cardigans and kids

our january birthday boy.

2012-01-25T14:33:00.000-06:00

Luke turned 11 this month. Our "boy" is growing up. Per request we had pumpkin pie, apple pie, and cheesecake with strawberries (strawberries optional). It was a great party day -perfectly full of gifts that 11 year old boys like!

Did you know??

2012-01-24T10:14:00.000-06:00

That the small stash of peppermint bark I had saved from Christmas - still tastes good! I haven't had coffee in a while, and trying to warm up, I brewed a cup, and made an office-refrigerator search for some chocolate! Low and behold, toward the back-was the peppermint bark I had saved. What a great treat for this Tuesday morning... in case you are in need of a recipe for it? You can find it here. I don't think it is too late to make a batch. :)

a couple of finished projects.

2012-01-14T10:37:00.001-06:00

If you scroll to the post below, you will see the links to where the ideas and/or patterns came from for these. More are finished, even more then that on needles... It is tax season for me so I will probably not be posting much for a while. Some of the fun of January. I hope your new year is off to a great start! :) Today is our son's family birthday party - off to the schedule for a bit more baking...

some of this and that.

2012-01-06T11:39:00.001-06:00

Totally random here... but a tiny bit of our Christmas break...

-Cinnamon rolls Christmas morning (actually the day before because we were going to be at my parents Christmas morning). We always start out with Happy Birthday Jesus. Christmas has lots of good parts - but Christ's birthday is the one I do not want our kids (or myself) to ever forget.

-I did get three pair of mittens knitted! The pair Liz is wearing is using the Outsider Mittens pattern. The other 2 - still need photos of - I used my pattern in "Weekend Knitting".

-Chocolate macaroons - always love these. Recipe from "A Homemade Life".

-My own Purl Bee's Mary Jane's. Knit with some lark from quince & co.

-A teacher gift. Complete with a cozy, a flag, some lemonade packets and a gift card to starbucks. The cozy knit up really fast.

-I did get the stitching completed for the table runner, working on sewing one up. I also cut out the pieces for the nativity ornament.

This was my first Christmas break that I was not home the entire time. It was different, hard to leave the kids and leave the mess... but I was able to get the tree down and laundry caught up in the evenings. AND I think I played more with the kids in the evenings. That was a personal highlight for me. We bought "Ticket To Ride" for the family and so between that and Chutes and Ladders - we fit in a lot of game time. Something that I am not always that great about doing. Sometimes I am amazed how God can use unexpected change to really help mold us in areas that aren't always so easy.

making some crafty plans...

2011-12-22T06:25:00.002-06:00

I'd love to start this table runner from Revoluzzza after Christmas - it would be perfect for the winter months!

To sneak one of these in with the kids help before Christmas would be fun! Pattern and directions at the Wild Olive blog.

A pair or two of these Outsider Mitts (from Susan B. Anderson) for the girls would be nice.

And something from the latest issue of "Mollie Makes" - which hits the news stands today would be

lovely.

Wishing you all a happy Winter Solstice and Very Merry Christmas!

Just in time for last minute get-togethers! [cheeseball and a reuben spread & favorite cookie links]

2011-12-21T16:16:00.021-06:00

my family's favorite sugar cookies.

and another sweet favorite would be peppermint bark (made with the microwave). sorry, no photos of following recipes, I guess we ate them to quickly...

And for something on the not-so-sweet side... sorry, no photo of the reuben spread recipe, next time I make some I will try to remember to take a photo.

Terry's Ranch Cream Cheese Ball

(Serve with crackers)

-2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

-3 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

-1 package Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix

-2 cups chopped pecans, toasted In a large mixing bowl (or kitchen aid bowl with paddle attachment), mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and dressing mix. After beaten, form into a large ball. Roll in toasted pecans to coat to surface. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

*To toast pecans, bake in oven at 350 F. for 10 minutes.

Reuben Spread

(Serve with crackers or a round loaf of rye bread. Scoop out the center and fill the "bowl" with the heated spread. Have an extra on hand to cut up into chunks to serve around the bread bowl.)

-8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
-16 oz. swiss cheese, shredded
-5 oz. corned beef, chopped
-12 oz. sauerkraut
-3 tablespoons thousand island dressing

Mix all the ingredients together in a crock pot, let heat threw for 2 hours. Keep warm until ready to serve.

"Putting on the perfect Christmas"...

2011-12-20T18:17:00.000-06:00

I recently was going through a very past issue of "Country Living" when I read that on the cover... "Putting on" the perfect Christmas. The article name got me thinking about what exactly are the stressors of this most lovely month. It didn't take me until December 3rd to feel some of the stress of the month. Between property taxes being due and the overwhelming thought of Christmas preparations- on top of all the normal happenings of the month - I was secretly saying ''ba hum bug". Until I read that title and it kind of put it in perspective. It isn't my job to "put on" Christmas. Christmas was not my idea, and all my ideas were part of the cause of my struggle.

So I did what I often have to do. I took a step back, made a new list of the priorities. l decided to donate my hair to locks of love, I decided that a little laundry each day would probably be all I could fit in, and the reflection of the Christmas lights on the pile to the right of the tree is really ok - with the overhead fixtures turned off. I decided to take a bit of time here and there to fit in writing down some of the things we have done this month. I still fit in some fun Christmas gift creating. And I still have some I would like to do and some presents to finish wrapping up. But the pressure was and is off, and like the laundry, a little bit is worked in to each day, some days more then others, and that is much more joyful. And like it should be, the focus in my heart has been on the thankfulness of Christ's birth, and not all about myself.

Wishing you all a joyful remainder of the week before Christmas. And tomorrow - a couple of quick recipes to share in case a surprise gathering arrives. ;)

moments in between everything else...

2011-12-16T06:32:00.001-06:00

I have been working on getting some patterns ready for release. I'm not quite there yet... but making handmade Christmas gifts is worth the lack of progress. Our Christmas celebrations begin this weekend. Tonight will be busy baking and making!

Have a wonderful weekend!

free printables available.

2011-12-15T09:29:00.001-06:00

Up above in the list of pages, I've added a "printables!" page with some of the printables I've made past and present. Instructions (and some PDF links) are there as well. :)

chocolate gingerbread recipe.

2011-12-12T06:46:00.004-06:00

Growing up, I don't remember eating many baked goods with ginger. We had plenty of traditional Norwegian goodies like rosettes, krumkake, sun buckles, my Grandma's special mint chocolate chip cookies and always lefse. I especially loved the rosettes (which one day I hope I learn to make, along with the lefse). For now, I am creating some of my own - which includes the ginger.

chocolate gingerbread bars

from December '08 "Everyday Food"

These bars are almost brownie like - moist and delicious!

-4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the pan

-1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for the pan

-3/4 cup all-purpose flour

-1 teaspoon ground ginger

-1 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice

-1/2 teaspoon baking soda

-1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

-1/4 cup unsulfured molasses

-1 large egg

-1/4 cup sour cream

-1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

-powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter an 8 inch square baking pan. Line the bottom with a strip of parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides; butter paper. Dust paper and sides of pan with cocoa; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together cocoa, flour, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg and sour cream until smooth. Add the flour mixture. Stir just until moistened and add the chocolate chips. Do not over-mix! Transfer batter to prepared pan; smooth the top.

3. Bake 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center of bars comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack, let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.

To store, keep in airtight container for up to 3 days (at room temperature).

2011-12-10T11:40:00.005-06:00

crafting at Christmas time - love it!

If you like to knit, this weekend, Carrie at Swatch Diaries is hosting a give away including some Quince, a sweet pattern and pompoms, head over and leave a comment.

2011-12-09T09:12:00.004-06:00

"The best Christmas decoration of all
is a smile."

- quote found in my dove chocolate wrapper yesterday-

Have a wonderful weekend! (Coffee cup cozy idea from November '11 "Mollie Makes".

2011-12-08T09:28:00.001-06:00

More mini sweaters to go, and some hand warmers, and ornaments. However, I have at least finished making a bunch of Christmas tags. Some I printed from my last year's list. I hope your December's are off to a grand start. I have been working still on my digital scrapbook for december. All I can say on that is I am a wee bit rusty-but the memories are getting recorded. [happy sigh]

December. recording the memories the digital way.

2011-12-02T09:15:00.002-06:00

I have not done any scrapbooking in a very long time. I think I managed one page last year. So, as all the emails have been coming in with announcement for Winter/Christmas digital supplies. And then the reminder of Ali Edwards December scrapbook, well that did it.

I gave myself 10 minutes to decide on what digital supplies I wanted to use for the month. I found the supplies I want to use at Jessica Sprague.com. I still have some unused 8 x 8 inch SEI albums, so that is the size I decided to scrap with.

To make this work, I also have to set a time limit per page. So, I'm aiming for the same 10-15 mark. We will see if I can complete this or not. (Make it through the month, not the time limit. ;))

a knitted sock monkey hat - with buttons for his eyes. :)

2011-12-01T09:36:00.003-06:00

So, I'm working on a couple of new patterns while finishing my Rustling Leaves Beret... this sock monkey hat was way more fun then I thought it would be to knit and stitch up. This sample is knit as a toddler size but does have some nice stretch to it. The pattern will hopefully be ready by the beginning of next week.

painting and pumpkin.

2011-11-28T06:36:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a good weekend and Thanksgiving! I can not believe it is time for a new week to get rolling. What is even harder to comprehend is that it is almost December. I have been so inspired by Sew, Mama Sew Handmade Holidays and November's issue of "Mollie Makes" I really wish I had more time to make more gifts. I vow to make as many more as I can squeeze in over the next few weeks. ;)

After visiting Melissa at tinyhappy and Lotta Jansdotter's blogs for so long, I have been inspired to try my hand at painting on ceramic coffee cups. I had painted them a while back but had not gotten around to baking them. While the oven was heated to help the hot roll dough rise, I thought it would be a good time to bake them. I was hoping that after my trial run, I would add them as gift ideas for Christmas. I'm not quite sure I am enough satisfied with them to give away, but it is a lot of fun. I will try again.

And the bars in the photo? They are pumpkin bars with maple cream cheese frosting. I made them for Mark's retirement open house. They are in Matheau's top 5 favorite desserts (and pumpkin doesn't usually show up that high in his list of favorites). They are amazingly delicious and simple to make. Shared Sugar also has a new pumpkin cream cheese muffin recipe posted. I will not be waiting long to make that one. :)

details on the coffee cup.

paint: Pebeo Porcelaine 150 markers from Blick

cup: target

thankful.

