Happy Valentine's Day. My granddaughter and I made this yummy drink for you. It's strawberry milk, and we attached conversation hearts to the rim with a thin layer of strawberry jam. Claire had fun sipping it with a straw. February is all about the sweets. Actually every day is with Claire LOL. Thankfully no cavities.
More sweets, these were for Joe. One of the ladies I follow on Instagram used a popover pan to make muffins, so that inspired me to use my popover pan for this round of muffins. I shared these on my blog in 2019, Joe's favorite. They are a cross between a donut and a muffin and he calls them Duffins. Recipe here
I love all four seasons, and we find so much to do in the winter since we have the proper gear for the cold weather. I also like to challenge myself :-) On this particular day, we went to Saranac Lake to see the ice castle.
And who wouldn't like to soak up some January sun in Key West. Joe's birthday is in January, so he gets to choose where to celebrate and he chose Key West.
Look at this....Why is there a tree growing in the middle of the store? Read below.
I spend a lot of my time in the Adirondacks where my camp is located. We were at camp recently, and took a "Sunday drive" to Saranac Lake to see the Ice Castle that volunteers build each winter. On the way we pass by "Hoss’s Tree" in Long Lake, NY at Hoss’s Country
Corner general store. There is a massive white pine tree that is growing inside and outside. When they added on to the store several years ago, they decided to keep the pine tree and let it flourish. Ground water keeps the tree healthy and the
pine tree continues to grow there. Hoss’s is a special place with eclectic fare of Adirondack-related items. People stop and buy books, souvenirs, hats, clothing, footwear, hiking supplies and just about anything else you can think of.
WHAT I'M LOVING:
I've been planning my 2025 garden, and placing seed orders. At the top of my list is the Purple Top (Verbena bonariensis) that looks great mixed with red dahlias. I've grown the Purple Top for the last four years after seeing them at a beautiful garden in Maine.
We dug up half of our perennial garden in October, and put up a new fence. We will be staining it as soon as the weather warms up (Joe is chomping at the bit for some warm days in April). The stain color is similar to Benjamin Moore French Beret.
WHAT I'M WORKING ON:
My niece offered me a tangy sour dough starter....what should I name it....Bread Pitt...Gwyneth Palt-dough....Clint Yeastwood? I named it "Bubbles" and have made a few loaves of bread so far. I have to come up with a schedule for all the steps....autolyse...first stretch and fold....second stretch and fold....third stretch and fold...final stretch and fold. Then shape and retard the load overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning I bake (that is the easy part). Kudos to those of you that have been making sour dough bread for years and years.
I loved this book and read it while in Key West!
WHAT I'M WATCHING:
I haven't been watching much on television as I've been too busy making sour dough bread. Just kidding, I've been doing a lot of snowshoeing and cross country skiing as I'm working on a challenge. By the time we get home, I make dinner and then crash and do a few chores while Joe watches TV. I do enjoy the Voice that started the new season on February 3. My friend just finished the six seasons (107 episodes) of THE RESIDENT. Has anyone watched it?
I can't believe that February is almost half over.
xo
Deb
A lovely life.I miss baking with Littles..So much fun..Tilly's popover pan is a great idea.. we like those muffins too:)
ReplyDeleteYour Valentine drink you made with your granddaughter is adorable and looks so good! I admire your athleticism and all that hiking! I am also impressed with your sour dough bread making, I tried doing that one time but didn't have the patience for it to keep it up :) . Happy Gardening and Happy Valentine's Day Deb!
ReplyDeleteJenna
You're passing these winter days in the best ways, but KW seems to be the bestest. I do love the ice castle photos (here and on FB). And you're right, with the proper clothes, one can live through most weather. Joe & I both are chomping at the bit for spring. I decided to redo a section of grass where the tree was, and had my trusted local landscaper come to give me quote to work with me. That was one 70°, isolated winter day a week or so ago. Today it's snowing again. Still some snowbanks on retail parking lots, but most of Jan snow is gone.
ReplyDeleteDeb, always delightful to see what you and Joe have been up to. Cutest photo of you two in Key West! That's a spot on my travel list. I have a cousin who lives in Miami area, and hope to visit and perhaps venture down to Key West. They will be here for a visit this spring, so will discuss ideas. I'm going to try my hand at the popover muffins. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun pink drink in a pretty cup! I was amazed at the tree growing out of the building! What a good idea to use your popover pan for muffins. The photo of you and the birthday boy is so adorable. You’ve been busy with your sourdough baking. I’m still making mine after over twenty years! Happy Valentine’s Day ♥️
ReplyDeleteI have to try your "duffins" - they look delish! I adhere the candy to glassware by dipping the rim in frosting or melted chocolate - gotta try jam! Key West looked like a great vaca!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable idea to make with your granddaughter! I've been planning my 2025 garden too! It's so uplifting to think about digging in the dirt and flowers blooming again with our bitter cold and 10 inches of snow on the ground. Your bread looks great! I still have my starter from Kitty going strong in the frig, even with my neglect to feed it every week. Love all your pics!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to spend time with Claire. The strawberry drink is so cute and I am sure tasty. Paul has always wanted to go to Key West. A great way to celebrate Joe's birthday. Your garden will be so lovely this year. I have watched all episodes of The Resident. Love it. Spending Valentines with Joe at camp and a lovely dinner sounds wonderful.
ReplyDelete