tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59590664171731048822024-03-15T18:09:53.041-07:00The Knitting Blog by Mr. Puffy the DogMr Puffy's Knitting Blog:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10129149473915655930noreply@blogger.comBlogger293125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-90148799965494848022022-12-10T17:07:00.001-08:002022-12-10T17:12:33.892-08:00Swedish Cardamom Buns <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKv_jfNQv3AeUfw17IyoR1gw1RQ3STpkkSVuytys79BcH3rzEEjZXQ4u-z8uT4D7vwBJ-9ZAP2rUFUY8WpooFNkPUN4juJSBbJksGJwqKoLzThkClcDr5UtV-EuGmHr4Os0t6Wx5l4szsofQNjM5TQlwddUb-aa0-OZ3jv8BtCwxulvvMtbuveg42KA/s4796/swedishcardamonbuncupifl.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3451" data-original-width="4796" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKv_jfNQv3AeUfw17IyoR1gw1RQ3STpkkSVuytys79BcH3rzEEjZXQ4u-z8uT4D7vwBJ-9ZAP2rUFUY8WpooFNkPUN4juJSBbJksGJwqKoLzThkClcDr5UtV-EuGmHr4Os0t6Wx5l4szsofQNjM5TQlwddUb-aa0-OZ3jv8BtCwxulvvMtbuveg42KA/w640-h460/swedishcardamonbuncupifl.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I've been meaning to share this recipe for several years now. I was so delighted with it I knew I had to share it with you. And it came about by pure necessity. I have a friend who is Swedish and she was missing her home and in particular Swedish Cardamom Buns and she asked me if I would make some for her. To be honest I had never heard of them so I had to look up what they were. I found numerous recipes recipes online but they each seemed fraught with their own complications. So I combined what seemed to be the best aspects of several recipes with a few personal dashes of my own tossed in for good measure and this is the resulting recipe.</p><p>As I mentioned, I had never even heard of these buns before my friend requested that I make them. But according to Sandra they are the best Swedish Cardamom Buns she's ever had. I certainly love them and have made them for the past 3 Christmas seasons. The recipe is reliable, delicious and fun to share with others because it's very much a unique taste and bakery quality. I hope you will enjoy them too!</p><p>Oh, and don't be alarmed when you look at the instructions! I haven't timed myself but if I start around 9 in the morning the buns are out of the oven by 1 or 2 in the afternoon. The most time intensive part is preparing the dough and filling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtlr5Tm0C9c9x2Hnr16cbFQ0xhBdAS9GJ6Lc-5WgWn5_OBTDjql8cAvZsAj_Y7cD5BxYC5yLIL78DpeLvv9rOOa4Frz8TAYJDqLSH-pdSd7H_oYXI9T9Rh2gNDc9pexQ3HUhCRjsdOFOenDLz1u-ndeQ4T_DxMISQ5mQScUuSsSkxRiXe9s70h1y56Q/s3635/Swedishcardamonbunscelliflcropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2977" data-original-width="3635" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtlr5Tm0C9c9x2Hnr16cbFQ0xhBdAS9GJ6Lc-5WgWn5_OBTDjql8cAvZsAj_Y7cD5BxYC5yLIL78DpeLvv9rOOa4Frz8TAYJDqLSH-pdSd7H_oYXI9T9Rh2gNDc9pexQ3HUhCRjsdOFOenDLz1u-ndeQ4T_DxMISQ5mQScUuSsSkxRiXe9s70h1y56Q/w640-h524/Swedishcardamonbunscelliflcropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Swedish Cardamom Buns</i></b></p><p>~ yield 16 buns~</p><p>Dough Ingredients:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 tsp. active dry yeast (just under 1 package)</li><li>1 1/4 cups warm whole milk (100-110 degrees)</li><li>4 to 4 1/2 cups (480g to 540g) bread flour - divided - (I use Bob's Mills Artisian Bread Flour)</li><li>1/2 scant cup (92g) granular sugar</li><li>1/2 tsp. kosher salt</li><li>1 tsp. heaping fresh ground cardamom (<u>see Note 1 below</u>)</li><li>1 large egg room temperature</li><li>1/2 cup (4 oz) unsalted butter - softened (I used European style or Kerry Gold)</li></ul><p></p><p>Filling Ingredients:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>11 Tbs. unsalted butter - softened</li><li>1/4 cup granular sugar</li><li>1 tsp. heaping fresh ground cardamom (<u>see Note 1 below</u>)</li><li>1/2 tsp. vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)</li></ul><div>Egg Wash:</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 Egg</li><li>4 Tbs. water</li><li>Garnish: Swedish pearl sugar</li></ul><p></p><p>Syrup:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1/4 cup water</li><li>1/2 cup granular sugar</li><li>drop of vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)</li></ul><p></p><p><b><u>NOTE 1</u></b>: For this recipe is it extremely important that you use freshly ground cardamom. I purchased green cardamom pods on Amazon (2oz) for $9.99 and used a mortar and pestle to crush the pods, extract the seeds and grind. This may sound like it's unnecessary work but it goes quickly and there. is. no. substitute. This should be done only minutes before using to preserve the fresh sparkle of taste which is quickly lost. If you use pre-ground cardamom you will not achieve the same result..</p><p>Steps:</p><p>1. Heat milk to 100-110 degrees and add dry yeast. Mix until all yeast is dissolved. Add egg to milk mixture and lightly beat. Set aside.</p><p>2. Combine the following dry dough ingredients in bowl of stand mixer with paddle attachment (4 cups (480g) bread flour, granular sugar, salt, and ground cardamom). Mix to combine. </p><p>3. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix until dough starts to come together. If your dough is very wet you can add some of the remaining 1/2 cup (60g) of flour until a wet shaggy dough comes together. Try not to add too much flour. I generally add about 1/4 cup flour to get the right consistency. Allow this wet dough mixture to "rest" for 20 minutes and allow the flour to absorb the wet ingredients.</p><p>4. After the resting period change to a dough hook set at low and begin adding the softened butter. Add butter 1 tablespoon at a time allowing the dough hook to mix until the butter is fully incorporated before adding more. Do not rush this process. After all 8 tablespoons have been incorporated increase to a low/medium speed and kneed for 10 minutes. Perform window pane test and if necessary continue kneading for another couple of minutes at a higher speed until passing the window pane test.</p><p>5. Remove dough to a very lightly greased bowl and cover. Allow to rest for 20 minutes.</p><p>6. While dough is resting prepare filling by whipping the butter, sugar, and vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) to a soft and spreadable consistency. <u>Save the ground cardamon to sprinke on top of your filling</u>.</p><p>7. Prepare 2 baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.</p><p>8. Roll out dough to approximately 16" x 24." Spread butter mixture evenly over dough and sprinkle with ground cardamon. Fold dough in half length wise and using a pizza wheel cut 16 strips. Twist into knots (watch this video).</p><p>8. Transfer dough to 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with tea towels. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200C) (N.B. with this recipe I usually do not use a baking stone in the oven as I believe the additional heat causes the filling ingredients to spill). Allow buns to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until roughly double in size. Note: you will get a nice oven rise as well once the buns are in the oven.</p><p>9. Mix egg and water to create a wash. Brush buns with wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake for 15 minutes, or until internal temp is 200F. If baking 2 sheets at once rotate pans half way through baking.</p><p>10. While buns are baking make syrup by boiling water and sugar until thickened. Add a drop of vanilla bean paste. Set aside.</p><p>11. While buns are still hot brush with syrup. These buns are best still warm from the oven. Left overs can be frozen. Reheat by placing in 300F oven for 10 minutes or simply pop frozen buns in microwave for 20 to 30 seconds.</p><p>Enjoy!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Update on These Past Few Years ~</span></i></b></p><p><span>I won't dwell too much on these past few years. They have been sad years as I lost my father to Lou Gehrig's Disease; Simcha to old age; and recently my mother to dementia. But we do have the joy of adding a new puppy to our lives and we named him Tadash (which means "renewal" in Hebrew) and he has brought renewal of life and spirit into our home. Here he is at age five months. He's a year and a half now but he was born with an old spirit and seemed to entirely pass by the puppy stage. We love him to bits.</span><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-BJ3j5Wu4AS2KNtHJqopAs62k2I-38ujpA6cmasBqkKDV4NispXZ7FvQAoW9JUHRZooHpXy3-xbh5GNtbbjeFArlBuCsoJU5F1QzoEACunH0pBRaimkISU0mKlS7d117nH8IF6iruMNnbION9HnPxgnvLmvugfGedsgE0PWWztCbk5_1MWh71voGoQ/s6000/Todd%205%20months.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-BJ3j5Wu4AS2KNtHJqopAs62k2I-38ujpA6cmasBqkKDV4NispXZ7FvQAoW9JUHRZooHpXy3-xbh5GNtbbjeFArlBuCsoJU5F1QzoEACunH0pBRaimkISU0mKlS7d117nH8IF6iruMNnbION9HnPxgnvLmvugfGedsgE0PWWztCbk5_1MWh71voGoQ/w640-h426/Todd%205%20months.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />On my last posting I mentioned that I was using my time during the pandemic lockdowns to learn to draw and I continue to find drawing an enjoyable creative outlet. I particularly like wildlife drawings and below are a couple of my recent pictures. For the lion cub I used both soft pastels and pastel pencils (my reference image was free curtesy of <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/lion-cub-feline-predator-carnivore-5799526/">Antony Trivet</a> a Wedding Photographer in Kenya that I found on Pixabay) and the bear was drawn using pastel pencils with the assistance of a tutorial by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIAqclD734YUJLUXH80tCA">Jason Morgan</a> on Youtube. I have found this approach to learning to be the most effective for me, namely, watching tutorials to learn a medium and then applying that skill to a picture of my choosing.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0VKHoAXE5AQOvcmLsnSmA-ESjVRq0OG5nNfs7LnS5HV_9sBRmAQf3JyCiRk_eNiixSqSsGEZv0QCPDBQCUTd8zWy7k8CU60CzArUoQ6MBja2TDihIDHJITw5p-J9oWXTgLLiVa2-XQk8MY5T0UkwhoPcfrNt9uc_XfF4r1C8ISIKDfYvLQFNjAL4gg/s4000/cub%20lightroom%20iflb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3767" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0VKHoAXE5AQOvcmLsnSmA-ESjVRq0OG5nNfs7LnS5HV_9sBRmAQf3JyCiRk_eNiixSqSsGEZv0QCPDBQCUTd8zWy7k8CU60CzArUoQ6MBja2TDihIDHJITw5p-J9oWXTgLLiVa2-XQk8MY5T0UkwhoPcfrNt9uc_XfF4r1C8ISIKDfYvLQFNjAL4gg/w602-h640/cub%20lightroom%20iflb.jpg" width="602" /></a></div><br /><p>I haven't knit for years now but with the winter we are having this year I just might start knitting again! We are having an extraordinarily cold and wet winter and I've been dragging out shawls and mittens that haven't seen the light of day for years! I do have a beautiful Icelandic sweater that I finished but hadn't worn until this year and maybe it's time to take a few pictures.... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T-VFjOoqGXq_N0ovu2mf46cMOrkPBW-sTXM0j1yrDGROc8B5nHh-uMSK4rnntVpIa6f-TVipLdbG9Ca3pA7jPjm7jM65Qj6aQUvH1XbuiClnPQuV3O_bwp_uqSmK4F2knLQZWkS49MjjCChrv3tqNJVUacULaVmaNPnutfHZ5vCyAdYxIDq0s4jbAg/s5055/Bear%20lightroom%20ifl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3617" data-original-width="5055" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T-VFjOoqGXq_N0ovu2mf46cMOrkPBW-sTXM0j1yrDGROc8B5nHh-uMSK4rnntVpIa6f-TVipLdbG9Ca3pA7jPjm7jM65Qj6aQUvH1XbuiClnPQuV3O_bwp_uqSmK4F2knLQZWkS49MjjCChrv3tqNJVUacULaVmaNPnutfHZ5vCyAdYxIDq0s4jbAg/w640-h458/Bear%20lightroom%20ifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Until next time, be well, love well, and enjoy this holiday season and perhaps start a new Christmas tradition by adding Swedish Cardamom Buns to your holiday fare!</p>Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-64019579257669364902020-10-13T15:31:00.003-07:002020-10-14T19:32:01.883-07:00Socktober! Fall Socks and Favorite Fall Cookie ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's Socktober and time to step up the sock game! And I have done that. Not only have I just finished a new pair of socks for Steve (using a free pattern called<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fairy-maiden"> Fairy Maiden</a> - shhhh it's best he not hear that) and I have two new pairs of socks for myself that I think are perfection for fall. And if this dang heat wave would finally end I could actually start wearing them. </div></div><p style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaiKWSjljM-H4ZJHSy41r6KokRyxqN1rGgNYRfFfgeidRwn-iTDcctMWsbPBSUUMzM3ZnOfaFyAcyXtQeRcFmZmexdae6vEo__Zva_LR3C7pG-Pzo9tJQrmwN56FgBgdI3SKBzGbKQrfB/s6000/hazelnutsockcanLR3+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaiKWSjljM-H4ZJHSy41r6KokRyxqN1rGgNYRfFfgeidRwn-iTDcctMWsbPBSUUMzM3ZnOfaFyAcyXtQeRcFmZmexdae6vEo__Zva_LR3C7pG-Pzo9tJQrmwN56FgBgdI3SKBzGbKQrfB/w640-h426/hazelnutsockcanLR3+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><br />My first pair are the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hazelnut-socks">Hazelnut Socks</a> from The Handmade Sock Society (original season) using gorgeous yarn dyed by <a href="https://www.qingfibre.com/">Qing Fiber</a> in her supersoft sock yarn (80% merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon). They feel delicious on and I love how the pattern "pops" despite the wildly variegated colorway. I will add a caveat that this is a very soft yarn and probably best suited to shawls (I used it to knit my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2020/07/marley-shawl-and-paper-mache-crafting.html">Marley Shawl</a>). But with that in mind I will probably use these as "house socks."<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGxyZ3TXpMtG8CgHA965xT6YwxwRonH03Puap0j7nyBIKrAI1wCZjUiwAZ0RMQ7cYwO4ggrF0tCn8rO16DRSr8tV20qG81f403A-n0-PM3rA9cjvoJqId16nHAHKqAahD5X-L4jWCoBkq/s6000/hazelnutsockpumpkin+ifl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGxyZ3TXpMtG8CgHA965xT6YwxwRonH03Puap0j7nyBIKrAI1wCZjUiwAZ0RMQ7cYwO4ggrF0tCn8rO16DRSr8tV20qG81f403A-n0-PM3rA9cjvoJqId16nHAHKqAahD5X-L4jWCoBkq/w640-h426/hazelnutsockpumpkin+ifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My second pair of fall socks (pictured below) also hails from The Handmade Sock Society, but from the second season. It's the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shell-cottage-socks">Shell Cottage</a> pattern paired with <a href="https://woolberryfiberco.com/">Woolberry Fiber Co</a>. sock yarn. There's actually a third year of the Handmade Sock Society that I didn't join; but now I'm sorry after sneaking a peak at the patterns. <i>Le sigh</i>. This is a workhorse yarn and these socks should wear well. I used Berry Sock yarn (80% bluefaced leicester/ 20% nylon) and while it's not the softest yarn to work with it knit up beautifully and feels wonderful on. I'd definitely use this yarn again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hUi_8LAy1IAdpk2SKPg8ImO3ZMK7skoGybYqk3TegOt7d108HmnMWPDTjrPxjbIlYY73sDU4Ytkq5MqQyn9nyQ0BykUC3J0j1AfO6aOImRHivqh0FZozpsAf3YY4T37H-XPnM0HTj6kA/s5417/woolberrysingleshoeifl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3529" data-original-width="5417" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hUi_8LAy1IAdpk2SKPg8ImO3ZMK7skoGybYqk3TegOt7d108HmnMWPDTjrPxjbIlYY73sDU4Ytkq5MqQyn9nyQ0BykUC3J0j1AfO6aOImRHivqh0FZozpsAf3YY4T37H-XPnM0HTj6kA/w640-h416/woolberrysingleshoeifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Heat wave or not fall is here and I am doing my best to enjoy the season. I am baking, knitting, and enjoying scented candles (Cider Lane and Marshmallow Fireside by <a href="https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/c/home-fragrance/3-wick-candles-promotion?cm_mmc=Google-_-Paid-Search-_-G_Brand_Home%20Fragrance_Candles-_-G_Brand_Home%20Fragrance_Candles_General&s_kwcid=AL!5233!3!349212425008!e!!g!!bath%20and%20body%20candles&ef_id=Cj0KCQjwoJX8BRCZARIsAEWBFMLLZ4uAGn-5oOa24X7tTbq1iAOiZKX5hjQxKZwy2Q8FTGRnoyK-sNsaAramEALw_wcB:G:s&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoJX8BRCZARIsAEWBFMLLZ4uAGn-5oOa24X7tTbq1iAOiZKX5hjQxKZwy2Q8FTGRnoyK-sNsaAramEALw_wcB">Bath and Body Works</a> smell amazing). And I'm spending a lot of time on my new hobby which is learning to draw and use watercolor paints! No I'm not ready to share my "art" but I am pleased with my progress.... Since I couldn't even draw a circle before I began the bar is pretty low. But if you are looking for something creative to do at home and have never taken an art class I really think you should consider learning to draw (which is a foundational skill for painting, etc). I am using a book (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Right-Side-Brain-Definitive/dp/1585429201">Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain</a> - I recommend getting the workbook that has the viewfinder in the back) and I also purchased a year membership to The Virtual Instructor which has a lot of classes on all types of art. I began with Th<a href="https://thevirtualinstructor.com/members/the-secrets-to-drawing/">e Secrets to Drawing</a> and have moved on to <a href="https://thevirtualinstructor.com/members/25-days-to-better-drawings/">25 Days to Better Drawing</a>. These classes seem very left brain oriented in approach. Which is good because between the book and the classes I'm covering both halves of my brain which can only be a good thing. I also have a paper fetish and drawing paper is wonderful to work on. Just saying. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78O536OIHwIfQEUusjXhyphenhyphenNSW_tisrgdjaagB6LA9TX7s5OP9u3VqRQaj7Yh1eYqhb5qrROpG51qd9bNF0LlMbjcaswZo86B3qFamONNRJLNPRFT25KjW2MIiCPwULEodCAh6Q1Xf5s_iv/s6000/cornmeal+cookie+LR+ifl+auto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78O536OIHwIfQEUusjXhyphenhyphenNSW_tisrgdjaagB6LA9TX7s5OP9u3VqRQaj7Yh1eYqhb5qrROpG51qd9bNF0LlMbjcaswZo86B3qFamONNRJLNPRFT25KjW2MIiCPwULEodCAh6Q1Xf5s_iv/s640/cornmeal+cookie+LR+ifl+auto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just for fun I made Smores! Since we can't have open fires in Southern California (due to wildfire risk) I simply used skewers and toasted my marshmallows over an open flame on my stove. But if aren't in a fire danger area you could easily line a terracotta pot with foil and add a few briquettes and have the perfect marshmallow toasting situation in minutes. Then all you need are graham crackers, thin chocolate bars, and marshmallows. Sounds like a perfect Halloween party treat!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd133WpuRHFVsTLNMRDhgaDIHMeB5tD3ipU-1MVfYJaqL7PixjKAWOtPhz_NE2qpPrcIOoDrpcyrAwbSiMqWJRQXLaxIFHej2cI9H6dj6wPkJwFwAbeY47cBR4X0_vqmeXAFvtPn1B76n/s6000/smoreLR2ifl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd133WpuRHFVsTLNMRDhgaDIHMeB5tD3ipU-1MVfYJaqL7PixjKAWOtPhz_NE2qpPrcIOoDrpcyrAwbSiMqWJRQXLaxIFHej2cI9H6dj6wPkJwFwAbeY47cBR4X0_vqmeXAFvtPn1B76n/w625-h416/smoreLR2ifl.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies</b></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Baking of course is a huge part of the fall season and there are so many recipes that I love but I've chosen to share my absolutely favorite fall cookie. Bar none. It has toasted hazelnuts and is dipped in bittersweet chocolate, need I say more? The original recipe was shared in Bake From Scratch magazine (<a href="https://www.bakefromscratch.com/product/holiday-cookies/">Holiday Cookies, special issue 2017</a>) by Laura Kasavan (<a href="https://tutti-dolci.com/">Tutti-Dolci</a>) and I've adapted it slightly with a few time saving hacks and eliminating some of the bitterness from the hazelnuts by removing their skins. I find it helpful to do some prep a day ahead (i.e. toast, deskin, and chop the hazelnuts and measure all ingredients). Then on baking day you can have these cookies finished in a couple of hours. Certainly in time for afternoon tea. </div><div><br /></div><div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUhwkA6p7cW9eIRFmfHNZlup1jEMW8xykMdMVu68x5cnpZeg1p11dz9ZqiHFUYfxS0QNzDCN9iKqYja1EgZeSlSZnGLw-kGrbm9oyTqatNoV_kEJw78W1yiXMPMWD8x1j1sXU7BXQ3WNK/s1600/HazelnutcookiesFINALFINALFINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUhwkA6p7cW9eIRFmfHNZlup1jEMW8xykMdMVu68x5cnpZeg1p11dz9ZqiHFUYfxS0QNzDCN9iKqYja1EgZeSlSZnGLw-kGrbm9oyTqatNoV_kEJw78W1yiXMPMWD8x1j1sXU7BXQ3WNK/s640/HazelnutcookiesFINALFINALFINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a> </p><p><i><span><b>Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies</b></span> </i></p><p><i>~ yield ~ 24 cookies</i></p><p>Ingredients:</p><p> 1 cup (113 grams) toasted, <i>skinned</i>, and chopped hazelnuts, divided</p><p>2/3 cup (133 grams) plus 2 tablespoons (24 grams) granulated sugar, divided (I use extra fine baking sugar)</p><p>3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened</p><p>1 Tablespoon (15 grams) hazelnut liquer (I use Frangelico)</p><p>1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)</p><p>1/8 teaspoon table salt</p><p>1 3/4 cups (219 grams) all-purpose flour</p><p>8 ounces (225 grams) semisweet chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli chips)</p><p>Garnish: turbinado sugar or any crystal sugar</p><p>Steps:</p><p>1. I like to toast the hazelnuts and remove their skins the day prior to baking the cookies. Toast hazelnuts at 350 degrees (Fahrenheit ) for 10 to 15 minutes (stirring several times) or until skins begin to crack and peal. Turn nuts out onto a rough dishcloth and cover for a minute to allow nuts to steam. Then twist the dishcloth into a ball around the nuts and rigorously rub them together. Agitate nuts until most of the skins have fallen off. Discard skin and chop nuts. You will use 1/2 cup in the dough and 1/2 cup for the garnish.</p><p>2. Add 1/2 cup (56.5 grams) toasted hazelnuts and 2/3 cup sugar to a food processor (or if you don't have a food processor use a blender, etc.). Pulse until finely ground and well combined.</p><p>3. In a stand mixer (using the paddle attachment) beat butter with hazelnut/sugar mixture at medium speed (3 to 4 minutes) or until creamy, scraping the bowl several times. With mixer on medium-low speed, add hazelnut liqueur, vanilla, and salt beating until well combined. Remove bowl from stand mixer.</p><p>4. Using a spoon stir in flour until just incorporated. Turn dough out onto a very lightly floured board (or on top of parchment paper). Divide dough in half and roll each half into a log (roughly 6.5 inches long) and wrap each log with plastic wrap. Place wrapped log into the refrigerator for 20 minutes. <u>When you place logs in refrigerator preheat oven to 350 degrees (Fahrenheit)</u>.</p><p>5. Prepare two baking sheets by lining with parchment paper. Remove one of the logs and on a lightly floured or parchment lined surface cut evenly into 12 pieces. Then using a lightly floured rolling pin flatten each disk into a round cookie shape. Place cookies onto parchment lined baking sheet and dust with with remaining 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar. Repeat process with second log. Then place both sheets of cookies back in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes. </p><p>6. After refrigeration, bake until cookies are lightly golden and tops and edges are set, 14 to 16 minutes (rotating pans after 8 minutes). Let cool on pans for 5 minutes then transfer to rack to cool completely.</p><p>7. While cookies are cooling melt chocolate. Using a small microwave safe bowl heat chocolate in 20 second spurts (stirring well after each 20 second interval). When almost all the chips have melted simply let the heat of the already melted chocolate complete the melting process (chocolate scorches easily so you don't want to over heat). Set aside until cookies have cooled completely.</p><p>8. To apply chocolate garnish lay several sheets of parchment paper on a flat surface. Gather your melted chocolate, remaining 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, and turbinado sugar. Working with one cookie at a time dip 1/2 of cookie into chocolate and then sprinkle with nuts and sugar. Allow chocolate to set before moving cookies. If the heat/humidity is too high for your chocolate to set you can place cookies on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for a short period to set chocolate. These keep well in an airtight tin for several days or can be frozen. </p><p>Enjoy!</p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Pandemic Living ~</span></p></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe7P8r4k61UtZYkhxLkyFRzQ8dnxK5n1oVLXBhKEew8neIZfeq7OPPtIHMW2t5a38_pVs_R4EjYRr_M3RzPoJI_ryLp1CQ2Lw9BDmbNI_8B7PGVosYQk1R-RtAKgRZSchcIWGWawTuNWv/s2560/birdonlimb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe7P8r4k61UtZYkhxLkyFRzQ8dnxK5n1oVLXBhKEew8neIZfeq7OPPtIHMW2t5a38_pVs_R4EjYRr_M3RzPoJI_ryLp1CQ2Lw9BDmbNI_8B7PGVosYQk1R-RtAKgRZSchcIWGWawTuNWv/s640/birdonlimb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During the pandemic we are finding ourselves outside enjoying our garden more than ever. But we never seemed to have many birds visit, despite having a bird feeder and suet cake dispenser. Thinking about it I realized this was primarily because the blue jays were very aggressive and territorial driving off smaller birds. So I changed tactics and began scattering bird seed on the ground over a wide area and also adding songbird seed into the bulk seed I buy. Low and behold we now have lots of beautiful birds visiting and I couldn't be more thrilled to hear them happily tweeting and chirping away. We have coveys of quail, bevies of doves (both ground feeders) along with a wide variety of small birds including the occasional robin and pretty songbird (that prefer using the bird feeder). We're practically a bird sanctuary! And of course there are still the <strike>pesky</strike> pretty blue jays that feed on the ground, suet cake (their favorite) and the birdfeeder. But now there is too much territory for them to control so at least the other birds have a chance too. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the heat and all the fires it's more important than ever to consider the wildlife, especially in California. We have several water sources available for birds and the larger animals that call these mountains home or are simply migrating through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time be well and love well and stay safe in this pandemic. If you are looking for a quick and delicious fall baking treats you can't go wrong with my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/11/pumpkin-bread-with-walnut-topping.html">Pumpkin Bread with Walnut Topping</a> ~ or <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2010/11/cranberry-gloves-and-cranberry-swirl.html">Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake</a> (not too sweet and perfect for morning coffee). I've already made both this season!</div><p></p>Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-66783435463764330462020-07-26T19:24:00.004-07:002020-07-26T19:24:45.357-07:00Marley Shawl and Paper Mache Crafting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've had an exceptionally nice summer this year in Southern California. The temperatures are mild, the evenings are cool, and there are a few foggy days tossed in the mix. Around this time of year (late July) there is always a pregnant pause when it feels like the warm days of summer will last forever. And if the weather would stay like this I wouldn't mind one bit. But summer won't last and change <i>is</i> coming. And no one knows that better than retailers who roll out fall fashions almost before the 4th of July fireworks have faded into the night sky. And that's okay with me because around about now I like to start thinking ahead to my fall projects. </div>
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If you want to be wearing a new fabulously cozy shawl in a couple of months then you need to choose your project and get started now. And I think the Marley shawl would be a great choice for this fall, winter and beyond because of the brioche stitch and the wonderfully squishy fabric it creates.</div>
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Another reason to love the brioche stitch is that it's a great way to convert an impulse purchase of shocking pink yarn into something actually wearable. In public! That's an under appreciated aspect of the brioche stitch. How it magically tones down a bright yarn when paired with a neutral color. This is important for anyone with a propensity for choosing bright and garish colors. Like me! I've always been drawn to bright colorful colors. Anecdotally, for illustrative purposes, when I was a mere tadpole my grandmother taught me to crochet. She turned me loose in a thrift store with the instructions to pick two colors of yarn. I chose bright purple and bright yellow. I proceeded to crocheted a blanket at a speed that left the grownups astonished. A blanket that my mother, bless her heart, gifted to the family dog explaining that the colors did not go with my bedspread. Thus ended my passion for crochet. By not my love of garish colors.<br />
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To show the "neutralizing" effect of the brioche stitch I have pictures showing both the neutral and the bright sides dominant. In the picture above I am wearing it with the grey neutral dominant and in the picture below the bright pink is dominant. But the real beauty of brioche is showcased when both sides are mingled as shown in the very top picture. Your choice how you want to wear it my friend.<br />
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Learning the brioche stitch does take some effort. But like riding a bicycle once learned you will have a skill for life that will bring endless pleasure. For a beginner I highly recommend Nancy Marchant's online class, <a href="https://shop.mybluprint.com/knitting/classes/explorations-in-brioche-knitting/35569"><i>Explorations in Brioche Knitting</i></a>. She's a little hard to understand at first but if you slow the video down you can see the stitch formation better and once you understand that the rest is easy. Youtube has some great <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe_R7jbwhls"><i>free tutorials</i></a> too.<br />
