Good things come to those who wait!

YES, it took 9 hours to make Apple Butter this past weekend! But it was sooooo worth it.

My mom was here for a visit and we cut up 25 Stayman Winesap Apples from Carver's Orchard. The Stayman Winesap Apple has a smooth, waxy finish and a firm, crisp flesh and a delightfully sweet flavor with just a hint of tartness.


We simmered the apple pieces in a large pot on the stove along with 3 tbs. pure vanilla extract, 3 tbs. finely ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. ground nutmeg, and 1.5 cups of granulated white sugar, stirring often with a wooden spoon.

There is no need to "mash" the apples at any time, since over the course of the day, they will begin to mix on their own and turn into an applesauce texture with the stirring. We kept the lid on during the first 8 hours in order to keep the mixture from sticking to the bottom.

The last hour or so, the lid needs to stay off, since you'll be stirring practically constantly since the apple butter will be thickening.









Make sure to sterilize your Mason jars and lid in boiling water or in the dishwasher (dry lids quickly so they don't rust).

Blast From the Past !

OMG, I just spoke with Val... after all these years!! Val was my partner in crime in high school. I have missed her soooo much... there have been a million times I just wanted to hear her voice! Iiece of freedom. At the time, we thought school was such a prison and now, I wish I could go back just for one day (and have my old body back too) !! And our bud, Jon D. would ride around with us making us laugh.. I remember Spring Break and paper bunny ears !!!



It has been probably 18 years since I have seen Val... our freshmen year of college we wrote tons of letters back and forth, she was at mercer and I was at montevallo at the time. I still have those letters and read them occassionally...

Today is a good, NO, AWESOME day! I cannot wait to catch up with her and hear all about her life and babies and yada yada.. we will have to have timers so w want to jump up and down ! This girl could make me laugh so hard...

Val was so goofy sometimes, we would act silly and people would think we were crazy... Val had a beautiful navy blue/ white top convertible restored bug in high school... Senior Year, we occassionally left during lunch and took a joy ride to taco bell or mickeyD's, or wherever just to get a small pe can take turns talking (we both like to talk) lol.. tears of joy, I tell ya