Apples on the Brain
Apples continue to be a theme in our everyday life, so it should come as no surprise that apples are going to be a theme here too.
A co-worker of Jeff’s extolled the virtues of one of these peeling, coring, slicing machines. I’ve seen them before and swooned over them but never felt like I really “needed” one. Well, Jeff bought me one and my goodness, I did need it. This little hand crank machine makes it so easy and fast and now my slices are uniform when they go into the dehydrator. While, it’s not a strictly necessary piece of equipment, I’m grateful for it and how it helps me get the apples done.
Last night we soaked apple chunks in brandy & vodka, and peels of slices that went into the dehydrator in water to make vinegar. Here’s hoping it all turns out in a few months.
I’m not the only person with apples on the brain, check out these great apple related reads:
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Bear Poop and Blue Pearmain Apples – quite the combo you’re not likely to forget.
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Applesauce making as a family gathering.
I think if I had a peeler like that I’d be more inclined to make apple pie . . . . maybe. I know I’d never make applesauce without one! . . . . I’d put the peels in the bottles and tell the kids I’m canning worms.
Liz,
I always have worms in the kitchen because that’s where the vermicompost bin is – no one would believe that I’d put those babies in a jar.
Normally, I make applesauce with the peel on. I blend it all up smooth and I don’t care about the peel in that process.
I’m also doing some vinegar (thanks for the tip). My peels and cores swelled and floated, got the cheesecloth wet, and started siphoning stinky liquid down the side of the jar. I wound up taking about 3 cups of apples out and starting a second batch in a quart jar. Be sure to check yours for the same problem, it looks about as full as mine did.
Jody, thanks for the tip! I’ll do that tonight just to be on the safe side.
I have an apple/peeler/corer also and love it. I don’t do everything you do but when making a cake or applesauce it sure makes the process alot easier!
I’m with you – I think it will make pie making much easier. I plan on finding out this weeked
did you inoculate your apple peel vinegar with a mother?
I didn’t add a mother to this first batch. I’ve read a few different methods and am going to try two of those methods – one that doesn’t use a mother and supposedly works but takes longer and another that does use a mother. We’ll see what happens.
i love my apple slicer! it’s great for dehydrating apples.
where did you get your vinegar recipes from?