Warming Winter Food

We had such a mild winter last year and it was looking as though this year was going to be the same... then the snow arrived. Or so we've been told... it seems to have snowed over almost the whole country except us! We had a few flakes, but nothing that's really settled. The main problem has been the horrendous gale force winds, our poor greenhouse has taken a real bashing!

It is feeling chilly though and it's nice to come home to something warming after being out in the cold.

Last night we finished what was left from the stew from the night before. Lots of hearty vegetables and I made some dumplings to help make it go a bit further on a second day.

This is my beautiful new pot that I treated myself to before Christmas. I find myself just looking at it and feeling happy, can you tell how much I love it!

No dumplings for me as I'm not very keen, but hubby enjoyed them. The pictures aren't their best due to the steam coming from the pot!

Today was a leftovers day too, one of our favourites. I had some gammon left from earlier in the week and it needed using. Chopped it up and popped it in a dish with some leeks and potatoes.

Then I made a basic white sauce (flour, butter and milk) and added some ground black pepper and a little mature cheese. I'm trying to use pepper as often as I can, I do like it, but have heard it's good for high blood pressure... anything that helps!

After pouring the sauce over the dish making sure all the contents are covered, I brushed some beaten egg around the rim and covered the dish with pastry. Good covering of egg to help crisp up, over the top and a couple of slits to let the steam escape.

About 20 minutes in the oven.

It was delicious with some peas and mash.

Warm tummies to fight off the wintery cold outside.

Take care
xxx

I Think I'm Regressing!

I think it may be official, I'm slipping back into my childhood, but do you know what... I don't mind in the slightest if it means I get to play with my toys!

My latest find from our local hospice shop is a beautiful little pram with a doll. I have to say I was far more excited about the pram even though it had a horrible stale smoke odour to it.

As with anything 'new' coming into the house, it had to be checked out by other family members

My first job was to remove any fabric and wash it straight away. There was a sweet little 'silk' pillow and cover included too, but they were frayed beyond repair... and I'm looking forward to making some new ones.

After a good wipe down and with freshly laundered bedding, the smell had vanished and it was looking beautiful

I thought it was just the time to make a doll to sit in it, out with the crochet hook, and here's Mindy

I'm very pleased with her. She has a hat, dress, knickers and maryjane shoes all matching with sweet little bunny buttons

She didn't take long to make, though it took a bit of patience to hook each strand of hair in individually, but worth it.

My list of thing I want to make this year is already so long, what sre other people planning for this year?

Take care
xxx