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HEALTHY LIVING

Berkshire Senior , August-September 2021 Elder Services’

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Autumn & Apples Go Hand in Hand

As skies turn brilliant blue, with huge mounds of white clouds, and leaves transform to splendorous shades of orange, red, and deep yellow, it’s time for all things apple.

Apple betty, apple cider donuts, apple muffins, apple pie, applesauce, apple strudel, and apple turnovers are just a few of the delicious creations people make from apples in kitchens throughout Berkshire County. Many people also have childhood memories of flaky-crusted apple pies made by mothers and grandmothers.

The home of Marianne Rennie, a Pittsfield native, is already filled with the cinnamon fragrance of apples as she transforms mounds of the fruit into applesauce. Then, the sauce gets mixed into tasty cookies that have quite a history. Marianne’s late mother, Gertrude, who lived in Pittsfield most of her life, used to perform magic in the kitchen with apples, too. Marianne remembers her mother gathering apples from the family homestead’s side yard and transforming them into applesauce and apple pies. One of Marianne’s brothers lives in the homestead now and the generous apple trees still produce a bounty of the fruit. It’s turned into delectable apple desserts, thanks to Marianne.

Marianne came across an article that contained the recipe for the applesauce cookies she has perfected. It’s dated 2007. In addition to containing the recipe, the article tells the story of a certain apple tree, “the Algeo tree,” in Mansfield, Ohio, and some fascinating lore about Johnny Appleseed. Mention that name to most older people and they will be familiar with it.

Johnny Appleseed, aka John Chapman, was born right here in Massachusetts, in Leominster, in September of 1774 (according to the Internet’s Ohio History Central site). His mother’s name was Elizabeth. His father, Nathanial, happened to be a minuteman in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

History tells that Elizabeth died and Nathanial eventually re-married. He and his second wife had 10 more children! When he was just 13 years old, Johnny’s father helped him get an apprenticeship to a man who managed apple trees, it has been documented. He learned a lot about planting and growing all kinds of apples. Then, when he was 18, he and a half-brother left the kid-filled home to travel throughout the west.

Throughout his early life, Johnny logged more than 4,000 miles around the country. He spent many years in Ohio. According to published information, Johnny Appleseed lived out his life as a vegetarian. He was a very peaceful man who never married or had children. He wore raggedy clothes that he bartered for with apples, according to reports. In the article Marianne Rennie found, it was noted that he planted hundreds of apple trees throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In Mansfield, near by the Algeo family farm, Johnny Appleseed planted a tree that had Rambo apples. Apparently, that type of apple tree was brought to America in 1640 by Peter Gunnarsson Rambo, a Swedish immigrant. “These tart, flavorful heirloom apples are particularly good for pies and dumplings,” the old article notes. “They also make good applesauce, which Phyllis, 81, prepares by cooking down chopped, peeled and cored apples, putting the mixture through a sieve, and then freezing it. Her grandkids love the applesauce and she uses it in cookies, following a recipe that has been handed down for generations.”

The Ohio family matriarch is quoted as saying this about the ancient tree: “Every spring I think it’s the last year but Johnny’s watching over it.”

Marianne graciously gave a copy of the Algeo Family Applesauce Cookieso it could be shared with readers. Here it is:

The Algeo Family Applesauce Cookies

These simple cookies can be made by hand ---no mixer required

Cookies:

¾ cup of shortening 1 cup of packed brown sugar 1 egg ½ cup applesauce 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted ½ teaspoon of baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup raisins ½ cup chopped walnuts

Topping:

¼ cup of granulated sugar 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375F

To prepare cookies, combine shortening, brown sugar and egg; stir well. Stir in applesauce. Combine dry ingredients. Add to shortening mixture; stir well. Fold in raisins and nuts. Drop by tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet.

To prepare topping, combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle on cookies. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. While cookies are warm, press down slightly to create a crinkly appearance. Makes 32 cookies. (Per cookie: 120 calories, 6g fat, 5mg chol., 1gprot., 17g carbs., 1g fiber, 60mg sodium)

The online version of the recipe can be found here: https:// easykitchen.com/recipes/algeofamily-applesauce-cookies/

In her spotless kitchen, first Marianne makes applesauce from the apples that come from trees on the family Pittsfield homestead lawn. She’s not sure what kind of apples they are but they make a delicious sauce.

Then, using that homemade applesauce, she makes the Algeo Family Applesauce Cookies. She especially loves making them when she has the out-oftown company of her two young grandchildren.

Luckily for Berkshire County residents, there are apples aplenty and apple baked goods available for many weeks in autumn.

Enough Pay to Stay

continued from page 3 and homemakers will “stay” on the job and help attract new workers.

Implementation of the 2022 Enough Pay to Stay is a great place to start to address our workforce challenges. As the increase in wages associated with the 2022 version of Enough Pay to Stay is temporary, our hope is that a future “structural fix” will have a more lasting impact in stabilizing the workforce.

My purpose in talking about Berkshire County’s workforce challenges is not to alarm you. I believe you are probably aware that a shortage of workers sometimes results in a delay in filling cases. However, I do want to make you aware that this problem is not unique to Berkshire County and that our legislators and State agencies are aware of these challenges and are being proactive in trying to address them.

I will keep you updated on the status of Enough Pay to Stay and other developments regarding the direct care workforce.

Until next time be good, be kind and be careful.