Freezing Apple Cider

I got this tip from Ben Clark at Clarkdale Fruit Farms, and it solved a problem too frequently occurring in our house--we would buy a gallon of apple cider but drink it too slowly, only to open the fridge one day and discover that the jug looked ready to explode. But it turns out cider freezes beautifully and easily, so you can pour out part of the gallon into another container for the fridge and freeze the rest of it. Be sure to leave generous head space in whatever container you freeze it in, as cider will expand when frozen just like water.  At this time of year, you can even save a little energy by freezing it outdoors, then putting it in the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge, and be sure to let it thaw completely, then shake or stir, before drinking.

Why bring this up now? Well, Clarkdale is closing for the season this weekend, so if you love their cider like we do, now would be a good time to buy a couple gallons to freeze and drink for the rest of the winter. Enjoy!

Roxbury Russets...Yum!

Clarkdale Fruit Farms in Deerfield grows about 35 different kinds of applies, including several heirloom varieties. Roxbury Russets might just be my favorites--tart (but not too tart), crisp, and flavorful. I cut one up and added it to my oatmeal this morning, about two minutes before it was done, just enough time to soften the apples up a bit. Delicious!

If you want to sample Clarkdale's many apple varieties yourself, head over there for CiderDays, coming up next weekend Nov. 1 & 2 - lots of fun apple and cider-related tastings and activities all over Franklin County.

Freezing Peaches

This morning we went over to Clarkdale Farms and bought two 8-quart boxes of utility peaches. I sliced them up and packaged them in freezer bags. We now have enough peaches packaged up for winter to make several crisps/pies/cobblers. Yum! A few also went into the food dehydrator, where they are currently drying. If they come out well, maybe I'll do some more.

Ben Clark told us that they would have the big boxes of peaches probably for the rest of the week, but maybe not beyond--so if you want to freeze or can some yourself, get on over there. They're $14/box, which is a great deal, considering that the regular price is $6 for a 2-qt box. Some were bruised and a few had worms, but overall they were very usable with little waste.