A Confession

I don't know anyone else with this aversion, but I don't really like applesauce.  I find it a little bland and with little toothsome quality (an uppity way of saying nothing solid to sink my teeth into), I'm not a fan of the texture.  Additionally, I don't like applesauce spice cake, applesauce muffins, and I don't like using applesauce instead of fat in muffins and other baked goods.  - Blah, blah, and dry.

The baby prince will eventually enjoy some of it, I'm sure.  I look forward to that, and left it unsweetened and unspiced for that reason.  We can always add cinnamon, as we wish.  We never add sugar.

But he won't eat it all.  This means that with a LOT of applesauce on hand, I needed to search out other uses... Hopefully, savory options, since I haven't liked the applesauce desserts.  I spent a lot of time searching the internet, with limited luck.

So for a lot of the rest of my apple series, I will be sharing recipes that interested me, both from internet sources and friends.  Some unique options are out there, and I am eager to try them and share them with you.  For variety's sake, I'll mix in recipes for using fresh apples, too.

"Politics is applesauce."  -  Will Rogers

(I wonder what he'd think of it now!)

31 Days at The Nesting Place

The Tools

With big pots of applesauce, and many more to follow, it was time to get out my chinois sets.  

Truthfully, until a couple of years ago, when a friend on the Gardenweb Kitchen Forum saw one of them in a photo and referred to it in that term, I called it the "applesauce making thing with the other thing sort of like a bat."  According to Amazon, it's a Canning Accessories Food Press with Wooden Pestle.  

Anyway, it's what my mom always used.  I either picked up one like hers years ago, or she gave me one, and I also found one when we were cleaning out my in-laws' basement.  I think it may have belonged to Hubby's grandmother.  So I have 2.

 Multi-purpose Wall-E Sheet

My Bible study friend was here for dinner when we had the 9 bags of apples hiding under a "Wall-E" sheet, in order to keep them safe from fruit flies.  (Fruit flies find previously benign openings into the fruit, then expand the injury and make it easier for the apple to rot.  And we all know, "One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel," so best to shield them from the little buggers.)

She knew I had a big job ahead of me, and offered her "really large food mill."  At first I declined, thinking my chinois sets could handle it.  But by the time I'd started on the first batch, I wondered if I was passing up the opportunity to use something better (AKA "faster"), and called to accept her offer.



After a false start for Prince CuddleBunny, who had initially attached the wire thingy on the bottom of the mill upside down, but didn't have an excitingly successful outing even after it was fixed, I thought it was time to put them through a side-by-side test.

Wire-thingy upside-down

Wire-thingy installed as intended

Since I'm trying to keep my posts short and sweet, and covering 31 days... I'll keep you, presumably, on the edge of your seats until tomorrow to see how the tools fared in ''RHome410's Test Kitchen.'' 

31 Days at The Nesting Place

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

This,

A couple pounds of chicken breast, salted and peppered, cooked.
In this case, I had chicken tenderloins, which I broiled.

plus this,

1 1/2 cups chunky applesauce.
From a jar, or, as shown here, approximately
6 apples, peeled, pared, and quartered, cooked until soft,
but with bite-sized chunks remaining.  I also added a
generous dash of cinnamon

and this,

1 cup spicy barbecue sauce, commercial or homemade.
I mixed 1 cup ketchup, 2 tsp ground mustard, 2 Tbsp molasses,
1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, & a dash of cayenne pepper.
Most of the measurements are guesses, so adjust to your taste.
 - Mix with the applesauce, heat, and pour over hot chicken. - 

equals this!

Applesauce Barbecue Chicken, served with a brown and wild rice mixture.
Adapted from this recipe on TasteofHome.com

"Ever since Eve started it all by offering Adam the apple, woman's punishment has been to supply a man with food, then suffer the consequences when it disagrees with him" - Helen Rowland

Thankfully, that wasn't an issue, since Hubby loved this dinner!

31 Days at The Nesting Place

What to Do... What to Do...