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Particulars: <a href="http://www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/marley?category=brioche"><i>Marley Shawl</i></a> designed by Andrea Mowry; US 4 circular needles; 2 skeins each Ella Rae Merino - DK (neutral color) and 2 skeins <a href="https://www.qingfibre.com/collections/super-soft-sock-1"><i>Qing Fibre Supersoft Sock</i></a> (Miss Bim colorway). My only modification was to knit a much narrower border as I thought my shawl was large enough without adding a bulky border. Other designs I've knit by this designer include her <a href="http://www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/comfort-fade-cardi?category=sweater"><i>Comfort Fade Cardi</i></a> (where coincidentally I also made the border much more narrow). My Comfort Fade Cardi is in this post <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2019/11/sweater-weather-and-gnome-spotting.html"><i>Sweater Weather and Gnome Spotting</i></a>. Both Marley and the Comfort Fade Cardi are very wearable and make great wardrobe additions. And as I had plenty of leftover yarn from my Marley Shawl I knit myself a pair of basic socks with the remaining, you guessed it, pink yarn!<br />
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For additional brioche projects, see <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/01/resolutions-and-all-things-brioche.html"><i>Parlour</i></a> and <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/12/its-wrap-my-texture-time-shawl.html"><i>Texture Time</i></a> Shawls.<br />
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<i>Pandemic Living </i></h2>
The powers that be have advised us to learn a new hobby with all the time we are spending at home "being safe." Obviously they weren't aware of the state of my housekeeping. Because initially all of my free time was spent reclaiming my house, cupboards and closets from years of benign neglect and don't even get me started on the chore it was to organize my recipes (a project that is still ongoing). But after a mere six (6) months I am happy to report that I have advanced to the stage of learning a new hobby! And I am happy to report that I have not one but two new hobbies, both of which I really enjoy and only one of which am I talking about in this post.<br />
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In this post I'm talking about crafting with paper mache. I had lots of fun making these wee paper mache gnomes. It's fascinating to me what you can make simply using bits of scrap papers, liquid starch, and craft acrylic paint. I'll never toss out the cardboard center of a toilet roll again without pausing and reflecting on it's potential uses. But I digress. To learn to make these gnomes I went to a pro. Knowing absolutely nothing about paper mache I went in search of a kit and was very happy to find the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/743347276/gnome-head-papier-mache-starter-kit?ref=yr_purchases"><i>Gnome Head Paper Mache Starter</i></a> kit put together by a "paper mache artist." And the gnome pictured above is the first gnome I made using that kit and I couldn't be more happy with it.<br />
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My second project was this little June Bug. I made him more or less with the supplies that came in my kit. But I added antennas that I made out of soft wire (that came wrapped around the electric cord of my new vacuum) that I formed with small wire pliers and inserted deep into the paper mache while it was still soft. I then used both glue and liquid starch to secure in place. His facial features I made from bits of my own paper mache mulch (made with a combination of glossy magazine paper and blue craft paper agitated with water) combined with liquid starch as needed. His "head form" and the napkin I used to make his hat (as well as the paper mache technique I used) came from the kit. I painted him with craft acrylic paints that I had leftover from painting a <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2013/03/"><i>birdhouse</i></a> and/or other crafting projects. For his glossy finish I coated him with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/CS11201-Mod-Podge-8-Ounce-1-Pack/dp/B003W0XR8M/ref=asc_df_B003W0XR8M/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216501935499&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14787347883325074290&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031028&hvtargid=pla-349291426546&psc=1&language=en_US"><i>Mod Podge</i></a> (typically used to decoupage). I am so pleased with him that I plan on making a whole series of insect gnomes, along with Christmas ornaments, and any other whimsical flights of fancy that may come to me.<br />
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If you are interested in learning paper mache (and who wouldn't be?) I recommend going on Youtube and searching for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=free+tutorial+paper+mache"><i>free tutorials</i> </a>and seeing which of the paper mache artists has a style that appeals to you. There are tons of artists but I really like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5fh8YEb5OhNbNluUJcBb4A/featured"><i>Rozani Designs Masquerade</i> </a>(who I bought my kit from) and she has a lot of free tutorials on making gnomes, dragons, and other animals. Whether you have kids or still are a kid at heart (like me) you will find crafting with paper mache a fun creative hobby regardless of whether or not you are in a pandemic lockdown.<br />
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Farewell and until next time be well, love well, and be safe at home. On the plus side I've found that staying at home has slowed the place of my life to a crawl and allowed me the leisure and luxury of time to relax and be more in touch with myself and my thoughts. I've also been reading substantive books like I haven't had the time to do in years (possibly decades) and, as a christian, I am finding <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Benedict-Option-Strategy-Christians-Post-Christian/dp/0735213305/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T9GUGP9CP5XU&dchild=1&keywords=benedict+option+a+strategy+for+christians+in+a+post-christian+nation&qid=1595547837&sprefix=benedict+option%2Caps%2C220&sr=8-1"><i>The Benedict Option- a strategy for Christians in a Post Christian Nation</i></a> an interesting and timely read. That being said I think anyone from any religion, or an agnostic point of view, will find it an enlightening examination of world history, religion, and politics and how we have arrived at the place we are today. Of course during this time it's also important to relish simple pleasures like these delicious almond and chocolate biscotti made using a recipe from <a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/chocolate-dipped-almond-biscotti/"><i>Sally's Baking Addition</i></a>.<br />
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The beautiful pottery mug pictured above is made by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/wildchildclayworks"><i>WildChildClayWorks</i></a> (on Etsy) and I simply adore using it. It doesn't have a handle instead the mug walls are very thick and it has a buttery soft glaze making it a very delicious way to savor a cup of coffee ~</div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-32719216305453702642020-06-09T14:42:00.000-07:002020-06-09T22:15:44.794-07:00Sweet Tweedy Mitts and Tracy's Princess Cupcakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There's nothing terribly interesting about these mitts, save for one thing. I'm oddly compelled to knit them. Again and again. I have knit these mitts four (4) times which is surprising because typically I knit a pattern once and then pretty much move on and lose interest in knitting it again. And yet. There is something about this pattern paired with these two yarns that renders it a deeply satisfying, soothing and thoroughly enjoyable knitting experience for me. And the mitts ain't too bad either.</div>
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I've always maintained <i>the</i> key critical factor to a successful knit is to match the right yarn to the pattern and these mitts are a perfect example of that axiom. When you do that you can take a relatively simple pattern and elevate it to something special. Which is the case with these mitts. I can't think of a simpler pattern. Basically it's a tube with no shaping except a thumb hole. And yet. There is a brilliance to the design in its very simplicity, functionality and how well these yarns work together. And the brilliance should be no surprise as it's designed by Anne Hanson (<a href="https://knitspot.com/">Knitspot</a>) who paired it with one of her rustic in-house yarns and a hand painted variegated yarn. And it all works together beautifully. These aren't fancy "date night" mitts, but they will be well worn and loved, especially on cold morning hikes! </div>
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To be honest I didn't care for the original contrasting color that came with this project (a <i>manly</i> orangy/gold). And yet. I loved knitting them and Steve happily swooped them up hot off the needles. But I knew I had to have my own pair after having tried them on. So the next pair I knit thinking they would be for me so I chose a pretty contrasting yarn from stash And yet. There was something about that pair that I couldn't put my finger on that I didn't like as well. So I gave them away. And I might have stopped there but for the fact that the recipient of those mitts loved them so much they requested another pair. For this pair I bought the same variegated yarn chosen by the designer but in a colorway that appealed to me. And when I finished that pair I knew that the only yarn to use with this pattern were those that it was designed for. For my 4th (and definitely not final) pair I switched to a light main color (of the original yarn) paired with a blue variegated color (of the original yarn) and I love love love this pair. And I'm keeping them.</div>
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As I suspect the foregoing <strike>might be </strike> probably was confusing to read the bottom line is that the designer's choice of yarn is what makes this pattern work so well. The rustic solid yarn has both strength and memory to provide excellent structure while the variegated yarn knits up in a beautifully tweedy way. Call me impressed.</div>
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Particulars: <a href="https://www.barenakedwools.com/products/sweet-tweed-mitts?_pos=1&_sid=2859a8f52&_ss=r&variant=13464901353523"><i>Sweet Tweed Mitts</i>,</a> designed by Anne Hanson <a href="https://knitspot.com/">(<i>Knitspot</i></a>), US 1 DBN, 1 skein Bare Naked Wools, Stone Soup Fingering (blend of 80% rambouillet, columbia, lincoln, churro; 15% alpaca and llama, 5% combination of tencel, bamboo, silk and bison) ~ colors shown in both River Rock (dark) and Marble (light) paired with 1 skein Lorna's Laces, Shepherd Sock, multi, (colorway Crater Lake ). I made the medium size with no modifications whatsoever. I don't recommend substituting yarn in this pattern (as discussed above) but if you do I would only substitute the contracting color. The main color - stone soup fingering - has great memory, spring, and stitch definition which these mitts need. It is a rustic yarn that does soften when washed.</div>
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To see additional Anne Hanson (Knitspot) projects see <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/04/knitspot-2018-pairing-club-and-bake.html"><i>Hectare</i></a> (a cowl) and my gorgeous<a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-summery-scarf-and-delicious-bread.html"> <i>Longshadows scarf</i>.</a> </div>
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Tracy's Princess Cupcakes ~</h2>
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This cupcake recipe is shared with permission from Tracy who used to write the blog Pink Purl. It's no longer available online as Tracy's blog has sadly disappeared into the black hole of the blogoverse. But fortunately I had an old copy! It wasn't easy but I tracked Tracy down on Instagram where she now shares her inspiration, recipes and creativity. She was amused and astonished that I still had a copy of her cupcake recipe and gladly gave me permission to share it! She is still knitting but is vegan now and shares lots of delicious vegetarian recipes. I encourage you to follow her (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/simplegiftspictured/"><i>Simple Gifts Pictured</i></a>) as she'll uplift you and keep you health too. It always makes me a little sad when think back at all the wonderful blogs that have disappeared. Once upon a time there was a knitting renaissance fueled by the ascendance of knitting blogs and the bloggers who created a community unto themselves. A few remain but that community has shattered, fragmented and forever been changed by new platforms, changing times, and changing needs. But I still <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTA2buWlNyM">remember when</a></i>. </div>
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I wanted to share this recipe because it's very easy to make and a quick fix for a cupcake craving. A simple pleasure in trying times. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Without further ado, here's Tracy's recipe:</div>
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<i><b>Princess Cupcakes with Dreamy Cream Frosting</b></i></div>
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Yield ~ 12 cupcakes</div>
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1 112 cups all purpose flour</div>
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1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div>
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1/4 teaspoons salt</div>
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened</div>
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2 large eggs, room temperature</div>
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1 cup white granulated sugar</div>
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1/2 cup buttermilk (see <b>Note 1</b>)</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
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<b>Note 1</b>. I generally buy buttermilk but recently I read that buttermilk you create with lemon juice and whole milk actually performs better in baking. Your choice.</div>
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Preheat oven to 200 C/400 F. Line a 12-cup muffin baking pan with paper liners, and set aside. In large mixing bowl sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually beat in the butter into the flour mixture using an electric mixer. Beat until you have a mixture that resembles coarse bits of sand. Gradually beat in the sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and buttermilk. Beat until just blended, do not over beat. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffins pan, filling each cupcakes paper 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cupcake tops are slightly golden, and a toothpick test in center of cakes comes out clean. Cool cakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.</div>
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Dreamy Cream Frosting ~ makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes (with plenty left over) or a one 2-layer cake, about 2 cups frosting.</div>
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1/3 cups (76g) unsalted butter, softened </div>
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3 1/2 cups confectioner's/icing sugar, sifted</div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
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pinch salt</div>
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3-4 tablespoons milk</div>
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food coloring and decorations, as desired</div>
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With an electric mixer, mix together the butter, vanilla and salt until creamy and fluffy. Gradually beat in the sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in enough milk to make the frosting a desirable, spreadable, smooth consistency. Color frosting and decorate cakes as you wish.</div>
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For the cupcakes pictured in this post I skipped the vanilla extract and instead added 2 tablespoons strawberry jam and only used 2 tablespoons milk to achieve the consistency I wished. I did not add any food coloring but decorated with sprinkles.</div>
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This is a knitting blog and I try and stay on topic but I do not exist in a vacuum and I want to address the protests taking place here in the United States. There are two sides to every issue and certainly there are wonderful police officers just as they are bad actors within every profession, ethnicity, and walk of life. But to watch the murder of George Floyd cries out for more than past promises of reform. While abolishing the police is a bridge too far for me there are things that can and have to be done such as creating independent community oversight boards to hear and judge excessive force complaints; appoint private attorney generals to file criminal charges when appropriate; make wearing body cameras mandatory; eliminate choking or choke holds of any type; and fund programs that build bridges between the police and the community they serve. What I am not in favor of is race being used to divide or define us as a nation. We are one nation of people under G-d and our strength is from our melting pot culture. But we have to do a better job at providing education and opportunities for the underprivileged and low income who are primarily of color. It is unjust and inequitable for generations of families to live in poverty with no path out and a good education is the best way out of poverty. I have always focused my charitable giving on organizations overseas that provide education and healthcare for children. But now I see that there is a need here in the United States as well. I encourage everyone to research and find a charity in the U.S. that speaks to them and this issue. Let's make George Floyd's murder a permanent reminder that we all have a moral responsibility to speak up against and eliminate inequality wherever we find it. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: -0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Until next time be well, love well and treat others as you would have them treat you. And maybe add a little sweetness to the world while you're at it by sharing some cupcakes or surprising someone with mitts.</span></div>
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-49437064768068088042020-04-30T10:58:00.003-07:002023-07-07T10:36:05.209-07:00Show Me the Bread ~ Bialys and Sourdough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I want to share a bread post during this pandemic as I know many of you are baking. I know this because there is no flour or yeast to be found in any store and presumably there is a lot of baking going on. Social media bears this out as pictures of homemade goodies abound. I too have flour and yeast because I live in a perpetual state of emergency readiness. Otherwise I would have been one of those wandering the grocery aisles bewildered by the absence of staples. I've always kept a well stocked larder partly due to our remote location and partly due to years of California's vigilant commercial reminders to be always earthquake ready. They got the emergency wrong but it still turns out to have been good advice.<br />
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It's Springtime and vidalia onions are in season and therefore no better time to share a recipe for bialys. Never heard of a bialy? Then you probably have never been to a New York City Jewish Deli. It's similar to a bagel but it's baked and more squat with an onion topping. Trust me this tastes better than it sounds. I absolutely love them and bake several batches every Spring.<br />
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The recipe I'm sharing was originally published in <a href="https://www.saveur.com/"><i>Saveur magazine</i></a>. It was adapted from Mimi Sheraton's book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bialy-Eaters-Story-Bread-World/dp/0767905024"><i>The Bialy Eaters</i></a> (Broadway Books, 2002) and was pulled off line for some reason. I've tried to remain true to the recipe as shared but I had to make a few adaptions for it to work for me. So this is my adaption of the adaption and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do. If you ever get to New York City make sure you hunt down a deli that sells bialys. You'll be glad you did.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bialy Recipe</span><br />
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Yield ~ 16 ~<br /><br />
1/3 cup olive oil<br />
1 small vidalia onion, minced<br />
2 Tbs. coarse bread crumbs, toasted<br />
7 grams (1 package) active yeast or 1/2 oz fresh yeast<br />
3 cups cool water (note: original recipe called for ice water and fresh yeast)<br />
5 3/4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting (I recommend Bob's Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour)<br />
2 Tbs. kosher salt<br />
3 Tbs. poppy seeds<br />
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Steps:<br />
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1. First read over the instructions in entirety as this is not your typical bread recipe. There are two kneading stages for this dough and two options for baking, one using a sheet pan covering and one simply using baking sheets. I recommend using the sheet pan covering option as it will result in a crispy crust.<br />
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2. Prepare onion mixture. Heat oil in a skillet and add onion. Saute over low heat until onion is soft and translucent, 12 - 14 minutes. Stir in bread crumbs, set aside to cool.<br />
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3. Stir 1/2 cup cool (or iced) water and the yeast (either fresh or active) in a bowl until smooth and the yeast is dissolved. Add remaining 2 1/2 cups cool (or iced) water. Set aside. In a stand mixer with hook attached combined bread flour and salt. With the motor running slowly add the yeast mixture (I generally have a very wet and sticky mixture by the time I have added 2 1/2 cups and skip adding the last 1/2 cup). After adding the yeast mixture turn up the speed to medium-high and kneed until smooth but still still sticky, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Don't worry if there are some lumps they will break down during the <u>second kneading stage</u>. NOTE: <u>As a time saving hack I use a food processor to add the water/yeast mixture to the flour/salt mixture by drizzling in through the top opening while the machine is running</u>. Once I have added 2 1/2 cups water/yeast I stop the machine and transfer the mixture to my stand mixture and proceed to the kneading stage as described above.<br />
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4. Place dough in a bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Set aside in warm place until double in bulk, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. If I'm using an Air Fryer "proofing" function I generally find it is ready after proofing for 110 minutes at 90 degrees.<br />
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5. Return dough to mixer with hook and kneed for 10 minutes. All lumps must be gone and if you still have lumps after 10 minutes continue kneading by hand until all lumps are gone (or I simply reach into the bowl and using my fingers work the lumps until they disappear). This is a <u>very wet dough</u> and will stick to the bowl sides. If you knead by hand add as little flour as possible. Cover and set aside in a bowl until doubled in bulk, approximately 60 minutes.<br />
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6. Preheat oven to 450 degrees and line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place a pizza stone on lowest shelf in oven. Divide dough into 16 pieces and with well floured hands roll into balls (these will not form tight balls as the dough is too wet and lax for that. You will find this dough is different and behaves differently than other breads and don't expect it to have the form or texture of, for example, a bagel or pizza dough). Place 5 or 6 balls (1 inch apart) on each parchment lined baking sheet. Remember you will want them close enough that they will fit under a sheet pan cover, if you choose to bake them that way which I highly recommend. Cover with floured cloths and let rise until slightly puffy, approximately 45 minutes.<br />
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7. Wet the bottom of a small glass or jar (approximately 3 inches in diameter) and press into the center of each ball and twist to create a flat thin center with a puffy rim. Using your finger lightly apply a small amount of water to rims. Sprinkle surface with a few poppy seeds and add 1 or 2 teaspoons onion mixture to the center and a tiny bit around the edges. Resist the temptation to add more onion mix as over filling will cause the center to rise up like a knot.<br />
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8. You will bake the bialys in batches. If you want to create a dutch oven effect, cover tray of bialys with a 9x13 sheet pan turned upside. Place tray of bialys (covered by sheet pan) on the pizza stone and set a heavy cast-iron pan (or brick, etc.) on top of the sheet pan to weigh it down and trap heat. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the sheet pan covering and move the tray of bialys to the middle rack and bake until well browned, approximately 6 to 8 minutes (total cooking time 16 to 18 minutes). Note: the original recipe does not call for baking bialys under a sheet pan I found that tip online and I find it creates a nice crust. But you don't have to use the sheet pan to cover the bialys and can simply follow the baking instructions omitting the sheet pan covering. <u>If you skip the sheet pan covering you can get by with using just 2 baking sheets (8 bialys per sheet</u>).<br />
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Bialys are wonderful freshly baked and still warm from the oven but they also freeze well. To reheat I zap them in the microwave for 30 seconds and toast for a couple of minutes in a toaster oven. I personally don't add any topping (such as cream cheese, etc.) as I would with a bagel.<br />
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Pictured above is a typical breakfast for me. I love <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coachs-Oats-Whole-Grain-Oatmeal/dp/B0752W66TK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3EBC30QVF593N&dchild=1&keywords=coaches+oats+steel+cut+oatmeal&qid=1587609550&sprefix=coaches+oat%2Caps%2C273&sr=8-4"><i>Coach's Oats</i></a> topped with fruit and walnuts, Japanese green tea (in particular, <a href="https://www.davidstea.com/us_en/tea/organic-gyokuro-yamashiro/10230US01VAR0013089.html"><i>DavidsTea Gyokuro Yamashiro</i></a>), a slice of my homemade sourdough bread and I like to have another type of breakfast bread such as a bialy as well. This is a substantial repast and needless to say I have no need or desire to snack mid-morning. I adhere to the philosophy of breakfast like a queen, lunch like a princess and dine like a pauper! At least in a caloric/carb sense. That is if you ignore my lunchtime baked treat. <br />
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A Word or <i>Two</i> About Sourdough</h2>
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There is currently a tremendous interest in sourdough. But a sourdough adventure requires a multitude of things not necessarily on hand including wild yeast, bread proofing baskets (brotform), lame (for scoring), dutch oven (for crust) and a process that is well beyond the scope of my humble blog. If you are interested in sourdough I recommend the recipe in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tartine-Bread-Chad-Robertson/dp/0811870413"><i>Tartine Bread</i></a> and getting a jump start on your wild yeast by buying King Arthur Flour's <a href="https://shop.kingarthurflour.com/items/classic-fresh-sourdough-starter-1-oz"><i>Classic Fresh Sourdough Starter</i></a>. Years ago I attempted to create my own wild yeast via a petri dish until I had the epiphany that it was crazy to try and improve on King Arthur's hundred year old starter that had obviously stood the test of time. I do keep dual starters - one fed by the Tartine Bread method and the other following King Arthur Flour's method. I do this as it gives me flexibility with different types of recipes and also ensures that if one starter goes bad or spills, etc. that I have another to begin again with.<br />
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I love huge door stopper slices of sourdough and my favorite toppings include butter and honey; olive oil and <a href="https://www.feastingathome.com/zaatar-spice-recipe/"><i>Zaatar</i></a> (make middle east style bruschetta by adding feta cheese on top); olive oil and <i><a href="https://cookieandkate.com/easy-dukkah-recipe/">dukkah</a>;</i> and last but not least, butter and seville orange marmalade. Sourdough isn't just for breakfast though. It's also fantastic with a bowl of soup, toasted hard and drenched in olive oil.<br />
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Homemade bread is one of my favorite foods and I never cease to be amazed at the amazing results you can achieve in your own kitchen. I hope you will embark on a life long love affair as I have. If you are new to bread baking and want a try a simple yeast bread recipe I recommend trying my <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/01/classic-dinner-rolls.html"><i>classic dinner rolls</i></a>.<br />