2011-11-24T07:12:00.001-06:00

(all photos pulled from 2008 archives.)

some specifics in random order * for my husband who remembers my birthday * for my close friends who will get up early to run some miles with me and make monkey bread and kettle corn "just because" * for our church family that remind me life is so much more then about me * for a home with a new furnace and heat vents that you can feel the heat out! * for my parents & parents in law who are encouragers and friends * for those first settlers and the indians that had open hearts * for a God that saves us and fills the empty spaces (Isaiah 61) *for our amazing kids who surprise me every day with what they say and do (especially when they are getting along!) * for our amazing teachers and staff we trust our kids with every school day * for redlogic - the catalyst for so many ideas and dreams Matheau has * for all my in-laws - who really are a joy to be around and make get togethers good things

There are more, but I'll leave you with those. If you are an American this morning, Happy Thanksgiving! If you live in some fine other land today, may your day be an amazing one!

good moments (with some felt thrown in for good measure).

2011-11-23T06:09:00.002-06:00

This week, besides it being Thanksgiving, my Dad-in-law is retiring from redlogic (one part of the reason I went back to work full-time), hence, there have been some celebrations to prepare for. The thought of squeezing putting up Christmas decorations between Thanksgiving being spent with both of our families, and the retirement lunch and open house - well - just like this run on sentence - it was too much for this gal. So to ensure that putting up the tree would be a good time filled with moments worth remembering, we put up our Christmas tree this past Saturday evening.

With the tree up I could not put off finishing some of the ornaments I had started long, long ago. So, late in the evening, while the kids were sleeping and we were watching "The Proposal", some lovely felted decorations were finished and hung on the tree. I promise to share the rest of the ones I finish with my loved ones.

Patterns from: "Fa la la la Felt" by Amanda Carestio
Wool Felt from: Felt on the Fly over at Etsy
Ribbon & Ric Rac: from my stash

And, even though Thanksgiving is still a day away, I don't think it is ever too early for Christmas music, so I have been totally enjoying some of the Christmas stations on Pandora.

"Mollie Makes" and Sundays.

2011-11-22T06:54:00.005-06:00

Sunday, I took some time to play around at the sewing machine while I was making cookies. I finally pulled out my "lovely linen kit" from Mollie Makes issue 5. It was wonderful to just take the time to pull out some fabric from my stash to go along with this cute little project kit and make something!

Usually on Sunday's, if at all possible, we make time to rest. And if you live in our home, that means a nap. Our weeks are full like everyone else's, and that is the day we try to recharge our batteries a bit. I have going through a Bible Study over the last 10 weeks, and one of the ideas that really stuck out to me, is sometimes we say yes to lots of things that really aren't necessary-that can be in everyday life "stuff" and even within our church (if your family does have a church family). That part I feel like I've gotten fairly good at, but I haven't always taken time at home to say no to my to-do list.

Some weekends we are away, but when home our mornings are pretty full with church - which is my mind the best thing to get my week off to a good start. We have an incredible church family and worshipping God together is something this heart of mine needs. However Sunday afternoons are a different story. Here are a few Sunday changes I've made that have really given me a bit more time to rest and get ready to begin my week.One of things small things I started doing after heading back to "work" has been no laundry on Sundays. I dread laundry. So on Sunday's I have given myself permission to wait and start a load before bed - that is it. Amazingly I haven't been more behind! Another change I've made is guilt-free, simpler, Sunday meals - even if it is eating up those left overs mixed with some cheese quesadillas. I still do my dishes, pick up a bit, but the time at the sewing machine just doing something that was for me made the beginning of the work week that much easier to jump up and out of bed, and in to.

Hopefully reading this may encourage you if you are a Mom and wife similar to myself-take some time and relax-however that looks to you!

a breakfast recipe to start the week.

2011-11-21T06:11:00.001-06:00

This past Saturday, a recipe of mine made it into Sew Mama Sew's 5th Year of November's Handmade Holidays. The list has been incredible of recipes and ideas for gift making. I am finally make myself a camera strap thanks to day number 18.

Make sure you check them out each day - they are also offering many, many book give-aways!

Growing up, even still sometimes when we visit overnight, my Mom makes us plunkin' cake. We didn't know it was also called monkey bread until she had been making it for many years. She makes hers with the biscuits (which I still love). This version has the dough from scratch, and I think worth the extra effort, but plan on getting up a little earlier to make sure it is ready to eat a a decent hour if you are serving it for breakfast.

Somehow my friend Chris learned of my love of monkey bread, and will make this for us when we are getting together over a morning. I love arriving at her house at 9, ready for some amazing coffee and her monkey bread!

monkey bubble bread - plunkin' cake

"Baked Explorations" by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito

for the bread dough
-1 1/4 cups milk (2% or whole), slightly above room temp.*
-4 cups all-purpose flour
-2 teaspoons quick-rise yeast
-5 tablespoons sugar
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 egg, beaten
-5 tablespoons butter, melted

for the cinnamon sugar coating
-1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
-2 teaspoons cinnamon
-1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

*To warm the milk. There are 2 ways I use, either microwave for about 35 seconds, or pour milk in a small saucepan and warm just slightly above room temperature.

1. Generously spray the inside of a 10 inch Bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Stir the yeast into the slightly warmed milk, and whisk to dissolve.

3. In the bowl of a standing mixer, with whisk, mix the flour, sugar and salt together. Add the beaten egg. With the paddle attachment or dough hook, mix until combined. Keeping the mixer on low, slowly pour in the milk/yeast mixture until combined. Add the melted butter and mix until the dough comes together.

4. At this point, you can either use the dough hook and mix on medium speed for 8-10 minutes. Or I just move the dough into a large bowl, and knead it in there for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be silky and tacky, but not sticky. It should come off the bottom of the bowl easily.

5. Remove the kneaded dough from the bowl, spray the bottom and sides of the same bowl (if kneading by hand) with cooking spray. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover for one hour, or until doubled in size. (Store in a warm place.)

6. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a med. sized bowl, have the melted butter and sugar mixture by the parchment lined pan. Place the dough on the pan, and push the dough into roughly an 8 in. circle. Using a knife or your fingers, cut dough into 1 - 1/12 in. pieces, rolling into balls (don't need to be perfect)! Dip each ball in the melted butter, let it drip back into the butter bowl, and then roll in cinnamon sugar. Place the balls into the the Bundt pan, layering as you go.

7. Cover and let rise again for about another hour. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 30-35 minutes. Until the top layer is a deep brown and the caramel coating begins to bubble around the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes, then turn it out directly onto a platter and serve warm.

an archived pattern... "toastys" hand warmers for kids

2011-11-11T07:48:00.003-06:00

Since I am finishing up with some of my hat projects, I've been switching gears to warm thoughts of different styles of hand warmers. I had totally forgotten about these hand warmers I had made a couple of years back.

The Autumn/Winter of 2008, Toast catalog had some beautiful, simple hand warmers. Just lovely, anyway… when scrolling some blogs I found a free pattern for them. So, I must confess, basically all I have done is tweak the pattern to use smaller needles and change the size a bit to fit a younger age group (specifically my girls). I also added a larger size in parenthesize for an adult-still using the size 4 needle.) I am one who doesn’t feel too confident to stray from patterns, so if you are like me, here is one more knitting pattern for your collection.

If you want a pair for yourself with a worsted weight yarn and size 7 needles, please find the original pattern at a-friend-to-knit-with. (It is on her side bar.) I have made both “toast” and “toastys” many times.

Hand warmers

Size would best fit a 5-10 year old.

yarn: dk or sport weight. (I used Blue Skys Alpaca, Sport weight)

needles: size 4 double pointed. (4 of them)

Cast on 34 (46) sitches. Divided onto 3 needles. Join for working in the round. Knit for 5 1/2 (7 1/2) in.

Make thumb: Knit 6, slip 4 (6) stitches to a piece of waste yarn. Cast on 4 (6) stitches using the backward loop method, knit to the end. Continue knitting in the round until entire mitt measures (from cast on edge). 8 3/4 (11) inches.

Loosely bind off all stitches.

Thumb: Place 4 (6) sts from waste yarn on one of your needles. Pick up and knit 4(6) sts around thumb opening using another double point. Using a third needle, pick up and knit 4 (6) more sts around the thumb. 12 (18) sts.

Join in the round. Knit for 1 (1 1/2) in.. Loosely bind off. Weave in ends. Repeat for other hand warmer.

If you need help with any of the directions feel free to email me. If you want to watch a tutorial on backward loop cast on or any of the steps – I love to use knittinghelp.com.

{a recipe for} Pumpkin White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

2011-11-10T06:34:00.004-06:00

So I am on a bit of a white chocolate kick lately, and I noticed this recipe in an old "Country Home" magazine over the weekend. The recipe is originally from "Fresh Every Day: More Great Recipes from Foster's Market" by Sara Foster (2005).

I only have a mini food processor, so I made a few changes to process of baking*. The recipe is the same except they give the option of walnuts or pecans. I do not really care for walnuts - so I usually just use pecans. (Although this time, I left the nuts out.) If you like pumpkin and white chocolate - you will really like these.

Pumpkin White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

"Country Home" Dec/Jan 2006

-makes about 2 dozen cookies

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-1 tsp. baking soda

-1 cup butterscotch-flavored pieces

-1 1/2 sticks butter, softened

-2/3 cup granulated sugar

-2/3 cup light brown sugar

-1 large egg

-2/3 cup canned pumpkin or cooked and mashed fresh pumpkin

-1 cup regular rolled oats

-1 1/2 cups white baking chocolate, cut into 1/4 in. chunks

-1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1. In a large bowl, whisk the flour and baking soda together.

2. In your mini food processor, process the butterscotch chips until the chips are ground, with some slightly larger bits remaining. Add them to the bowl with the flour and baking soda.

3. Using your electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together for 2 - 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl from time to time, until fluffy. Add the eggs and pumpkin and stir to combine.

4. Pour pumpkin mixture into flour mixture and stir to combine. Add oats, white baking chocolate pieces and pecans; stir until the ingredients are combined and no flour is visible.

5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

6. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. scoop a heaping full teaspoon of cookie dough, and drop dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving 2 inches between the cookies.

7. Bake for 13-15 minutes until the cookies are light golden brown. Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

*If you have a standard sized food processor, pulse the flour and baking soda together, then add the butterscotch pieces and process until the chips are ground, with some slightly larger bits remaining. Turn out the flour mixture into a large bowl.

2011-11-09T06:52:00.007-06:00

I've knit a lot of hats - I don't know exactly how many because I have never taken the time to count, but I know I have knit more hats then any other item. And for a lot of different people.

When I started knitting, hats were really intimidating because those circular needles looked a bit scary, and then switching to double pointed. What in the heck were those?? Scarves were much safer. (That was before I learned to do anything more then knit and purl.)

Earlier on, I would decide what kind of hat I would knit for the kids. Not because I was trying to dictate style, but more because my skills were pretty limited. As I have become more comfortable with knitting, I have given the kids the freedom to decide. Now it is a fun way to look back and see what their favorite colors were, and what they liked as far as style goes. Almost like a bit of a time line. If you remember my first post regarding hats for this winter, you would notice there are some changes from what they originally wanted. That is how it goes, and I just try to knit some love into them... And when they put them on, and like them, and even wear them to school. Well, that is pure joy for me.

