My little apple picker! 🙂
And Now on to The Projects…
Homemade Apple & Citrus Boiling Spice
First step…drying the fruit. Sometimes you can find dried fruit slices in craft sores, etc. These are fine. I make my own by drying the sliced fruit in a low temp oven for several hours. You can also layer these in a food dehydrator, if available. I like the oven technique because you get double duty from it. One – you are preparing your fruit, and two – your home smells delicious during the process. (hint: sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on the apple slices before baking for a wonderful seasonal scent!) Slice your fruit as thinly as possible. If the slices are too thick, they will not dry correctly.
(above pic) Line them in a pan or on a baking sheet in a single layer. I use a 250 degree oven, and it takes me about 3-4 hours. All ovens vary, but they will be darker in color and hard in texture when done. The oranges may be slightly mushy while still warm, but will harden as they cool. Once cooled, if you feel they need more drying time – you can pop them onto a microwave safe plate for a few minutes on low heat and this should do the trick.
Some of the ingredients I used are shown above….whole cloves, whole allspice, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, vanilla bean, citrus peel, and my dried apple and orange slices. I also like to use whole star anise and whole nutmeg if they are on hand. Most of these items are most likely right in your pantry or spice cabinet. It’s a great way to use some older spices. There really isn’t a “recipe.” I just start with a palm-full of bay leaves, and throw in 2-3 slices of orange and/or apple slices together with a half-palmful of cloves and allspice, etc. I will then add in 2-3 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces if larger…and a few pinches of citrus peel. One portion of Spice Mix should equal about a cup. I suggest adding one cup of the spice mixture to two cups of apple juice or water. Simmer on low, and add water as needed.
*Disclaimer: please do not use one of your good saucepans. I buy second hand pans b/c this mixture will stain. I also suggest investing in a small potpourri simmering pot as the maintained temperature is ideal. Please never leave a simmering pot unattended.
Project #1 – Decorated Wooden Box / Hostess Gift
(above pic) Here are the “ingredients” for this project. Some watered-down craft paint and a small brush, small craft boxes (I chose a wood box and a paper-mache box), ribbons, leaves, etc, glue gun .
I started out by color-washing the wood box. Simply brush on the watered-down craft paint and wipe off excess paint with a rag. Make sure you also colorwash the inside. Next, glue a criss-cross of ribbon on the lid only, so the box can be easily opened. (see below)
The pic below shows the ribbon after it has been criss-crossed around the lid of the box.
(above pic) I formed two small ribbon loops and glued to the top of the box, along with two gold skeleton leaves. I took a Fall colored silk hydrangea, tore apart individual petals and added them to the top of the box in a layered effect. Any type of flower would work, or change the flower and ribbon color to match any season. Inside….add 1 cup of the Boiling Spice mixture shown below, and a small note with simmering instructions.
…Pretty as a Decorative Box, too, in Your Tablescape!
Project #3 – Spice-Filled Ginger Jar
A small Dollar Store glass ginger jar is filled with this colorful mixture, and simply ties with a brown ribbon. You can add a brown paper bag tag with simmering instructions. These make great gifts for teachers, neighbors and friends. Leave one sitting on a small side table as a sign of the season.
I hope you enjoyed seeing these projects. They are easy and inexpensive ideas which you can adjust as needed to suite your needs. These make great projects for the kids, as well.
“My Mountain Sojourn: Part II” will be available in a few days!
Until then…
God’s Blessings to You and Yours! ~Barb
profenretraite says
Barb…Well, aren’t you a busy bee? You go away for a few days and come back with your guns a-blazin’! I love all of your ideas! I’m going to try the simmering potpourri. Aren’t mountain apples wonderful? You’re right, the best ones are not the pretty ones. Were you near Barber’s apple orchard in Hendersonville? I grew up not too far from there and that’s where we got any that didn’t come from my Granny’s tree! I need to go to the mountains and get refueled! We’ve been looking for you on Micasa. Great post…Debbie
View Commentprofenretraite says
PS…Cole is such a cutey!
View CommentKathysue says
Barb, I know what you mean about filling your soul and getting in touch with Gods handiwork. I feel that way at the ocean and it does beckon you to come back. What a fun trip for your family. Little Guy is a DOLL!, what a great little face and smile. Wonderful ideas to share for a hostess gift. One year I dried fruit and placed it in my garland on the mantel. It was a fun addition. I have always wanted to do a door piece with fruit but it would rot in 2 days. I love the Williamsburg look. Maybe some day I will try one. Thankyou for sharing I love to go places with you and I love your ideas.Hugs Kathysue
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Hi Barb, I’m so glad I checked back with you and saw that you had left me a comment! Please come and visit my blog. You’re aways welcome! That sounds great about having lunch sometime. Blogland is a small place to be sometimes isn’t it? Looking forward to seeing pictures of your home. Cole is a precious little guy. You’re a lucky Grandma! Hope to hear from you soon.
View Comment~Warmly, Melissa 🙂
mbkatc230 says
Barb, I love the simmering spice idea, I’m so not crafty but I think I can manage this one. Your trip looks wonderful, can’t wait to see more pictures. And your apple picking partner is a doll. I understand your need for rejuvenation, the ocean does it for me, but we all need a special place that we can keep in our hearts and minds. Can’t wait for your next post.
View CommentKathy
marty39 says
Barb, trip sounds so refreshing for the soul. I love your apple picking partner. What a real cutie he is. The simmering recipe sounds wonderful and easy enough for me to tackle. Thanks for all the details. Marty
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