Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Sunday afternoon, we went to Isom Orchards in Athens, Alabama, because the apples are ready. We met Baby Boy there and got to spend some time with him.  We sampled some apples and brought a few home with us. The apples are so good!  I think I'm tasting sunshine. . .

Johnny Appleseed (real name John Chapman) died on this day in 1845. During his lifetime, he planted apple trees.   I recall a story about him in elementary school, where he was depicted as a wild man wearing a pot on his head and randomly throwing apple seeds.  In fact, he planted nurseries with fences to protect the little trees, and left them in care of an able nurseryman before he moved on.  He introduced apple trees to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The book also failed to mention that he was a missionary for The New Church during his travels, sowing the gospel along with the apple seeds. I'm thankful for the work he did.  For one reason, apples are my favorite fruit and have innumerable health benefits. Another reason is that I admire people who are willing do a job just because it is needed. My favorite apples are the Golden Delicious that can be found in Western North Carolina in the fall.  There is something about that m...

When we stay in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we always eat at the Apple Barn. Everyone is served these apple fritters with apple butter.  They are wonderful.  Their other food is good, but nothing extraordinary. We love it because it is such a beautiful and unique place. They were decorated for fall when we were there a couple of weeks ago. They have a general store where everything is apple based, a winery, a Christmas store, a candy store, and a place where you can watch them make fantastic fried apple pies.  And they have apples.  Lots and lots of apples. The best thing about our last visit is that we got to share the time with good friends. Are you hungry yet?

When the first cool night shows up in September, I start craving apple cake.  My mama always made apple pies, and if I ever learn to make them like she did, I'll post it here.  I cannot remember her making apple cakes.  After Hub and I married, I learned that his mother was an expert at making apple cakes, and I was instantly hooked.  Of course, this cake can be made all year long, but they just seem better in the fall. Here's how I do it. You will need 1.5 cups of vegetable oil, 2 cups white sugar, 3 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring, 2.5 cups plain flour, 1 cup pecan pieces, 3 cups finely chopped peeled apples (Granny Smith if you have them), 2 teaspoons cinnamon.  Grease a Bundt pan and turn oven on at 350 degrees. Mix the sugar, oil, and eggs together. Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together; add to the egg mixture.  Mix. I buy pecans ...