The Long Winter...

This is the winter that just won't end.

If this were November or December, the snow and cold wind would be endearing.
Nostalgic.
Comforting even.

After a long summer and warm autumn, this type of weather brings the promise of shorter days and long evenings by the fire. Coziness. Comfort.

After a long winter, this type of weather feels like a bad joke.
April Fool's!
You thought spring was coming......but NO!
You are destined to wear your winter hat and mitts and dirty winter jacket with the coffee stain, for one more week.
Maybe two.

So, what to do?
We face the frigid winds and walk down to the waters edge.
We feed the birds, who look worried they confused the return flight details.
We make winter salads.


Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Lentils, Bacon, and Pear Salad 

Adapted from the recipe on Happy Yolks. Head on over there, their blog is amazing!

2 lbs. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cleaned up!
2 Bartlett Pears
1/2 cup hazelnuts (I used half hazelnuts, half almonds)
1/2 cup cooked bacon
1 cup Green Lentils (Du Puy would be better, this is just what I had!)
1/2 cup olive oil
2 heaping tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp of red wine vinegar
salt/pepper to taste

1. Cook the lentils, as directed, until tender.
2. Blanch the Brussels sprouts.
3. Shred the blanched Brussels sprouts in a food processor.
4. Cook bacon to a crisp and cool.
5. Toast the nuts in a dry pan, until brown. Cool and then chop.
6. In a mason jar, shake up the olive oil, Dijon, honey, red wine vinegar, and salt/pepper.

When all of the ingredients have been prepped, place the Brussels sprouts, lentils bacon and nuts in a large bowl. Thinly slice the pears over top and toss before coating with the dressing.

EAT!