It’s been a beautifully restful weekend, quiet and cozy with rain falling gently. We’ve cocooned ourselves in as the unseasonable warmth of our Autumn has given way to cold harbingers of the Winter to come. We’ve unpacked flannel shirts and cozy slippers, sweaters and woolly socks, spoiling ourselves with homemade cocoa and hot coffees and all sorts of homemade bread.
Bear and I have been steadily working on writing, photographing, and developing recipes for a medieval cookbook. Over the past week we have tackled the bread section, photographing homemade flat breads, flour-dusted rustic loaves, and sturdy trenchers, like the one below, that would’ve been used to hold stew, soup, and any other type of meal.
The overcast, rainy days have been ideal for such endeavors, and the bread has been scrumptious accompaniment to big pots of ham black bean soup, creamy carrot dill soup, and shaved stacks of double-smoked ham.
This weekend was more than just a time for resting and baking, it was also time for restoration. Time to step away from projects and to-do lists and spend hours tucked up in bed reading or cozied in under blankets to watch movies. It’s amazing to me how well our bodies respond to a holiday, no matter how short or simple.
On restorative weekends like this, I make food that serves well as leftovers, giving me the opportunity to truly relax without worrying about cooking or menu planning. Quiche is one of my go-to choices both for its simplicity and adaptability. As long as you’ve got eggs and milk, any number of ingredients can be added to make something delicious and hearty. This week I chose ham and tomato quiche with lots of sharp cheddar cheese. Our butcher makes a rather marvelous smoked shaved ham and my garden provided a bowl full of sweet cherry tomatoes in bright yellow and shiny red. Equally good served hot or cold, quiche is an excellent thing to have on hand when cooking is the last thing you want to do.
What is your favorite go-to meal for restful weekends at home? xo
I need to take a weekend and just watch movies and read books (sigh) sounds divine.I could use some restoration.
I really enjoy quiches-It is a versatile dish that allows you to use what is your pantry and can be eaten anytime of day.
Welcome to Fall ( here is spring)
I hope you get to do that very soon, Velva. 🙂 It has made a huge difference for me. I feel renewed and ready to work again. 🙂 Happy Spring to you!! XO
sounds like a perfect weekend!
http://mlleparadis.blogspot.com
It truly was, paradis. 🙂 Just what we needed.
Glad you are taking time out to rest. Soups are a great meal for lazy afternoons 🙂
Oh yes, Tandy, soups are marvelous too. 🙂
I don’t quiche enough and yet it’s the first thing I’ll order or snaffle from a buffet. We have visitors for the next few weekends so I’ll be looking forward to some downtime when they all leave.
I hear you, @disqus_xRgkTDNCQJ:disqus 🙂 I order it every week at our local bakery. 🙂 Hope you have a great time with all your guests!
What a wonderful idea, a medieval cookbook! Love it! I cannot wait to see it when will be ready. I have no idea how a restful weekend looks like anymore. But I do remember those ones we had in Queensland and for me, it has to be a charcoal BBQ and a cold Crown beer 🙂
Oh yes, @oanaadorefoods:disqus 🙂 A BBQ and cold beer hits the spot every time. 🙂
If I take time off from cooking, it’s John’s job and it’s most always a chicken from the shop with salad and some decadent pastry from the bakery. It’s a good thing he doesn’t “cook” often.
Bear loves a good “chicken from the shop” too, @OrgasmicChef:disqus And a stop at the bakery is practically mandatory. 🙂
One of a kind! Medieval cookbook sounds exciting, Krista!!! Can’t wait xx
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
It is amazing how restorative a day or two ‘break’ can be and while I do love cooking, it is nice isn’t it to simply have things ready to set out and eat! Loved the photos and your respite tale~ hugs from Yangon! Xx Jackie
What a fab way to spend a weekend, lovely lady.
My go-to meal for restful weekends at home…. take out! 🙂
Does Cereal count ???