Not only is October VeganMoFo, but it's also National Apple Month! Who knew? How about a few more things you probably didn't know about apples?Colonial Americans called them "winter bananas" or "melt-in-the-mouths".
The first apple nursery was opened in 1930 in Flushing, NY.
Apples are a member of the rose family. This one seems particularly odd to me.
By now, you're probably thinking I'm some kind of apple expert. I'm really not, but I know how to use the web. Just wanted to dispel any crazy myths out there about my appletude. If you want more fun facts about apples, check out this website. They seem to know their stuff.
What better way to start off VeganMoFo, then with a slice of freshly baked bread topped with homemade apple butter? What, you don't have them? That's ok. Here come the recipes!
White Whole Wheat Oatmeal Bread
I made this in the bread machine and let me warn you: it makes a GINORMOUS loaf. Seriously huge. If you make it by hand, it would be smart to make it into 2 loaves. That's ok, you'll eat a lot of it because it tastes great, cuts well and stays moist. No, we didn't eat it with Soyatoo. I just wanted to give you an idea of it's size.
2 cup water
1 cup oats
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp yeast
5 cups white wheat flour
1/4 vital wheat gluten
If using a bread machine, add in your usual bread machine order. If you're making it by hand, check out the general techniques in a favorite cookbook or online.
Apple Butter made in the Crockpot
I'm not a fan of overly sweet or highly spiced apple butter, so I made this to appeal to my tastes. However, you can increase the maple syrup (or add another sweetener) to suit your own taste buds. Makes about 3 cups and can be frozen.
12 cups peeled, sliced apples (your choice, but it's nice to use a variety)
2 Tbsp apple cider
1/2 cup maple syrup (or other sweetener)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pile your apples in the crockpot and add the cider. Just cook this on high as long as you're up, changet it to low when you go to bed. It will probably take between 20 and 24 hours, depending on how long you keep it on high. Stir it every now and then. It won't really stick to the bottom but can cling to the sides. After it's all cooked down, brown and buttery with a good consistency, add the sweetener and the cinnamon. Let it cook on low for about another hour, then pop it in your containers. This makes about 3 cups and can be frozen or doubled.
My personal VeganMoFo goals:
1. Improve my photos
2. Post at least 20 times this month
3. Read gazillion other Mofo Blogs
Get ready for more apple recipes during National Apple Month!
This just in! If you're interested in keeping up with other VeganMoFo Blogs, check out this feed. Thanks, Isa!
13 comments:
I've been waiting for that bread recipe since I saw it on flickr (or was it the ppk?). Thank you for posting it, can't wait to make my own ginormous bread!
Ooo, That bread looks great! Thanks for the recipe. I'd love to make my own apple butter but the thought of peeling and slicing 20 apples makes my hands hurt!
Mihl, I hope you enjoy that bread. We really like it!
Aimee, put on some music and just get peeling. It goes quicker than you think!
Oh I am so going to me making both the bread and the apple butter very soon... as it is spring in Aussie - I wonder whether we have October as apple month... I will have to go down to the market this weekend to find enough nice (non-floury) apples.
YUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMM thanks for the recipe - I will let you know how it goes!!
Apple month is a great month! I would love some homemade bread right about now - it looks fantastic. Happy MoFo!
Yay--I will look forward to your posts! I love apple butter, and the fact that you have it in the crock pot...wow. I am making that soon!
Courtney
Great apple info - I just bought a whole bunch of honey crisps today and will be going apple crazy all month and into November.
That bread looks great.
Apple Month, that would explain the rediculous amounts of apples showing up in the co-op in the last couple days.
That bread looks delicious. And thanks for the apple education, I love apples! Happy MoFo :)
I am adding make apple butter in the crockpot to my list. Yum.
that looks freaking delicious
I just happen to have a load of apples that I need to use. Apple butter is perfect! Can you use apple juice instead of cider?
veg-a-nut, you could definitely use apple juice, or even water. It just helps so the apples don't stick to the bottom at first. Once they start giving out juice, you set...so it's just to get you started.
If anybody tries, it let me know! It makes your house smell so good.
Bex, I know...it seems like more apples than ever this year!
Thanks, everybody!
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