Thursday 24 January 2019

January


Before I start wittering on, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you for all the good wishes and supportive comments on my previous post. I have been genuinely overwhelmed and touched by your kind words of encouragement and friendship, so please know just how much each and every message means to me.

We've eased ourselves gently into the year, allowing for the mindless daily routine to see us through, finding comfort in the ordinary.
For the most part, January has been reflective of my recent mood. The days have been gloomy, grey and damp, with very little in the way of sunshine; until this last week when the mornings have been pleasingly frosty and bright, with snow covered mountain tops and icy pavements.

There is still joy to be found at this time of year, however.  We've been out walking, whenever possible, wrapping up well against the wintry weather and I can't fail to be cheered by the sight of swathes of snowdrops in the woods. I've begun working on my crochet again ( I will get this blanket finished!), and I'm even attempting to kick start my running; I might have only been out four times since new year, but still, it's a start and I'm hoping to build on it.





It's been a quiet month so far and I've been spending a lot of my time in the kitchen. When life is uncertain I like to keep busy and feel like I'm doing my bit by providing good, wholesome food. We've enjoyed some delicious soups and our vegetable intake has increased significantly thanks to the purchase of a vegetable box. Since the beginning of the year I've given the kitchen cupboards a good clear out, so I now know just what has been hiding away at the back and I've been able to use up some things which would have otherwise gone to waste. I never understand why I allow the cupboards to get in such a mess, no matter how many times I vow to keep on top of them.


At the weekend, and following a bit of a search for some Seville oranges, I made marmalade. Yes, it was time consuming and yes, it was messy (or that could just be me!), but oh my goodness, it is delicious.
I split the batch in two. Partly because my pan wasn't deep enough once the sugar was added, and also so I was able to add some brandy to half of the mix. Both with and without it tastes so good and I am delighted with it.




If you would like to try it for yourself, this is the recipe I used.

1 kg Seville oranges
2.25l water
2kg granulated sugar
Juice of 1 lemon

Makes around eight jars.

Squeeze the juice out of the fruit and pour through a sieve (to catch any bits) into the pan and add the water. Remove any remaining pips and pith from the orange peel (I scrape it with the edge of a spoon) and place in a small muslin bag, suspending this in the juice.
Slice up the peel to the required thickness and place in the pan, simmering gently for around 1½ hours. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then squeeze the liquid from the bag into the orange mixture.
Add the sugar to the pan and gradually bring to the boil stirring continuously for around fifteen minutes. Test for the setting point on a cold saucer and once ready pour into sterilised jars.
If you wish to add whisky or brandy to your marmalade, then stir though 100mls just before pouring into the jars.

J. X

72 comments:

  1. So sorry to have missed your last post Jules, I really don't know how I missed it. Hope things aren't to sad or stressful for you and your family. x
    Well done on taking the time to make marmalade, it looks delicious, I find keeping busy in uncertain times helps. Take care. xxx

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    1. We're pulling through, thank you, Marlene. I'm trying my best to keep busy, but not always successfully :) X

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  2. I love to see snowdrops; a sure sign that spring isn't so very far away. Beautiful photos too. I think the winter is a downer for a lot of people and the cold, dark, damp weather makes it hard to motivate yourself to do much of anything. Your marmalade making looks wonderful, but I hate oranges and strawberries ( due to the fact, as a child, I glutted myself on both and was spectacularly sick! ) I love ginger jam though. Best, Jane xx

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    1. Motivation. That's what I could do with. It can be difficult to find any at this time of year, during the dark and gloomy days. I think we are forecast some sunshine this week so hopefully that will help lighten my mood (a bit of snow would help too!) Thanks Jane. X

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  3. Hi Jules - I was so pleased to find your post appear in my Wordpress reader (not sure if Blogger has the same facility). Glad to know you are finding a little contentment in the kitchen - that does not surprise me as when I find myself in a stressful situation I turn to cleaning cupboards and making nourishing meals.
    I am having a go at marmalade this year now I am not working - I hope it works out as well as yours.
    I have seen so many trees about laden with catkins - aren't they just gorgeous - the snowdrops too.
    Take care xx

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    1. I wonder what it is that draws us to the kitchen? I found myself making chocolate brownies yesterday and gave the cupboard another quick tidy.
      I hope that with your support, your family will find their situation eases and they are able to relax and enjoy this special time. And I'm sure, if you do get the chance to make some, your marmalade will turn out beautifully. X

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  4. It's nice to see the snowdrops and a glimmer of sunshine here and there at this time of year to lift our moods, there's too many damp grey days for my liking. The marmalade looks delicious, something I've never made myself but it certainly looks worth the effort.

