Finally I've turned some of those 42 lbs. of apples into something. I took Tuesday off and this is what I made - these are 12 oz. jars and I've got a pint jar that didn't fit in the picture. I'd forgotten how long it takes to make apple butter. I started around 11:30 and pulled the jars out of the hot water bath at about 4:00. And that was the fast, no-peel version. Geez! Most of the time it takes isn't from the prep work, it cooking down 3 quarts of pulp until thick, adding the sugar and spices, and then cooking it until it's thick again. The prep work wasn't too bad mostly because I used my grandma's food mill:
This is one of my prized possessions. My grandma died over 30 years ago but whenever I use this, I feel close to her. What can I say? I'm a sentimental fool.
More raspberries tomorrow after work. The weather should cooperate. Hopefully I'll get enough for a batch of jam. I've been invited to another spin-in on Saturday that I'm looking forward to. I need to decide what to work on. Lately I'm on a big drop spindle kick so I can't decide if I want to take Owen and start a larger project or bring my spindle and work on that ounce of cashmere. Decisions. Decisions. What's on your agenda for the weekend?
That's so cool! I wish I had the grinder that my grandma used, it was heavy steel that clamped onto the kitchen table and every year I'd sit and watch her grind everything for turkey salad the day after Thanksgiving. Nevermind that I'm a vegetarian now - I still wish I had it!
I'm sentimental too. It's a good trait. :o)
Posted by: elizabeth | October 17, 2008 at 05:14 PM