Comment from RazorFace

Good

Very nice. I remember Ouma (grandma for us, she was from South Africa), cooking in the kitchen when she visited and we would all sit around playing backgammon or chess and watching football until her beef stew was ready. Nobody cooks anymore, it had a subtle way of bringing the family together.
I liked your story.

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 Comment Written 30-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Nov-2016

Thank you for taking the time to review and comment.

Comment from davisr (Rhonda)

Excellent

What a wonderful story about a childhood memory that made me feel as though I was there among you and your family. Your imagery as well as sequencing were spot on. I love the journey back in time with you.

Oh, and now I want some apple butter, so thanks for that! lol,

Best of luck in the contest,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 28-Oct-2016

Thank you. You will never find apple butter like my dad made. The stuff today just hasn't got it. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Comment from Kelly2

Excellent

This makes me want to can some apple butter! I loved the way you not only educated about the apple butter making process, but also reminisced with such vivid details about how it all brought you together as a family. You made your story so vivid and I wish I had those days as a child.

I'm sure it's better if you live in a place with apples, but having recently learned to pressure can, I am anxious to try it out. Perhaps next fall.

Thank you for the warm feelings and the education on making apple butter. I am going to bookmark this one for sure!

Beautiful writing with a reminiscent feel that is heartwarming.

Kelly

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2016

Thank you, my friend. I grew up in a marvelous family. We grew up the old-fashioned way with wood stoves and a outdoor toilet. It never bothered us if the power went off for a week in the winter.

Comment from Alex Biasin

Excellent

Very well written.
It made me hungry reading it.
I used to love my Mum's homemade lemon butter and like you, haven't been able to find anything that can match the taste that I remember.
This was a lovely walk down memory lane - well done.

 Comment Written 27-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2016

Thank you. I never heard of lemon butter, it sounds good. Thanks for the great review.

Comment from --Turtle.

Excellent

Hi, prettybluebirds,

Nice recollection of a recipe, adding in the family bonding that goes with it. I love apple butter... and the warm bread waiting.... mmm, all the effort makes it worth it. We make apple sauce in a similar fashion, and boy is it a lot of yummy work.

A few thoughts I had:
took knowledge and patience which my Dad perfected over the years. The
(I don't know if it should be: my Dad. That's Dad. He's my dad... I think the my in front of it makes it not proper.... I went with Dad. That was my dad. I call him Dad.)


Dad added the cut [up]? apples and oleo to

Next, the cinnamon was added(.)?
(missing period?)

Mom always managed to have warm homemade bread fresh out of the oven when the apple butter was ready.
(consistency... make sure that you have the apple butter... and Apple Butter day. But not the Apple Butter... (key being 'the' in front)


if the Apple Butter scorched(,) it ruined the whole batch.


and helped Dad(him)? get the kettle off the flames.


compare to my Dad's home-made product.
(really think it should be my dad's.... and we helped Dad.)

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 27-Oct-2016

Thank you. Thanks for the great tips. I always appreciate any help I can get from the reviewers. This is what makes FanStory a nice site to put stories on.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Wonderful story about a family recipe and how all the kids helped with such a big annual project! What a treasure to share with those of us who don't have that experience of homegrown produce made into a homegrown specialty!

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Oct-2016

Thank you. Those were good days. Not many families do stuff like this anymore.

Comment from zanya

Excellent

So-o- true - the vital ingredient in the entire process- that elusive commodity called 'Love'- all these years later retelling this tale love exudes from the page - such a beautiful custom

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Oct-2016

Thank you. I will never forget those wonderful days of old. I was so fortunate to grow up in a large and loving family.

Comment from light

Excellent

Sounds like a fun and memorable experience. It also sounds delicious and on fresh home bread. Who could ask for anything better?
Elaine

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 25-Oct-2016

Thank you. It was delicious and I have never tasted any like it since. None of my family makes it anymore.

Comment from DonandVicki

Excellent

I could almost taste the tang of the fresh apple butter in my mouth as you described this process. Vivid and original story. Very well written.

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 25-Oct-2016

Thank you. I miss those times a lot. Mom and Dad are long gone as well as some of my brothers and one sister.
Such is life.

Comment from Sanku

Exceptional

I loved it. ACtually in India apple butter is unheard of. We have apple jam.This was a learning trip for me. Real family made apple butter and how can the shop-bought ones even compare to this.
there is no sugar in it at all. that is interesting despite the name no fat added too.so a very healthy alternative to butter.

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 25-Oct-2016

Thank you. No, the apples make their own sweetness when cooked. It was delicious. Thank you for the six stars, they are appreciated.