the past 2 years i have missed one of my favorite family traditions...applebutter boiling
all of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and a few family friends on my dad's side of the family come together for the day-long event.
things actually start taking place the day before the event w/ apple snitzing
we always use Stayman and Golden Delicious apples in a 5:3 ratio
the guys peel and quarter the apples
the ladies core and slice
it sure does take a lot of apples!!!
the next day, things start early in the morning...sometime between 5 and 6
the copper kettle is cleaned, the fire is built, and the first apples are added to the kettle
we had a perfect day
the view from Granddaddy and Grammy's house where it all takes place
the shed out back where the fire is built, the applebutter is stirred, and the hanging out takes place
the applebutter has to be stirred constantly to prevent burning
we all take our turn
lots of chatting, playing games, and relaxing
a special gift for Bump from Christian and Rebecca:
a JMU t-shirt that reads "future graduate James Madison University"
the evening before applebutter boiling, Dad shot a dear but couldn't find it, so that morning the guys went out looking for it...and they found it...a nice little 10 pt.
Cory posed w/ the deer for me since Dad isn't really into getting his picture taken lol
the noon meal
there isn't enough room for everyone to eat at once (plus somebody has to keep stirring!)
so the guys eat, and then the girls
right around 3:00 the applebutter was ready to come off
Dad and Grammy check the consistency of the applebutter to make sure it's ready
once it has been determined that the applebutter is indeed ready, the action begins!
Grammy adds both cinnamon oil and clove oil
Uncle Joe fills the jars
Mom and Aunt Ruthy putting lids and rings onto filled jars
lots of helping hands
Granddaddy scrapes down the sides of the kettle as the applebutter is taken out
Brighton licks out the kettle to make sure it's nice and clean for next year ;)
i love my family...and i love applebutter boiling!
we made 27 gallons
so thankful to my hubby for letting us take the trip all the way from Red Lake so we could be a part of the fun fun day :)
Good times! I remember being there one time when Grandma Bailey would do the tasting and adding spices. Lots of canned goodness!
ReplyDeleteA. Coleen
I loved your post! You captured the event so well. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeletewhat fun pictures of a special family event!!
ReplyDeleteParla I'm reading your post way around the world in Kuching Malaysia. I laughed out loud seeing how Brighten was cleaning the kettle for next year. Holly, Queena and Ethan wanted me to turn the computer around to see what I was laughing at. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteI've been watching for this blog. You did a great job of telling the story about making apple butter. So glad you all could be here. Thought Autumn would be the only 'grand' missing, but Kelsy could not be here because of basketball. Guess 10 out of 12 isn't too bad. Maybe next time everyone will be here!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you. Grammy