Alli's is finished. Mine is the only one left and I have a couple of other projects I need to work on first... ;)

hat information:
pattern: Ripley by Ysolda
yarn: Parsley in puffin from quince &co.

winter hat number 4!!

2011-11-08T06:40:00.003-06:00

So, I have to say I am ready for this 5th grader to be a bit more free with his smiles. When did the all serious face move in?

pattern: turn a square by Jared Flood. (I think I have made 6 of these hats now??)
yarn: knit picks swish in black, green is lark's snap pea from quince & co.

a recipe for chewy white chocolate gingerbread cookies.

2011-11-07T07:02:00.004-06:00

Back in the day, oh, maybe 11 years ago, when we lived near a "Bagel and Bagel", they had the most amazing gingerbread cookie with white chocolate. I remember going to Hen House (which was across the parking lot from Bagel and Bagel) just so I might have a couple of minutes to run in and purchase one of those cookies wrapped in saran wrap. I would eat part of the cookie on the ride home, the rest I would wrap back up and save for later.

Since then I have experimented with different gingersnap cookies. This one is the favorite and reminds me of the ones from Bagel and Bagel. Chewy on the inside, but still a bit crunch to the outside, and the white chocolate puts them over the top yum!

chewy white chocolate gingerbread cookies

(adapted from marthastewart.com 2007)

makes 2 dozen

-6 oz. white baking chocolate, chopped into 1/4 in. chunks

-1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

-2 1/4 tsp. ground ginger

-1 tsp. cinnamon

-1/4 tsp. ground cloves

-1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

-1 tablespoon cocoa powder

-1 stick (1/2 c.) unsalted butter

-1/2 c. brown-sugar, packed

-1/2 c. unsulfured molasses

-1 tsp. baking soda

-1 1/2 tsp. boiling water

-1/4 cup granulated sugar

1. Line 2 baking sheets with parchments paper. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter for a couple of minutes. Add brown sugar, beat until combined (2 more minutes). Pour in the molasses, beat until combined.

3. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water.

4. Beat in half of the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Add the baking soda mixture, beat until combined. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat again. Add the white chocolate chunks.

5. Turn dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat dough out into a 1-2 inch roll, seal with the wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm.

6. Heat oven to 325 F. Pour the remaining 1/4 c. sugar into a small bowl. Roll dough into 1 1/2 in. balls, roll in the sugar. Place 2 in. apart on parchment covered baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Just as a side note: you may notice there are no eggs in these cookies. It's not a typo - I've made them twice in the last two days - no eggs in these.

third hat finished.

2011-11-04T07:12:00.001-05:00

I'm still working my way through knitting hats for the family. I finished Hannah's tassels early Tuesday morning - just in time because it was good and cold.

Pattern from: "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson.
Yarn: Green is Lion's Brand Organic cotton and the pink is Moda.

I'm working on Luke's now...

Have a super weekend!

some of the weekend knitting.

2011-11-03T07:05:00.002-05:00

ci's cabled mitts

a quick knit.

knit in less then one skein of shelter.

mitts & cables.

Carma's Cowl.

2011-11-02T06:45:00.007-05:00

I have made several quickie cowls over the last several years. A great pattern, one that is quick with a really cute end result. However, a friend and I have talked many times about the possibility of a cowl similar to the quickie cowl, knit in the round. So, after some simple yarn overs mixed with the welt stitch pattern - knit in the round (and just one skein of bulky weight yarn) = Carma's Cowl. Just like my other free patterns, just click on the photo, and it should enlarge so you can print it full size.

Named after a sweet friend (more like family) that I was able to reconnect with on our trip to North Dakota. Download the PDF here!

(I just replaced page 2 of the pattern with an updated version. The only change is it does not include notes & abbreviations twice. Sorry for the inconvience!)

my favorite season.

2011-11-01T07:03:00.004-05:00

Even though our schedule seems to speed up in September (and fly through until the end of October), my heart longs to slow down and enjoy simmering soups, bread fresh from the oven, smores roasted over the fire pit, and even better then that? Lots of birthdays in our family so extra time to enjoy with family and friends.

And then there is the added fun of pumpkins -I love them! I love eating food made with them, I enjoy going hunting for them, they are perfect for pies and lattes. And even though my fingers were a bit tender after making a couple of them - I still love them.

There are a lot of patterns out there for making your own fabric pumpkins, I referred back to Danielle Thompson's post. However, I chose not to do much sewing by hand and used my sewing machine instead. Even when you get to the part where you hand stitch so you can cinch up the top and bottom of the pumpkin - I just machine basted and treated it like I was making a "gather".

And to go along with the love of pumpkins and autumn... another "nut" recipe.

This is my third recipe from "party nuts". The books has 50 recipes and it is well worth the investment. I am a person who prefers pies and cookies over nuts, but this book has opened my eyes to the possibilities.

jenny's friend leo's grandmother's pumpkin pecans

-another handed down recipe that makes 4 cups-

-1 large egg white (2 tablespoons), lightly beaten

-2 tablespoons cold water

-1/2 cup sugar

-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

-1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

-1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

-1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

-1/4 teaspoon chili powder

-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

-4 cups raw pecan halves

1. Preheat the oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the egg white, water, sugar, salt, spices and pepper flakes in a large bowl and mix well. Let stand for 15 minutes, then add the pecans and toss until well coated.

3. Transfer the pecans to prepared sheet and arrange in a single layer. Place in the oven and cook, stirring every 15 minutes, until the pecans appear dry, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven, immediately loosen the nuts with a metal spatula, and set aside to cool before serving.

maple ice cream recipe.

2011-10-31T06:56:00.001-05:00

A new favorite at our house. Super simple to make and perfect alone or with a warm piece of apple crisp!

"easy-peasy" maple ice cream

-found in "Apples for Jam" by Tessa Kiros-

-1/2 cup 100% pure maple syrup

-1 cup heavy cream

-1 cup milk

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix together the cream and maple syrup in a large bowl. Whisk in the milk and vanilla. Pour into your ice cream maker and churn, following manufacturers instructions.

After it finishes in the ice cream maker, transfer to a bowl/container with a lid. Cover with a piece of wax or parchment paper, and then seal the lid. Freeze in freezer for 4 hours.

pumpkins and leaves!

2011-10-28T07:28:00.000-05:00

I can't remember the last time our maples have been so beautiful! Last weekend, over Matheau's birthday, we went to the pumpkin patch - Powell Pumpkin Patch - it was a perfect day... and the next one the kids did some carving and painting.

my love of chalkboard paint.

2011-10-27T12:33:00.000-05:00

More from Matheau's birthday party. We have had this milk crate on the front porch for 10 years?? I thought it would be time to move it's location and use it for our smore/sticks-forks. I added the paint just livened it up a bit. I think it looks much more ready for a party, don't you? ;) I did the same with the large mason jar (that I used for the marshmallows). To get some what of a straight line, before painting, I ran a strip of thick tape around it so I could paint right up to the "line" and still keep the paint consistent.

autumn school snack idea!

2011-10-26T14:07:00.002-05:00

In second grade, the kids get to take a snack once a month. Liz has been excited since she brought home the calendar with her day. She really wanted capri-suns. Nothing against capri-suns, but I was voting for waters. So to make the water a bit more exciting, I made labels for the water bottles. I had four jokes I used (thanks to Martha Stewart Kids, a September/October back issue I think? And thanks to Aubin for sharing an issue.) and after printing them out, cut them and just used a bit of hot glue to adhere the edges to each of the bottles. I didn't take long once the labels were made. To go along with the waters, Liz wanted each classmate to get 2 monster cookies. So I made the monster cookies small enough to fit 2 in the snack sized bags.

If you click on the labels, it should enlarge to 8.5 x 11. Feel free to print and use!

And then he turned 39.

2011-10-25T08:12:00.001-05:00

And that is worth celebrating! We played some tunes, lit a fire, tried out new ice cream recipes, made apple crisps and cheesecake, and we could not forget the s'mores and mustaches!

They were super easy to make.
Supplies needed:
-wool felt in black and brown (I did not ended using a full sheet of either)
-craft dowel sticks (I found them in target in the cake decorating section while in a hurry!)
-thick cardstock or a empty cereal box.
-glue gun

I downloaded the templates from this site. After cutting out the templates, I cut 1 of each out of wool felt and 1 of each out of an old cereal box. Then using a glue gun, I glued them together with a craft dowel/stick sandwiched between. One trick to remember is to glue the craft dowel to the same side on all of them. So when family is quickly trying on different ones, they always get the right side facing the camera. ;)

Hopefully more party pictures later this week. I also had some fun with my chalk board paint!

winter hat number 1.

2011-10-24T07:03:00.001-05:00

The quickest knit of the bunch.
Elf hat: pattern found in "More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson
yarn is 2 skeins of bulky held together. Both from my stash.
The flower is the same crochet pattern I always use, just with a bigger hook.

winter hats...

2011-10-19T09:42:00.001-05:00

This week I pulled out the "warm" blankets. And that means it is time to start thinking of new hats for the kids (hopefully one for Mat and myself as well).

So far...

there will be at least one returning style from last year's hats.

Liz would like another elf hat from "More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts". Hannah would like a hat knit with the plymouth yarn (thanks Amy). Alli would like her own Ripley from Ysolda, which I don't think will take much to size it down a bit. And Luke - one like last year, just in different colors. I would like a rustling leaves beret in Tern. What about you? Any new hats in your near future?

a bit of this and that.

2011-10-17T07:12:00.011-05:00

lots of time for the rip stick before the football game - we one our first playoff game!

finally a finished pair of mary jane slippers - with or with out the flowers??

Maybe even some rosy red cheeks for the warm sunshine today...

This weekend has been a lovely one. We actually turned down an obligation and enjoyed some family time on Saturday. Just in time because Sunday we did the the familiar divide and play football, dodgeball, and all else that falls into the "divide and get everyone where they need to be going" theme of our lives. Which is what the evenings and weekend have been like since the end of August. Not that there haven't been a lot of good times in all that, there have been. I'm just a Mom that prefers we do a bit more together then apart. I think most of us are.

Well, as one more load of clothes washes to prepare us for another week of splitting up and getting to sports and appointments.... it was most definitely time for some coffee and a blog break. Now to a wee bit of ironing.

note: the slippers are part of my Christmas 2011 collection (ever so small as it is) and the yarn is honey from quince and company, the turquoise is some italian yarn from my stash...

And staying with the color theme here... our good friend Amy took our photos last weekend. So excited to print these!

Hope you have a most wonderful Monday!

poppyseed muffin recipe.

