We have enjoyed some lovely days lately. The trees are turning such vibrant colors, too.
Today my husband and I did a bushel of apples into sauce. My daughter-in-law offered to pick up some apples for me at an orchard we used to frequent when we lived in that area. Their prices are a bit better and they offered her "blemished" apples at half the price! My husband wanted me to mix some apple varieties to get a different flavor. The orchard owner suggested Jonamac. She called my husband to see what he thought of the variety. Since I have never tried this apple, the owner gave my daughter-in-law an apple to try and another variety so she could compare. She gave her recommendation to my husband over the phone. I'm sure the orchard lady never did an over-the-phone taste test! The Jonamacs were combined with Cortlands and we think it tastes pretty wonderful. Also, my husband is a big fan of "red hots". These were located at the nearby store and added to help with a bit of flavor and a lovely pink color. It just takes a bit to get them to melt. The count for the day is seventeen quarts and a pint (for my dear neighbor) and a wee bit for dinner. Trying to decide if I should do more. My total for this year is 27 quarts with just a few left over from last year.
This looks like a fun site to check out different apple varities.
For those of you looking for a website that might offer some help in canning and/or freezing, I found this site that may be helpful. She seems to have a great deal of information on everything from canning equipment to recipes to try. (I do miss Granny Miller!)
So often the initial reaction to painful suffering is Why me? Why this? Why now? Why?...{then}. He comes for you, in the flesh, in Christ, into suffering, on your behalf. He does not offer advice and perspective from afar; He steps into your significant suffering. He will see you through, and work with you the whole way.... This reality changes the questions that rise up in your heart. That inward-turning "why me?" quiets down, lifts its eyes, and begins to look around.
You turn outward and new, wonderful questions form. Why You? Why You? Why would You enter this world of evils? Why would You go through loss, weakness, hardship, sorrow and death? Why would You do this for Me, of all people? But You did. You did this for the joy set before You. You did this for love. You did this showing the glory of God in the face of Christ. As that deeper question sinks home, you become joyously sane. The universe is no longer supremely about you. Yet you are not irrelevant. God's story makes you just the right size. Everything counts, but the scale changes to something that makes much more sense. You face hard times. But you have already received something better which can never be taken away. And that better something will continue to work out the whole journey long...
Finally, you are prepared to pose--and to mean--almost unimaginable questions: Why not me? Why not this? Why not now?
--David Powlison
Showing posts with label applesauce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label applesauce. Show all posts
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Apples to Applesauce
It ended up that I did have help for applesauce day. Between my husband and I we were able to get done in no time. We cut them up and cooked them until they were soft enough to go through the Victorio. (Believe me it is an ancient one. We paid $19.00 for it when we bought it probably 30 years ago. It's a bit rough around the edges, but she gets the job done.)
Out comes this lovely pink sauce. This goes in the big kettle to be heated before adding to the jars.
This is what half a bushel of applesauce looks like in a pot. The black canner is heating up for the jars to go inside.
We scoop the cooked apples into the hopper and turn the handle.
Out comes this lovely pink sauce. This goes in the big kettle to be heated before adding to the jars.
This is what half a bushel of applesauce looks like in a pot. The black canner is heating up for the jars to go inside.
Here is the finished product! Ten quarts of beautiful applesauce...plus a little for lunch and a bit for the dear lady next door.
O God, the Eternal All, help me to know
that all things are shadows, but thou art substance,
all things are quicksands, but thou art mountain,
all things are shifting, but thou art anchor,
all things are ignorance, but thou art wisdom.
--an excerpt from Purification, from The Valley of Vision
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Apples!!
The plan for tomorrow is for this half bushel of Cortlands:
to become several jars of this:
It is calling for a much cooler day tomorrow...a great day for making applesauce! The house will be filled with warmth and the delightful scent of freshly squeezed apples. Almost the perfect day!
Since I'm kinda slow and I'll be by myself, a half bushel is very doable and still not be overly tired and get some other things done, too. There is another half bushel waiting for me after this one is done.
I'll let you know how things go.
Thy will is in all thy provisions
to enable me to grow in grace,
and to be meet for thy eternal presence....
...I entrust myself to thee, for thou hast redeemed me.
I bless and adore thee, the eternal God,
for the comfort of these thoughts,
the joy of these hopes.
