The comeback kid !!

Well...........just when I thought I was going to get it together with my blog, I was involved in a serious car accident.Of course, all is going to be fine but, I am currently healing from a broken neck. Sounds serious right? The worst part is wearing what they refer to as a "Miami Collar"Who named this thing ? It's like having a noose around your neck that reigns you in every time you try to move in a normal direction. So for now, I am limited in my activities. Most of what I considered normal is now a time consuming chore. Hmmm, lets see ..........What kind of trouble can I get into when no one is looking??? Driving is out , therefore I am limited to seeing what lurks in my closets to keep myself occupied......challenging to say the least. Here's what I found this week.
       I've had plenty of time to peruse my favorite blogs and seeing as how I love my kitchen best, I thought that might be a good place to start. Chopping and cutting is still a chore as my visibility is straight ahead.Something easy was going to have to suffice. Smitten Kitchen was touting the need for popsicles for breakfast and that seemed like a great idea. Besides I had all the ingredients in my stash of supplies.http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2015/05/swirled-berry-yogurt-popsicles/

 I had raspberries calling me from the freezer........that's the only change I made.

Looks like I have to work on getting a clearer picture. What can I say,gave it my best shot. Seems my camera disappeared in the accident and I'm having to use a new one .........all the bells and whistles are not the same, so bear with me. I'm working on it. For now,it is what it is......said the hobbit.

Here in New England

This is the view from my front window..........I know, hard to tell were the driveway ends and were the street starts, right? We've been getting a ridiculous amount of snow. Wish it would go up to the mountains but, seems it's vacationing at the coast this year. So what can you do but, make the most of it.First and foremost we make sure we have heat, batteries and candles.......well, we don't really need the candles but, they add a nice touch.Flashlights are a little harsh.Next I checked the fridge to see what I could make that wouldn't require my going out in this weather.

 Yes, there is always a good supply of local eggs and mixed with a bit of slivered onions and chopped olives this will make a great lunch.

I think this will get us through the afternoon. Chips would be nice. Maybe I'll make some. Homemade chips are pretty awesome. Burgers in the freezer so guess what we are having for supper. Well can't chat now I'm off to make those chips and hoping for a break in this snowstorm............said the hobbit

How are those New Years resolutions coming?

Did you make any plans for 2015? Every year on New Years Eve my husband and I muse over what we should tackle for the coming year. This is the second year that cleaning the cellar is on my list. 

But, I'm hearing the call of my seed and plant magazines luring me away from my chosen track.

Also on the list is to knit 3 pairs of socks in January.............

But, who can resist those adorable cardinals that have come to visit my yard. Mamma hides in the bushes

While Daddy gathers the fallen seeds from the bird feeder. Such a good Papa.

Ok, I'm a little distracted but, I still have my eye on the prize.

I did manage to finish 1 pair of socks now it's off to the cellar with me.

Did I mention that I have 4 levels in my house? 

 Well..........let's not get ahead of ourselves How about you? ..................said the Hobbit

Something new in the kitchen

Doesn't the new year just scream.......TRY SOMETHING NEW FOR A CHANGE!! Well , no problem here. Just ask my family and they will tell you, I am forever trying something new. At least in the kitchen and in my craft room .Everything always sounds so tasty .....so fresh, so OMG I have to try this.

So, while reading my Yankee Magazine,I was drawn to this recipe for Concord Brown-Bread Muffins. The memories of my memere's brown bread that accompanied our weekend serving of bean's came flooding back and I felt this might be a nice treat.Although meals on the farm were never boring,we had a certain amount of repetition that added comfort to our routine.Saturday 's bean supper was one of those things.Most shopping was done Saturday morning and when we got home a hot pot of beans was slowly coming to Canadian bliss in the oven.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Butter muffin tins.They claimed this would make 12 muffins and I did follow their directions BUT, with such dense flours being used I think dividing the batter into 6 tins will be my choice next time.First CHOP 1/3 CUP CANDIED GINGER AND SET ASIDE

  In a bowl combine: 2/3 CUP OF CORNMEAL
                                              1/2 CUP WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR
                                               1/2 CUP RYE FLOUR
                                                3/4 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
                                                1/2 TEASPOON BAKING SODA
                                                 1/2 TEASPOON TABLE SALT
                                 
In a smaller bowl whisk together:1CUP BUTTERMILK
                                                   1/4 CUP VEGETABLE OIL
                                                    1/3 CUP DARK MOLASSES
                                                     1 LARGE EGG
Add liquid to flour and mix till just blended.Didn't dirty my mixer for this one.A spatula was enough.Stir candied ginger into batter reserving a little for the tops. Divide batter into buttered muffin tins. No paper needed Bake 10 minutes NOW SPRINKLE REMAINING GINGER ON TOP OF BREAD/MUFFINS and continue to bake 10-12 minutes.