2011-10-13T07:34:00.000-05:00

Poppy Seed Muffins

from Adeliene Kirschmon (thank you Sharon for sharing the recipe)

-makes 2 1/2 dozen

-3 cups flour
-2 1/4 cups sugar
-1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
-1 1/2 tsp. salt
-1/2 cup vegetable oil
-3 eggs
-1 1/2 cups milk
-1/2 tsp. almond extract
-1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seed

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together. Pour the wet into the dry ingredients. Stir in the poppy seed, being careful not to over-stir! Evenly distribute into greased (I used butter and flour) standard-size muffin tins. Bake for 20 minutes.

While we were in North Dakota my family stayed with friends of the family. (Although I still catch myself calling them Aunt Sharon and Uncle Doug, because that is how I remembered them, and how they proved themselves to be, even after so many years since I had visited them last.) Their hospitality was a blessing that I hope I can pass on to all that land at our home.

a finished table runner and apple cake!

2011-10-12T13:33:00.000-05:00

I finished the table runner! I should have done a bit more laundry - but after a late evening at the sewing machine, I have a table runner before Autumn has left us. And the apple cake - well, let me confess that I have eaten it for breakfast and dessert everyday since I made it Sunday. After this recipe, I am really looking forward to the release of Scratch Baking Company's issue number 2 of "Baker's Notes". I did end up making a brown butter frosting for the top. Although, I tried a piece with just the cinnamon sugar before making the frosting and I am not sure that I would prefer one more then the other.

I came up with the pattern as I went. I did try to write down measurements as I went along. I will have to go through them to see if I can make heads or tails of them. I did end up adding sew fabric from my stash for the border. It is an older Windham print (I think?) that I purchased from Purl SoHo a couple of years ago.

The table runner is about 90 inches long and 15 inches wide. It goes down just a bit at each end of the table lengthwise.

another nut recipe. this time hot and spicy and with almonds.

2011-10-11T07:38:00.001-05:00

hot cayenne tabasco almonds

-makes 4 cups-

found in "party nuts"

-4 cups raw whole almonds, blanched or skin on
-4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-4 tablespoons Tabasco sauce (any variety)
-4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
-2 teaspoons garlic powder
-1 teaspoon dry mustard
-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1 tablespoon kosher salt

1. Preheat the oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place all the ingredients, except the salt, in a large bowl and toss until the nuts are well coated.

2. Transfer the nuts to the prepared sheet and arrange in a single layer. place in the oven and cook, stirring every 15 minutes, until the nuts are darkened but not burnt, about 45 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven, immediately loosen the nuts with a metal spatula, sprinkle evenly with the salt, and set aside to cool before serving, or freezing.

some Monday goodness.

2011-10-10T07:26:00.004-05:00

I hope your weekend was a wonderful one. Here is a bit of my place looks like lately.

The table runner - forever in progress. (Made with mostly fabric from Grandma Helen and a couple from Sew, Mama, Sew.)

The delicious homemade pumpkin spice latte.

One of Quince's new colors in heathers - this color way is sabine.

Our leaves are changing into their Autumn colors.

Note: You can also find the link to the latte on my sidebar under "some good links". I try to change them on a regular basis.

Thinking ahead.

2011-10-07T08:57:00.004-05:00

Even though I have a table runner for Autumn waiting to be finished, I've been thinking about my Christmas Plan Twenty-Eleven. Which was going great until about, oh, maybe April?

It is now October and I really need to get back on track. I'm hoping Sew, Mama, Sew's Handmade Holiday Inspiration helps me with this. This morning I noticed they had posted these mini yarn wreath's. Since I have lots of yarn ends, and I think all the kids would like this project, I'm adding it to my prep list.

photo from Sew, Mama, Sew

I also have fit in a bit of cutting for some cute projects from Fa, La, La, La, Felt. And I've finally ordered yarn to finish knitting the pair of Mary Jane Slippers I started in January or February.

photo from The Purl Bee

Anyone else working on Christmas projects? If so, I love to hear about them.

(Edited to add that if you look along the top tool bar, I just added a free iPad tote pattern for your use.)

some photos & where to start?

2011-10-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

We've had 3 birthdays in the last month... and parties. :)

We've been to North Dakota for my Grandpa's funeral and to visit friends, family, and the places where my life began...

We've enrolled the younger girls into our public school and I am now working with Mat and Mark at Redlogic during the day. And as life goes, it just keeps changing. And change is good (sometimes tough, but still good).

I've been away.

2011-10-03T14:40:00.000-05:00

Lots of changes over the last two weeks, including a trip to North Dakota for a celebration of my Grandpa's life. Hopefully I will be back again sooner then later.

our oldest turns 13!!

2011-09-30T23:02:00.001-05:00

We officially have a teenager in the house. I couldn't have asked for a better girl to break us in. Hannah, you are beautiful on the inside and out. You have more boldness for serving Christ then I even thought of at your age. Your heart is sweet and out of it, springs grace, truth and kindness. We love you.

working on small projects.

2011-09-22T15:10:00.000-05:00

For small people...

the toddler/child hat pattern. revisited.

2011-09-21T11:50:00.006-05:00

An oldie but a goodie. Sweet and simple. For boys or girls. Currently Chestnut 203 is going through some remodeling, but if you click on each "photo" you should have no issues printing normal size. If you happen to knit one up, I'd love to hear what you think! For now, you can also download a PDF file
" target="_blank">here.

and now she is nine.

2011-09-16T08:27:00.001-05:00

For her birthday she wanted mini cheesecakes, chicken noodles and mashed potatoes, and a drum lesson from her Dad. We began the celebration with all the above happening last night. She woke this morning and was drumming before 8 am.

Allison is an artist at heart. She has been drawing better then me for a couple of years now. She is sensitive, dramatic and oh so sweet. And now she is nine - even though she doesn't feel like it yet. ;)

This weekend we have Fellowship of Christian Athletes Conference and I know some more birthday celebrating to do. Have a Happy Weekend!!

2011-09-14T08:18:00.000-05:00

Knitting some baby items, and making brooches with a favorite crochet pattern. All knit and crocheted with quince and company yarn.

corners.

2011-09-13T07:07:00.001-05:00

Last Spring, we started to move kids and rooms around. We do not have enough bedrooms for everyone to have their own. So we set out to make it more fair and more organized. Because frankly, we had some serious disorganization issues.

We ended up moving the two younger girls downstairs, to what had been Hannah's room. And moved Luke and Hannah into what had been the girls room. Luke had been in a very small room, which worked great when we needed a crib, changing table and rocker, not so great when we needed a desk, bed, and dresser... So the extra small room became the library. And in it I carved out a home for a few of my things as well.

While moving everyone around, I painted. I painted all 3 rooms and 2 bathrooms. The bathrooms included wallpaper removal, which I do not like at all, but there really wasn't any other choice. So, hopefully I will get to Matheau and my room this next spring, and the kitchen (both currently wallpapered.)

10 years ago yesterday.

2011-09-12T08:31:00.001-05:00

I was folding laundry when Matheau said to turn on the television. A on a blurry television screen, I watched the results of the attacks on America. I remember that gut wrenching feeling, thinking of the lives lost and praying for the families left to pick up the pieces. I'm still praying for the families.

Over the weekend we have been watching 9/11: Day That Changed the World. So worth taking the time to watch. We found it through the itunes, under t.v. If I can figure out to link to it, I will.

photo from eworldpost.com

Edited to add: I found a post about 9/11 over at inchmark that is worth reading.

designs I'm lovin' right now.

2011-09-09T15:25:00.000-05:00

You can pre-order this book at coastalknits.com.

photo from The Long Thread. I want to make this bag!!

Cardigan by Gudrun Johnston for Brooklyn Tweed.

some weeks require extra chocolate.

2011-09-08T06:59:00.001-05:00

I seldom make rice crispy treats. When I do, it is usually for a kids event at church because they are quick and most kids like them. After making the normal version up for church last night, the girls and I made these. They are nice and thick. The bittersweet chocolate makes them a bit more grown-up, although, the girls who didn't think they would like them, did.

crispy chocolate marshmallow treats

Martha Stewart "Everyday Food" October 2008

-6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan

-1 bag mini-marshmallows (10.5 oz.)

-1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

-6 cups crisp rice cereal

-2 oz. (1/3 cup) bittersweet chocolate, melted

1. Butter an 8 inch square baking pan. Line bottom and sides with partchment paer, leaving 2-inch overhang on both sides. Butter paper, set aside.

2. In large saucepan, combine butter, marshmallows and cocoa. cook over medium heat, sirring frequently, until melted (about 6 minutes). Stir in rice cereal. Press mixture into prepared pan, drizzle with melted chocolate. Let cool to room temperature.

To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 5 days.
*They are a great dessert for a lunchbox too!

more cookies...

2011-09-07T10:06:00.002-05:00

Some weeks include more bumps and bruises then others, and sometimes they are both emotionally and physically draining. This is one of those weeks.

So a few minutes knitting swatches for a future project; a few minutes taking my frozen cookie dough out of the freezer and popping them into the oven; and a little more then a few minutes trying out a restaurant (I have been waiting a long time to try) with my Mom... those moments are worth taking.

The recipe for the cookies... after making the dough, you can flash freeze some instead of baking them all. To flash freeze, make 1 in. size balls of dough, place on a foil or parchment lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 1 hour. Pull out of the freezer and transfer into a freezer ziplock bag. Label and place back into the freezer. When ready to bake, take out the number you want and let them rest on the baking sheet while the oven preheats. Bake as directed.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

from Mary Engelbreit's Cookies Cookbook, 1998

(makes about 5 dozen cookies)

-2 c. all-purpose flour

-1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

-1 teaspoon baking soda

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp.

-1 cup granulated sugar

-2/3 c. packed light brown sugar

-2 large eggs

-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

-1 1/3 c. semisweet chocolate chips (8 oz.)

-4 oz. white chocolate, cut into 1/4-1/2 in. pieces

-1 c. macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped (optional-I leave them out so the kids will eat them.)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. In medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.

3. In large bowl, beat the butter, sugar granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips, white chocolate and nuts.

4. Drop the dough by slightly rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

5. Bake 9-11 minutes, until the cookies are just set. Cool the cookies for 2 to 3 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

*yarn: osprey in storm

saturday goodness.

2011-09-03T08:28:00.003-05:00

bits of fabric from Lotta Jansdotter studio.

quince & co.'s new e-book "wool" and we get to see Switchfoot (along with a ton of other bands we like) this weekend!

Let's talk about freezing foods shall we?

2011-09-02T07:36:00.002-05:00

Right now I'd really like to show you some finished knitting. Or even better, that I have started cutting felt for Christmas crafting. Better then that would be that the fabric I purchased quite awhile ago had been washed, pressed and was in the process of being cut out. That is not how my reality has been working out, but I have been trying out some of the foods I froze ahead for these busy school /activity filled days...

