Tribute to Johnny Appleseed

I've been canning apples for the last three days and today, when my mom came over to help for a bit, she reminded me of this song and movie - Disney's Johnny Appleseed. And, she got this song stuck in my head - from the movie. Go here to hear it and even watch a few clips of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_IrdS-zu48

What a fun video. Brings back good memories of peeling apples for pies as a kid.

The apples are plentiful for us this year. Our trees produced wonderful apples and the birds or bugs didn't even get too many of them.


Today's show and tell: Applesauce



The apples were beautiful, red and sweet. And they made good sauce - the brown is mostly natural, with very little help from the added cinnamon.

Side note: I keep doing "canning classes." In fact, one was the other day, doing applesauce.
We frequently discussed how applesauce really isn't that hard to make, it is just such a long process for what doesn't seem like a lot of bottles canned at the end of the day.

Are you familiar with canning applesauce? I am assuming you are. If not, let me know and I'll be more specific.

Here are a few tips I've learned:

** Use a juicer to cook down your apples. Many people I know use a stock pot to cook down apples and then end up burning several batches of the apples. Use a juicer. You only have to worry about keeping the bottom full of water. And as a bonus - you get apple juice to either put back into your applesauce or to drink or to bottle and use for later.

** Use a "Victorian Strainer" or even a good Back to Basics Tomato Strainer has the capabilities to make good sauce.

** Don't fret about making a huge sticky mess while doing applesauce. It happens to most people who face up to the challenge.

Are those good tips? The most important one is the juicer tip.

I love homemade applesauce!!