Saturday

Mmmmmm......

the perfect start to a perfect day....

It's cloudy and damp; the desert having been soaked by a storm that came in yesterday morning. My flowers and plants got the best soaking that they've ever had! The desert smells fresh, clean, revived! The cool air makes for a crisp breeze - our version of fall! Saturday's don't get any better than this!

Well, maybe an added tidbit here and there....

Cranberry Almond scones hot out of the oven with a creamy cup of coffee to celebrate such a beautiful day! It's a recipe that my dog apparently loves! I had made up a batch of the dry ingredients to take to the cabin last week for Thanksgiving. I mixed the flour, sugars, powders along with the dried cranberries and put them in one of the bags that we were taking up with us. Problem was ... when I came home from school the next day, the bag was no longer where I had left it. As a matter of fact, it was out in my back lawn...the ziploc bag ripped open... and a pile of 'dry ingredients' laying there in the grass... minus the cranberries, but decorated with blobs of dog drool. Lovely. So I whipped up another batch and put it UP on the shelf where said dog could not reach it. What possessed a dog to drag a bag of flour out into the yard and pick out the cranberries is beyond me.


Anywhoo, it really is a wonderful way to start such a wonderful day. Plans are to be home alone and clean. Afterwards, I am going to take a deep breath and go out into the garage and open a box or two of Christmas things. I have a beautiful garland to replace my autumn one around my front door with. I am struggling with opening the box of other decorations, though. Hard to do at this point in my life's journey. But a beautiful spirit at school has gently suggested that I try it. So try I am. A pot of homemade vegetable soup in my Le Creuset, a firelog burning and peace and gratitude - all filling the air of my home this evening.

What is your 'favorite' day like for you this time of year?

Cranberry Almond Scones

2 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. packed brown sugar

1 T. baking powder

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

1/4 t. salt

1/4 c. butter, chilled and diced

1/2 c. dried cranberries

1/3 c. white sugar

grated zest of one orange

1/3 t. almond extract

3/4 c. milk

1 egg

In a large bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, toss cranberries with sugar; add to flour mixture along with orange peel and nuts. Mix lightly. In another bowl, beat together cream, extract and egg; slowly pour into dry ingredients, mixing with rubber scraper until dough forms. Knead dough 4 or 5 times, being careful not to over handle. Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Shape into a circle and cut into 6 wedges. Place scones on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes; until golden brown.