Freezing meals has been an at times, a very frustrating process. I tried this several years back - around the time Alli was a baby, so 8 years? We are not a casserole family and I learned that time around that no amazing recipe will change us into one - no matter how convenient. So this time around I looked for recipes that leaned to our "normal" foods. The closest thing to a casserole were lasagna and manicotti. (And the manicotti I filled without cooking first. I'm looking forward to that meal. :))

So using the Freeze, Freeze, and Feast and can I freeze it? that I had mentioned previously, I prepped for cheese steaks, stir-fry's, a couple of pork loins with new marinades to grill. I also tried mozzarella cheese meatballs, pizza crusts, cookie dough balls. Most were meals in the books, others were from some past years of Martha Stewart's "Everyday Food" and some were just ones I thought would fit the whole freezing process well.

After hearing lots of complaints for several of the meals, I finally had a successful run with my Chicken and Rice Salad - a recipe not in one of the books, but one I re-worked a bit, and it worked!! So in between school picks, and volleyball and football drop-offs, we ate supper, from the freezer, and it was good. (Recipe coming soon. :))

Happy Weekend!

happy, happy birthday!

2011-08-30T19:11:00.000-05:00

She showed up in our room around 5 a.m. telling me she just couldn't sleep. I knew it was because her birthday was already on her mind and I told her she could climb in with us. All day she would kind of flit around - and I could just tell that her mind was on her turning 7! School was accomplished - a bit slower then normal - but still finished. The marshmallow filling was made. We filled, frosted, and topped each with a smiley face of more marshmallows... more impatiently waiting to add the candles. Discussion with Allison of which color of candles... and finally supper finished and on to the singing!

After cupcakes, pin the tail on the donkey. (Thankfully all siblings were willing participants.) And to really make it official, her first night of Ta - Kwan - Doe! She called me about 5 times from when she arrived to when class was going to start. And to be very honest, I was happy she did. For the last couple of years, unless someone was sick, she and I hung out together during that time. She'd help with supper, sometimes watch a younger kids movie none of the other kids would watch any more (Barbie and the Nutcracker, anyone?), sometimes she would ride her bike while I ran... good times... Ah, it is hard to wrap my mind around the idea that our youngest child is seven years old. The end of September we will officially be parenting a teenager - and I finally starting reading about tweens! I remind myself a lot of seasons. As seasons change, some things usually get a bit easier, and some a bit harder. It is part of life, my growing as a person as much as my kids. A part I sometimes have to push myself a bit to look for the greatness in it all. It is great though - because we are here, and blessed to live it out.

Happy birthday my ever zealous Lizzie, I mean Elizabeth, as you like to be called these days.

birthday girl.

2011-08-30T08:45:00.001-05:00

I can hardly believe Lizzie turns seven today! Where has the time went!! To celebrate, we are having chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow filling, marshmallow frosting, and a marshmallow on top. And tacos. And if you have seen her anytime in the last two weeks, you already knew that. ;)

*The photo is of a card a made 6 years ago.

basic (and yum) muffin recipe.

2011-08-29T07:07:00.001-05:00

Luke has been requesting muffins since the week school started. Finally this morning I pulled out my handy-dandy "everyday food recipe index 2003-2008" and found the recipe I knew I had somewhere, just where... I wish I had all the magazines, however, I didn't discover "everyday food" until the sugar cookies in 2006 (May maybe?) I'm so glad I hung on to them.

better than the basic muffins

"everyday food" May 2008

-1 1/2 sticks butter, melted
-2 large eggs
-1/2 cup milk
-1/2 teaspoon vanilla

-2 cups all-purpose flour
-3/4 cups sugar
-2 teaspoons baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon salt

-optional mix-ins: blueberries, cherry & pecan, chocolate chips (1 - 1/2 cups)

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Butter and flour a standard 12 cup muffin tin, tapping out the excess flour.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, milk and vanilla. Set aside. In a large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients; make a well in the center. Add wet mixture to the well. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir ingredients just until batter is moistened (do not over mix; a few lumps are fine). About half way through stirring it together, add in your mix-ins.

3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean. About 15-20 minutes. Loosen muffins and remove them/tip them out from muffin tin and onto a cooling rack.

Muffins are best the day of, but can freeze for up to three months. To freeze, after the muffins have completely cooled, place in a resealable, freezer plastic bag.

Another possibility to help with prep. Combine the dry ingredients, and keep in a resealable freezer plastic bag (1 quart) in the freezer. I would label so you know if it is a single or double batch in case you prepare for a larger baking session.

Saturday mornings - blue ribbon coffee cake.

2011-08-27T07:28:00.002-05:00

A while back when we had friends stay over, I baked a coffee cake for breakfast. That same day was when we were entering our food and items for open class in our county fair. I had a few extra pieces, so I decided last minute to enter it as well. The coffee caked ended up with a blue ribbon, so I think it is worth sharing. Especially since it comes together quickly, and reheated each morning, afternoon, coffee or tea break - will last for several days.

Kanakuk Koffee Kake

-adapted from the "Saltwater Chronicle" K-Kauai Kanakuk Family Kamp '09-

-2 eggs beaten

-2/3 cup butter, melted

-2 teaspoons vanilla

-1 can (1 1/2 cups) Milnot

-3/4 cup water

-1 3/4 cups sugar

-3 cups flour

- 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

-1 teaspoon salt

Topping:

-1 cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar

-1 teaspoon cinnamon

-1/4 cup flour

-1/4 stick butter, melted

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x13 pan.

2. In a large bowl (or stand up mixer), mix the wet ingredients together. Stir in the sugar.

3. In a medium sized bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. Pour into the wet ingredients. Mix together until smooth.

4. Make the topping. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together until crumbly.

5. Pour into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the topping on and bake for 45 - 48 minutes.

random Friday projects.

2011-08-26T08:43:00.000-05:00

For Fair, both Luke and Elizabeth worked on stenciling projects. She did all the drawing of the design, I used the exact-o knife to cut it out and ironed with her direction. She then did all the work with the fabric paint. Before we began the project, I attempted to explain the transferring process and how the freezer paper worked. This (I think) is the hardest part about freezer paper stenciling.

Pattern used for the hat: Sleepy Owl Hat
Yarn: Lion's Brand Nature's Choice
Notes: Next time I am going to add a few less stitches and make the hat a bit longer.

More on Christmas preparation 2011 - cinnamon spiced pecans.

2011-08-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

I've also been thinking about making some spiced nuts to go with gifts and have on hand for friends that may stop by. This recipe was recommended to me by a librarian friend who always has lovely ideas.

"rachel traver's cinnamon spiced pecans"

found in "party nuts"Party Nuts!: 50 Recipes for Spicy, Sweet, Savory, and Simply Sensational Nuts That Will Be the Hit of Any Gathering (50 Series) by Sally Sampson

-makes 4 cups-

-1 large egg white (2 tablespoons)

-1 teaspoon water

-1/2 cup sugar

-1 teaspoon kosher salt

-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

-4 cups raw pecan halves

1. Preheat oven to 225 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the egg white in a large stainless steel bowl and whisk until frothy. Slowly whisk in the water, sugar, salt, and cinnamon until thick. Fold in the pecans and toss until well coated.

3. Transfer the pecans to the prepared sheet and arrange in a single layer. Place in the oven and bake, stirring gently every 15 minutes, until the meringue covers the nuts with a chewy, pale golden brown coating, 35 to 40 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes, then remove the nuts from the pan with a metal spatula and set aside to cool before serving, or freezing for later.

Christmas preparation 2011.

2011-08-25T08:37:00.001-05:00

So, I don't know if I've had a Christmas prep post since February??? I would have to go back and look. Honestly, I'd say I've only spent a few hours a month working on Christmas projects. I have a pair of mary jane slippers that have been on my needles since April. uhgg..

Hopefully more that the heat is breaking. At least for now, I have some mini sweaters knitted (still needing some hangers) and some brooches in progress. Brooches are inspired by Melissa at Tiny Happy.

Tomorrow I'll share a recipe that I think would be great to go with gifts. Also great for the cooler evenings that are hopefully going to arrive in the next month.

first day of school.

2011-08-24T08:06:00.001-05:00

A new year begins today. Where did summer go? Ready or not, here we go!!

thanks Matheau for taking the second photo.

aging gracefully. at least trying too.

2011-08-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

I write a lot about food on this blog. A lot. However, for me to bake and cook like I do there are a couple of components that I need to balance the whole enjoyment of food with. Exercise and moderation. Yesterday, I had to to to the optometrist, and besides being very near sided (which I have always been), I found out that I am beginning to lose my ability to read small print due to aging. Hee, hee... While the thought of reading glasses isn't something I had actually thought about - and do not need yet. My immediate thought was one of relief that it isn't my knees going bad and that I would have to stop running!

So in real life I teach Stott Pilates. I don't say that much because at this phase of life it is very part time. I take the summer's off and only teach a couple of classes during the school year. Before having multiple children my source of income was in health and fitness and so exercise has been a part of my life for a long time, just not always one of the most prominent parts. A couple of years ago, I hit my highest weight ever (not including pregnancies), and my left hip ached all the time. Part of my was fine because I had some great clothes that fit me and I had a skirt on my swim suit. Yes, I missed having as much variety in clothing, but minus the hip hurting, I wasn't really too interested in fitting in more exercise or watching my food intake. That was until I went to my continuing education for the year. I could barely keep up and the topic of estrogen and menopause was brought up.

In short, once estrogen leaves are body, whether after we survive menopause, or stop taking hormone replacements, our bodies will change, and can not get any better then they were before we started menopause. So, no matter what activity we are doing we will struggle more with those problem areas. The good news is that the better we have taken care of ourselves up to that point, the better we can "manage" those areas. Ladies, we need to take care of ourselves!

So needless to say I returned home from training with some goals in mind. Now, life at many seasons does not leave a lot of time for ourselves, so I started as manageable as possible. 20 minutes of walking a day, as many days of the week I could. Before my hip starting hurting and the big weight gain I was a runner. Not a fast one, but I still ran. I could not run due to my hip, so walking it was. And I did it. I stuck with it. After a while I added a few extra minutes here and there, along with a few more minutes of pilates and/or yoga to my daily routine. I throw in some portions of P90X routines in there - still having time constraints, but I went from 20 minutes a day, to 45-60 minutes a day. I also put the app "lose it" on my phone. I didn't change the foods I was eating, since I already make most things from scratch and try to avoid high fructose corn syrup, but I cut my portions. And all the cream and sugar from my coffee. ;) I slowly lost weight and my hip quit hurting.

By the end of 2010 I felt better then I had in years, and weighed less then I had in even more years. This year has, so far, been a year of maintenance. I have had less time to exercise, but have ran instead of walked, and still do pilates/yoga when I can or have had class. The eating part? Well that is still day to day as well.

