Showing posts with label traditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traditions. Show all posts

Sunday, 18 December 2016

Week #51 - Worth the effort...

Many people have a favourite recipes that we make at this time of year. We haul out Grandma's shortbread or nanaimo recipes, prepare to make that special stuffing we only make once a year or enjoy some warm cider or eggnog that bring a rush of memories. 

This year, I've discovered a new favorite that will likely be a regular feature in my repertoire! Sundried tomato and basil pesto cheese torte is festive, yummy and impressive! 

Using a springform pan lined with plastic wrap, you layer a cream cheese/ricotta mixture with alternating layers of sundried tomato and then green basil pesto, freezing after each layer. It takes a day to make while you wait for it to freeze in between but it is well worth it! 

Once complete you cut in wedges with a hot knife and wrap individually. I keep them in the freezer, ready to grab and go. An impressive appetizer for any potluck! They kept well for months. 

If you don't have the ingredients or the patience to make your own pestos, you can always purchase them pre-made from your local farmers or small business shop. 

Interested in giving it a try? I found a number of different recipes on line by googling 'cream cheese sundried tomato basil pesto torte'. They were all fairly similar. Don't be scared off by various steps.... it is well worth it! 




Sunday, 20 November 2016

Week #46 - Tis the Season

In our family, Christmas is a big deal.... 

We plan and conspire all year round to create, search for and find just the right thing for each other. 

Most of our gifts must be made, upcycled or re-used but this year we are also 'allowed' to buy from local stores. 

It always amazes me what we come up. For us Christmas is not a religious ceremony but one built on family memories and traditions.

The season begins on November 12th and lasts to Jan. 2nd. (our poor tree usually has only about two needles left by New Years' Day! 

My No. #2 son showed us all up by making and wrapping the first gift before the tree was even up! 

This weekend saw most of us ramping up the list making and planning and holiday tunes were at full blast! 

Next weekend the tree goes up and the eggnog season begins! What are your holiday traditions? 

Thursday, 24 December 2015

A hot mess

FFF Photo a Day - Day 359

Christmas Eve on the farm is always a bit of a hot mess! A mixture of excitement, stress, preparation, relief and usually a few surprises! 

Whatever traditions you keep at this time of year, we hope that you get some time away from the usual routines to count your blessings, hug your loved ones and plan for an awesome 2016! 


Thursday, 17 December 2015

Traditions...


FFF Photo a Day - Day 352

Must be all the snow.. but I'm starting to feel that familiar magic of the season! 

Hoping tonight that no matter what your traditions at this time of year, that they move you to share generously with others who are in need, reach out to those experiencing social isolation and to tell someone how much you care.

I think those are traditions that we could all agree on!