I'm eyeing my memere's bean pot. These might just be the thing to bring back an old tradition.
                                                              "said the hobbit."

Still looking in the pantry

Well it's still January so I'm poking around looking for new ways to be frugal and the pantry is my favorite place to make it happen.We will not talk about the yarn and fabric,tucked away in bins. January will be dedicated to "THE PANTRY"
I have a cookie recipe that calls for brittle and strange as it may seem, I can't always find SKOR brittle bars at my grocers.While lamenting my tale of woe to my daughter Sarah, she decided to find a recipe for me and within a very short time I received THIS recipe. I have no problem attempting most recipes but, candy??? This is out of my comfort zone.

The ingredients were simple enough
  2 sticks of butter
1 cup of sugar
5 tablespoons of water
1 teaspoon vanilla
chocolate 
nuts                               I think the secret here is to make this in an iron skillet. She simple says to melt the butter sugar and water till the bubbles start coming up caramel color. So I did ......stirring constantly. Once it started to bubble I watched closely, trying to get just the right color of golden caramel. This took about 10 minutes. I wasn't sure that the chips were going to melt as she said, so, I put a little sample on parchment paper to see if it was for real.......touch of the doubting Thomas,

All looked fine so I proceeded to put my toffee on the parchment ........sprinkle with chopped pecans.I used about a cup. Seemed a bit heavy,,,,,,more like nut frosting than nut sprinkling.Then a
quick covering  with the chocolate chips, gently swirling in order to melt my chocolate in an even layer.

Of course this created a lovely tasting sampler on my spoon that I nibbled at while waiting for my masterpiece to harden. But, you know how it is......a watched pot never boils. It took about 1 hour to firm completely .......fortunately I have a marble slab that helped in the chilling process.

It was pretty easy to break into bit size pieces and I have to admit, this is a winner.

I think I'll be doing this again,but,for now I kind of like just looking at it on the shelf........said the hobbit.

HOW EASY IS THIS

Last October my knitting group had it's first "ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL"  Those who wanted to participate made homemade treats and brought their latest canning to exchange with others. Of course there was more food to nibble on than we could possible have consumed

 A table full of our work was set out for all to see and gush over. You had to bring one to taste and I think 8 to exchange .............such fun.

We had jams jellies homemade cracker jacks cookies beets herb vinegars granola and so much more. You also brought the recipe for all to have.Which brings me to the simple part. ALL THOSE CHRISTMAS CARDS THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH......

I made a pattern of the top of my canning jar using a thin plastic cover.The plastic actually allowed me to see what I wanted to cut.

Then I just cut out the circles..............

And now I'll have lovely toppers to place on my canning jar for our next annual festival






Not to mention just the perfect look for Christmas gifting.....pretty pleased with this. Just the right amount of crafting for January......said the Hobbit

The girls are back!!!

 After a long holiday hiatus,my crafty friends manage to get together for our weekly knitting get together.We were 10 brave souls who weathered some pretty cold weather to talk about family gatherings and new projects that we hope to do.

Looks like the holidays didn't stop them from knocking those needles.........

DEB 4th on the right tackled her first felting project and made this great courier style bag. He advice to newbie felter...............she had to run it through the washer 3 times to get the proper felting texture. So if you plan on doing a similar project ............don't panic if it doesn't come out the first time.

GISELE ,at the very end of the table brought in a gorgeous cotton knit sweater that she had made for her grand daughter.

A simple basket weave pattern highlighted the soft pastel colors that made up the yarn.Nice work Gisele.

CINDY S. 2nd on the left was busy making birthday gifts.......This little lobster to be is going to make a little girl very happy.











If that doesn't do the trick ....how about these bunny slippers. I need to get this pattern from her. I know a few little girls who would be hopping all over their home with a pair of these.An added feature that she came up with was to put indoor/outdoor sealant on the undersole  to keep the slippers skid proof.You can find this in most hardware stores. I found this one at my local dollar store for $1.75 per tube. We all know how they run around and safety first with the little ones is a priority. Have to brag here. She was recently published at Knit Pick yarns when she created THIS PATTERN Kudos to you Cyndi........we are most proud.
                                                 Pretty clever right? ......said the hobbit

Day dreaming

Our weather in New England has been pretty nasty for the past 10 days.Nothing like the mid-west but, enough to keep us in the kitchen by a warm oven or bundled up on the couch with our knitting. 

It doen't take much to give me cabin fever and my husband and I took a little drive on the back roads of our neighborhood to see how everyone else was managing.

About 15 miles from our home we saw these horses out for the afternoon just enjoying the day.I think this one was happy to see someone drop by.

I guess we interrupted lunch and this fellow had no intention of being social. He never did raise so much as an eyebrow to see who was watching him.Someday I plan on taking a few lessons and and enjoy the thrill of being up on one of these mighty steeds. Maybe this will be the year?

