Saturday, November 12, 2016

Cortlands Make the Best Apple Pie

 We have been living at the "new" old homestead for 8 weeks now.  Can't believe the last year has gone so fast.  When will it slow down. 
 I remember when I was a kid, how long the days were... they seemed to drag on forever.
 Not anymore!

So if that's the way it's gonna be, we have to do as much as possible in these new very short days!!
...and one thing I wanted to do was to go picking apples.. 
yes I know we should have been working on house projects, finishing up outside things before winter ...but when Apple time is calling, I am going to answer.

Beautiful big box of Cortlands.. My favourite kind! 

We went down to the nearest Orchard, the one that I pass every time I go to the Post Office to mail a jewelry order out. The fellow who owns it is Mr. Doucette.  He's a super nice older gentleman, tall and lean.. with big glasses and a floppy hat.

He has the most beautiful orchard you ever saw. It is up a very long, very steep, very narrow, winding driveway... almost an adventure just heading up the hill to his farm... but when you are there, you're surrounded with all the bounty of Nature. His orchard is huge... rows upon rows... they were loaded down with fruit... and so well cared for, it was a pleasure to  gather apples there.  He had Pears and Plums earlier in the season, too.

So some peeling, some slicing,, some cinnamon, brown sugar, dabs of butter, sprinkles of lemon juice, good stir and the filling was ready. Smelled so good!

 Mixed up the pie crust... love the old pastry blender I found at a flea market.

Found my favourite long round rolling pin.. Such a cool wooden tool. last forever, it will.

 Finally rolling out the crust time.  I use Lard in my crust

...made enough for 3 pies ...tops and bottoms.
Popped them in the oven and cooked them about 35+ minutes at 350 deg..  but always test for the temperature of your own oven. 


I might have scorched them a bit on the bottom as I'm not quite used to this oven yet
but they tasted great!! 
The fragrance that filled the room was well worth it..
 I wish I could bottle it!!