chapter 478

8/3/2017

Peaches

peachy keen

link to Peaches photos

The phrase peachy keen was first used in 1948 thus is truly a word for my generation. It is swell and spiffy also. Well I guess that sums up the whole adventure of this day. I pass by my grandpa's picture in the hall every day so I think that was the spirit that moved me to suggest we take G-son on for a peach outing. It was my grandpa who used to make my favorite peach pie for me during my teen years.

The peaches were abundant and easily reachable at Bowman's Farm just three miles from home. It was a treat for all of us as I had never picked peaches like this either. Originally I'd thought the whole experience was for Lucas but he'll probably not remember. Really, it was an experience for the adults to remember. Well worthwhile.

It only took a few minutes to gather more than enough for a pie. It seems like most of the produce will go to waste. Where are the migrant workers, but that's for another story.

There is an historic connection to this Bowman's Orchard and the famous Macintosh Apple. The Macintosh Apple was named for John Macintosh who discovered it but lived a hundred miles away. It was Macintosh's sister Margaret Macintosh who married a Sheperd and lived here. In fact she and the rest of the Sheperd family are buried on the hill just up from the peach orchard.

We told him to use level measuring cups but Lucas says if you put more sugar in it tastes better. Wanted full participation from Lucas and he was very willing to delve into each step of the process. View the peach picture folder to get a sense of the struggle in the kitchen.

The end product came out surprisingly well considering we were on uncharted waters. It even tasted good.  Grandpa used to make this lattice crust which I sort of got right after watching youtube.

If you attempt an outing like this, don't do it to save money. It costs WAY more in money and time than a simple purchase would have accomplished. I have a new respect and will grumble less the next time I pay for a pie. But it is the experience that was invaluable. I hear there is a bumper crop of blueberries this year...

Grandpa making pancakes for me (hawkeye camera). Precious. They tasted so good and we only had Aunt Jemima or Mrs Butterworth syrup most the time. Sometimes we had the real maple syrup but it didn't matter - they were always good. Grandma was more of a toasted cinnamon raison bread and butter kind of person but sometimes it would be scrambled eggs and Jimmy Dean sausage patties. 

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