Looks like my grand daughter is dreaming the same thing. I can hear her now saying "Jayne ......when you grow up ,I'm going to ride you into the wind"
                           Can't wait to see that..................said the hobbit

The Best Part of Christmas and a Happy New Year!

First let me wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! This is when we think on what we want to accomplish for 2014 however, what greater joy was there in 2013 than to see these little ones gathered to celebrate Christmas at there Uncle Thom's home.Gift's were placed under the tree for sharing.

SANTA was a big hit when he granted Aaron his biggest wish."Please Santa, come to my home and sing me Happy Birthday" how can you say no to that!

HARPER WAS HOPING FOR FINGER FOOD AND SHE GOT IT

COTTRELL AND AARON OPENED THEIR PRESENTS WITH SUCH CAREIt was a pillow for TV watching but she thought it was a pony........doesn't every little girl want one?

AND THEN WE MET JAYNE,THE BABY MASTIFF, I DON'T THINK HE, YES,IT'S A HE ,

WILL BE SITTING ON PEPERES LAP NEXT YEAR................SAID THE HOBBIT

it's here it's here!!!! It's CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!!

 Finally ........we spent the weekend doing those last minutes chores . One last visit to the farmer's market.So many things to choose from but, I have a list and I must stick to it.

Do I need anything to brighten my home?











 Oh .......one can always use a little more color at Christmas time........right?

Oh my !! Looks like Santa has left the room and is ready to visit all good little boys and girls.I'd better get home because........













THE REASON FOR THE SEASON IS HERE...............
                                  MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! ...............said the hobbit

A party for two........sometimes it's a good idea.

I know the Holidays are meant to be spent with lots of family, music and hoopla......but,sometimes you need to make a little special time for your first mate.My husband and I have a number of anniversary under our belt, and let me tell you girl, it never hurts to make your partner in crime feel a little special.You know how it goes..........do unto others as you would have them do to you. So if you're needing a little special attention the quickest way to get it is to give it.

Something new in my culinary skills this year is a free form vegetable pie. I haven't quite found the perfect blend yet but,I think it had plenty of eye appeal and I'm fascinated with the concept. I know this isn't a new idea.........potato sandwiches were the rage in the 30's but it sometimes takes me awhile to catch on. This one had the fancy name of RED POTATO AND APPLE GALETTE  so how could I pass it up? Flour, 1 and 1/4 cup, butter,1 stick ,salt and pepper ,and ice water 5 to six Tablespoons were the ingredients for the pastry. I couldn't help but add a sprinkling of thyme to the mix.Chill in the fridge till ready to use.While waiting THINLY slice.

1 MED RED POTATO  wash don't peel
1 GRANNY SMITH APPLE  cored not peeled

Roll out your dough to a 12 inch circle. ( we like our crust thin and flaky so I have to say I had enough for 2 pies)
1/ 2 CUP CREME FRAICHE spread this on your  just rolled crust within 1 or 2 inches from the a
edge. then sprinkle
1/4 CUP GRATED PECORINO
and alternate the potatoes and apples, being as creative as you like or, just heap it in a mound and spread it evenly over the cheese.
Bake at 450 in the lower third of your oven for 20 -25 min.

While waiting for the masterpiece to be ready we helped ourselves to cheese and crackers and a little pumpkin bread. Bloody Mary's rounded out the meal and gave us the time we needed to breathe and plan our attack on the holiday to-do list.We clinked our glasses and patted each other on the back for handling yet another holiday frenzy. Everyone at the party had a great time and loved the galette. Sometimes you just have to treat each other like visiting royalty. I love a party for two...................said the Hobbit

It's almost here........Are you ready?

Are you cooking like  crazy right now........I know Christmas/comfort. It's a perfect match,isn't it? This should be such a fun time of year,but, somehow I make an almost impossible list than even Santa can't handle.While trying to decide what to make for the holidays I scan to see what my blogging friends are doing and by the time I've spent an hour or two oowing and ahhing over all their plans I'm just about ready to have a good cry.
Really....am I the only person out here who can't make 13 different cookies and 5 specialty candies for my family to enjoy?

But then I look out my window at the newly fallen snow and see my neighbors house looking like the perfect Christmas card, my heart melts and my blood pressure drops a few notches and I am reminded that I just have to be me.Although I love a good cookie I have to say that my true comfort food is ........

