Happy Johnny Appleseed Day!
Today we celebrate Johnny Appleseed. Johnny Appleseed is a legend that some mistake for a fictional character who wears a pot on his head. However, Johnny is indeed a part of history for he was born on this day 244 years ago! He was born as Jonathan Chapman on September 26, 1774 in Massachusetts. Johnny was a pioneer as he led his nomadic life traveling around introducing the apple tree to many American Midwest states.
Here are some fun facts about Johnny Appleseed:
- His planting was very purposeful. Johnny owned 1,200 acres of land. In the early 1800s owning land consisted of developing a settlement and in Johnny’s case planting 50 trees counted as claiming land. Once he planted apple orchards he would sell them to settlers.
- The apples Johnny planted were not for eating. Most of the apples were very small and tart, which made it great for cider!
- Johnny did in fact walk around barefoot and carried around a sack of apple seeds! Johnny was strong in his Christian faith and his denomination did not want to harm God’s creation. He was an animal rights activist and vegetarian.
- You can visit one of Johnny Appleseed’s trees! Nova, Ohio is the location of the 176-year-old tree and it is said that it was one of the last trees Johnny planted.
In honor of Johnny Appleseed Day I would like to indulge in an applesauce cake! My great grandmother’s recipe is simple, sweet and the most satisfying fall treat!
Applesauce Cake
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
½ cup shortening
1 egg
1 ½ applesauce
2 cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup raisins and /or nuts
Cream shortening, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Add applesauce and then gradually add the dry ingredients. Fold in raisins/nuts.
Grease a cake pan and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.
Brown Sugar Frosting
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
½ cup evaporated milk
A pinch of baking soda
Cook over medium heat and bring to a boil.
Add:
1 Tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon vanilla
Beat until desired consistency for spreading on cake.
Recipe was written by Genevieve Synder
