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Apparently this is the most snow Bristol has seen in 18 years. I’d love to say that I’m a hardy Scot who has been striding briskly through the snow and putting everyone else to shame, but… it’s horrible out there. I have done the sensible thing and stayed firmly indoors. Yes, Scotland… I’ve gone soft. Sorry! Reports from my resident hunter/gatherer, Dave, say that the driveway is barely passable, but he managed to make it across the road to the shop and back without falling over or even windmilling wildly.
Lucas is loving the snow, though. He went out onto the decking in the back garden yesterday with Dave and made his first snowman. We’ve dubbed it the Gourmet Snowman as I was out of carrots and had to hurriedly substitute a dried apricot. For eyes… natural glacé cherries. Doesn’t he look cheery? They also made a snowpig as Lucas is more than a little addicted to Peppa Pig. Oink!
Lucas and Daddy with the Snowman and Snowpig
As is traditional on a snowy day, Lucas had a big mug of hot chocolate once he’d come indoors and been unwrapped. Another first for him, I think. He was all excited as he thought that he was getting hot coffee like Daddy, but rapidly discovered that hot chocolate was far superior to coffee. By the time he reached the bottom of the mug he was looking at me as if I was a god who walked among men. Which, naturally I am.
Apart from drinking luscious hot chocolate, my cold weather strategy is very simple. I’ve taken to eating porridge for breakfast as I find it tremendously filling and having a hot breakfast keeps me feeling toasty warm for hours afterwards. It’s as good as a hot water bottle, but you know… tastier.
Porridge may sound boring, but it doesn’t have to be! You can ring the changes with different spices, sweeteners, fruit—try cooking it in apple juice with raisins and some chopped apples—seeds and even vegetables. I’m quite keen on trying a “carrot cake” porridge with carrots, raisins and walnuts. Yummy!
Pear and maple syrup porridge
Serves 1
WW (UK) points: 4.5
- 40g porridge oats
- 1 dried pear (approx 25g)
- 60ml (4 tablespoons or 1/4 cup) water
- 200ml skimmed milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Snip the dried pear into large dice (pieces about the size of Dolly Mixtures) and combine with the porridge oats and water in a small bowl. Cover with clingfilm and leave overnight. You don’t have to do an overnight soak, but I think it gives the porridge a better texture.
Next morning, add the skimmed milk and microwave uncovered on high for 2 minutes. Stir and microwave for a further 2 minutes or until the porridge is almost as thick as you’d like it. Stir and leave to stand for another minute to allow it to thicken up. Drizzle the maple syrup over the top to serve.
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We didn’t get as much snow as you did. We got enough to make a couple of big snowballs but thats it. And I’m glad I’m not the only one with a child obsessed with Peppa Pig. I showed Meghan the snow through her window and the first thing she said was “Snow flakes! Like Peppa Pig!”
Peppa is both awesome and a curse, in equal measures. Lucas was excited to visit the dentist with me, and wasn’t scared when weird noises started as we’d reminded him about Peppa’s visit to the dentist. So, awesome…
But when you’ve already watched six episodes in one day and there’s a little voice asking incessantly for more… she’s a curse
I really want hot chocolate now. I wonder if we have any baking chocolate on hand….
I am ashamed to say that I just slung a load of Lucas’s uneaten Christmas chocolate into a pan with milk
oh i absolutely LOVE the snow pig!! we enjoyed the snow as well, although the novelty factor is wearing off now and i’m longing for some sunshine now!
The last of the snowman and snow-pig melted this afternoon. I was slightly sad to see them go, but I am just so pleased to be able to get out of the house without risking life and limb!
Lowen is loving the snow too. We’ve been snowed in for 3rd day this week – almost unheard of in Cornwall. Porridge is definitely what you need on a day like today
I love your snowman. He’s got such character!
Awww Lucas looks so cute (love his boots). Can I just say the extreme weather continues here, apparently this weekend Sydney is going to be “the hottest place on earth” Arrgh!
This made me really crave hot chocolate (even though it’s only 60F in Miami)!
<3
P.S. You’re definitely going on my blogroll!!
We went through the same thing here this winter. I haven’t seen so much snow since I was a child.
I love the snowpig!
Snowpig!!!
Fabulouos!
Plus Lucas is such a cutie!
Love the snowpig. I do miss the snow living here in Phoenix
I think I am officially old. A few years back I would’ve thought “yay, snow – how wonderful”. Now I think “boo, snow. How will I get to work and what if I fall over and hurt myself?”
Now, where’s my bath chair…..
I hope you’ve placed your order for an ear trumpet, too!
And I prefer to think about it as being sensible rather than old. Snow’s all very nice and picturesque, but it makes life so chaotic!