Grape Jelly and Apple Pie

OK, so you're probably wondering what these two things have in common??? Well the answer really is quite simple! These are the products of a new desire that I have had lately to learn how to do!

When I was growing up, my mom would faithfully make grape jelly, apple pie, cinnamon rolls, and honey-whole-wheat bread...all from scratch! Yeah, that's right...WITHOUT a bread machine! I still remember bringing a loaf of just-made bread into school every holiday season as a gift for my elementary school teachers!

I have now realized that the time has come for me to learn from mom, and keep on with the tradition. I will admit...I have been a little intimidated to even try an learn these thing in the past, because MOM IS THE QUEEN of baking! I'm not kidding! her homemade apple pies are FAMOUS! Well needless to say...I DID IT!!! And I must say, it was a joy to see the finished product too!

For the grape jelly, we started out by going out into the back yard and picked the grapes off of the vine! Yes...when I say "from scratch" I really mean FROM SCRATCH! After two days of hard work, we were able to enjoy the "fruits of our labor" and will again and again probably for about a year!

As for the apple pie...the main thing that intimidated me the most was that mom makes the most amazing pie crusts! Well...once again I learned her secrets! And I won't reveal them until my daughters come askin' Here is a picture of MY FIRST APPLE PIE! Yeah, I'm a little proud of it...