Greetings Creekers!
Those of you despairing the short days and long dark nights will be looking forward to next week and the arrival of winter, the start of the slow journey into light. The pagan celebration of Winter Solstice is ancient. Norsemen lit bonfires, told stories and drank sweet ale. The Druids cut mistletoe and lit yule logs but it was the Romans who really knew how to celebrate. Saturnalia lasted for seven days during which ordinary rules were turned upside down. Men dressed as women, masters waited on servants, there were processions, much greenery, feasting and lighting of candles. If you would like to be involved in a celebration of the Solstice there will be a gathering at the Hall on the 21st for a ceremony and potluck dinner, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Bring food to share along with your dishes and cutlery. Tickets by donation from www.eventbrite.ca/e/480694749937.
Last week I promised to give you more info on the Community Christmas Potluck Dinner. It’s happening at the Hall on Christmas Day from 3 to 8 p.m. If you would like to bring a dish to share or volunteer, please sign up at forms.gle/UccdfeA5NkVJrena8. The Roberts Creek Community Association will provide turkeys and ingredients for stuffing and gravy but are looking for people to do the cooking off-site. If you will have an empty oven and are yearning to cook a big bird email [email protected].
Also, Grounded Acres Organic Farm is kindly donating carrots and squash for people to prepare, info at the email above.
If you would like to play some dinner music, speak up!
The important thing to know is that everyone is welcome, regardless of your ability to contribute and it will be fun! If possible, please RSVP at facebook.com/events/628428489057887.
Speaking of fun, there will be tons to be had this Friday night at the Legion because it’s Christmas in Killarney! A traditional music session starts at 7 p.m. and then it’s reels, jigs and dancing with the Shamrockers at 8 p.m. This might be the closest you will ever get to being in an Irish Pub so don’t miss it.
On Saturday evening you can head to the Legion again for their Christmas Party featuring the roots, rock, rhythm and twang of The Contingency.
Members $5 guests $12 for both these events.
I heard it through the grapevine that some of you liked getting a recipe with your community news. Cooking (or actually eating) is one of my major interests, so the recipes could become a habit. We will see. In the meantime some of you may be looking for an idea for all those carrots you said you would cook for the Christmas potluck. Here’s one:
Five Spice Roasted Carrots:
Peel the carrots (or maybe not, they are organic) and cut them into sticks.
Toss every 2 pounds of carrots with:
• 3 to 4 T olive oil
• 1 T five spice powder
• 2 cloves of garlic, grated
• salt
Put them on a baking sheet (or roasting pan) into a 400 F oven. Move them around every 15 minutes until they are cooked and caramelized (30 to 45 min. depending on size).
Combine 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds with 2 tsp grated ginger and 1 T white wine or sherry vinegar and mix into the roasted carrots.
Good hot but also at room temperature.
Enjoy your week in the Creek!