--an excerpt from Comforts, from The Valley of Vision
to become several jars of this:
It is calling for a much cooler day tomorrow...a great day for making applesauce! The house will be filled with warmth and the delightful scent of freshly squeezed apples. Almost the perfect day!
Since I'm kinda slow and I'll be by myself, a half bushel is very doable and still not be overly tired and get some other things done, too. There is another half bushel waiting for me after this one is done.
I'll let you know how things go.
Thy will is in all thy provisions
to enable me to grow in grace,
and to be meet for thy eternal presence....
...I entrust myself to thee, for thou hast redeemed me.
I bless and adore thee, the eternal God,
for the comfort of these thoughts,
the joy of these hopes.
--an excerpt from Comforts, from The Valley of Vision
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Fall and the Love of Apples
The western Pennsylvania area had been pretty dry until lately. We have received a good amount of rain and I can't seem to remember when I last saw the sun. The days have been damp and dreary. It got cold enough in the house so that we finally had to turn the furnace on Monday. The dear weather man says that the sun is coming and that the weekend looks to be beautiful! I'm looking forward to hanging out with Hazel, my John Deere tractor, and soak up some Vitamin D while I cut the grass. It certainly has liked this rain and cool weather!
The one thing I love most about fall is the apples! One batch of applesauce is canned. I don't know if I'll do more since we have so much left over, but applesauce is my favorite thing to can. The house smells amazing! We bought our first cider of the season today. Some of that will need to be warmed up tonight and served with some apple crisp. Some of life's simple and delightful pleasures!
Not long ago, my daughter-in-law and I were discussing the upcoming winter and she mentioned how she really noticed that she was dreading the coming cold and snow. I can agree. The last couple of years, I have felt the dread of winter. The neighborhood around us seems to vanish and everyone huddles in their home until you see them magically appear in the spring when the grass needs cut. Sundays become more special in the winter...not only worship, but people!!
Maybe this winter won't be so bad.
Nothing in this world happens by chance. Our great God has "measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure" (Is. 40:12)....this same God cares for you with such special care that He has numbered the very hairs of your head....You may rest assured that even those experiences that are causing much sorrow are in accord with His eternal counsel and decree.
--C.H. Spurgeon
The one thing I love most about fall is the apples! One batch of applesauce is canned. I don't know if I'll do more since we have so much left over, but applesauce is my favorite thing to can. The house smells amazing! We bought our first cider of the season today. Some of that will need to be warmed up tonight and served with some apple crisp. Some of life's simple and delightful pleasures!
Not long ago, my daughter-in-law and I were discussing the upcoming winter and she mentioned how she really noticed that she was dreading the coming cold and snow. I can agree. The last couple of years, I have felt the dread of winter. The neighborhood around us seems to vanish and everyone huddles in their home until you see them magically appear in the spring when the grass needs cut. Sundays become more special in the winter...not only worship, but people!!
Maybe this winter won't be so bad.
Nothing in this world happens by chance. Our great God has "measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure" (Is. 40:12)....this same God cares for you with such special care that He has numbered the very hairs of your head....You may rest assured that even those experiences that are causing much sorrow are in accord with His eternal counsel and decree.
--C.H. Spurgeon
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Applesauce Day -- Chapter 3
Today was a fun Applesauce Day with Andrea and little Daniel. While Daniel didn't "help" he certainly was helpful by being so good at entertaining himself.
We did a bushel of Jonagold, which I've never done before. They turned out great and she was pleased to get 17 jars. I was so glad to be able to help her. I remember trying to can with a big belly and being tired. One regret I have is that my mom was not more helpful. With three kids and so much responsibility around the house--inside and out--it would have been nice to have someone with which to do canning. I really want to be there for my family in whatever way I can be. My talents may not be amazing, but I don't mind helping do this kind of stuff. I admire the Amish who get together to do these things. Why don't we have more of a sense of community and do these things together? It's more fun to have a friend or two around. It makes a long day go fast and a day with friends is always a good day. Why not get a couple friends and split a bushel or two at the end of a day? Laura and I used to split a bushel, but now her family is growing and she needs that bushel. I'm more than happy to be with her and the kids for the day to help! Maybe, when I grow up, I can be a professional canner :-)!
It was a beautiful fall day, again, and Daniel and I took a walk in the leaves. He loved to hear them crunch under his feet. We checked out the neighbor's horses and a pinecone that was a present for his mom....a good walk.
