Last week we went with my brother and his family to pick apples.
Friends allowed us to come into their orchard after their harvest was completed and pick up drops and missed apples.
Walking through the quiet rows of trees with distant mountains in view in the slanting evening light was restorative.
With the help of a dozen children, we picked over 40 bushels which were divided among the whole family.
At home we turned several bushels of apples into applesauce. Ed used to take applesauce in his lunch every single day, but now I don't need nearly as much.
Then my family got together on a rainy evening and made apple cider.
We have not made cider for several years so it was extra special.
I absolutely love how your family does so many activities together. We have no family nearby and even if we did live near them, I don't believe they would be interested in such things.
ReplyDeleteI usually get a few bushels of apples at a nearby orchard and I make chunky applesauce that also double as pie filling. Our children, (and us), much prefer the chunky sauce over smooth.
Blessings,
Betsy
In California before it closed my children and I loved to go to this apple farm for apple picking. It was so much fun!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite fall activity is drinking pumpkin spice tea and apple cider tea (not to be confused with the powdered drink) I buy from Republic of Tea. I need to find an apple picking place here in Arizona.
Nice to see another Arizonan reader, Regina! I too am looking for an apple place in Arizona that's reasonably close!
DeleteDiana
I was going to ask. How do you make homemade apple cider?
ReplyDeleteWe wash the apples and chop them in half, removing any bad spots. Then we use the old apple cider press that is pictured It grinds the apples into a pulp then squeezes the juice from the pulp.
DeleteGina
Gina, this looks like it was a lot of work and also a very good time for all of you. Your story reminded me of how God provided for Ruth in the fields of Boaz.
DeleteWhat do you do with the pulp that’s left?
DeleteI think that they dumped it out for the deer to eat.
DeleteGina
Do you freeze the apple cider if you make more than can be used right away?
ReplyDeleteI can almost taste all the apple goodness.
Yes. We freeze everything we can't drink in a few days so it doesn't get strong.
DeleteGina
Tony has been saying since we were married that he wants to build a cider press. We have a few mostly neglected apple trees. So we got him one for his birthday just recently. Can't wait to get a chance to use it! And have been thinking that we should invite the whole family!
ReplyDeleteHow fun. I'm sure you'll make many good family memories.
DeleteGina
Hi Gina, I'm busy with apples now too! applesauce, juice, pie filling, jelly, Wow Doesn't it make everything smell so good? I'm thrilled with God's blessings of fruit and veggies to help us along.
ReplyDeleteWe are buying 20 lb. boxes of #2 apples from our local food co-op in Wyoming, but I still remember picking apples with our children when they were young.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness my mouth is watering. lol Love apples and would dearly love to be able to go glean and pick my own like this! It ALSO reminded me of Ruth in the Bible. So neat they let you guys go get them! Just awesome memories and fun!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures Gina. My family has been praying for your family daily.
ReplyDeleteBesides canning our apple and pear sauce, I think a fall family favorite activity for us is our annual Harvest party. It's something we do just for ourselves to welcome fall,as we don't celebrate Halloween. I make some homemade gifts for our children, bake yummy treats, and the children choose supper for that night.
Blessings to you, Jamie
Your blog is such a good reminder of the things I'm NOT doing with my family, that I need to be doing!! We have never picked apples (mainly because they don't grow well here in Phoenix), nor have I ever made apple cider or apple sauce (at least in large quantities). Thank you for the good reminders - something for me to work on.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your wonderful family is doing well.
Diana
Hi Gina,
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you've had a really good day of work and fun with your family. I froze a bowl of apples last night that is the first time our small trees have produced properly, saving them to make apple pies at Christmas. No way as many as you all did but just enough.
Blessings to you all
shelley p
from over the pond