After struggling with allergies all last week from the dreaded ragweed infestation we have on the farm I was feeling better today with a bit more energy so I decided it was time to tackle some of the apples we were given a couple weeks ago. I mean, after all, they don’t know I’m not up to dealing with them and, therefore, will keep from rotting until I feel better (wink).
So, this morning, I donned my apron and got to work at washing the first bag of apples. Thankfully, when CountryBoy finished up his project outside he came in and asked if I needed any help. Well, yea! He ended up peeling while I quartered and cored the apples.
Two bags later, we had 12 pounds of apples ready to be cooked and softened to be made into applesauce.
Much like painting, the most tedious part of canning is the prep-work.
Once these softened I worked in small batches pureeing them in the food processor. Once they were all pulverized and back in the pan I added sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. MMMmmm! Then processed them for 20 minutes in a water bath.
Yum! With the sugar and cinnamon added it’s like dessert in a jar!
We peeled a few too many apples so CountryBoy chopped them up for me so I could make my Apple Crisp.
I left them sit in some water with lemon juice until I could get to them.
Meanwhile, while I was waiting for the first batch of applesauce to process I started working on a bag of hot banana peppers that we were given last week.
I decided to chop them and freeze them for later use.
I got the ends all cut off and cut in half and maybe about 1/4 of them de-seeded when CountryBoy came back from a quick trip to town. Again, he asked if I needed any help. Well, yea! So, he finished de-seeding them and chopped them up. (And, no, he didn’t wear gloves either!) We ended up with almost 3 quart size freezer baggies full.
I will add these to some of the Mexican-style dishes we love to eat and anything else I think they might go well in.
After the last batch of applesauce was in the canner I got started on the Apple Crisp.
I added pecans this time, put the topping on and popped it in the oven.
Mmm!
While the Apple Crisp was cooling I started on my last kitchen project of the day… DIY VapoRub.
We’ve both been under the weather, CountryBoy with a cold and me with my allergies, so I thought some VapoRub would be nice for night time.
It’s pretty easy to make. Melt your oils and beeswax, let it cool a bit then add your essential oils.
I added Young Living’s Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus Globulus and RC (Respiratory Comfort) blend essential oils.
It has a little softer consistency then I thought it would have but it turned out OK. I did go back and add more drops of each essential oil because my coconut oil was overpowering everything. The added drops helped tremendously.
Ah, nice! I love being able to make my own remedies at home. It’s actually quite fun too!
I didn’t have to think about making anything for lunch/supper because we brought home some delicious leftovers from our church’s Homecoming celebration yesterday. Is there such a thing as a lunch/supper combo? You know, like brunch, only you eat mid-afternoon? We do that a lot ’round here since we usually have brunch then we’re hungry again mid-afternoon. Maybe we should come up with a name for it. Any ideas?
Anyhoo, all the stuff that I was able to make today was only possible because my awesome Hubby offered to help. Otherwise, I’d probably still be peeling apples!
So, after a day spent in my apron and in the kitchen this was our reward…
A bowl of yummy Apple Crisp!
Dream Valley Farmstead 