Secret Family Recipe

What a gorgeous Labor Day Weekend! We couldn't have asked for better weather. We made the most of the long weekend -- it was chock full of things to do. I'm still not sure what happened to the month of August but I'll try to catch-up on my blogging over the next week. But I knew that Mark would be excited to share the photos of what we did on Sunday.

Mark has fond memories of making homemade apple butter with his family. He thinks that the last time the whole family (extended family) got together to make it was probably 30-35 years ago. He wanted to revive the tradition before it became a lost recipe. So we all gathered at Mark's sister's house (thanks Jennifer and Steve!) to make apple butter on Sunday. Mark's Mom borrowed the copper cauldron from her sister -- the same one that has been in the family for decades.

Preparing the cauldron for the apples

Look at all those apples! A full bushel, ready to go.

Placing the cauldron over the fire so that it's steady.

Mark's Mom showing the proper stirring technique.

Mark taking a turn while his brother Scott supervises.

Simon and Papaw keep a close eye on the action.

It took several hours for the apples to cook down.

Everyone took a turn at stirring the apples.

Even Simon had a turn but he didn't care for the smoke from the fire.

Now we're getting somewhere! Almost ready for the sugar.

Mark's sister Jennifer ladeled the apple butter into the jars.

The family assembly line got it all jarred up.

Mmmmmm .... nearly 40 jars of apple butter!

Just had to include this cute photo of Simon and his cousin Braylee.

It was a fun day and we are so happy to have the apple butter to enjoy this fall! Mark's hope is that we can do this every year. He will do his best to keep this tradition alive in the family ... though it may be tough to get him to share the secret recipe! : )