Where am I going with all this? I guess I've been in this spot long enough that I felt it was a good time to write about another aspect of daily life - and well, after visiting the optometrist and being reminded that I am aging, this came to mind. Hence the photo of my running shoes with my socks, ready to go for another early morning!

Coconut Cupcakes (with cream cheese & vanilla bean frosting).

2011-08-22T06:46:00.001-05:00

We were invited to share lunch with some dear friends today and I being the lover of dessert that I am, I offered to bring dessert. So, monster cookies were made, but I thought we needed a bit more variety, so out came the recipe books and loose leaf papers of all the recipes that are on my "to try" list.

The coconut cupcakes from Martha Stewart won and were baked and frosted with the help of Matheau. The cupcakes are moist, delicious, and pretty quick to mix together. I will be making these again.

Coconut Cupcakes

{recipe found in Martha Stewart Cupcakes}

-1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

-2 teaspoons baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-1/2 cup packed sweetened shredded coconut

-3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp.

-1 1/3 cups sugar

-2 large whole eggs plus 2 egg whites, room temp.

-1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

-3/4 cup coconut milk, unsweetened

-1 1/3 cups unsweetened coconut for garnish after frosting. (I used sweetened and it still tastes great!

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line the standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. Pulse the shredded coconut in a food processor until finely ground, and whisk into the flour mixture.

2. With mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in whole eggs, whites and vanilla, scraping down the sides of bowl as needed. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of coconut milk, and beating until combined after each.

3. Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each 3/4's full. Bake, rotating halfway through, about 20 minutes. Or until the toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven, turn cupcakes until wire racks to cool completely. Frost generously.

Coconut cream cheese frosting:

-12 oz. cream cheese, softened

-1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, room temp.

-1/2 vanilla bean with the "insides" scraped out

-2 tablespoons coconut milk, unsweetened

-5 cups powdered sugar (add a bit more if you would like a stiffer consistency)

In your stand up mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese. Add the vanilla bean and coconut milk. Slowly add the powdered sugar until you've reached your desired consistency. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Pour the 1 1/3 cups of coconut into a bowl. Frost and dip the tops in the coconut.

*Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temp. or frozen for up to 2 months. Refrigerate if frosting them. Store in an airtight container.

double chocolate loaf.

2011-08-19T09:07:00.002-05:00

I just finished my third cup of coffee this am.. yes, it has been a full week and it is only Friday. ;)

Yesterday, while making and freezing rice, I had to bake the double chocolate loaf (recipe in Baked Explorations). It is one of the recipes that have been on my "to try" list for quite awhile. The peanut butter cream cheese spread, as seen in the second photo, puts it over the top. The best part is another loaf is in the freezer ready for another morning.

More time in the kitchen for me today... have a wonderful weekend!

*Note on the loaf: So far, 2 out of 3 kids liked it. One is at a friends so I will see what she thinks later.

pumpkin and the freezer.

2011-08-18T08:56:00.001-05:00

So I came to the blog to find this recipe - and it wasn't here! I had posted at casnerfamily.com a couple of years ago and never brought it here. Sorry no photo - I'll be making them this weekend so hopefully I will get one to add.

Part of today will be spent in the kitchen doing some freezer food prep. If it weren't for some new recipes to try I would really be dreading it. Which brings me back to this recipe. One you can freeze (after they are at room temperature) and great for breakfasts. Just grab the number you need from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Microwave, in 10-15 second intervals, until the centers of the muffins are warm.

Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins

-2/14 c. all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
-1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-2 eggs
-2 cups sugar
-1 cup canned pumpkin
-1/2 c. vegetable oil
-1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. In a mixing bowl beat the eggs and sugar; add the pumpkin and oil and mix well. Stir in the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the cranberries.

Fill foil or paper-lined muffin tins 3/4’s full. Bake at 400 ° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Yield’s 2 dozen.

reminder to self.

2011-08-17T08:18:00.001-05:00

"There is more to life than increasing its speed"

-Mohandas Gandhi

One of the things I keep reminding myself this week. :) Quote found skimming through the 2008 issue of "Country Living". I love pulling out old subscriptions the month of and being reminded of ideas I loved in the past, and as today fills up with events to be done, sometimes a couple of minutes stolen for myself to skim are a good thing.

project above: Emma shrug with sparrow. Not quite half done, slowly - ever so slowly....

preparedness - one task at a time.

2011-08-16T07:28:00.008-05:00

With school just around the corner (next week) along junior high volleyball... I can hardly believe junior high... and football starting tonight, teens later this week - the extra projects are being pushed up the priority list to make way for the busyness of the school year. So, no, I haven't been sewing and knitting much, however, I did get my deep freeze and freezer cleaned today. The sink full of jars thawing is proof of it. Since my photos of clean kitchen appliances would not look nearly as lovely as hers, the photos are some finished projects over the last month.

I typically feel that once school begins, I struggle even more with keeping my sanity and sense of calm. I think like every mom, the day is packed! Even if I may have finished home school for the day, I still have spelling/homework from the other two and supper to fit in, add in whatever event is going on that afternoon/evening that either I'm dropping off/picking up for/or a part of myself, then add in my share of the work with the business and our own bill paying/laundry washing/sorting and cleaning... and I'm definitely out of hours. My life feels like that sentence, one really long run-on...

This summer one of the things I have been working on is guiding the kids into more independence. They already have been putting laundry away, help here and there with cleaning and dishes, but more trash taking out, cleaning, helping with meals kind-of-thing has happened this summer. It it is good for everyone, no matter how much they don't like it, and I know that eventually it really will save me time.

Along the lines of time, a couple of the books I have been reading through are "Fix, Freeze, Feast" (thanks Aubin for recommending the book) and "can i freeze it?". I don't think I could nor would I like all our meals to be fixed ahead of time and frozen, I think a lot of meals I make could be prepared in bulk, I just need to be organized - hence the cleaning the freezers today, and hoping a list tomorrow of meals and ingredients...

home again.

2011-08-15T08:03:00.000-05:00

We are home from vacation and now time to catch up and re-organize, and get ready for the school year (home school for the younger two, public for the older) to start.

Loxley passed away right before we left for vacation, we aren't sure how or why, she/he seemed to have lots of energy up until Wednesday morning. She is missed though. Especially when she would lick our fingers for extra milk after she had finished a medicine dropper.

Football for Luke starts today and school next week. Lots to do. It is always hard to come home and hit the ground running, but, we had yesterday and a bit more time on the lake to ease it to today. Happy Monday everyone!

enchilada recipe.

2011-08-11T07:24:00.001-05:00

It took me many years of requests to try making enchiladas with corn tortillas, and too many flour tortillas that ended up soggy, to stumble upon these. I am so glad I finally found a red sauce I liked and gave these a try. When craving Mexican, these hit the spot.

enchiladas with a red sauce.

-10 corn tortillas

-2 c. Monterey Jack and/or cheddar cheese (shredded)

-1 c. shredded cooked chicken, ground hamburger, onions (what ever you want to fill your tortilla with).

-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

-2 tablespoons flour

-2 tablespoons chili powder

-1/2 tsp. cumin

-1/4 tsp. cayenne powder

-2 cups water

-1 8 oz. can tomato paste

-1 tsp. garlic powder

-1/2 tsp. salt

In a large pot, heat the oil, flour and chili powder together. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a slow simmer. Stir well to combine and so the tomato sauce is dissolved in the water. After it has simmered 8-10 minutes, remove from the heat.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Pour some of the sauce into a 9 x 13 pan. Then make the enchiladas.

Now the messy part. Pick up a tortilla with a pair of tongs and dip in the sauce, be careful since the sauce is still hot. Make sure the enchilada is covered but not dripping (I wipe it off with my hand if I need to) and fill. Place in the pan.

After I have filled them all I pour the remaining red sauce over the enchiladas and then cover with the remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.

this is fair week (and a great week).

2011-08-10T07:24:00.005-05:00

Hannah's brownies - made with a recipe found in "The Baker's Notes"

This week is a full one - full of good things - friends driving a long ways to visit, some time with family, the fair - and for our first time, food to make for fair. Chocolate cake, brownies, mint chocolate chip cookies and kanakuk coffee cake...

Also managed to make doughnuts (friends that drive a long ways to see you truly deserve doughnuts), spicy chicken bites, more salsa and sugar cookies are up next.

Side note: Alli earned a red ribbon and Hannah a blue and reserved champion ribbon for their foods. ;) We will see how everyone did on the rest of their projects later this week.

Loxly is still a guest in our home.

2011-08-09T16:31:00.001-05:00

Since his/her arrival, we have goats milk, an old hamster cage, a couple of medicine droppers, lots of feedings and a healthy looking bunny.

what to do with all the tomatoes?

2011-08-08T07:24:00.001-05:00

Fresh tomatoes are best if there is no need to refrigerate them. However, if you countertop becomes covered with bowl of tomatoes and they are at the verge of needing the refrigerator - I recommend some tomato soup! This recipe calls for 4 pounds - so it really does help clear some space.

I have been sharing lots of tomatoes, but I also have had making some tomato soup in mind for freezing to have for when the temps drop and I begin making bread again. This recipe is a mix of two that I liked - one from Jamie Oliver and one from Soulemama.

If you don't have tomatoes in your own garden, you should be able to find an abundance at a Farmer's Market nearby.

tomato soup

-2 Tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for roasting tomatoes
-2 Tablespoons butter
-4 pounds roasted tomatoes*, peeled and cut in half
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-4 medium sized carrots, chopped
-2 stalks celery, chopped
-1 medium onion, chopped
-2 cups vegetable stock
-sea salt
-freshly ground black pepper
-a small bunch of basil
-3/4 cup heavy cream

1. Roast the tomatoes. To peel them easily, bring a heavy bottomed saucepan to boiling, add tomatoes, boil for 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from heat, drain the water. I pour mine into a colander, and run cold water over, then let cool for a bit. Remove skins and slice in half. Remove the top of the core if you feel like there is too much core.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Put tomatoes on pan, and add some olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes. Be careful when removing from oven - there is a lot of juice!

2. While the tomatoes are roasting. Peel and chop carrots, slice the celery, and roughly chop the onion. Peel and mince garlic.

3. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, heat the butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the garlic, heat for 30 seconds. Add the remaining veg and cook for 15 minutes with lid on, stirring every so often. Until veg is tender.

4. Add the tomatoes and leftover tomato juices and vegetable broth. Add a couple dashes of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a boil, and then turn the heat to low and heat for 15 minutes.

5. Now to blend it up. If you have an immersion blender, use it ! Otherwise, carefully pour it in batches into a traditional blender until all of it has been blended. It is hot - sometimes I even give it a bit of time to cool off before starting the blending. (I do not have an immersion blender - someday.) As I am blending I am returning it back to the my pot on the stove.

