Winter may stretch ahead but there are welcome signs of renewal to lift my spirits in the garden. The weather has brought us snow, frost, storms and rain but it’s all forgiven when the sun shines.
A few frosty days decorated leaves in a pleasing way and brought beauty to a frozen scene.
When the frost melted there were glistening drops to enjoy on lovely flowers. Scarlet haws lay beneath the hawthorn tree on the dark soil and the beech leaves glowed in the leafbin.
Evergreens are so valuable for their year-round show and the winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) scents the cold air with its perfumed white flowers. The faded beauty of retained leaves add interest to the bare borders.
The hellebores are opening more of their beautiful blooms. I need to add some of these again to the garden. I lost a few when we had some paving work done. The “Double Ellen” series are really fabulous. Their petals and centres are so varied and fascinating.
A cheeky dandelion has pushed up quite vigorously in a pot but even this is a welcome visitor at this time of year.
When I removed the sprays of winter foliage from my Christmas vase display I discovered one sprig of holly had little white flower buds. Holly produces lovely tiny white waxy flowers so I put the sprig into a small vase in the kitchen windowsill. I hoped the flowers would open. They haven’t, unfortunately, but it was worth a try.
We had some work done while the trees were dormant. Very pleased with the result. Not too drastic but unwanted branches removed. The beech tree is beneath overhead cables so it needs reducing every couple of years. It’s full of ivy but we don’t mind. The bees love the flowers, the birds eat the berries and they nest among the leaves.
We asked for a bag of woodchip to use in the Hotbin. Apparently, they speed up the heating process and make the compost break down a bit faster. I hope so. Compost is so vital in our garden with its poor sandy soil.
Indoors, it’s time to use the squashes which I stored in Autumn. I’m very pleased with the “Ukichi kuri” which I grew last year for the first time. I used to grow “Buttercup”, a very tasty squash, but tried these instead. Not too big, easy to peel with a paring tool and make very nice soup. Haven’t roasted them yet but I think they will be good. So pleasing to look at as well.
I’m using apples which we stored in the shed. The mice have wriggled in somehow and found them again but not too much damage yet. The Cox apples are now very mellow with a lovely texture and flavour eaten raw but they’re also delicious cooked.
I’ve baked a chocolate roll to freeze for a special occasion. Full of flavour and a sweet treat. Here’s my recipe. A Swiss roll tin is needed plus greaseproof paper.
Chocolate Swiss Roll
3 large Eggs
75g Caster Sugar
60g Self-raising Flour
2 heaped tablespoons of Cocoa Powder (approx.26g)
Butter Cream or alternative filling.
Lightly grease the tin and line with greaseproof paper, slightly overlapped at the edges.
Beat the eggs and sugar until a trail forms in the mixture. This will take a few minutes.
Heat the oven to 200C/180C for a fan oven.
Weigh the flour and add the cocoa to it. Sieve a little at a time to the egg mixture and fold in gently until it's incorporated.
Spread carefully into the lined tin.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Put a fresh sheet of greaseproof paper on the worktop. Sprinkle with icing sugar.
Allow the cake to cool slightly then tip upside down onto the fresh paper. Carefully peel off the baking paper and roll up using the new paper.
Make butter icing.
Allow the cake to become completely cold then unroll and spread with the butter icing.
Reroll the cake. Don't worry if it splits a bit.
Good to eat straight away or can be frozen.
An alternative filling could be just jam. Cherry jam and whipped cream make a Black Forest gateau effect.
Last year I treated myself to a big mixer to make my baking a bit easier. I’d toyed with the idea for a while but wasn’t sure it would be worth the expense. I’m so glad I finally did it. A favourite piece of kitchen equipment now.
Wishing away the Winter and yet glad of a rest from daily gardening. Time to reflect, make plans and be excited about the treasures to look forward to. I hope your Winter will pass well and bring unexpected pleasure.
With you again in a couple of weeks. Bye for now.
Living a contented creative life. 
Happy Monday Freda!! I was tickled pink when I saw that you made a new post. It’s things like your “homey” posts that help to brighten the dreaded winter months for me……..and probably for many others too. The 2 flower pics right before the dandelion are so pretty! I love your vintage canisters/storage containers……reminders of “the good old days”. That Swiss roll looks delicious! Glad you’re finding pleasure in your new stand mixer. I’ve had one for many years that I don’t know what I’d do without………even though these days I don’t use it very often since I no longer have anyone else to cook for but me. Wishing you a beautiful couple of weeks till you bless us with another post. Take care.
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It’s so lovely to hear from you Teresa. It’s heartwarming to be told my blog gives you pleasure. Yes, the big mixer is brilliant. Should have had one years ago. Like you, I doubt I would use it much if I were on my own. I mainly bake for my husband and family occasions. I love baking. It’s another form of creativity. I enjoy being creative. Thank you for your lovely comments. They always encourage me to keep on with my blog. X
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I’m very happy to provide encouragement. I too love to create.
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