Frosty Days and Onion soup
The frost and snow of the past few weeks tries to persuade us to keep indoors, warm and cosy by the open fire. But it’s worth refusing – and braving the icy weather, all bundled up – for a traipse through the lovely countryside as Mother Nature’s winter coat is beautiful to see. I particularly [...]
The frost and snow of the past few weeks tries to persuade us to keep indoors, warm and cosy by the open fire. But it’s worth refusing – and braving the icy weather, all bundled up – for a traipse through the lovely countryside as Mother Nature’s winter coat is beautiful to see. I particularly love getting out early, on a bright, clear day to admire the pinky golden glow over the icy fields. Look at the way this husk of a weed gently captures and holds the snow in little snowy balls…and the way the frost makes patterns on the windows of my workshop…
May I suggest the warmest of home-welcome with a delicious, bubbling hot bowl of rich onion soup laden with golden, molten cheese? It tastes extra wonderful after a long walk in the cold. I found these giant, sweet onions at the shop and thought they would be perfect for my soup – and they were!
Everyone’s tired – home time it is. Back to our garden, the trees laced with frost.
Time to start cooking. Sometimes those old classic dishes are just the thing, don’t you think? So comforting. In this soup I used a drop of Calvados as I didn’t have any brandy. The slightly sweet and aromatic hint of apple really enhanced the savoury broth. As for the cheese, I love the nutty flavour of a good, aged Gruyere. But you could use another rich melting cheese, perhaps a Comte? Any good rustic bread makes a lovely toasted bed for the cheese. I used a marvellous wholegrain and walnut bread. Magnificent with the cheese. Sadly, the soup is all gone as I write this – I must prepare it again soon!
Before I say goodbye, I’ll leave you with a couple of images from my walks around the frosty village. I stopped in the church and spotted this beautiful earthenware jug – so I quickly made its portrait. And the trees, my friends along the path, wearing their bleak winter wardrobe.
More soon. It will be Spring before we know it – and with this being our first year in our new home and garden, each season brings a bit of surprise. I’m getting some hints of spring bulbs with the emergence of some tiny shoots amidst the snow. This garden needs so much work, and the prospect of some inherited spring flowers makes me very happy. I’ll keep you posted.
Px
Deb: 14th February 2012
Intoxicating photos! Here in California we’ve cold nights and crisp yet sunny days. I very much enjoyed your frosty post.
pascale: 14th February 2012
Hi Deb, I love California – and California weather! I spent a few years there as I went to university there (UCLA). Wonderful times! But not the seasons we get over here…Thanks for the comment and stop by again soon!
Jeanne @ CookSister!: 14th February 2012
Oh what gorgeous pics! I love the one of the frost on the glass – we get great patterns on our conservatory when there have been wisps of spider webs on the glass – like a frosty web! Onion soup topped with a cheesy crouton is one of my all-time favourites – thanks for reminding me that I must make it soon!
pascale: 14th February 2012
Hi Jeanne. I thought I better get those frosty pics in quick – I feel that Spring will be along before we know it now. I am very excited about that…
Laura Scott: 14th February 2012
I love your posts as they have a great combination of food & photography. So lovely to see the snow again and a hearty onion soup would be a perfect choice on a cold February day!
pascale: 14th February 2012
Thanks Laura. By the way, I’ve been enjoying your blog too!
Margaret: 14th February 2012
Your photographs portray wintertime in England so beautifully. We long for spring but it is so important to stop and relish the magic of the moment. I love the red tractor and the ‘cotton balls’. Ma
pascale: 14th February 2012
Thanks Mum!
The Moscovore: 14th February 2012
Besutiful images of the frost and it’s obvious antidote! Was trawling for a simple onion soup recipe and was so delighted to find you!!!
pascale: 14th February 2012
Thank you! Hope you come visit again soon.
Inspiring Links for Busy Times | Healthy Green Kitchen: 14th February 2012
[...] last but not least: I discovered a beautiful blog this week called Extra Relish thanks to a tweet from the also beautiful blog: Fresh New [...]
idiosyncratic eye: 14th February 2012
Wow, amazing images.
pascale: 14th February 2012
Really kind of you – thank you. And thanks for visiting!