Thursday, September 25, 2008

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.

6 comments:

  1. Girl,

    I have learned to can all kinds of stuff recently. Oh, how I wish I had been in the Kitchen with both of you. Hugs.

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  2. Thank you for stopping by my http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com blog!

    I have found your blog a joy to read, thanks for posting for all of us.

    We live in Delta, Colorado, 40 miles from Grand Junction, about 7 hours from you. My husband's sister lives in Greeley so we see Windsor lots when we go visit up there.

    Canning is a druge, a blessing, a wonder, and a big job. I raised four kids, worked full-time, gardened on 1 full acre with a yard of 1 full acre and helped my husband with the 80 acres of farm we own. To be fair to him he also worked full-time plus farm. We raise chickens and cattle and pigs, with cats and dogs thrown in.

    With the kids grown and on thier own, now, I only can those things I really enjoy (salsa) and peaches, the rest I leave for the kids to do. I will help them if they want, but ..... 365 quarts of EVERYTHING every year got to be too much after the kids left home.

    I am glad you are enjoying the country life, and I am glad you found my blog. I have bookmarked yours and will visit often.

    Linda Brown

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  3. It was so much fun! Thanks for all of your help, it would not be the same without you!!

    When did you change your "leave a comment" section? I just noticed it - good job!

    Love you.

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  4. yum! What are you going to do with all that applesauce?

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  5. Dear Noreen,

    I am so glad you and your daughter could enjoy doing this together ~ how fun! It is a lot of work but the results are so rewarding and when I see the jars all filled up it makes me want to do more things! It is so nice to have things put away for the winter and to have some to share with others too!

    Thanks for sharing of your fun work party!

    Blessings to you,

    Sharon

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  6. It sounds like you and your daughter not only were productive but had a wonderful time sharing this time together!

    Blessings,
    Dallas

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