Holiday Scenes

It is a little astounding to us New Englanders that we never saw a White Christmas, nor a white New Year. It felt more like spring over the holidays with balmy temperatures up into the 40's.  But there is snow tonight, and snow angels begin tomorrow. 

I already miss the twinkle of the tree.  

This room is one of the warmest rooms in the house. Perhaps for that reason, or perhaps because of the Christmas tree and its magical presence, we spent most of our days in this room the past several weeks. 

The twinkle even carries to the outside. 

Such light. 

Aglow with coziness. 

The paperwhite bulbs have been growing...

And growing....

And growing. I have always loved watching bulbs grow in the stillness of winter, but even more so, with the children. They love to see the changes and notice each little detail of growth each day. 

Since before Thanksgiving, I have been eating a pomegranate a day. 

I have tried several approaches to removing the seeds but in the end, have returned to scoring the skin, cracking it open and then gently picking the seeds out and dropping them into the bowl. There is something about this task that is very zen and I love it. 

Already our Christmas mantle is taking on some spring hopefulness. 

We have a new favorite muffin recipe. These flax, date and banana muffins (no sugar added) are delicious! They are consumed with much enthusiasm by all. We enjoy them with butter but are also wonderful plain. 

Ingredients: 

1 cup ground flaxseeds

1 cup mashed ripe banana

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/4 cup vegetable oil or one child size container of applesauce

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups flour (of your choice)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon basking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 cup whole pitted dates, chopped 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. In a food processor, combine pitted dates, applesauce, banana and eggs until smooth.  

3. In separate bowl,  combine flour, flaxseed, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 

4. Combine dry and wet ingredients and add walnuts. 

5. Spoon into muffin tins. 

6. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until done. 

Ladybug cupcake liners are a must, of course. 

Another favorite new recipe, is Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagna .

I wish for you joy, health, and happiness in 2015. 

Happy New Year!