Out of the original 9 bags of apples, we got 6 or 7 pies, a few lunchbag snacks, and approximately 5 gallons of applesauce.

That is a LOT of applesauce!

For the first batch, I grabbed some plastic storage containers.  I quickly figured out that I didn't have enough for all the applesauce we'd produce, and what I did have, I didn't want tied up in frozen applesauce.  After a little thought, I could pop the applesauce cubes out of those containers, and put 2 each in large ZipLoc bags instead.  Either way, they take up a lot of freezer space in that shape.

Ha.  Just got this out of the freezer to take the photo.
"Breaking or cutting it" will not be an option, since
it's over 3 inches thick in places.  Will just have to thaw
it and reheat any I want to refreeze.

The second batch, I decided to go for a cheaper container, and a streamlined shape that would be easy to stack and store in the freezer.  I was happy to just fit the whole batch into one gallon-sized ZipLoc bag. --But, Oops!  Why will I want to thaw a full gallon of applesauce at a time?  I will do better to cut or break that into smaller pieces.

This is when I remembered why I used to have ZipLoc bags in the quart size.  For the last year or so, we'd gone to buying only the gallon and sandwich sizes, as the quart-size was usually too small or too big for most daily needs. 

Remember to turn the tops back, so when you goo-up the
top during loading, that it's really inside the bag.

Also, it's advised to write the contents and the date
BEFORE filling.  Oops.

However, they will be perfect for storing applesauce in usable amounts, and they're easy to label.  I can freeze them flat for easy stacking and efficient use of space... "in apple pie order!"  ;-)

31 Days at The Nesting Place

Dividing and Conquering

The 9 bags of apples were a beautiful gift.  But some of the apples themselves wouldn't be described as beautiful.  We certainly had the confidence that these were organically grown... chemical and pesticide free.  

But we all know that homegrown apples, raised under those conditions, are often far from the grocery store ideal when it comes to size, shape, and appearance.




We sorted through, and separated from the rest those that were "prettier" -- round/symmetrical and less blemished.  

Prince CuddleBunny made quick work of these with our peeler/slicer to make pie fillings.  (For more on the peeler/slicer see No Wonder the Kids Fight Over This)


We froze 4 pre-made fillings to enjoy at later dates, and, of course, had one filling for our friend's pie.

The rest of apples (a major share) were heavily freckled with scabs, and had worm holes and other things we'd want to pare away.  Our peeler/slicer works best on symmetrical apples, so the misshapen ones had to be sorted in with the damaged fruit.  


For these, it would've been a lot of work to pare, then peel and slice by hand for pies.  So I opted for the easier route...to make applesauce of them instead.

For that I only had to wash them, cut out the bad spots (and worms/worm leavings), and half or quarter them before tossing them in my 16 quart pot.  

I don't always add water, but with these I needed to add a cup of water to get the steaming started and to keep them from sticking and burning to the bottom of the pot.   

I cooked them over low heat, and because I left them in pretty large pieces, and filled the pot so full, they stayed on the stove for several hours, with occasional stirring.

 




When fully soft, the flesh had to be separated from the skins, seeds, and core.  I will talk about that process in a future post.  Click here to read it .

"You can't make apple pie with applesauce."

31 Days at The Nesting Place

The Apple's Secret

I didn't know about the star hidden in apples until I was in kindergarten.  I suspect that maybe my mom didn't show it to us, because she didn't want to have to always cut apples 'the wrong way' in order for us to see it.  I do get that, but it's fun to cut them crosswise every once in awhile and see this special surprise.

There are different stories on the internet about the star inside the apple.  I won't repeat or offer selections from any, lest I break some sort of copyright law.  Here are three I found that are fun and quick to read.

The Little Red House with No Doors and No Windows and a Star Inside

Why Apples Have Stars Within  (love this one)

The Parable of the Apple Tree  (my personal favorite)

I hope you check them out and enjoy!

"Any fool can count the seeds in an apple. Only God can count all the apples in one seed."  -  Robert H. Schuller

31 Days at The Nesting Place

An Apple - Just the Facts, Ma'm

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."  

