Fall on the Homestead

I guess today is the first official day of Fall.  We've had many autumn-like days throughout the month of September but today the temps are in the upper 70's and the humidity is almost the same number.  Fall?  I don't think so!

As I drive around the countryside, though, I see that leaves are changing.  Most of the soybean fields are ready to be harvested and much of the corn is turning pale with the ears starting to turn downward.  For West-Central Wisconsin, it is very late in the year to have not had a frost yet.  I'll take it.

I've been harvesting apples for a couple of weeks now and just recently we bought a half a pig, to get us through until our piglets are ready for freezer camp.  I love apples with pork, they just go together.  Although I don't remember my mom pairing them up together, I do remember the episode of the Brady Bunch when Bobby Brady imitated Humphrey Bogart and said they were having "Poa-k chopsss and applesssaucccce" for supper.

One of my favorite ways of preparing a combination of the two is to brown pork chops or pork steaks in a bit of butter, then covering the meat with 3-4 cups of cut up apples, peeled and cored.  Sprinkle with a little ground cardamom, cover with a snug-fitting lid, and turn the heat down low.  Let it cook long and slow for about an hour.  Yum!

After browning, it could be put in a crock pot or slow cooker, if you have time earlier in the day to prepare ahead.

Thanks for joining me!  I hope you come back soon and often.  I plan on giving meanderings about doings on the homestead, share some recipes, and offer some of my bath and body products for sale.  I hope to hear from you soon!