Dearest friend,
The week before Christmas always feels a little magical. It’s time to slow down, savor small joys and let each task unfold in its own time. In these fleeting days, I find myself caring less about perfection and more about presence. Even the smallest rituals of the season invite us to pause, breath and simply be.
A few days ago, I found myself drawn to the kitchen, eager to try a new pie recipe – one that promised comfort, sweetness and just a hint of challenge. I had bought a packet of apples weeks earlier, left in the fridge and some what forgotten. They had become a little soft and I felt too guilty to throw them away, so I decided to make an apple pie. I was researching recipes for 3 days before I stumbled upon a recipe that promises something incredible…… If I can just survive all the steps. The evening before, I prepared the two crusts and chilled them in the fridge, realizing it was too attempt the rest. The next morning, I gathered all the ingredients and thankfully, I had everything I needed.
First came the sauce for the apples. Then the peeling and slicing, which always takes longer than one expects. Some cinnamon, mixed with the sauce and then it was time to roll out the crust. I carefully rolled out the first crust and lined the pie dish, then I spooned in the fragrant apple mixture. The second crust was rolled out, cut into strips and arranged on top of the filling. The sides was tucked in and shaped. Then it was time to place this delicious looking pie in the oven.
I started the pie in a hot oven for 15 minutes, then lowered the temperature and let it bake for another 45, until golden and bubbling. I couldn’t wait to taste it, but the pie was still steaming and far too hot to enjoy. My partner and I, had some errands to run anyway, so we decided that this was a good time. Kitchen was cleaned up and then we were out the door. After we came back, it was finally time to cut the pie – and it was incredibly delicious.
I hope the coming week feels gentle and unhurried and that the final days before Christmas are filled with quiet joy, presence and a little sweetness.
Until next time
With love,
The Whimsical Mailbox.