Now that our Winter Reading Challenge is over, let’s take a look back at some of the responses to questions we asked our patrons who participated in the Adult Winter Reading Challenge. We asked them to tell us their favorite winter outdoor activities and how they cozy up indoors in cold weather. Here’s what they said:
Suravi J.: This year I am experimenting with winter gardening and so eager to see the beautiful flowers growing in early spring. So excited! I did my research and planted hardy annuals which are hardy to my zone like the Bachelor’s button, Larkspur and Pansies and the White lace flower in October. They grow into small plants and develop good roots, become dormant in winter and start blooming in early spring. It will be so beautiful to see some color in my little garden of pots in March. All my plants look healthy and happy. Amazing to see them surviving the whole winter. Just a different experience in gardening all together.
Wendy A.: I just love ice skating outdoors in the winter. Gone are the days where lakes froze over like in my youth but it is still nice to get out on the ice at manmade rinks outdoors. Skiing has also always been a shared family past time.
Linda: I enjoy cross country skiing in local state parks. It is great cardio and so peaceful.
Other participants mentioned bird watching, sledding, and walking in local areas such as Heckscher Park, Coindre Hall, Caumsett State Park, the Fire Island Lighthouse, and the Jones Beach Boardwalk.
Valerie M: In the winter, I like to light Yankee Candles. They smell so good! I also just learned how to knit, so I have been knitting a lot of scarves!
Jaimee H.: Definitely a fire . . . while snuggled up watching my favorite series. Candles burning of winter smells. The crockpot on cooking up a delicious meal.
Mary C.: In winter, there's nothing I like more than to snuggle up with a good book and a comforting bowl of soup! I have a favorite spot on the couch where I can read and look out the window at my kids playing in the snow.
It seems the general consensus among our patrons for an ideal cozy afternoon at home is snuggling up under a warm blanket, with a hot beverage and a good book.
Finally, we received so many great “warm-up” recipes. Here are a few favorites:
Sara G.: Rich Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
8 oz oat milk
1 Tbsp Nutella (or other chocolate-hazelnut spread)
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
optional: 1 tsp Frangelico (or other hazelnut liqueur), or to taste
Instructions:
Heat milk over medium heat until steaming. Whisk in Nutella; continue whisking until fully incorporated, still over heat. Once smooth, whisk in cocoa powder; continue whisking until no lumps remain, still over heat. Remove from heat. Add Frangelico, if using. Enjoy!
Note: I vastly prefer the taste & texture of unsweetened oat milk in hot chocolate, but of course dairy milk or other alternatives would also work well.
Angela C.: Chicken Soup
First make a batch of white rice. Heat olive oil in soup pan, add chopped garlic and thinly sliced carrots, sauté until soft. Add container of chicken broth, can of chick peas, pieces of a rotisserie chicken and kale. Simmer on low for about 20 minutes. Serve in a large soup bowl, add shaved Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy on a cold winter’s day!
Noelle D.: Soft Molasses Cookies (yield 24)
3/4 c. shortening (or substitute)
3/4 c. packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 c. molasses
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
granulated sugar - for rolling cookies
1. Mix together shortening and brown sugar. Beat in egg and molasses until well blended.
2. Combine flour, salt, baking soda, and spices. Stir into creamed mixture until blended. Chill for an hour or until firm.
3. Heat oven to 350F - prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle sugar onto counter/cookie sheet. Roll chilled dough into 3/4in. diameter balls, place on sheet with 1-2 in. between cookies.
5. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until set. Cool in pan for two minutes, remove and cool completely.
Pair with your favorite hot cocoa, coffee, or tea and enjoy!
Thank you to all our participants, and we hope that our Winter Reading Program helped you embrace nature as well as the concept of “hygge” by enjoying the comfort of everyday happiness through reading and shared experiences.