Snow Days/Warm Memories/Yummy Recipes

Last October when we were days away from selling the house we thought would be our "forever home," Miller, my son, came to me in a panic. With a look of terror, he said, "Mom, we can't sell Butterfly Lane. We NEED to be able to go there when it snows!" Living in the Lowcountry, we don't often get those magical snow days we did once a year in the Midlands. It's funny how kids internalize change and what's important. Of course, "the white stuff" is the greatest...snow angels, snowball fights, redneck sledding (anything flat that can serve as a sled), snow cream, etc. But the best thing about snow or even the possibilities of it, is the ultimate shut-down of the regular routine and the true quality time spent with family and friends. We INVENT things to do together. For the snow days in my past have been days usually WITHOUT power. In the South we're lucky to get this one or two day reprieve from work and school. Miller was definitely on to something when he used the word "need."

We don't have snow...yet...but there's always hope. We do, however, have an icy mix of rain and sleet which has resulted in a day off from school. On Facebook I've enjoyed looking at photos of the "blizzard" that has taken my hometown during the night. Ahhh, the memories...

*the total silence of the woods when I stopped to listen
*wet gloves, hats, scarves, etc. draped around our fireplace to dry
*a warm wood stove and a raised hearth where my sister and I would perch like two little birds
*hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup
*our neighbor pulling us behind his four-wheeler
*sledding down the hill with the entire town at the elementary school
*making snowmen and snow angels
*putting out birdseed for the birds and squirrels
*bringing our pets inside which was thrilling because when I was young, all animals lived outside
*closing off parts of our home to keep other areas warmer
*playing cards and board games by candlelight
*my mom adding blankets and quilts to our beds
*sleeping under those heavy layers and not being able to move
*shaking limbs of a tree to sabotage an unsuspecting "victim" with an avalanche of snow
*taking the aluminum mixing bowl outside to fill with "clean" snow
*watching my dad make snow cream
*homemade vegetable soup or chili with cornbread

And after I was married with a family...

*waiting for the call list to reach me to inform me I didn't have to teach school
*bundling up my toddler until he looked like a mini Michelin Man
*sitting in the window-filled stairwell of my house while watching huge flakes fall and feeling like I was in some enchanted cathedral
*praying for the power to stay on because it was imperative I have a hot bath and a pot of coffee
*making my husband venture out to "find" a cup of coffee when we had no electricity
*the year of the generator...pure bliss...stove, coffee maker and tv
*turning on the gas logs
*taking soup to a sick neighbor on the John Deere Gator
*calling SCE&G to report a power outtage
*playing Scrabble with my husband and "Go Fish" with my son
*watching movies...Disney, Forrest Gump, The Shining, Pretty Woman, etc.
*checking in with my dad and my sister
*the three of us snuggled up in one bed

Now for the recipes...

Snow Day Chili

1 1/2- 2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large green bell pepper, chopped fine
1 large onion, chopped fine
4 cans chili beans (I mix 2 cans mild with 2 cans hot)
1 large can or container tomato juice
chili powder to taste
garlic powder to taste
salt/pepper
a tablespoon of sugar

Brown meat in a large Dutch oven. When meat is almost browned, drain.  Add bell pepper and onion. Cook until onion is almost translucent. Add chili beans and tomato juice. Also take a chili bean can and fill with water twice to add to mixture. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt/pepper and sugar. (I usually add a ton of chili powder. If I had to guess how much, I would say 3 tablespoons...maybe.) Turn down heat to medium low and let chili simmer for an hour or so.
I love to serve this with grated cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream and cornbread muffins. Crushed Fritos and some diced jalapenos are also awesome.

Snow Cream

a bowl of clean snow
vanilla extract
white sugar
milk/cream

In a large bowl mix snow with two tablespoons of vanilla extract, a half cup sugar and a cup of milk or cream. The consistency should be like a slushie so mix and taste as you go. These are approximate measurements.

Enjoy the day with your loved ones!