Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls

The beginning of winter feels a little bit like magic. After the colors of fall turn to brown and the wet leaves find their way into the gutters, a dusting of white is a beautiful welcome, erasing the world and letting it start with a clean slate. Awaking to a fresh, new world is my favorite part of winter. When the snowflakes fall from the sky, my house feels cozier, food turns into comfort favorites, and spending the evening under a blanket in front of the television becomes a special treat.

The beginning of winter is a reminder of why I couldn't imagine living somewhere without the seasons.

Once January rolls around and winter weather is drudging into its third month, awaking to a white world is no longer new and exciting. The short hours of daylight and early mornings spent scraping the ice off the windshield of my car take away a little of the magic. I'm ready to see the sun for more than an hour each day. When the world isn't blanketed in a new sheet of white, the snow turns gray and brown, mimicking the dank end of autumn.

Each season has a beginning and an ending. Though I may feel ready for a new change, winter has just settled in for a long stay, with no plans to take a weekend getaway.

When the winter season begins to drag on my mind and body, the brightness of citrus fruit or a bowl of dark greens can sort me out. I associate fruit with winter as much as summer, peeling oranges and devouring clementines by the handful. Tart and sour fruits feel most like winter to me, with a bite as shocking as a burst of cold winter wind. When I was trying to come up with a new flavor for a breakfast roll, lemon and poppy seed seemed a natural combination. The tartness of the lemon shines through, while the bitterness of the poppy seeds is counteracted with brown sugar and honey.

When winter starts to drag you down, these rolls will pick you right back up. I promise.

Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls are a zesty pastry with a burst of flavor. The dough is soft, tender, and riddled with a lemon zest to bring a bright lemon aroma. The filling is a mixture of poppy seeds, brown sugar for sweetness, and a splash of lemon juice to bring a tart tone. As soon as they come out of the oven, the rolls are drizzled with honey, which soaks deep into the cracks and crevices. These are a lovely choice to brighten morning taste buds or to be enjoyed in the afternoon with a cup of tea.

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Cornmeal Parmesan and Poppy Seed Crackers

There is something very visceral about baking a homemade loaf of bread. Instead of buying a loaf of bread at the store or letting a bread maker do it for me, I'm taking the time out of my day and using my own hands to create something out of a few simple ingredients.

Standing in the kitchen and kneading dough in silence has a great therapeutic effect for me. I feel as if I am somehow more connected to the earth (or maybe I just feel more connected with myself). It's my release for anger, for frustration, or for built-up emotion. Whatever my emotions are going in, the result is always the same—a sense of calm and tranquility.

I have 8 minutes to myself. To think. To feel the muscles in my arms work. To sense the changing of the dough's elasticity beneath my fingertips. To smell the yeast in the air. To feel awe for the simplicity and elegance involved in creating a loaf of bread. This is the way bread has been made for thousands of years. The basic steps are always the same—they always have been and they always will be. I find comfort in the process. It is rustic, true, but it is sophisticated at the same time.

Instead of another bread recipe, this week I thought I'd share something that's new to me and maybe new to you too—homemade crackers. I have never made crackers before and, without knowing the process in which make them, it seemed daunting. Much to my surprise, the recipe was incredibly easy and quick, involving only a few minutes of hands on time (and a few extra to allow the dough to rest). The dough was very easy to work with and rolled out like a dream. If you have never made crackers before, I urge you to give it a try. You might just be amazed at how simple and delicious it can be.

These Cornmeal Parmesan and Poppy Seed Crackers are flaky, light, and addictive. These crackers feature crunchy cornmeal and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. They are then sprinkled with poppy seeds and flaked sea salt for extra flavor and a touch of decorative flair. The crackers can easily stand alone but are neutral enough to serve with cheese. This recipe is simple enough that I believe anyone can make them and make them well.

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