But before we get to that, here’s some good news. In November I had my 1-year-later cancer scan, and everything was clear.
Yaaaaaaaay!!!
And … HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone … so glad to see we all made it, although it was a close call for some of us. All I can say is I’m so glad you decided to stick around.
On with the show …
‘Twas the season for all things made with flour, fats and sugars, namely cookies and tarts … And inspirational songs, ritual feasts and fastings, and Santa, and for those who follow some traditions, a birthday.
Our big day is Winter Solstice.
Mrs Widds and I make special food, and release the year past to welcome in the new year to come, and other stuff to honour our spiritual traditions.
Then we start the baking for the family.
Since we’ve been here on Widder Island we’ve actually had the space to host our immediate family’s Christmas Day feast and present sharing. One of the most requested feasting items are baked goods, of which Mrs Widds is the unparalleled Mistress Of Baking. (I am merely the gorgeous assistant and quality control advisor)
First there’s the mixing of ingredients.
Ingredients – gazillions of ’em
The hands-on approach
Only Mistresses of Bakings know the secrets of perfect pastry
Then there’s the placing on trays.
Chocolate chip, shortbread, spellbinders (pictured) ginger snaps, orange zest … oh, the list goes on, and on, and …
Then there’s the baking and subsequent eating. (and these are the ones I thought to take pictures of)
Apple tarts, and …
Butter tarts, and …
for something savoury, mini quiches, and …
thumbprint cheesy bites
Needless to say the Widds family was well supplied for months … Seriously? Months? … these lasted for as long as it took them to drive home and open their Goodie Baskets!
and then …
It snowed!
SNOW!!!
Widdershins Worlds 
Congrats on being cancer free!!! Those tarts looked delicious. Tarts and wine- a great combo.
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One of my favourites 😀
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Woohoo!!!!!! I will happy dance for you in six weeks. 🙂 And Yum!
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Yes, no dancing for you, yet! 😀
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So happy about the cancer-free, Widder. I agree, no tarts without wine. All that lacks is the song, but I’m sure you had that as well? Happy 2015!
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The tarts and wine threw me there for a moment, then I checked the pics … heh, heh … definitely had the song too!:D
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This is happy news, Widdershins. And the baking looks gorgeous; eating wonderful things is one of life’s special pleasures, especially when the creator is someone who nurtures us in every other way too! Do you watch The Great British Bake-Off? I’m not suggesting it as a tutorial or anything, it’s just full of lovely people who support and help each other, brilliant judges (Mary Berry is in her 80s, and wears slim jeans and nipped-in floral jackets – a real inspiration), and a female duo of presenters, the irresistible (and clever, funny and lesbian) Sue Perkins, and Mel (her erstwhile comedy partner). I’m a can’t-cook-won’t-cook girl, but the GBBO is simply great entertainment, with amazing baking. Usually shown on BBC TV in late summer/early autumn.
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I don’t watch trad (antenna or cable) TV … haven’t for a whole bunch of years, but I’ll see if I can track it down online. Thanks for the tip 🙂
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Hooray for the great news and your nibbles looks yummy!
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Mmmmmm yummmmmy nibblets 😀
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Hooray for being cancer free!
Happy New Year!
And those nibbles all look yummy. I don’t suppose Mrs. Widds would be willing to share recipes?
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I don’t think she’d mind at all … anything in particular?
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Everything looks good, but I have to admit to never having heard of spellbinders before. (Also, the butter tarts and mini quiches look exquisite.)
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This post made me smile. Great news about the cancer screen… may that unwelcome visitor never find the way back to your life. The baked goods look delicious!
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Cancer, never no-more! … that woman can bake up a storm 🙂
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Congrats on being cancer free. Your photos look yummy.
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Thanks … not bad for a cellphone camera 🙂
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Whooooo-hooooooo! I love the news! Whoooo-hooooo!
Yummmm, I’m imagining I’m eating some of the treats. Yummmmm.
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I tell you what, those butter tarts were almost orgasmic! 🙂
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Yum! And YAY for the good news. 🙂
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😀 and 😀
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Ssoo glad to hear you are cancer free. That must have come as welcome news. 🙂
Those photos look scrumptious and I wish I were there to help eat them. Did you mean it snowed before your company showed up or after? Did you have help eating them?
It is so much fun to host Christmas or Solctice in our own home and now I am old I Hope my sons take on the job. For next year anyway. This year we just dealt with our usual empty nest.. My husb had had the flu and no one could come so it was quiet beyond belief. Since Mom and Dad died it is even sadder here at Christmas and without the cheerful noise of kids it was downright sad.
Don’ t want a repeat next year. I only baked one thing this year as well. and i twas good. 🙂
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The snow came after and only lasted for a couple of days. We’re back to ‘unseasonably warm’ weather again.
Most of the goodies went with the company. We kept a few of each variety for snacking purposes.
1 baked thing – then you had a successful year! 😀
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That’s wonderful news on the health front and a great way to start the holiday season and new year! And as I read the post and looked at the photos, I really wished I could reach into the screen and grab some of those goodies. 😀
Here’s to a healthy and happy 2015!
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I wish you could too. We have lots left. 🙂
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[…] Mrs Widds bakes bread … and … Mrs Widds bakes tarts and cookies. […]
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