Thursday, January 6, 2011

A Snowy Day


Wednesday night we received about 2 inches of fluffy wet snow. This was one of the prettiest snows we've had this winter because it clung to everything. After breakfast and Bible time we took a "recess" from school and went out to play. I grabbed my camera and tried to capture some of the beauty around us.

I can see this farm from my backyard. I often admire it whenever I am outside. Today it was especially beautiful.


These trees are on a property across the road from me. I just wanted lots of trees, but when I uploaded the picture I discovered a surprise. Can you spot it?


The kids had fun sledding, using the saucer and building a snowman.

We always finish off our snow time with a mug of hot chocolate. While we were at my parents' home after Christmas I gave Andrew a mug to drink water from. He quickly pointed out, "That is for hot chocolate!" Here is the recipe I always have on hand during the winter. Some of the kids like to add marshmallows while others top theirs with Cool Whip. We also add a splash of creme de menthe.

Hot Chocolate Mix
Pound box of Nestle Quik
8qt. box instant milk
6oz jar coffee creamer
1/2 pound powdered sugar

Mix the ingredients in a large bowl and store in an air tight container. To make hot chocolate measure 1/3 c of the mixture into a mug and fill with boiling water. Stir.


While the kids were having "recess", I had time to do some extra cooking. I love having homemade soup for lunch when it's cold outside. Today I made chicken noodle soup and homemade French bread. I LOVE this bread recipe. It's the second time I've made it this week.


French Bread (from my friend Sarah)
Dissolve 2 1/2 tsp yeast in 1 1/2 c warm water. Combine 5c bread flour, 2 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp sugar. Add 1c flour mixture at a time. (I usually have to add an extra 1/4c of water) Knead 4 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl and cover. Let rise 45-60 minutes.* Divide in 1/2. Roll on surface sprinkled with cornmeal. Tightly roll to form a loaf. Place seam side down in a French bread pan. Let rise until double. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees. (I cover with foil after 10 minutes.)

* I heat my oven to 200 degrees and then turn it off. I place my dough inside covered with plastic wrap to rise.

PS It's snowing again! :-)

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Great time! Lots of fun. And the recipes are really great.

Michelle said...

Yes! What is up with this snow!?

Looks like a great time...our kids make it about 15 minutes outside. That day we made hot cocoa and had powdered donuts in the kitchen floor. :)

Kimberly @ Raising Olives said...

Beautiful pictures! We've had a couple lovely snows, but are getting much less than you are getting.

Thank you for the recipes. I'm tempted to see if I can get some of the French Bread in the oven before church. It would be nice to have for company this afternoon!