I begin this blog with two wet noses on my feet that are defrosting from a romp in our first snow of the season. Their coats are still sparkling with the remains of diamond dust from the frigid snow romping. Pleased with the fact that the snow has required Mom's presence to linger at home today rather than the normal running off and leaving their noses to freeze in the kennel for the day, they soak up every ounce of warmth permeating the room from the fire and all the smells from the kitchen teasing their little sensories as we chase the winter chill from the air. A soft chewy chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven, a fresh cup of fresh ground organic coffee with sweet cream and my newest gardening magazine beside the fire....who could ask for a better break in the day?
What better things to combine than gardening and food?! Can you have one without the other? I should think not. Like garden design, food demands color and is more thoroughly enjoyed with a broader color pallette. How many people do you know who thrive on the bland browns and grays of winter when there is no snow? What manner of human does not welcome the warmer rays of spring sunshine and the colorful heads of crocus, tulip and daffodil after a gray and white winter? Likewise your plate should inspire dreams in color! Vivid greens, rich purples, titilating reds, warming yellows and even the earthy awesomeness of great grains massaged to produce the housewarming loaves of fresh bread. Mmmmmm! Can you taste the colors?
Today, I have been drooling over a rare treat in my area, a package of Andouille sausage. It sits and begs for the savory accompaniment of chicken, shrimp, stewed tomatoes, roasted garlic, sauteed onions and okra for a soul stirring gumbo to chase away the chill of the winter day! I'll be getting to that. Want to share your favorite recipe for chasing away the cold?
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