Here it is – stop the rushing and just listen, look and enjoy. You think I am a bit nuts, don’t you? I can’t stop, you say, or I shall never get it all done. Well, so what? Isn’t the most important thing to be able to enjoy the season, to spend time with family and friends, to be grateful for what we have? I wrote last week about the magic and mystery that is in the true spirit of Christmas. It seems to me Christmas is only mysterious when we lose sight of its true significance. Instead of worrying about all the gifts from the store, think of a simple meaningful gift for your loved ones (maybe it is a “gift certificate” for an afternoon spent sharing a coffee). Instead of the complicated holiday menu, try the shortcuts you can find all over the internet or on the Food Network (a shameless plug here: I know a certain chef Martin here in Kelowna who will offer suggestions if you send him an e-mail!) Ask the kids to help wrap gifts or clean the house or shovel the walk and then spend the time gained sharing a hot chocolate or humming a carol or two. You will find that even the smallest moment spent simply enjoying the fun of the holiday season gives your heart a boost that will broaden your smile and increase your stamina.
Tom Robbins said “It is contrary to the nature of mystery to stand still. Yet it’s always there, somewhere, a world on the other side of the mirror…, a promise in the next pair of eyes that smile at us. We glimpse it when we stand still.” Take the time to stand still and enjoy Christmas and you will realize another truth this same author wrote “It is never too late to have a happy childhood.”
As a closing note, here is a simple treat for you to enjoy – it can be a great gift when packaged in a tin or gift bag, too!
Spiced Pecans
You can use hazelnuts or walnuts too (many of us have trees – include the recipe with some nuts from your tree and you have a very personal gift for a friend or neighbour!)
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment and spread parchment with butter. Or, if you have a silicone baking sheet, put that on your rimmed baking sheet and you can place the nuts directly on it. (Martin sells these on his website if you need one.)
In a saucepan, pour water and then pour sugar over, in a pile in the middle. Bring sugar and water to a boil – DO NOT STIR – and let boil for approx. 5 minutes, or until golden in colour. Remove from heat. Stir in pecans and let stand for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Using a sieve, drain pecans and return to saucepan stir in spices. Spread on prepared baking sheet and bake at 350F till toasted, approx 10-15 minutes. Let cool on pan and then package for gifts or serve.
A very Merry Christmas to you all!
Kristin and Martin
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.