Last week it felt and smelled like spring, but since Saturday we're back to the harsh reality of winter. Icy winds and some snow meant more opportunities for traditional winter dishes and an open fire in the fireplace. Today I made "hutspot", a mash of carrots, onions and potatoes (or more traditionally: parsnips). Famously related to the relief of Leiden from the second Spanish siege in 1574. <insert Italuminium's comments here>

A favorite of mine since childhood, and because it's fairly sweet I like it with well-seasoned meats. Today: pork chops with a little pepper, salt and garlic.