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!!

10 comments:

A Heron's View said...

These apple pies look simply delicious Gwen. I used to make them myself, alas I have had to give up on apples and on pastry too and that saddens me a little :-(

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks Mel, but couldn't you have just a little piece every once in a while.

Faye Henry said...

What a great girl you are, Gwen.. I think I could smell the lovely fragrance all the way to my house.. smile.. I always add a speck of vanilla to my apples.. I don't know why.. I wanted to go see the lovely farm as your words were so descriptive.. xoxo

Gwen Buchanan said...

Oh Faye.. Vanilla.. ahh.. I'm going to add a little dash of that next time for sure. I wish I had taken a picture of his wonderful apple orchard. I never thought to take my camera.. I am one of those old fashioned folks who has never owned a cell phone.. I can see the benefits at times to have a camera on the ready.. Since we picked our apples a month ago, I'll have to wait till next year now so I can get a pic with all the leaves on. or maybe in the spring when the blossoms are blooming. oh for sure the blossoms!!! xo

WILDSIDE said...

Beautiful apples, beautiful pie! I think I can almost smell your new little old house now! Very homey.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks Wildside.. it's coming along. a little progress and reward each day.

Guillaume said...

I'm not into apple pies but this one looks delicious.

Gwen Buchanan said...

They were Guillaume.Delicious!

George said...

My favorite! These look great, Gwen.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Glad to hear they are favourite of yours too George! It felt like a reward when we sat down to have a piece.