The Little Stitcher

One of the things I love most to do during the holidays of the winter solstice and Christmas is to bring some food to the animals of the forest. Some years ago, after a heavy snowfall on the solstice day, I brought some fruit and a big slice of cake to the woods near the Ticino River, here in northern Italy. I put the gifts under the small fir tree— probably an old Christmas tree that some kindhearted person replanted because it continues to grow—and after a silent walk surrounded by white I got home. After a few days I went back in the woods and the gifts were gone, but just around the fir there were many footprints of different animals, probably foxes, squirrels and so many birds. This was their gift to me, because seeing them was a joy for my eyes and heart.

White Dames’ Delights (Mini Mont Blanc)

2 cups water 2 cups milk 1 pound precooked chestnuts 2 medium meringues 7 ounces fresh cream 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

Bring water and milk to a boil. Add the chestnuts and cook for 30 minutes. Drain and mash chestnuts. Whip the cream and add the confectioners’ sugar. Put the meringues in a paper bag and crush them with your hands. In 10 small glasses, layer crushed meringues, a spoonful of mashed chestnuts and whipped cream.