We've all heard that old adage throughout our lives.  Of course, it means apples will help you retain your health so that you don't need a doctor.  But do apples do this?  And how?



I have to admit that I never before looked up the nutritional info on apples.  I've known that the skin offers a good source of fiber, and as a fresh fruit, it must offer some healthful vitamins... but that's about all I could tell you for certain.





So, if you're like me, and really know little about apples, and why you might want to grab one or include them in your kids' lunches, here is a little more to back up that decision *(for source, see image & caption below):

*My source.  I was introduced to this book in college.
When my college text fell apart from use,
I just had to get myself another.
Bowes and Church's
Food Values of Portions Commonly Used

1 medium apple (138 grams) offers:

81 calories
0.5 grams fat
0 grams cholesterol
1 mg sodium
0.3 grams protein
21 grams carbohydrates... 3.7 grams of that is fiber (eat the skin!) and 18.4 grams are sugar


According to the USDA, quoted here, apples provide
10% of an adult's daily requirement of Vitamin C
1-3 % of an adult's daily requirement each of some B vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, and Calcium



So although apples don't offer many vitamins and minerals in appreciable amounts, the Vitamin C level is helpful.  Vitamin C supports the immune system, which should help keep those doctor visits to a minimum. 

Most of the fiber is in the skin, but as long as you eat that, it meets 12% of the daily recommended amount of fiber. (Wash it good, of course, since the skin is where any contaminants may be, also) Fiber is good for colon health, and also benefits weight control, energy levels, and heart health, according to WebMD.

Since over 90% of the calories in an apple are in carbohydrates, and mostly sugar, at that, it is advisable to have some protein and fat when you eat your apple for a snack or meal... Maybe nuts or nut butter, a piece of cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt (not too sweet), meat, poultry, or eggs.  

My kids don't feel their lunches are complete without an apple.  They are old enough now to care about what's healthy and to give up old previous desired treats, like chips and cookies.  They are glad to be able to keep their apples.

31 Days at The Nesting Place

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
And neither, apparently, do the plums!

Even though the combination of storm-heat-storm took most of our beautiful prunes from me, it's nice that our visitors can enjoy some of what drops.  

I guess this mama and her young twins, who come by almost every day, are less picky, and don't mind the mushy ones.


Photos by Prince CuddleBunny  :-)

I wrote and scheduled this post before I decided to begin the 31 Days (An Apple A Day) project.  But it's made me realize something.  I have a LOT of trimmings from the apples, and the deer really enjoy fruit.  So instead of composting it all, or throwing it in the trash, I could share with these friends in our yard.  We'll give it a try next time they come 'round.

31 Days at The Nesting Place

An Apple A Day

I hope!

Every year over at The Nesting Place, the Nester does a 31 Days of blogging-on-one-topic event in October.  I am not positive I can keep up, and really had no idea for a topic on which I could write something 31 days in a row.  I could "cheat," and make it so broad to include almost anything I'd want to say.  But that usually means writing the longer posts I don't have time for every single day.


So I looked around me, to see what was staring me in the face.  

What's under here?  Hint... It's hiding from the fruit flies.

It was APPLES.  (Just maybe you got that from the title?)

"Apple, apple...Who has the apple?"
We do...and then some!

Apples, apples, everywhere.  We started with 9 full paper bags, to be precise, that Hubby and Prince Inventive picked at a friend's house 9 days ago.  I've been experiencing low motivation, and since most haven't made it out of the bag, we're still surrounded.






So, for the next 31 days I intend to talk apples.  Maybe other things, too, but there will have to be something aptly appley included. (See my change in direction on Day 19) A recipe, a tip, a little bit of trivia, or just a mention of some sort.  Maybe a "Where's Waldo" sort of photo.  Who knows?  I don't.  This means my series certainly isn't as deep or profound as others are doing.  I hope it will be fun for those who still read my blog, and maybe even offer a bit of helpful information along the way.  Mostly, I'm challenging myself.

