Many Hands Make Work Light

Yesterday afternoon and evening my oldest daughter and I toiled over 50 pounds of apples, making applesauce and another gift that Carrie desires to bless others with. It has been a number of years since I've canned fruit and although we've always processed 25-50 lbs of peaches, pears and apricots,I had forgotten how much work it can be. We've never made large batches of applesauce before and for many families 50 lbs of apples is not a large batch; so to you who make very large quantities my appreciation is much greater today. One thing I learned is that apples do stain your hands and nails, maybe not as much as other fruits and veges but still you can tell you've been up to your elbows in them. For this years batch we choose Gala apples simply because we enjoy their taste and they were on sale. Next year we will have to ask around and see what types others use. I also learned that you don't come away with as much applesauce as I thought you would. Several months ago I found a sieve at a thrift store and it was one of the best investments I ever made, it certainly makes the process easier. It was so much fun to once again can with my daughter, maybe next year Kim will join us and last night made me want to put up more fruits and veges for the family. I also wish I had an extra freezer to freeze lots of pies and crisps but this too must wait. After I left, Carrie worked for another two hours continuing to process more....oh to be young again.