Apple Butter Day: Long Process Worth the Treat

The fragrance of wood smoke hits about a quarter mile from the destination: my sister Janet Ronk’s home.

Pulling in the drive brings the deep rich fragrance of cider and apples cooking at a simmer.

Summer is over and the apples are hanging in heavy clusters. The snap of cold lets all know it’s time to drag out the copper kettle and build a fire.

It’s the first time in 17 years the Ronks have made apple butter and I made the short list, an invitation to spend the day.

A latecomer to the apple butter boil party, I missed the days of preparation, most starting a week or so ago, that require the e...