Monday, October 18, 2010

Apple season!


We had had a tough weekend. My son, for some inexplicable reason, woke up every night (Fri, Sat, Sun) at 3:45, leaving us all tired and cranky during daylight hours. He's awfully cute, so it's not so bad, but we are really hoping for a full night's sleep tonight. When we have tough weekends it always makes me want to treat myself. Top on the wish list is a drive up north to apple country, to pick some apples and have fun with my camera. I love apples and it's this time of year that apples are in their full splendor. It make a world of difference to have an apple straight (or not long from) the tree versus cold storage.

 

There are always interesting local varieties in the farmer's market and picking an apple is often like selecting a bottle of wine: crisp, honey undertones, firm flesh, tart ... Did you see my last piece in Sweet Paul Magazine? I wrote a story on apples. This was before apples were actually in season and now it's truly the right time to take advantage. My favorite recipe in the piece is for apple butter. Have a look and give it a try.
 


Apple butter
(makes 3 cups)

4 pounds all-purpose or saucing apples peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups apple cider
1.5 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1 Tbs cinnamon
¼ tsp allspice

Combine apples and cider in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until apples are tender.

Stir in sugar, lemon juice vanilla, cinnamon and allspice. Return to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for about 35 minutes. or until mixture is very thick.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

So in love with your photography and the recipe looks exquisite. Thanks for sharing.

Miriam said...

Lovely, gorgeous photos that make me long for apple butter... even though I've never really tasted it.

Martina said...

WOW - these pix are so beautiful, i love the first one. These apples look so good on that wood. And the apple butter sounds like just the thing for autumn days - will try it!

Unknown said...

Im keen to try apple butter, do you think Granny smiths would work?

Unknown said...

I don't know which looks better, the rich and thick apple butter or the crusty wheat bread. Great treat to have the bread all slathered with your creation. Thank heaven for the tasty combo.

Sabra said...

Chris: yes, absolutely. In fact I may have used granny smiths for my own apple butter. If you click through to the SP article you will see an apple guide I put together - but granny smiths fall into the category of all-purpose apples.

angela@spinachtiger said...

I love apples too. And, apple butter is a particular favorite of mine. Hope you get some sleep and rest. Little ones sure are tiring but so worth it.

gfs said...

yum - my man would love this!

Stephanie said...

I just found your site and I feel like I hit the lottery!!! I'm loving your work.
And feeling inspired.

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