Peaches in the Summertime, Apples in the Fall...
It's that magical time of year between seasons--hot summer days, cool nights and mornings, and that always means harvest time. This year our garden is still a wee little thing, since we planted in July, but we are getting a really nice harvest of lettuce, spinach, chard and herbs. I have loved my two basil plants this year--they have been very productive--and have been putting basil into everything I can think of. Mmmmmmm, it is so fresh and delicious. We also have mint, oregano, cilantro (didn't do too well, sadly), and curry!
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| Basil left, oregano top, mint right--can you smell them?? |
We got some peaches from BC that were SOOOO good. Pretty close to Utah peaches actually, if that's possible. :-) I froze most of them for smoothies and pies later in the year, but we ate a ton of them. So juicy, fresh, and we didn't lose a single one to bruises or rot.
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| A peach, eating a peach--I love the nose wrinkle |
My friend has three apple trees in her backyard, and she invited us over to pick the other day. We came home with three huge boxes full. I decided since most of them are pretty small, to juice them and freeze the juice. It was fun to work with Will on doing that. We were amazed at the thick "foam" that settled on the top of every pitcher. We scooped it off and put it in the compost, and then poured the juice through a sieve before freezing it. I also sliced up about 20 cups worth for future apple crisp. Can't wait for that. :-)
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| Will loved shoving the apples through this machine of magic |
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| The sweet cider is on the bottom, then the layer of "silt" and the foam. Very interesting. |
For President Monson's birthday the boys and I decided to attempt the famous 3-layer tri-colored cake recipe that was in the Friend for August. This is the result. I do not have three circle pans, so I had to improvise and use pie pans, which worked pretty well, but the layers were fairly thin. I think it looks a bit like a mud pie, but the boys said they liked it!
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| I used the primary colors--course, red looks pink. Maybe a thicker icing next time? If there is a next time. |
You are so awesome! Homemade cider?!?! I wish I could have some. How did you know what to do? Your herbs look lovely too. Don't you think everything tastes so much better in summer and fall because of them? I dread the winter when my herbs are gone. I try to dry/freeze some, but it's just not the same. And your cake! It's beautiful! I've only made a layer cake once, maybe twice, in my life. They are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI love your sweet helpful boys, and give poor Tommy a kiss on the nose for me :(
Miss you dearie! Wish I were there to benefit from one of those apple crisps . . . :)
Looks amazing, Rach!! Wish I could be there to try all those delectables! :)
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