Someone asked me if I was sick of winter yet. I smiled and said, “No. I love winter.” I proceeded to explain that I am very active in the winter (as I am an avid ice fisherwoman) & that winter up here in Almost Canada is better than it is in central to southern Minnesota. I know you think I am crazy but let me explain.

It snows a lot more in central to southern Minnesota than it does up here. There is also more freezing rain & slush further south. In Almost Canada it may be colder and the snow definitely lasts longer, but the constant snow & slush in the air & on the ground is not the same. I also do not have to drive 1-3hrs one way to get to work & then repeat that commute after work. I know that is the biggest part of loving winter even more since I moved. I drive about 1.5 miles to get to work or any other place in town. It is a very nice change. I also explained this to the person who asked me if I was sick of winter. He smiled & said that he was glad I said that. That it was nice to hear someone positive & say good things about winter.

I think that people here in Almost Canada sometimes forget about the beauty of a small town & what winter has to bring. Almost everyday I hear people say how they are sick of the cold & how winter came early and will probably stay late, etc. I’m not saying I’m thrilled about the -30F for the past two months. Yes, two months. It has been brutally cold, but I still love winter. The cold signifies ice which means fishing. The snow looks beautiful on the lake when you are driving a snowmobile in the morning with the sun coming up or as you stare out of your portable.

After a long day of fishing & being out in the cold (especially cold since the heater broke on the way out to the lake), I thought it would be nice to have some hot cocoa and remember why I love winter & this small town.

Hot Cocoa

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/4 cup powdered milk
• 1 tsp corn starch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• few dashes cinnamon
• dash cayenne

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Fill mug half full with mix & top with boiling water or milk. Stir, add marshmallows, & enjoy the warming comfort of hot cocoa. Store the rest in an airtight container for the season.

(If desired one can add a teaspoon or two of instant espresso or coffee to the individual mugs as well. So good…)