yesterday morning the newly-fallen flakes
lay large and lacy atop the earlier shroud of snow
All articles filed in winter
ash wednesday
when i woke the snow
was once more falling
Sister Winter
I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.’
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Polenta
Starting at low to medium heat and increasing as the liquid gets hot, bring the water, milk and salt to a boil in a large saucepan (heating on high from the start can scorch the milk solids). Add the polenta, reduce the heat, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and creamy. Remove from heat, add butter as you see fit, then cover and let stand for up to 5 minutes. The butter should be melted at this point; stir into the polenta, then transfer to a serving bowl.
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Roasted parsnips and turnips with clementines and rosemary
A note about turnips and parsnips: These root vegetables often get a bad rap, but they both become lovely and sweet when roasted; turnips will have a slightly sharp or spicy flavor as well, reminiscent of horseradish.
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Roast pork with citrus sauce
ely. Bone-in roasts such as the Boston butt shoulder are generally more flavorful and less expensive, but then there’s the bone to deal with and subtract from the weight of the cut. There’s no bone in a pork loin, which can save time and give you more meat for your money.
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Blood orange cake
If you can’t find blood oranges at the store or if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste (blood oranges are intense), you can use regular navels or cara cara navels, which have a lovely pink hue.
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A feast for the longest night of the year
Menu
Roast pork with citrus sauce
Roasted parsnips and turnips with clementines and rosemary
Polenta
Blood orange cake with whipped cream
Sparkling apple cider
A prayer for the longest night
O Christ our Light,
on this longest night of the year
we remember how You came down
into the darkness of our sin-sick world
and opened our eyes, restoring sight
so we could once more see You.
early comes the encroaching night
golden hour has warmed
the brown of dry leaves
to bronze