6. Determine how much you want to eat now, and how much you want to freeze for later. What you are going to eat now, keep warm on the stove top, and the cream and basil. The rest pour into quart canning jars, tighten lids on them and I refrigerate until cool. Store in the freezer. Just like the batch you are eating the time of, thaw, heat the tomato soup and cream and basil, once heated through, serve. (Add more salt and pepper if necessary).

Please make sure to leave at least an inch at the top of your jaw empty because the soup will expand as it freezes.

For our family, we will eat it as a side to go along with mac and cheese or grilled cheese, so it will feed us 2 for 2 meals. So I will split the cream and basil amounts needed per amount of "meals" I'm making out of the tomato soup. Also, if tomato soup isn't your husbands favorite - over even close to it, as in our home - make sure to add some hot sauce his bowl and have it on the table at meal time.

tote bag patterns.

2011-08-05T08:37:00.002-05:00

I've finally finished writing up a couple of tote bag patterns - the ones I make time and time again, and then hunt around for the measurements because I never really put all my notes in one place! And with the help of Trina, Mat's intern at redlogic -they are almost ready to print. I'm still working on finishing up the small and simple tote bag pattern, and may need a few more tweak here and there... but they are getting close.

The top photo is the art tote bags.

The bottom photo is of an iPad bag. For the tote bag exterior, I used my Grandma's leather jacket. I've had it for years and it has not fit in years, there was a little guilt cutting into it, but now that it is finished, I'm glad I did. Since she was a seamstress, I don't think she would have minded.

(Edited: I have posted a free pattern for the iPad tote. You can find it also on the top menu bar and other patterns under tutorials and patterns.)

Loxly.

2011-08-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

Hannah found him/her (now known as Loxly) on the road this morning. Heading to our friends house to get some goats milk. Hoping to nurse her back to health to let her go.

sewing with vintage fabrics and a sweet pattern.

2011-08-03T07:34:00.014-05:00

After inheriting so much fabric from Grandma Helen this last month I was reminded of the the fabric she gave me at least a year ago. I had already cut out and stored it in a large zip lock bag, just waiting to be sewn into this lovely Jane Market Bag from Alicia Paulson, otherwise none as Posy Gets Cozy.

I purchased this pattern at the same time I purchased another one of her patterns for a quilt for Elizabeth. Which I still have not taken a decent photo of, but still love the quilt. (I found the embroidery patterns at wee wonderfuls. They are part of the Picnic Fairies collection.)

I think all the photos made me think the Market Bag would take me longer then it really did take to sew. I've been sewing a lot of bags lately, working on getting the patterns ready for print (or at least PDF download version) and this was a fun project to work on. She goes at things from a different angle then me, and it is always good to see someone else's perspective on projects. Anyway, I love the market bag and I almost through my caulk gun and paint brush in there because today was full of caulking a shower for the first time ever, as well as working on getting the bathroom painted.

a new cookie recipe...

2011-08-02T07:37:00.000-05:00

We had friends down this weekend, and while the guys were playing guitars and drums, we decided to make some cookies. Missy and I both like to bake, so why not? These are amazing. They are thin, but remain soft, and the all the pecans and expresso offset all of the chocolate.

Julienne's Chocolate Expresso Cookies

adapted from "Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion" June & July 2000 issue

-16 ounces (2 cups) bittersweet chocolate

-1 cup unsalted butter

-4 eggs

-1 1/2 cups sugar

-1 1/2 tablespoons instant espresso powder

-1/2 tablespoon vanilla

-1/4 cup unbleached flour

-1/2 teaspoon baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

-4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

-8 ounces white chocolate, chopped

-2 cups chopped pecans

1. In a medium, heavy bottomed saucepan melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter together over low heat. Set aside to cool.

2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Beat eggs, sugar, espresso, and vanilla together until well combined. Add the melted chocolate.

3. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to chocolate mixture. Mix thoroughly, then fold in the remaining chocolate and pecans.

4. If batter is runny, put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up a bit.

5. Drop by large tablespoonfuls onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake for 12 -15 minutes. The insides should still be soft, just the edges are looking all the way set. Let cool on a cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

fitting it all in.

2011-08-01T07:35:00.002-05:00

Fitting it all in isn't exactly happening. In fact, when I start to have a thought that just maybe that will happen, a few moments later reality strikes and I realize I just need to be content with what I do get accomplished.

I broke these two onsies up over the course of a day. During my morning coffee, I cut out the stencils (after tracing onto freezer paper) and I ironed them on. Came back later to them to paint, and returned again later to remove the freezer paper and tidy up.

Stencils are from Lotta Jansdotter's book "Simple Sewing for Baby"
Fabric paint: Pebeo Setacolor - Transparent Set of 10
Carter's Onsies

Saturday Morning Special - waffles! (a day early)

2011-07-29T07:38:00.001-05:00

I've tried other recipes for waffles, but this is always the one I return to. They come together quickly and the sour cream makes their texture just about perfect. Especially with some fresh blueberry syrup.

Favorite Weekend Waffles

-recipe found in "Taste of Home Annual Recipes 2001"-

-2 cups flour
-3 tablespoons sugar
-2 teaspoons baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-2 eggs
-2 cups (16 oz. container) sour cream
-1 cup milk
-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

In a medium sized bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another small-medium sized bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, milk and vegetable oil together. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour in the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Preheat the waffle iron. Fill and bake according to the manufacturer's directions.

Moni's Blueberry Syrup

-recipe from my Mom-

-1 cup water
-1 cup sugar
1 cup blueberries

In a medium saucepan heat the water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the blueberries and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and wait for the blueberries to soften. Gently mash the blueberries while the blueberries are still in the saucepan. Serve over waffles, pancakes and french toast. A little whip topping is a nice touch too.

a manly tart - but sweet enough for anyone to enjoy.

2011-07-28T07:38:00.002-05:00

I'm a lover of shortbread. It does not matter if it is in cookie or crust form, if it is part of a dessert I can seldom resist seconds. However, my husband has no love for shortbread and the only way he will eat it is when it is tamed a bit in a lemon bar. Because of this I have been on the lookout for something similar to a shortbread, but not quite as sweet. The answer lies with cornmeal.

I ended up combining several different recipes for this one.

Creamy Ricotta and Berry Tart

Cornmeal Shortbread Dough:
-1 1/4 cups flour
-3 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
-1 large egg yolk
-1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
-6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
-3 tablespoons sugar
-1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

1. Whisk together flour, cornmeal and salt in a large bowl, set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together yolk, cream and vanilla. Set aside.

2. Put butter and sugar in electric mixer, with paddle attachment mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy (roughly 2 minutes). Mix in yolk mixture and orange zest until combined. Shape dough into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes (or up until 1 day) before using.

3. Preheat oven to 375 F. Press dough into a 10 in. circular tart pan with removable bottom. Trim edges of dough even with pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bake until golden and crisp, about 18 minutes. Let cool completely on wire rack.

ricotta tart filling:
(recipe found in Rustic Fruit Desserts)

-1 cup whole milk ricotta
-2/3 cup cream cheese (6 oz) at room temp.
-3/4 cup sugar
-1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
-1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
-2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 F.

With a mixer, mix the ricotta, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, salt and nutmeg on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until smooth. Scraping down the sides of the bowl.

Pour the filling into the prepared tart shell. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges have puffed up but the middle is still quite wobbly. It firms up as it cools. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Prepare the berry topping:
-2 cups berries (I have used blackberries and wild raspberries)
-3 tablespoons sugar
-1 tablespoon water
-1/4 cup, loosely packed basil leaves

In a small saucepan, stir together all the above ingredients over medium heat. Cook, stirring gently, until berries have softened and released their juices (about 2 minutes). Remove basil and pour over each serving of the tart. (you can spread it over the entire tart, but if you notice in the photo above, it runs a bit.)

*the cornmeal shortbread crust and berry topping recipes were found in "Martha Stewart Living" August 2005.

Inspiring .... love and not critisism.

2011-07-27T07:37:00.003-05:00

Alli's practice cake - getting ready for fair.

So last Friday and Saturday, I battled a negative attitude both days!! I made sure I did yoga to start the day off, we went to the pool, thinking that would help combat it, but it just wasn't enough. I have lots of excuses i.e. distractions that could be making the struggle seem tougher, but no excuse is necessary, I just couldn't get over what was causing my mood to get in the way. It seemed like the kids could do not right - lazy choices both days - which only added to my frustration. I couldn't get much done - more frustration

Sunday morning rolls around, and Joe teaches on "criticism to love*" and well, ouch! He made a comment that pretty much summed up my problem. I don't remember it exactly, but when our focus is on the faults of others, and don't look for the good in them, we are critical. And, quite honestly, I've never know any one with a critical spirit to be any joy to be around. They don't even seem to like to around themselves!!

So, that got me to thinking about my summer goals, specifically the part about building the foundation of our family. Time to re-adjust.

As moms and wives, I think most of us spend a lot of our time re-adjusting/revising our schedules to fit the needs of our family's. Out of all aspects of my role in mom and wife, I find this the hardest, and the most needed. It would be so much easier if once the schedules were posted, life didn't through any curve balls, and the schedules didn't need to be changed/tweaked/marked on and over.

So, Monday the tweaking began, new plans of how to fill our days, encouraging not criticizing. Back on track with our devotional, pulling out our new art bags and some of those supplies and starting art class, checking in on how their silent reading has been going. Asking for intentional questions, less lazy go-with-the-flow ones. It is still summer, and we still are going to enjoy these summer days, but with a lot more intention and a whole lot less frustration.

*If you are curious, our Pastor was teaching from Numbers 12 (quite a good read)
*Psalm 143:8

our favorite garden vegetable.

2011-07-26T07:28:00.005-05:00

Or at least, Mat and my favorite. Fresh tomatoes - I wait for them for BLT's and he waits for them for salsa. We have enjoyed both this last week.

Until finding The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper: Recipes, Stories, and Opinions from Public Radio's Award-Winning Food Show by Lynne Rossetto Kasper and Sally Swift, I had no idea that there could be such a difference in tomatoes. I knew that I liked roma tomatoes because they didn't seem as acidic and that was about it. And then I learned all kinds of things such as tomatoes not only have different levels of acidity, but also of sweetness and richness. Some of my favorites to grow are amish paste, Nebraska wedding, striped green and yellow and I can't leave out Black Krim. I'm guessing all can be found at the farmers market (our CSA is how I found out I like the striped varieties). If if your in the midwest, and your garden is like mine, this is the right time for tomatoes.

zippers and buttons (and a kids quick craft idea)!

2011-07-25T07:38:00.027-05:00

Not many buttons or zippers have been sewn on or sewn in, but when I can I take the opportunity and sneak a few moments into our library/craft room to sew.

I first attempted sewing zippered pouches after seeing a pattern in "bend-the rules sewing" by Amy Karol. A book I have grabbed time and time again since I purchased it several years ago. The pouches go together very quickly and if you are scared of a zipper, they are a great place to start.

