27 Jan, 2011
Sometimes it’s only the old favourites that will do. Those wonderful, comforting dishes that nourish the body and make you feel happy. For me, leeks and potatoes are one of those glorious long standing marriages of pure comfort and deliciousness. Together in a simple soup they are real harmony. Recently, I’ve really been craving those nourishing foods so I’ve been enjoying lots of this lovely soup. I like to add other richly nutritious greens like watercress or spinach for an extra boost of goodness.
Do you remember last time I mentioned that my lovely husband has been doing a little more of the cooking lately? I’ve been been trying to teach him a bit as he goes along. Some people are not natural cooks are they? (It’s that good old diplomatic side of me speaking here!) I firmly believe that everyone can cook, it’s a matter of common sense and if nothing else you can always follow a decent recipe. But that real magic, that blend of art and chemistry that makes for the yummiest food, well it’s an instinctive thing isn’t it? I wouldn’t say that D is a natural cook. But given the chance – and he doesn’t get much chance with me in the way all the time – he does really well. In fact, he is now a master of this lovely soup. It’s actually even nicer because he’s made it for me, and that makes me feel very happy.
It has been a proper old winter, this one. Bitterly cold on many days, dull and gloomy at times too. It’s got a quiet beauty about it though, doesn’t it? I still love to go out walking even though I don’t really like being cold. There is always something interesting to see in the stark winter landscape and I love to see the horses, cows and piggies in the fields around our village. And then come home to a big warm bowl of nourishing, homemade soup.
If you feel like sharing any thoughts or ideas or sending me a link to your website/blog, please do leave a comment. It’s always wonderful to hear your thoughts.
Otherwise, until next time. With some more vibrant colours I think. P.
in Leek Potato Soup, Leeks, Photography, Potatoes, Soup, cold, frost, harmony, nature, nutrition, river, seasons, warming soup, winter | Comments (4)
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12 Jan, 2011
It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Those of you who kindly stop by here regularly will have noticed I’ve been a bit quiet for a time. It’s been an eventful and difficult couple of months, I’ll say more in a moment. But first – a bit belatedly – heartfelt wishes for a glorious and peaceful 2011 to all. The new year brings a fresh start for us, and this year I feel that especially. So here we are, I’ve taken stock, and I’m so looking forward to this coming year - and feeling very thankful too. I’m starting my new year by sending out a lot of thank you messages. And what better way is there to say thank you than with some delicious homemade shortbread biscuits.
So where have I been? Well I’ll just say, in a nutshell, that I had a bit of a sudden health issue and as a result I had to have major surgery just before Christmas. All went well and all is well now, and that’s one (big) reason I’m truly thankful.
But it’s extraordinary how much that’s wonderful and positive can emerge from challenging events. I’ve been delighted and honoured by the kindness and friendship of people around me. When I came home from hospital, friends and neighbours in our village showered us with help and good wishes. Our cottage was absolutely brimming with cards and flowers (those pink ones above came from the two gorgeous old ladies who live next door). We were brought hot dinners and given lots of help with childcare. I felt so touched by all these kindnesses. We moved to this village from Barbados about five years ago and at first it wasn’t easy to settle. Over time we naturally made friends – however the experiences of the past several weeks made me really see how lovely this place is, this little village full of kind and caring people. Now I’m well on the mend, it’s time for me to send out some thanks for all those favours. It’s time to start baking.
I found this cute little biscuit stamper in my Christmas stocking and this is an excellent opportunity to try it out. I love it, and so does our little boy. We haven’t quite mastered perfectly stamped biscuits yet, but that’s what homemade is all about isn’t it?
While the biscuits cool down, we have the chance to take a walk in the crisp winter sunshine. It has been a lovely winter so far, lots of snow and frost. I’m a warm weather girl really, but even so I love the beauty of winter. The shapes of the bare trees, the muted colours and far reaching views. Then back home, into the warmth, and it’s time for a cup of tea and to start on those thank you cards.
As I haven’t been able to cook much for the past few weeks, my husband has had to get cooking. (Another thing to be thankful for?!) As the head cook of the house, I’ve been teaching him a bit as he goes along. It’s been quite good fun actually, so we’re going to keep up the cookery lessons! More about that next time.
In the meantime, drop me a comment if you like. I would love to hear from you. And if you would like to connect on Twitter, I always tweet on there with blog updates and other things in between. Thanks for visiting!
Pascale x
in Baking, Biscuits, New Year, Photography, Shortbread, seasons, winter | Comments (35)
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