Johnny Appleseed Friday Five!

Singing Owl tells us that today, September 26th, is Johnny Appleseed Day! In honor of this legend who traveled west planting apple trees (and apparently did some preachin' along the way), here are the questions:

1. What is your favorite apple dish? (BIG BONUS points if you share the recipe.)

It's hard to pick a favorite, but my grandmother's apple crisp would be right up there. Since I want those big bonus points, here is her recipe:

10X7 pan
Slice 3/4 full with apples, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water

Topping:
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup melted butter

Mix thoroughly, put over apples and bake 30 minutes or more. Double when you use a large pan and bake 45 minutes.

And, hoping for even bigger bonus points, I'm sharing a picture of my grandma:


2. Have you ever planted a tree? If so was there a special reason or occasion you can tell us about?

I've planted a few trees over the years -- mostly when we've moved into a new house (with a new yard). My favorite part of planting (for some inexplicable reason) is digging the holes into which the trees are placed.

3. Does the idea of roaming around the countryside (preaching or otherwise) appeal to you? Why or why not?

The idea of roaming around the countryside sounds wonderful (sign me up!!!), but preaching would not be a part of it. (Can I substitute eating instead?)

4. Who is a favorite "historical legend" of yours?

Just to annoy RevSS, I'm going to say Hillary Clinton.



5. Johnny Appleseed was said to sing to keep up his spirits as he travelled the roads of the west. Do you have a song that comes when you are trying to be cheerful, or is there something else that you often do?

When the Empty Nest Hiking Club is hiking through the woods, I sometimes start humming (and/or singing) the Happy Wanderer. (Must be my German roots.) I can get especially obnoxious with the "Val-deri, Val-dera, Val-deri, Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha" part.