And about the election...while I struggle to understand what people were thinking, I have to hold on to God being sovereign. Without that I would be so depressed. No doubt, things are going to 'change', and I am pretty sure I'm not going to like the changes, it is my job to be faithful and live like a Christian in a culture that seems to forget that it was once Christian. It will be good to remember and be reminded how the early church had to live and how they loved their neighbors and each other. Or Daniel and how they were instructed to live in exile. It will be interesting to see what God is going to do. Is the church being disciplined? Is the country being disciplined? Will the church get it's bearings and grow stronger? We may not live to see God's full purpose fulfilled, but we know that all things work together for good and His glory, that we are His and cannot be snatched out of His hand and that His promises are true.
My good friend, Karen, has this beautiful painted verse on her wall, "God is the blessed controller of all things". He is in control. Always and forever with every thing.
"Believer, the events of history march as a victorious legion under a skillful leader. Do not think we can order our affairs in better style. " C. H. Spurgeon
Keep the faith and don't stop praying for our country and His Church,
We did a bushel of Jonagold, which I've never done before. They turned out great and she was pleased to get 17 jars. I was so glad to be able to help her. I remember trying to can with a big belly and being tired. One regret I have is that my mom was not more helpful. With three kids and so much responsibility around the house--inside and out--it would have been nice to have someone with which to do canning. I really want to be there for my family in whatever way I can be. My talents may not be amazing, but I don't mind helping do this kind of stuff. I admire the Amish who get together to do these things. Why don't we have more of a sense of community and do these things together? It's more fun to have a friend or two around. It makes a long day go fast and a day with friends is always a good day. Why not get a couple friends and split a bushel or two at the end of a day? Laura and I used to split a bushel, but now her family is growing and she needs that bushel. I'm more than happy to be with her and the kids for the day to help! Maybe, when I grow up, I can be a professional canner :-)!
It was a beautiful fall day, again, and Daniel and I took a walk in the leaves. He loved to hear them crunch under his feet. We checked out the neighbor's horses and a pinecone that was a present for his mom....a good walk.
And about the election...while I struggle to understand what people were thinking, I have to hold on to God being sovereign. Without that I would be so depressed. No doubt, things are going to 'change', and I am pretty sure I'm not going to like the changes, it is my job to be faithful and live like a Christian in a culture that seems to forget that it was once Christian. It will be good to remember and be reminded how the early church had to live and how they loved their neighbors and each other. Or Daniel and how they were instructed to live in exile. It will be interesting to see what God is going to do. Is the church being disciplined? Is the country being disciplined? Will the church get it's bearings and grow stronger? We may not live to see God's full purpose fulfilled, but we know that all things work together for good and His glory, that we are His and cannot be snatched out of His hand and that His promises are true.
My good friend, Karen, has this beautiful painted verse on her wall, "God is the blessed controller of all things". He is in control. Always and forever with every thing.
"Believer, the events of history march as a victorious legion under a skillful leader. Do not think we can order our affairs in better style. " C. H. Spurgeon
Keep the faith and don't stop praying for our country and His Church,
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Applesauce Day--a Reprise
Whew!! Nine hours, two bushels and 36 quarts and 1 pint and a half jars later the kitchen is clean, but full of applesauce. A happy sight. This is the most I've tried to tackle myself in one day. I'm tired, but it is a good tired. A good day's work with so much to show for it. My heart is so grateful for the ability and the "stuff" to be able to can for the family. Since I don't work outside the home, this is my job. The place has a great view, the hours are a bit odd, the pay, as in dollars, may not be much, but there is a satisfaction in the soul. Satisfaction in knowing that I am doing what God has best suited me to do.
This may sound weird, but the other day when I was using the neighbor's tiller in the garden, I had this realization. That what I am doing pleases God. In the movie, Chariots of Fire, when Eric Liddell says to his sister, "When I run, I feel His pleasure", that's the kind of moment I had. The pleasure of knowing that the King of Creation is pleased with what I am doing. It may not be some great thing, that men would consider 'great', but it is helping my husband as we take care of the family, keep order in our home and our corner of the community, doing our best to be good stewards of what has given us--being thankful and sharing His goodness.
One of the reasons I like applesauce making so much is that nothing is wasted. The skins and seeds and any other remains are put in the compost. The glorious fragrance fills the house, at least for the day, and quarts of beautiful rose-colored applesauce add a new color to my canning shelves.
