| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 27 2021 : 11:32:00 AM
Farmgirls, it is approaching that time again where we celebrate all things apple during the month of September with our Annual Farmgirl Apple Festival at MJF!! For those of you who are new, we started this seven years ago and have had lots of fun together.
This festival includes an Apple Swap, Apple Giveaways, lots of topics about all things apple to share with each other, an Apple Badge to work on if you wish, and the last Sunday of the month is our Apple Pie Sunday celebration. This year, Apple Pie Sunday is on September 26 so mark your calendars and check out your favorite recipes or maybe try something new. For those who are not big dessert eaters, a savory apple dish can be used instead. We like to share our ideas and then on the Apple pIe Sunday, share a photo or a note about what you enjoyed. Over the years, we have had lots of delicious ideas shared!!
I hope you will jump in this year and share any of your favorite apples to eat or cook with, apple trees that you have at your home, favorite apple memories from your childhood, and any other topic related to apples that you wish to share.
Welcome everyone and I hope you all enjoy some Apple Fun this year!! Remember, an Apple a day keeps the doctor away!!
Here I am in New Mexico a few years back purchasing some apples from the farmer's truck.
Here is a little view from my Apple tree I set up every year.
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Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Sep 23 2021 : 08:48:42 AM
My goodness that apple looks tasty. Im imagining it is crispy, crunchy and juicy. Yum!
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured." 
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Sep 23 2021 : 06:28:35 AM
Thanks MaryJane! It makes my mouth water just looking at the Duchess of Oldenburg and thinking about it being all crisp and juicy!!!! A cold front is passing down the state at the moment so our Masccot got a swift ride down her to the Swamp . YUM!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| MaryJanesNiece |
Posted - Sep 22 2021 : 1:07:58 PM
MaryJane, your tent cabin is gorgeous! One of these days I’ll have to get there to see them in person!
Krista |
| MaryJane |
Posted - Sep 22 2021 : 05:32:46 AM
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MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Sep 22 2021 : 05:26:30 AM
MaryJane, thanks for getting back with us and filling in the details of this modern wood stove. I am absolutely fascinated by it. Will you be baking anything in it for Apple Pie Sunday celebration? If it makes a delicious and delicate lemon meringue pie, I am imagining it would bake anything well. I first thought about bread baking in it when I saw your photo. You sure did send me a few of our Mascot apples one year but I forget if you actually had it I officially identified as the Duchess of Oldenburg. I do remember the apples you sent were good . In my mind, I think walking to my apple orchard and picking a fresh apple and then eating it would be the best. Next time you pass by our girl the Duchess and find one ready for eating, send out some happy vibes over here to me in the Swamp!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| MaryJane |
Posted - Sep 21 2021 : 07:24:34 AM
Good morning! Winnie, our wood stove oven has a temperature gauge and holds two racks. The heat/smoke from the wood fire circulates around the outside and then up and out the chimney. I had their earlier version and cooked a lemon meringue pie in it!
The apples on our Duchess are up high, the result of her having to reach for the sun during the years she was almost crowded out from the overrun, neglected orchard planted here in 1905. I leave my fruit ladders in my newer orchard during the summer so I can't easily pick her fruits. However, she drops some every day. I walk by at least once, sometimes twice/day, so I pick one up, rub it off on my sleeve to make it shine and dive in. They are delicious eaten fresh. I've made the occasional crisp and pie but haven't canned or frozen any. I let the deer eat them for the most part. I think I sent you some once.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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| Wanda Sue |
Posted - Sep 19 2021 : 12:08:31 PM
Oh Winnie, my mouth is watering at those beautiful pies! One year on my birthday as a teenager, my mom asked what type of birthday cake I wanted. I told her what I really wanted was an apple pie. My birthday is in February, so not the the typical time of year for them, but she made a very yummy pie just the same. Since that time I have discovered apple dumplings, so that is what I will probably make next Sunday.
A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel.
Farm Girl #3677 |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Sep 19 2021 : 09:06:14 AM
Wow, MaryJane, your new cabins are fantastic!! And I am curious about the new round wood stove and how it works? Is the flat top where you put the coffee to perk? Next weekend sounds like it is going to be a terrific family event and I do hope there will be photos to share here with us. By the way, what do you think is the best way to enjoy our Mascot apple, the Duchess of Oldenburg? I know what I can read from John Bunker's book, but in real time and real experience with this particular tree, what have you discovered? Inquiring minds want to know all the delicious details!
