Howdy Sugar Pies! My goodness, it seems like the leaves changed colors overnight! This was the view from my back deck yesterday. The late afternoon sun covered the Ozark hills with such a radiant golden glow it looked like an oil painting!
For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
~Folliot S. Pierpoint (1835-1917)
The street in front of my farmhouse
We also got quite a drenching the other night. It’s such a delicious feeling when chilly autumn winds begin to howl outside the windows and dark clouds gather overhead dropping buckets-full of rain when you’re snuggled all safe, warm, and cozy inside enjoying a steaming bowl of hearty soup by firelight.
It’s chill November weather,
But the firelight’s on the wall.
Home, dear home, is best of all, let’s thank God together.
~Henry Alford 1950
Image by artist John Sloane
It’s that glorious time of year when the sweet smell of burning leaves and wood smoke are swirling heavenward in the apple-crisp air (Oh my! I love it so much I want to marry it!) Folks are raking up their yards and stacking chopped wood in piles in preparation for when Ol’ Jack Frost stops by for a long winter visit. This is just one of the endearing delights of small-town America!
Local farm stands offer produce at it’s freshest! Sweet, crisp apples were on my shopping list to take home to simmer up a batch of old fashioned Apple Butter. On my last post I featured a sweet gal named Phyllis at Silver Dollar City who was one of the Harvestfest crafters demonstrating the art of apple butter making. I was so inspired I decided to try it myself…
I always like to start any project by creating a happy home atmosphere. When I’m going to be cooking I begin by putting on a cute apron with a flour sack towel tucked in at the waist so that I’m able to wipe my hands quickly when needed. I also make sure my kitchen is clean and clutter free. Lighting a candle makes the room feel cozy and putting on some happy-home music encourages a merry heart. (The music I play ranges from Bluegrass to Classical to Doris Day to The Gaither’s Southern Gospel to Bing Crosby Christmas to whatever tickles my fancy!(…oh yes I said Christmas! It’s my favorite kind of music so why only listen to it in December?) I’ve found that “setting the stage” by intentionally nurturing a happy atmosphere almost always results in an enjoyable and even festive experience. Having things in order, the counters cleared off and plenty of time set aside for the task, makes for a more cheerful mama. And a cheerful mama is the best kind to be… all children everywhere I’m sure would wholeheartedly agree! (Hey! That rhymes! LOL!) You know what Sugar Pies? Every day we are making memories with our family…happy or sad…whether we want to or not. Let’s do our best to make home sweet for our dear loved ones! I love what Barbara Johnson said “For all of us, today’s experiences are tomorrow’s memories.” Let’s sprinkle those everyday memories with lots of joy!
Now, with my apples freshly scrubbed I’m ready to put up some downhome apple butter.
My white enamel-topped farm table made the perfect apple peeling station. I found that three bowls were needed to keep things in order and tidy. One bowl held the washed apples, the second bowl held the peels and cores, and the third bowl was filled with the sliced apples.
This handy old-timey apple peeler made the job a breeze! In fact my daughter Summer (age 12) wanted to take over for me. She was amazed at how fast it worked and how much fun it was! It peels, cores and slices all at the same time with just a few turns of the handle! It’s also perfect for when you are making apple pies, crisps and cobblers. You can use it to peel potatoes too! This particular model has a suction mount that adheres to smooth surfaces. (It held very strong onto my enamel table. I believe it would also work well on any slick surface such as granite, tile and formica.) 
Of course you can also sit and relax with a bowl on your lap and peel the apples like farm women have done for years.
The wonderful thing about this recipe is that you cook it in a slow cooker! I can’t believe how easy it is. You can make simple apple sauce this way too. By the way, if you are not familiar with apple butter,( it was new to me until I moved to the Ozarks), it does not have any dairy butter in it. It’s basically a highly concentrated form of apple sauce that is cooked for a longer period of time, causing the sugar to caramelize and turn the apple butter a nice golden brown. It’s a delicious fruit preserve that you can spread on bread, biscuits, pancakes, even drizzle on ice cream. In many parts of the country apple butter making is a family event and is usually cooked in large copper kettles over an open fire. You can cook it on the stove top, but would have to stir often so it wouldn’t scorch, or in the oven. I like the simplicity of the slow cooker. Oh my, the aroma of apples and cinnamon goodness will fill your home for hours!
