Terra Americana

I can't be bothered to stop at a Mall or patronize a big box store.  I am only interested in parting with my money if there is an adventure involved.  I like knowing where things come from.  This is where the road less traveled has taken as I searched for all things apple.

The Tuesday Market in Forest Park

This collective of farmers and their patrons holds a special place in my heart.  The helped Terra Americana find it's identity.

Outlook Farm was a first stop for Apples and Pork Shoulder.  

Atkins Farms

Fall is not here with out a trip to Amherst for cider donuts.  Considered by many to be among the best donuts in the US, Atkins has been perfecting their recipe over the past few decades.

Sold fresh made at their South and North Amherst locations. - $10.95 per 1 1/2 dzn

Shoppe Scoutmob  

Their eye catching e-mail led me on a tangent which turned into shopping for a stocking stuffer to give to my one and only.

Apple Pie Moonshine Spices by Clawhammer Supply
"Craft up to 3 quarts of your very own apple pie moonshine overnight, with the help of this tin of spices. Simply combine with 4 cans of frozen apple juice concentrate and 6 cups of 80-proof alcohol, letting the mixture sit for 24 hours. Then, simply strain out the spices, refrigerate, and enjoy. "   - $15

The Thrift Shop

An off season trip to Martha's Vineyard meant a stop at Thrift Shop in Vineyard Haven.  My treasure hunting led to a cool leaf shaped wooden bowl for my apples. - $4

The hours vary by season, so it's best to call and ask when you are in town.

38 Lagoon Pond Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568    (508) 693-2278

Recipes inspired by our adventures:

• Boneless Crown Roast of Pork with Cranberry Apple Stuffing
• Apple Spice Cookies
• Kale and Apples over polenta
• Spotted Dog with apples

Photo Credit: Julie T Cecchini

The task of Roasting Apples is meant for improvising.  If you have some not so pretty apples, or you are wondering what to do with the ones that have been in the fridge for an undisclosed amount of time, this is the recipe is for you.

• 5-10 apples, sliced   
• Russian Mulling Spice or Chinese 5 Spice (optional)
• brown sugar or Local Honey (optional)
• water or Drambuie (optional if the fruit seems dry)

Choose apples depending on what you want to do with your roasted apples.  Macoun, Macintosh and cortland will end up soft, delicious on ice cream and Welsh Rarebit.  Gravenstein, Gala, Fuji and Honey Crisp will be firm, great for cookies and muffins.  I leave skins on, you dont have to. 

If they seem dry and or grainy, toss in just enough liquid to coat.  Dust with Spice and suga

r if you want them sweet, I often leave them as they are because roasting enhances their natural sweetness.  Pour into a parchment lined baking or roasting pan.   Bake in a  350f preheated oven for about 30 minutes, then adjust oven settings to a low broil and broil for about 5 minutes, or until bubbly.

Serve warm, or let cool, cover and refrigerate for later use.

If you like to roast;

• Easy Roasted Veggies
• Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apples and Potatoes
• Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad
• Roasted Salmon and Lentils

Photo Credit: Julie T Cecchini