My thanks:
The warmth of my daughter's cheek when I kiss it to wake her.
Laundry that's washed, dried, ironed and put away. (The whole 5 minutes it stays that way!)
A phone call from a friend that makes me laugh.
Letters mailed to Santa.
Coffee with friends on a Friday morning.
Knowing my family is safe.
The smell of this Cranberry/Pear Chutney whirling through my kitchen. (And Aisling, who inspired the recipe.)
CRANBERRY-PEAR CHUTNEY
ingredients:
1 12 oz/340 gram bag of fresh cranberries
2 pears, peeled and cut into smallish chunks.
1 orange - zest and juice
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
5 cloves
4 tablespoons sugar
1/2 red onion, small dice
pinch of sea salt
1 whole red chili
1 tablespoon port
method:
Rinse and pick over cranberries, discarding any that aren't firm. Place in a saucepan.
Add pears, zest and juice of orange, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, onion, salt and chili.
Bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until mixture has reduced and thickened, but still has a chunky consistency. Remove chili and cloves, if you can find them. Stir in port.
Allow to cool a bit and spoon into a warmed glass jar. Seal and store. For up to 6 months - but I doubt it'll last that long! Once opened, use within 1 month. On meat, crackers, sandwiches, cheese, your finger...
So pile some on whatever you're eating today!