Aunt Ruthie’s Candy Apple Butter
1 gallon of peeled, cored and sliced apples
1 cup fresh apple cider
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon Red Hots cinnamon candies (if you don’t have these then put another 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in its place…it will still taste delicious!)
Give it a good stir, put the lid on:
For fast cooking turn on High for 6 hours.
For slower cooking turn on low for 10-12 hours.
Stir occasionally during the cooking process. Once the apples have cooked down and have become soft use a hand held Immersion Blender to puree the apples into a smooth sauce right in the slow cooker pot…and you’ve got Aunt Ruthie’s Candy Apple Butter! Then make some biscuits or toast to spread it on and enjoy!
You can make applesauce this way too. Just reduce the amount of sugar to 1 or two tablespoons (or leave it out completely) add the cinnamon, apple cider and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. You really can’t mess it up, it’s so easy and delicious!
I loved Phyllis’ idea of using the cinnamon candies in the apple butter. Along with the yummy taste it also gives the apple butter a rosy hue which is so pretty.
An Immersion Blender made all the difference in the texture of the apple butter. I use mine often to make my soups and sauces creamy and smooth.
The apple butter recipe makes 5 pints. I sterilized the jars in boiling water, filled and sealed them with lids and gave the jars a 10 minute boiling water bath so I could give as gifts or store in my pantry.
Rosy red apples are good to eat
and Mama’s apple butter is always a treat!
A rule of thumb that I read about is if a spoon can stand up on its own in the apple butter, then it’s ready.
By the way Sugar Pie Sistas…for those of you who ordered the cookbook by Phyllis, the Apple Butter Queen from Silver Dollar City (that I talked about on the post before this one), she sent me a message that she is printing up a new batch of cookbooks ( they sold out ) and they will be ready to ship to you in a few weeks. She thanks you kindly for your orders!
This fall start the tradition of singing the Johnny Appleseed song at the dinner table and you’ll harvest happy memories and lots of laughter!
The Johnny Appleseed story is a great one to read to your kids and grandkids! Amazon has several versions, I have this one with the charming illustrations of Will Moses.
There are so many opportunities to make happy family memories during the fall season…come see the memories we made…
We headed down to McKenna’s farm in search of the perfect pumpkin, ride the hayride and journey through their winding cornfield maze…
My daughter Ashley, hubby Glen and the cutest little pumpkin in the whole wide world came too! I have to say this is one AdOrAbLe family!
There he is! My perfect pumpkin! Oh HoNEy!
Oh my goodness…what a butterball of love that boy is!
Good Ol’ Johnny Appleseed, a friend of the creatures
and the birds in the trees. He was a barefoot friend of the pioneer, good Ol’ Johnny Appleseed!
~Ron Brown
I like his “big boy” pants! And those toes need lots and lots and lots of kissin’!
What a darlin’! That’s my Johnny boy wearing a pumpkin hat from his adoring Grammie!
Sisters bein’ silly!
Oh look! There’s a pumpkin in the corn patch!
You know you’re lookin’ at a new daddy when you see a burp cloth hangin’ out of his back pocket!
Johnny’s first glimpse at a pig! I’ve already been singin’ Old Mac Donald’s farm song to him…now he can see for himself that a pig really goes “oink oink!”
Johnny WAS. NOT. HAPPY. about looking like a princess!
His daddy Glen had to grin and bear it…I do have to say he does look good in pink though!
It doesn’t take much to make a happy memory, and the benefits will last a lifetime!
Well, darlin’s Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Can you believe it?!
