Shoveling - Snow and Flour

 This has been the snowiest winter that I can remember since childhood.  Yesterday morning we awoke to a fresh, new four inches on top of what was left from the last storm.  And, if the predictions are correct for the next several days, we are in for another 8 or 9 inches.

I spent a bit of yesterday morning re-shoveling paths for the animals.  For the sheep, it wasn't necessary, as they had plowed their way around their yard and settled in for their morning nap in the middle of the snow.

This is their ideal weather, I believe.

As for me, I spent the day indoors, baking.  I started two loaves of sourdough wheat bread which I will be baking this morning.  Whenever I bake bread, I must first feed my starter. 

This process produces an extra amount of starter that I hate to waste.  Luckily, there are many things that you can make with the discarded starter.  Yesterday I made pancakes that were the texture and taste of crumpets.

Because Valentines Day is this weekend, I baked treats for my grandchildren which I will deliver this weekend.  Cookies...

And carrot-cake cupcakes - packed and ready for delivery,

and just a few for Hubbs and me -

My kids had given me these silicone cupcake liners for Christmas and I finally got the chance to use them.  (They worked perfectly.... no need for paper liners... and they're re-usable.)

It occurs to me that I need a much bigger family living here at the farm.  That way I could bake to my heart's content and not have to eat it all!!  For now, family deliveries will have to suffice.

It looks like we are in for another snowy weekend.  I am going to spend a portion of it organizing everything in my pantry as well as emptying it out.  After months of waiting, our pantry cabinets are finished and will be installed beginning Monday.  I'll share that process with you next week.

Until then, have a great weekend.

Stay warm and stay off the ice!

Stay safe!