I am happy to hear that you are finally seeing a bit of rain relief! Your bowl of fruits from your garden looks beautiful and there is nothing like fresh picked at the right time to maximize flavor.
Things are getting exciting out Idaho way for the Apple Pie Sunday weekend!
Speaking of Apple Pie Sunday, I just want to remind everyone that next Sunday, September 26 is our official Apple Pie Sunday celebration. I hope many Farmgirls are planning a new way to enjoy their favorite apples. Will it be sweet or savory? Just make what you find is best for you.. If you can, please drop a note here about what you decided to make and any other tidbits about the celebration or apples used that you would like to share.
I have this image in my mind that on our Apple Pie Sunday, all across this Nation and maybe Canada and Australia, wonderful apple based dish smells are filling up homes and perhaps wafting out windows. A perfect ending to a fun tradition we all enjoy every September.
I will be making some sort of apple pie but not sure exactly which one. Apple pie is a favorite of mine and since I don't eat it that often, I always enjoy it when I make one.
A few years back when I was visiting my older sister in northern Virginia, we went by a little local bakery in late September and they had these apple pies for sale. We bought one and it was wonderful with a perfect crust and sweetness. YUM!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| StitchinWitch |
Posted - Sep 18 2021 : 7:10:33 PM
Love your tent cabins! Enjoy that rain, too. We sure need more of it. Apple crisp with vanilla ice cream is probably our fave dessert.
Judith
7932 FGOTM 6/21
I'm old and I do wear purple |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Sep 18 2021 : 4:39:06 PM
MaryJane,
That sounds and looks like a wonderful place to relax and enjoy some time. I haven't had a chance to get out to see what apples are available at the farms here yet. Hoping to find some variety at the apple festival on Saturday next.
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured."
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| MaryJane |
Posted - Sep 18 2021 : 2:30:47 PM
Wouldn't that many people in one tree be a sight to see?
It's finally raining here today. Our rain average is 21 inches Jan. to Dec. So to date, we should have had 13.13. We've received 2.90 inches, two of those last Jan. and Dec.
Knowing/hoping some rain was coming I harvested most of my peaches last night (to let them ripen inside). A few minutes ago I went "grocery shopping" again, but this time in the rain (fabulous feeling), six different kinds of pears and some seedless sweet grapes.
For our Annual Farmgirl Apple Festival this year I'm going to have three of my new B&B tent cabins ready for occupancy ... by my family. For one of the dinners I'm going to create two large apple crisps ala ice cream in one of my new round wood stove ovens (pictured below). Besides bouquets of flowers to greet everyone, I'll put bowls of apples around with ID tags on them, a selection of apples from around the farm with enough for them to take home after our weekend festivities end (and some exotic nibble cheeses). This year I have two new varieties of apples, pink lady and honey crisp, and of course, some of our mascot apples, Duchess of Odenburg.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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| StitchinWitch |
Posted - Sep 17 2021 : 1:22:12 PM
It looks like it could e anytime up to 1910 or so; possibly even slaves? That is one big apple tree!
Judith
7932 FGOTM 6/21
I'm old and I do wear purple |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Sep 16 2021 : 2:39:29 PM
I love this old photo!! If you look closely, the apple ladders get very narrow at the top so that they can fit up into the limbs at the top and access the many apples. I also noticed that the women all have long dresses on so I am thinking it must be chelate 1890s and early 1900s? Anyone have a good guess as to when this photo might have been taken?
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| Killarney |
Posted - Sep 16 2021 : 10:46:15 AM
Picking Apples back in the Day!
Connie #3392 |
| wildflower17 |
Posted - Sep 16 2021 : 09:37:27 AM
I love the pictures you posted Winnie!!! I can't wait to see what everyone will make for Apple Pie Sunday!!! Please share some pictures and a recipe if you get a chance!!!
Hugs!
Judy
God Has Been So Good To Me!!!
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened"...
"Country Girl at Heart...Blessed Beyond Measure"!!!
Farm Girl #5440
Farm Girl of The Month September 2013 |
| StitchinWitch |
Posted - Sep 14 2021 : 5:48:14 PM
Pickled crab apples --Yum! You used to get them in restaurants you ordered pork chops but I haven't seen any in ages.