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Just a quick word on the pandemic before closing. Each of us are having to make changes in our priorities and we are recognizing that the actions we take impact others and the planet. It is my hope this will lead to positive and lasting changes in society and how we treat each other. If it does the world will be a better place to live. Something good coming from something that is bad. Until next time be well and stay safe and keep baking, it's something wonderful that you can share.</div>
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-27325120444884386332020-04-03T15:31:00.001-07:002022-09-25T16:45:40.281-07:00Spring Zweig Sweater and Chicken Vegetable Instapot Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a knitting blog and, as always, I have a project to share. But first I want to talk about the COVID-19 crisis and how anxious and worried I am for our neighbors, community, world and of course our family. I wish everyone could stay home and avoid exposure to the virus but I know there are those who perform essential roles in providing healthcare, food, supplies, and leadership and my thanks and prayers are with each of you and your families.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it will be many months before a vaccine is widely available. Those of us who are older, have underlying health conditions or family in those risk categories will likely have to take precautions for longer than others. This means staying at home and not leaving for any reason and that can be isolating and lonely. But there are things you can do to stay connected and be part of your community. For example I have joined a group on Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/177milkstreet/?fref=nf">Milk Street Community</a>) that shares recipes and tips and our Temple (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/makomla/">Makom LA</a>) has a variety of live services streamed on Facebook as well. Both are welcoming and friendly communities. Other options include having a virtual happy hour on <a href="https://zoom.us/ent?zcid=3172">Zoom</a> and other creative uses of social media platforms. Look around and find those that interest you and join in. This is also a good time to touch base with friends and family and rebuild relationships that have drifted apart. And of course you should absolutely keep knitting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this post I am wearing the very popular Zweig Sweater designed by <a href="http://boylandknitworks.com/">Caitlin Hunter</a>. It's a unique design that combines texture, lace, and colorwork and yet still manages to be an easy and straight forward knit. That's the magic of Caitlin's patterns - they look a more complicated than they are. I chose to use Spring colors as I don't have many sweaters for that season as Spring in Southern California feels like summer anywhere else. Ironically it's really cold this Spring but as we are confined to home I'll just have to sashay about the house in my new sweater. That's okay because next year I may break down and wear this in the Winter as well and make it a two season sweater!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My mother would laugh at that as she is always telling me I am too rigid and I need to be more flexible. But I like each season to shine for it's own special reasons and I resist crossing over seasons in clothing or food. Spring is a time for lemon flavored baking, pink flowers, Easter baskets, enjoying the sound of birds singing, baby lambs, longer days and rediscovering the miracle of regrowth and renewal. I'd love to hear what makes your heart sing about Spring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I won't go into my tips for colorwork or how to achieve a custom fit for a sweater because I have shared those tips in previous posts. My tips for knitting a sweater are in the post <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-knit-sweater-and-tips-to-achieve.html"><i>Knitting a Sweater and Tips to Achieve a Custom Fit</i></a> and my colorwork tips are in the <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2009/10/high-time-to-learn-fair-isle.html"><i>Hebe</i></a> hat post (an Alice Staremore design) and to be honest I think there are now a number of Youtube videos that would probably make great free tutorials for colorwork. But I still stand by my advice to practice, practice, and practice more on a swatch holding two strands in your hand and get very used to knitting that way before you embark on your first project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Particulars: <a href="http://boylandknitworks.com/#/zweig/">Zweig Sweater</a>, designed by Caitlin Hunter (<a href="http://boylandknitworks.com/">Boyland Knitworks</a>); yarn by <a href="https://ahomespunhouse.com/">A Homespun House </a>(merino/cashmere blend). This was a very easy sweater to knit. I made the smallest size (XS) and made no modifications. I chose the amethyst color and Molly (the dyer behind A Homespun House) helped me pick the contrasting color of stardust and I think that was the perfect choice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other patterns that I've knit by Caitlin Hunter are her <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/02/hat-topper-fun-and-lucilles-red-cake.html">Kobuk</a> hat and <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/03/sunset-highway-sweater-and-baking-sweet.html">Sunset Highway Sweater</a>. I love all her designs and I'm sure I'll be knitting more. Other projects knit using a homespun house yarn include the<a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2020/02/fashions-warm-and-fuzzy-trend-and-life.html"> beautiful shawl</a> in my last post and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-the-angles">All the Angles</a>, a shawl designed by Stephen West that I have yet to photograph.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">Before I switch gears to cooking I have just realized that I am approaching my 13th Blogiversary. That's a long time. My very first post </span><a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2007/05/welcome-to-mr-puffy-and-claudias-blog.html" style="font-size: 0.875rem;"><i>Welcome to Mr. Puffy and Claudia's Blog!</i></a><span style="font-size: 0.875rem;"> </span><span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">was back on May 5, 2007. I want to thank you for reading along on this journey and for the comments and private notes that I've received. I'm glad that I embarked on this journey and I know there are many more projects and recipes that I want to share and I hope you will following along with me and find some inspiration along the way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 0.875rem;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instant Pot ~ Chicken Vegetable Soup ~</span></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;">Steve and I have been practicing self isolation long before it became popular. Largely a result of living in the mountains and working long hours at home. And when you spend a lot of time at home your meal repertoire gets to be pretty large by sheer necessity. I know many of you are not used to cooking meals at home and the COVID-19 crisis is making you consider how exactly do you stretch that chicken or use up bags of legumes. So I thought this would be a good time to share a recipe that will help on both accounts.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">A quick word about the <a href="https://instantpot.com/">Instant Pot</a> (pressure cooker). No you don't need one to make this recipe. You can simply cook the chicken and legumes on your stove top and adjust the cooking time. However I think you'll have to cook it long and slow at a low heat to achieve the same texture and melding of flavors. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I'm obviously a fan of the Instant Pot and this is how it happened. One day Steve came into the house calling "I have a gift for you." I was very excited..... until I saw it was a cooking implement. To say I was underwhelmed is an understatement. Then I used it. Now I laughingly say Best. Gift. Ever! It does take a few times to get comfortable using it and you do have to be careful that you don't overcook things (I found the recipes included waaaaay overstated the cooking time). But it's worth the effort and now I use mine weekly to make a stew or soup for the weekend. They are sold everywhere including Amazon, etc. I have the 6-quart size which is the most popular. </span></span></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chicken Vegetable Soup - Instant Pot Recipe</span></b></i></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 whole chicken (approximately 4 lbs.), skin removed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup mixed legumes (i.e.split peas, barley, red lentils, and maybe small pasta pieces). I like Bob's Red Mill vegi soup mix which is a mix of all these. No pre-soaking required.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 stock cube - I use Rapunzel vegetable bouillon (low sodium) Ralph's grocery store sells this brand</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Assortment sliced/diced vegetables (zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, red peppers, sweet onion, and small cherry tomatoes) These should be cut pretty thick or they will dry out during the roasting process.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tbs. Olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 tsp. dried oregano (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. About 1.5 or 2 hrs before you want to eat wash and remove skin from the chicken and cut off all fat. Place the skinned chicken in an instant pot. Add 1 cup or desired amount of legumes, salt, and stock (I use 1 cube) and water sufficient to cover chicken by approximately 2 inches. Set instant pot on "poultry" setting and adjust cook time to 7 minutes. After the timer goes off leave the chicken in the instant pot for roughly another half hour to allow it to continue cooking in the hot liquid. Open and remove chicken from liquid at this point and check that it is cooked though. If it is, set it aside to cool. Close the instant pot until vegetables are ready to add.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N.B. I find the 7 minutes plenty of time to thoroughly cook a chicken but it never hurts to double check and should you need to cook it longer you can always place the chicken back into the hot liquid and allow it to continue cooking until you are satisfied that it is cooked through. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. In the meantime preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss mixed vegetables in olive oil and salt to taste. Spread out on a foil covered tray and bake for approximately 40 to 60 minutes or until tender and the edges have started to brown. Cooking time is an estimate. You need to check and see how fast the vegetables are cooking because If you slice the veggies too thin they will cook faster and you risk they shrivel up to nothing. When they are ready remove them from the oven and fold the foil over to tent vegetables (keep warm) and set aside until ready to use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. About 5 minutes before you want to eat shred the white meat and remove all bones (I typically don't use the dark/thigh meat but that is your choice). Set shredded chicken meat aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Add 50 to 75% of cooked vegetables to the hot liquid in your instant pot and using a hand immersion bender or any type of blender pulse a few times to break up the vegetables and legumes to make a chunky rich broth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Taste broth and adjust seasoning (add salt, oregano) as desired.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Add shredded chicken and remaining 25% vegetables to the instant pot and you are finished!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We often eat an Instant Pot soup/stew with a side salad and bread. <span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">The bread pictured above is a Turkish flatbread that I made following this </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORoIGnoakwU&list=LL_DJ4jkrwqQi9pHQ6eI5ZmA&index=7&t=0s" style="font-size: 0.875rem;">Youtube video</a><span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">. It's wonderful to scoop up dips and soup. If you are simply going to eat it on it's own then I suggest you increase the salt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Until next time stay home, stay safe and may all of you and your loved ones find ways to stay connected during this stressful time. In the sage words of my mother "this too shall pass" and we will get through this together. </i></span></div>
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-91150220000660578612020-02-16T15:44:00.000-08:002020-02-16T15:44:16.955-08:00Fashion's Warm and Fuzzy Trend and the Life and Misadventures of Simcha<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For whatever reason<i> you can draw your own conclusions </i>clothing trends have sharply veered toward the soft and fuzzy. It's as if collectively we need to cocoon ourselves and be comforted as we traverse the landscape of our daily lives. At least that's how it seems here in Southern California where you can't walk into any clothing store without noticing all the plush and fuzzy jackets and hoodies this winter. And it must be the same everywhere because Knitwear designers have taken note of the trend and have embraced the very warm and fuzzy "kid mohair/silk" with cultist devotion. Never have I seen so many new designs for sweaters, hats and shawls incorporating kid mohair/silk. But to truly get that "on trend" fuzzy fabric you can't just "incorporate" kid mohair/silk. You have to go all in. Go big or go home. Double down. And that's exactly what this shawl does. It doubles down and is knit with kid mohair/silk held doubled yes doubled throughout and wow what a super trendy and super fuzzy shawl it is. Trust me wearing this you will be the object of envy of anyone close enough to pet you. You better hope no creepy entitled politicians are lurking nearby.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHHjMKBjyevTUkh5n1-yaYQbnT8kzb1iQ-stmWzc7Bs9anRY1XrqbDWNMwyElmw-m5BlIgMynaxiiEXREDxxprnir5OE0kwQepWty9EYZwTnWHj-hMtr0jkMXj8kNSzENZpjk4qWgJZ4u/s1600/sinjaLR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHHjMKBjyevTUkh5n1-yaYQbnT8kzb1iQ-stmWzc7Bs9anRY1XrqbDWNMwyElmw-m5BlIgMynaxiiEXREDxxprnir5OE0kwQepWty9EYZwTnWHj-hMtr0jkMXj8kNSzENZpjk4qWgJZ4u/s640/sinjaLR1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The pattern itself is brilliant in it's simplicity. While there is a lace design that gives it an ephemeral quality there are panels of garter stitch that give it needed density and structure. There's 150g of kid mohair/silk used in the design. That's 1,475 yards and that's a whole lotta kid mohair/silk. The reason that the shawl is not overwhelmingly large is, as I mentioned above, that you hold the yarn doubled throughout. The finished size is just perfect to wear over a sweater for an evening out or on a cold day. And leave the jacket at home cuz you won't be needing it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUtV2vpdRGhEpY_6vkCteU5vcJF1F_Re2jsXfje4mFHPLb3eHnnlavjKnkPVJ5GII0UvMEk23tVtZsgisgjmkBEZIh-l0XUaMbbWr1I_NEpeFzeP5VuM8ecIQ8wxZA_hZo-NRQkb3GFVt/s1600/sinjaoutsideLR1ifl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUtV2vpdRGhEpY_6vkCteU5vcJF1F_Re2jsXfje4mFHPLb3eHnnlavjKnkPVJ5GII0UvMEk23tVtZsgisgjmkBEZIh-l0XUaMbbWr1I_NEpeFzeP5VuM8ecIQ8wxZA_hZo-NRQkb3GFVt/s640/sinjaoutsideLR1ifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the years I've knit a lot of fingering weight shawls. But I have to confess that knitting shawls with fingering weight yarn just isn't doing it for me any more. I still knit a lot of socks and sweaters with sock yarn but not shawls. I've also discovered that while they look pretty I don't really enjoy wearing sock weight shawls. They aren't really that warm and some part of my anatomy is usually exposed. But large shawls that are warm, soft and fuzzy are calling to me. And this one is perfection.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_hGeiTVRbjgbRR_THd4NwI1WDPLP5V8B9Mt3YYD8BvyNXrWiASjtjpySr_fmltXGE4lDVbRRsp3T2oxH71CKCaG6U3uW3o9IkiXk5NTQTFRnyERfFIQtIUcwvBhPazPjJFQALMy-zehP/s1600/sinjaLR2aifl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_hGeiTVRbjgbRR_THd4NwI1WDPLP5V8B9Mt3YYD8BvyNXrWiASjtjpySr_fmltXGE4lDVbRRsp3T2oxH71CKCaG6U3uW3o9IkiXk5NTQTFRnyERfFIQtIUcwvBhPazPjJFQALMy-zehP/s640/sinjaLR2aifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">PARTICULARS: </span><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sinja" style="font-family: inherit;">Sinja</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> designed by </span><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/designers/katrin-schubert" style="font-family: inherit;">Katrin Schubert</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> (German knitwear designer); US 6 needles; 3 skeins (150g) <a href="https://ahomespunhouse.com/">A Homespun Hous</a>e, Kid Mohair/Silk, colorway Velvet, (50g / 492 yrds per skein). No modifications whatsoever. I had 9g left over. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">N.B. I can't even pretend with a straight face that this is my first foray with kid mohair/silk. Way back in 2007 I posted my beautiful lacy <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2007/05/dove-shawl.html">Dove shawl</a>. But this is the first time that I've used it held doubled throughout. While my <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/12/its-wrap-my-texture-time-shawl.html">Texture Time shawl</a> knit designed by Stephen West incorporates melted baby suri (which is similar to holding kid mohair/silk doubled) it is used as an accent and not the main yarn. But I do love it and am tempting to knit more of his designs that incorporate melted baby suri including his <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wonky-starfish">Wonky Starfish shawl</a>, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/suriously-holey">Suriously Holey Shawl</a>, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flying-foxtail-shawl">Flying Foxtail Shawl</a>, and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hiberknitting-cowl">Hiberknitting Cowl</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">To see other projects that either use or incorporate kid mohair/silk see <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2007/11/lady-of-lake.html">Birch Shawl</a>,<a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2008/02/its-art-not-science.html"> Silver Birch Hat</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/02/hat-topper-fun-and-lucilles-red-cake.html">Kobuk Hat</a>, <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2010/01/he-said-she-said.html">Calm Sweater</a>, <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-willowy-scarf-and-knitting-tip-no-3.html">Willow Wrap</a>, <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-mysterious-stole.html">Anisette Stole</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2013/12/winter-lace-shawl-and-christmas-crafting.html">Trieste Shawl</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/11/tapping-into-your-creative-process-and.html">Personal Pattern</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2009/11/twilight-inspired-mittens.html">Bella Mittens</a> and a personal favorite <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2011/12/fleur-wrap-and-marmalade-tea-cake.html">The Fleur Wrap</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoFvGyYsV6Q4wK8XAUIRfNejcP4Qds8KtM9FCGn9MhQflXhaMvg9SrfbDu6NNNFJ7v7G57TI9ve8uUATiEIcJTEZ3aIQcEDzVWLy5S_yJXQknLT1PHe92XjTOpZPVAG_gcnUEI-X5OrLZ/s1600/sinjaoutflatLR1ifl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoFvGyYsV6Q4wK8XAUIRfNejcP4Qds8KtM9FCGn9MhQflXhaMvg9SrfbDu6NNNFJ7v7G57TI9ve8uUATiEIcJTEZ3aIQcEDzVWLy5S_yJXQknLT1PHe92XjTOpZPVAG_gcnUEI-X5OrLZ/s640/sinjaoutflatLR1ifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Life and </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Mis</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">adventures of Simcha ~</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZn9HpDASAV8XZrmABQ3f0mxkH9NGLTJOZUuO6Nc_g8l1qIj-W6l9SRSF_s-TXD26U7ila0QAstkj3sdQtj5doAbUSRrvbHKApxHaBBSFOzwT_CV811_H_9RpGwGIf88nvMOLLzOsYaoo/s1600/mountainLR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZn9HpDASAV8XZrmABQ3f0mxkH9NGLTJOZUuO6Nc_g8l1qIj-W6l9SRSF_s-TXD26U7ila0QAstkj3sdQtj5doAbUSRrvbHKApxHaBBSFOzwT_CV811_H_9RpGwGIf88nvMOLLzOsYaoo/s640/mountainLR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't shared much about Simcha the last few years. Yes he's mellowed with time but rest assured he still oozes personality, intensity, and gamesmanship. Including his intimidating <i>deadeye stare </i>that I managed to capture above. If he had lived in days of the Old West he would have been a gunslinger. On the right side of the law, of course. More of a Sheriff. "The sheriff" is actually one of his nicknames because he likes everyone to get along and behave - including Steve and myself! And let me assure you that Steve is a big misbehavior. <i>Snicker</i>. While some might find his deadeye stare intimidating that's only because they don't know that he has a heart of gold.</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time be well, love well and before winter slips away try adding some warmth and fuzziness into your life! If you are looking for an instant fix of fuzz here's my totally unsolicited and unpaid plug for a product that Steve and I love (I should clarify that for any product mentioned on the blog it is always unpaid and unsolicited unless stated otherwise). In any event the product is ~ ta dah ~ Malden Mills Polar Fleece sheets. Starting last year Steve refused to switch back to regular sheets in the summer so we now use them year round. Nuff said. A ton of retail stores carry them but I buy them on<a href="https://www.qvc.com/Malden-Mills-Polarfleece-Queen-Sheet-Set-w-Extra-Cases.product.H216655.html"> QVC</a>.</span></div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-81791257184846171832019-12-13T13:36:00.003-08:002019-12-13T13:36:33.569-08:00Black Magic Butter Dream Cookies and Christmas Gnomes ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who doesn't love Christmas cookies? No one that's who. And if you master the art of baking Christmas cookies you will always be in demand at holiday parties, social gatherings, and secret political coups. But mostly you will reap the benefits from your own family's enjoyment and eager anticipation for your holiday cookie baking to begin. This year I'm sharing one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes which has the added bonus of being super easy to make! So those of you who are not stronger bakers (and you know who you are) or even if you think nothing of whipping up a classic french <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/a-classic-croquembouche-recipe-1375168"><i>Croquembouche</i></a> you will find this cookie a nice addition to your Christmas cookie repertoire.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Black Magic Butter Dream Cookies</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~ yield ~ 2 dozen</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The recipe was given to my mom from a lady in her church. She called it Black Magic Butter Dreams and they indeed melt in your mouth in a pretty dreamy way. It's also a pretty quick recipe to make (although you need to chill the dough for a couple of hours) and it's a good all round additional to your holiday cookie plate. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup (8 oz) sweet butter (unsalted) room temperature (I like to use Kerry Gold Irish butter)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup - sifted - powdered sugar (plus an additional powered sugar to garnish baked cookies)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/4 tsp salt</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup chopped walnuts (chop by hand as the irregular pieces create nice texture and crumb)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. Using an electric mixer beat butter, 1/2 cup sifted powered sugar and vanilla at medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on how soft your butter is) or until light and fluffy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">3. Sift together flour and salt. Using a wooden spoon stir flour mixture into butter mixture until fully incorporated. Add walnuts and stir briefly until distributed evenly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">4. Refrigerate cookie dough for 2 to 3 hours. When dough is chilled use your hands to roll into 1 inch balls and bake 15 minutes or until set and slightly brown.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">5. While cookies are still warm, roll in powered sugar. When cool give them a second roll in powered sugar.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hope your family enjoys these as much as mine does. I've seem similar recipes using pecans but I think walnuts are especially nice in Christmas cookies. One of my favorite Christmas cookies of all is a walnut cookie recipe I shared many years ago called <i><a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2008/12/night-cap-anyone.html">Festive Walnut Christmas Cookies</a></i>. This was a favorite cookie of my father's and I make them every year. </span></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;">It's Nice to be Gnome for the Holidays ~</b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my last post I mentioned that I'm going crazy knitting gnomes! This is the newest addition to my collection and I think he's a jolly addition to my Christmas decorations. He's perched here on the edge of my Swedish advent calendar, which is only appropriate as gnomes (or tomte as they are known in Sweden) are a traditional part of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisse_(folklore)"><i>Scandinavian folklore</i></a>. Apparently Tomte have been living in Scandinavia since the beginning of time. They live in lofts or barns and wear bright-red caps and wooden clogs. Rarely seen except for children and the family cat, he is a helpful guardian of the farm and livestock. If you are missing a sock or something has been mysteriously moved then the tomte borrowed it. But be wary because if you offend him he may play tricks or do something even <i>more</i> nefarious. On Christmas eve good children in Sweden climb to the barn loft in the countryside or their house attic if living in the city to leave a bowl of rice pudding with a lump of butter and a mug of beer for the tomte. In the morning little gifts are tucked into their shoes and the bowl and the mug are empty, proof that the tomte was there! I've always related more to my mother's tradition who is English but since my father's passing (he was Swedish and Norwegian) I've wanted to connect more to his part of my heritage. And what could be a better way than bringing these whimsical tomtes into my home!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Particulars: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gnome-pun-intended"><i>Gnome Pun Intended</i></a>; designed by Sarah Schira <i>(<a href="https://www.imaginedlandscapes.com/">imagined landscapes</a></i>); US 1 needles; mini skeins by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackSheepDyeworks"><i>Black Sheep Dyeworks</i></a> (colorways cinnabar (red) and lettuce tonal (body) and scrap white yarn by <a href="https://knitspot.com/"><i>Knitspot</i></a> stranded with scrap silk mohair for the beard. Finished gnome is 8" in height. I did add a pretty bead to the tip of his hat which I think is a nice finishing touch. To see my autumnal gnome see the post<a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2019/11/sweater-weather-and-gnome-spotting.html"> <i>Sweater Weather and Gnome Spottin</i>g</a>. And to see the original project using the silk mohair used in the beard see the <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2014/05/northern-skies-mystery-shawl-kal.html">Northern Skies shawl post</a>. I must confess the knitspot yarn was knit into a fantastic project but it has yet to be photographed. Someday!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all love this newest addition to our holiday gnome family. Especially Simcha.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Until next time be well, love well and know that Steve, Simcha and I are wishing p</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">eace, happiness, and good tidings to all this Hanukkah, Christmas and throughout the New Year ahead. </span></span><br />
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-79188537937526539852019-11-18T10:32:00.001-08:002019-11-18T10:40:26.504-08:00Sweater Weather and Gnome Spotting ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At long last it's sweater weather here in Southern California! I can't tell you how relieved I'll be when rain arrives next week (as predicted) as fire season seems to get longer and more dangerous every year not just here in Southern California but all over the world. Of course fire risk is nothing new to me. I grew up in California and when I was young there were several fires where we were evacuated. And about ten years ago I spent several days in evacuation status with my parents (our misadventures coalescing into my <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2009/05/tips-for-wildfire-evacuee.html"><i>Tips for the Wildfire Evacuee</i></a>). But recent fires are without a doubt more intense and spread more quickly. Thankfully we have amazing firefighters who just yesterday stopped a small wildfire from spreading right here in Topanga Canyon. But then there was no wind blowing. When the wind blows there is nothing any firefighter anywhere can do.<br />
