A walk in the woods . . .

A walk in the woods is a rare afternoon treat on a mild and sunny spring day. It stands silent and immobile before you . . .

but it is a living silence, filled with breath and rustlings and movement.



You walk on and the wind stirs . . . the newly budded leaves on the trees rustle . . . a sigh amongst the sentient trees.



Suddenly the air is filled with the sound of a thousand wings, which flutter as disturbed birds take to the skies, ripping the quiet and making you start.



You continue on . . . and then you hear the muffled whisperings of startled leaves . . . someone heard you coming and decided to take shelter from your footfalls . . .



You hear the distant crack of a shot . . . which only serves to emphasise the peace which it disturbs. It is a shock, and yet at the same time, not entirely unexpected . . .



A bird trills and sets up a soft ripple along the surface of the stillness of the woodland . . . the sobbing of doves beating like a hidden pulse at the heart of the silence.



Oh how it thrills your heart to be tucked in the soul of the woodland . . . to be wrapped in it's strong and silent arms.



Can anywhere on earth be closer to the presence of God . . . perhaps . . .



but right at this moment, you think . . . not . . .

Just my thoughts on a quiet Friday morning . . .

We are potato people in this house. We both love them and never tire of them. I could eat them three times a day every day and still be enthused! Here is an easy and very tasty way to prepare them. On their own they make a very scrumptious lunch, but they are also great as a side dish to grilled or roasted meats and poultry. I hope you'll give them a try!


*Dusty Oven Baked Wedges*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

We love potatoes in any way shape or form, and these tastey little oven baked wedges are a real favourite of ours! Infinitely better than any that you might buy frozen from the shops. These are delicious served with a bowl of sour cream to dip them in, but they really go well with many things. Chutney, catsup, ranch dressing . . . pick your own poison! Your family will really enjoy these!

4 large baking potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
2 TBS chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Preheat the oven to 205*C/425*F/gas mark 7. Lightly grease a large shallow baking tray and set aside.

Wash the potatoes very well and then dry them very well with a kitchen towel. Cut them lengthwise into 2 inch wide wedges with a sharp knife. Put them into a large bowl. Sprinkle them with the olive oil. Add the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powders. Give them a good toss and a stir, making sure they are well coated with the oil and that the seasonings are well distributed. Scatter them over the baking sheet.

Bake in the heated oven for 30 minutes, until nicely browned and tender inside. Stir them every ten minutes or so to make sure that they brown evenly.

Remove them from the oven and dump them into a paper bag. Add the cheese and parsley to the bag and give them a good shake to coat. Divide amongst four heated plates and serve along with your favourite dipping sauce! Delicious!!



Over on The English Kitchen today I'm cooking a delicious pasta dish with sausage, caramelized onions, and cabbage in a tasty mustard sauce! A dish to die for!