A favorite tradition in the Jones Family is that of making apple cider. It started with my husband’s family when he was growing up. His mom owned an antique oak cider press, and made use of it. I have known her to produce up to 100 gallons of cider in one season! Of all the things we have inherited from Blair’s family, the cider press is a true treasure. My husband is a lover of all things growing, and at the very top of the list are apple trees. We have 7 of them and they are strong, mature, and productive because of his care and nurturing.
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| Our daughter Elissa pauses to snack on an apple. |
Our Mantet Apple Tree is an early producer and is the best for making cider. Since the apples have been dropping for over a week now, we knew it was time; so yesterday was the designated day. We awoke to a pristine Montana morning—it would be a perfect day to make cider. Cider day is a big day and a fun day. Family members and friends are invited to help. Everyone who participates goes home with cider.
My husband and I got up early to set everything out and to make ready. By the time the others arrived, we had a batch of apples cut and ready to grind. We use old washtubs to wash the apples. Quartering them makes them easier to grind.
Next the apples are put into the press and ground to pulp.
When the basket is full, we crank the press, and then it happens!
Liquid gold begins to flow into a large cake pan.
We give a cheer as the reward of our efforts pours out. We love the very sight of it. When it is full, we pour it into a crock with a spicket, straining it through cheesecloth to collect any pulp. Then we pour it into gallon or half gallon jugs which we have been saving all summer for this very occasion!
Of course, everyone has to have a sample.
Next the apples are put into the press and ground to pulp.
When the basket is full, we crank the press, and then it happens!
Liquid gold begins to flow into a large cake pan.
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| My sweet husband Blair takes pride in the rewards of his hard work! |
Of course, everyone has to have a sample.
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| Nothing like fresh cider from your own apple tree! |
We freeze the cider and enjoy it all year as hot apple cider on chilly evenings, juice for breakfast, and in many recipes that call for apple cider. I have a wonderful stew recipe that calls for cider. Perhaps you will see it in a future blog!
Cider day reminds us that fall is approaching. (Blair and I love fall the best). It reminds us that it is worth it to work hard, to keep doing things together as family, and to enjoy the fruit of our labors.
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| The finished product! |
Wish you were here to have a taste!
RomaLee
Hello Dear, Special Friend,
ReplyDeleteHow did you know that this uplifting, happy pictures with the family being together would be just what I need. Truly, I do thank you. The family tradition being passed on is truly precious. Daughter Lori left yesterday afternoon (9-10-11) after being home for two weeks. Neither of us had we in the best of health to Glacier as first intended when she arrived; so then we changed plans with just the two of us going south to Red Lodge then on to Cooke City...we did some site seeing... appreciating the fact that the busy season was was behind us leaving us to wonder around without the fast pushing and shoving. As you may know about me – when there if a crowd – I always go the other way. There is never a bargain in any store that I have to have which would require me to stand an wait just to be As you stated about Autumn being your favorite season, so it is with me. I love driving south through the trees, actually any directions that allows me to see the glory of God’s handiwork.
I truly do love and appreciate you and yours – our relationship is means more to me then “oh she is just a neighbor! I think you know what I mean. So I will not get carried away.
Give us a ‘HEADS UP’ NEXT YEAR SO WE CAN COME DOWN TO HELP WITH THE WORK.
Mountain Matters is my up-lifting matter that I wait for each time you share with me. Thank you. Big Hugs, I’ll try to reach out soon to stay in touch. Thank you, As Always Love and hugs, Wanda