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And on that cheery note let's talk about my "I didn't get to go to Spain" consolation sweater. Back in May we were supposed to travel to Spain but I tripped and badly sprained my ankle. I was laid up with my foot in traction for several weeks and this sweater is the result of that inactivity. As I have found before knitting is a wonderful panacea for the bumps and bruises that occur in my life. It takes my mind off my troubles and soothes me to create something beautiful despite whatever else is going on. You probably recognize this sweater as Andrea Mowry's very popular Comfort Fade Cardi. It's a fun and easy knit but I made two significant modifications that I think greatly impacted the finished sweater. First I changed the sweater from a reverse stockinette fabric to a traditional stockinette leaving the garter stitch trim (collar and cuffs) and second I greatly reduced the depth of the collar around the neck opting instead to make the front band wider. I did that because some of the projects seemed lopsided with too much fabric for the collar around the neck area and too skimpy in the front. Those modifications were the right call for me and something for you to think about if you are planning on knitting this sweater. I've provided more details on those modifications below.<br />
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Despite my somewhat gloomy musing in this post I have actually been enjoying myself this Fall. I have an amazing capacity to live in the moment and enjoy small things even when I might have big worries. Like burning to a crispy crisp in a wildfire. The following list is some of my favorite Fall things:<br />
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1. <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCdwKhTtNNw">Sweater Weather</a> </i>(music video) by The Neighborhood.<i> </i>Not only does this video have a cool apropos title it's shot in and around the Pacific Coast Highway/Malibu area and the vibe might help explain why people live in SoCal despite wildfires, earthquakes and crazy politics;<br />
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2. <i> </i>Adding a dash of cinnamon to coffee grounds before brewing. I learned this trick from someone who learned the trick from Molly of <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/a_homespun_house/"> A Homespun House</a>. </i>I used to add cinnamon to a cup of coffee but it is so much better when added to the grounds;<br />
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3. The change in the sun angle and quality of the sun rays. Fall is hard to find in Southern California but for those who pay attention the changing light quality is a special and enjoyable part of Fall;<br />
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3. Burning Scented candles. This Fall I'm crushing on<i> <a href="https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/s?q=pumpkin+&lang=en_US">Bath and Body Works candle</a>s</i>, Pumpkin Cupcake is very yummy;<br />
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4. Seasonal Baking: <i><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/259801/cinnamon-raisin-bread">Cinnamon Raisin Bread</a> (</i>Steve's favorite fall treat<i>)</i>, <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/11/pumpkin-bread-with-walnut-topping.html"><i>Pumpkin Bread with Walnut Topping</i></a>, <i><a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2013/09/kicking-off-fall-with-socks-and-granola.html">Granola</a> (</i>wonderful sprinkled over fresh persimmon on top of morning oatmeal<i>)</i>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BaretJ5jZmo/"><i>Chocolate Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies</i></a> (this is just one of several recipes I love from <a href="https://www.bakefromscratch.com/">Bake From Scratch</a>, <a href="https://www.bakefromscratch.com/product/holiday-cookies/ref/thefeedfeed/ref/thefeedfeed/">Holiday Cookies Magazine (2017)</a>;<br />
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5. Scented bath soaps. My favorites are made by <a href="https://www.lushusa.com/search?q=soap&search-button=&lang=default"><i>Lush Cosmetics</i></a> and <a href="https://www.philosophy.com/bath-body/bath-shower-gels"><i>Philosophy Bath and Shower Gels</i></a>;<br />
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6. Hiking with Simcha and collecting Fall foliage for decorating around the house; and<br />
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7. Snacking on <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/10/solstice-cardigan-and-honey-roasted.html"><i>Honey Roasted Pecans</i></a>!<br />
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So that's what's been going on in my world this Fall. I would love to hear what you are up to and what you enjoy about this time of year!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Particulars</b>: <i> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/comfort-fade-cardi">Comfort Fade Cardi</a></i>; designed by Andrea Mowry (<a href="http://www.dreareneeknits.com/"><i>Drea Renee Knits</i></a>) ; US 5 needles; <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/bigskyyarnco"><i>Big Sky Yarn Co</i></a>., Squish DK (superwash merino) purchased as a kit. I loved knitting with this yarn and couldn't be happier with the sweater. It knit true to size (I knit XXS) and this yarn has a lot of bounce and holds it's shape well. But as discussed above I made two significant </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">modifications:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I preferred the look of stockinette I knit it with stockinette as the RS (versus WR). Although the color fade transitions are probably not as smooth in the stockinette that didn't bother me; and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I modified the neck/front band in two ways. First I only did one repeat of the short rows and two I increased the number of full rows to 60. I made this modification as I thought that the front band of the sweater looked too skimpy while the neck area too large. I faded the colorband as follows: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Note: The rows below only includes full rows. The one repeat section of short rows were all done according to the pattern as written and in colorway A. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1-8 = A <br style="line-height: 1em;" />9-10 = B <br style="line-height: 1em;" />11-12 = A <br style="line-height: 1em;" />13-24 = B <br style="line-height: 1em;" />25-26 = C <br style="line-height: 1em;" />27-28 = B <br style="line-height: 1em;" />29-30 = C <br style="line-height: 1em;" />31-32 = B <br style="line-height: 1em;" />33-42 = C <br style="line-height: 1em;" />43-44 = D <br style="line-height: 1em;" />45-46 = C <br style="line-height: 1em;" />47-48 = D <br style="line-height: 1em;" />49-50 = C <br style="line-height: 1em;" />51-60 = D</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This modification ended up with a front band depth of 5.5 inches (on each side) and a 7 inch depth at the back of the neck. For tips on how to knit a sweater that fits I refer you to my post<i> <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-knit-sweater-and-tips-to-achieve.html">Knitting a Sweater and Achieving a Custom Fit.</a> </i>To see other cardigans that I've knit see:<a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/10/solstice-cardigan-and-honey-roasted.html"> <i>Solstice Cardigan</i></a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/09/brooklyn-tweed-sweater-scarf-accessory.html"><i>Little Wave</i></a>,<i> <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2012/07/bud-summer-sweater-and-lemon-and-white.html">Bud</a></i>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2008/05/finally-flo.html"><i>Flo</i></a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2010/05/cabled-riding-jacket-aka-my-great.html"><i>Cabled Riding Jacket</i></a> (these are the sweaters that I wear and enjoy the most).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gnome Spotting ~</span></b><br />
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Have you ever noticed that Gnomes are seasonal creatures? They appear suddenly in the Fall and then mysteriously disappear in the Spring. I have no idea where they go or why. That's just part of their charm. This is Gnellie a cute little gnome and she loves all things Fall. She likes to collect foliage, mushrooms, feathers and other treasures of that sort. While she's formidable she is also very shy and I'm delighted that she posed for this picture. I will be very sorry when she disappears. But I suspect that she'll be back when the leaves turn next year.<br />
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I knit Gnellie as part of the<i> </i><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oh-gnome-you-didnt"><i>Oh, Gnome, You Didn't</i> </a> mystery KAL hosted by Sarah Schira (<a href="https://www.imaginedlandscapes.com/"><i>Imagined Landscapes</i></a>). I bought the yarn as a kit on Etsy from <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackSheepDyeworks">Black Sheep Dyeworks</a> </i>(which I augmented with a few odds and ends of stash yarn). For example her nose is knit with yarn leftover from my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/04/knitting-socks-and-simchas-corner.html"><i>dragon socks</i></a>). This is a pretty small project (roughly 5 inches tall) and not really a "toy" but more a decoration. Be warned knitting gnomes is addictive. Once you start it's hard to stop.<br />
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Until next time be well, love well and remember to enjoy the small things that make Fall special. And a very big Happy Thanksgiving to all ~ from our Gnome to yours ~ </div>
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-14626175038584981262019-05-20T19:46:00.000-07:002019-05-20T19:46:03.933-07:00SCONES - the British Way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As an American I've found it a long and arduous journey to find the perfect British scone recipe. There were many perils along the way from disappointing recipes, confusing measuring conventions, differences in flour composition, and perhaps the most challenging factor, no decent example to be found anywhere. I've had tea at the Biltmore in Santa Barbara and numerous other posh establishments and never had a cup of tea worth drinking or a scone enjoyable to consume. While I didn't know how to make a scone myelf I knew enough that the pale, slightly risen, and cold offering was not a proper British scone. Not by half. Which is why I made it my mission to figure out how to bake a British scone and why it all goes so wrong in America.<br />
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The simple answer is that it's due to the flour. All purpose flour in England has a higher protein content than in America. But it's more than that. I won't lie. To succeed in America with baking British scones requires yes, the right flour, but it also requires its very own technique which is why I've been very exacting in the instructions below. Follow this recipe and you'll be happily munching on scones as you watch <a href="https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/atoz/around_the_grounds.html">Wimbledon</a> this summer with butter and jam dripping down your fingers. Or regularly with a cuppa and a good book, as I do. Parenthetically I'm thoroughly enjoying the <a href="http://jacquelinewinspear.com/books/maisie-dobbs/"><i>Maisie Dobbs</i></a> series.<br />
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The recipe I'm sharing is my own and derived from a variety of sources including trial and error and serendipitous surprise. As mentioned above I can not stress enough the importance of using the right flour which, luckily, is lurking at your nearby grocery store. I actually had self raising flour imported from England (quite expensive) and didn't like the result as well. Similarly cake flour (which has a higher protein content and is sometimes recommended for British scones) gave disappointing results. The good news is that Bob's Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour is reasonably priced and available at a variety of grocery chains and, incidentally, makes fabulous baguettes as well.<br />
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Without further ado good luck and I hope that you enjoy these scones as much as Steve and I do!<br />
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SCONES - the British Way<br />
Yield ~ 9 to 10 scones<br />
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INGREDIENTS ~<br />
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Either:<br />
1/2 cup currants - soaked 10 minutes in earl gray tea (or plain hot water)<br />
or<br />
4 oz sultanas (golden raisins) (no soaking necessary so long as fresh) - set aside<br />
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Combine in a large bowl:<br />
450g Bob's Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour or British self raising flour<br />
If using Bob's Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour add 2 TBS baking powder<br />
If using British self raising flour add 2 tsps. baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
85g (6 Tbs.) sweet butter - slightly softened (I use a European butter such as Kerry gold) cubed<br />
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Combine in a separate bowl (and reserve 2 TBS):<br />
1 large egg plus enough whole milk to make 1 cup<br />
7 Tbs. (92g) fine white sugar (caster sugar or C&H baking sugar)<br />
1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
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Garnish: Demerara sugar<br />
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Steps:<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. N.B. you will drop the temperature to 425 as soon as you pop the scones in the oven.<br />
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2. If using currants instead of sultanas soak currants in earl gray tea or hot water for approximately 10 minutes and blot dry. Measure and set aside whichever you are using (either currants or sultanas).<br />
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3. In a medium bowl combine your choice of flour, appropriate amount of baking powder (depending on your flour choice), salt, and cubed butter. <b>Using your finger tips </b>rub butter into flour mixture until consistency of fine sand. It is very important that there are no lumps of butter left as you want a cake like consistency and not a flaky consistency like a biscuit. Set Aside.<br />
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4. In a separate small bowl combine egg and milk mixture, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until sugar is entirely dissolved. Remove and reserve 2 Tbs. of mixture to be used later for brushing tops of scones.<br />
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5. Add either currants or sultanas to the flour mixture and toss to combine.<br />
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6. Add the milk mixture (less the 2 Tbs. reserved to brush the tops) to the flour and raisins. Using a blunt knife cut the wet ingredients into the flour mixture to form a wet and shaggy dough. Don't worry if not all the flour is incorporated - it's better to not incorporate all the flour rather than having a dough too dry (there are a variety of factors that can affect how much flour is needed to create the dough such as humidity). Turn dough out onto <i>lightly</i> floured board and kneed a couple of turns until smooth. Then gently fold dough in half three (3) times to create layers. Use only a small amount of additional flour to prevent sticking as adding too much will create heavy scones. Use your hands to pat dough into a smooth round approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches inch thick. <b>Do not use a rolling pin as it will overwork the dough</b>.<br />
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7. Using a floured biscuit cutter (2 3/4 inch diameter) stamp out scones using a quick hard stamping motion with the heel of your hand and <b>do not twist the cutter</b>. Be as efficient as possible in cutting as many scones from this dough, as the scones made from the re-rolled scrap dough are not as nice. Place scones on prepared baking sheet and transfer to refrigerator for 30 minutes (which allows the baking powder to begin work and keeps dough cool to prevent spreading).<br />
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8. Just before placing scones into oven brush tops with reserved milk mixture. Only brush the tops (not sides). Finish with a sprinkle of demerara sugar or similar course baking sugar.<br />
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9. Drop oven temperature from 500 to 425 degrees and bake 7 minutes and turn pan. Continue to bake scones an additional 7 minutes (a total of 14 minutes) or until dark brown on top.<br />
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Scones do not keep well and are best served warm from the oven when they are absolutely divine. Contrary to the Brits I enjoy mine with strawberry jam and a spot of sweet butter but for the real deal use<i> </i>clotted cream and/or whipped cream (I find clotted cream at Gelson's Grocery Store). Once cool freeze the leftovers and I find they are best briefly microwaved (30 seconds) and toasted in a warm oven.<br />
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If traditional British scones are not your cup of tea you might enjoy previously shared recipes for <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2007/10/home-sweet-home.html">Irish Scones</a> and/or <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2009/06/put-kettle-on-its-tea-time.html">Almond Scones</a> (these scones are easy and delicious and this post includes my mother's tips for brewing a perfect cup of English tea).<br />
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<b><i>And There Has Been Knitting ~</i></b></h2>
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As regular readers know this has been a sad year for me with the passing of my father and my mother relocating into assisted living. There is still much to be done not least of which is the closure of all the loose ends from a lifetime (60 years) that my parents spent together. But time passes and it gets easier. It's been a reminder for me that nothing in this world remains the same. And my faith is stronger for it.<br />
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Throughout it all I continue to knit. But I won't pretend this shawl is fresh off the needles as it was finished last Spring and there are many other more current projects. But I wanted to show this shawl as it's been a really useful addition to my wardrobe. Every once in a while I'll pick a design for it's simplistic beauty, as in this case. Although it was a fairly challenging knit and required close attention to the pattern the payoff has been worth it and I don't believe it would be a problem for an average knitter with determination.<br />
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Particulars: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rheinlust">Rheinlust</a> designed by <a href="http://mairlynd.de/"><i>Melanie Berg</i></a>; 2 skeins Ella Rae Lace Merino (920 yrds). I was concerned about having enough yarn and only knit 8 repeats of Chart B and ended up with 4g yarn remaining. Final blocked measurements 20" x 73." A previous pattern of Ms. Berg's that I knit was her <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/fall-cowl-and-matching-fingerless-mitts.html">Qwist Mitts</a>.<br />
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Until next time be well and love well and may all your scones be sweet ~<br />
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-90854312988173310092019-02-20T13:11:00.000-08:002019-02-20T13:11:02.060-08:00A Girl's Best Friend.... a Cozy Shawl and Something Chocolate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am wearing A Girl's Best Friend Shawl which I finished in time to enjoy this Winter. Hurrah! And boy have we had a winter this year in Southern California. Complete with rain, mudslides, and freezing temperatures. I'm starting to wonder why I ever wanted a change from our perpetually sunny skies in the first place. Isn't there a song about it's never raining in Southern California? Ah yes, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXkk65PdKyM">It never Rains In California</a> by Albert Hammond. That's clearly wrong. These days I'm humming along to Keith Urban's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dtfBxUTXRY">Long Hot Summer</a> (filmed incidentally on a local Malibu beach) as I wistfully recall endless summer days at the beach, and my lost youth.<br />
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I've been thinking about music as we watched <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bohemian-Rhapsody-Rami-Malek/dp/B07K2LGD2B/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=323111876315&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9031028&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=17525362509257848752&hvtargid=kwd-102175185&keywords=bohemian+rhapsody&qid=1550447036&s=movies-tv&sr=1-1&tag=googhydr-20">Bohemian's Rhapsody</a> last night. I highly recommend the movie. It's a poignant story of the life of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Mercury">Freddy Mercury</a> who was the lead singer of Queen (rock and roll band in the 70's). It's worth watching particularly if you remember the band. I grew up in the 1970s and I think that era had the best music. There are a few artists that I enjoy today but give me the seventies rock and roll any day. That's probably what every generation thinks - that their music was the best. In any event Bohemian Rhapsody has been nominated for a number of Oscar awards, including best film and best actor. Tune in February 24th to see who wins!<br />
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But back to my shawl which I really love. It's called "A Girl's Best Friend" presumably because it's easy to hang out with, makes you feel better about yourself, and isn't demanding to knit. I used three different types of yarn which came together beautifully. I took me a long time to find the right combination but once I did I knew it was right. And the best part is that one of the skeins came from a dear online friend Andi, <i><a href="https://mysistersknitter.typepad.com/">My Sister's Knitter</a></i>. She had a give-away on her blog and I won the beautiful dark magenta yarn that finished off this shawl beautifully. It can be tricky finding a good mix of colors for a shawl. But using totals and neutrals is always a safe bet which is what I used here. And, of course, having a good friend's input is sometimes just what you need. Thank you Andi!<br />
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I also have to quickly mention the fun pom poms on this shawl. They are such a cute addition! They are also super easy to make. All you need is a fork and you can make mini pom poms to your heart's content. Here's a link to a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5bflSthBLU">Youtube tutoria</a>l. I don't see why you couldn't add pom poms to <i>any shawl </i>for a little extra pizzazz. Or make a fun garland of these to hang on your Christmas tree next year! Note to self: that's a good idea.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Particulars</span>: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-girls-best-friend-7"> A Girl's Best Friend</a>, designed by Isabell Kraemer (<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/people/lilalu">Lilau</a> on Ravelry), US 4 needles; 3 different yarns (<a href="https://www.thepluckyknitter.com/yarns/">Plucky knitter</a> - Primo Fingering (colorway wintery mix); <a href="https://anzula.com/">Anzula Yarn</a> - Squishy - (colorway rosebud) and <a href="https://peepaloofields.com/">Peepaloo Fields</a> - Sock (colorway nevermore)). I made no modifications to this shawl pattern, although I did knit one less repeat of the neutral section due to yardage concerns. If you are interested in knitting multi-colored shawls you might want to read <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=multi+colored+yarns"><i>Multi Colored Shawls and Testing Yarn for Color Fastness</i></a>. While none of these yarns bled you should always consider that risk before you embark on knitting a multi-colored shawl.<br />
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And just so you know that I'm not completely stuck in a time warp and do enjoy some contemporary music here's a link list of some of my favorite Youtube Videos ( (warning: very eclectic list):<br />
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Labryinth ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqIxCtEveG8">Beneath your Beautiful</a><br />
Lana Del Rey ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVjsGKrE6E8">Summertime Sadness</a><br />
Katie Perry ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE">Teanage Dream</a> (filmed in Santa Barbara where I grew up)<br />
Back Eye Peas ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7HahVwYpwo">Meet me Halfway</a><br />
Gotye ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY">Somebody That I Used to Know</a><br />
Nelly ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WYHDfJDPDc">Dilemna</a><br />
Sara Evans ~<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EVd_zghQXA"> I Could Not Ask for More</a><br />
Gwen Stefani ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGwZ7MNtBFU">Cool</a><br />
Rhianna ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3UjJ4wKLkg">Take A Bow</a><br />
John Legend ~ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3UjJ4wKLkg">Save Room</a><br />
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I could go on and on. I was young still when MTV launched and still love music videos, especially videos shot on locations I'm familiar with.<br />
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<b>Chocolate Almond Biscotti ~</b></h2>
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Speaking of a girl's best friend I would be remiss if I didn't mention something about chocolate. Chocolate makes me weak in the knees and eating it makes me happy. But I don't allow myself to buy a box of chocolates very often because I simply can not control myself. Especially if it's <a href="https://www.sees.com/home?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI64HE_97G4AIVzaSaCh0hrQKTEAAYASAAEgJHZPD_BwE">Sees Candy</a> which are my favorites. On the other hand baking with chocolate renders a fine result and I'm not as greedy and as compulsive about gobbling down every morsel in the vicinity. Probably because it doesn't have as high a sugar content and doesn't spike a craving fit. So, for me, it's safer and more prudent to skip the candy and bake something instead. Like Chocolate Almond Biscotti. This recipe is a winner from <a href="https://www.pastryaffair.com/blog/chocolate-almond-biscotti.html">Pastry Affair</a> and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.<br />
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If you like biscotti I also recommend trying Pistachio and Currant Biscotti (recipe link in the <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2011/11/finishing-touches.html">Finishing Touches</a> post). I've made these many times over the years and it never disappoints. There's a batch cooling in my kitchen as I write this as a matter of fact.<br />
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Until next time be well, love well and remember that when you go through difficult times it's more important than ever to spend time with good friends and enjoy simple pleasures. Sometimes all I need is a good cup of coffee and biscotti to feel better.</div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-10590981373519406902019-01-25T14:06:00.001-08:002019-01-25T14:06:35.555-08:00The Indispensable Trait of Determination for Knitting and Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been unusually cool this Winter in Los Angeles, California. How cold has it been you wonder? So cold that we've been needing clothes that we typically don't need in LA. Like socks. Fortunately that's no problem for me as I've knit many a pair over the years. But I don't have many of the sturdy variety and hence these Carlos and Arne socks have been great to have this winter.<br />
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I have to admit that knitting these socks was a love/hate affair. It's obviously a self patterning yarn and, incidentally, the first commercially dyed self patterning yarn I've knit with. While I loved the beautifully intricate pattern magically unfolding as I knit without any effort on my part, whatsoever, I was also turned off by the scratchy feel of the wool traversing over my fingers. And knitting <i>is</i> a very tactile experience. Hence the hate. I almost tossed them aside as not worth the bother. To be fair it was summer when I was knitting them and in the warm summer months lots of wools can feel scratchy. But when I thought am I such a wimp that I can't handle a little scratchy wool? Seriously? That's pathetic. So I determined to finish them and am very happy that I did. You know what else? Magically when the weather turned cool the wool suddenly wasn't scratchy any more. I have no idea what the science is behind that. <br />
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The moral of this story is that sometimes you have to stick with things through thick, thin and scratchy times. Because if you don't then you may miss an opportunity to add color, warmth, and satisfaction to your life. Like these socks have to mine.<br />
