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My cousin Jake is coming home for Thanksgiving this year and I’m so psyched to see him, and the rest of my family next week! He’s been in South Carolina the last two years at Culinary Arts School. He recently graduated and is moving back closer to Nebraska! Thanksgiving Day, my aunts and my mom will be preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but the night before, Jake will be cooking for us. I’m already gearing up for a calorie overload, how can I not try everything he makes?

Even though Jake is now a professional, there are still some things he refuses to cook…even though they would turn out amazing! Our grandmother was quite possibly the world’s best cook. One of the things we always looked forward to at every gathering was her homemade applesauce, but it was one of Jake’s favorites. Apparently, I was the only one who ever assisted her in the applesauce making process, because when she passed away, my family told me to take the applesauce equipment (and when I say equipment I mean fruit sieve, and masher), which leaves the applesauce tradition in my hands. In a way it’s a huge honor, but also a lot to live up to. If I’m ever half the cook my grandma was, I’d be overjoyed!

Our grandma has been gone close to six years and I haven’t made any in at least 10 years. There isn’t a recipe that she used, she just threw in ingredients. One of the last times we made applesauce I attempted to write down her recipe but she never measured anything out, the only thing I know for sure is how many apples she used. So, it will be trial and error for a while.

Last week Jake hinted that he would like to have some applesauce and since he refuses to make it, I guess it’s up to me. So, next Monday evening, I’m going to dust the cobwebs off of the equipment and for the first time try to make a batch or two of applesauce solo…a batch that Grandma McKenzie would be proud. Although I’m sure she would be proud just that I tried! )

 

About the author: Amanda McKenzie

Amanda is a 20-something resident of Hastings who found her way here via Hastings College. She is an Exercise Specialist at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital. She coaches girls a competitive 8th grade girls basketball team called Nebraska Heartland. In her spare time she enjoys getting together with friends and family, watching and participating in sporting events, working out and shopping.