The garden gifts are in full bloom. These fragrant and abundant lilacs are the first taste of true spring. But first, some food:)
Potatoes Au Gratin with Crispy Sage & Prosciutto
Here’s a version of potatoes au gratin that includes my two favorite potato toppings: Sage and prosciutto. The basic makeup of the recipe includes buttery sautéed sage and garlic which then turns into a roux and then turns into a creamy cheese sauce. The thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes are layered with the creamy cheese sauce and baked until bubbly and toasty. Then a smattering of sage and prosciutto for the last five minutes makes it feel decadent and celebratory on a whole new level. Yum. Get the full recipe HERE.
The lilacs are in full bloom! First flowers, early gifts of the garden. I didn’t plant these beauties, I didn’t water them. They spontaneously bloomed after years and years of quietly growing behind the garage. Some gifts are like that, a hidden treasure and a sudden reminder of divine grace. Now I’ll drink in their fragrance and put them in the most glorious vases I own. The beauty will quietly remind my heart that, like many things in life, I did nothing but receive them with gratitude. What a joy.
There are more than just lilacs quietly growing and blooming. With an upcoming watercolor florals class, I decided to paint a large-scale step-by-step of roses and anemones one early morning. Florence walked past me a few times, bubbled with a few questions, then disappeared. Several minutes later she returned with this beautiful rose painting. She followed my swirling circular rose pattern and even made all her little supporting flowers radiate from the center like mine. This little painting is so dear to my heart, and such an example of her observant little creative mind. Making art, staying home with my kids, and juggling it all together is such a wonderful gift; and this small work of art reminds me that the time I spend with them is time where they’re always watching, always learning. I hope to nurture them in such a way that they flourish and bloom and keep on growing into the beautiful people they already are. These days are special and these little gifts are all around me.
These days are special and these little gifts are all around me.