                                                                   
                                                                   SOUP........I think there is nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup.This week I made RED LENTIL WITH LEMON.When life gets a little stressful, this soup can really lift your spirits.There are many variations to this recipe,however I think this comes under the heading of "if it ain't broke,don't fix it" simplicity is an important thing to remember during the holidays.
Gather these ingredients:

4TBLS EVOO  
2 LARGE ONIONS CHOPPED
4 GARLIC CLOVES MINCED
2 TBLS TOMATO PASTE
2 TSP GROUND CUMIN
1/2 TSP KOSHER SALT
PINCH OF CAYENNE
2 QUARTS VEGGIE BROTH.........OR CHICKEN
2 CUPS RED LENTILS
2 LARGE CARROTS  PEELED AND DICED
JUICE OF 1 LEMON
1/3 CUP CHOPPED FRESH CILANTRO

Saute onions and garlic in Olive Oil till just tender
Stir in tomato paste,cumin,cayenne salt and pepper and continue to stir till  you have that wonderful aroma of onions and spice rising up from the pot.  Oh yeah ...... now you're cooking.Add your broth,lentils and diced carrots.Bring to a boil then slowly simmer till tender. 20 to 30 minutes.At this stage I use my emulsion blender to puree the soup.Stir in lemon juice and chopped cilantro and enjoy!! After consuming 1 or 2 bowls of this soup you should be ready to get back to your holiday list and probably check everything as "done"
Hmmm,have you thought of having it for breakfast?..........said the Hobbit

Getting back in the saddle.

Ok ..........I know I've been MIA and I hope to get back to normal. I have no serious excuse for my behavior. It just seems that I've been too busy to get back in the groove of blogging . First my computer was misbehaving, then it was time to garden and just as I got started we had a few nights of freezing temp. unlike the 90+ that we are experiencing now..My Google Reader is no more so I have switched toa new reader Unfortunately I keep calling it freely because it has no fee and it takes me about 30 minutes to find the blogs that I am currrently following.It's not them it's my extreme dislike of change.

Well things seem to be sailing a bit more smoothly now so hopefully the new schedule that I have made for myself will feel a bit more natural.Still adjusting to having three cats,a part time tenant and a great grand baby coming soon. OK now that I have used every excuse in the book I promise to make an effort to get back in the groove and stop my daydreamimg. Keep your fingers crossed for me. 

Bad habits are hard to break..........said the hobbit

From the pantry ..........Cinnamon Raisin and Applesauce Bread.

I keep trying to get back to this blog but, 2013 is busy, full of changes, and crazy weather patterns that are turning my world like a top.Could I possibly have too much I my plate? That is something I will NEVER admit to. So having all this spare time on my hands I decided to try a few new breads. I got this one from a blog call NEVER HOMEMAKER Always on the lookout for something a little more healthy and natural this bread seemed to have it all.

One reason for giving this bread a try was the ingredient flax seed. When I worked at "the barn" we had quite a few customers that were extremely knowledgeable in nutrients  and flax seed was touted as the best protection to guard against several cancers.Click HERE if you would like a little more info.Most important when using flax is to crush with a mortar and pestle and soak for at least 15 min before using in any recipe.It seems the shell is so tough that it will pass through your system before you could get any benefits so do the best you can to break as many of those shells as possible.



Kosher salt and Extra Virgin Olive Oil  also known as EVOO in this house is a good thing so being in this bread was a plus. White and wheat flour ? I'm hearing crunchy granola in my head. Can I take all this good stuff.

Raisins and cinnamon and homemade applesauce with NO extra sugar added..........how healthy is that? I have to say .......I take my hat off to all you homemakers out there who are able to keep up with bread making as a regular chore in their daily lives. The bread was tasty ,looked great, and was enjoyed by all. 

However I just can't seem to find the time to do bread on a regular basis. Fortunately this recipe made 2 loaves so.......hiding one in the freezer will give the impression that I made it again. SHHHH. This will be our secret ..............said the hobbit

RECIPE FOR CINNAMON RAISIN AND APPLESAUCE BREAD

 2 1/4 TEASPOON ACTIVE DRY YEAST
1/2 CUP WARM WATER
1 1/2 CUPS APPLESAUCE
3 CUPS WHITE FLOUR
3 CUPS WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR
1/2 CUP OLIVE OIL
2 TBLS FLAX GROUND AND SOAKED IN 1/2 CUP HOT WATER
2 TEASPOONS COARSE SALT
1 CUP OF RAISINS
 2 TEASPOONS CINNAMON.

Soak the flax..........then make the applesauce using 4 apples peeled and cored and simmered in an inch of water. Should take about 10 to 20 minutes.
In bowl of your mixer combine the yeast and warm water.allow to get frothy.
Mix cooled applesauce into yeast all to sit 4 to 5 min.
Add the sifted flours, salt, flax with water,EVOO, mix till combined and pulls away from the side of the bowl
Turn onto a flour board and shape into a rectangle. MAKE  2 RECTANGLES if you want 2 loaves.Sprinkle   with the cinnamon and raisins and keep folding till combined. Place in loaves cover and allow to rise 2 hours.
Bake at 410 degrees 30 to 35 minutes or till golden brown.Cool before slicing.