Thanks to Becky at Becky's Farm I was able to can some chicken broth yesterday! She knows so much and I am very grateful.
With a thankful heart~
This may sound weird, but the other day when I was using the neighbor's tiller in the garden, I had this realization. That what I am doing pleases God. In the movie, Chariots of Fire, when Eric Liddell says to his sister, "When I run, I feel His pleasure", that's the kind of moment I had. The pleasure of knowing that the King of Creation is pleased with what I am doing. It may not be some great thing, that men would consider 'great', but it is helping my husband as we take care of the family, keep order in our home and our corner of the community, doing our best to be good stewards of what has given us--being thankful and sharing His goodness.
One of the reasons I like applesauce making so much is that nothing is wasted. The skins and seeds and any other remains are put in the compost. The glorious fragrance fills the house, at least for the day, and quarts of beautiful rose-colored applesauce add a new color to my canning shelves.
Thanks to Becky at Becky's Farm I was able to can some chicken broth yesterday! She knows so much and I am very grateful.
With a thankful heart~
Monday, October 20, 2008
Applesauce Day with Laura!
Yeah!! It's applesauce time!! This is my favorite time of year! Even though I am a bit behind on the applesauce, it is always very rewarding.
There are two bushels of apples in the kitchen and the house smells wonderful. Of course, it will only get better when they get cookin'.
Today was my annual applesauce day with my best friend, Laura. We get together at her home ( she has a great kitchen !) and spend the day visiting and doing apples. Her beautiful children are homeschooled, so they are ready and willing to help when it is time to squeeze the cooked apples. It has been a delight for me to watch them grow and to see that it's still a fun day for them, too.
Laura got an early start on getting things set up and she even had some cut when I arrived. My sister asked if I would can a dozen jars for her family, so we were able to do that, too. We had 28 jars done by 2 pm, with only one disaster--a jar broke in the canner. What a mess. I'm not sure what happened, but we had to clean that up and start heating water all over again. We had just enough left in the big pot to send a jar home with her folks, who stopped by, and a jar for each of us for supper.
We were able to clean up and admire a dining room table covered with beautiful applesauce. We celebrated with sitting down to a well-earned cup of tea. Applesauce can wear you out! God is good to us!
There is nothing better than spending the day canning with friends.
"O Lord God, who inhabitest eternity,
The heavens declare thy glory, the earth thy riches, the universe is thy temple;
thy presence fills immensity, Yet thou has of thy pleasure created life, and communicated happiness;
Thou has made me what I am, and given me what I have; in thee I live and move and have my being; Thy providence has set the bounds of my habitation, and wisely administers all my affairs....Subdue in me the love of sin, Let me know the need of renovation as well as of forgiveness, in order to serve and enjoy thee for ever." from the Valley of Vision, selections from "God the Source of All Good"
Blessings~
There are two bushels of apples in the kitchen and the house smells wonderful. Of course, it will only get better when they get cookin'.
Today was my annual applesauce day with my best friend, Laura. We get together at her home ( she has a great kitchen !) and spend the day visiting and doing apples. Her beautiful children are homeschooled, so they are ready and willing to help when it is time to squeeze the cooked apples. It has been a delight for me to watch them grow and to see that it's still a fun day for them, too.
Laura got an early start on getting things set up and she even had some cut when I arrived. My sister asked if I would can a dozen jars for her family, so we were able to do that, too. We had 28 jars done by 2 pm, with only one disaster--a jar broke in the canner. What a mess. I'm not sure what happened, but we had to clean that up and start heating water all over again. We had just enough left in the big pot to send a jar home with her folks, who stopped by, and a jar for each of us for supper.
We were able to clean up and admire a dining room table covered with beautiful applesauce. We celebrated with sitting down to a well-earned cup of tea. Applesauce can wear you out! God is good to us!
There is nothing better than spending the day canning with friends.
"O Lord God, who inhabitest eternity,
The heavens declare thy glory, the earth thy riches, the universe is thy temple;
thy presence fills immensity, Yet thou has of thy pleasure created life, and communicated happiness;
Thou has made me what I am, and given me what I have; in thee I live and move and have my being; Thy providence has set the bounds of my habitation, and wisely administers all my affairs....Subdue in me the love of sin, Let me know the need of renovation as well as of forgiveness, in order to serve and enjoy thee for ever." from the Valley of Vision, selections from "God the Source of All Good"
Blessings~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)