What I made for Christmas

Christmas has come and gone and now I can talk about a special Christmas present that was made this year.My children are champions at finding out what I have planned for Christmas.So I don't dare speak a word about my plans till they have their present in hand. Even then they seem to have that look that says.............I know what's in this box! Know what I     mean?

Every year I try to make something for one of my children using the wool from my brother's sheep.My sister-in-law always makes sure that some of her wool is available in the most natural state.This coffee/latte color is my favorite and I finally was ready to make my firstborns sweater this year.I decided to go with a simple sweater that had a loose and comfy look.After much research I decided to go with this PATTERN It's the Harry Potter sweater without the initial.Smart choice if your doing a sweater that can't be tried on for a size check.

                                                                    Nice full 3 inch cuff

                                                              Comfy rolled collar with plenty of stretch

The results a sweater that looks and feels great!! He loves it so much that he has asked several times if I could make another just like it. He'll have to get to the back of the line as I still have one child left to make THE SPECIAL SWEATER  for. Do you think she'll figure out that she will be next??? I won't say a word if you don't.............said the hobbit

What I do for fun

THE SECRET LIFE OF THE HOBBIT!! Yes, I 'm afraid it's time to tell the true story of how I spend my leisurely hours. According to all my friends I should be retired and having a wonderful time going to movies, reading all my favorite books and just puttering about. Not the plan..........I love being busy. I mean crazy busy.When I worked on the Farm I did most of the cooking. Loved beating the clock and getting all the goodies ready to be sold in the deli department. We took great care to use only fresh seasonal produce and finding new and interesting recipes was part of the fun.
When the Barn closed it's doors several customers made it clear that they HAD to have my food . So, I made a plan to contact them every week with a menu that would give them a taste of what they had grown accustomed to and still leave me time to enjoy a little free time.It's been a great time. On Friday I send them "the list" the following Wednesday I cook and bake away and on Thursday I visit and deliver all my goodies.

It doesn't always have to be fancy or complicated and this recipe is proof.I have never been a fan of TURNIP  or RUTABAGA.  You could often hear me saying "no thanks" when it was offered.

HOWEVER.........as a women , I've decided to change my mind. My "soup people" as I like to call them wanted more veggie options,but, they had to be fresh and local. Not always easy in the middle of winter.This turned out to be a winner. YES ....even I liked it and had a whole container for lunch.This RECIPE comes to us by way of the BAREFOOT CONTESSA If you ever watch the FOOD NETWORK I'm sure you have heard of her.

PEEL AND CHOP 1 LARGE TURNIP (sometimes these have been waxed)

cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer till tender.

SLICE 4 OR 5 SHALLOTS ,THIN

I loved these and actually did 8 shallots the second time around.

Gently fry them in 2TABLESPOONS OF BUTTER AND 2 TABLESPOONS OF OLIVE OIL.

Her recipe says 40 minutes BUT, they were perfect after 5 or 10 minutes at the most.

HEAT 1 CUP OF MILK WITH 3 TABLESPOONS OF BUTTER

DRAIN TURNIP AND MASH LIKE YOU WOULD POTATOES.

Sprinkle with the shallots .I make this ahead ,cover with foil ,and bake at 350 degrees till heated through.

So I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks ...................said the hobbit

WHAT'S HAPPENING ON SUNDAY

                        Things are pretty quiet here today..........Snow is falling, garden still sleeping.

                                          Trees threatening to swallow the Hobbit House..........perfect time to catch up on my knitting

It's Bittyful Friday

IT'S HOCKEY SEASON HERE IN NEW ENGLAND ...EVERY PLAYER WORTH HIS OR HER SALT SPENDS A LITTLE TIME IN THE PENALTY BOX...........I MUST BE GOOD,I GET TO WATCH THE WHOLE GAME IN THIS BOX.

It's Bittyful Friday

I KNOW..........I TOOK A BREAK..........THIS IS HOW I WEATHERED THE STORM. HOBBIT MAKES AN EXCELLENT BED.

We had snow!!!

 It's been a rough few days......We had been told on a daily basis that "a storm of epic proportions" was coming.Being a good little New Englander I knew what I had to do. FILL ALL TANKS WITH FUEL!!!!! I called my local oil service man and had him fill the tank and made an appointment to have the burner cleaned at their convenience. Fill the containers for the snow blower....check. Make sure the cars had fuel in their tank and then sat back and waited for the storm to start.

This is the window over my sink . You can't really see anything because snow and wind  were forced between the windows all night long. Our town only had 15 inches. Some had as much as 30+ but, here is the bad news. My Oh So ready Furnace had a malfunction with the ignitor!!!!!! Let me give you the translation NO HEAT FOR 22 HOURS IN O DEGREE WEATHER WITH 40 + MILE AN HOUR WINDS.

A call was made to have the furnace repaired but, it would have been dangerous for him to drive to our home .........a state of emergency was in place in N.H. and no vehicles were permitted on the road. Life has gotten complicated .........you now need permission to be on the road!!!! Ah , the good old days.

All is well now and we are in the middle of cleanup wind is still blowing, snow is now gently drifting by. Cars were blow clean by all the wind That's nice. Porches had about 5 feet drifts. Not so nice.All the men were out shoveling so...........

I spent my time making goodies in the kitchen.I had prepared all the steps to make these Apple turnovers. Company is coming on Sunday for a brunch and ........

looks like everything will be good to go......said the hobbit

low

The last of the Butternut

It's a sad tale,but, I have finally reach the bottom of my garden treasures. Yes........this is the final butternut squash. I have to say when I cut into the squash it was.......beautiful. Only a garden momma could say such a thing,but, I had to smile at how firm the flesh was and how the little droplets of moisture formed on the fresh cut.So after I gave it what I thought was proper adoration I proceeded to get it ready for EATING !!!!

When I worked at the BARN I would make this recipe and it was so loved that customers would have me call them when I knew that I would be making it. I finally decided to try it out on my family and they made it a must keep for Thanksgiving recipe. Who knew?

1 MEDIUM BUTTERNUT

I cut this in 1/4 and of course seed it. put it in a pot with about 1 inch of water and let it steam till cooked.No need to peel. When cooked pop it in the colander and let it cool. When cool you should be able to just spoon the flesh away from the peel with little effort.Mash as you would potatoes

1/2CUP MAYO

1/2CUP CHOPPED ONIONS

1 EGG

TEASPOON SUGAR 

S&P TO TASTE

Whisk all of these together pour over and mix into the butternut.

GRATED PARMESAN OR ANY CHEESE THAT YOU LOVE

SLIVERS OF BUTTER

Sprinkle the cheese over the casserole and dot with butter.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 min.

Hope you love it as much as we do..........said the hobbit