I’ve already begun to stock my pantry with some of the dry goods I’ll be needing for Thanksgiving dinner. If you start now and purchase a few ingredients each week, then it will be so much easier on the budget. Start by pulling out your recipes to make a menu and market list. Carry it in your purse or Planner Notebook so you’ll have it to refer to and check off next time you go to the grocery store. You may also want to have on hand extra Aluminum foil, plastic baggies, plastic wrap and food storage containers for leftovers. Here are a few items that I have on my list just to get you started:
Spices, Sage, Bayleaf, Rosemary, Thyme, Poultry Seasoning
Salt and Peppercorns
Canned Cranberries
Canned Pumpkin
Granulated Sugar
Powdered Sugar
Brown Sugar
Flour
Pecans
Walnuts
Butter Cake Mix
Chicken Broth
Sparkling Cider
Candies
Pickles, Olives
Condiments for leftover sandwiches, Mustard, Mayo
Marshmallows
Hot Cocoa Mix
Coffee Creamer
Evaporated Milk
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Whipping Cream
Food Storage Containers
Paper goods
Frozen Turkey ( This week I’ll be cleaning out my freezer to make room for a turkey. My grocery store will have a sale soon, so I want to be ready).
Thanksgiving 101 is a great book and will tell you everything you need to know about cooking a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner with all of the trimmings! From how to roast a moist and flavorful turkey, mouthwatering savory stuffing, pan gravy 101 to desserts and yummy meals to cook with the leftovers. He also has several pages with questions and answers. Just read all the 5 star comments on Amazon!
Thanksgiving: A Time To Remember: Written by Barbara Rainey of Family Life Today. It’s a treasury of our American heritage and history of how Thanksgiving Day came to be. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to enrich your family’s awareness of our nation’s Christian heritage, provide models of courage and sacrifice for your children, and establish a tradition of sharing your gratefulness with one another, which will build a legacy of memories for the future.” ~Family Life
Now is the time to start preparing for a wonderful Thanksgiving day!
My perfect pumpkin!
Bless you Sugar Pies! I always love reading your comments and appreciate them so very much! Y’all are such a blessing to me!
May the good Lord bless you and keep you real good!
Hugs!
Aunt Ruthie
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oh my goodness…your post is so full of good things. I LOVE apple butter….but I always bought it at the store. My favorite way to enjoy apple butter is on a toasted English muffin, with a little bit of salted butter…then a nice thick layer of apple butter on top…oh, so yummy.
It’s funny you mentioned Johnny Appleseed…because I remember learning about this gentleman’s story when I was really little in grade school. Disney had an animated film about him too!!! I remember that very well…and I enjoyed that film very much!!!
Oh, LOVED the pumpkin patch and the corn maze. Your family is beautiful…and your grandson…well, he is such a sweet little g uy :) :) You have every reason to be proud :) :) Have a lovely week. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
These pictures are wonderful! Love the beauty of Fall, and your grandson is such a sweetheart! How very blessed you are! I enjoy reading your lovely posts. They always make me smile. The apple butter looks so yummy, I’ll have to try that with my girls. Have a wonderful evening!
Many Blessings,
Jill
Aunt Ruthie,
I could almost smell the apple butter with your pictures! I did not get to make a trip to SDC this fall and I felt like you gave us a grand tour of the Ozarks.
If you really like Christmas/Bluegrass music, you really need to listen to Christmas with the Waltons. You know, the Waltons on TV in the 80’s? You will LOVE it! I am a Santa artist and I play it year round. Its even got a Judy Garland song. But my favorite is one about a upside down APPLESAUCE CAKE. LOL It is such a rare CD, it makes you feel as though you have been sitting by the fireside talking with all of them. Please find it if you can! You might want to pull out that fiddle and play along!
Little Johnny Angel is growing like a weed. I think the picture of his dad with the burp cloth is priceless!!! Hope you gave him lots of kisses and 3 gentle squeezes, for I- Love- You.