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    1. I think we could all do with some brighter, sunny days, although it is noticeably lighter in an evening, which is reassuring.
      The marmalade was definitely worth the effort - it's delicious. X

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  5. You're doing the right thing in keeping yourself busy. These winter months will soon be over and we can look forward to Spring again. Those snowdrops are so pretty and your marmalade looks really, really delicious :)

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    1. Keeping busy is good, especially when it's productive. I just wish I could focus some of my energies on my studies :D
      I'm looking forward to spring and the thought of spending some time in the garden - it's a muddy mess out there at the moment. X

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  6. I’m not sure how I missed your last post- so sorry my dear. I hope you are ok? I’m not feeling motivated to make marmalade this year, busy with other things I guess, but I’ll bet yours tastes delicious. Keep going with the running- it’s a great help in troubled times. It maintains my sanity! Thinking of you x

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    1. I'm OK, thank you CT. I'm trying to keep busy and I would gladly give you jar of my marmalade if I could, it tastes so good (and to think I would never eat it when I was younger!)
      I intend to keep going with my running although, as usual, time is an issue. I do my best to get out when I can, however, as it really helps lift my mood. X

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    2. Even a mile a day makes a difference x

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    3. It would be wonderful to be able to get out on a regular basis but it's not possible at the moment. I'm going to try to get out for a run this weekend. X

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  7. The marmalade sounds delicious and it's nice to see the snowdrops and the catkins. Little things help the world look better. X

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    1. Thank you, Shazza. I'm trying to focus on the positive. It's amazing how the little things make all the difference. X

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  8. The marmalade looks delicious. I had a good sort out at the beginning of the week of the kitchen. Like you, I promise myself I will keep on top and then let it all go again. So nice to see the snowdrops emerging through the ground.

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    1. I think I know what it is. My kitchen is tiny, and being long and narrow I can't just stand back and see what is in the cupboards. I have a habit, therefore, of just shoving things in and hoping for the best.
      Yes, the little green shoots emerging from the ground are a wonderful reminder that spring is on it's way. X

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  9. Find comfort, where one can. I fully understand. My husband was very sick, in December. And we both have been trying to "get back" from that, since. Note the good stuff. I understand.

    Lovely work in the kitchen! That certainly helped ease your mind.

    Hugs and wishes for more settling, of whatever was upsetting.

    ✨✨✨✨

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    1. Thank you. I am trying to focus on a steady home routine and if that involves good food, then so much the better :) X

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  10. It sounds like you are having a nice, slow January and that's just the way I like it. I've been spending a lot of time in the kitchen this month, as well. It's really on of my favorite places to be. Your orange marmalade looks delicious, and it's my favorite. I really need to try my hand at making a batch some time. Take care, Jules.

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    1. Thank you, Julia. I am enjoying the slower pace of January, I just wish it wasn't so gloomy. Thankfully, we are forecast some brighter weather this week.
      It was my first time making marmalade and, much like when I made jam, I found it much more simple to make than I was expecting. You should try it. X

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  11. Your marmalade looks lovely! I'm sure it tastes great, too! You've reminded me that I never got around to making any lemon marmalade, to give as Christmas gifts! Yes, marmalade making from scratch is a bit messy and time consuming, but the end product is well worth it, isn't it?

