Thursday, November 18, 2010

harvest time!

I had this past weekend off. Which was brilliant as I expect to be working at least one day per weekend as long as I have my current job. Sigh. But this past weekend was great! We gathered all the pears we could from our previously doomed bradford pear tree. 


tiny crunchy tangy little darlings

Because it bares fruit that you can make cider or jam from...maybe even pear butter, it will be spared.  


Some friends were here so they helped. We all had a farmy good time and felt all naturey. Our technique evolved from a few of us holding up a blanket while someone Frandz batted at branches to a huge tarp being spread on the ground and a hoe being used to shake specific branches. Clever monkeys aren't we? We even used a ladder! We were pretty thurough. All told I think we filled 6 and half plastic grocery bags.


Our pear share is in the deep freeze, waiting to be pear buttered. I can't wait to have some of the cider my buddy is going to make with his stash. 


A truly satisfying mini farm experience! I just moved my candyland style game piece a little closer to the earth!

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2 comments:

  1. J-dubNovember 18, 2010 at 10:08 PM

    Oh, I am jealous of your haul!
    You should make some pear brandy: take a few pears (more or less depending on how big they are), wash, quarter (leaving skin on), put in large jar or bowl and pour in a large bottle of brandy (more pears=more brandy, of course). Cover and let steep for 3-4 days, giving the jar a stir or shake occasionally. Once the brandy tastes sufficiently pear-like, strain the lot into a clean bottle through a sieve lined with cheesecloth, being careful not to press the pears (that makes an inferior, cloudy product). End result is crazy good on its own, in cocktails or hot toddies, and if you pour a wee bit in a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine (or even a very good quality hard cider), you're guaranteed a good night.

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  2. slowmeltNovember 19, 2010 at 6:05 AM

    brilliant! that's happening!

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