Got to get back to those Santa Claus’s
Blessings,Becky R
That’s a pretty cute pumpkin in your pumpkin patch! Grands are just , well, grand aren’t they? This is my very favorite time of the year and it is so much fun to read your posts and see how much you enjoy it too! I opened the Christmas potpourri tonight and oh my ~ that’s what heaven smells like for sure! Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Ozarks with us …. God bless you and your family.
As always, your post makes me smile. Oh how I love the view you have from your home and your little Grandson is darling. You and your family live life to the fullest and with lots of love and it shows. Thank you for sharing! Kit
I loved getting to see the view from your back deck. Once again you made my day! Isn’t fall grand! I am thrilled you had such great success at making homemade candy apple butter. Wish I could taste some right now on a hot biscuit. Thanks too for sharing the photos from your family outting to the pumpkin patch. Oh my, your little Johnny is so cute. Loved his little pumpkin hat too. Have a great week end.
Love from Texas,
Donna
That is the cutest little boy! He looks about the age of my newest grand daughter. Looks like a real fun day at the pumpkin patch and that apple butter…YUM…I can just taste it! I love Thanksgiving too..but this year is not our year, so all the kids will be going to the in-laws. So that means my hubbie and I get to take off and stay over together! Come say hi..I would love your visit! ;D
Howdy Cuz, It’s 4 am and I’m having a cup of hot lemon tea… wondering why I’m Soooo awake. Thanks to your amazing site I’m cracking up. Amen aka Armand…. SOOOO funny! I’ve got my winter puzzle out- great winter scene… that will probably take until Jan 1st to complete. I love having it sitting out for all to Join in and help with (5000 pieces! YIKES). My little pumpkins, fall leaves and Cinnamon Spice candles are lightly decorating my home… thanks for all your inspiration. Ciao and God(a) Bless.
Loved my visit to Branson this morning! The new GRANDbaby is adorable, lots of memories in the making. They grow up fast, don’t have to tell YOU that! I’m stockpiling too for Winter, it comes howling in here tonight in NW Arkansas.
I love the photos from your pumpkin patch visit! My daughters work at a local corn maze during the summer and fall season – this is their last week!
Thanks for sharing about using the slow cooker/crockpot to make applesauce! I have been wanting to do make some and thinking I am too busy, but this method would work for me!
Aunt Ruthie,
I always love reading your blog! Love your pictures too! I’d love to try the apple butter and would LOVE to be preparing for Thanksgiving day, but we’re in the midst of moving. We’re leaving Italy :( and heading for New Mexico. We’ll fly to Baltimore, then drive to New Mexico.
Thanks to your blog, we’ll be stopping in Branson, Missouri along the way. We’ll be there for Thanksgiving, in fact! We can’t wait to see Silver Dollar City and explore Branson!
Thank you for all the sweet pictures of your family with Johnny included. Oh my! He has grown so big and handsome. Yes, I voted. Not a problem at all since he is so adorable and I “know” him. Ha! Thanks for apple butter recipe and for permission to play my Christmas music a bit early. Enjoy preparing for the holidays…
Thank you for this wonderful post. You always seem to set the seasonal mood perfectly. I add your summer plum jam to my ‘must do’ every summer and my family just loves it. Looks like now I will add your fall apple butter to my ‘must do’! Thanks so much. I have all those gadgets anyway. Those jars look adorable……..Speaking of aDorable…….your grandson is outStanding and should win a contest! So…..cute. Happy Fall to you and your family.
Hey there Miss Ruthie! I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week! The pictures are adorable! Oh my Master Johnny looks so sweet. I’m going to make the apple butter right after I get some red hots this weekend. Thanks for sharing! Hugs!
Love Apple Butter… and as ALWAYS… LOVE your post! So look forward to the next one but will enjoy this one until then!!
Kendra
Thank you so much for your wonderful posts! You truly inspire me to be a better homemaker — and the reminder that every day we are making memories with our family really spoke to me today. Your family is beautiful and the pictures you shared are a treasure.
On my way out to get some red hots and jars!
