Cozy Winter Getaway at a Lakeside Cottage
Hey all! We’re back at it for 2025!
For our first trip of the new year we escaped the city's winter chill (it was an extra cold January!) for a cozy weekend retreat at a lakeside cottage located in Highland Grove, about an hour south of Algonquin Park. The snow was thick, but we lucked out with the rental which was beautiful and almost too big for the three of us. The warmth of the fireplace and the company Honey Pie, who absolutely loves the snow, made it the perfect winter escape.
We started our day with a warm cup of Japanese pour-over coffee packets that we brought back from our trip, a perfect way to warm up on a chilly morning. Then, it was time for some friendly competition with a game of 7 Wonders Duel. It’s been a favourite of ours as a two-player focussed version of the regular game. In each game the cards will be played differently, and with different victory conditions, your strategy will change based on layout and reacting to your opponent. Highly recommended!
Dinner was a hearty Osso Buco, slow-cooked to perfection. It was the first time I’d had it, let alone cooked it. Simply takes time to let the stew simmer and was so delicious ~ the fatty, velvety, umami stew and pull-apart meat served over freshly made pasta was to die for. Definitely quite rich and indulgent but you’d impress any guests if you made it for friends. While the stew cooked, we enjoyed the winter wonderland outside, playing ball with Honey Pie in the snow.
In the evening, we snuggled up by the crackling fire with a cup of tea and a good book. The tranquility of a cottage in the middle of winter, knowing that there’s not much to do besides enjoying each others’ company is truly the best way to relax.
Our weekend at the cottage was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life: good food, good company, and the beauty of winter. We hope you enjoyed our cozy winter getaway!
Our Osso Bucco ingredients list:
Beef shanks
Onions
Carrots
Celery
White Wine
Beef Broth
Tomatoes
Thyme
Rosemary
Bay Leaves
Salt
Pepper
Flour (optional)
Olive Oil (optional)
Garlic (optional)
