Sunday, December 21, 2008

Happy Winter Solstice!

Today is the shortest day of the year and the longest night. My friend Heidi sent me a cute Winter Solstice card reminding me that this is a good time for reflection. When the sun sets tonight and we light our Yule log in the fireplace, watching the flames will be a wonderful time for reflection.


photo by Dub Scroggin

I’m also honoring this turn of time’s wheel by making my annual Yule bread.



I posted the recipe last year, but here it is again (click to enlarge and print).

Have a wonderful Winter Solstice!


8 comments:

Kristi said...

I am certainly looking forward to the reversal of the cycle (days getting longer). I miss the daylight and our winter has been harsh so far. I also see this as a new beginning. A new start in my life. I'm starting a new venture and things are just starting to get off the ground.

Just curious, where would one find saffron? I've heard of it, but never even needed to look for it in the store.

Happy Solstice to you too!

Junie Moon said...

Kristi, you can find saffron in the spice section of grocery stores. It's very, very expensive stuff.

rohanknitter said...

Hmmm, maybe that makes it appropriate for it to be as cold as it is here (0 degrees)today, if it's the winter solstice!! ; )
Your yule log is so pretty!!

Anonymous said...

Let there be light!

Saffron bread... Mmmmm!

(And rohanknitter, we've already hit 20 below here in MT.)

Lena said...

Your Yule log looks so pretty. I'd have a hard time lighting it!

I love saffron in bread. And, you're right about the expense. They don't even put it on the shelves at our markets. We have to ask for it. This sounds very similar to the yulekaka that I sometimes make this time of year, only it uses cardamon. This year I bought my bread at the Swedish bakery, and I enjoyed a slice with my coffee this morning. One of the season's pleasures for me.

Happy Solstice to you too, June.

shenry said...

The days can't get longer fast enough for me.

Anonymous said...

One of the most wonderful things about your blog is that we get to glimpse how you turn regular days into traditions, rituals, and celebrations. (Another is getting a glimpse at your artistic endeavors!) I always enjoy reading how you use special days to reflect on your life. It inspires me to live more thoughtfully. Thanks Junie Moon.

Priscilla said...

Hi, I do love your Yule log, and thank you for the recipe. I spent the evening with friends and family, whilst thinking toward the new year... I hope you had a happy christmas,

See you again soon
Priscilla x