Ruthie, My hubby and I and another couple went down to Branson for a weekend and had a great time. We stayed at Stillwater which is really close to Silver Dollar City and had breakfast at Billy Gails one morning! Gods Glory was everywhere! Next summer we are going to take our granddaughter to Silver Dollar City and stay there again! I so enjoy your posts and look forward to each one! God Bless you!
Great post, I love the pumpkin patch photos! Johnny is so cute, I voted for him. Thanks for all you pantry and Thanksgiving tips too. I hope to see a new video and how you deck your house for the holidays soon too.
Carey
What a gorgeous view from your deck! I am going to have to put a trip to the ozarks on my bucket list!!! In the Fall!!!! I adore Fall, my favorite time of year. My hubby and I make ALOT of soup and savor it and a good loaf of bread for dinner. Maybe one night I will set a table for 2 by our fireplace to surprise him! YOur little pumpkin is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a sweet blessing he is! Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful pictures. The apple butter looks YUMMY!!! Oh HONEY:):):) I so love seeing your name on my e-mail list that you have a new post! It just makes my day! Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!!!! XO, Pinky
OMGoodness, what a FUN post! I love everything about it. From the YUMMY apple butter instructions, and the gorgeous photo views from your lovely farmhouse, to the memorable fall family outing with the new lil’ pumpkin… ( and the burp cloth in Glen’s back pocket…PRICELESS!! ) You do such a wonderful job of journaling and reminding us all to have fun with the changing seasons and enjoy each day that God has blessed us with to the fullest!
Blessings and Hugs from Minnesota! <
~ Tanya
Aunt Ruthie, you have become my very favorite “web personality” and I so look forward to your posts! You capture the Glory to God of each changing season and I join you in celebrating life as I read your comments and view your heart-warming pictures and photos. Thank you for the view from your back deck . . . spectacular!
I just know that you and I could enjoy celebrating God, family and community together even though we live miles and miles apart!
May God bless you richly as you bless others!
Another Minnesota friend, Marcia
I VOTED for Johnny. I love your site and everything you do. You are a blessing to all.
I cannot wait to try your idea of adding Red Hots to the apple butter! What a great idea!
Another fabu post! I always look forward to them. ;)
Kelli
What a sweet post. That baby is darling!!! He is sure to win. We just finished studying about Johnny Appleseed, and baked apple pies for homework! :) We are about to begin a Thanksgiving unit in homeschooling and are going to read through that book because we love it too. We read it each year. Happy Autumn to you, precious Aunt Ruthie!
Harvest Blessings,
Sasha
I can’t wait to make the apple butter in my crock pot…thank you so much for the recipe..and I love the photos of your outing at the pumpkin patch..your grandson is just adorable..he looks alot like his mama.;) have a wonderful thanksgiving..oh I used my magic clean eraser on my chaulkboard with those liquid markers..works like a charm..;) no more painting over it.;)
My what beautiful photos. The Fall leaves are beautiful. I remember when my family would all rake the leaves together. We always have the Traditional Thanksgiving meal together. I love your Apple Peeler and the Apple Butter looks delicious. I will make some. Your little “one” is adorable…how fun and sweet ! Thanks for sharing with us…..Linda
Wonderful post. My children are off school tomorrow and I would like to make this candy apple butter. About how many apples are in a gallon? And are their any particular apples that you would recommend?
lanzaelizabeth77(at)gmail(dot)com
I always look forward to your post. Love the Ozarks! I gonna make some of that good ole apple butter. We love fall and I just said today “I need to smell some wood smoke”. God Bless, stay snuggly warm. Happy Thanksgiving!
I attempted to vote for Little Johnny, but the Gerber site was frozen and would not let me put in my Password. I’ll try again later.
These memories and pictures are superb. I love EVREY single thing you post, Ruthie. I might be inspired enough to make apple butter. I already have the apple peeler, a new immersion mixer, and lots of mixing bowls. Thanks for the encouragement and instructions.
We should be moving VERY soon to just East of Memphis, so I’ll have to change my email address, due to changing internet providers, but I’ll be back ASAP.
