A Family Tradition

It's that time of year...Cheese Apple time!!! My dad's side of the family has a tradition of all getting together (usually the night before Thanksgiving) to make cheese apples. What is a cheese apple? You ask. Well, sorry...but I can't tell you exactly what it is because the recipe is an old Cook family secret passed down for generations, but I can tell you that it basically is a special kind of cheese ball. We put holly leaves in the top and make them look like apples, hence the name "cheese apple." From what I've been told (some of you who know more about the recipe may have to help me out), the recipe started from the owner of a small, local grocery store/general store in Wewoka on the corner of Main Street. He was related to the Cook Family through marriage, I believe. This man knew everyone in town, as Wewoka is a really small town, and every year he would make these cheese apples and put them in his front window in a cooler to sell around the holiday season. Over the years they became a VERY desired holiday snack and everyone in town (and some out of towners) just couldn't wait to get one! And they are very yummy...that is, if you like them. They are kind of an acquired taste. Those that like them, CRAVE them! And those that don't, really don't like them. I didn't start liking them until I was pregnant with Reid. I guess pregnancy changed my taste buds! 

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This year we all got together at my Aunt Glenda's house and made almost 200 cheese apples! It's always so much fun because the entire family gets involved. Even the little ones have started helping out! When I was younger we would set up an old card table at my grandparents' house and attache 4 grinders to the side, each taking turns grinding the cheese. The past two years, thanks to technology, we have a mechanical grinder and when get them done in about 1/4 of the time! Sometimes I miss the old grinding by hand, but it sure is a whole lot easier with the new grinder! 

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My cousin Tyler - in charge of the "mixing" this year!

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This college boy was too tired to help...he chose to babysit instead! Sis looks a little unsure about it!

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 Reid and Jett really wanting to get their hands dirty!

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Lacee - the "ball maker!"

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This was Garrett's (my cousin Tara's boyfriend) first time to do cheese apples! We usually don't let any "outsiders" be involved in the preparation process in case they try and steal the recipe :) Since they are soon to be engaged, we thought the secret was safe with him!

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This was grandma's face when someone mentioned that we were almost out of a certain ingredient! She takes this cheese apple making pretty serious!

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 The Grinder - Uncle Terry has been named the "Official Grinder"

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Newbies get the stinky job!

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 Cheese! Lots of Cheese!

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 Just too many kids and too much going on...it was somebody's bedtime!

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Aunt Tammy & Aunt Glenda - they've done this a few times!

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 And these are cheese apples...minus the leaves on top.

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Papa - "the supervisor." He's earned his title!

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 Some of the crew of the first shift

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He's was just there for the socialization!

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 I don't think the babysitting's going very well!

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 These two love birds can even make cheese apples a romantic event!

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 One of our newest cheese apple makers...Baby Joss!

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Everyone takes their share of cheese apples home and we wrap them up in cute little dishes or serving platters and give them out to friends, neighbors, and co-workers as holiday gifts. Usually the same people get them every year, and over the years people have started asking for them...some even asking for 2 or 3! Everyone tries to figure out the recipe and some people have even tried to get their children married into the family over the years to get the secret recipe! They make a great snack to serve at holiday parties and get-togethers and taste extra good on Ritz crackers or with a piece of Robertson's summer sausage. So if you'd like to try one or need something to take to a holiday party, don't hesitate to ask us for one! We'd love to share our family tradition with you! Just don't ask for the recipe :)