Rarely for this corner of Canada it looks like a nearly non-white Christmas this year. The temperature is running hot and cold (-12c on Wednesday night, +7c the next day) and the precipitation machine that is the Atlantic has its timing all wrong if it wants to blast us with the white stuff. I’ve not been able to see even a hint of grass in years past on Christmas but this year it looks like footprints in the snow are out of the question. I know it’s just a matter of time for nature to get its snow act together though so stay tuned for snowmen and snow ice cream soon enough.
No giant news as usual out of me on the holidays but I have been perfecting a consistent recipe for the chai that I’ve made for decades. It’s all about timing. Milk needs to infuse with the spices but tea can’t take heat beyond four minutes steeping off heat. I have a giant thermos of the latest test and I’m headed out to the farm to check on my dearly departed cat as is my tradition. Her two sisters are warm and happy inside. Well, as happy as you can be when forced to share the electric blanket with your sister.
Since the local powers that be in a fit of rare wisdom declare both Christmas and Boxing Day a public holiday we’re spared the onslaught of retail mayhem for an extra day. I’m using the time to drive around to some of our local wineries. Yes, in winter. It’s an interesting take as a gardener/farmer/wino to see the vines naked and how the pros are laying out their estates. Along the north coast there are several dotted along what’s called “The Sunshine Trail” even though this time of year I doubt if sunglasses will be necessary.
Where ever you find yourself I hope all is warm, well-fed, and whatever version of Festivus you wish to enjoy. Just remember, at night those giant things wandering the roads aren’t reindeer. Happy Christmas from Canada, internet.
ps. I’ve been trying to cultivate more from YouTube of late so if you’re missing more regular posts, blame them. Check my channel for some recent live kitchen muddlings.
