The Beauty of Winter’s Stillness

Winter has settled in deep at Urth Farm and Ranch, wrapping the fields, the orchard, and the pastures in a hush that feels almost sacred. It is a season that asks for patience, for stillness, for a willingness to linger a little longer in the moments we often rush past. And so, while the earth rests, we take our cues from nature—allowing space to slow down, to restore, to savor.

This winter has been anything but idle. The Harvest Barn event center is taking shape, its beams standing strong against the winter sky, holding the weight of all that is to come. With two weddings from our founding members set to take place here this year, there is an undercurrent of anticipation—of laughter and gathering, of hands folded in prayer before a meal, of glasses raised in celebration. But for now, the barn is quiet, waiting, just like the season itself.

There is something about winter that makes the simplest moments feel profound. A warm kitchen, the slow rhythm of kneading dough, the scent of vanilla curling through the air—these are the small joys that tether us to the present. And as Valentine’s Day approaches, we are reminded that love is most often found in the quiet places. It’s in the morning coffee set on the table before anyone asks, the well-worn recipe card dusted with flour, the heart-shaped cookies waiting on the counter, ready to be shared.

So, in the spirit of winter’s invitation to slow down, we’re sharing a favorite from our kitchen—soft, frosted Swig-style sugar cookies, cut into hearts and swirled with a touch of pink. A simple indulgence, meant to be made with care and enjoyed without hurry.

Heart-Shaped Swig Sugar Cookies

A recipe meant for slow afternoons, warm ovens, and the kind of moments that feel like home.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened

• ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil

• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons water

• 2 large eggs

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

• 5 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened

• ¾ cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• A splash of milk, if needed

• A drop of pink food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Mix in the water, eggs, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until well combined.

4. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.

6. Transfer to prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, whip together butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add a splash of milk if needed for consistency.

3. Stir in a drop of pink food coloring for a festive touch.

4. Spread generously over cooled cookies and enjoy.

The Beauty of This Season

Winter has a way of reminding us that rest is not wasted time—that there is value in the pause, in the waiting, in the quiet work being done beneath the surface. Soon, the thaw will come, and the land will burst back to life, the barn will fill with voices and celebration, and the rush of spring will call us forward. But for now, we linger a little longer. We warm the kitchen, we bake something sweet, we take time to notice the quiet beauty of a season that asks nothing of us but to be present. And that, in itself, is something worth savouring.

With warmth from Urth Ranch & Farm,

Sierra

A walk at Urth Ranch capturing the beauty of the Harvest Barn