The Apple Hunter

While researching information on apples and orchards (I want to start one some day), I came across Tom Brown's website about his search for antique/heirloom apples in North Carolina and Virginia. I also came across the video above, produced by Blue Ridge Country Magazine. To date, he has found over 900 varieties of apples—900!! He has a complete list on his site, some with photos. My jaw dropped when I saw the length of the list. It is amazing to think that there are that may different apples still around. Just think how many more are out there in the states even further north (especially Washington).

Though it is true that Florida is not the best state to grow apples, there is hope. There are a few varieties that have been developed here or introduced from other countries over the years that will flourish in Florida's shorter winters and humid summers. This article from UF has some useful info on the basics.

The are a few nurseries in FL that sell these trees to the public. Two that I found are Just Fruits and Exotics near Tallahasee and Chestnut Hill Tree Farm near Gainesville. I have not bought from either of these farms, so I offer no guarantees to their reputations. JF&E also offers a few heirloom varieties.

If you have any apple trees growing here in FL, I would love to know what variety(ies) you have and where.

Sausage Corn Bread

Carol over at Keeping Up with Carol asked for the recipe for the sausage cornbread I mentioned in my last post. Here you go Carol:

Sausage Cornbread

1 can cream corn
1 roll sausage
1 small onion, chopped
2 eggs
8 oz shredded cheddar
    (put 4 oz aside for topping later)
1 1/2 cup corn meal
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
small can of jalapeño peppers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Put mixture into a 9" x 13" baking dish. Chop jalapeño peppers and sprinkle on top, pressing them lightly into the mix.

Bake for 35 - 45 minutes (time depends on pan used and oven). When almost done (about 5 minutes to go), pull it out of the oven and top with remaining cheese. Put back in oven for last 5 minutes.

Cut into squares to serve. Enjoy with your favorite collard, mustard, or turnip greens!!


Let me know how you like it!

Onions

I know I said I was done with the garden for this year, but I couldn't resist when my father-in-law gave me some multiplying onions. They have been in the ground for about a week. The 2 larger ones in the middle had already sprouted before I planted them.

He also gave me some turnip and mustard green seeds today (which I have been wanting for a while), so I will be planting those this weekend.

My wife's sausage cornbread with greens... can't be beat!!

Store Wars

Found this while looking for ideas for a new project I am working on. It is hysterical, though a bit corny in the delivery of the ending message. But nonetheless creative! Enjoy!