Blessings to all your family,
Betty in Oklahoma (soon TN)
I LOVE your site! You are such an inspiration to me. I love seeing the photos of your home and the way you decorate… makes me want to decorate my house! You give me so many ideas unfortunately my husband FIRMLY believes it’s his place to make the home but complains bitterly about all the work that he does at home, which he takes over himself.
Anyway, do you have any ideas how I can make my place in my own home?
Thanks so much for sharing your life and thoughts with the world!
Karen S.
That pumpkin is ADORABLE! Mine just grew out of that age (he’s almost 1 year now! wow time flies) and man those toes really are the best kissin’ around! Looks like you had so much fun. I just adore your site.
Thanks for the wonderful apple butter recipe and showing us all your lovely family! I’ll be going over to vote for Johnny next! Happy Fall!
I voted for cute little O’ Johnny! OH HONEY!
Little Johnny got my vote. Happy Thanksgiving!
That little sweety got my vote! Thank you again for another wonderful trip down “The Good Old Days” memory Lane!
May you and all your kin folk be blessed with much Love and Grace this Thanksgiving!
I enjoy your website so much! Thank you for all your work to present such encouraging and informative articles for us. It is a joy to browse through the many different areas; except there is not enough time in the day and I really have to discipline myself to not spend too much time here.
I wanted to know if you allow visitors to save any of your clipart and photos? Some are so pretty and cute.
Thank you, Susie
Oh my goodness, I just love your blog! If I’m in a lazy mood before I read one of your posts, I’m sure not anymore after I’m done reading. I always get up and straighten things up, light a candle, and go to the kitchen to see what I can whip up that’s sweet and yummy!
I can’t wait to make some apple butter too! I just sent off a little note and a check to Phyllis for a couple of her booklets, can’t wait to get them!
You’re little “pumpkin” is adorable! I’ll go and vote for him now!
Julianne :)
I made apple butter at the beginning of summer, and it was delish!! Instead of boiling my jars, etc. I sterilized them by running them through the dishwasher on the hottest setting, then popped them into the oven at about 200 degrees. I took them out one at a time, filled them, popped the lid on (that had been sitting in boiling water), and waited for them to “pop”! And they all did. No need to give them a boiling water bath! I think it makes the process a little quicker. Just thought I would share that tip.
PS- I love love love your blog.
Hi! The apple butter looked amazing! I am going to have to give it a try.
My hubby and I will be in Branson this weekend. I can’t wait to see the fall foliage! We only have Saturday and Sunday morning…what do you recommend seeing while we are in town? Thanks for the wonderful ideas on your blog! I love it!!
Just wondering what kind of apples you used for your Candy Apple Butter?
Ruthie, I am going to try your apple butter recipe and maybe the apple sauce one too (if I have enough apples) We here in Canada have already had our Thanksgiving; every year, we try as a family to go to a local orchard and get our apples and it has now become a tradition to take family pictures. I Love your favorite little pumpkin! Especially the picture of him in the cornfield…precious!
Always a highlight reading each new post from you.
Sweet Fall Memories for sure!
Love you. xo
Hi Aunt Ruthie,
I just love when I check my emails and see that there’s a post from Sugar Pie Farmhouse. Love that you let us know how to make Candy Apple Butter. Looks good and I think I’ll try it. You made it look easy and looks like it’s super tasty. I know what you mean about setting the mood before getting in the kitchen. I agree that we should enjoy everything about the process.
I just love your posts. :)
I HAVE to have one of those apple peelers! What a time saver! And of course, a peeler would just mean more apple butter, right? ;)
I loved the Johnny Appleseed song when I was a kid! I remember singing it in Kindergarten before our lunch. The book that was read to us had an illustration of Johnny Appleseed wearing a kitchen pot/sauce pan on his head dispersing apple seeds… so I’ve always equated him with wearing a pot on his head. Oddly, no one ever knows what I’m talking about when I try to explain that one. haha
And my grandfather’s name was also Armand. I’ve never heard of another one! But I totally get how they would think the amen part would sound like Armand. We always sang it Aw-men, Aw-men, AWWW-men. :)
And I have to say, baby Johnny is just a doll! Loved his pumpkin hat. :) Hope you guys are enjoying the beautiful Fall season in the Ozarks! (I’m going to say it looks like you are!)