    I hope things are looking up for you. Continue to take good care of yourself as you face whatever challenges you encounter. (((HUGS)))

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    1. I think the messy part of it was more down to me than anything. I'm not the tidiest in the kitchen but I'm working on it. It was definitely worth making it, however, as it tastes delicious. Far nicer than any I have bought. X

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  12. Nothing like a bit of therapeutic marmalade making at this time of year. I was all set to make some too but then counted up the jars left from last year:). Well done on the running. Once I’m home I need to get back to more regular runs. B x

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    1. Thank you Barbara. Yes, the marmalade making was definitely therapeutic and the fact that it tastes delicious is a huge bonus.
      I hope you're enjoying your time away. X

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  13. Your snowdrops are way ahead of ours - I am so looking forward to ours making a welcome appearance in the garden.

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    1. They look lovely, especially in large groups. There's an abundance of them this year. I hope yours appear very soon. X

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  14. So lovely to see a post from you today Jules.
    It's good to know that you are finding comfort in your kitchen. It's a good place to be at this time of year.
    Hugs-x-

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    1. Thank you Sheila. I hope you're doing OK too. X

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  15. Oh, that marmalade looks good. Winter and it’s grey days bring me down also. However, I find that exercise and cooking/baking lift my spirits. That, plus the fact that the days are getting longer and spring is less than two months away and encourages me to look forward. I believe in better days to come despite what the news tells me. I need to keep that thought to carry on.

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    1. Thank you Arleen. I think we could all do with some bright sunshine to lift our spirits. Although, like you say, it is gradually getting lighter in an evening and the green shoots appearing all around remind me that spring is on it's way. X

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  16. Lovely photos, on both this and the last post. I somehow missed the last one, our computer has taken on a life of its own so I haven't been near it for a while. Your marmalade look so yummy and its a glories sunshiny colour to brighten up the start of the day

    Julie xxxxxx

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    1. Thank you Julie. I only just noticed how the photographs get brighter as you scroll down the post. X

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  17. I'm so sorry I missed your last post, I think I was out doing birthday things. It's good to hear you've found comfort in your slow January even during the tougher times.

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  18. I think many of us are finding January hard this year, for many reasons. It has been one of the most grey, leaden, dull months I remember for a long time. Take care. xx

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    1. Since the first couple of days, January has been so gloomy. I'm relieved it's not just me who feels that way. Chin-up, spring is on it's way. X

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  19. Lovely photos of these January days!
    And that marmalade looks delicious!
    I hope you have a quiet, cozy weekend. : )

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  20. Thinking about you Jules...so pleased you are finding comfort in the kitchen. Your marmalade looks wonderful. Well done on the running too...Take care. Debbie xx

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. I made chocolate brownies yesterday. I just hope I find comfort before my jeans get too tight :)

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  21. Your marmalade looks so yummy. I have made strawberry jam, but haven't made any marmalade.

    Hope you are having a relaxing weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Nil. It was my first time making marmalade and, much like with jam making, it was a lot easier than I expected. X

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  22. Those snowdrops are lovely, they really stand out in the photo. The marmalade looks delicious too, although since being a kid I don't like 'bits' in it - if I can't get the shredless version I just have to pick the bits out! :)

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    1. Thank you, Eunice. Your comment made me laugh, as I used to be exactly the same. In fact, I refused to even try marmalade for years, as I thought it 'smelled funny!' X

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  23. I don't think I've ever known anyone to make marmalade! I don't think it is quite as popular here in the eastern US, but I like it very much. Your homemade variety looks absolutely delicious. My kitchen cupboards need work too. I have no idea what's towards the back of them and what expiration dates I may find. Sometimes the grocery store puts items at such a fantastic sale price that we greatly overbuy and some ends up being wasted. Not such a good deal when that happens.
    Your photos are beautiful; thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Sue. The home made marmalade is far tastier than any I have bought, so I would definitely recommend anyone to have a try at making it.
      I would love to always have tidy and organised kitchen cupboards but, as yet, I have never managed to keep them that way for very long. X

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  24. HI,love reading your blog,always lovely photos and interesting reading.I really must take my camera out with me,I'm just lazy I guess lol.I must also try and make marmalade,am spoilt by a friend who makes it to raise money for the local Hospice and it's delicious.Rotten weather here,gales ( broken flower pots ).I do like winter tho,must be cus I was born a winter babe.Huggles xxx

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    1. Thank you, Lee. That's really kind of you to say. Having this blog has given me the incentive to take more photographs than I once would have done, and I do enjoy it. Although, they are always just quick snapshots taken on my phone. I don't use a camera.
      I don't think you have a need to make marmalade if you can get it from a good friend and all in aid of a wonderful cause.
      Hoping the wind has since died down and your pot casualties are minimal. X

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  25. It's been very damp and grey here too. The smell of marmalade making .... and the eating is a good way to fuel the senses.

