Sunnyraye here. Also known as Mother of Dandelion. I’ve asked for and received permission to nudge my way in to her blog site.
Dandelion presents a dilemma when it comes to gift giving. What does a mother send a creative, wise and witty daughter? A daughter who enjoys the simple life in a fine way? A November Dandelion blog with recommended gifts for the knit and nosh set presented a clue. “weck canning jars Just looking at these jars makes me swoon a little. I do not actually own any, but they have been used for decades by people who care about jars. A box given to a canner will make them squeal with joy (even the men). Remember to include an extra set of rubber rings for a gift that keeps on giving.”
Off to the internet. The internet was not cooperative, so next a phone call to Glashaus. I have idea that the people there all stopped their work to chat with me on the phone and take care of my jar ordering needs—a welcome break from impersonal online shopping. But, back to the computer to send off an e-mail to Dandelion to let her know a box would arrive directly from the manufacturer and she’d figure out what to do with it.
The box arrived at the Dandelion household. As any good Jewish daughter would do, she opened it. I understand there were squeals and a happy dance involved. This wasn’t quite what I had in mind, but my heart warmed at the image. She later wrote, “Normally my empty jars live in boxes in the laundry room, but I put my beautiful Weck jars on the shelf with my filled jars so that I can look at them. I think they are going to have to wait until the after the New Year to be filled.” Yep, she’s a true knit and nosh woman.
Oh, and from the Dandelion house package to East Silent Lake included knit socks with sparkles and a cap to be worn when clearing snow from the lane AND salted caramel pear butter AND pomegranate and proseco jelly. Now, we couldn’t just slather salted caramel pear butter on plain ol’ bread or crackers. The palate said, “Give me some of that pear butter on French toast!” Not just any toast would do. Brioche from an old recipe was in order. While Christmas Day meals in other households included assorted flavors of roast beast, on East Silent we lit the candles and then savored French toast brioche with salted caramel pear butter, traditional potato sausage, and steamed lemon and clove marinated asparagus.
Life is good.