Mmm…. my mouth is watering!
I have made apple butter in the big copper pot with my amish friends and it was a family affair….everyone joined in and we made over 100 jars of yummy apple butter!
My favorite is caramel apple butter……. just add a bag of caramels to the apples as they melt in it becomes caramel apple butter! WONDERFUL!!!!!
Smiles, Dolly
Hello Ruthann!
Happy Fall to you! Fall isn’t here yet! It’s still summer! LOL! Your little Johnny is sure a cutie pie and a true blue Gerber baby! You are such a wonderful grammie! How blessed you all are!
Love ya,
Maryjane
Oh baby toes! I just want to gobble them up!!! Too cute. I have voted for Johnny and wish him and his Mommy and Daddy the best of luck!
Aunt Ruthie, When ever I visit my heart just leaps for JOY!!!! YOu are Marvelous!!!! Just love your bones!!!! So glad to see your beautiful family and darling little butterball baby!!!! You are such a delight!!! keep it up!!!! We loves Ya!!!!
Aunt Ruthie,
I finally got to make my visit to the ozarks today! What wonderful colors! Miss Gayle at Billy Gayle’s Cafe is holding a gift for you as I speak. Just something to let you know how much I appreciate your wonderful stories. This was the only way I knew to get it to you? Hope you enjoy!
Becky R
Awe!! I love your website SoOoOoO much!! If I have a good day, I look at it and it makes my smile even bigger. If I am having a bad day, I read it, look at the photos and it just brightens my day!! Either way, your site, thoughts, photos & beautiful words about God / Jesus remind my heart to smile! Keep up the beautiful work!! Have a happy day!! xo, Cindy : )
As always, love your website. Cheers me to the CORE! Just voted for Johnny-he is the most adorable little boy. Thanks for all you do for us. Can’t wait for your Christmas blog. Stay well and happy, happy as you make us. xxxooo, Natalie
Hi Ruthie, So wonderful to wake up and see your site. I think everyone just loves the colors and scents of Autumn. I also just love the pictures of that adorable Johnny angel, God bless him what a beautiful boy. Of course I went right over to the gerber site and voted for him. You have a great week. Hugs Paulette
Sooooo loved your blog! What an amazing family! I love the pics taken off ur back deck! Thank you for sharing your awesome recipes!!!! Can’t wait to sip a latte with you soon!!!
Lots of hugs, Marla
Hi Aunt Ruthie,
I’m in Melbourne, Australia and I found your site when googling for old pictures. I’ve since made your Buttermilk pie to much celebration! Your site is just gorgeous and I love how much effort you put into making life sweet. Congratulations.
Iolanthe
Hi Aunt Ruthie! Thank you for this post, as you have given me inspiration to make some Apple Butter for my neighbors. I was wondering where you found the cute, cute labels on your finished jars? I think they’re adorable, and would love to create some for my own! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Molly
Howdy Aunt Ruthie, I sure do enjoy your blog. You are such an inspiration to us creative homemakers who love taking care of our families. Thanks for the time you put in each post. We love you!
a silly question from a So. Cal girl… how many pounds is a ‘gallon’ of apples?? thanks!
What a sweet post! We made lots of memories at the pumpkin patch
this year with the littles as we call them. Otherwise known as the grandchildren. Papa and I took lots of photos so we can look back with them and remember the good times we had.
Your Johnny is an adorable little fellow. I am sure he is lavished with much love, hugs and kisses.
We are truly blessed and have much to be thankful. I always enjoy your upbeat encouraging posts.
Looking forward to trying out your Apple Butter recipe too!
