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Victoria Luhring

Grand Rapids Ohio Apple Butter Festival

Making the Apple Butter

Produced in the fall as a means of preserving part of the apple crop, apple butter was a community project bringing together families and neighbors, young and old. The Applebutter Fest is no less a community effort: groups gather to peel the 125 bushels of apples, volunteers stir each of the 50-gallon copper kettles for at least 6 hours over an open fire to produce the delicious treat. Two batches are made: one before the Fest, which is then pressure-canned and ready for sale, and a smaller batch during the Fest, which is put up in jars that will require refrigeration. Altogether, almost 2500 pints of apple butter will be ready for sale on the day of the Fest.

Two weeks prior to the Fest, members and friends of the Historical Society of Grand Rapids gather at the farm of Steve and Pat Kryder, near McClure, to stir up four kettles of apple butter at what has become known as the "Big Stir."

"Making apple butter," Fest co-chair Steve Kryder says, "is a 3-day job. A day to boil down 50 gallons of cider to about 10 gallons of condensed cider, a day to peel and schnitz [slice] 15 bushels of apples, and a day to cook the mixture." A total of seven kettles of apple butter are made before and during the Fest.

"You want to start with sweet cider, a mixture of apples (Jonathan, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Spies, and Pipin are among the best), and then stir over an open fire until the mixture is smooth, thick, and brown. Remove from the heat and add 75 lbs. of sugar to each 50-gallon kettle, stir well and jar it up. Make sure you also have a loaf of fresh bread handy for samples."

The recipe, passed down from Steve Kryder's grandparents, perfected by his mother, uses only apples, cider, and sugar. Pat, Steve's wife (who offered up the original idea for the Fest), likes to make a small quantity with cinnamon and allspice to taste.

Volunteers are always welcome to the Kryder farm for the Big Stir. Bring the kids, a dish to share, and join in the fun for a couple of hours or all day. The kettles are placed over the fires about 6 a.m. and the cooking lasts until around 4 p.m.

You can also help out with the apple peelings two days before the Fest, help stir the apple butter as it cooks down, or join the canners on Fest day. "It's fun, you get to meet and talk with new people or folks you haven't seen for a while," says Pat Kryder. "You renew that sense of community."

For the apple butter made during the Fest, you can take a turn at stirring the kettles with a wooden paddle fitted with cornhusk scrapers on the ends. Free apple cider is available during the stirring.

Apple Butter for a Crowd

  • 50 gallons of cider, boiled down to approximately 10 gallons of thick syrup.
  • 15 bushels of mixed apple varieties (Courtland, Jonathan, Empire, and Yellow Delicious are best; do not use Red Delicious apples).
  • 75 lbs. sugar
  • Equipment: 50 gal. kettle, tripod, large wooden paddles, firewood.

Peel, core, and quarter the apples; add to the cider syrup in a large, 50-gallon kettle hanging over an open fire and stir constantly at a full boil for approximately 6 hours until smooth. Remove from fire. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Fill clean jars immediately. Makes about 330 pints.

The 577 Foundation in Perrysburg

In looking around for things to do this weekend, I came across a wonderful place to explore, The 577 Foundation (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.577foundation.org%2F&h=YAQDxo0bBAQDic1r058N-Ns9vKENj44dAv9Z0q7AaP4bakA) Maybe I can get out there this weekend. Weather is supposed to be brisk but nice. I believe Planned Pethood is having a booksale there from 9am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday. The 577 Foundation Staff www.577foundation.org

Revenge Verde - The Engine that Could ! Fuel Efficiency Car

Revenge Verde Showcased Beauty Inside and Out !

Why does going Green have to cost so much Green? The Engine that could is now being Showcased. When claims where being made that this engine could get 110 mpg -the blogs went crazy.

The Revenge Verde offers Inside Beauty with Fuel Efficiency going beyond the recent target and Outside Beauty inspired by the Ford GT.

Enter the Revenge Verde, a $190,000, 200 mph+ green monster marketed as "the world's first guilt-free mid engine Supercar." A fuel-efficient, mid-engine supercar manufactured entirely in America is certainly something to feel good about.

See the Articles that where posted in the Past about this claim of an engine by Palmer (Wauseon, Ohio) that would get 110 mpg. Eyes where on every move being made and now they are Showing Off The Revenge Verde.

The Newest Articles of the Engine that Will! Revenge Verde appears to be a creation inspired by the Ford GT - Promising Looks and Promising Gas Mileage.

Detroit Free Press News about the Revenge Verde Unveiling.
Auto Show -Public Sales are targetted for later in 2010
Auto Species - Blogger are talking about the Revenge Super Car.
What Else is being reported, Electric Flying Car, Green with Grit, Piston Head.

The Revenge Verde may be available to the public by the middle of 2010. If you searching for luxury in a Vehicle -this may be it. If your search for Luxury in a Home - I can help. Luxury Homes in the Surrounding Toledo Areas can be sent right to your email. Be on Top of it All.

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Home Inspection - Ten Question for Home Inspector

  • How long have you been in the home inspecting business? How many home inspections have you done? It is important to have a home inspector with a lot of experience so that you can be sure that all parts of your future home are thoroughly inspected.
  • What does your home inspector cover? You should make sure that all state requirements are met for your home inspection.
  • Do you offer repairs based on the home inspection? Sometimes the home inspectors are able to repair some of the problems they may find.
  • Do you have experience in residential inspections? It is important that your home inspector has experience in residential inspections. Construction and engineering experience is helpful, but residential experience is a must.
  • How long will the inspection take? The average time is 2-3 hours.
  • Will I be able to attend the inspection? If the inspector refuses to allow this, you may want to reconsider your choice. This could be a red flag. It is a good idea to see your future home with the help of an expert on your side.
  • What kind of inspection report do you provide? How long will it take to receive this report? Most inspectors provide their report within 24 hours of the inspection.
  • How much will it cost? A typical range is between $300-$500.
  • Are you a member of a professional home inspector association? Request to see their ID. Make sure your home inspector is qualified.
  • Do you work to continue your education in order to keep your expertise up to date? The inspector's commitment to furthering his/her education is a good measure of their professionalism.