Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Orthodox Christmas


Icon 'Christmas'

Orthodox Christmas is January 7th. Traditionally, I spend this day in my garden. Yesterday after breakfast, I went there. Beside the tradition, I wanted to take a look at the plants covered with snow, at the nature in January, since this was my first visit in the New 2019.
There the sun was low, the garden was quiet, snow covered all plants and paths.

the apple tree

 the trellis

Garden trellises were bared and snowbound. The pines-niwaki were also whitened and their thin branches were bent under the weight of snow. I shoveled the patio, the path to the gazebo and put sunflower seeds in the bird feeder hung there. I wanted to decorate a pretty little spruce for Christmas... now take a look, what the snowfall has made. Poor thing! it was spirally covered with snow and its head wasn't seen under a lot of it.

the little spruce

It was frosty enough outside and inside the cottage. The days are short now and It was already 3pm. Although the sky was still bright the sunset has begun and I needed to go back to the city as it was quickly getting dark.
At home I was glad to see the Christmas tree and the set-out: meat, veggies, green salad, the cake 'Pancho' (biscuit, whipped cream, nuts, chocolate), red wine. Sitting at the table my family and I enjoyed Christmas dinner.

 Cake 'Pancho', my favorite


Merry Christmas to everyone who is celebrating now!






40 comments:

  1. That is a lot of snow! But it is good to get out into your garden. You festive meal sounds(and looks) delicious!

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    1. This cake is very delicious and has a bit of calories, David. The snow falls every day,br br br

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  2. Надежда ,со Светлым праздником Рождества Христова!!!
    Как много снега,,все укрыто.Прекрасного урожая и красивых цветов в этом году.

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    1. Спасибо Надежда, вас тоже с Рождеством!

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  3. Happy New Year, dear Nadezda!
    You have got a lot of snow. Your cake looks very good.
    I look forward to a new gardening season.
    Hugs!

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    1. Yes, Marit I do plan for new garden season as well.

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  4. Feliz Navidad para los que aún la están celebrando y feliz año 2019. Tu jardín se ve precioso cubierto de nieve, espero que tus árboles y plantas no sufran demasiados daños. Un beso.

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    1. Lola, la nieve no les hace daño, porque el frio sin la nieve es peor para las plantas.

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  5. I absolutely love snow, love winter. :) Here is very snowy and I am walking with so huge smile as now I can feel pure magic. :)))The cake is looking so beautifully. It must be so delicious, would love to try. :)
    Dear Nadezda, I wish you very happy new year. Be healthy, be happy and full of love. May your dreams come true. Thank you for being. :****

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    1. I'm glad you love snow, Aga. This cake is delicious, not caloric, not very sweet. Maybe one day you come to St. Petersburg and try this cake :-0

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  6. What a wonderful way to spend Christmas, first in your garden and then surrounded by family and splendid food. Merry Christmas, Dear Nadezda!

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  7. Beautiful white garden. Lovely looking cake. How is it done? Greetings

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    1. Kiitos, Anne. The recipe is here: https://www.recipemash.com/dessert-pudding-recipes/how-to-cook-russian-desserts/how-to-cook-pancho-cake/
      Sure you'll love it!

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  8. Dear Nadezda!

    Sending the warmest Christmas wishes to you and your family.
    I hope this Christmas is merry and blessed with peace.

    Lucja

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  9. Ma quanta neve è caduta!!! Qui purtroppo nemmeno un fiocco! Ti auguro un sereno Natale e un buon ritorno in giardino quando si sarà sciolta la neve :D

    Buon anno!

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    1. As snow melts I will go to my garden, pontos. Thank you!

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  10. Hello Nadezda, your Christmas sounds relaxing and lovely.
    I had never heard of Pancho cake (!) but it looks wonderful!!! I found lots of photos on the Internet. Is it a typical cake for Christmas?
    Wishing you a very happy new (gardening) year!

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    1. Sara, cake Pancho isn't typical for Orthodox Christmas, I just love it :-) there is no fat cream, low calories, a lot of nuts and fruit - often pineapples.One day you come to Saint Petersburg we'll have a piece of Pancho and cup of tea, right?

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  11. Just the way Christmas should look Nadezda. Keep cosy.

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  12. Snow is of such a pure white, transforming your garden. I would love to see it covering everything in a thick coat, but I keep thinking how cold it must be!
    Pancho looks very good. Love the chocolate running over the top. Looks like it needs a special cake tin.



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    1. You're right Betty, the weather here is cold - 3 -6 C, snowfall is every day, br br.
      The cake Pancho is easy to cook: you need to gather all ingredients on the plate - nuts, fruit, pieces of biscuit above them, then sour cream then all others, so you will have a 'pyramid' that is covered with chocolate. Recipe https://www.recipemash.com/dessert-pudding-recipes/how-to-cook-russian-desserts/how-to-cook-pancho-cake/

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  13. We were celebrating Martyn's birthday on the 7th

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    1. Happy belated birthday, Martin! The best wishes to you!

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  14. Hi Nadezda, Merry Christmas to you and your family.
    So much snow, a landscape so different from where I live (Lisbon).
    Your cake looks delicious.
    Have a nice weekend
    Hugs and all the best
    Maria
    Divagar Sobre Tudo um Pouco

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    1. We're in winter with snow and cold, Maria. I suppose the weather in Lisbon is warmer :-)
      Have a nice Sunday!

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  15. That's a lot of snow!
    The 'Pancho' cake looks delicious.

    My good wishes to you and your family.

    All the best Jan

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    1. You're right, a lot of snow here.
      Thank you, Jan

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  16. What a beautiful card, and a lovely idea of the angel throwing down sparkles with the snow. Your garden is building its strength for the summer. I am glad you had a lovely Christmas, and good luck to you in 2019!

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    1. I'm glad you liked the Christmas cards, Jenny.
      Good year 2019 to you and your family!

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  17. Hello Nadezda!
    How much snow! I love snow but a lot must causes discomfort.
    I wish you a happy weekend.

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    1. I do not love much snow, Tania too - it's a hard work to clear the garden :-)

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  18. Yum, that cake looks delicious! We finally have some snow as well, but nothing like yours.

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    1. Hopefully your snow melts soon, Jason.
      Have a nice new week!

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