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PARTICULARS: Pairfect Design Line by <a href="https://arnecarlos.com/1278-2/">Arne & Carlos</a>, <a href="https://schachenmayr.com/en/yarns/finder?f[0]=field_sub_brand%3A14734">Schachendmayr Regia</a> Sock Yarn (75% wool / 25% polyamide); (Colorway #9090); 100 g 459 yrds.; US 1 DPN; I followed the pattern provided on label and made no modifications whatsoever, other than I followed my own toe decreases from my <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/03/crazy-and-colorful-colorblock-socks.html">Colorblock Socks</a> pattern. This sock yarn is a tremendous value and I highly recommend making your own <i>Pair</i>fect socks! They should wear like iron. But if you are more interested in luxury sock yarns I would recommend a mix of merino wool, nylon, and 10% cashmere and a favorite brand of mine is<a href="http://www.sunvalleyfibers.com/"> Sun Valley Fibers</a>, MCN (80% merino, 10%cashmere and 10% nylon) which is what I used for my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/05/land-of-sweets-cowl-and-yarn-advent.html">Winter Rose socks</a> and for another pair I have yet to photograph.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Simcha and Determination</span></b><br />
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The topic of determination and sheer doggedness would not be complete without a Simcha antidote, who has more determination in his right pinky err paw than most people have in their entire body.<br />
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For Simcha size has always mattered. From the time he was a little puppy it didn't matter if it was a toy, treat, or stick it was clear that bigger was definitely better. Out on the trail hiking he doesn't pick up any old stick. Instead he will forage to find the very biggest stick around and then he'll carry it for long distances before eventually discarding it. It's not always easy for him to extract these massive sticks. They are often partially buried in the ground or entangled in limbs of trees and bushes but he will thrash about pulling until it breaks free (I used to pitch in and help him with this until he accidentally sliced my finger in half and after that I decided he was on his own). There was only one time when I thought he was going to be defeated. He had jumped off the trail into some brush below and there was a sheer rock wall that had to climbed to get back on the trail. I stood and looked down watching him. He had found a large stick that he clearly wanted to bring with him. He was whining in frustration because he had made several failed attempts to get up that rock wall with his stick. I could see the problem was that he didn't have enough space to run and gain any momentum to help carry him up. I thought he was beat. But then he put his head down, griped that stick in his jaws, raised his head up and by the sheer force of his determination clawed his way up that rock face onto the trail with that giant stick in his mouth. I was astonished. He's older now and doesn't have the same drive and determination but I'll never forget seeing him do the impossible.<br />
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There's a number of excellent books about dogs and their amazing stories. I know he's fictional but I think that Simcha has much the same personality as Buck from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Call-Wild-Jack-London/dp/151239582X/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1548367678&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=call+of+the+wild&psc=1"><i>Call of the Wild</i></a> by Jack London. I also love the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Fern-Grows-Wilson-Rawls/dp/0440412676/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1548453594&sr=8-3&keywords=where+the+red+fern+grows"><i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i></a> about a boy and his dogs growing up in the Ozarks. And my dad used to read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yeller-Perennial-Classics-Fred-Gipson/dp/0060935472/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548453688&sr=8-1&keywords=old+yeller+book"><i>Old Yeller</i></a> aloud to my sister and me when we were little. These are all sad and yet wonderful stories. If you have a favorite book about a dog I would love to hear your recommendations. <br />
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ST. LUCIA BUNS ~<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">I love the idea of welcoming winter with celebration and those things that bring warmth and comfort into our lives. Which is why the St. Lucia celebration in Sweden appeals to me. Well to be perfectly honest it's the rich tasty St. Lucia buns that appeal to me. Flavored with saffron and vodka these buns are war</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">m and savory with a tiny sweet crunch from the pearl sugar topping. They are simple but I really like them. It must be the Swed in me. If you are familiar with St. Lucia buns and this celebration then you know that I'm late in making these (St Lucia is celebrated on the first day of winter). But honestly being untimely hasn't effected my enjoyment of the buns one tiny bit. Note to self: Make these every winter, preferably on St. Lucia Day. Recipe from <a href="https://www.bakefromscratch.com/">Bake from Scratch Magazine</a>, November/December 2018. The New York times shares a <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017039-st-lucia-buns">St. Lucia Bun recipe</a> (highly rated) free online.</span><br />
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Until next time, be well love well and may your winter months be filled with warmth, comfort food, good books and cozy socks!</div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-49857289373559171672018-12-29T15:08:00.001-08:002018-12-30T10:39:04.936-08:00It's a Wrap - My Texture Time Shawl<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been some time since I've felt like visiting this space. Over the past six months I lost my father to Lou Gehrig's disease and my dear mother is currently in skilled nursing with a fractured pelvis.To be honest I debated abandoning my blog during this period as it seemed so trivial in comparison to what my family was going through. But I realized going through this sad process how important memories and pictures are as you get older. I think one day I'll look back at my blog and the pictures and stories will make me smile as I remember all the things that I've made during my life. And hopefully my knitting tips and recipes will have made other people's lives a little more enjoyable along the way too.<br />
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I have been busy knitting away this entire time and have finished many beautiful pieces that may never get their moment to shine. But I wanted to return with a truly special piece of knitting and so I chose my Texture Time shawl which is Stephen West's 2018 mystery knit along (MKAL). This piece is a knock out and attention grabber, especially when you turn around and people see it from the sides and back.</div>
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I loved knitting this project. Like all Stephen West's designs it is well written and full of creativity. <i>Some </i>might even say it's flamboyant. And I say why not go for it. That is why we knit after all, isn't it? We want something that is uniquely ours and expresses our creativity. Otherwise it would be cheaper and easier to simply buy something that is mass produced. Speaking of which I should point out that I did make a few modifications to this design (detailed below). Whether it is color, fit, or a design element almost every knitting pattern can be improved with simple modifications and you are missing a wonderful part of the knitting experience if you fail to do so. Before you begin any project and as you progress on a project you should always be asking yourself if there isn't a better option for the color, fit, or design that would better suit you and your tastes. Admittedly it's harder to do this as a new knitter but with time and experience that thought process should be part of how you think about every project that you knit.<br />
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As for the actual knitting of this design I think the one major challenge is the back panel which is "syncopated" brioche. If you are new to brioche knitting this, in my opinion, is not the starter project for you. But if you are game or simply need a refresher course on brioche I highly recommend<a href="https://www.craftsy.com/knitting/classes/explorations-in-brioche-knitting/35569"> Craftsy's online brioche class</a> to get you started. If you do knit this shawl I guarantee that you'll have a one of a kind piece of knitted art.<br />
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Particulars: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/texture-time-3">Texture Time</a> MKAL (2018); designed by <a href="https://westknits.com/">Stephen West</a>; US 5 needles; <a href="https://www.spunrightround.com/">Spun Right Round</a> (classic sock and mohair (held double)). My only modifications were (a) I did not follow his suggested order of colors for the back center panel (i.e. light to dark) and instead I went in the order of colors that created contrast best (b) I substituted and/or added a bright acid green yarn (from stash) for the wavy contrast portion to help make that design element really pop (c) I added a single strand of mohair to the sides on pattern rows to create a striping effect (d) I substituted my main color for the tips rather than using the green contrasting color as suggested; and (e) I did not knit the tips as long as suggested as I felt that adding too much length to the sides would overwhelm the shawl. I am very happy with my final shawl and can't wait for next year's MKAL adventure! Previous MKALs by Stephen West that I've participated in include <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-yankee-doodle-shawl-and-simcha-stories.html">The Doodler shawl</a> and <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=marled+magic">Marled Magic Shanklet</a> (post also includes my Striped Esjan shawl which is Stephen West design, but not a MKAL project). If you are looking for a basic brioche project I recommend the <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=brioche">Parlour Shawl</a>, which was my first brioche project.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In Loving Memory of my father, Vernon Bugh, Jr. ~</span></b><br />
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As I mentioned above my father recently passed away. I don't want to dwell on the sadness of the disease that took him from us. Instead I want to remember all the happy times we had as a family. I specially love this picture of him that I took a few years back because he <i>particularly</i> loved Christmas. He always went to great lengths to decorate the outside of our house and property with beautiful bold strands of Christmas lights. It was important to him that he select the perfect Christmas tree for my Mom to decorate inside and he would drill holes in the base and nurture the tree with solutions to keep it fresh through New Years. He also had fun with the holiday. He was always the first to suggest it was time for eggnog spiked with whisky or rum. He collected and set up a whole holiday village display in the living room complete with houses and shops that lit up and cars and carolers strolling the streets. When I was little he had a neighbor dress up as Santa Claus and come to our house. Santa gave my sister and me a candy cane and told us to watch for his sleigh leaving from our back window. I still remember wearing my pajamas and bright blue fuzzy slippers standing in the living room watching for his sleigh out the back window and being puzzled how I could have missed it. And every Christmas morning he captured all the chaos and fun of opening presents using an old fashion movie camera. He was sentimental that way. I hope to come across these old films when my sister and I go through the house. I won't be able to watch them right away but hope that someday I can watch them and smile.<br />
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After my dad passed many of our neighbors wrote or told me what a wonderful neighbor he was and how much they will miss him and miss seeing his house beautifully lit for the holidays. It was a hard Christmas this year as it was my first year without him. And Christmases and my life won't ever be the same. But I do have all my memories of him and I know that we will be together again in heaven as he is now with his mother, brother Cecil and sister Shirley and all his dearly loved friends and family that departed before him. <br />
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My dad lived a remarkable life and only snippets have been included on the blog. But there are a few posts that talk about my Dad include a post that shares his fabulous <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-barbecue-california-style.html">BBQ chicken rub recipe</a>; his favorite <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2008/12/night-cap-anyone.html">Christmas cookie recipe</a>; (which also includes a bit of his life history including his award of the Bronze Star for bravery in combat); his stint as a <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=lumber+jack">lumberjack</a>; and his firm belief in the health benefits of <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=oranges">drinking a daily glass of orange juice</a>! He also made a few cameo appearances on the blog helping me showcase some of my knits along the way, proving he was a good sport to the end.<br />
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Vernon Bugh, Jr. ~ May 22, 1929 - November 30, 2018 ~<br />
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Until next time be well, love well and I hope that 2019 will be a happy and healthy year for all.
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-52437692388399207142018-07-06T15:54:00.003-07:002019-07-10T12:03:34.438-07:00Ripple Wave Socks, Binge Worthy TV and Nectarine Breakfast Bread<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Aren't these fun socks! They are my Ripple Wave Socks and I feel like dancing a jig in these sprightly colors. Just like the wonderful Irish folk song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5a7v76JjYM"><i>Uncle Benny</i></a> "they've set my toes a tapping" hum hum hum. Of late I've spent too much time in silence or listening to gloomy news reports with not enough time filling my home with music. Listening to beautiful music makes my heart soar, feet tap and just makes me happy. Growing up I listened to a lot of music. On Saturday mornings my mother would often cook a full English breakfast (replete with fried egg, bacon, fried tomatoes, toast, marmalade and, of course, a pot of tea) and beautiful music would be playing in the background and our weekends began in this leisurely fashion. When I got to choose the music I liked to listen to Irish folk music and I particularly liked Roger Whittaker who sings <i>Uncle Benny </i>on <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Danny-Boy-Other-Irish-Favorites/dp/B00138H90C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530822207&sr=8-1&keywords=roger+whittaker+danny+boy">Danny Boy and other Classics</a></i>. To this day I enjoy hearing him sing these songs.<br />
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But enough about music and more about socks! If you haven't yet been bitten by the sock bug the heat of summer is a perfect time to get hooked! You'll love the endless choices of gorgeous sock yarns, how quickly a pair of socks knit up, and most importantly come fall you'll realize how wonderful it is to wear your own hand knit socks. You'll also be very popular with friends and family who vie for a pair of your socks! If you are intimidated to get started, don't be. You can find many free youtube videos to help you or you can sign up for a paid <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/knitting/classes/my-first-socks/35235">Crafty Class</a> (I've been a fan of Crafty ever since they taught me the Brioche stitch and I breezed through my first <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/01/resolutions-and-all-things-brioche.html">Brioche Project</a>). And the choice of sock patterns is endless. There are thousands of free sock patterns on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#availability=free&query=socks&sort=best&view=captioned_thumbs">Ravelry</a>, including my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/colorblock-socks">Color Block Socks</a>. Who knows maybe you too have a sock pattern lurking within you. In any event I encourage you this summer you give sock knitting a try or if you are already a sock knitter to store up a supply for next winter.<br />
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Particulars: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ripple-wave-socks">Ripple Wave Socks</a>; designed by <a href="https://kateloredesigns.wordpress.com/">Kate Lore Designs</a>; US 1 needles; <a href="https://ritualdyes.com/collections">Ritual Dyes</a> sock yarn, i.e. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Maiden (<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">100gr, 400 yds of 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon. 2-ply twist) this is yarn</span> </span>leftover from my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/03/sunset-highway-sweater-and-baking-sweet.html">Sunset Highway Sweater</a> (the blue/purple is the upper yoke colorway and the green is my contrasting color). This is a wonderful pattern and a pleasure to knit. I should also mention that all proceeds from the pattern are donated to Doctors without Borders which is no surprise to anyone who knows Kate Lore, a long time blogger and all round class act. To link to more examples of socks that I've knit (I've knit many) would be too cumbersome so instead I'll link to a pair that has a particularly nice and intricate design that is perfect for slow indoor summer knitting ~ <i><a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2012/06/50-shades-of-green-socks.html">50 Shades of Green</a>.</i> ~<br />
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<b><i>BINGE WORTHY TV ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>Summer. Yuck. My least favorite season. I'm clearly not a sun worshiper so when it's sweltering outside I like to be inside binging on TV shows. And as I love hearing other people's favorite shows I thought I would share my list of binge worthy TV. I didn't include the obvious (i.e. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/">Game of Thrones</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3006802/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Outlander</a>) and if I've missed a show that you love I want to hear your recommendations in the comments! FYI we are "on-demand" TV watchers and obtain all of our programming through Amazon Prime's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-TV-Stick-With-Alexa-Voice-Remote-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B00ZV9RDKK/ref=sr_1_9_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1530823911&sr=8-9-spons&keywords=fire+stick&psc=1">Fire Stick</a> (best investment <i>ever</i>). Many of these shows are free to Amazon Prime Members or are purchased through channels available on Amazon. But as not everyone is an Amazon user the links below are to <a href="https://www.imdb.com/">IMDb</a> ("Internet Movie Database") where you can see reviews and read more about the shows and stars. Be warned this is a very diverse list and there are shows on it that will not be everyone's cup of tea due to violence.<br />
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<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2188671/">Bates Motel</a> Learn how Norman Bates became "Norman Bates."<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5232792/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Lost in Space (2018)</a> A fun and well done redo of this classic.<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5191110/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Berlin Station</a> Modern spy story of the CIA in Berlin<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2442560/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Peaky Blinders</a> Fascinating (but violent) story of gangs in England post WWI<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4206804/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Frankenstein Chronicles</a> Clever story of how Mary Shelley's Frankenstein came to exist<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4643084/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Counterpart</a> Modern sci-fi<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5420376/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Riverdale</a> See Archies Comics come to life in the small town of Riverdale<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2183641/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Ripper Street</a> Well done crime story set in the era of Jack the Ripper (stars Matthew Macfadyen)<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Danny-Boy-Other-Irish-Favorites/dp/B00138H90C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530822207&sr=8-1&keywords=roger+whittaker+danny+boy">Altered Carbon</a> Modern sci-fi<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4687880/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Goliath</a> - Los Angeles lawyer fighting corruption (set in Santa Monica, California)<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3597912/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">The Royals</a> See the British monarchy as you've never seen them before<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5212822/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Imposters</a> Fun romp with engaging actors<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475784/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Westworld</a> Modern sci-fi<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5574490/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Animal Kingdom</a> Story of a small time crime family in California (stars Ellen Barkin)<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2017109/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Banshee</a> Violent but interesting story set in a midwest town<br />
<u>Ozark</u> "Normal" family moves to the Ozarks on the run from gangsters and the law<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4270492/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Billions</a> Wall Street schenigans<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2149175/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Americans</a> Spy story set in the 70's<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094262/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Da Vinci's Demons</a> See how fictional Leonardo Da Vinci's life evolved<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5711280/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Electric Dreams</a> Sci-fi (an updated Twilight Zone)<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388644/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Staircase</a> A fascinating story for true crime buffs<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1399664/">The Night Manager</a> Adaptation of a Le Carre Novel<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7197684/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Suburra</a> Crime and family drama set in Italy<br />
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<b><i>NECTARINE BREAKFAST BREAD ~</i></b><br />
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This is a wonderful breakfast bread that is a new summer treat for me. The sweetness of fresh nectarines are perfectly balanced with cornmeal, lemon, and thyme and it's quick to throw together so long as you have ripe nectarines on hand. It's also a fun change from muffins in the morning. I used a recipe from the latest <a href="https://www.southerncastiron.com/">Southern Cast Iron</a> magazine which never fails to deliver recipes that I love. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.<br />
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<b><i>Nectarine Breakfast Bread ~</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Bread ingredients:</i></b><br />
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
3/4 cup granular sugar<br />
2 Tablespoons stone ground cornmeal<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon finely ground salt<br />
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
2 large organic eggs<br />
1/4 cup whole milk<br />
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (I use Kerry Gold butter for all my baking)<br />
1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
1 lemon - zest used as follows: 3/4 zest for loaf and 1/4 zest for Lemon Thyme Syrup (see below)<br />
1 cup chopped pitted nectarines<br />
1 whole nectarine sliced into decorative wedges (for layering on top)<br />
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<b><i>Lemon Thyme Syrup ingredients:</i></b><br />
1/4 cup water<br />
1/4 cup granular sugar<br />
2 large sprigs fresh thyme<br />
1/4 of lemon zest from a whole lemon<br />
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Steps:<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare a bread pan by rubbing with butter and coating lightly with flour.<br />
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2. In a large bowl whisk together dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon). Set aside.<br />
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3. In a medium bowl whisk together wet ingredients (eggs, milk, melted butter (add last), vanilla, and 3/4s zest from a whole lemon).<br />
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4. Using a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BrotformDotCom-Danish-Dough-Whisk-Poland/dp/B004HGJLQW/ref=asc_df_B004HGJLQW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193129986239&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11635887436901788015&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031028&hvtargid=pla-312518356012&psc=1">Swedish dough hook</a> or wooden spoon quickly incorporate wet ingredients into dry. Gently fold in chopped nectarines. Pour batter into loaf pan and smooth top. Place decorative nectarine wedges across the top, leaving 1 inch space between each slice.<br />
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6. Bake 55 minutes and check if loaf is a nice golden brown and a tester comes away clean. If the loaf needs additional time continue baking but cover loosely with foil to prevent over browning until tester comes away clean. Baking time will vary depending on ingredients, humidity, etc. I baked my loaf a total of 65 minutes with it covered in foil for the last 10 minutes.<br />
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7. Allow loaf to cool in pan for 20 minutes. Then turn out onto a cooling wire to cool completely. While loaf is cooling prepare lemon thyme syrup.<br />
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8. Prepare lemon thyme syrup by combining water and sugar in a small saucepan and bringing to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add fresh thyme and lemon zest and let cool before using. Slowly drizzle cooled syrup over cooled loaf allowing it to cover all surfaces but mainly focusing on the top.<br />
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This loaf freezes well, although like all baking it's best the day it is baked.<br />
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Recipe slightly adapted from <a href="https://www.southerncastiron.com/">Southern Cast Iron Magazine</a> July/August 2018 issue.<br />
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I'm also a fan of muffins in the morning and my favorite morning muffin recipes are: <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2014/09/mara-madelintosh-shawl-and-orange.html">Orange Muffins</a>, <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=bran+muffins">Raisin Bran Muffins</a>, and <a href="https://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-superstar-muffin-and-steampunk.html">Espresso Banana Muffins</a>.<br />
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Until next time be well, love well and this summer try beginning your weekends with a cooked breakfast and listening to beautiful music while knitting away on a pair of socks!<br />
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-87589308994431333422018-05-22T12:01:00.000-07:002019-11-30T18:22:02.726-08:00Land of Sweets Cowl and Yarn Advent Calendars ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Whether it's May gray or June gloom Springtime in California is often foggy and downright cold. And yet I don't want to be pulling on winter woollies any longer as emotionally I've moved on to the next season. Which is why I always knit a few Spring and Summer friendly accessories in lightweight fingering yarn or cotton. This year I modified Curious Handmade's Land of Sweets cowl to make myself the perfect Spring accessory as it reminds me of a bouquet of spring flowers.<br />
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I absolutely love the colors in this cowl. And I can take absolutely no credit whatsoever in picking them. Because the yarn I used came in a Yarn Advent Calendar dyed by Kelly of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Layfamilyyarn">Lay Family Yarn</a> who is a genius with pastels. For those who may not be familiar with yarn advent calendars, it works like this. You sign up for a yarn advent calendar well in advance of an upcoming holiday (typically Christmas or Easter) and when it gets closer to the holiday you will receive a bundle of individually wrapped mini skeins with a number written on the outside. Once the advent begins you have the fun of opening a daily surprise of yarn and sometimes a chocolate or other treat as you anticipate the approaching holiday.<br />
