Orchard work is more than going out and picking fruit when it has magically ripen. It is a journey that has many adventures along the way, from late winter-pruning, spring blossoming, summer mowing, a few sprays here and there, and...finally...wonderful, delicious fruit. Of all farm-related work, I cannot think of any that I'd rather be doing :)
This week, Jim is taking the first steps on that journey by giving each tree a major "haircut". Last year at this time, our apple trees were budding out. This year, Jim has to bundle up in his warmest overalls when he goes out to prune the trees. Go figure.
Actually, this time of year cold weather is better than warm temps that come too early because usually a cold snap will follow and kill the young buds. For some reason, last season a freeze did not affect our budded trees and we had a bumper crop, when most orchards had very little, if any, harvest.
Today, the Spring Equinox, I have a pork roast, from Rus-Men Naturally Raised Meats in the slow cooker. My plan is serve it with mashed potatoes and the sauerkraut left over from Monday's Reuben sandwiches. I don't want to heat up the oven, so what better dessert to go with this meal than easy, microwaved baked apples?
Oh, wow! The sun, which has been fighting clouds for several days and is demanding equal time in the sky just won a battle. The sky has blue patches and the clouds are white and fluffy.
Marcheta *Energized
Microwave Baked Apples
- Core 2 apples, leaving the bottom intact.
- In a bowl, mix 2 T. brown sugar, 1 t. cinnamon and 1 t. nutmeg. Spoon the sugar mixture into the apples and set a teaspoon (or more to your taste) of butter on top of each apple. Place the apples in a deep casserole dish and cover.
- Microwave for 3 1/2 to 4 minutes or until tender. Let the apples sit for a couple minutes before serving.
I love baked apples, what a great way to make them - quick and easy!
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