When Life Gives You Apples, Make Cider!

When the wild asters are in full bloom, the skies are bluer than blue, and the breezes bring that distinctive feel to the air, you know it's fall. The leaves have started to change, so much so that the woods dotted here and there are becoming a patchwork of yellows, reds, oranges, and shades of green.

One of the popular fall activities around here is making apple cider. I can remember doing this as a class to sell at the homecoming football game when I was a senior in high school. So when my friend and co-worker, Diana, invited us to her and Cal's place to pick apples and make cider, we enthusiastically made the short trip through Amish country to join the festivities.



When we got there, things were already in full swing. There was a fire going so we could roast hot dogs and guests had brought plenty of food to go with them.


Once we got some food in our bellies, we got to work. Apples needed to be picked...





washed...



run through the mill on the cider press...




then pressed...



and the result was sweet cider that brought the yellow jackets hovering for the first taste...



And of course, there were plenty more for pies and cobbler and just eating plain...