As you read this, I’m southeast of the Berkshires this week with my family for the holidays — we’re taking my parents’ dog for a walk to the pond to look for the beaver lodges, or we’re sitting by the fireplace and my nieces and nephews are watching us make a wood fire.
We even have chestnuts to roast, thanks to Big River Chestnuts just over the ridge. They can slow-roast in the oven gently for awhile and come out hot and sweet. It’s a good week for sharing some quiet, warm pleasures and memories.
One of the comforts of the holidays for me is that they give a chance to share some local flavors that I might not try only for myself. So I’ll take the time to set out on a quest for chestnuts, or za’atar basil and dried mushrooms, or Cricket Creek Farm cheeses … and make marmalade from the Valencia Oranges I found at Guido’s.
It’s a week for new pathways, kitchen experiments and trying things I’ve been wanting to do for years. We have a kind of in-between time this week, and no matter your plans, for travel or friends, parties or music, or a quiet walk in Mountain Meadow — I hope this week brings you the chance to see and feel these familiar hills around you.
Winter days
Before the first snow melted, Mountain Meadow gleamed for a moment in the sun.
Mountain Meadow gleams in the sun after an early snowfall.
Events coming up …
Find more art and performance, outdoors and food in the BTW events calendar.
