Comfort Food

Winter is clinging to southern Ontario like gum on the bottom of a shoe, but today’s chores have reminded me why I love the cold months.

The aroma of the roast of beef in the oven, surrounded by onions and carrots permeates the house with an essence of comfort.  

Sitting in the fridge is the batter for Yorkshire pudding, homemade, not packaged or store-bought. It took me years of experimenting to discover a perfect recipe. Until then, the puddings were hit or miss. The secret to perfect Yorkshire pudding is a really hot oven and using bacon grease instead of pan drippings. I like to make mine in muffin tins. Each one looks different, but they’re equally delicious. 

Here’s the recipe:

Have all ingredients (except bacon grease) at room temperature before combining in a ceramic bowl.

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk

4-6 tbsps. bacon grease

Beat flour, salt, eggs and milk together until very smooth. Refrigerate 2 hours. Increase oven to 425 degrees. Divide bacon grease into a six-serving muffin tray and heat in oven for 2 minutes or until the grease is bubbling. Put cold batter in a large measuring cup, or something with a spout, and pour carefully over the hot grease to ¾ full. Bake for 20-25 minutes in middle of oven. The Yorkshire puddings will be ready when golden brown and puffed right up. Remove from tray and serve immediately with or without gravy.

It’s the simple things in life that brings family members together and provides a bond that we’ll remember for years to come.

Awakening Spring

March has arrived, but spring is hiding beneath mounds of snow and dreary clouds. We must give thanks that we have survived the cold and ice and prepare for warmer weather.

Nothing shouts spring more than a vase of daffodils. This hearty flower has been celebrated in art and literature for centuries. Wordsworth wrote his famous poem after them and Van Gogh painted their golden beauty.

There is much we can do to prepare for spring. Remove the winter décor and replace the Christmas wreath on the front door with a garland of pussy willows. Pack the heavy throws and comforters in a chest and invest in throw cushions and coverlets with spring motifs. Replace full tablecloths with runners and de-clutter rooms by removing everything for a good cleaning and bring back only your favourite pieces of furniture and decorations. A sparse setting with paler colours is more in keeping with warmer weather.

Begin spring cleaning early by sorting through closets and drawers and donating unused items and clothing. Wash windows to let the sun inside and open them wide to air stale rooms. Place pretty bowls of potpourri with scents of lilacs or lily of the valley throughout the house. Buy gardening magazines and plan your outdoor retreat. Sow seeds indoors and watch them grow day by day.  

If you notice that your winter clothing has been concealing a few extra pounds, it’s time to cleanse your body. Detox in a bath of Epsom salts, take long walks and begin a diet of lighter fare. Go through your makeup drawer and toss out anything you don’t use. Buy paler shades of lipstick and foundation. Visit a department store and have your makeup done for free at a cosmetic counter. Buy a mellow perfume or scented body cream.

Share your enthusiasm with friends by sending invitations to a high tea. If money is tight, suggest a pot luck lunch with sandwiches, scones and jam and desserts. Buy good loose tea and a strainer and serve everything on your best china.

Practice the Law of Attraction by thinking only positive thoughts and, before you know it, spring will be here with all of her magnificent glory.