The Enchanting Joys of Winter

I have always loved winter....

 There is a special enchantment to this season....beginning with the tranquillity of longer evenings... encouraging us to take to our homes...to build our nest...tend the wood pile.. gather in foods and candles...to ward off the outer cold and the longer darkness. There is a shimmer to the moon ..as it casts it's glow upon a land covered in snow..

There is an enchantment about the holidays... the magic of faith..the wonderment of children... the utterly amazing thought that this world could ponder the words "peace on earth"...

There are the trillions of sparkling lights... everywhere...houses alight with twinkling brilliance ..the night sky filled with the brightness of faraway stars... the blaze of wood burning stoves and the softness of candles... All of these lights, cast atop the stark darkness of the long nights or the pure magic of a fallen snow..

There is the shared friendship of people around us...bustling about...but all aware that nature wins in this season... it governs our pace... it draws us near to others..

And then.. after the business of the holiday season.  ...the "settling in".... the long months ahead...where our homes indeed become our havens... and where we finally have the time to bask in the true comforts of home.. ( that...my friends..is the true purpose of "snow days" !! )  ..of warmth..of comforts which we have created... it is indeed the beginnings of our growth.. all in preparation for the year ahead...

Yes...I have always loved winter..... and I wish my friends and family the warmth of home and comfort and love this winter.... and yes...peace on earth....

Arugula Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

I have always loved the taste of arugula.. most often alone in a salad..as, to me, it seems to stand well alone. I have created a nice dressing accompaniment to this healthy and tasty green…I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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Toast a handful of pine nuts ( pignolia nuts ) in a bit of good olive oil until lightly browned. Toasting any nut brings out the true rich flavor.. just be sure to bring them to a toasted light brown..but not beyond or they will taste burnt.

Turn off the flame under your skillet…and add a tablespoon of grated fresh parmesan cheese…toss well…Add a touch of a fine virgin olive oil…

Arrange the arugula on a plate..and top it with the pine nut dressing…to taste…

(In the photos here, I added small bit of slivered carrots, spinach , and a few dried cranberries…which add a touch of sweetness…but this salad and dressing stands well on it's own..)