Winter Wonderland

The snow has been falling for the last few days. On Saturday it fell silently in huge lacey flakes covering everywhere in a silent blanket. I didn’t venture out into the cold, preferring to stay warm and dry but I took some photos through the windows.

I wrote a little poem about the fascination which snow has for us all, no matter how many times we’ve seen it.

Snowfall

Snow lies low upon the ground,
Just a sprinkle, nothing more.
The snowflakes fall without a sound,
Melting fast against the door.
A zillion crystals light and bright
Drift earthwards, dancing on the breeze,
Illuminating ink-black night
And clothing fast the naked trees.
A beautiful vision, white and pure,
Covering everything in its way.
Winter's cruelty we must endure
But thrill each time to its display.

Since Saturday the snow has been melting and I ventured outside to catch a few glimpses of the shining drops and to see how the plants were doing. A few nice flowers brightened the garden, despite the weather.

Although I find winter very hard I try to appreciate as much as I can. Taking photos is one of the things which makes me look, to see the beauty around me, even though its cold and the garden is looking very drab.

Being in the warmth of the kitchen cooking and baking comfort food is another pleasurable way to pass the short dark days.

I made another one-pan meal at the weekend with lamb cutlets and vegs. I added some of my parsnip wine to tenderise the cutlets and add a little extra something to the rich stock. Cooking them all together in a small amount of water and adding an oxo cube makes a strong and delicious gravy.

I love one-pan meals. They’re not only easy and economical but they taste so much better than plain boiled vegetables. When I do cutlets like these I simmer them for 45 minutes before I put in the vegetables so that they are tender. A dash of wine helps too.

Years ago I used to go every Wednesday morning to a boot sale. It was really what might be called a fleamarket. Mainly commercial traders selling everything from tins of old buttons to vintage furniture. I loved it. You never knew what treasures would turn up. I enjoyed haggling and paying pennies for nice bits and bobs and I had lots of lovely pottery from there which I now treasure.

One of the things I spotted in a tray of old cutlery was a small teaspoon with a little figure on the handle. Later, I discovered these are known as “apostle spoons”. I bought two, simply because I liked them, along with some other old teaspoons.

But then I discovered that the apostle spoons were really useful. Have you ever noticed that recipes which include spice ask for teaspoon measures, only to discover the teaspoon won’t fit inside an average spice jar! The smaller apostle spoons slide in perfectly so I’m so glad I bought them.

I have to give them a little shine with some silver polish now and then but that’s a pleasant job so I don’t mind.

We haven’t started on the Christmas cake yet. With so many treats on the go we thought we’d hold back. Today might be the day though! A slice with a glass of sherry. Festivities prolonged in our house. I still have some mince pies and Christmas puds in the freezer so the treats will get us through the winter.

The chocolate log has been enjoyed but I think next time I will use whipping cream. I usually do but for some reason I used double and I found it a bit stiff. It needed extra cream to go with it. Small portions though with all the chocolates being eaten!

The sun is shining today. It seems warm and bright but it’s actually very cold outside. I went down the garden to fetch carrots, a leek, a turnip and some parsley. Glad of a breath of fresh air but happy to be back in the warmth. The sun is flooding the living room and highlighting things in a golden light.

I hope the year has started well for you despite the difficulties we’re all experiencing. Stay warm, safe and healthy.

Back with you again in a few days.