Monday, March 25, 2013

Snowy March Day.

What do you do on a snowy March day?

If you're me, you grab your camera and head to the chicken coop, 

to take pictures of the snowy coop before it's disturbed by the chickens or myself.

Snow Covered Chicken Coop Photo by Tori Beveridge AHWT

I clear a little area outside their door, so they can eat their hot sour mash and other breakfast goodies without standing in the deep snow.

Bokeh Chickens in The Snow Photo by Tori Beveridge AHWT

Then, I leave them to eat and take pictures through the snowy netting until I get a lovely bokeh effect.

My fingers start to feel cold, so I head inside to turn the oven on, because somehow, baking bread seems like the right thing to do today.

Fresh Bread Photo By Tori Beveridge AHWT

I couldn't wait for it to cool.

What do you, would you, do on a snowy day in March?

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Tea and Shamrocks

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today, like everyday, I'll be using my "shamrock" teapot, which I love.  It was a gift from my Mom.

My Shamrock Teapot Photo by Tori Beveridge AHWT


Did you know that the word shamrock derives from the words, "seamair óg", which means young clover?  We have an abundance of clover on our property, much to the delight of our chickens and other people's horses and cows. (which really is another blog post entirely...escaped animals make a bee line to our clover fields)

I know that many people are drinking green beer and Irish whiskey today, but I'll be drinking tea and I'll be in good company.  By capita, the Irish consistently drink more tea than any other country in the world.  (although rumor has it that Iraq is on par with them or even supassing them now)  Yes, they even drink more than their neighbors in England.

My Shamrock Teapot Top Photo by Tori Beveridge AHWT


In Gaelic "cupan tae" means cup of tea, and in Ireland it's a strong cup. Irish tea is blended to be mixed with a lot of rich milk. The custom is to add the milk to the tea cup first along with sugar if desired, then pour in the tea, which is how I was taught to make it.


"Life is like a cup of tea, it's all in how you make it."  Irish proverb


Of course there are always those who like it even stronger and for them there is Irish Tea.


Irish tea?  Why not?  There's Irish Coffee. Irish Tea is as simple as some freshly brewed hot tea and a shot of good Irish whiskey.

Irish Tea

1 tbs loose tea, or 1 tea bag
1 oz whisky
1 oz milk or cream
1 tsp sugar
Preparation:

Brew tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes.  Remove tea leaves or bag. Add whiskey and other ingredients.

My Shamrock Teapot Spout Photo by Tori Beveridge AHWT


However you like your tea, enjoy a cup today.  You'll be in good company.

'Sláinte!'