Friday, September 26, 2008

A Johnny Appleseed Friday Five

Questions inspired by Johnny Appleseed Day, from the RevGals site:

1. What is your favorite apple dish? (BIG BONUS points if you share the recipe.)

First let me put in a little plug for the apple slicer pictured here. I promise I am not a Pampered Chef person, but I must testify that I use this thing almost every day, and it works better than another one I have. I've given them away as gifts, I'm such a big fan. It makes healthy after-school snacks possible, and the following kid-favorite side dish quicker to prepare:

Cinnamon Apples
(serves 4 hungry or 6-8 not-so-hungry people)

4 Granny Smith apples
1 T. sugar
1/8 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. kosher salt
2 t. veg. oil

Core and peel the apples. Cut into about 10 wedges each. Toss with the sugar, cinnamon, thyme and salt. Heat oil in non-stick skillet. Saute apples over medium-high heat 7-10 minutes until softened, but not falling apart. Add 2 T. water if softer apples are desired.


2. Have you ever planted a tree? If so was there a special reason or occasion you can tell us about?

I've helped plant a tree to replace one lost in our yard. And I often think about a tree somewhere in the Minneapolis area that a friend planted in memory of our son Jack. I've never seen it, but I imagine it growing strong and tall.

3. Does the idea of roaming around the countryside (preaching or otherwise) appeal to you? Why or why not?

Can I travel some way other than horseback, like a circuit rider, or walking? I like travel. I like preaching. I don't think I would like traveling around planting trees, but I'm in favor of other people doing it.....

4. Who is a favorite "historical legend" of yours?

Good question, and I have no good answer. Johnny Appleseed's song "The Lord's been good to me...." has been sung by me since camp as a girl. I'd also have to say Joan of Arc....

5. Johnny Appleseed was said to sing to keep up his spirits as he traveled the roads of the west. Do you have a song that comes when you are trying to be cheerful, or is there something else that you often do?

When I'm not wallowing in self-pity, I like "His Eye is on the Sparrow" for a little lift. "I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free...."

3 comments:

Auntie Knickers said...

Oh yes, His Eye is on the Sparrow -- it really works. This week's FF is giving me lots of new ideas about what goes with apples. Thyme?? I'll have to try it. Thanks!

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Ditto to everyhing AK said. :-) I am going to try the apples because I'm intrigued by the thyme--never heard of that.

I once sand "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in a karaoke bar in Madison, Wisconsin. I hadn't even been drinking, so I don't know how I worked up the courage! I love that sone!

Sally said...

I am sure that tree is growing tall and strong...

Great play, I love Your eye is on the sparrow.