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This was my first yarn advent calendar and it was an Easter Advent that came with 12 mini skeins and some yummy mini chocolates Easter eggs too! Upon it's arrival I immediately popped the packages into an Easter Basket and I can't tell you how much fun I had anticipating opening the packages. I will confess to opening the first package a day or two early but thereafter I used extraordinary restraint by opening them on each appointed day. And it's much more fun to do it that way. If you can manage to control yourself. This cowl incidentally was knit with the skeins in the order that they were opened with a few minor adjustments toward the end. I did wait until all my skeins were opened to see how they looked together before diving in and beginning my cowl, even though I knew early on what I would be making.<br />
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As you can probably tell, I am now a huge fan of yarn advent calendars and I've already signed up for <a href="https://layfamilyyarn.co.uk/">Lay Family Yarn's</a> Christmas advent (inspired by an English Christmas Hamper) which will come with 24 mini 10g skeins, a full sized 100g skein, a personalized biscuit, a tea pouch, Christmas progress keeper, and other treats. To say that I'm excited about this would be a gross understatement. It's the closest thing I've had as an adult to a Christmas stocking, only it's enjoyed over the entire month culminating with a full sized skein on Christmas day. But I do want to make a cautionary statement here as yarn advent calendars are not cheap. You don't want to sign up for one unless you both a) enjoy surprises and b) really love and are familiar with the yarn dyer. For example Kelly at Lay Family Yarn has exactly my taste and her soft pastel colors are perfect for my coloring. I personally would not risk buying one from a dyer that I wasn't very very familiar with. But if you think this is something you might want to try this Christmas I suggest that you begin looking now as many of the yarn advent calendars are sold well in advance to allow the seller the necessary time to plan, prepare, and deliver in advance of the holiday.<br />
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<b>Particulars: </b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/land-of-sweets">Land of Sweets Cowl</a> designed by Helen Stewart (<a href="http://curioushandmade.com/">Curious Handmade</a>); US 4 needles 12 10g mini skeins from <a href="https://layfamilyyarn.co.uk/">Lay Family Yarn</a>; US 4 needles. I modified the pattern to create a smaller (i.e. shorter) cowl by knitting 10 rows of ribbing and 12 rows for each color stripe thereafter. I did have enough yarn to have knit a few more rows of each color if I had wanted which would have made the cowl even longer. I'm considering making another with my Christmas advent yarn and for that one I'll probably make it longer and strand it with kidsilk haze to make it more cozy. Post blocking dimensions: 11" x 15.5." To see another project where I used Lay Family Yarns see my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/02/hat-topper-fun-and-lucilles-red-cake.html">Kobuk Hat</a>, which might just be my favorite hat ever. To see additional projects designed by Curious Handmade see <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/04/botan-shawlette-and-spring-sugar-cookies.html">Botan Shawlette</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/01/toasty-toes-and-other-creature-comforts.html">Vintage Fairy Lights socks</a>, and the Winter Rose socks below.<br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A Pot of Tea ~</b></i><br />
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Over the years I've noticed that teacups have largely gone out of style. I will admit that I myself more often than not drink tea from a mug. And yet. There is something special that happens when you drink tea from a proper teacup. It just feels special and makes the experience of having a cup of afternoon tea more the delightful interlude that it should be. As work has been particularly demanding lately I am trying to consciously take time to enjoy small pleasures such as a special cup of tea. And while on the topic of tea I have recently discovered (via <a href="https://www.littleskein.com/">Little Skein in the Big Wool</a> and her curated boxes) Adagio teas. Anne included Adagio's Berry Creme Compote in our last box and I was so pleased with it that I ordered a refill and several other blends as well. My favorites are <a href="http://www.adagio.com/herbal/berry_creme_compote.html">Berry Creme Compote</a>, <a href="http://www.adagio.com/herbal/turmeric_bliss.html">Tumeric Bliss</a>, <a href="http://www.adagio.com/herbal/foxtrot.html">Foxtrot</a>, and <a href="http://www.adagio.com/herbal/wild_strawberry.html">Wild Strawberry</a> (best cold). These little surprise<a href="https://www.littleskein.com/products/little-stitches-subscription-box"> subscription boxes</a> that Little Skein puts together are filled with special finds and I'm glad that I signed up.<br />
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Incidentally the teacake pictured above is a lemon, fennel and anise cake that I adapted from the <a href="https://www.177milkstreet.com/2018/04/from-italy-orange-anise-bundt-cake">orange anise bunt cake</a> recipe in Milkstreet magazine.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Winter Rose Socks</b></i></span><br />
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Last but not least I wanted to share my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-rose-socks">Winter Rose Socks</a> which is the first pattern from <a href="http://curioushandmade.com/">Curious Handmade's</a> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-handmade-sock-society"><i>The Handmade Sock Society</i></a> patterns. I gave this first pair to my mom for Mother's day and I knit them in a soft yarn (merino, nylon and cashmere) as she likes to wear them for her afternoon naps. I obviously am a fan of Curious Handmade (she designed the cowl in this post in case you missed that) but I will say that I generally find that I have to make a modification or two to get the pattern to work exactly right for me. With these socks I found the instructions after the heel turn confusing so I simply followed my basic sock formula (<i>see</i> my free <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/03/crazy-and-colorful-colorblock-socks.html">Colorblock Socks</a> pattern) for picking up stitches and shaping for the foot and toe while maintaining the winter rose patterning on the top needles.<br />
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Until next time be well and love well and take the time to enjoy simple pleasures whether it is a special cup of tea or knitting socks for someone you love.</div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-60629039024228781812018-04-17T17:15:00.003-07:002018-04-17T17:15:21.021-07:00Knitspot 2018 Pairing Club and Bake Sale Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I really love this cowl and Simcha does too! It's the first of four projects in Anne Hanson's (Knitspot) 2018 Pairings Club. This club pairs food with knitting so how could I resist? And I have always loved Anne's designs so it was an easy decision to join. This first installment was inspired by Anne's love of sweet corn and her childhood memories of growing up on a working 10-acre farm upstate New York. The Entrope yarn (spun to resemble handspun) beautifully captures the colors and texture of fresh sweet corn and was the perfect choice for this project.<br />
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The recipe that came paired with this project was a delicious corn chowder dish that was contributed by former chef, Katharine, who knows corn well as one should living in Ohio or really any part of rural America. I'm looking forward to corn being back in season so that I can experience it at it's best. I really didn't expect a vegetable to be the inspiration for this round but I'm glad that sweet corn was the featured food ingredient. It brought back sweet memories of the summer that my family drove across country from California to Minnesota and we passed acre after acre of farmland. The small family farms were the best. They often had signs out front selling their produce to passers by and you could get out and wander through the fields. Some of the best sweet corn that I've ever eaten was from those roadside farms. When I look at this cowl I'll always think of corn and remember that wonderful summer vacation.<br />
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Although it's late Spring and starting to warm up I've had a few chances to wear this cowl on our morning hikes (I'm hard hearted and I've not given this cowl to Simcha). It's a bright and fun addition to my wardrobe. Worn with a long sleeve blouse and a vest it provides just enough warmth to my neck and chest to protect me from our chilly winds. It's a DK weight yarn and the colorwork adds some heft too so it definitely keeps you warm, as you would expect from a rustic woolly accessory. The gradient yarn has three main colors (light yellow, bright green, and a marled yellow and grey. While some might not have been pleased that the marled color did not contrast well with the grey design I think that just added to the unique beauty of this piece. I don't want something that looks "off the rack" <i>that's why I knit</i>. It really is striking in person and I couldn't be happier with it. I also have enough of both yarns left to make myself matching mitts which I will get around to at some point. There was a coordinating hat design included but I thought this cowl with a matchy-matchy hat was not a look that would suit me. If you look at Simcha and visualize him wearing a matching hat I think you'll see what I mean.<br />
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Particulars: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hectare">Hectare Cowl</a>, Anne Hanson's Pairings Club 2018 (<a href="https://knitspot.com/">Knitspot</a>); US 5 & 7 needles; DK weight yarn, <a href="http://www.feederbrook.com/">Feederbrook Farm</a> (100% bluefaced Leicester wool; 260 yrds./100gms) and 1 skein <a href="https://knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/yarn-and-fiber-c-21.html">Bare Naked Wool</a>s Kent DK colorway Tide Pool (60% merino wool/40% romney wool; 300 yrds/116 gms). This is a fun and easy pattern to knit and I made no modifications whatsoever, except for the cast on. For my cast on I used the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfFadEumBak">Twisted German Cast On</a> which is my favorite for stretchy edges. My finished lightly blocked dimensions: 10" x 28."<br />
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Previous Anne Hanson patterns I've knit include <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-summery-scarf-and-delicious-bread.html">Greenshadows Lace Scarf</a> (blogged) and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/MrPuffy/pine-and-ivy">Pine and Ivy Lacy Shawl</a> (Ravelry only). For additional colorwork projects (include my tips) see <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/03/sunset-highway-sweater-and-baking-sweet.html">Sunset Highway</a> (sweater), <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/12/winter-hat-and-holiday-cookies.html">Stranded in Toronto</a> (hat), <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/12/fair-isle-scarf-and-dark-side-of.html">Osebury Rock</a> (scarf) and <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2009/10/high-time-to-learn-fair-isle.html">Hebe</a> (hat).<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bake Sale Cookies</span><br />
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After a long winter of baking breads and seasonal treats to share with friends and family I'm ready for Spring. Spring is a time when I bake for myself and there's nothing I enjoy as much as a good crisp chocolate chip cookie. I have a variety of recipes that I like but this is a favorite and I've made it many times over the years (case in point you can probably tell the pictures are from different batches!). I hope you will enjoy these cookie as much as I do.<br />
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These are called Bake Sale Cookies because they make a large quantity and everyone loves them so it's a good and reliable recipe to turn to when you need to bake and share cookies.<br />
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Yield ~ 4 dozen good sized cookies ~<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature<br />
3/4 cup granulated (white) sugar<br />
3/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
2 large eggs, room temperature<br />
2 cups (12 oz package) semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
1 cup chopped walnuts<br />
1/2 cup dark or golden raisins<br />
1/2 cup shredded (sweetened) coconut<br />
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Steps:<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. and cover baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.<br />
2. In a small bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.<br />
3. In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugars, vanilla. Add eggs one at a time and mix just until incorporated.<br />
4. Remove bowl from mixer. Using a wooden spoon stir in flour mixture. Add chocolate chips, walnuts, raisins, and coconut and stir until incorporated.<br />
5. Drop dough onto baking sheet by rounded tablespoonsful. Baking 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Let cookies rest for 2 minutes before removing with spatula to wire racks to cool completely.<br />
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Adapted from cookie recipe in Parade magazine May 11, 2003.<br />
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Until next time be well and love well and be sure to sweeten your Spring with a gradient cowl and cookies! </div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-31676251773764472752018-03-22T11:32:00.002-07:002018-03-22T11:32:45.634-07:00Sunset Highway Sweater and Baking Sweet Breads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is my Sunset Highway Sweater. It's a soft watercolor interpretation of the original design which in contrast has striking details and a palpable <i>Viking Goddess </i>vibe. Not that I wouldn't have liked to have been a viking goddess or indeed that it wasn't my intention to have a viking goddess sweater. But sometimes fates conspire and what comes to pass is not what you intend at all. And yet. This softer watercolor version of the Sunset Highway Sweater is more reflective of my personality and one that I'll actually wear more frequently. I also haven't ruled out revisiting this pattern someday and knitting one more true to the design. Then again I probably won't because there are so many beautiful sweater patterns that I want to knit and I rarely knit the same pattern twice.<br />
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I knew from the start this sweater probably would not come out the way I had expected. As soon as the yarn arrived (it was sold as a kit) I could see that it was beautifully dyed but I had a suspicion that it wouldn't have the distinct color definition needed to make the yoke design pop. And once I began knitting I <i>knew</i> that I wasn't going to get a distinct pattern definition using these colors. So I considered frogging what I had knit and substituting in solid colors. And yet. When Steve looked at what I had knit he was in love with the beautiful colors and how they intermingled. And so I decided to throw the dice and let the colors unfold as they may. And I'm really happy that I did because this is a very unique and beautiful sweater. I suspect that those who are unfamiliar with the Sunset Highway Sweater design will love this sweater and those who are a fan of the design will not even recognize it as a Sunset Highway Sweater! Who do you think I am most likely to encounter in the real world?<br />
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You can probably tell that while I love the sweater I am a bit ambivalent about it; because it didn't come out as I had hoped and planned. Which could be a metaphor for life. Sometimes our plans don't work out but over time we look back and realize it was actually better the way that it did. I'm not at that stage yet.<br />
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This is obviously a stranded colorwork design and there is a lot of tacking down yarn floats. I have seen some very complicated methods to do this on Youtube videos that left me discouraged. But there is no need for this to be super complicated so I'm going to share with you a very simple method for tacking down yarn floats. This method works works even if you carry both strands of yarn in your right hand, as I do. I always carry the background color over my index finger and the pattern color over my third finger. When I want to tack down the background color I use my <i>left</i> hand to lift the background yarn up and over the working needle; I then knit the stitch using the pattern color; and then lift the background color off the needle and drop the strand which I then pick up again with my right hand. That probably sounds terribly confusing but it's not really. Play around with it and I think you'll find this is a very easy method for tacking down floats. I'm sorry I don't know what this method is called. I'll call it ~ the lefty lifting method ~<br />
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If you are thinking about knitting a colorwork design there are now many beautiful and unique colorwork sweater patterns out there (particularly if you are willing to knit with a heavier than fingering weight yarn). I am currently mulling over the following choices (these are all fingering weight) <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/threipmuir">Threipmuir</a>; <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/arrows-down">Arrows Down</a>;<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alyeska-2"> Alyeska</a>; and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/silver-forest">Silver Frost</a>.<br />
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Particulars: <a href="http://boylandknitworks.com/#/http/wwwravelrycom/patterns/library/sunset-highway/">Sunset Highway Sweater</a>, designed by Caitlin Hunter (<a href="http://boylandknitworks.com/">Boyland Knitworks</a>); US 2 (ribbing) and 4 (body) needles; 5 skeins <a href="https://ritualdyes.com/collections">Ritual Dyes</a>, Maiden (fingering 2 ply twist) 80/20 SW Merino/Nylon, 400 yrds/100 grams (colorways: Iron (main body color), Lady Lucky, Pyrite, and malachite; I adore this dyer's work and the yarn base is a dream to work with and I have since ordered more of her yarn for other projects. As far as the pattern itself <span style="font-family: inherit;">I knit the extra small size and my only modifications were that <span style="background-color: white;">I knit the yoke a little longer than the pattern called for (about an extra inch and a half) and I skipped the short rows at the bottom. </span>But I have a small build and I've heard some say the extra small runs tight on them so you probably need to check your gauge and pick your size carefully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Incidentally my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2018/02/hat-topper-fun-and-lucilles-red-cake.html">Kobuk hat</a> in the previous post is also by this designer ~ when you're hot you're hot ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The last couple of years I've knit primarily cardigans but these days I'm more in the mood to knit pullovers. If you would like to see a other pullover sweaters here are a few that I've previously blogged:<a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/01/weekend-sweater-and-how-to-enjoy-better.html"> Not a Jersey Girl</a>; <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=calm">Calm</a>; <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=emily">Emily</a>; <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=sideways+knitted+top">Sideways Knitted Top</a>; and <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=lily">Lily</a>. With my climate I don't have a lot of sweater wearing weather but there are days when they come in handy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Baking Sweet Breads ~</span></div>
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Work has been demanding lately and I'm fighting a cold. But I always make it a priority to have homemade baked goods in the house. It's a quality of life issue and simple pleasure that I try hard not to forego. And I think during stressful periods all the more important. I like variety so I'm always playing with new recipes. Recently I discovered the very delicious Babka bread! This is a versatile sweet bread (similar to a brioche loaf) that you can use with a million different fillings. For your babka dough I recommend trying the one I use from <a href="https://www.bakefromscratch.com/pistachio-babka/">Bake From Scratch Magazine</a> they share the dough recipe online (albeit with a Pistachio filling). I use Kerry Gold butter and only 9 gms of salt (1/2 tbs. versus 1 tbs) but other than that I follow this basis dough recipe (sans orange zest). As I mentioned the choice of fillings are endless. The loaf pictured below I made with a strawberry and coconut filling (found in <a href="https://www.bakefromscratch.com/new-babka-obsession/">Bake From Scratch's March/April issue</a>)but a classic filling would be a <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018045-chocolate-babka">chocolate filling</a>. I hope you have fun finding wonderful fillings for this delicious bread treat!</div>
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Until next time be well and love well. Enjoy Spring and don't forget this is a great time to start planning sweaters to knit over the summer so you are ready for next Fall!</div>
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-68360161052611142252018-02-18T16:25:00.000-08:002018-02-18T16:25:09.857-08:00Hat Topper Fun and Lucille's Red Cake Recipe ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've knit a lot of hats over the years but my new Kobuk hat has to be a favorite. It might be the gorgeous yarn which has both silk and mohair making it warm and luxurious, or maybe it's the perfect winter<i>y</i> color, or perhaps it's the fun hat topper, or maybe it's a combination of all three! It also has a really cool brim design that appears to resemble a crown that shows when the brim is turned down and worn slouchy style. Which unfortunately you don't see too well in my pictures for the simple reason that the hat was easier to photograph with the brim turned up! That being said the slouchy look with the brim showing is a cool look and I'll probably knock around wearing it that way too. No matter how you style it this is a great hat to have in your wardrobe.<br />
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I hope you noticed the cute hat topper! This is my first time buying a hat topper instead of simply making a pom pom using leftover yarn. Hat toppers are super on trend right now and I was curious whether I would like it better - and I do!!! I think the hat topper gives the hat a more modern and finished look and I'm going to pick up another couple of colors and styles to have a selection to switch up depending on the accent color I want. How will I do that? I read on a Rav forum that some hat toppers come with a snap closure which makes it easy to change them. But not all hat topper come with a snap closure and mine didn't. Instead I read where someone suggested sewing a button to the inside of the hat to which a hat topper can be tied on and off. And that's what I've done. To do this I recommend you select a medium sized button that is plastic and light weight so it is large enough to wrap the topper ties around while being washable and not so heavy that it will drag the hat down. This makes it easy peasy to have a wardrobe of hat toppers to switch around!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSTRIlxwcYvMbRCQX1d3xLfOAabdrRbYymi_3uIGByNtOVn1HyBbq2oAgXkGCa3u6ODkI9HAWYwUJxohRMRmguJPiWBbxnBBWwCk5YPGxmc-7xRGYWzBaBf0YxY8kl3junIqHNQKFuOmk/s1600/Layfamilyfarmpicassoifl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSTRIlxwcYvMbRCQX1d3xLfOAabdrRbYymi_3uIGByNtOVn1HyBbq2oAgXkGCa3u6ODkI9HAWYwUJxohRMRmguJPiWBbxnBBWwCk5YPGxmc-7xRGYWzBaBf0YxY8kl3junIqHNQKFuOmk/s640/Layfamilyfarmpicassoifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Particulars: <a href="http://boylandknitworks.com/#/kobuk/">Kobuk hat</a> designed by Caitlin Hunter (<a href="http://boylandknitworks.com/">Boyland Knitworks</a>); knit using the Top Hat Set dyed by<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Layfamilyyarn"> Lay Family Yarn</a> (kingfisher colorway) yarn set includes 2 coordinating yarns (1 skein DK 55% Blue Face Leicester 45% silk (100g) and 1 skein 72% fine kid mohair and 28% silk). I used a Faux Fur pom pom in colorway creme brulee sold by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBurlapKitchen">The Burlap Kitchen</a>. This a super easy and fun hat to knit. I used the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfFadEumBak">Twisted German Cast-On</a> for a stretching brim and I only knit through the upper (bobble) chart one and a half times to create a less slouch as I have a small noggin. Caitlin Hunter is a terrific designer and I have recently finished one of her sweaters that I can't wait to show you!<br />
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Incidentally the shawl/scarf that I'm wearing in these pictures is Enfilade by Lisa Hannes that I blogged as<a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/05/multi-colored-shawls-and-testing-yarn.html"> Multi Colored Shawls and Testing Yarn for Color Fastness</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lucille's Red Cake Recipe ~</b></span><br />
Steve's birthday comes early February and every year I bake him a birthday cake of his choice. He's chosen a variety over the years but he most often he requests his mother's Red Cake Recipe that she would bake for him when he was a boy. Lucille, his mother, graciously shared her recipe with me so that I could bake him the exact cake she made. It's not a typical red velvet cake as Steve doesn't like chocolate so there's less cocoa and it also doesn't seem as heavy and rich as some red cakes I've eaten. But it is light, colorful and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In other words it's a quintessential old fashioned birthday cake. I'll conclude with what she wrote on the bottom of her recipe card "<span style="font-family: inherit;">Good Luck</span>!"<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lucille’s Red Cake
Recipe<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yield ~ 9" double layer cake</span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My only adaptation of Lucille's recipe, if you will, is to add violet icing color. Sans icing color the frosting is antique white. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ingredients</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>For the Cake</i><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1/2 cup (1
stick) of unsalted butter, softened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 & 1/2
cups granulated sugar, (I use superfine baking sugar)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">2 large eggs,
room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">2 tsp cocoa
powder (use natural cocoa and not dutch process)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 ounce red food
coloring <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">2 & 1/2
cups of <u>cake flour</u> (sifted before measuring) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 tsp of baking
soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 tsp white
vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 cup buttermilk,
room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 tsp
pure vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">For the Frosting</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">3 Tbs all
purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 cup whole milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted
butter, softened to room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 7/8 cup of granulated
sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 Tbs pure vanilla
extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" serif , serif;">Icing color (optional - cake is an antique white otherwise) I use Violet Icing Color by Wilton</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Instructions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cake:</span><span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare two
9-inch cake pans –either line bottom with parchment paper and butter sides or butter
and flour entire pan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In a
large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy - do not rush this process - beat at least 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after
each addition. In a small dish make a
paste using the cocoa powder and a small amount of food coloring. Add to butter mixture and beat well. Add the balance of food coloring beating
well. Then add flour (mixed with salt)
and milk alternately (roughly 4 additions) beginning and ending with
flour. Beat in vanilla. Lastly combine vinegar and soda in a small
dish (it will foam up) and gently stir vinegar mixture into batter, mixing
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pour
into cake pans and bake at 350 degrees about 30 minutes, or until a tester
comes out clean. Let cool in pans 5 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack
to completely cool before frosting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">N.B.
