Ah, January! What keeps us going in this most wintry of months when the sparkle and pop of the holidays are well behind and there's plenty more winter ahead? Here in my mild west coast climate I count myself lucky as I can still find much to inspire me in the farmers' markets, especially if I'm interested in something orange (twenty kinds of citrus, the last of the persimmons) or deep green (kale, kale, kale!) What about you, dear readers? What supports and brings forth your winter inspiration?
I've also been hoarding the last of the Christmas chocolate, breaking off one or two squares here and there to suck on in the afternoon, relishing the thick, melty bittersweetness in my mouth. There are a few jars of gifted jam and booze-soaked fruit to break into as well. I pace myself, holding on as long as I can to minimize the gap between the last of the rummed cherries and the bright, happy days when they first appear fresh in the markets again.
Deep winter is bread baking time, too, for the many ways it nourishes: The physical labor of mixing and kneading, the sharp yeasty scent of rising dough, the house-filling aroma of bread baked and just-baked. And the unbeatable pleasure of biting into a pat of butter melting on a still-slightly-warm hunk of bread. I'm considering for tomorrow (MLK holiday!) a few old-fashioned cinnamon swirl loaves for their bonus scent of hot cinnamon and sugar.
I also appreciate this time of year for cleaning out the far corners of my pantry. Now is the time to finish up the various half used packets of dried beans and legumes and examine the canned goods for expiration dates. I sniff out the dried herbs and spices for any lingering potency and make a now-or-never pile. I've thrown together plenty of spontaneous, delicious soups and stews after such expeditions!
What is your inspiration? What gets you in the kitchen and keeps you going as the snow/rain falls and the afternoon darkens?
Related: Weekend Meditation: Wonder & Appreciation in a Winter's Market
(Images: Dana Velden)
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Another great post, Dana. I'm with you on the baking of bread and making of soups. I'm soothed by a long afternoon of rhythmic chopping, whisking, stirring in the cozy kitchen on a grey, grey, GREY day. I've been making a lot of grain-based salads to give me a healthy, seasonal lunch option (I usually toss some citrus segments in there to keep things bright). And I find that I am turning back to simpler foods-- some roast vegetables, maybe a bit of roasted meat... And lots and lots of tea.
Unfortunately there aren't any farmer's markets in my neck of the woods during this time of year so I've got to do my best to make do without fresh, local citrus and dark leafy greens. So I usually turn to tea and baking during the winter. I've been making lots of bread lately but also lots of sweets - hopefully that will change for the better when fresh veggies become abundant again!
love the 'now or never pile' description!
I started writing and it got crazy-long, so here's the summary of what inspires my cooking in January: kale, citrus, coffeecake, bread in the oven that scents the whole house, long-cooking bean soup to warm our bellies, and BIRTHDAYS!
I love getting back into the swing of easy, casual cooking and entertaining after the long holiday season from late November to early January. We often have an all-day open-house for The Fella's birthday in January, which gives me a chance to use my hostessing skills, making luscious food that takes little last-minute attention. It's always a fun challenge!
I love to bake--everything from chewy oatmeal raisin cookies to homemade challah bread--because it both tastes delicious and warms up the kitchen. I'm also a huge fan of hearty soups and casseroles. Since I live in the Northeast where we get plenty of icy cold weather sweaters do a perfect job of hiding the extra calories!
Every weekend, soup for the week's lunches. A day off today (MLK Day) to make a big pot of beans in the oven. I haven't done that in years, but with high temp today of 15 degrees F and piles of snow everywhere it seems like a great way to spend a day.
I'd love to bake bread but for some reason it brings anxiety... I know how it works and made some good stuff in baking school but coming home knowing I don't have a proofer or nice fresh yeast makes me not want to deal with it.
I tried it a while ago but didn't work because I think the yeast is dead.