It's Thanksgiving in the USA today, and although I don't get to celebrate with my brother and sister in law as they tuck into a big plate of turkey in Houston, I always think it's a lovely idea for a holiday. There is a lot to be said for setting aside a day that makes you spend time thinking about what you have to be thankful for in life whilst counting your blessings with your friends and family. When the days are short, cold, wet and dark this isn't always an easy task, so if I can't have pumpkin pie, I appreciate the reminder from across the water to refocus on what's really important in life.
This week has been a hard slog, with illness, work and bad weather so I've been trying hard to find some time for some small pleasures to keep the thanksgiving spirit alive. Yesterday I dragged my poorly son out of the house for lunch at Three Sister's Bake in the beautiful Quarrier's Village in Renfrewshire. I've never been before but heard about it after James from this year's British Bake Off launched their children's cake baking competition and decided I needed to make some time for a visit. The food was yummy and the shelves were stacked with lovely gifts and treats, but the best thing about it was the amazing location. The houses on the estate are all former orphanages which were built by the philanthropist William Quarrier in the best Victorian tradition of improving the consitution and mind by moving the disadvantaged into beautiful retreats in lovely surroundings. The Quarrier's charity, which provides support to disadvantaged families, is still based here, but the houses and church have all been turned into private residences sprinkled with galleries and cafes. The best way to describe it is to imagine if Barrett Homes based their estates on Hogwarts. I loved it.
That night I decided to balance the cakes with a healthy supper of lentil and butternut squash stew. It's a Nigel Slater recipe and like all the best winter food, it ain't pretty but it tastes amazing. Tonight's dinner was also based on this principle when I raided the remnants of the fridge before the Friday shop and roasted up some peppers, onions and potatoes tossed in garlic and paprika with some chilli Halloumi. We raised a thankful glass to distant family and ugly food that warms the body and soul and for a few minutes the worries and stresses of life disappeared.
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