As soon as cake is out of oven I like to begin preparing the frosting (which
takes a little while because you have to heat the milk and flour and allow time
for it to cool, etc.) and you want to frost your cake as soon as it has cooled so
it will be as fresh as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Frosting:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In a
small saucepan whisk together flour and milk until blended and cook over medium
heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Set aside to cool. You can set pan in a basin of cool water to
speed along the cooling process.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">In a larger mixing bowl cream together the
butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Then add 1 Tbs of <u>cooled</u> milk and flour mixture to sugar mixture,
beating well. Gradually add the rest
beating all the time. Beat in
Vanilla. If you choose to use icing color add it at
this time, beating well. The texture of the frosting is similar to whipped
cream. As soon as cake has cooled begin
frosting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Serve
with vanilla ice cream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Good
luck!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia serif" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Until next time be well, love well, and have fun with hat toppers!!!</span></div>
<br /></div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-35497241634624460002018-01-25T20:17:00.000-08:002018-01-25T20:17:55.759-08:00Toasty Toes and Other Creature Comforts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I hereby proudly announce my membership in the very first <i>ever</i> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-handmade-sock-society-1">Handmade Sock Society</a>! I. Can't. Wait. It's a botanically inspired subscription that will include 6 <i>secret</i> sock patterns released every other month beginning in February. As a wee bonus for joining early I also received a free Vintage Fairy Lights pattern that I immediately whipped up into these decadently delicious pink socks. If you are interested there is an early bird price available until the first pattern is released sometime early February. Sign up and you too can have toasty toes this winter, and all year long!<br />
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Of all the things that I've knit over the years my hand knit socks are worn and enjoyed the most. There is no comparison. They are fun to knit and indulgent to wear. Combined with leggings you have the equivalent of an adult onesie. <i>Don't judge</i>. I pad around the house with them on, take naps wearing them, and prop my feet up so they can be admired while I'm watching TV. In other words they bring me a great deal of creature comfort.<br />
<br />
Another creature comfort I've been enjoying this winter is having a wonderfully cozy shawl hanging about the house to wrap myself up in. It's my Osmosis shawl (pictured below) and I have a wild coincidence to share with you about this shawl. The Osmosis shawl designer, iKnit2Purl2, also dyed the yarn that I used to knit my Vintage Fairy Socks. But I didn't realize that connection when I chose to buy her yarn. It happened this way. I had recently finished knitting my Osmosis shawl when I went onto Etsy and by random surfing found this beautiful pink sock yarn. It wasn't until I looked at my receipt that I realized the same person who had designed the Osmosis shawl had dyed the yarn that I had just bought. Serendipity. How could I do anything else but put these two projects together in a post!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHFLExdAjgo6pADikjal_EMXYjkT3oJL4y7YAu-6-HRzHVXE_dEqKIJl7846sPL16fBzsP2JJBI_NXPSAF1Bfn0ebRqurL2CoOYlqw6Uv4dzDArgaTP_TQiR7tLIjPnf1LxE6VA9Jo-tY/s1600/VintageFairyflatLR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHFLExdAjgo6pADikjal_EMXYjkT3oJL4y7YAu-6-HRzHVXE_dEqKIJl7846sPL16fBzsP2JJBI_NXPSAF1Bfn0ebRqurL2CoOYlqw6Uv4dzDArgaTP_TQiR7tLIjPnf1LxE6VA9Jo-tY/s640/VintageFairyflatLR3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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PARTICULARS: Pattern: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vintage-fairy-lights">Vintage Fairy Lights</a> design by Helen Stewart (<a href="http://curioushandmade.com/">Curious Handmade</a>); US 1 DPNs; 1 skein <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/iknit2purl2">Corda Bella Yarns</a> (aka: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/iknit2purl2">iKnit2Purl2</a> ) Ultra Sock (400 yrds (100 gms) SW Merino & Nylon) colorway: Azalea. I did modify this design slightly. I kept the raised twisted knit stitch throughout the stock instead of switching to a 3K P1 repeat after the top design was finished. I think the contiguous raised knit stitch makes it look like balloon streamers are running the length of the stock holding up floating fairy lights! I loved knitting these socks, both the pattern and the yarn were a delight to work with. Previous Curious Handmade patterns I've knit are the <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/04/botan-shawlette-and-spring-sugar-cookies.html">Botan</a> (shawl) and <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/09/brooklyn-tweed-sweater-scarf-accessory.html">Shallows</a> (scarf).<br />
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PARTICULARS: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/osmosis-2">Osmosis shawl</a>, designed by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/iknit2purl2">iknit2purl2</a>, US 4 needles; 3 skeins <a href="https://www.tuskenknits.com/">Tusken Knits</a>, Fir, (400 yrds merino singles). My only modification, if you will, is that I only used 3 colors to knit this design. I simply knit a color until I was close to running out and then switched to the next skein until I ran out. More or less my color transitions began about 14 rows before the lace segments and then continued through and even after the lace segment. I ended up using virtually every scrap of yarn I had. This was a very enjoyable and easy shawl to knit and I love the finished product. It's similar in design to the very popular <a href="http://www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/find-your-fade-shawl">Find your Fade shawl</a> but it's uses less yardage (1,200 yrd vs. 1,540 yrds) and hence is a more manageable size which is why I chose to knit it. <br />
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PAIN AU LAIT<br />
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As this is a post about creature comforts it has to include a bread recipe. Because there is no greater creature comfort than enjoying freshly bake bread still warm from the oven! The recipe I am sharing is fun and easy to make and has a bit of french panache to boot!<br />
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The recipe comes from <a href="http://www.pbs.org/food/shows/great-british-baking-show/">The Great British Baking Show</a>. Of which I am a huge fan. As I'm sure is anyone who has ever baked. Because bakers know that it's a risk to bake for others. Baking is fraught with perils and pitfalls and you will see both successes and failures in this show. Some of the recipes have been shared online (not all recipes though as it's up to each contestant). Luckily Richard from season one shared his recipe for <a href="http://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/pain-au-lait/">Pain au Lait</a>. I love his recipe. It's easy to follow and relatively fast (for bread) and it doesn't require any special skills or tools (although you will need a kitchen scale as all ingredients are by weight). I hope you will enjoy Richard's <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/pain_au_lait_22273">Pain au Lait</a> rolls as much as I do!<br />
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Until next time be well, love well and I hope this winter you give sock knitting a try so you too can enjoy toasty toes and other creature comforts!<br />
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-89849128758784952022018-01-01T10:04:00.002-08:002018-01-01T10:04:46.877-08:00Resolutions and All Things Brioche <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Resolutions, resolutions, resolutions. I generally don't make them. After all I live a fairly disciplined lifestyle already. So when I think about resolutions, if I do, it's in terms of crafting goals. And last year I resolved to learn the brioche stitch. Come hell or high water. </div>
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It wasn't just because there were a number of shawls that I wanted to make that use this stitch. It was also that I didn't feel I would be a complete knitter until I had mastered this stitch. And it's not like I woke up last New Year's and decided I wanted to learn the brioche stitch either. I <i>had</i> attempted it several times over the years and not succeeded. For whatever reason this stitch befuddled me and simply watching free youtube videos and tutorials wasn't making it any clearer.<br />
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So in 2017 I bit the bullet and signed up for a paid <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/"><i>Craftsy</i></a> class! You have to understand this was a huge mental shift for me. If there's a free option online then I'm not interested in paying. For example I would never pay to blog as I get the blogger platform for free. I'm also not interested in making money from being online either so I guess there's some symmetry there. But as I mentioned I had already gone the free route with this stitch and that had gotten me nowhere. I turned to the mega online craft class retailer <i>C<a href="https://www.craftsy.com/?regMessageId=31&cr_linkid=SEM_G_Brand_Crafty_9527986777&cr_maid=96171&kclid=a3b3883c-e40a-422c-8cfa-c3d0fc623593&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIybWz_qe32AIVh8VkCh2-wQyJEAAYASAAEgLa7fD_BwE">raftsy</a></i> and settled on<i> <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/knitting/classes/explorations-in-brioche-knitting/35569">Explorations in Brioche Knitting with Nancy Marchant</a>, </i>who is a renown brioche guru. And if you are going to learn anything it's best to learn from the best. Especially if you are going to be paying. And I am delighted to report that this class did the trick for me. I began with lesson one and worked through the modulus and wallah the brioche stitch wasn't nearly so complicated as it had previously seemed. I guess sometimes it does pay to pay.<br />
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After all that I am particularly delighted to start 2018 by sharing my very first two color brioche shawl! This pattern is a combination of both brioche and lace stitches and if you look at the picture below you can see the brioche portion is the purple segment which gives the fabric depth and a beautiful tonal effect. I am not going to lie though the shape of this shawl is awkward and highly asymmetrical. I would not consider it an everyday shawl but if you want a statement piece then this is the ticket. All in all I'm thrilled to be wearing it and as a bonus I can call myself a <strike>master</strike> novice brioche knitter at last!<br />
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Particulars: <a href="http://knitgraffiti.com/patterns/parlour-knitting-pattern-pdf/">Parlour Shawl</a> designed by <a href="http://knitgraffiti.com/blog/">Leslie Anne Robinson</a> (<a href="http://knitgraffiti.com/">Knit Graffiti Designs</a>), <a href="https://www.labienaimee.com/">la Bien Aimee</a> skinny singles 1,100 yrds (yarn purchased as a kit); US 4 needles. I only made a couple very small modifications to this pattern. Because I felt leaving the eyelet of the pattern repeats looked unfinished I closed that eyelet and to make up for the extra decrease I threw in another edging increase. The other modification was to the BO. Three quarters of the way into the BO I realized that the edge was rolling and hiding the contrasting color so I ripped back and knit another row to create a garter stitch edge. Then, instead of turning my work I simply slid the stitches to the other end of my circular needles (so the right side was still facing me) and BO in contracting color yarn. This eliminated the rolling and emphasized the contrasting color.<br />
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To see a project that incorporates just a single color in the brioche stitch see my post with a photo of Stephen West's <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/search?q=marled+magic">Marled Magic Shawl</a> (the brioche is the grey portion) which also gives wonderful depth and texture to your fabric.<br />
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Incidentally I found baking brioche to be easier and oddly satisfying in light of having failed at the stitch. I use Le Pain Quotident's Brioche recipe from their <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Quotidien-Cookbook-Alain-Coumont/dp/1845337484/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514829612&sr=8-1&keywords=le+pain+quotidien+cookbook">Cookbook</a>. They do have a free version of their brioche recipe online but it uses very different measurements from the book and I can not vouch for it (nor are the ratings for that version very high) but if you are interested here's the link <a href="http://www.lepainquotidien.com/recipe/brioche-recipe/#.Wkk_29-nHIU">brioche recipe</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SUNSETS IN SAN CLEMENTE ~</span></b><br />
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After the wildfires and a very stressful start to the holidays we were fortunate that things quickly turned around and returned to normal. The Thursday before Christmas evacuation orders were lifted in Santa Barbara and my parents were allowed to return home and I joined them to help get the holidays back on track. A few days of dashing about and decorating the tree, shopping, and hanging the lights and we were able to enjoy one of the nicest Christmases ever. Afterward Steve and I headed to San Clemente to spend a few days relaxing at the beach as we always do the week between Christmas and New Year. Watching the sun glide below the watery surface is so beautiful and relaxing and one of my favorite parts of staying at the beach. Except when I'm not paying attention and a rogue wave wipes me out as it did while I was taking this picture. Yet looking back at the picture I can say without hesitation <i>worth it</i>. Even if I still have <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lrVymj9xHY"><i>Sand in my Shoes</i></a>.<br />
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Until next time be well, love well and may 2018 bring health and happiness and successful brioche knitting to all! </div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-60524121127453709682017-12-16T10:58:00.000-08:002017-12-16T11:07:38.699-08:00Winter Hat and Holiday Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Do you see anything wrong with this picture? Living in Southern California I don't have any snow balls to throw! But I do have bath bombs that look remarkably like snow balls! Yes? If you live where it snows for sure you will want to throw snow balls. Obviously. And you certainly need a cute winter hat to do that. But even if you don't live where it snows it's still fun to have a cute winter hat!<br />
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Long ago I lived in the midwest (Indiana) where it actually does snow. I've made snow angels, thrown snow balls and slid my car off the road in a snow storm. I can remember mornings scraping thick ice off my windshield, the magic of freshly fallen snow, snuggling under an electric blanket and drinking lots and lots of hot cocoa. And I loved it all. Except the part about sliding off the road. In a year like this where there is virtually no winter at all in Southern California I particularly miss those times and how the holidays seemed so much more special with snow on the ground.<br />
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But you want to hear about the hat! This is a super fast and fun knit. I purchased it as a mystery KAL kit. I chose the main color (blue) and the designer picked the contrasting red and white colors. I think she made a perfect choice and left to my own devices I'm not sure I would have done as well. Lately I've seen a resurgence in color work popularity. In particular there are some gorgeous color work yoke sweaters that are showing up online (I have the Sunset Highway Sweater on my needles). Color work projects are a lot of fun but can be intimidating if you haven't tried it before. If you are considering color work my advice would be to practice, practice, practice until you get comfortable knitting holding two yarn strands and are able to knit with an even tension. There are a number of ways to hold the yarn but I prefer to hold the background color over my index finger with the pattern color over my middle finger. You can find any number of free youtube videos demonstrating ways to hold the yarn. Try out the various methods and see what works best for you. And practice, practice practice. Once you get the hang of it you will find that you can knit almost as fast in two colors as one. Incidentally I have a super easy way to deal with floats that I'll share when I post my Sunset Highway sweater, which might be next month or next year depending on my fancy.<br />
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Particulars: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/248242055/stranded-in-toronto-hat-or-cowl-yarn-kit?ref=shop_home_active_3">Stranded in Toronto hat</a> kit; designed by Cindy Garland (Raverly Group:<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/wild-prairie-knits">Wild Prairie Knits</a>); Stunning Strings Studios, Simply DK (purchased as a kit); US 7 needles for both brim and the body. I delayed beginning the decreases for 2 rows to give it a little extra length. I love this yarn - very soft and warm - although as a single ply I'm not sure how well it will wear. Previous color work projects that I've blogged include <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/01/baa-ble-hat-and-slip-slidding-along.html">BaaBle Hat</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2009/10/high-time-to-learn-fair-isle.html">Hebe Hat</a>, and <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/12/fair-isle-scarf-and-dark-side-of.html">Osebury Scarf</a>.<br />
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In case you are wondering the scarf that I'm wearing in the photos is my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/01/good-vibes-at-beach.html">Good Vibes Shawl</a> and the mittens are my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2013/01/snowflake-fingerless-mitts-and-rustic.html">Snowflake Fingerless Mitts</a>. Both get a lot of wear!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Holiday Cookies ~</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The holidays are fast approaching and there are a million things that need doing. I know that. The house needs to be decorated, presents need to be purchased and wrapped, and everywhere you go you need to bring a dish or a dessert. But in all that rush don't forget the quaint tradition of leaving a plate of cookies out for Santa on Christmas e</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ve who surely deserves a treat. And since <i>I'm</i> Santa in this household, <i>ho ho ho, </i>that means baking a cookie just for me. And if I there is one cookie that I especially enjoy at Christmas it's the Nick of Time cookie and that's the recipe that I'm sharing with you. Just in case there's a Santa in your household who likes cookies too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I would describe this as a rustic cookie with a nice crunch that is chock full of cranberries, white chocolate and pecans. In other words a typical American cookie. Admittedly sweet, every bite tastes like a holiday party in my mouth. I look forward to them once a year. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.</span></div>
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Nick of Time Cookies<br />
~ yield ~ 3 dozen cookies (4 inches across)<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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1 cup very soft butter<br />
1 cup packed light brown sugar<br />
3/4 cup granulated sugar (I use super fine baking sugar)<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
Orange zest, from a large orange<br />
1 large egg at room temperature<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
2 3/4 cups All purpose flour<br />
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips<br />
1 1/2 cups dried organic cranberries, if whole roughly chopped<br />
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (I use elliot pecans)<br />
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Steps:<br />
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1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.<br />
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2. Combine soft butter, sugars, salt, vanilla, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until well combined (mixing 3 to 5 minutes minimum). Add egg and mix <u>on low</u> speed until fully incorporated, scraping bowl sides as needed. Remove mixer from stand.<br />
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3. In a separate bowl combine baking soda and flour. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and stir with spoon until just combined. Stir in white chocolate chips, cranberries and pecans.<br />
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4. Drop large tablespoon sized cookies onto parchment paper (slightly flatten with fingers or back of spoon). Bake in preheated oven (350 degrees) for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should be set and just slightly brown on bottom but the tops should not be browned. It's important not to over bake. Remove cookies from the oven and allow to continue cooking on sheet for 5 minutes. Remove to wire rack to finish cooling. Store in air tight tin or freeze.<br />
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Slightly adapted from the original version of the <a href="https://www.kingarthurflour.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI37v1o4f51wIVDNRkCh1_xgGSEAAYASAAEgJC_PD_BwE">King Arthur Flour</a> recipe for Nick of Time cookies since renamed and modified as cranberry-orange white chocolate Drops.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Southern California Wildfires</span></i></b><br />
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I want to briefly address the wildfires that have been on the news. If you are not already aware we are having terrible wildfires raging in Southern California which are ferociously consuming our dry parched terrain and everything in its path. So I've found it hard to feel jolly and in the Christmas spirit this year. My heart is heavy thinking of all the brave fire fighters on the front lines, poor terrified animals, and of course families who loose everything. A sobering reminder how quickly events can happen that forever change our lives. With regard to the Thomas fire at this time it looks like my sister's home (in the foothills of Carpinteria) will be spared but my parent's home (in the foothills of Santa Barbara) has just been moved into mandatory evacuation status. Even the newscasters are asking for prayers for a break in the weather. The red flag warnings continue throughout the region and there is no rain in the forecast.<br />
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Until next time be well, love well, and Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all who celebrate and remember to grab hold and hug all your loved ones.</div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-38527617927409868142017-11-20T19:26:00.000-08:002017-12-16T11:00:19.188-08:00Test Knitting and Holiday Gift Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am officially a Test Knitter! I feel special. As if I've achieved a new level of knitting proficiency. When in truth anyone can be a test knitter. All that it requires is that you be willing to boldly go where no man has gone before. Beam me up <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_T._Kirk"><i>Captain Kirk</i></a> I've acquired a taste for exploration.<br />
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Kidding aside there are a few aspects of test knitting that I hadn't considered prior to being one myself. For example when you agree to test knit you must follow the instructions exactly. This might not be a problem for most knitters but I generally like to adjust patterns to better fit my figure. This issue is obviously more of a concern with a sweater as opposed to a cowl or hat. Note that I chose to test knit a cowl.<br />
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You must also commit to a time table, which isn't a problem for me as I'm a pretty fast knitter. But it also occurred to me (while I was in the middle of this test knit) that I might be blithely knitting along only to find the pattern had a major error in it. Which would require that I frog back. And I must do so with a cheerful countenance as that is part and parcel of being a test knitter. I was happy to discover there were no errors in this pattern. Which makes me wonder if I really am cut out for test knitting.<br />
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Prepare yourself the compensation is meager. You will receive a final published version of the pattern and a thank you. But I'm going to posit that the real reward is that by test knitting we all support the indie pattern designers who have made knitting today the vibrant, fun and exciting time that it is with a wealth of excellent patterns for the hand knitter. I remember as a young woman visiting yarn shops that simply had a few baskets filled with yarn books and a few pattern leaflets to choose from. The internet and the indie pattern designer has revolutionized knitting in a way that is hard to comprehend for those who did not experience it as it was.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhD7TqNfTM6m_3_cjIODeydtPi9s3WFDWu9WEnEnTr0hZGQb8rU4_Df2oI9VQVb0jz7auAYMQgZu1Hn4BCWCx3e9dh4WzKQPPmrmJIPmQ_uwsPqFFJ-7vVFeu6KIU94GGoNRt_KH5ASb_/s1600/EurekaflatLR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhD7TqNfTM6m_3_cjIODeydtPi9s3WFDWu9WEnEnTr0hZGQb8rU4_Df2oI9VQVb0jz7auAYMQgZu1Hn4BCWCx3e9dh4WzKQPPmrmJIPmQ_uwsPqFFJ-7vVFeu6KIU94GGoNRt_KH5ASb_/s640/EurekaflatLR1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For my first test knit I lucked out with the Eureka Cowl. I knew as soon as I saw it I wanted one. As much as I love the modern designs a large part of my heart is firmly rooted in the rustic styles of the frontier and the 1800s. It was also a pleasure to work with Jessica Gore and knit her wonderful design that is warm and cozy and easy to wear. And, as a plus, it knits up fast in a worsted weight yarn! I love it and will wear it often on my morning hikes with Simcha. If you are interested in test knitting for Jessica then I suggest joining her Ravelry Group, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-sweater-collective"><i>The Sweater Collective</i></a>, where she posts upcoming test knits.<br />
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Particulars: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eureka-cowl-2">Eureka Cowl</a>; designed by <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/people/JessicaGore">Jessica Gore</a> (website <a href="https://thesweatercollective.com/">The Sweater Collective</a>); 3 skeins Mostly Merino Vermont Wool - discontinued - (worsted weight wool/mohair blend ) 300 yrds total; US 8 needles. My gauge swatch was dead on but the wool I used is slightly heavier than the yarn it is designed for and as a result I used more yardage and the length of my cowl is slightly longer. My finished blocked (relaxed) measurements are: 17.5" (length) x 19" (widest point); 9" (top opening). My advice for knitting this cowl is that you use a yarn that is warm and will have a good drape when blocked. The yarn I used for this project was left over from my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2010/05/cabled-riding-jacket-aka-my-great.html">Cabled Riding Jacket</a>.<br />
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<b>HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS ~</b><br />
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Thanksgiving and the holidays are a fun time of the year with lots of decorating, baking, and gift giving opportunities. Personally my oven barely has a chance to cool down the entire season! To get you in the spirit here's my list of gifting ideas which are all items that I've bought or received myself over the years. Nothing is over $75 and a few are stocking stuffer priced. If you are looking for big ticket splurge then I recommend you consider a yarn club or a sweater quantity of yarn but that's a risky gift in my opinion because it's highly dependent on personal taste so I've not included them on my list.<br />
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<u>Gift Ideas for Bakers</u><br />
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<li><a href="https://www.gramsapron.com/womens-aprons">Designer Apron</a>. If you enjoy entertaining or baking in style then these are a must! I have a number of aprons but my favorites come from a small shop in San Clemente, California, called Just B'Cuz. In the picture above I'm wearing an apron from their shop. A big plus is that these are reversible. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/sourdough-starter-and-crock-set">Sourdough Start Kit</a>. If you have never tried baking with a sourdough starter or know someone who would like to try then this is good place to begin your adventure. This is the very same kit that I purchased from King Arthur Flour 30 years ago and I've been enjoying wonderful breads ever since. Incidentally, in the picture above I'm holding a loaf of Sourdough filled with Apricots and Oats. For a more experienced sourdough enthusiast I recommend the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tartine-Bread-Chad-Robertson/dp/0811870413/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511212433&sr=8-1&keywords=tartine+bread">Tartine Bread</a> cookbook.</li>
<li><a href="https://search.kingarthurflour.com/search?w=lame&deftab=products">Lame Bread Slashing Tool</a>. A handy tool for all bread bakers. The black walnut one is on my wish list.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bakefromscratch.com/">Bake From Scratch</a> or <a href="https://www.kingarthurflour.com/essentials/sift">Sift Magazine</a> Subscription. I really love both these magazines and have made many wonderful treats from both including lots of cookies from the recent Bake from Scratch <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=bake+from+scratch+holiday+cookies&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=224085346931&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8761882767163725154&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031028&hvtargid=kwd-385130823795&ref=pd_sl_43q01ktiev_e">Holiday Cookie issue</a>. </li>
