I do hope you have had a chance to read this month’s Wednesday words post, which was published a couple of days ago. In the middle of a long cold Canadian winter it is encouraging to see photos of children outside in the summer sunshine, enjoying Day Camps 😊.
We have had snow and ice every day this week, making the sidewalks and roads impassable and adding hours of shovelling time to my own busy schedule. Perhaps other people are also encouraging themselves with thoughts of the summer since we have had quite a deluge of enquiries from host communities, both “regulars” and “newbies”. I cannot remember a recent year in which
the schedule contained so many bookings this early. Of course only a handful of them have actually sent in their forms so a LOT of juggling is sure to ensue, but it certainly is exciting to see so much early interest.
the schedule contained so many bookings this early. Of course only a handful of them have actually sent in their forms so a LOT of juggling is sure to ensue, but it certainly is exciting to see so much early interest.
Work is also in full swing on the Program Manual Almost every day Arnee sends several files for me to proofread or emails with urgent questions on specific points.
We have heard that the York Region of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto will once again be sponsoring 3 young people to come and join the Teams so things are looking up on that side of the equation too. So all in all there has been a lot of activity around here and I’m busy mulling around ideas for designing the Team Crosses, finalising Retreat Week Menus and even approaching potential evening speakers for the Retreat!
Despite nasty weather the week has included several visits, most of which were accompanied with knitting problems! I’ve started the Icelandic socks for my friend, and already know they will take a LONG time to complete but at least everything is untangled and the wool wound onto the bobbins so it could be worse. Yesterday I had another wedding dress consultation with Jessica and we are now good to go on ordering the fabric, an exciting step forward!
With Chinese New year happening next Tuesday, today I’m baking some Moon Cakes, an annual favourite. On Monday evening Alex in coming for dinner so we are going to have Chinese Soup Noodles, White Peony Tea, Moon Cakes and Mandarin Oranges. Yum! I’m also baking two ciabatta loaves and some scones, as they are always useful for unexpected tea visitors.
There has not been much time for sewing but I did make three more drawstring “project bags” and mended a flannel shirt for a friend (not very interesting!) however it looks as if I shall soon be embarking on the wedding outfit.
Progress on my winter jigsaw puzzle has also been limited as there are just so many hours in the day and I’m super excited to delve into two new books, one a belated Christmas gift and the other a “Thank You” for creating the “Deer Horse” book.
Well no time for reading right now as the bread needs to be taken out of the oven and dinner prepared but before I go, I promised Natalie I would post my recipe for Tomato Dumplings this week. Very suitable winter fare and economical too!
Tomato Dumplings
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup green or red pepper, finely chopped
- 4 Tbsps. Butter or margarine
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. celery seed
- ½ tsp. dried basil
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1 28oz. can diced tomatoes
- Dumplings: –
- 1 cup flour
- 1 ½ tsps. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 egg
- 6 Tbsps. Milk
- ! Tbsp. fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
In a medium-sized, heavy bottomed pot melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper bay leaf and celery seed. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add the tomatoes and their juice, the basil and pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in the butter and then stir in the egg and milk to form a soft dough add the parsley or cilantro and fold in. Place heaping tablespoons of the dough on top of the simmering tomato mixture. You should have 6 dumplings. Cover tightly and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer gently for twenty minutes without removing the lid during that time! Serve in bowls. Serves 3 as a main courseor 6 as a side dish with sausages or ham.