Design Crafters

Thinking ahead is a great way to create a low stress holiday season. I am ordering some of our photo holiday cards, which I will personalize with a picture of me in the garden or with some of the apples I have harvested.

Another way to plan ahead is to preserve seasonal produce and give away at Thanksgiving, Hannukah or Christmas. One of my favorite is homemade applesauce. Now is the perfect time to harvest apples and get them in the pot for a quick side or gift. Here’s how it works:

If you have an apple tree, like I do, then you have an over abundance of apples right now. Pick a couple of bucketfulls and bring them inside to clean. Get a large stock pot and put it on the stove.

Clean and slice the apples…cutting the core out and removing the seeds. Place them in the stock pot, adding a bit of apple juice or water to prevent burning.

Add your favorite apple pie spices, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and sugar to taste. When the apples have cooked until soft, add to food processor and pulse until smooth. Preserve in traditional cans, setting aside until November and December.

When the start of the holiday season rolls around, pull out the jars and add festive tags, ribbons or recipe cards. Combine with a photo holiday card depicting the apples (or you!) and you  have an awesome, personalized gift!