Of all things not business and leadership related.

But first, a list of resources and ways to help Los Angeles residents from Maria Shriver’s newsletter.

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Baking and Cooking:

You’re telling me that you’re printing and enjoying the recipes I’m sharing here at the blog, so you’ll find more of them included in the Sunday Sketch.  Let me know which you make and what you love.

Recipe #1:

There are few things better than as the weather howls outside, we are cooking inside.

This recipe for Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts had me skeptical.  I mean, made-at-home-doughnuts?  Baked??

It’s now part of my recipe collection.

Don’t fret the muffin tin vs donut pan.  I did muffins, because that’s what I had (who has a donut pan lying around?) then bought donut pans and took one look at them and thought muffins were just fine.

Homey, amazing-smelling, and very, very tasty.

Bring a box to someone.

They make great gifts and are a snap to make.

Recipe #2:

After walking in Friday evening from the snow and cold here in NC (a treat!), thoughts of making my favorite vegetarian chili swirled.  But then realized that something warm sooner than later was needed.

The stash of curry in the freezer.

Can I just say?  I’d discarded this recipe because it didn’t knock it out of the park when I first made it.

But on a cold winter’s eve heated in the micro while broccoli and peas quickly boiled on the stove?

AMAZING.

Another standout from Melissa Clark.

Wearing:

For my birthday, I took the plunge and replaced my old hiking boots, looking forward to long, sometimes wet and cold, walks in the woods with my pup.  The only hiking boots I’ve ever worn, the first pair of these got daily wear for more than 15 years while I was farming and then finally gave out 10 years after that.  I don’t have much to compare them to but know that descriptors like tough, waterproof, great toe protection, and not requiring much breaking in, all apply.

Forcing: 

Two hyacinth bulbs on the kitchen counter.  Something so joyful about watching flowers grow in the dead of winter.  I got mine here but you can likely find them in many stores.  Little effort, great reward.