Winter musings: And baby lambs!
As we come to February’s end, and lambing season started today - I have begun to hold onto winter’s slow, cozy embrace. These days I am celebrating the snow days and chilly mornings by the wood stove with a mug of tea.
We started to tap the maple trees last weekend. I am eager to spend another season boiling sap, and learning from a third generation family maple syrup farm. So much to learn from the trees, the eminent quiet, the steam chugging out the roof vents, and the hot buckets of distilled water coming out of the evaporator. Not to mention, the security of being a part of a multigenerational community. Did you know the the syrup only runs when the daytime temps are above freezing and the evening temps are below?
I’ve been drinking about a quart of strong ginger tea a day, to stay warm from the inside out. Also been enjoying the addition of astragalus tincture and dual-extracted immune mushroom blend to the mix. Four mornings this week I’ve started the day with a frothy hot cocoa with almond milk, collagen and cinnamon. Yum! Over the last couple of months I have been experimenting in the kitchen with local wild & home-raised meat.
A few highlight meals this winter:
Lamb shepherds pie with red wine, thyme, garlic and tomato paste. With peas and olive oil mashed potatoes!
Goat curry with mustard seeds, turmeric, bell peppers and coconut milk. With rice and cilantro.
“Sloppy” Venison with tomato, maple, and coriander served over baked sweet potatoes.
Seared lamb chops with lots of garlic and rosemary. With a tahini lemon sauce, and cucumber salad.
When I get a taste of the winter blues, I try to remember that there is so much to be grateful for. So much good food to eat. And cook! And grow! Feeling proud of my past self and every lesson along the way that has led me here today. I get to live deeply connected to the earth, surrounded by mountains, trees, lakes, pristine water springs and the sandy river right down the road. *sigh
Okay, the sun has set and I am typing by candlelight. It’s time for me to sign-off for now.
In community,
Stephanie
