Sunday, October 24, 2010

Cider and sweets


Friday was cider pressing day.  We jammed two cars full of family and drove down the road to the Big Stone Apple Ranch.  The lovely lady who owns the ranch graciously allowed the use of her press and her apples. Cousin Bethany was visiting from St. Paul, and joined my monkeys in the enterprise.   


We made thirteen gallons of cider, now safely tucked away in freezers for the winter.  If last winter is any indication, thirteen gallons will last us through March, at best.  We likes our cider.


I made a pie with some Cortland apples from the ranch, and it was dee-lish.  With the leftover pie crust I also made a dozen lemon tarts and some cinnamon straws.  All that, plus another batch of homemade crackers and date cookies.  Having company is such a good excuse to go overboard with baking.

7 comments:

Mama Pea said...

What says fall more than making cider?! I can almost smell those apples and the juice. Betcha the kids will think of the apple grinding, etc. every time you pull some cider out this winter. Mmm-mm!

P.S. Any pie left??

Robin said...

Oh wow, how fun. When we planted fruit trees last year we made sure to get a nice selection for making cider. Once they start producing, then we will have to figure out how we are going to make it. :) Most of the apple trees around here got hit by a late frost so only the late blooming varieties managed to put any fruit on.

Leigh said...

Wow, that looks like so much fun! Now you've got me thinking that my two semi-dwarf apple trees won't be enough. :p

Karen said...

Hey! One of those gallons is ours!!! We forgot it, but feel free to bring it at Thanksgiving!!! Thanks again for such a wonderful visit!! I love hanging with you guys!!

Erin said...

Those are great photos of the kids! .... you have enough freezer space for 13 GALLONS of cider? I'm so jealous LOL!

Karen Sue said...

YUMMM! I've apples here for a pie or crisp, just gotta get at it.

Susan said...

Yum! Cortland is one of my favorite apples.
Apple orchards make for the best autumn family adventures.