Oh Aunt Ruthie I have never tasted or made apple butter until today. Yummmmieeee. My husband helped me put it together very late last night so we could have it today. When we woke up the house smelled so wonderful. Thank you so much. You have the best memories.
donna
ALWAYS Love your posts!!
Thank you once again for another great post!! Love your blog, always filled with lots of good stuff. You are such a blessing!
God bless you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving!
~hugs~
man on man oh boy…. i’m sure disappointed we had to change plans and I’m not going to see you next week. But, thank you for the inspiration once again. I’ll be at my mom’s with our 21 members…. I just have to scan a picture for you of the good ol day’s around the two ping pong tables covered in large orange table clothes at my mom’s . the center of the table had a runner of apples, tangerines and grapes and nuts in their shell. Remember how all our parents sat all day talking, eating, eating, talking…
a “cannizzaro converstation” – italians “can talk” forever! We were such good kids playing “penny, penny”. LOL
Ohhh I’m goin get going on decorating my Mom’s this week. Making memories for my grandbabies!
Happy Thanksgiving my Cugina Dolce
Just a big thank you for all of the great information and wonderful ideas. I so enjoy reading it. I too am a California Girl. I live in the Los Angeles area. Quite a ways from the Ozarks but I guess that I will always be a country girl at heart.
Please don’t ever stop writing on your blog. I just love it.
AH! I haven’t been on your site in a while (I had a baby in June, our first!:) and its been SO fun catching up on your posts! God bless you and your family this Christmas season :)
xoxo Holly and Company :)
Howdy !
I would like to make the recipe of “apple butter” and I should like to know how to convert “1 gallon” of apples in “grams”? can you help me ?
And second question :
What do you call “apple cider”? Is it with the gas or just the juice? (in France, “cider” is with gas)
I know your are very busy but can you give me the answer very quickly ? thank you so much !
Kiss from France
Flo
Howdy !
Don’t worry Aunt Ruthie ! I have the answer by another american woman (about gallon/grams and apple cider) !
So, I will cook your recipe of apple butter……
Have a good sunday !
Aunt Ruthie, your post is just what the doctor ordered to get me back on track and put me in the right state of mind to serve my family! Wish you could be my next door neighbor so I could invite you for coffee and a visit! ;-) I’m off to tidy my house and get ready for company tomorrow morning! THANKS FOR THE POST!!!!
Aunt Ruthie, I have just one thing to say : YOUR Apple Butter is WONDERFUL !! (I cooked it last week with a special sugar named “Rapadura”)
I did not know this american recipe and really, it’s very very good !
Thank you so much !!!!
Hi there,
I saw your facebook post about your apple butter so I hopped on over to your site to see how you make it. It sure looks yummy! I have a quick question though that I’m hoping you can answer for me.
You said:
“The apple butter recipe makes 5 pints. I sterilized the jars in boiling water, filled and sealed them with lids and gave the jars a 10 minute boiling water bath so I could give as gifts or store in my pantry.”
Did you use a canner for this process? Or did you just put the jars in a big pot on the stove and boiled them. It may be a silly question, but I would love to be able to make them as gifts, or just keep in the cupboard, so I was just wondering if I didn’t have a canner would I still be able to do this?
Thanks so much,
Julianne
I am really really enjoying your site. I’ve never gone through your old posts and the last couple of nights I have been poking around (and pinning quite a bit too). I want to cook, clean, decorate and make merry with the kids! You are a truly inspiring writer, photographer, cook, mother and blogger. Is there anything you can’t do?
Apple butter is next on my to do list…I bet it smells like autumn itself!
Much admiration and hugs,
Linsey
Can I just say I love you and I love your blog! :)
The recipe for apple butter looks absolutely delicious. My favorite apple butter I get from an Amish store in Indiana has red hots in it. Thanks for sharing!
That Precious Baby is just full of sugar. I love those
little toes. I just love all your post, family pictures. You have a great family. (I do to)
Could I ask where you get those old pictures of families on farms. Look like they come out of magazines.
Thanks,
Shirley