Friday Five: Johnny Appleseed

Singing Owl from RevGals writes:

Raise your hand if you know that today is Johnny Appleseed Day!

September 26, 1774 was his birthday. Johnny Appleseed" (John Chapman) is one of America's great legends. He was a nurseryman who started out planting trees in western New York and Pennsylvania, but he was among those who were captivated by the movement west across the continent.

As Johnny traveled west (at that time, the "West" was places like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois) he planted apple trees and sold trees to settlers. With every apple tree that was planted, the legend grew. A devout Christian, he was known to preach during his travels. According to legend, Johny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little. He rarely accepted money and often donated any money he received to churches or charities. He planted hundereds of orchards, considering it his service to humankind. There is some link between Johny Appleseed and very early Arbor Day celebrations.

So, in honor of this interesting fellow, let's get on with the questions!

1. What is your favorite apple dish? (BIG BONUS points if you share the recipe.)
My mom's ONE cobbler:

1 cup chopped, peeled tart apples (you can also use peaches, whatever!)
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 tsp baking powder
cinnamon to taste

Put chopped apples in an 8" greased 8x8 pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Mix remaining ingredients until you have a very thin batter. Pour batter over prepared fruit. IMPORTANT: line a cookie sheet or other large flat pan with foil. Place 8x8 pan on top. (this ALWAYS seems to run over!)

Bake at 350 until the crust is browned and the batter does not leave any "goo" on a toothpick when you test it. Best served warm.


2. Have you ever planted a tree? If so was there a special reason or occasion you can tell us about?
We planted our balled-in-burlap Christmas trees every year when I was growing up. The last time I saw them they were a lovely windbreak and taller than the house!


3. Does the idea of roaming around the countryside (preaching or otherwise) appeal to you? Why or why not?
Could I pick where I stay? Have clean sheets and a jacousie? Not have to clean or cook? Oh yeah. But then, I would miss friends and family and the connections I have here. So... not so much.


4. Who is a favorite "historical legend" of yours?
"An honest Wall Street banker."

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?
The problem here is that I have the Girl Scout "Johnny Appleseed" Grace stuck in my head!!! So at the moment, that's the song you get...
Ohhhh... the Lord is good to me
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need
The sun, and the rain and the appleseed
The Lord is good to me. AMEN!


That's my stuff and I'm sticking with it. :)

Deb