We're getting rather a slow start on that here at Boulderneigh. I just finished bagging the third batch of dehydrated prunes (LOTS more on the two trees to do) and haven't even started on apples; Sunday is "Applesauce or Bust" day. I need to can some tomatoes and chiles then, too. Our woodshed is almost empty and we have yet to locate firewood for this year. However, Rick has been doing a little logging here at home, which will provide a little of what we need this year and next. The stand of Douglas fir in the lower pasture is too crowded (we think they were originally planted as a small Christmas tree lot); some had died and others were struggling. Thinning out the dead and weak ones will let the others grow better.
As you can see, we are very dry here; the pastures are toast and everything is thirsty and dusty. My eyes, nose and skin are complaining; it will be a palpable relief when the rains start. Yes, the resulting mud can be annoying and occasionally the rain curtails outside activities, but I love the resulting green and cooler temps. In other words, I am ready for full-on fall!
Bring it on, at . . .
15 comments:
I have seen several recipes on different blogs for applesauce being made in crock pots, looks like an easy way to go.
My crockpot isn't big enough to cook a cannerful (seven quarts), but I do use it to make apple butter. My applesauce "recipe" is very easy. I remove any bad spots and core my apples, then puree them raw with peels, adding a wee bit of water to get them started if necessary. I pour the raw puree into jars and process in a hot water bath. I figure with the peels and only cooked once, it retains more nutrients. I add cinnamon to some batches just for variety. Last year I combined pears and apples and didn't need to add any water because of the juiciness of the pears, and added appropriate spices. That sauce was the family favorite!
Gosh, I didn't realize you EVER got that dry in your region of the country! Is this a super-dry year for you or don't I know my geography very well?
Mama Pea, lots of people are under the impression that we are wet year-round here, but that's not true. We are wet fall through spring, with warm, dry summers; it is not uncommon to get NO rain in August and September, like this year. Also, our grasses are cool-season varieties which would likely turn brown in the summer even if we got some rain. Our average is 40-45 inches of precip a year, a little more than half of what, say, Seattle gets.
Or what I had in Walton, and my pastures still got brown!! I need to get some canning done, too, but haven't figured out how or when. Looks like someone is enjoying the new tractor!
Actually, that's the OLD tractor....
The dry spell is such a worry. As a very hungry goat I am worried that there won't be enough hay for my lady to buy this winter. I need to eat a lot now just in case. heh heh heh
The drought this year has not been good.. I miss the rain. the heat that we had was way too hot and way too long.. Fall is such a busy time with canning and getting ready for the cold weather.
We have 4 big trees here in Iowa that need to be taken down.. too bad you are not close.
Have a great day ~ ta ta for now from Iowa:)
Hi Michelle! Blanche continues to do great and is a wonderful mom! She is quite ready for winter too!
I wish we were closer, too; we'd be happy to take down those trees for you!
I hope your lady can find hay, Isobelle. We found what we needed this year, but it was a little pricey!
Hi Suzanne! Good to hear from you, and good to hear a report on Blanche!
Hope rain and relief come soon, Michelle. I am off to pick prune plums this morning and apples. Most of the orchards around here were hit with a hard, late freeze and there are very few apples to be had. It's definitely time to start stocking up!
I'm seriously thinking of using the wood stove this winter. There's wood in the barn and seems a shame not to use it. I hope y'all get some rain and soon.
I've been working on the pantry and freezer too...so much to do this time of year!! Yesterday, I blanched and peeled 40 lbs of tomatoes and put them into quart-sized freezer bags. I put my applesauce and pear sauce in the freezer as well, and leave lots of chunks for texture. Yummy!! Still hoping to get some peaches canned, but haven't found the time for that yet. Elberta peaches are $21 for a lug. We ate that first box I got from your neighbor...they were so good!
Post a Comment