What Can You Do With All Those Fall Apples?
When your child started kindergarten, one of the first historical people they learned about was John Chapman, better known as . Chapman was known for traveling across the country helping pioneers plant apple trees. And, since apples are harvested in the late summer or early autumn, they are a common theme for a child’s first year of public school.
Apples are one of the most versatile fruits known to man, and have been for a good part of recorded history. There are so many things that can be done with apples, it’s no wonder people believe Eve gave Adam an apple in the Garden of Eden. Apples are so popular in fact; apple pie recipes are often handed down through generations. They are served at family reunions and during the holidays all around the world.
Here’s an Apple Pie recipe you’re sure to enjoy making as much as you do eating.
Old Fashioned Apple Pie (Save time by purchasing ready-made crusts)
Ingredients
2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts
7 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter
To prepare this pie, begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the apples, sugar, flour, and spices, stirring gently. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crusts and dot with butter. Place the top crust on the pie, and cut holes in the top for ventilation. Bake for ten minutes at 425 degrees, and then turn the temperature down to 275-300 degrees. Allow the pie to bake for an additional 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let the pie cool and then serve. Add a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Besides using them in pies, fresh cider, and eaten raw, you may also use apples as a decoration around the home. After drying apple slices, you may string them on a piece of jute to create a garland, or add the dried slices to a wreath that hangs on the front door. You can also make ornaments out of applesauce and cinnamon.
Apple Cinnamon Ornaments
Ingredients
3/4 cup ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons ground cloves
1 cup applesauce
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon nutmeg
1/8 or 1/4 inch ribbon
In a small bowl, mix the applesauce and spices, stirring until the mixture makes a dough. Roll the dough out between sheets of wax paper. Using a cookie cutter, cut out the designs you like, and then set them aside. Roll out the leftovers and cut out until all of the dough is gone. Poke a hole in the shape to accept the ribbon. Let the ornaments dry four to five days, uncovered, and undisturbed. Place the ribbon through the hole and then hang the ornament to leave a pleasant scent. Store the ornaments in a zip-top bag.
Apples, with 7,000 varieties, are one of the most well-known fruits. They can be used in myriad recipes and can even be used in non-cooking methods. Now is the time to get some – cooked or raw, food or craft – apples are truly a fruit to enjoy.
Original APPLE iPod NANO 2-In-1 USB Data Hotsync Cable | US $4.49 End Date: Tuesday Oct-07-2008 2:17:58 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.49 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Original APPLE iPod NANO 2-In-1 USB Data Hotsync Cable
 | US $4.49 End Date: Tuesday Oct-07-2008 2:18:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.49 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
1 Silicon Case Protective Skin Cover for Apple iPhone
 | US $4.99 End Date: Tuesday Oct-07-2008 2:18:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
1 Silicon Case Protective Skin Cover for Apple iPhone
 | US $4.99 End Date: Tuesday Oct-07-2008 2:18:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Holiday Gift Giving: Are You Ready?
With the holidays fast approaching, have you made a plan? If not, it’s time to do it right away.
A Tasteful Gift has a large variety of Holiday Gifts, where you can go for ideas for all your family. Even if you don’t buy now, make a list, and tape it to your fridge, or bathroom mirror, so you’ll remember when it’s time to order.
If you need a fruit basket for a sick loved one, or as a hostess gift, A Tasteful Gift has a special going on until November 1, 2007, for 10% off. Just enter code ATGF1107 while checkling out, and your 10% will be deducted automatically.
How to Winterize Your Car
Your automobile is one of the most expensive purchases you will make, outside of your home. So, if you plan on keeping your car in top working order, winterizing your car each year is a must. The following tips will help you know what you need to do to winterize your car before the cold weather arrives.
Change your oil –Change the oil from 10W-30 during the summer to 5W-30 in the winter. If you’re not sure whether to change the oil, check your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. Most vehicles call for an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles.
Check your antifreeze – Before the weather changes too much and the temperature drops too far, check the antifreeze in your cooling system to ensure that the ratio is around 60% coolant and 40% water. Check your owner’s manual or ask a local mechanic to find the correct mixture needed for your area’s winter conditions.
Check the battery – Prior to winter, inspect the battery, cables, terminals, and fluid levels. Look for tight terminal connections and make sure the cables don’t have cracks or breaks. Check the level of water in the battery cells. If the water is below the cap, refill it with distilled water, but do this while the engine is off. Verify the age of your battery, if the battery is getting close to its expected life, go ahead and replace it.
Test the belts – Check all of the belts and hoses to ensure they’re not loose or cracked. A loose belt could be all that keeps you from your destination. A blown hose may also set your planned trip back.
Do you need snow tires? – If you live in an area that you’ll need snow tires, you have some options. All-season tires are available, as well as chains that you can purchase rather than having to replace all four tires. If you live in an area where there is a lot of snow, consider trading out your summer tires for snow tires. Just don’t forget to change them back in the spring.
Locks and keys – Make sure the lock system is working well. If you do get locked out, you can purchase a glycerine product to de-ice the locks. Keep a couple handy, just in case you find yourself locked out this winter.
Keep an emergency kit handy – While no one wants to ever find themselves in need of one, it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. The following items are good to keep in your car in case of an emergency: Flares, blankets, wind-up radio, wind-up flashlight, a change of clothes, a pair of heavy boots and gloves, and a box of non-perishable food and water.
If you take the time to winterize your car before you need to have it done, you’re going to be a step ahead of those who wait too long. You’ll be prepared in case your vehicle breaks down. Planning ahead and choosing to winterize your car at the end of the summer will help your car remain safe and reliable throughout the cold winter months.
