We fired up the wood stove this week for the first time, and it sure felt good. Dozer jumped up on the hearth and laid down right in front of the fan. :-)
Yesterday I tried out a recipe my neighbor gave a year or more ago for canned apple pie filling (recipe in the comments). I rarely make pies, but enjoy fruit crisps and have an abundance of apples this year. The recipe is supposed to fill a canner, but I had more than a quart left over plus a quart that didn't seal, so I made two apple crisps in addition to the six quarts put on the pantry shelf. One is for potluck after church tomorrow; we're having the other for supper tonight. I snuck a taste so I could report to you that it's mmm, mmm good! I'm going to make another batch after I get back from the dressage show on Sunday, and am thinking of using stevia instead of sugar.
I had to reassure Sarai with a little loving when she found out that no one has committed to come out and hug her tomorrow (for National Hug A Sheep Day). I guess after
the big story hit, everyone that is anyone is headed to Punkin's Patch to hug
the famous sheep!
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| One big, happy 'ramily' – L-R: Blake, Bunker, wether Browning, and Cadbury |
Remember that damaged panel in the Ram-ada Inn? Well, the boys finished the job yesterday, so we removed the wreckage and let them run together. To my relief they seem to be getting along fine. I had kept them separated because Cadbury is smaller than Bunker and Blake, but so far, so good. Rick did a lot of grumbling; I think telling him that I am not breeding
anyone this year was our (me and the rams) only saving grace!
That's it for today from . . .
24 comments:
LOVE canned apple pie filling! We chose not to put the rest of the ingredients in this year and just canned the apples. Got our wood stove going finally too and it is NICE!!
mmmm, I'd love your apple pie filling recipe. Smart dog has the right idea, he must know the rains are rolling in.
Would have loved to come for a sheep petting but too much was on my plate.
Wanda, here is the recipe the way I made it:
10 generous quarts peeled and sliced apples
4 pounds sugar
3 T. + 1 t. cinnamon (probably more)
1 cup Minute tapioca
Stir together dry ingredients, pour over apple slices and mix gently. Let sit covered on counter overnight, mixing occasionally to develop juice. Spoon into quart jars, evenly dividing apple slices and juice, and process in hot water bath for 35 minutes.
Boys will be Boys while at the Ram-ada Inn. Saw an interesting article in ALBC about putting rams together after breeding season. He used old tires in small pen, that way rams would be concentrating on obstacles and would not be backing up and charging with so much force. If I can find the article I will copy and mail it to you.
Ah yes, the dog in front of the fire. Where else.. they love their creature comforts so. Cute!
The canned apples look wonderful. I made some applesauce a few weeks back. Apples are abundant this year. What a versatile fruit.
Love those sheep. I'm giving each of them a "virtual" hug.
A big hug to Sarai from upstate NY! That apple crisp filling looks delicious - if we get a better crop next year, I will try it. I am still working my way through three years of canned applesauce. What a beautiful (handsome?) group of rams! Your sheep are gorgeous. Don't you love how the dogs place themselves in front of the source of heat - some days I am lucky if a little heat makes it's way around Scrappy!
Love that dog!!:-)
Hope our roosters get along in a week as well as the rams and wether are! Dozer looks so happy and comfortable!
Awww... I didn't know it was Hug a sheep day. Our poor flock didn't get much attention. We've had our stove going a few times, then have to open the back door to cool it off. What, not breeding? That means no cute baby pictures? Awwwww...
the apples look amazing and love the wood stove. I want to use mine this winter...just need to get a chimney sweep here first.
Well, I stopped by your blog from 2 Bags Full, and I have learned two things: 1. Canned Apple pie - never heard of it before but it sounds great! 2. Hug a Sheep day. That had me laughing out loud. I will go and hunt one out today. P.S. I am your newest follower, Annie
Sending virtual hugs from Kentucky :-D. But any time you'd like to come here...and bring an apple crisp...just sayin' ;-)
My sheep didn't get much attention that day, either. It rained pretty much non-stop all weekend....
Welcome Annie! Thanks so much for joining my little spot in the blogosphere and leaving a comment! I hope you enjoy your visits.
That's right, you don't cook. :-) Well, if we come again I'll try to remember that!
Did you add water or some other liquid then? I mixed up another batch yesterday to can this morning; used less sugar overall and substituted stevia for one cup of the sugar. It juiced up overnight just as well....
I've seen that, TL. They don't seem to be bashing each other OR the structures anymore, which is a good thing!
I've made a bunch of applesauce this year, too. Still need to make some apple butter for gifting, though.
Those years that the fruit trees don't produce well are why it is a good thing to put up more than one year's worth when you can!
We do, too. :-)
Does Dozer remind you of your pugs? He does me!
Glad you're cleaning it first. Chimney fires are so scary!
He is very photogenic, and a good poser, too! Unlike a certain Aussie, who hates to have a camera pointed at him....
lovely!
kremo
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