Catch Bites not Feelings

There’s talk of a cold front hitting off the coast of South Africa, with chilly winds reaching Namibia from the south-west. Now what I don’t get is, inasmuch as the rainy season, and by extension summer, is bidding us goodbye, why does it need a dramatic exit? I really don’t get it.

Every time we step into winter, some rain-induced cold makes us shiver, before the actual freeze begins. This year is going to be cold, and I fear for my coastal friends.

COLD WEATHER ATTITUDES

My kitchen feels my moody nature when winter comes. I’ve already begun my prep and stocking up, because as far as we know, there isn’t a set date to inform us that the chill has started in Namibia. The south is doing its own thing, the coast will be sunny, while in other parts of the country people are walking around with blankets over their heads.

I don’t know how I feel about winter. I don’t hate it, but I’m also not its biggest fan. Having lived in really cold places, I appreciate how it doesn’t get too bad. But still, I want to know if it’s going to be cold cold or mild cold.

I don’t like mild cold. Go big or go back to the ocean.

I love digging into hearty, homey comfort food like the next person. I try to enjoy my time in the kitchen, but skipping the whole standing up and slaving away thing would be ideal, opting rather for the bed and covers.

This winter I, therefore, want to do a lot of food prep and cooking ahead of time. Food prep like a boss is coming and we will dispel some of the food prep myths people spread. Disinformation cripples society – stop spreading it.

BITES OVER FEELINGS

So ideally, if you are anything like me, the focus should be the type of food that gets you out of the funk and ready to face life.

Waking up is going to be interesting. It is already annoying when the weather dips because of the fake winters that show up now and again.

FARM FRESH BRILLIANCE

For now, I’d suggest enjoying as much freshness as you can get your hands on. You will miss it. Start pumping your body with natural vitamin C through fruit and veggies, prepping you for the long freeze that is coming.

Someone offered me a watermelon yesterday and if it’s not super red, sweet and dripping, I don’t want it. Again, bites over feelings so perhaps I should’ve taken it, although I don’t compromise when it comes to watermelons.

The art of hosting should not be lost during this season. We usually prep for winter in May but global warming left us unsure as to what surprises we can expect. I had to cancel a dinner date I had planned the other week because it was pouring non-stop, which was totally unexpected for my outdoors event.

So, make sure your Come Dine With Me attempts with your friends truly continue, even in the frost. A great challenge would be a summer-themed winter meal, where you take the best of summer and reimagine it for the winter.

PANTRY

Stock your pantry with winter canned essentials for soups and other hearty meals. Different canned beans, canned meats and stocks/soups are your best friends and will save you a lot of time.

I absolutely love mushroom soup with a can of butter beans tossed in, some sour cream, and a slice of toasted homemade sourdough bread, all enjoyed from the warmth of my blankets.

That’s the only part of winter I enjoy. But as you get ready and stock up, as restaurants change their menus and introduce new dishes, remember to focus on the meal, the fellowship and the moments.

Don’t be grouchy like me and let the stress of not liking winter stop you from appreciating how things die, only to be reborn again

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