For some unknown reason, Fall has decided to stay for a long time here in Interior Alaska, and I am not complaining about it. Instead, I am falling in love with some fall activities like pumpkin carving and applesauce making!
Usually I use the pumpkins for puree later, but this year it has been so warm, that the squirrels got to them before I could. Oh well! I guess I am just going to have to go get some pie pumpkins instead.
When I opened up my box of deliciousness, the apples looked like they had been picked from my backyard! Some were slightly blemished, they were all different sizes, but most importantly, they didn't have a waxy sheen.
This was the first time I made applesauce on my own, and it was way too easy. I loved it. Marshall helped me peel them and I am using the peels later for apple cider. Into the pot the slices went, with a little water and lemon juice. After they came to a boil, I mashed them with a potato masher in the pot, added some cinnamon and nutmeg and Whala! Applesauce, with all it's natural goodness and beauty was made. I poured it into 4 quart sized jars, flipped them upside down to seal the lid, and now have applesauce in the cupboard. Happy dance!
Pumpkin Carving
I've never been a huge fan of Halloween, but carving pumpkins brings the little kid out in me, and I enjoy reaching my hand into the squishy, slimy pumpkin and pulling out all of its guts. I like carving funny faces and enjoying the company of good friends while doing so. Usually I take forever to decide what to carve, but this year, I settled on a simple Frankenstein design in about 5 minutes! Go me!!Usually I use the pumpkins for puree later, but this year it has been so warm, that the squirrels got to them before I could. Oh well! I guess I am just going to have to go get some pie pumpkins instead.
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| Cute, right?! |
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| The best "instant" candle for jack-o-lanterns is a cell phone! Genius. |
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| This one won for cutest pumpkin! |
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| Marshall's work of art. He worked on it for over an hour after everyone else was done. But it sure turned out good! |
Applesauce!! Easier than I thought!
Last week I got an email from a local co-op announcing that they had fresh, organic apples on sale for super cheap! I was so excited to pick up my 20 pound box of apples for only $1.50/lb. I know that doesn't sound super cheap, but here in Alaska, it is rare to find even regular apples for less than that--they usually run on sale for $1.88, and that's for the boring kind like golden delicious or granny smith. Organic is totally another ballgame--they usually are in the $2.00+ range.
When I opened up my box of deliciousness, the apples looked like they had been picked from my backyard! Some were slightly blemished, they were all different sizes, but most importantly, they didn't have a waxy sheen.
This was the first time I made applesauce on my own, and it was way too easy. I loved it. Marshall helped me peel them and I am using the peels later for apple cider. Into the pot the slices went, with a little water and lemon juice. After they came to a boil, I mashed them with a potato masher in the pot, added some cinnamon and nutmeg and Whala! Applesauce, with all it's natural goodness and beauty was made. I poured it into 4 quart sized jars, flipped them upside down to seal the lid, and now have applesauce in the cupboard. Happy dance!
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| Apples, lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a little water. Simple goodness! |
Your homemaking skills always impress me, Jenessa!!! You are rockin' awesome! And Marshall's pumpkin is super cool, too. Gabe was impressed when I told him Marshall did it. :)
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