Traditions

For me, the Holidays truly begin when my mom and Grandma get together to bake an astounding number of apple pies - anywhere from 15 - 25. The date varies year to year, but it usually takes place the first couple weeks of November.

{The secret to this family recipe lies in the variety & number of apples.}

This particular family tradition has evolved over the years. I remember being really young and all my cousins would be over and my Grandpa would also help. He was in charge of peeling the apples - the key to these amazing pies. I loved watching him slowly and carefully crank the old-peeler that was brought out only once a year. My dad has taken over his post, and it is still my favorite part of the whole process.

{Vintage apple corer & peeler. Brought out once a year.}

Some aspects of this tradition haven't changed, however. My mom is still the keeper of the dough & filling. There isn't a hand-written recipe for these pies. They have been tweaked and perfected over the years. And it was only a couple years ago that they finally determined the exact combination of apple varieties that truly make these apple pie's better than any you have had before - I promise.

{My mom mixing & kneading the dough}

My grandma, with the most experience and wisdom, rolls the dough and creates these works of art. The patience required to make the pie's is much greater than anything I posses. All I can do is sit around, drink a glass of wine or two and watch as one-by-one they come out of the oven.

{My grandma rolling out the crust.}

Golden brown and smelling oh so warm and delicious, they are irresistible. For now, I am completely content with my role of observer and taste-tester. This was the first year I missed most of the day - thanks to this thing called a job. But I did make it home to see the last couple pies come out of the oven. And with most of my cousins & siblings living out of state, or busy with full-time jobs and school, I was left to try them and determine if they are in fact "even better than last year's!" Of course, they were.

{Finished Masterpieces.}

You all have your own family traditions. Take a moment to fully appreciate them...

Cheers & Happy Holidays!