Tis Blossom Time . . .

It is blossomtide again.
In the sunshine and the rain
Thruses sing a madrigal
For this Vernal Festival.
From the bare bough there has come
Milk-white bloom on pear and plum,
And upon the apple tree
Pink buds cluster daintily.
Spring's green banners are unfurled.
Joy comes back into the world.
Man may weep, but with one voice
Nature says,
"Rejoice, rejoice!"
~author unknown

Oh what a beautiful past few days we have had here. The sun has been shining and there's been nary a cloud in the sky. A cold wind has been blowing but yesterday it finally let go and we were able to walk about in relative warmth.



What an incredible season this is. The season of blossom. It is as if all of nature has decided to explode upon the byways and highways of the land in a riotous dance of blossom!



It's just so very beautiful. Of course where we lived down South, surrounded by Orchards as we were, we were buried in a virtual sea of blossom and bee . . . it was so very lovely . . .



But even here, enclosed in a city in the NorthWest, we are able to find the lovely blooms. They are scattered here and there . . .



Along the canal walks . . .



In serene gardens . . .



along the hedgerows at the edge of town.

Oh what a beautiful gift our Heavenly Father brings to us each year in the form of spring!! When one stops to think that all we see here on Earth is but a pale reflection of what lies on the other side . . . the mind boggles. Oh how very unimagineably beautiful it must be!!



Happy Friday everyone!! Wherever you are, I hope the sun is shining and that you are able to take a walk amongst the blossoms of springtime!

I had a clean out the fridge day yesterday. I usually have one about once a week. I make a hash or casserole, or in the case of yesterday, this tasty clean out the fridge rice dish that is a real favourite of ours!! The quantities are given for two people here, but I can imagine it could easily be increased for more!



*Clean Out The Fridge Rice*
Serves 2
Printable Recipe

This is the perfect supper for those nights when all you have left in the fridge is the basics and a few leftovers!

3 rashers of sreaky or back bacon, chopped
a handful of closed cup white mushrooms, halved
1 TBS sunflower oil
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
1 clove of garlic, peeled and crushed
5 ounces long grain rice
300ml of hot chicken or vegetable stock
a handful of leftover cooked vegetables, chopped (optional)
1 cup of leftover cooked chicken, cut into cubes (optional)
a handful of grated strong cheddar cheese, or other hard cheese as desired



Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and fry it for a few minutes until it begins to brown. Tip in the mushrooms and turn up the heat. Fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, until they begin to brown. Scoop out into a bowl and set aside.

Add the oil to the same pan and heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionaly until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a minute or so longer until really fragrant. Tip in the rice and cook, stirring to coat and mix together with the onion. Add the chicken (vegetable) stock all at once and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until almost all of the liquid is gone. Take off the heat and give it a stir. Cover with the lid or a large plate. Leave for 5 minutes to allow it to finish cooking in it's own steam. Stir in the cooked mushroom/bacon mixture, and the leftover veg and chicken (if using) along with the cheese. Serve immediately.



In honour of St George's Day there is a delicious Apple and Blackberry Crumble over on The English Kitchen today!