent trip to an apple farm near Yucaipa! There were acres and acres of farms rolling over the Southern California mountainsides. The entire town was devoted to Apple Tourism. Diners with every imaginable apple themed meal, gift shops packed with jars of apple butter, apple syrup, apple cider! Children ran through the streets clutching caramel apples, teenagers bobbed for apples in immense wooden barrels, old men smoked tobacco from pipes carved into the shapes of Granny Smiths and Romas. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but it was lovely. My apple picking partner and I wandered the farm filling our bags with Winesaps, which have a delicious crispness and a perfect blend of sweet and sour wine-like taste. I later used mine to make homemade applesauce, which went perfectly with roasted pork!
Pictures from the Orchard
Pictures from the Farm
My Bounty!
Applesauce Recipe
This recipe was simple and almost hasslefree. In the end I had a good product, but I've included notes where I'd make improvements. For starters, I like my applesauce SUPER DUPER tart! So I'd recommend Granny Smith apples as an addition.
Ingredients
3 lbs of apples - I have no scale in my house, so I couldn't tell you if I had three pounds. This is important though since it affects how much water you need. But if you're like me and you like to get crazy then just go for it!
1 teaspoon of cinnamon - not a bad addition, but I won't be doing it again. It covers the natural apple flavor, and I missed that.
1 1/2 C. water
2 thin lemon slices
1/4 tsp. salt - apparently this is important.
Directions
1. Peel and core apples. - You can leave the skin on a few, gives it texture.
2. Cut apples into appx. 1" cubes. - I did not do this. Mine were smaller and it turned out wonderfully. Since you're ultimately mashing them up I'm not sure it matters all that much.
3. Add all ingredients to pot and turn heat on high. Bring to boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until apples have softened significantly.
4. Stir frequently, making sure apples are not sticking to the pot. Add more water if necessary. Remove lemon slices.
5. Mash with a potato masher or with a food mill for a smoother consitency. Serve warm or room temperature. - Frankly, a fork also mashes quite well and it's a good alternative for those who have yet to acquire many kitchen supplies.
A big thanks to RecipeZaar for this quick and easy applesauce!
This recipe was simple and almost hasslefree. In the end I had a good product, but I've included notes where I'd make improvements. For starters, I like my applesauce SUPER DUPER tart! So I'd recommend Granny Smith apples as an addition.
Ingredients
3 lbs of apples - I have no scale in my house, so I couldn't tell you if I had three pounds. This is important though since it affects how much water you need. But if you're like me and you like to get crazy then just go for it!
1 teaspoon of cinnamon - not a bad addition, but I won't be doing it again. It covers the natural apple flavor, and I missed that.
1 1/2 C. water
2 thin lemon slices
1/4 tsp. salt - apparently this is important.
Directions
1. Peel and core apples. - You can leave the skin on a few, gives it texture.
2. Cut apples into appx. 1" cubes. - I did not do this. Mine were smaller and it turned out wonderfully. Since you're ultimately mashing them up I'm not sure it matters all that much.
3. Add all ingredients to pot and turn heat on high. Bring to boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until apples have softened significantly.
4. Stir frequently, making sure apples are not sticking to the pot. Add more water if necessary. Remove lemon slices.
5. Mash with a potato masher or with a food mill for a smoother consitency. Serve warm or room temperature. - Frankly, a fork also mashes quite well and it's a good alternative for those who have yet to acquire many kitchen supplies.
A big thanks to RecipeZaar for this quick and easy applesauce!
