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"