WARMING UP TO WINTER

As I write this, I’m watching a busy outdoor winter wonderland. Even though the temperature is in the tank, wildlife is bustling out every window. Early this morning, as the sun was peeking through the east woods, I watched two deer silently peel the needles from a pine tree that now looks pretty pathetic. I couldn’t stop them. They were so hungry and so beautiful, I stood spellbound at my window.

Now I’m watching a flock of wild turkeys glean the fallen sunflower seeds under the bird feeders. The tom is able to stretch his neck and eat right out of the feeder. Swirling around them are brilliant red cardinals, bright against the white snow. There are squawking blue jays, nuthatches hopping down the branches, downy woodpeckers, tiny chickadees, sparrows and even a junco or two. There are big furry squirrels waiting their turn at the fallen seeds. Even a couple of Cricket Meadow’s own cats, supposed to be tamed but you’d never know they aren’t part of the wildlife population, are poised under the branches awaiting, what? A songbird snack? I think they can dream on. They are better off tracking the mice that scurry in for a seed or two.

Along the driveway, hungry pheasants, mostly hens but an occasional rooster, peck at the whole corn we have placed by the tall grass at the edge of the driveway. After I do the chores and replenish feed supplies for the horses, goats, chickens, dogs and cats, I realize it’s time to head to the house and check the soup that is simmering on the stove. I am suddenly aware that I’m as hungry as the woodland creatures that I so enjoy feeding. Happy Winter!

WINTER WARM-UP

Coffee

Cinnamon

Orange peel

Hot chocolate

Whipped cream

When brewing morning coffee, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest to the grounds.  When coffee is brewed, fill a cup with half coffee and half hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon and more orange zest.

PEANUT BUTTER BREAKFAST SCONES

1 cup quick oats

1-1/4 cups flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 eggs

3/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Peanut butter chips or raisins or salted peanuts

Coarse ground sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine oatmeal, flours, wheat germ, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in peanut butter and butter until crumbly. Set aside. In a small bowl, beat eggs and then add milk and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Turn dough out onto well-floured surface. Knead gently until smooth. Fold in peanut butter chips, or chocolate chips if preferred. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Pat into a circle. Cut dough into 8 wedges. Cover top with coarse ground sugar and press into dough slightly. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until no longer doughy in center. Serve warm.

WINTER WONDERLAND VEGETABLE SOUP

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons oil

2 cups onions, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup carrots, chopped

1 cup parsnips, peeled and sliced

4- 14 ounce cans beef broth

2 large red potatoes, peeled and cubed

Salt and pepper to taste

10 ounce can tomato puree

Fresh parsley

In a large stock pot, heat butter and oil together. Add onions, celery, carrots and parsnips. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Stir in broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered for 20 minutes. Add tomato puree and salt and pepper. S