The little books* were made for friends heading off to Italy. I had the girls and one of Hannah's friends draw pictures for the kids to color on their way. I included colored pencils for the older little guy and colors for the sweet little gal. Hopefully it helped fill a few minutes of their time.

Sweater pattern from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson and Anna Williams
Yarn: Cascade 220
Buttons from Grandma Helen's stash

*little books how-to. A quick disclaimer, the books are not an original idea, I've seen them online many different times over the years - but they are a great way to give your kids something to do but without a huge commitment of time or resources. I first cut the papers to the size I wanted. For these I wanted them to fit in the zippered pouches, so they are roughly 7 inches long by 3 inches wide. I cut 4 for each book, folded them in half and asked the kids to draw pictures that the younger children would enjoy coloring. I asked them to autograph or initial their drawings. After they were finished, I used a thicker paper (scrapbooking) and cut it just slightly larger then the 7 in. by 3 in.. Folded it around the folded 4 pages from the girls, then opened it back up and sewing a seam down the folded line. That's it! I used to sew them up blank and then take them when we went places for my own kids could use them.

Saturday Morning Special - doughnuts!

2011-07-23T07:38:00.003-05:00

Apple Buttermilk Doughnuts

adapted just a bit from "Baked Explorations"

in a large mixing bowl, whisk the following dry ingredients.

-3 1/2 cups flour

-3/4 cups sugar

-1/2 teaspoon baking soda

-2 teaspoons baking powder

-1 teaspoon salt

-1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

-1 teaspoon cinnamon

in a med. sized mixing bowl, whisk the following wet ingredients

-1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

-1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider

-2 large eggs

-1/4 cup sour cream

-1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly browned a cooled

* you are also going to need vegetable oil for frying.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and then pour the wet ingredients into the well. Mix until the dough is combined and smooth. Lightly flour the countertop, turn the dough out onto, sift a bit more flour over the dough and then using the palms of your hands, flatten the dough out so it is about 1/2 inch thick. Using a 2 or 3 in. doughnut cutter, cut out the doughnuts. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate while you wait for your oil to heat up.

As you wait for the oil to heat up. You can mix 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar with 3 tablespoons cinnamon together for the topping. If you want to try a vanilla glaze, mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 1/4 c. milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Note: if you make both glazes, you may want to reduce the batch size by half so you don't end up with a lot left over.

Either using a fry daddy with canola/vegetable oil, our fill a large frying pan with 1 in. oil, heat the oil to 365-370 F. When the oil is ready, carefully put the doughnuts or doughnut holes into the oil. Be careful not to crowd. I put between 3-4 doughnuts in a a time, more doughnut holes. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then flip. They should be turning brown (about the same color of a krispie kreme doughnut.)

Enjoy! They are best fresh, so if you have more enough for you and your family you may see if a neighbor still has some coffee brewing to share with.

fun links friday.

2011-07-22T08:21:00.014-05:00

I haven't posted a good links friday in a while and since tote bags have been on my mind... today is the day for a few good links.

This week Ellen Luckett Baker from The Long Thread is having a book blog tour for her new book, "1, 2, 3, Sew". She is offering some of her patterns from the book as free downloads at different sites. One the of tote bags, Beth from The Linen Cat has made a couple and I've printed the pattern hoping to get to it before summer's out (fingers crossed). First, 3 more art bags to sew up and maybe a free pattern to pass along as well.

art bags.

2011-07-21T07:29:00.003-05:00

This is the first of four finished. We are going to start art officially this next week and when the supplies arrived Liz was asking for a new bag to store them in. The bag (as you can see from the photos) is pretty good sized. I used the measurements of their sketch pads to help me determine what size they would end up being. They would be a perfect size for a Mom's sized tote bag as well. ;)

Some particulars...
-Outside fabric is from the latest line from Denyse Schmidt at JoAnn's. I waited in line for this one.
-The yellow on the inside is some from Grandma Helen's attic.
-The straps I did in both colors just for fun.
-I boxed the corners and in the large pocket I made two tiny pockets to hold pencils or paint brushes.

summer treats - popsicles!!

2011-07-20T07:38:00.002-05:00

Kansas is blazing hot right now. You don't even get all the way out of the door before you start to sweat. Perfect time for popsicles. Not only do they taste good but you don't have to warm up the house a bit to make this sweet treat.

strawberry and peach popsicles

-2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved

-4 peaches, cut up

-1/4 c. sugar

-1/4 c. pure maple syrup

-1/2 c. greek yogurt

-popsicle maker

-popsicle sticks

Using your blender, puree the strawberries, peaches and 1/4 c. sugar. In a small bowl, mix the greek yogurt and the maple syrup together. (taste test - if not sweet enough you can add a bit more sugar or maple syrup.)

Pour the fruit puree into popsicle molds, filling only half full, add the yogurt and then finish filling with the puree. After the lid is on top of the molds, and the popsicle sticks. Freeze for at least 4 hours.

To take out of the mold, let thaw a couple of minutes or run water over the molds to loosen.

sewing for summer.

2011-07-19T07:28:00.002-05:00

So I purchased this lovely pattern over a year ago, maybe even longer. I do not know exactly why it took me so long to make the dress, since once I decided on the fabric it went fairly quickly. No matter, I think the dress turned out lovely. And so does Alli, who I finally talked into trying it on after hanging in her closet for the last month. I think she was quite surprised with how much she liked it on. The pattern is Oliver + S ice cream dress (size 8) purchased at Magpie Patterns. The fabric is from my Mom-in-law's stash which she graciously shared with me.

santa fe avocado and shrimp dish

2011-07-18T08:48:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking about making this dish since it started to warm up and the tomatoes began to appear on the vines. I could wait no longer and broke down, purchased a couple of Amish tomatoes and brought one of my own in with cucumbers and jalapeno peppers from the garden and got to work making this quick hot weather dish.

For me, it is a main course and leaves me room for dessert. For Mat, it goes great with a sandwich and extra tortilla chips.

Santa Fe Avocado and Shrimp

from "The Splendid Table's How To Eat Supper" by Lynne Rossetto Kasper and Sally Swift

-1/2 seeded jalapeno pepper

-1 clove garlic

-1/2 red onion

-1/4 cup lime juice

-1/4-1/2 tsp. ground coriander

-1/4 - 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

-few dashes of freshly ground black pepper

-3 large tomatoes, chopped

-1 cucumber, chopped

-1/2 bag of boiled, shrimp - thawed

-1 avocado

for serving: tortilla chips and sliced lime (optional)

In a food processor, mince the jalapeno, red onion and garlic. In a small bowl, pour the lime juice, minced jalapeno and garlic, and some coriander and cumin along with a few dashes of freshly ground black pepper. Let set for 10 minutes. In a medium sized bowl, after running the tomatoes quickly through the food processor, add the cucumber and then the other mixed ingredients. Save the shrimp and avocado. In each serving bowl, add the shrimp, avocado to the spice/veg mix.

fabric flower barrette tutorial

2011-07-18T08:07:00.000-05:00

Fabric flower tutorial

Supplies needed:

barrettes
wool felt
fabric (optional)
button or button maker
pattern for flowers (below) or make your own (measures 2 in. across)
coordinating thread and needle
sewing machine (you can stitch it the entire barrette by hand if you don't have a machine)

First you need to make a pattern for the felt to fit around the barrette. There will be 2 pieces when you finish this.
1. First make your pattern to cover the barrette. Place the barrette on top on top of a piece of paper and trace around it, adding 1/4 in. around the outside as you trace. Cut your pattern out. Now repeat with the pattern, but cut off the last 3/4 in. of the pattern so when they are stacked on top of each other, one pattern piece is shorter then the other.
2. Now that you have your 2 pattern pieces, place them on your wool felt and either trace and cut out or just hold the pattern on the felt and cut.
3. With the smaller piece of wool felt, you are going to snip a small line in the back and slide the back of the barrette into it so that the wool is now "attached" to the back of the barrette.

4. Place the other piece of felt on the top side of the barrette and close the barrette. Now is when I use my sewing machine and I slowly sew the pieces of felt around the barrette. If you don't have a sewing machine, or would rather, just sew it up by hand.
The Flower
1.The buttons (either use some buttons from your stash, or if you have a button maker you can use your fabric to make a button to color-coordinate with the fabric/wool felt.
2. Using the pattern below, or making your own, cut out the felt into the flower shape. If you want you can cut more then one size and stack them. You can also use fabric.
3. Sew the button (with the thread doubled up-so both sides knotted together at the base) in the center which will keep them together when you sew them to the felt covered barrette. I cut my thread long enough that I can complete this step and the next one with the same thread.
4. Now sew the flower to the felt on the barrette, making sure that it is pretty snug so it will last longer.
5. Cut the threads and wear.

Extra notes:
-barrettes-I found mine at wal-mart in the craft/fabric department
-wool felt? It is worth paying a bit extra for the wool felt instead of buying the standard felt from the store. Once you have used it once-you'll know what I mean. JoAnn's carries it and they will cut it off the bolt, or you can order it from Felt On the Fly, Purl SoHo and Hello My Name is Heather. (Many other stores-just google it.)
-IF you would rather make the barrettes with all fabric in no felt? To make sure it is sturdy, I cut at least 5 flowers (4 the same size and the 5th a bit smaller to go on top directly below the button). I would fold a few of the layers so they look fuller.

Here are some examples of the flowers I drew and cut out. They are about 2in. wide.

If I have left some details out and you have questions-please email me.

sixteen years!!!

2011-07-15T16:24:00.002-05:00

Marvel Cave, Silver Dollar City this summer

Matheau and I were married sixteen years ago today!! This morning I pulled out the photo album to reminisce a bit. There were some obvious changes, and some not so obvious ones... besides for hairstyles - I had bangs, Matheau's hair was much shorter (I love his hair more grown out); some of our friends we still keep in touch with and I would still call really good friends even if we don't get to see them all that often, some we haven't talked to in years. The family has lost some loved ones with time, and more loved ones have been welcomed in. We've had our share of moves, along with our families and friends who helped with all those moves.

However, I would say the biggest changes are in our hearts. Our hearts have grown to love each other more, even with the same- and some new- quirks we only realized after the wedding vows were said. Our hearts have grown to include our four amazing children. I just am overwhelmed with how blessed I am. Don't get me wrong - we struggle with owning our own business and the transitions that have to take place as the economy does, living on a budget, working together when there are so many places to be and goals to attempt to accomplish in a day and saying no wii or television for the 30th time!! ;)

But when each day comes to an end and I may wish I would have done this or that differently, fit one more thing in.... we can thank God for what He has done in our lives, and because of that, we are able to love when we don't feel like it, give when we would rather take, and pass that on to our four, who will pass it own to their own in time.