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    1. The aroma of the marmalade making wafting through the house was pretty amazing. Hope the weather improves for us all this week.X

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  26. Some lovely photographs in your post, particularly those snowdrops, they look wonderful … and I'm sure I can smell that marmalade :)

    Hope your weekend has been good, and I send my good wishes for the coming new week.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. The marmalade has been a triumph and I'm enjoying some most mornings, spread on buttered toast. X

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  27. Your marmalade looks just delicious. We are very spoiled here with sunshine in California. Good luck with your running. It feels good to do cardio...it gets the endorphins going.

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    1. Thank you. We could do with a little more sunshine here just now. So far, this month the weather has been rather grey and gloomy.
      I am going to try and get out for a run later today. X

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  28. I love oranges and almost anything orange flavoured, but have never liked marmalade. There's no rhyme or reason to this since I am quite happy to have a bit of jam (raspberry with seeds or blackcurrant preferred) on toast.
    Clearing out cupboards is a very cathartic activity.

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    1. When it comes to food our likes and dislikes and certainly individual. I never used to eat marmalade at all.
      Cleaning out cupboards is a productive way of keeping me busy at the moment. X

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  29. Thanks for your comment on my blog. I've just been wandering through your blog from its start. So far it's been a very enjoyable journey. Although I've lived in the Outer Hebrides since the mid 70's I was born in Liverpool and grew up around North Wales and the Lake District. I say that because I have been re-living so many walks through your pictures and descriptions. Thank you. I hope that all goes well for you.

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    1. Thank you, Graham. It's lovely to know you enjoyed looking at my photographs, alhough I'm never convinced they do justice to the beautiful scenery. X

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  30. PS The snowdrops were enchanting: they signify hope for a spring to come.

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    1. Let's hope so. Sending positive vibes your way. X

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  31. your oranges look sweet.
    have a great day

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    1. Thank you. They taste pretty good too. X

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  32. Hi,forgot to say.I LOVE Snowdrops one of me fav flowers.Winds have died down a smidgen,very wet and brrrrr cold today.No more Pots have broken or blown away hee hee.xx Ps.I do have Smart Phone but don't know how to use it lol.xx

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    1. They are beautiful, Lee and, although a winter flower, to me they always signify spring is on the way. X

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  33. Lovely photos of a pre-spring awakening. Unfortunately with the snow today my son had his first crash driving round a corner hitting the curb. Shocking for him, thankfully he wasn't hurt, no one else was involved but the cost may be too great. We'll find out next week sometime. Thankfully he can walk to work but... it's all about independence. Take care, cathy x

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    1. Oh no! That must have been a nasty fright for him. Thank goodness he's OK. X

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  34. Homemade marmalade is delicious and even better with brandy I would imagine. January sounds like it's been a good month for you, even though you've had things going on in the background. Seeing those snowdrops makes me think I really should plant some and also crocus for next year. I love January, but seeing those little flowers would be a nice reminder spring isn't too far away. Hope you are all keeping well. xx

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    1. The funny thing is Suzanne, I didn't label jars, so I won't know which marmalade is which. Kind of like a lucky dip. 😆
      It's good to see signs of spring approaching and I'm enjoying the (slightly) lighter evenings. X

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  35. I am glad you are finding some joy where you can, Jules. When life is difficult I think that's important, and it's too easy to lose sight of it. I've never made marmalade, possibly because I'm the only person in our house who would eat it, but yours looks delish. x

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. It is so important to look at the bigger picture and I realise we could be in a far worse situation, so I'm focusing my energies on what really matters.
      The marmalade is delicious and I'm about to have some on my morning toast. X

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