Judith
7932 FGOTM 6/21
I'm old and I do wear purple |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Sep 14 2021 : 10:18:11 AM
The apple festival here coincides with the our apple festival here. We will be going. Not sure what I am making for apple pie Sunday. Will get input from my farmboy for that one.
Awesome that we can watch our mascot each year to see how it changes!
~Denise
Sister #43~1/18/2007
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured."
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| YellowRose |
Posted - Sep 14 2021 : 09:56:55 AM
Winnie, she didn't mention any apple by name.
FarmGirl Hugs, Sara
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 2014
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015 & Feb 2019
Lord put your arm around my shoulders & your hand over my mouth.
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| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Sep 14 2021 : 09:00:58 AM
Sara, this is very interesting! Did she list the varieties that she likes? My understanding of Crabapples is that they are best for making jelly and also necessary for cross pollination of several varieties today like the Jonathan. In my book titled, The Best Apples to Buy and Grow, it talks about notes from Jamestown and Virginia by 1686. Apparently, John Smith brought over cuttings from English stock of many fruits, including apples and they were not well suited to the harsh winters and hot summers of Virginia compared to the weather in England. As knowledge grew about grafting, apples varieties that were more climate suited became the mainstay of every home and plantation . Cider was used to replace water at meals because water was easily contaminated from lack of understanding about human and animal waste disposal.
I also read that the French trappers , who were on the new continent ahead of the English, in New York, Canada, and northern parts of New England also brought apples over. Unbeknown to the Jamestown settlers, there were apples from France arriving. These apple trees grew from the seeds of the fruit and produced various varieties of apples. Apparently crabapple trees existed in both northern and southern areas of the territory we now know as the US. The local crabapple trees cross pollinated with the seedling trees and produced new varieties. Some were successful and useful and others were not. It wasn't until people began to understand that the key to apples that were both edible and good for cider came best from proper grafting. Through grafting, they could consistently grow apples that had adapted to the climate and were successful producers.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| YellowRose |
Posted - Sep 14 2021 : 07:49:09 AM
Winnie, I have a new book “Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management first published in 1861. Isabella Beeton wrote this about apples.
“The most useful of all the British fruits is the apple, which is a native of Britain, and may be found in woods and hedges, in the form of the common wild crab apple, of which all our best apples are merely seminal varieties, produced by culture or particular circumstances. In most temperate climates it is very extensively cultivated, and in England, both as regards variety and quantity, it is excellent and abundant. Immense supplies are also imported from the United States and France. The apples grown in the vicinity of New York are universally admitted to be the finest of any; but unless selected and packed with great care, they are apt to spoil before reaching England.”
I will be using her recipe for my Apple Pie Sunday pie with a few tweaks. It needs a little spicing up with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
FarmGirl Hugs, Sara
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 2014
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015 & Feb 2019
Lord put your arm around my shoulders & your hand over my mouth.
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| Dreamer42 |
Posted - Sep 10 2021 : 12:42:36 PM
Beautiful bushels of applies, Winnie!! LOVE!
Dreamer42
Farmgirl Sister #7038 |
| Killarney |
Posted - Sep 09 2021 : 4:22:01 PM
I love your pictures Winnie!
Mary Jane, Our mascot tree is beautiful! 
Such fun memories of the last 7years!
Connie #3392
Imagine.... |
| windypines |
Posted - Sep 09 2021 : 2:39:56 PM
I have been freezing apples the last couple days. I will be canning some apple pie filling, using MaryJanes recipe this year. easy way to have for pie or crisps.
Farming in WI
Michele
FGOTM June2019
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| nndairy |
Posted - Sep 09 2021 : 12:18:30 PM
My husband looks forward to apple pie Sunday too! Maybe almost as much as I do LOL!!!!
~Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
September 2014 Farmgirl of the Month
"The purpose of life is to enjoy every moment" - Yogi teabag
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| katmom |
Posted - Aug 31 2021 : 9:04:21 PM
OK Winnie,, my husband is looking forward to Sept 26th,, to heck with his diet,, he wants a pie or Apple Crisp..
Mary Jane We have been dealing with apple maggots for the past 3 years,, but with continued pruning and picking off curled leaves, cleaning up around the ground we noticed we have less loss due to maggots..
I am reluctant to use pesticides on our tree.. Do you have any other suggestions?
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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