Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Winter Days

The recipe books are once again sitting snugly on their shelves, instead of being strewn about the kitchen counter tops.

I was gifted a beautiful enameled, cast-iron dutch-oven at Christmas, something I had placed on my "Wish List".
The prettiest cobalt-blue finish, and heavy as a sack of coal.
I have no idea how Father Christmas managed to squeeze it down the chimney.

My first masterpiece was a wholesome pot of navy bean, cabbage, and smoked sausage soup. Slowly simmered to perfection, and devoured with a slice or two of buttermilk cornbread.


I'm leaving the tartan tablecloth in place for a little while longer, the colors warm and inviting, giving dull Winter days, a much needed splash of vibrancy.




We had a blast of Arctic weather blow through yesterday, tonight, more of the same, although none predicted past Thursday.


Perfect weather on a late blustery afternoon for indulging in lots of tea, and enjoying a shortbread biscuit or two.






"Come along inside... We'll see if tea and buns can make the world a better place."


~ Kenneth Grahame, "The Wind in the Willows"

15 comments:

Marilyn said...

Tea and the company certainly make the world a better place!♥♫

Stella Jones said...

Yes please, I'll take some of that, a lot of it in fact! I have the same teapot as you in the Lavender Rose design.
Lovely message you left me thank you. Can't wait to see piccies of your new oven?

Wayfarin' Stranger said...

Today we woke to a covering of snow and the thermometer never made it above the freezing mark. With a brisk wind, it was a good day to hunker down and enjoy the fire. Sounds like you got it right. Jim

Susie Swanson said...

That looks so welcome on this cold winter's night.. Think I'll have some too.. Stay warm..Susie

Unknown said...

Thanks for the invitation.
I'll be right along.

carol hardie said...

i have the same Royal Albert dinner set,it is so beautiful,i only bring mine out on special occasion's,that look's so cosy!and how lucky you received a cast iron Dutch Oven for Xmas,and in Blue,that's on my wish list!enjoy,Best wishes from Carol,in a very Hot Adelaide,Australia.

Terry said...

What a warm and inviting table!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh My Heart... That soup sounds absolutely fabulous --especially on a day like today... Brrrrrrrr.
Hugs,
Betsy

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Hope to have a taste of the Yokseshire Tea one day!

Anonymous said...

This post has sooooo much atmosphere. It made me get up and put the kettle on. Lovely and now I know what I want for dinner.

DJan said...

I love your pictures. Such an elegant posting, but I have come to expect that when I visit you. Lovely!

MadSnapper said...

your arctic blast dipped down into Florida last night bringing us 34 here, and it is COLD but should be gone by Friday. I love the glass in your cabinet of books. we could use some of your soup for today to warm us up. will we see a photo of the new pot?

Anonymous said...

I love dutch ovens...yours sounds quite beautiful! Surprisingly it has been cold here in west central Florida...in the 40s first thing in the morning...had to get out my soft warm comfy bathrobe I bought last year! Been having flavored coffee and hot chocolate...need to try some of the teas I have! Beautiful photos!

Anonymous said...

wowowow..lovely photoes!!and the tea cups!!!the ones with the roses on!!Beautiful!!

thanx for lovely comment on my blog.see you soon again!!))

Mary Lou said...

I just want to say "aaahhhhhhh!"