Apples; Mans Nemesis

My entire life I have been baffled by the idea of an apple being the cause of mankind's fall from grace. This fruit is responsible for mankind being kicked out of paradise, and forced into slavery for eternity. It is difficult to fathom but the apple has an extensive mythological history.

It appears in myth, folklore and legends around the world. Apples are considered to be enchanted. They are supposed to be able to scream, shrivel in the presents of adulterers, grant immortality and is a means of divination. In Arabian myth, Prince Ahmed of the Arabian Nights had apples that cured any and all forms of illness or human malady. Medieval Celts in northern Europe revered apples; they believed apples possessed the power to enchant, mystify and grant wishes. The name apple is derived from Apollo the sun God.

Ancient Celts named their paradise Avalon or isle of the apple orchards. All Neolithic and Bronze Age paradises were apple orchards; the word paradise itself means "orchard". In Latin the name for apple is pomma, which is the generic Latin name for fruit. Pomona was the Roman goddess of gardens and fruit. The people of southern Europe the Romans, worshiped Dionysus, the Goddess of vineyards. The two beliefs clashed creating a great schism. As the Church of Rome grew larger, its tolerance of others shrank. The Druids were victims of this intolerance and their apple became demonized.

The evidence of the true evil nature of the apple was obvious. When sliced horizontally the apple seeds form a five-pointed star, "the pentagram" sliced vertically the seeds look "feminine". And there's more! The sweet taste is to lure you in it then turns sour to remind you have sinned. These tales were perpetuated at the hands of a twelfth century priest in his version of the tales of King Arthur. In his version the Druid priest/wizard Merlin foams at the mouth and is driven mad "from eating apples" which are described as being full of "the poisonous delights of women". The Vatican eventually banned apple cider from all religious ceremonies. Of course this was their way of protecting the masses from evil.

Happily, apples have survived their persecution. In fact I heard a guy on TV say they are one of the three most important things in the universe, Hotdogs, Apple pie and Chevrolet!

Nutritionally speaking, an apple a day will keep the Dr. away. Apples contain pectin, which is a highly soluble fiber. Pectin also eliminates excess cholesterol from your body. Apples are also good for your teeth.

So, girls, next time you peel an apple keep the peeling in one long ribbon, then throw it over your shoulder. It will land in the shape of your future husband/partners initials. This week I have three recipes for you to make for "The Apple of Your Eye"

Patty Meager gave me this recipe

Patty is a registered nurse at north Lincoln Hospital in Newport.

One Pot Apple Kielbasa Dinner
1 pound Kielbasa (polish sausage)
4 granny smith apples
6 small red potatoes
1 16 oz. Jar sauerkraut
1 tsp. Caraway seeds, optional
Chop everything up and put it in a crock-pot all day. Excellent!

This is a recipe from an old 1950 Betty Crocker cookbook. I love to make home made apple sauce, it has become an autumn tradition for me. It's an autumn christening ceremony that fills me with the beauty and mysteries and warmth of the season.
To make 11/2 cups of applesauce buy or pick 6 to 8 firm apples. Peel (optional), core, cut them in half, and cook in a large pot with ½ cup of water. When they are soft press them through a food mill or mash like potatoes.

Applesauce cake
Grease a 13x9 inch-baking pan and preheat the oven to 350.
Cream together ½ c. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
Add 11/2 c. applesauce
2 ½ c. Sifted flour
1 ½ tsp. Baking soda
1 ½ tsp. Salt
¾ tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Cloves
½ tsp. Allspice
½ c. water
½ cup nuts
1 c. raisins (optional)
Mix well; bake 35 to 45 minutes depending on your stove.
Enjoy!
The third recipe is from Jacquie Beveridge of Florence. She is the co founder of the Florence Herb enthusiasts. She can be reached at Travelingadream@bmi.net
Apple Pancakes.
Baked Apple Pancake
1/2 (1/4 cup) stick unsalted butter
1 1/4 pounds firm, tart apples (about 3 medium), such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
1/2 cup whole or low fat milk
1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Confectioner's sugar

1. Preheat oven to 425F. Melt butter over medium-high heat in an ovenproof 10-inch skillet. Add apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to brown and most of the juices have evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.

2. Combine eggs, milk, flour, and salt in a food processor and process until smooth. (This can also be done with an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk.)

3. Spread the browned apples evenly across the bottom of the pan. Pout the batter over the apples. Place the skillet in the oven and bake until the pancake is golden and puffed, 18 to 20 minutes.

4. Remove the pan from the oven and let the pancake rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar, cut into wedges, and serve immediately.

Serves 4-6.

*HELPFUL HINTS:* Be sure to use an all-metal ovenproof skillet to make this pancake; plastic or rubber handles will melt!

So those are a few Apple delights and as you can see our neighboring deer loves apples too! Enjoy.
To reach Crystal Hayes email crystalhayes@peak.org

Added 14 September, 2007 by Crystal