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<u>Gift Ideas for Knitters</u></div>
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<li><u><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=magic+yarn+ball+gift+ideas&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS535US535&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiblvaris7XAhXKsFQKHTi6CCQQsAQILQ&biw=1208&bih=555">Magic Yarn Ball</a>.</u> These are really fun to make and receive. Basically you buy a skein of yarn and then rewind it wrapping within the ball small gifts such as buttons, ribbon, lip gloss and anything else you can think of. It's like a stocking for knitters. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=knitting%20project%20bag">Project Bag</a>. Knitters can never have too many project bags. Because I knit a lot of socks I have a number of the smaller single skein bags that I purchase on Etsy that are hand sewn and beautifully made. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SucreSucreMiniatures">Progress Keeper</a>. I never thought I would use or want a progress keeper until I had one. Now I love using them and add them to all my projects. I linked to the Etsy vendor that I purchased from but there are many options on Etsy.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.signatureneedlearts.com/double-point-needles/double-point-needle.html">Signature Knitting Needles.</a> These are lovely needles. I have a set of their 5 DPN stiletto point sock needles and I love using them. Monogramming is an option.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ColorPurl?ref=pr_shop_more">Kidsilk Yarn</a>. This is a fun yarn with excellent yardage that there are a million uses for and everyone loves (although it is tricky to learn to knit with). I always have a kidsilk haze project lined up and these shawls and scarfs are my favorite knits to wear. I've linked to ColorPurl who I most recently purchased this yarn from and she has several kits that include this yarn. But there are many indie dyers who carry kidsilk in their inventory and of course <a href="https://www.yarn.com/products/rowan-kidsilk-haze?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyLfoiZHO1wIVBsNkCh2RmA27EAAYASAAEgK3MvD_BwE">Rowan yarns</a> made it popular. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/search?q=sock%20needle%20case%20holder">Needle Case/Cozy</a>. If you knit socks then you probably have sock needles rolling about everywhere like I do. These cute needle cases are on my wish list.</li>
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Don't forget to shop for deals online on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Jodie the editor at <i>Knit Like Granny</i> has published a helpful guide to online shopping (including some excellent knitting discounts) in her article <i><u><a href="https://knitlikegranny.com/black-friday/">Ultimate Guide to Black Friday and Cyber Monday Knitting Deals</a>!</u> </i><br />
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<b>HAPPY THANKSGIVING ~</b><br />
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Until next time be well and love well and from all of us at <i>The Knitting Blog by Mr Puffy the Dog</i> we wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season! Notice how Simcha's ears perk up at the mention of Thanksgiving.<br />
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Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-73326853229070370332017-10-29T18:32:00.000-07:002017-10-29T18:32:36.267-07:00Two Color Shawls and Fall Crafting ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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These days I'm addicted to knitting two color shawls. And if you are going to be addicted to anything that is a good thing. Right? I love that two color shawls have a modern look, are a nice size, and the shaping is often long and flowy. Which makes them perfect for wrapping around your neck as a voluptuous scarf or draped over your shoulder for a dramatic look. And those happen to be a very wearable looks for me. Perhaps if I lived in Iceland I would be more interested in knitting Lopi Sweaters but I don't. Not that I have anything against lopi sweaters. Parenthetically my first large project was a lopi sweater. It was gorgeous but impossibly warm and ended up tossed in the rubbish bin. I'm a much more pragmatic knitter these days.</div>
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Because not everyone can afford or wants to buy yarn as a kit for a two color shawl project I thought I would share a few tips that I use for buying yarn that will work well together. As a preface I purchase almost all my yarn online (there isn't a yarn shop convenient to where I live) and I also love the work of indie dyers so these tips are primarily geared toward the online shopper.</div>
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First, while it is not that exciting a purchase, you need to invest in a few skeins in solid or lightly speckled colors that are not designated for any particular project. These skeins don't have to be in a traditional neutral color such as grey or black it can be any shade of solid color, although neons are in my experience hard to work with. Once you have a few solid colors you can then shop for speckles and variegated yarns from indie dyers and you will be surprised how many gorgeous and unexpected combinations you can create this way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyONGuwna36f83xBONGqMehOQFXt0FekjNoDUfODD3Odcu8etOyfmmqQR1fYTbrCzlxC6Gj7ZQPrwwPq5sm7A6V0qPdP5n_dJ8J-tdgCjwhgR6qWsQDmKDw_Dne6_d5XYQYsBXtuu7BzyJ/s1600/PluckyLoveofScumLR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyONGuwna36f83xBONGqMehOQFXt0FekjNoDUfODD3Odcu8etOyfmmqQR1fYTbrCzlxC6Gj7ZQPrwwPq5sm7A6V0qPdP5n_dJ8J-tdgCjwhgR6qWsQDmKDw_Dne6_d5XYQYsBXtuu7BzyJ/s640/PluckyLoveofScumLR2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The other tip is to be aware of what you are buying. Not all fingering weight yarn is created equal. You want to match a plied yarn with another plied yarn (versus yarn singles). You also want to match the yardage as closely as possible (fingering weight skeins can vary anywhere from 400 yrds up to 500 yrds per skein). More closely matched yardage will help achieve a more evenly weighted shawl, although some variation in yardage won't be too noticeable. And lastly you want to pay attention to the composition of the yarn as a highly twisted sturdy wool yarn (more suited to socks) paired with a cashmere blend yarn (more suited to shawls) won't create as pleasing a fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1SPWPTR522YDAfRlPc1ifduSeX5Jb_3CPrKXni9-4QKgRDNpsOVT3xAEItZJsvEK0zCdrFr8MHXh5pnz53WayICsz7FjNvbFbF_35Ss0zF0Ga0rmXa1k0NHkDd-EGpNwmfqmou9ixrhU/s1600/PurejoyELR2ifl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1SPWPTR522YDAfRlPc1ifduSeX5Jb_3CPrKXni9-4QKgRDNpsOVT3xAEItZJsvEK0zCdrFr8MHXh5pnz53WayICsz7FjNvbFbF_35Ss0zF0Ga0rmXa1k0NHkDd-EGpNwmfqmou9ixrhU/s640/PurejoyELR2ifl3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once you have a couple of solid colored skeins of yarn you simply have to take the plunge and buy that gorgeous skein of yarn you have been eying and wait for serendipity to take hold! In the worse case scenario and you really don't think a skein of yarn will work with any of your solids then designate it for a pair of socks or consider its potential for a brioche pattern! In any event this is how I go about buying my yarn online and incorporating yarns from various vendors. And this is exactly the method that I used to come up with the yarn combination used in this shawl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQglEiLDwZ_ShSg47s4MId4EbSZrKoJ-aGg86WTcKWdTkOVbdprFqiazIscPiHh4zlpcC4bQimtNYuNcRSCBBMuFoXTLO4K76xFNpsX1LvQWLrYsoXBZDA5l5gJKXznI-nZE-xDE34Gtu/s1600/PurejoyflatLR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQglEiLDwZ_ShSg47s4MId4EbSZrKoJ-aGg86WTcKWdTkOVbdprFqiazIscPiHh4zlpcC4bQimtNYuNcRSCBBMuFoXTLO4K76xFNpsX1LvQWLrYsoXBZDA5l5gJKXznI-nZE-xDE34Gtu/s640/PurejoyflatLR2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Particulars: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pure-joy-2">Pure Joy</a> designed by Joji locatelli (website <a href="https://www.jojiknits.com/"><i>Joji Knits</i></a>); US 6 needles; 1 skein <a href="https://www.thepluckyknitter.com/yarns/">Plucky Knitter</a>, Snug Fingering (for The Love of Scum colorway: Strange Brew - 100g/389 yrds) and 1 skein <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/QingFiber">Qing Fiber</a>, BFL high twist (Shusui colorway - 100g/400 yrds). This is a wonderful pattern and I made no modifications whatsoever. As an aside Plucky Knitter is my favorite vendor for solid colored skeins. Previous patterns that I've knit using Plucky Knitter yarn include my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/02/why-i-knit.html">Stripe Study Shawl</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2012/06/50-shades-of-green-socks.html">Kelmscott Socks</a>, and <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/05/speckles-and-brights-and-how-to-wear.html">Breaking Bad shawl</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">FALL CRAFTING ~</span><br />
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I want to quickly share this cute softie that I made using a kit sold by <a href="http://www.posiegetscozy.com/">Posie Gets Cozy</a>. It's all hand sewn using wool felt and fabric scraps and it's a nice finished size at 13.5 inches tall. I really love it and the only change I made was to use a different fabric for the inside of my rabbit's ears. There's something that speaks to me about hand made toys and mostly I've knit them over the years but this wool felt rabbit came out so beautifully I might have to make another!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-Xd9tl0aKTMzHdpqu0EOomDT9BdmMWgV1SGiVGwalupwP7GhuBIiWk4svCJOsQPAs9UrT8B0tPyXlDz0yK7Op5v_dBl5jC_cyXj1yeTu-w5Q6ouLjma3FQMxyNIBHtZvun7bBgJ2cyaE/s1600/MollyALR1ifl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-Xd9tl0aKTMzHdpqu0EOomDT9BdmMWgV1SGiVGwalupwP7GhuBIiWk4svCJOsQPAs9UrT8B0tPyXlDz0yK7Op5v_dBl5jC_cyXj1yeTu-w5Q6ouLjma3FQMxyNIBHtZvun7bBgJ2cyaE/s640/MollyALR1ifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like most knitters I enjoy and am drawn to a variety of crafts but today there is such a huge amount of DIY project ideas and inspiration on Pinterest and other social outlets it can be daunting trying to find project ideas without becoming overwhelmed by choices and to know which ones really are worth spending the time and effort on. It's for this reason that Jodie founder of <a href="https://craftylikegranny.com/about/">Crafty Like Granny</a> has launched a new website that sorts through the fodder and highlights various knitting and crafting projects for you. They have also complied a list of their <a href="https://knitlikegranny.com/knitting-blogs/">top 100 knitting blogs</a> which they have graciously included me on. This blog list does not appear to be as focused on commercially oriented bloggers as some of the other lists of knitting bloggers that I've seen. Which I like because those are the blogs that I enjoy reading. Go have fun checking out their blog list for new bloggers or old favorites and be sure to also visit their list of <a href="https://craftylikegranny.com/current/">Thanksgiving knitting and crafting inspiration</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">LAST BUT NOT LEAST ~ FALL SOCKS</span><br />
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Because it's Socktober I couldn't let the month end without slipping in a pair of socks. These were a super easy and fun knit and best of all the pattern is free! I used the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-peasy-socks">Easy Peasy Socks</a> pattern designed by Nadine Tobish (blogs as <a href="http://www.schibotgarne.de/"><i>Schibot Garne</i></a>); 1 skein <a href="https://makers-haven.myshopify.com/">Makers Haven</a>, Simple Sock (colorway The World is My Canvas) and US 1 needles. My only modification, if you will, was to substitute my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2017/03/crazy-and-colorful-colorblock-socks.html">Colorbock Sock pattern</a> for overall sock construction, i.e., for cuffs, heel and toe shaping and and I simply used the Easy Peasy Sock design for the pattern effect.<br />
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Until next time be well and love well and as the days shorten and the holidays approach enjoy quiet moments of relaxation as you craft and bake for your family and loved ones!</div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-54280811059066705442017-10-07T18:24:00.000-07:002017-10-07T18:24:02.596-07:00Solstice Cardigan and Honey Roasted Pecans!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is my "Rhinebeck" sweater. Snicker. Yeah, I know that I'm not going to Rhinebeck but I'm still calling it my Rhinebeck sweater. To explain, if you are a knitter then you've probably heard of the fabulous extravaganza of sheep and wool called <i><a href="https://sheepandwool.com/">Nys Sheep and Wool Festival</a></i> that takes place late October in Rhinebeck, New York (commonly known as "Rhinebeck"). In any event it's the mecca for knitters and over the years it's become quite "the thing" to wear a new handknit sweater to the event called your Rhinebeck sweater. I wish I was going to this or any yarnie event. But I'm not nor am I ever likely too. Because apparently I'm waiting for one to come to Topanga, California. I suspect I'll be waiting a long time. But I can still have a "Rhinebeck" (sic. fall) sweater and you can too.</div>
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Over the years I've knit a number of sweaters, some pullovers, some short sleeve, and a few cardigans and hands down my cardigans get the most wear and enjoyment. I've found that my sweet spot for sweaters are the chunky cozy sweaters that are squishy and make you feel warm and toasty and impervious to the cold. Just like this one. It's an aran weight a a little heavier than any others I've knit but that's what makes it a great outer layer sweater.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh0mT5xskBBNm0Y-rel6zlgljpaFcgNbZPTqB-whYH5TB4TJ2IylJvkJ06ZPCO9uqa53_VXOHzUbI4XZzcVfa1n3P-QiSeZu-M__fmWHJX2N36nHchN6z3szDA1xJY8e3nT53LZzVlcmK/s1600/solsticeBackALR1pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCh0mT5xskBBNm0Y-rel6zlgljpaFcgNbZPTqB-whYH5TB4TJ2IylJvkJ06ZPCO9uqa53_VXOHzUbI4XZzcVfa1n3P-QiSeZu-M__fmWHJX2N36nHchN6z3szDA1xJY8e3nT53LZzVlcmK/s640/solsticeBackALR1pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To be honest while this sweater was on the needles I had begun to worry that I had made a mistake in selecting this pattern. It felt and looked like a boring blob of yarn that I was lugging about. But I persevered. In for a penny in for a pound I always say. And I had bought the yarn to go with this pattern so there must have been <i>something</i> about the project that had spoken to me. And of course once the sweater came together I knew why I had chosen it. It has wonderful texturing going on and has a quaint vintage style that is easy to wear and will be perfect for running errands or simply to hang out sipping a steaming cup of coffee. Did I mention it feels fabulous on?<br />
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If you read this blog then you know I'm partial to knitting shawls and accessories. After all I live in a very warm climate (southern california) so I don't have a lot of cold weather to justify knitting too many sweaters but we do get some cool and down right cold days November through January so it's nice to have a new sweater in the fall. I'm glad that I picked this one for 2017.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4SaaJh284shO1OomW7iFc1A5s7L5ywekGUH0_bofb0gWLI66g-tsQqwCnLvobwdzA_VKxyUiBSlTgWxLFaCTzVGaSrwXGz_wRycmiTCoOy8EEnnyL1SsitvnKrjdBpu72Wa92rmiajzI/s1600/SolsticestandingALR1pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4SaaJh284shO1OomW7iFc1A5s7L5ywekGUH0_bofb0gWLI66g-tsQqwCnLvobwdzA_VKxyUiBSlTgWxLFaCTzVGaSrwXGz_wRycmiTCoOy8EEnnyL1SsitvnKrjdBpu72Wa92rmiajzI/s640/SolsticestandingALR1pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Particulars: </span><a href="https://quinceandco.com/products/solstice-cardigan" style="font-family: inherit;">Solstice Cardigan</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> by </span><a href="https://cecilyam.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Cecily MacDonald</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">; 6 skeins </span><a href="https://quinceandco.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Quince & Co</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">., </span><a href="https://quinceandco.com/collections/yarn/products/osprey-yarn-wool" style="font-family: inherit;">Osprey</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (lupine colorway); US 10 1/2 circular needles. This is a w</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">onderfully written and easy to follow pattern, although I did find the “faux” cable (running down the shoulder and sleeves) confusing at first. I think the instructions would have been cleared if stated as follows:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">R</span><span style="background-color: white;">ow 3: Sl 4 wyb droppping all yo’s. Using the point of LH needle pass the first 2 stitches over the second 2 stitches LEAVING THESE STITCHES ON THE LEFT HAND NEEDLE. Transfer the 2 remaining stitches on the right needle to the left needle. Now that your stitches are crossed knit them in this order.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hopefully this will help someone else also confused by the faux cable instructions. Other than that the pattern is very easy to follow. There are optional pockets that I skipped and I did tack down the collar to prevent it riding up.</span></div>
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If you are interested in cardigans (versus pullover sweaters) previous posts with a cardigan include <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/09/brooklyn-tweed-sweater-scarf-accessory.html">Little Waves</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2008/05/finally-flo.html">Flo</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2010/05/cabled-riding-jacket-aka-my-great.html">Cabled Riding Jacket</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2012/07/bud-summer-sweater-and-lemon-and-white.html">Bud</a>, <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2011/02/sublime-sweater.html">Exquisite Cardigan</a>, and <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/MrPuffy/rowena-cardigan">Rowena</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Honey Roasted Pecans!</i></b></span><br />
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Some say that I'm a nutty person so it shouldn't be a surprise that I enjoy eating nuts. I use them a lot in my baking and I also eat a fair amount raw but my favorite nuts are those that have been roasted. As fall is a time to celebrate the harvest gathering for winter I thought this would be the perfect time to share a favorite recipe for roasted nuts.<br />
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This is a recipe for roasted pecans and before getting into the nitty gritty of the recipe it's important to clarify the type of pecans to use. For baking no question I always use <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliot_Pecan">elliot pecans</a> because of the wonderful flavor they add to baked goods. Over the years I've purchased elliot pecans from <a href="https://www.sunnylandfarms.com/">Sunnyland Farms</a> (wonderful quality, but their prices have gotten pretty high) so this year I purchased my pecans from <a href="http://www.pearsonfarm.com/georgia-pecans">Pearson Farms</a> and I am very happy with their quality too. Incidentally pecans freeze extremely well so don't worry about the quantity of nuts you purchase. But for this recipe I like to use the variety of pecans that you generally find in a grocery store and <a href="https://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature-Pecan-Halves%2C-2-lbs.product.100115257.html">Costco</a> carries them at a very good price which is handy because this recipe is very addictive and you can go through a lot of pecans! Honey roasted pecans are wonderful tossed in a salad (try them in my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-colonial-scarf.html">holiday salad</a>!), added to a bowl of popcorn, chopped up and sprinkled on top of oatmeal, or simply by the handful. There are endless ways to enjoy them! Oh, and before I forget, packaged prettily they make great hostess gifts too.<br />
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<b>Honey Roasted Pecans</b><br />
~ yield ~ 4 cups<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
4 cups pecan halves<br />
3 Tbs. honey (I like a warm flavored honey and use Trader Joe's Turkish Honey)<br />
2 tsp. sugar, divided<br />
3/4 tsp. curry powder<br />
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt<br />
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Pan preparation:<br />
Aluminum Foil<br />
Non-Stick cooking spray (I use pure olive oil)<br />
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Steps:<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a roasting pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.<br />
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2. Add pecans to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with honey. Mix well to coat all pecans.<br />
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3. Evenly distribute pecans on prepared roasting pan. If you see any nuts that somehow aren't covered well with honey drizzle them with a dollop of additional honey before sprinkling tops of pecans with 1 tsp. sugar (do not stir). Roast for 10 minutes.<br />
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4. Remove pecans from oven and stir well. Sprinkle top of pecans with remaining 1 tsp. sugar, 3/4 tsp. curry powder and 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon. Roast for 2 minutes more. Total roasting time is 12 minutes.<br />
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5. Remove pecans from oven and allow to cool 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to non-stick parchment paper or silpat to finish cooling. I transfer the nuts while still warm because I find that when I leave them to cool completely on the foil they have a tendency to stick to the foil.<br />
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6. Once the pecans have cooled sprinkle them with 1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt.<br />
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7. Store in an airtight container.<br />
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Adapted from Southern Celebration's <a href="http://www.tasteofthesouthmagazine.com/spicy-honey-glazed-pecans/">Spicy Honey Glazed Pecans</a>.<br />
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Although it has nothing to do with pecans I had to share this picture of Steve and Simcha because it captured my heart. It's taken on a Friday night as they prepare for Shabbat which for the Jewish religion is on Saturday. Simcha loves to keep Steve company as he studies and he's also a big fan of his guitar playing too. As am I naturally!<br />
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Until next time be well, love well and have fun picking out your Halloween pumpkin! And for those of you lucky enough to be going to Rhinebeck, or any fiber festival have a wonderful time and take lots and lots of pictures!!!</div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959066417173104882.post-57735644610300748052017-09-13T10:59:00.002-07:002017-09-13T10:59:53.563-07:00Striped Esjan Shawl and Early Fall Baking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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With all the looming holidays from Jewish, Christian, Pagan, and Secular you are definitely going to need a great party shawl. And it doesn't matter what age you are it is always fun to get dressed up and wear something flirty with a bit flounce to a party. The Striped Esjan shawl delivers just that with a sophisticated vibe to boot. Roll on with the holidays!</div>
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I fell in love with this design a long time ago and made several attempts to knit it using contrasting stripes (as the design called for) but that just didn't work for me. I think the stripes made it too busy or something. In any event I forgot about this pattern until I was trying to decide what to make with this gorgeous variegated yarn. When walla I serendipitous remembered that I had some smoky grey mohair yarn for contrast and after that it was an easy decision to turn it into a Striped Esjan sans stripes, if that's possible.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgti4wGj4R7G5du3wvlxqtGuh6Mhyphenhyphenw1n8bQ6XrKsQ231WS-orZO29OOq1owLk5_Cw3M_22nEGhPgxSwp9hkaM6KDWq0ovt7Q60nsiUqg4KjDCWCFtI76k8SZAc3AgDRDQEX8BvDDf59ZQl/s1600/stripedbackALR1ifl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgti4wGj4R7G5du3wvlxqtGuh6Mhyphenhyphenw1n8bQ6XrKsQ231WS-orZO29OOq1owLk5_Cw3M_22nEGhPgxSwp9hkaM6KDWq0ovt7Q60nsiUqg4KjDCWCFtI76k8SZAc3AgDRDQEX8BvDDf59ZQl/s640/stripedbackALR1ifl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Knitting with this yarn reminded me how much I love a variegated colorway. For one thing I love how a highly variegated yarn becomes your own unique colorway based on how you use it. For example if I had used this yarn to knit a pair of socks the yarn would have looked very different because the short rows would have pooled the colors very differently. Or if I had used a different needle size, shawl design, or contrasting color it would have look different as well. With all the recent hype over speckled and brightly colored yarns I'd forgotten the unique beauty of variegated yarns. Where as a speckled yarn pretty much creates an identifiable homogeneous design.<br />
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It's thanks to Andi who writes the popular blog <i><a href="http://www.mysistersknitter.typepad.com/">MySistersknitter</a></i> that I found this yarn. She often features lesser known Indie yarn dyers. When this dyer was on Andi's blog she called her shop Mountain Girl Yarns but subsequently she closed that shop and has since reemerged as <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/woolouyarn">Woolou Yarns</a></i>. So many LYS and Esty sellers have closed over the last few years. I don't know if that is due to fewer people knitting or the state of the economy in general. I do know that there are some very popular dyers who can't dye yarn fast enough for demand but there are many more independent yarn sellers who struggle to make a living. I try and be adventuresome and support the lesser known dyers. After all you never know when you'll find a gem like this yarn! And diversity of choice is good for everyone. We don't all want to be walking around wearing the same popular colorways, do we? As awesome as some of them are! Note to self: snag a skein of speckled birthday cake ASAP. Incidentally I checked on Ravelry and there are only 7 projects made using Woolou Yarns. Andi's beautiful <a href="http://mysistersknitter.typepad.com/my-blog/2015/09/september-loves.html">Linus</a> is one of them. My yarn has been discontinued.<br />
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Particularls: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/striped-esjan">Striped Esjan</a>; US 4 and 6 needles; 1 skein SW BFL/Nylon (464 yrd) dyed by Mountain Girl Yarns (colorway Big Creek) now known as <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/woolouyarn">Woolou Yarn</a></i>; 1 skein kidsilk haze dyed by <a href="http://shop.hedgehogfibres.com/">Hedgehog Fibers</a> (colorway Crystal - left over from my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2014/05/northern-skies-mystery-shawl-kal.html">Northern Skies Shawl</a>). I knit the body of the shawl (and all parts using Mountain Girl Yarns) using US 4 needles and I knit the kidsilk haze section using US 6 needles. Because I had less of the Mountain Girl Yarn than the pattern required I knit the body until I had used 60% of my skein (leaving 40% for the edging). That was a pretty good guesstimate and I almost made it... I ran out of yarn halfway through the BO and switched to a complimentary green color to finish.<br />
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Previous designs by <a href="http://westknits.com/">Stephen West</a> that I've knit include <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-summer-scarf-and-simcha-news.html">Pogona</a>; <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-yankee-doodle-shawl-and-simcha-stories.html">The Doodler</a>; and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marled-magic-shawl">Marled Magic</a> (pictured below). I don't see myself doing a full post on Marled Magic but I <i>am</i> very happy with how it came out. I knit the large (shanklet) size and I know that Steve is looking forward to using it this winter as a throw.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Early Fall Baking ~</span></b><br />
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It's not technically Fall yet. I know that. But September 1st saw me begin my day happily munching on a fragrant slice of pumpkin spice bread. Already I feel the mornings are cooler and the evenings are getting dark earlier and small signs of fall are appearing about the house. Soon colorful gourds will be predominately displayed and apple butter will be bubbling away on my stove top. It's a very happy time for me as it celebrates many of the things that make life special including a welcoming home with a loving family, wonderful food, and an appreciation for the harvest. And of course I get to wear the sweaters and socks that I spend so much time knitting!<br />
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If you are interesting in trying this Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Bread it's a free recipe from <i><a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/sourdough-pumpkin-spice-bread-recipe">King Arthur Flour</a></i>. As it's made with a sour dough starter it's not your typical sweet bread. It's more a breakfast bread that is nice toasted with your morning coffee, and I really enjoy it. But if you prefer a sweet pumpkin bread you might try my <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/2015/11/pumpkin-bread-with-walnut-topping.html">Pumpkin Bread with Walnut Topping</a>.<br />
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Until next time be well, love well and slow down and notice the early signs of Fall. They can be subtle here in Southern California but they can be seen in the surrounding foliage, shifting daylight, and falling temperatures. May you also have fun on your search for the perfect gourds and pumpkins to decorate your home!</div>
Claudia Bughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08893132997720328084noreply@blogger.com9