Bowl of Brightness

Right now we are enjoying winter citrus.  

The bright color in the kitchen is uplifting and of course the fruit itself is delicious!

Ham Bone

At the holidays we always enjoy a ham as part of our celebrations.  But I also enjoy when it's gone because I am left with the bone which I used to make some more delicious dishes.

First I made a bean soup where the bone lent a smokey flavor.

Then I transferred the bone to a pot with some celery, carrots, onion and bay leaf.  I covered them with water and simmered it for a few hours to soak up any left over flavor for a broth.  And after coming across this article I felt it was worthwhile to spend the time to get the last little bits from the bones.

Warm Winter Weather

Last weekend it was quite warm.  Warm enough for the daffodils to make their appearance.

It was also warm enough that the bees came out of the hive.  We were excited to see signs of life but it's obvious the hive is weak because a strong hive would have had much more activity.

January Weather?

60s in January?  This does not feel like January.

Veggie Soup

Lately I have really been into hearty homemade veggie soup.  It's warm, comforting and healthy because it is filled with veggies!  The chard and carrots are from our garden, the rest is store bought.

We've also been eating it with crusty bread, olive oil and pesto for dipping.  It's yummy and I get to use my new favorite plate, a Christmas gift to myself.

Harvest

I cut the rest of the swiss chard and some oregano for soup.  I am surprised that the chard has made it this far, I expected it to die back by now.  I have left a few small leaves to see if when it warms up the plants start growing to provide some early greens.