Goodbye January

I never have cared very much for January. For many it begins with Auld Lang Syne, New Year's resolutions, and sometimes a 'word of the year'. For me, however, it has often brought with it much uncertainty, unexpected challenges and even loss. As you can imagine, I usually dread the start of a new year, and I realise my feelings of apprehension and foreboding only serve to exaggerate any existing sense of impending doom. Some years, I have tried my hardest to remain upbeat and positive, but that didn't particularly help - I don't think I was convincing anyone, especially not myself! 

This year, I have tried a far more gentle approach. I found myself quietly going about my days, not putting any pressure on myself and simply focusing on my working week - with the occasional walk on the weekends when the weather has allowed. My pace has been unhurried and slower, taking things day by day. And even though I've not been quite as productive as usual, what I have achieved has been far more intentional, and this is exactly what I need just now. A time to heal, a time to let go, a time to just simply 'be'. My absence in this space has been deliberate, just dipping in now and again to enjoy a quick read. I had hoped that if I kept my head down, and quietly tiptoed my way through the month, then the more unwelcome parts might simply pass me by. And for the most part this has been the case, although I am sure this has been more to do with fortunate coincidence than anything I may or may not have actually done :)

I am happy to report that my back is recovering well after the 'incident'. I discovered that continued gentle movement has helped far more than simply resting, and although I have yet to attempt going for a run, I'm sure it won't be too far off. I have kept walks at a low level, partly with me being uncertain of my abilities just now, but mainly because of the awful wet weather. Even on dry days, it has been incredibly cold, and on the higher fells the snow and ice would have been far too treacherous for walking.

Whilst out of the main tourist season, we have ventured to some parts of The Lakes which would usually be quite busy, and therefore not particularly enjoyable to visit.  Right now, they are peaceful and quiet, just as I like it. 

I have also been spending this last month being more mindful of my diet. Stodgy sandwiches have been replaced by some very tasty salads. I've found preparation is the key, rather than finding myself reaching for the quickest solution when I am feeling hungry. And I am trying very hard not to give into temptation too often, which is easier said than done when I have such a sweet tooth :) I am still providing a cake for the Warm Space each week, so at least I can still have the enjoyment of baking. And last week, I spent a busy evening in the kitchen making marmalade. One day I might even manage to do it without getting both myself and the kitchen into such a sticky mess! Never mind, it tastes delicious. I couldn't bring myself to make any last year, as my dad would have been the first person I would have given a jar to. He used to joke that he found it easier walking on the days he had enjoyed some - because of the added brandy!

It has been a quiet few weeks, for which I am relieved. And now I hope to spend some time catching up properly with everyone over the next few days. 

J. X

January Brings the Snow

I never intended to leave it this long between posts. More than in previous years, this January has been a long and tedious month. Always my least favourite time of the year, it has proved even more challenging than usual. The cold weather and lack of sunshine, along with the limitations of lockdown restrictions are enough to test even the most positive outlook -  and I was never blessed with one of those :) 

Still, I've been keeping busy, although I am beginning to grow weary of the repetitive days. Much like last year, for now at least, my diary remains empty aside from birthdays and anniversaries. Weekdays are filled with home learning - both Lily's and mine, and with much more structure than during the first lockdown there is a greater expectation to keep on track, leaving us with little time to relax. 

With  tensions running high one day last week, I holed myself up in the kitchen making marmalade. I was pleasantly surprised by the therapeutic properties of carefully shredding the orange peel, the delicious aroma of simmering oranges and, of course, the finished product made it all worth the effort, especially with the added brandy. My taste buds definitely approve and peace was restored.

As you can see, we've had some more snow. Both snowfalls came as quite a surprise. The first covering lasted a while longer than the second, which disappointingly began to thaw later that same day but it still looked so lovely for a short time. Tomorrow is the start of a new month. In January it often feels as though time is standing still and I'm just marking the days until I see them noticeably begin to lengthen. Evidence our wheel is turning.

This afternoon I saw some lambs in the field. Spring is on it's way. 

J. X

It's Marmalade Time Again!

I was unsure whether or not to go to the trouble of making marmalade this year. I have been trying to cut down on the amount of bread I eat, would need to go out of my way to buy Seville oranges and it can be a messy and time consuming business after all, for me anyway 😆. And yet, there is something about the whole process I find enjoyable, the finished product is absolutely delicious, and at least some of the jars could be gifted.

