Who has the sauce?

We’ve got the sauce! Apple sauce that is, and about a year’s supply of it.

Bring on the zombie apocalypse.

It all started on the first day of school. I missed my kids so much I wanted to spend time with them as soon as they got home. However, they wanted to chill and watch some toons with a processed snack. It was raining, and I was feeling lazy too so we all watched TV. Now it was pouring, but I had to go clean the pig stall.

Farm chores happen even when it rains. 

Walmart plug! One day I will have Hunter rain boots, but these $12 Walmart beauties are awesome for putzing around the farm. 

We found our rain boots and trudged up the barn. It turned out to be a pinterest paradise of things to look at. I forgot I had purchased some old windows, and we found old doors and pieces of wood. I’ve told you before. I am not crafty, but by golly, I am using some of this old stuff to make my house look cool. Who can help me?

I purchased 3 old windows. Some have glass and some don't. 

Look at this old door. Maybe a rack to hold Christmas cards?

Old bee keeping supplied. I am petrified of bees, but I think I could really enjoy this as a hobby. (And new supplies.)

I'm going to paint this and use my new coffee bag to reupholster. 

The girls told Michael they got on the tractor, but did not turn it on. 

Back to the sauce. The rain slowed down, and we explored the yard a bit and decided to pick some apples. We took them inside and just like Bobby Flay, Giada or Aarón Sánchez – pick your favorite food network star – we made applesauce. And it was edible.

She was being so careful. 

She actually got the hang of it.

I called my mother-in-law, who humors my hair brained ideas, and asked if she wanted to can some applesauce.

This weekend we picked bagfuls of apples. The girls cored and peeled them, for the most part. Mamaw cleaned up the apple bits, I cooked the sauce. Even Michael got in on the action. He wanted to use an immersion blender – it’s a big, loud tool that mixes things up. Kind of like someone else I know. I kid I kid!!! Seriously, he finished the applesauce project by sealing the lids and making sure the applesauce will stay fresh. 

So many apples

As long as the apple didn't have any yucky spots she did great. 

She loved using this peeler.

Organic apples

Lots of sugar.

It took about 2 hours. 

Mixing it up.

Starting to see progress. 

Ta-da!

But now we have a lifetime supply of applesauce.

In other farm news...Bailey and Snoop are buds again, and the sweetest thing happened. 

The animals like to follow the UTV around while we check the trail cams. 

Surprises we see on our rides.

I totally forgot we planted these.

This last ride Snoop got lost. We could see him, but since he’s so little he couldn’t see us over the grass.

He’s oinking and oinking. I tell Bailey to go get him. Sure enough, in true Lassie fashion, Bailey runs towards Snoops and leads him back to us. Be still my heart. A pig isn’t the best pet for everyone, but I love having him around.

And he’s happy because he gets all the leftover scraps from peeling the apples.

Applesauce, the gift that keeps giving. 

My recipe

Apples

Water

Sugar

Cinnamon

Just add what feels right. Cook for about 25 minutes on low heat. Mix as much as you like.