Blizzard-like weather. Slippery icy roads and pavements. Crashes on major highways and side streets. The weather has been dominating the news with dangerously frigid temperatures and subzero degree windchill factors plummeting as low as -20. We are nearing the end of February 2015 and I just can’t wait for this madness to end. I am reminded of my daughter, who as a toddler said to me, “Just because it’s raining on the outside, doesn’t mean we have to be gloomy on the inside.” Well, I’m going to continue to take heed of this sensible advice and take on as many feel good activities as I can. For starters, I did begin reading Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover’s Soul which has rescued me out of this wintry funk. Always a fan of these heart-warming narratives, I couldn’t resist picking this one up as I returned books at my local library. Now that I’ve read some of these stories, I decided to up the ante with more trips to the beach this year and some day I want to decorate at least one room with a light, bright coastal look. Besides sipping hot drinks while reading about sunny getaways, I was also able to see three current movies before the Oscars (unusual for me.) My winter days were also made brighter by preparing some artfully tasty meals. I was more than glad to make comfort foods including homemade soups, chili, pasta with loads of stir fried veggies, cooked apples, and breads baked from scratch. I even outdid myself by frying fish, which is a rarity for me. As far as sewing goes, I am determined to knock out some of the unfinished quilt tops that are taking up too much space in my home studio. When I complete the unfinished give-away that I’m currently working on, I plan to shop for the backing for the happy quilt shown below.
This quilt was made from a pattern that I found in one of the many quilt magazines that I’ve collected over the years. I started it at least 10 years ago, lost interest, but right now I’m feeling it again, and making the completion of it a priority.
I try to make fruit a daily part of my diet. Here is my artfully displayed bowl of apples. This is not any old bowl, but an antique bowl that I purchased years ago from an antique store in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. The beautiful lace doily was a gift from my daughter who purchased it in Ireland. I never used it before because my intention was to have it framed. Fourteen years later, I decided to take it out of its safe place and enjoy it.
Here’s my version of stovetop cooked apples. I like it because it’s easy to prepare and is a satisfying dessert. I hope you like it as much as I do.
Four apples, peeled & sliced—I use Red Delicious
1/4 cup brown sugar & 1/4 cup white sugar (You can also use all white sugar)
6 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
one or two squirts of fresh lemon juice
Dump in large pan. Cook on low, stirring frequently for about 20-25 minutes.
Sometimes I add a small handful of raisins to the mix.
Stay warm and keep creating things that are beautiful, interesting, and tasty!
Artfully yours,
Chris