A Spoonful of Syrup

MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP AT HOME TO HELP NAVIGATE COLD-AND-FLU SEASON.

- RACHAEL DUPREE

And just like that, winter overtakes the homestead. It seems like the trees just turned their beautiful golden hues, but now the leaves are in piles on the ground and  limbs are covered in snow and ice. The first snowfall has hit Kentucky, where I live, and now things can officially slow down and turn inward.

I have to admit, life in the country has turned me into a cold-weather lover. There's nothing cozier than hunkering down in cuddly PJs in the evening or more fulfilling than taking a brisk hike through a shower of sparkly snowflakes. Plus, it gives me an excuse to do more of what I love most: play around in the kitchen.