Post-Holiday Recovery Plan

Post holiday time is always a recovery time for my gastrointestinal system. After a few days of eating my way from house to house through a flurry of rich food and relatives, cookie trays and cakes, holiday hams and delicious meat trays, I can see why most new years resolutions include some form of dieting.

But I don't want to be too rash all at once, so I like to balance out my leftovers with healthy things, like apple pie. Apples are said to keep the doctor away so I feel including it in a pie is healthy enough.

And along the apple theme, I have been enjoying some spiced hard cider as well. Cinnamon may reduce inflammation, have antioxidant effects, and fight bacteria according to webMD and cloves are used for everything from hernias to coughs and toothaches. Combine that with the high antioxidants in hard cider and I think it's on the verge of being a health tonic drink... well, until I top it with some whipped cream.

 

 

I'm also working on a winter greens soup. It's massively snowing out, but I lift up the big green umbrella of leaves to find a perfect stalk of brussel sprouts, sweet with frost and ready for the soup pot. I'll mix that up with some kale and a ton of garlic and white wine for a pretty delicious companion to a big glass of red wine. The combination will perfectly stave off the cold chills that whip with the wind as the snow flies.

So after presents have been exchanged, the Christmas lights get turned on less and less, the tree needs to find a new home.
I like to give the brave little trees one last hurrah. They gave their lives to brighten ours and so I feel it only fitting that they go out with a bang.
Now starts my yearly search for some sparklers. You'd think that I'd remember to plan ahead, but every year I forget.  But I still have a week to hunt for sparklers and gather old cut trees for our annual celebration Jan 4th. It should be fun.
The snow is still coming down at a very fast pace and the trains do seem a bit more magical when pummeling through the winter wonderland.

It's the end of December in Ohio and it is beautiful.

Twelve Gifts of Christmas

We are at that time of year where exchanging gifts is an expression of celebration for the friends and family we hold dear.

Some might be delighted by this yearly endeavor. Others feel pressured or anxious as the time draws near. This is a time to remember the people close to us and celebrate another year together. The token of affection doesn't have to be extravagant, but when you give a gift that really makes someone smile, that gives you the holiday feeling in return

So here's a few ideas to ease the pressure of holiday gift giving. Each of our gifts is unique by either being home grown, home made, or just downright one of a kind. Come out to the winery and we'll help you pick out the perfect, unique gift!

12. Handmade Key chain 

BRX Handmade Key chain $6.50

This handmade key chain using a BRX cork pairs perfectly with a Barrel Run Crossing gift card for a memorable gift and delightful evening out.

 

 



 11. Farmstead Goat Milk Soap

Carved Oak Farmstead Soap $5.50

I admire a woman who raises her own goats, milks them, then creates this well crafted product from that's poured and cut by hand. The vanilla bean scent is subtle but delicious and it works great for men and women.

 

10. Alpaca Felted Rug

Peghorn Forest Alpaca Felted Rug $175

Luxurious decadence doesn't begin to describe this hand felted rug. It really makes an impact in any room with it's natural curls and beautiful texture. It's so beautiful, it is almost a shame to step on it! It's soft enough to throw on the back of a couch for a beautifully soft statement piece for any room

 

 

9. James Weckbacher Photograph

James A Weckbacher Auto Photo $50

James photographs great lines on amazing cars and sculptures. Perfectly framed and ready to go, this gift is ready to go for that particular person who would appreciate the beauty in simplicity.

 

8. Antiques Repurposed Bracelets

Indigo Wings Bracelets $35 - $79

By using vintage and found items including old broaches, buttons, and antique earring pieces, Kat creates truly unique pieces. Hand crafted, these pieces are comfortable, sturdy, and one of a kind.

 

7. Ductape Wallets

Ductape Wallet $15

 For the sports fan, these hand crafted wallets made entirely from ductape are great. It's a functional gift that's also custom to their favorite team.

6. Artisan Honey

Kline Honey Bee Farm's Squeezable Honey $4.25

Not all honey is created equal and Kline Honey Farm really has their finger on the pulse of the hive. There is quite a difference between the buttery delicious goldenrod and the rich buckwheat honey. This pairs well with a candle and a bottle of wine for a great hostess gift!

5. Hand Lathed Wine Stopper

The Family Phfix's Wine Stoppers $12-30

The wood grains in these wine stoppers are so interesting and the craftsmanship in these lathed wine stoppers lends to a one of a kind product. This will keep your favorite wine drinking friend's wine fresh... if there's ever any left in the bottle to keep!

 

4. Handmade Shawl or Hair Pin

Michelle Stead's Hair Pins $12 or 2 for $20

Michelle's handcrafted pieces cradle unique beads in among copper wire that's hand twisted to form these wonderful hair pins. They are incredibly easy to use, lighweight and very elegant.

 

3. Real Maple Syrup

 

Creekside's Real Maple Syrup $12 - $24

Pure maple syrup is made from our friends just up the road. The trees and the sugar shack are on the same road as the winery and we're happy to offer this deliciously local syrup. This isn't just for pancakes. Add it to coffee or tea for a delicious sugar substitute that's Ohio grown.

 

2. Handknit Fingerless Gloves

Peghorn Forest Alpaca Knit Items $20 and up

 Alpaca spun fiber is so soft and warm it's divine. We have hand knit  fingerless gloves, elf style hats, slippers, child slippers, and shawls to keep your loved ones warm. I have a pair of fingerless gloves and I love how they keep my hands warm but my fingers free for using my phone, getting into my wallet or finding my keys. And they're so soft!

 1. A Delicious Gift to Share... Wine!

Barrel Run Crossing wine $10.95 - 18.95

 Need a hostess gift? Looking for the perfect gift for someone who has everything? Want to mend fences with someone after your Christmas party? Or just want something nice for your Christmas table?
Wine is the gift that can be shared and enjoyed together. Barrel Run wine is a great way to gather friends, stay warm by the fire, and share great stories.