Last Saturday I had every intention of going out for a snowdrop walk but by mid-morning it was clear the wind and rain had set in for the day. It was then that I decided my initial plans would be best kept for another time. A quick trip out to the supermarket and I was soon in the kitchen slicing, juicing and shredding to my heart's content. As I lay the halved oranges on the chopping board I couldn't resist taking a photograph. The vibrant orange colour was in sharp contrast to the grey gloomy view from the window.

After juicing the oranges and scraping out the pith, the peel was shredded and added to the pan. The gently simmering mixture now filling the house with the most delicious aroma. Even Lily commented how nice it was, although you'd never catch her eating marmalade!

At the end of the process I added some brandy to the pan before ladling into eight sterilised jars to cool. The link to the recipe I use is here.

Am I glad I changed my mind and made some marmalade? Definitely. One of the jars has already been given away and I have enjoyed some of it myself, spread thickly on buttered toast. I also used some to bake this marmalade cake which is sooo good. It's deliciously light and sticky, and VERY moreish.

For this I used :

120g Butter
100g Caster Sugar
2 Eggs
120g Plain Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
3 Tablespoons Marmalade
2 Tablespoons Milk

Beat together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring in flour and baking powder with each, finally adding the marmalade and milk. Mix well, then pour into a lined loaf tin.
Bake at 150° for around twenty minutes, then cover with foil and return to the oven for a further 30 minutes.
Allow to cool in the tin, then drizzle with a mixture of 60g icing sugar, 1 tablespoon of water and 1 tablespoon of marmalade.

J. X

January

Before I start wittering on, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you for all the good wishes and supportive comments on my previous post. I have been genuinely overwhelmed and touched by your kind words of encouragement and friendship, so please know just how much each and every message means to me.

We've eased ourselves gently into the year, allowing for the mindless daily routine to see us through, finding comfort in the ordinary.

For the most part, January has been reflective of my recent mood. The days have been gloomy, grey and damp, with very little in the way of sunshine; until this last week when the mornings have been pleasingly frosty and bright, with snow covered mountain tops and icy pavements.

There is still joy to be found at this time of year, however.  We've been out walking, whenever possible, wrapping up well against the wintry weather and I can't fail to be cheered by the sight of swathes of snowdrops in the woods. I've begun working on my crochet again ( I will get this blanket finished!), and I'm even attempting to kick start my running; I might have only been out four times since new year, but still, it's a start and I'm hoping to build on it.

It's been a quiet month so far and I've been spending a lot of my time in the kitchen. When life is uncertain I like to keep busy and feel like I'm doing my bit by providing good, wholesome food. We've enjoyed some delicious soups and our vegetable intake has increased significantly thanks to the purchase of a vegetable box. Since the beginning of the year I've given the kitchen cupboards a good clear out, so I now know just what has been hiding away at the back and I've been able to use up some things which would have otherwise gone to waste. I never understand why I allow the cupboards to get in such a mess, no matter how many times I vow to keep on top of them.

At the weekend, and following a bit of a search for some Seville oranges, I made marmalade. Yes, it was time consuming and yes, it was messy (or that could just be me!), but oh my goodness, it is delicious.

I split the batch in two. Partly because my pan wasn't deep enough once the sugar was added, and also so I was able to add some brandy to half of the mix. Both with and without it tastes so good and I am delighted with it.

If you would like to try it for yourself, this is the recipe I used.

1 kg Seville oranges
2.25l water
2kg granulated sugar
Juice of 1 lemon

Makes around eight jars.

Squeeze the juice out of the fruit and pour through a sieve (to catch any bits) into the pan and add the water. Remove any remaining pips and pith from the orange peel (I scrape it with the edge of a spoon) and place in a small muslin bag, suspending this in the juice.

Slice up the peel to the required thickness and place in the pan, simmering gently for around 1½ hours. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then squeeze the liquid from the bag into the orange mixture.

Add the sugar to the pan and gradually bring to the boil stirring continuously for around fifteen minutes. Test for the setting point on a cold saucer and once ready pour into sterilised jars.

If you wish to add whisky or brandy to your marmalade, then stir though 100mls just before pouring into the jars.

J. X