Quiet Winter Life in the Canadian Countryside

Video Description

Welcome to our home 🤍 We begin the week in the Canadian countryside with an intense wind and snowstorm. After some much-needed cleanup, the next day arrives bright and sunny, though still deeply cold. A brief visit from local deer inspires us to step outside again and build a simple snowman ⛄️ Back indoors, we warm up with hot chocolate by the fireplace alongside Jelly Bean the cat. As the day settles in, a favorite winter tradition begins — cheese fondue. We prepare meats, bread, and vegetables, gathering everything around the bubbling pot and enjoying a slow, comforting meal together. With full bellies, we head out for our weekly thrift store visit. The following day is spent unpacking our finds, including a vintage cross stitch picture in need of some care. I gently remove the backing and soak the fabric in stain remover, hoping to bring new life to it. A small seasonal refresh follows as I change out the kitchen curtains. In the kitchen, I begin baking a mixed berry pie, and while it fills the house with warmth, I make a simple bookmark using package tape and a greeting card. We end the day — and the video — with a look at our finished pie, fresh from the oven. Thank you for spending this quiet winter week with us 🤍 Until next week — from our home to yours 🤍 🫐 Mixed Berry Pie (with All-Butter Pie Crust) Ingredients All-Butter Pie Crust (for a double crust) 2½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes 6–8 tbsp ice water Mixed Berry Filling 5–6 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen) (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries work beautifully) ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste) ¼ cup cornstarch 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp cinnamon (optional) 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces For the Top 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk or cream (egg wash) 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional) 🥧 Instructions Make the Pie Crust In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide dough into two discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Prepare the Filling In a large bowl, gently mix berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you roll out the crust. Assemble the Pie Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disc and place into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour in berry filling and dot with small pieces of butter. Roll out the second crust and place on top (full crust or lattice). Trim edges, crimp, and cut a few slits if using a full top crust. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake Place pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. (Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.) Let cool for at least 2–3 hours before slicing so the filling sets. #SlowLiving #Silentvlog #CountrysideLiving