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While I was on vacation it seems a bear (or two?) came by and cleaned all the apples off my trees, breaking most of the branches in the process. They left neat piles of cores and peelings under the tree and also their scat, which is how I know it was a bear(s). So I had to find other apple trees to make applesauce this year, and my son found a tree next to a railroad track that was loaded. I went there and got a great haul of apples. There’s nothing quite like home-made apple sauce!!! 
ziza 7:08 am on November 12, 2009 | #
Yet another beauty collection!
trebor61 10:34 am on November 12, 2009 | #
These are so nice. The bears obviously were waiting for you to leave. Crafty things.
roseindigo 11:23 am on November 12, 2009 | #
When there’s no activity around a place they do come by for whatever food they find, and apples are one of their favorite foods. But a few weeks ago my little dog chased a young medium-sized bear up the hill behind the house. We were out walking and it’s a good thing I saw it before she did and it’s a good thing she is an obedient little dog because she came back as soon as I called her. One swipe of a bear paw (even though it wasn’t a full-grown one) and that might have been the end of her. So I praised her extra special for coming back so nicely when I called her, and we were both happy. It was likely the same bear that stole my apples in retaliation.
Nikira 11:57 am on November 12, 2009 | #
Wonderful page and story. We have two apple trees which refuse to grow and wild apple trees. I never had home-made apple sauce, sounds delicious.
renefijten 3:25 pm on November 12, 2009 | #
Great drawing, very precise. Great story as well. Bears…
mono 3:45 am on November 13, 2009 | #
i love your studies. nice to look at and informatory.
Andrew Spanoudakis 5:18 am on November 13, 2009 | #
nice grouping of found objects,,,especially like the dried flower buds
roseindigo 10:44 am on November 13, 2009 | #
Thanks all!
Nikira, applesauce is very simple. Peel the apples, cut them up and core them. Then put them in a pot with about 4 tbsp of lemon juice. Use low heat and let them cook until soft. Mash them with a fork (I like some chunks) I add sugar and cinnamon after the apples are cooked, and taste it to check the sweetening. After it cools I ladle it into containers and put it in the freezer. Another wonderful food during the dark months of winter when you need a reminder that it won’t always be dark and dreary.
I usually peel the apples while I sit in front of the fire and watch a movie.
j. stremikis 11:55 am on November 13, 2009 | #
Nikira (and RoseIndigo) -
Yes, applesauce is very simple - eaten fresh, or canned or frozen. Maybe it’s
the simplicity that makes it such a comfort food — or, as you say, a reminder
that it won’t always be a dark and dreary season.
We had applesauce last night - I took 2 apples, cut them, then core, peel and
slice into thick slices.
I put these slices right into the small roasting pan, right alongside the evening
meal (roasting chicken pieces, for example).
On top of the apple slices, I add a small amount of brown sugar, and a light
sprinkle of Vietnamese cinnamon - and a few dried cranberries, a few raisins,
and some chopped pecan nuts.
The main idea here is that the applesauce is quick and easy to prepare on the spot, and at the point of need. It goes very very well with chicken, pork, as well as tofu or vegetable roasts, and made right in the pan.
Roseindigo’s recipe is the best - and applesauce in any shape or form is very cozy and comforting - our local custom is to serve it warm - or hot - and from the freezer, we always re-warm it. Sprinkle of brown sugar, sprinkle of Chinese cassia or Vietnamese cinnamon -
The warm applesauce also goes very very well with good vanilla ice cream.
Applesauce and rice is a tasty main course.
Nikira 8:12 pm on November 13, 2009 | #
Wow, cool! Thank you. I just bake em with skin and sugar. Or i add when cook meat, but i am the only one who eats it. My favorite is whole apple baked in dough from jewish bakery on Ave J. I use to buy so much of it that they knew my name whenever I call to order for myself and friends. Polish cook did it. But now they closed for renovation or who knows what… I’ll try it Rose, sounds delicious.