Time

Time.  That is what it is all about isn't it?  How we spend it.  Do we fill every hour to the gills or stop and savor them before they pass us by?  In today's world, every day seems to be an exercise in time management; how to be the most efficient, most effective, most well rounded.  Why is this?  To keep up with those around us?  To give into that fast speed by jumping into the flowing main stream? To make a name for oneself? 

Time.  Each moment is precious, yet sometimes we are so caught up in the pace of things that we forget to indulge in what is in front of us.  We all have the luxury of time if we live in each moment don't we?  Have you ever thought about how your actions may affect the space of those around you?  We should enjoy and respect the time we are given with each other, you never know when someone else's distracted moment may alter your time.

Time.  Mother nature, has it right.  The spring has been cool and wet, so planting is much delayed this year.  The time has been delayed, but she is not worried.  Over the weekend as the sun finally began to warm us we put these seeds in the ground.  In time, they will grow to sustain us.  Patience, and some TLC will see the garden through.  Shouldn't this philosophy be applied to how we all function in every day life? 

Have you ever been frustrated by someone who comes up behind you fast, tail gates for a period of time, then passes you in a hurry, only to be stopped just in front of you at a stop light?  Then they begin their frantic commute process again.  How much time do they ultimately save?  One minute?  Two?  Was the intensity worth it?  And, how did you as the recipient let it effect you?  Emotions can be contagious.  Did you get caught up in that other persons moment, or did you just let it go?  Now, can this be applied to how we conduct ourselves in the rest of life?  Work, kids, activities, social commitments.  Moving to the farm was in part a way to slow down that pace that runs at break neck speed beyond the cocoon of the homestead every day.  The best of both worlds, all reliant on how we spend our time.

Have you thought about how you spend your time?

**I am headed to Mexico with some girlfriends later this week.  I am looking forward to the time :)

Pace

 Blood Orange Tart with a Brandy Glaze 

I think it fitting that my first post of 2013 is on the second of January, rather than the first.  Yesterday, as with each January 1st of the last three years, our dinner club got together for a New Year's brunch. We celebrate our friendship and the amazing way that eight people can waltz around a kitchen anticipating each others moves to create beautiful slow food.  The day was full of lively conversation, laughter, kids playing in the snow, and lots and lots of cooking.  Dish after dish of culinary love, the best way we know how to show our appreciation for life and each other.

The last couple of years, I have chosen a word(s) that is a theme for the year.  In 2011 it was cultivate, and in 2012 it was blank pages.   I like choosing a word to focus on, much like a mantra to help maintain focus throughout the year on what is important. When I began to think about what to choose for this year, there was one word that I couldn't shake.  Pace.

Pace:

   rate of movement

   rate of progress

   an example to be emulated

   rate of performance or delivery

   an exhibition or test of skills or capabilities

   with due deference to (from the Latin for pax, peace)

With life as busy as ever, and many goals to be accomplished, it will be an important mantra for me to maintain pace in a way that is productive, yet not so accelerated that I forget to savor each moment. So posting this on January 2nd instead of the 1st is a conscious effort to begin this year on the right pace.

To get your year off to an amazing start,  you must try this simple and delicious tart!

Blood Orange Tart with Brandy Glaze 

Shortbread Crust:

1 C all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp. confectioners sugar

1/2 C butter

Place all ingredients into a bowl and cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles a crumble.  Chill for 30 minutes then press into a tart pan (I used a 10")

Filling:

6 med. oranges

1 (10 oz) jar of sweet orange marmalade

4 tsp. lemon zest

3/4 C lt. brown sugar

6 Tbsp. brandy

Peel oranges, removing all of the pith.  Slice into thin slices and then line the tart pan with them in a curricular pattern.  Mix all remaining ingredients to form a glaze and spoon glaze over oranges (reserving some additional glaze for serving).  Slice and serve.