Apples, Apples, Everywhere

Except here.
In my house.

I didn't buy apples on my jaunt to apple country Saturday.
I have not visited the apple trees at our Mountain Farm.
I have not been apple-pickin' at one of those tourist Apple Farms I enjoy so.
I am utterly and completely apple-less.

Except for the two Golden Delicious I bought in the grocery store.

I was driving down the road yesterday and spied an apple tree in front of an old house.
Its branches were heavy with apples.
The ground beneath covered in apples.
I came close to pulling in the driveway, knocking on the door, and asking if I could pick a bag of apples.
And pick them--whoever lives there--some too.
I didn't.

But I'll get my hand on some apples.
And then I'll talk my mother in law into teaching us all how to make her apple pie.
And I've always wanted to learn to do fried apple pies.
And then I make some of that Carmel Apple Butter that drives me crazy it's so good. And some Apple Chutney.
I'll make some more of this.
Apple Delight.
I had forgotten about the apple delight until Brenda left a comment reminding me.

Here it is.
It's a killer recipe.
Truly.

I made this the year we had a bumper crop of apples. Canned it in little tiny jars. And if I remember correctly, I didn't know how to can until that year....

The lesson I learned: Canning sounds harder than it is. It's the perfect way to feel super domesticated. And way more fun than mopping. And buy yourself a apple corer-peeler. Totally worth it.



At Christmas time, I tied little ribbons around the tops and gave them out to teachers and folks I worked with. The response was overwhelming. ‘Tis some yummy stuff! Incredible over vanilla ice-cream, in yogurt or oatmeal.
Good golly, Miss Molly.

Apple Walnut Delight

12 cups apples, chopped into small pieces
6 cups sugar
1 cup maple syrup
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. allspice
½ tsp. nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground cloves
1 cup walnut pieces (more or less according to your taste)


Combine all ingredients, except for walnuts, in a large pot. Bring to a boil.





Then cook rapidly to a jellying point. Add the walnuts and mix well.





Spoon into cute little jars, leaving ¼ inch head space when filling jars.



Oh yes, I forgot THAT lesson.
Use a funnel. Makes life much
easier.




Process 10 minutes in boiling water bath.


Now, I've got to go on an apple hunt this weekend. I want bushels and bushels and bags and bags....

Hope you have a fantastic apple-filled day! I do think an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Is your house full? What's your favorite thing to do with APPLES?