Last Sunday we woke up to a heavy frost and despite cold fingers I just had to try and capture these ice crystals in a photo.
If there is one thing that cannot be rushed it is bread, particularly in this weather.
Pieces of home raised lamb. Neck and shank meat, destined for a slow cook in the wood oven.
Sparkly candles almost upstaged by a gentle winter sunset.
A hearty meal, a solid brew, a fire and family to share it all with.
I think a solstice dinner is destined to become a new family tradition. It is a perfect excuse for reflecting on winter and teaching our children about the changing seasons and patterns of life.
Happy Friday friends, stay warm x
Cheryl
Bread is so slow to rise in Winter isn't it. That meal looks absolutely delicious, perfect Winter fare.
Jane S
Thanks Cheryl…bread cannot be rushed can it?
Kate
This was a wonderful post, Jane, and your shot of the candles backlit by the sunset is so very beautiful. I like the idea of pausing to celebrate the changing of the seasons too.
Jane S
Thank you Kate!
cityhippyfarmgirl
Look at all your beautiful breads Jane, they look gorgeous like that. To be able to pump out that many loaves at once would be quite awesome.
I think that's a lovely idea to have a family dinner on the solstice. I'm sure you have a family dinner most nights, but an intentional one on the shortest day, is wonderful idea. We talked about it with the kids, my husband went solstice swimming on sunrise with a group of friends and I listened to some fascinating radio interviews on the way (mostly) the northern hemisphere celebrated it and what it meant over the next coming weeks of winter. So interesting.
Have a good weekend Jane, I hope it's full of lots of lovely moments. x
Jane S
Thank you Brydie, I value your thoughtful comments. Solstice swimming at sunrise sounds very invigorating! Like you, I love a bit of radio, what is your preferred place to find these interviews I wonder? Radio National? Wishing you a lovely week ahead x
Anne
That looks a pretty perfect way to celebrate the solstice and sounds a wonderful family tradition to start. Our (summer) solstice was a bright and sunny day, which I hope has marked the beginning of our proper summer.
Jane S
Happy summer Anne.
Chantille Fleur
Such homemade goodness in this post Jane!
I'm planning on making sourdough tomorrow morning, and if this cold keeps up I am prepared for it to take longer than usual to rise!
I hope you have a lovely weekend,
Sarah x
Jane S
Happy baking Sarah x
chefmimiblog.com
Beautiful photos! I love your new top photo! At least, I haven't noticed t before if it isn't new…
Jane S
Thank you!
celia
Beautiful, Jane. I can feel your serenity from here. 🙂 xx
Jane S
Sending virtual serenity right back to you Celia! x
look see. by naomi fenton
Oh I love these photos – they encapsulate winter so well. (And make me hungry!) x
Jane S
I am sure our winter is very mild compared to your winter Naomi! Thank you x
katiecrackernuts
A hearty solstice dinner and tradition is a wonderful thing to bring family and friends together with. I can smell that burning wood. I miss the smell of ironbark fires.
Jane S
Thank you Katie, there is something about a fire isn't there?
e / dig in hobart
happy solstice to you and your family jane. a frosty one too.
do your bread preparations take longer this weather, because of the colder temperatures? patience must be required, i'm sure!
Jane S
Thank you e. Yes, bread relies on warmth to make it rise (prove), it does eventually rise but it is very slow in the cold weather. I often shift it around the house into the sunny spots to helps things along!
Joolz
I have just ordered oblong and round bannetons – can't wait to get baking some lovely loaves!
Anonymous
Love the beautiful meat on the lamb necks – I grew up on a sheep farm and its so hard to find the real thing now. Love how you write.