When I took a watercolor class in college, the instructor believed that quantity would beget quality, through practice.  Each quarter of the year, I had to do one subject, but in more and more paintings.  I think it was 20 the first quarter, 40, the next, and 60 or 80 that spring.  I think this type of idea might help with my blogging.  I could definitely use the practice in writing posts with singular messages to keep the blog moving at a pace interesting to you, and doable for me.  A less-is-more-but-more-often approach.

We'll see!  And we can also hope we keep the doctor away in the process.  :-)

To see all the posts for 31 Days of An Apple A Day, click this link: 31 Days 2013
But for daily reads:
Day 2: (Almost) Wordless Wednesday
Day 3: Knees, Garages, ...Apples? Oh, My
Day 4: Apple Appreciation
Day 5: An Apple - Just the Facts, Ma'm
Day 6: The Apple's Secret
Day 7: Dividing and Conquering
Day 8: What to Do... What to Do...
Day 9: (Almost) Wordless Wednesday (Applesauce Barbecue Chicken)
Day 10: The Tools
Day 11: The Applesauce-Making-Things Face Off
Day 12: The Crusty Bits
Day 13: Priorities
Day 14: A Confession
Day 15: (Almost) Wordless (on Almost) Wednesday
Day 16: Butter Up
Day 17: Simple Tool for Simple Task
Day 18: I'm Early... Or Late
Day 19: Taking a Right Turn
Day 20: Sunday's Bite
Day 21: The Mom Who Got the Cream
Day 22: Just Curious
Day 23: (Almost) Wordless Wednesday
Day 24: A Reading Respite
Day 25: Pumpkins with my Punkin'
Day 26: For Fun or Coif It
Day 27: Sunday Encouragement
Day 28: Monday Movie Madness
Day 29: What is it about Vacation?
Day 30: (Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Wall Work
Day 31: A Revelation



-And you might want to check out other bloggers' 31 Day topics, too!  Here are the links to each category over at The Nesting Place:
House & Home
Simplicity & Organizing
Family Life
Health, Wellness, & Food (where mine is)
Inspirational & Faith
Fashion & Beauty
Personal Endeavors
Writing, Blogging, & Internet stuff
Too Awesome to Categorize

Plum (Italian Prune) Torte

 We are blessed to have 2 Italian Prune trees in our yard.   These dark bluish beauties are definitely one of my favorite fruits.  Our Gravenstein Apple tree had zero apples this year.  I think it we had freezing temps right at blossom time.   

CuddleBunny is behind Go-for-It,
running and leaping for the too-high fruit

The timing must've been better for the prune trees, because they have the best crop I've seen in the 8 years we've owned this property.  

Another idea for reaching
the plums

Prince Go-for-It, Prince CuddleBunny and I had a great time harvesting.






Actually, fruit doesn't usually need a cooking method in our home, as there is so little left after this crowd enjoys it fresh.  One year, though, I made a plum sauce and froze it for eating with stir fry.  It's fun to try something new, and this year it's this dessert.

On such a rainy, fall day, with a warm and wonderful kitchen at our disposal, it felt like good use of our homeschooling time for Princess Artiste and I to do this project together.

Plum Torte

adapted from  A Plum Good Recipe, You Shouldn’t Miss in Good Food Life, blog for Full Circle Farm

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.


Lightly butter a 10" springform pan.  (We made 2, so doubled the recipe, but I'm giving you the single torte version.)


In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (if that type of mixer), cream together
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter


In a separate bowl combine
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (we substituted 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg)
1/8 teaspoon salt

Prince CuddleBunny joined for his share of 'helping,' too

To the butter/sugar, add the flour mixture and
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
and beat well until all mixed.






Spread the batter evenly into the bottom of the springform pan.  Cover the batter with



12 halved and pitted Italian Prunes (24 pieces, placed skin side up)
then sprinkle with
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
and a mixture of
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ginger
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon


Bake for 50 - 75 minutes, checking for doneness using the toothpick test.  When an inserted toothpick comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven and cool.                                                                                                                   

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.