Everybody get ready!!

So Christmas is coming .............are you ready?? Of course, I'm about 7 months behind but, I'm ready to tackle my assignment to make this a great Christmas.Having a broken neck sure gives preparation a whole new twist. Harper.......our great granddaughter is setting the pace with a few Christmas carols. OK , if she can do it.......so can I. I think the first order of business is to get my wreath out on the porch. Let's see what I can find in the cellar that would look just right. This will be the year of making the best of what we have in house seeing as how I am unable to jump in the car and head to my local store for supplies....................Be back tomorrow to show you what I was able to scrounge up............said the Hobbit. 

The garden..........so exciting!

This year my garden was amazing!!!Despite the fact that we got started late, had an episode with deer and went weeks without rain, my little garden just kept on giving and giving.Last week I picked carrots for our "big dinner" Potatoes were already harvested. So, cut those veggies up along with onions from my local farmer. Never thought of planting onions..........what was I thinking?

Put half a chicken on top and slathered it with raspberry peach jam.........yum.Popped it in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes per pound and voila!! My local dinner.

Just the right thing to make me feel like I'm getting things done. I'll tell you ........after being laid up for a few months there is nothing so satisfying as being able to do it yourself. The jam added just the right amount of sweet to the meal. And of course the fact that I had preserved it myself just boosted my self esteem to no end. Pretty crazy huh?Doesn't take a trip to the Bahamas to get me excited.
 So, tomorrow is Veterans Day and with that in mind I ask that you thank at least one veteran for the pleasures that you are enjoying. Just a simple thank you will be enough to put a smile on their face. After all, they have done so much for you....................said the hobbit.

look mom no heel !!

I love to knit.............and, knowing the history behind a project is even more intriguing to me.Recently I was given a copy of the magazine Piecework where I read about"Operation Kid Knit" 

In 1953 a young officer serving in Korea told his parents of the lack of socks mittens and sweaters that the children were in need of. His parents had a yarn shop in Asbury Park N.J. and touched by their sons plea, got to work on correcting the situation as only knitters can.Working with the Korean authorities soon styles and patterns were created that would feel comfortable to the young children.                                                                                              

It wasn't long before the Ladies Home Journal was involved as were the Girls Scouts of America. Now all they needed was a simple pattern that would let everyone who wanted to help, get those needles knocking.The sock pattern was a tube sock and although it doesn't look like much when not being worn.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I think it looks absolutely marvelous when you slip it on.

What made this such fun was the fact that it has NO HEEL.......All you ladies and gentlemen who would love to tackle socks if only you didn't have to knit the dreaded heel........this project could bring you one step closer.

The project calls for 2 oz of main color and 1 oz of contrasting color

Using #2 double pointed  cast on 48 stitches divide on 3 needles to form a circle.

K2 P2  till you have 4 rows then change color (if you wish) to make stripes .If you want to go with just one color I think 20-24 rows makes a nice cuff. Of course write you choice down so that sock #2 is the same.

Now for the pattern:                                                                                                                                     Round 1 thru 4: Knit 4 Purl 4

Round  5 thru 8 knit 3 *p4 k4*  ending with k1 

Round 9thru 12 knit 2 *p4 k4*ending with k2

Round 13 thru 16 k1 *p4 k4*ending with k3

Round 17 thru 20(a change here)*Purl 4 Knit 4*

Round 21 thru 24 Purl 3 *K4 P4* ending with p1

Round 25 thru 28 p2 *K4 P4* ending with p2

Rounds 29 thru32 p1 *K4 P4* ending with p3

So, you are simple moving the pattern over 1 stitch every 4 rows Repeat these 32 rows until the sock is as long as you want it They suggest Small 12 inches ,medium 17 inches and large 18 inches. I wanted them knee lenght so I repeated the 32 rows 5 times.Then knit every row for about an inch and shape the toe:

Knit 6,,,,,,,,,,knit 2 together repeat to end

knit 2 rows even

knit 5 knit 2 together repeat to end

knit 2 rows even

continue decreasing in this manner till you have 18 stitches remaining place remaining stitches on 2 needles and finish with Kitchener or sew together.

So hope some bravehearts might be willing to tackle this project and feel better about the terrifying sock.Feel free to ask any questions . I want to see everyone out there with a pair of handknit socks
                                                                                                       ........said the hobbit!

Something new.........in the garden.

So........having been through a rather nasty car accident, I found myself with time to research my healing process. I am very self sufficient and I was pretty determined to get it done in what my doctors declared to be amazing.

All has been going as planned and at my last check-up I was told " I just don't feel right having you come back here every month just to tell you your recovery is moving beyond expectation" Not bad........right?I discovered an Heirloom seed of Tulsi tea, also known in India as "Sacred Tea" This tea is known to aid the immune system and the digestive organs. Having nothing but time on my hands I decided to give it a try. The scent from this basil is amazing.......and that's what the deer thought as well. Yes, when it first started to come up they came running to have a nibble.Well, we were going to put a stop to that. Deer are guided by their sense of smell when looking for a tasty treat. I soaked a rag in ammonia and set it out by the basil.Yup, that did the trick. Soon my Tulsi basil was back on track.The tea is as good as they say. I brew it with a slice of ginger and look forward to my daily cup. It could be all in my mind but, I think this is pretty special. Looking for something new and easy to add to the garden? Consider this gem of a tea ........grows easily in the full sun and can make even the most novice garden feel like they have 10 green thumbs.......Really!

Still breathing!!!

Well it's been a long time.............Summer was difficult. After a terrible car accident I am starting to get back to "normal living". The garden has been put to bed,however, the kale carrots radishes and lettuce seem to be thriving on the cold snap that we received. Who knew!!
 So, of course, my thoughts go to the kitchen.....We enjoy having munchies for Friday night supper. Made these crackers One batch lemon pepper and the other rosemary. Will stuff a few eggs and take out the smoked oysters..........Should I go with a red or a white wine???

Here comes Summer.......so why is 50 degrees the high?

ok...........so it's not actually snowing yet. However it is damp,raw, and just plan cold here in New England.I suppose I should be thankful that it isn't worst but, being challenge by a neckbrace is bad enough do I really need anymore road blocks?

 Trying to keep as normal a schedule as possible and not able to jump in the car for needed supplies I have resorted to scouring my cellar and garage for things that I can put together to feel a sense of accomplishment.
That's right.........it's all about me.Found a few items in the garage that went together for a makeshift bird feeder and birdbath.I know .....there's enough food out there for them to get by right now but, what can I say........an old hanging basket, plate and candle holder glued together and I felt marvelous.

My neighbor was doing her flower border and felt by pain of not having anything to plant so she brought over her extras to lift my spirits. Hope they don't freeze........Ok, enough complaining I'm headed out to get my hands dirty in that nice dark soil......be back soon......said the hobbit.

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

SOMETHING NEW IN THE KITCHEN

Well getting back to the "land of blog" is going to  be a little tougher than I thought. Obviously a  work in progress but, here I am giving it my all.

Of course it's not all my fault...........the weather here on the coastal side of N.H. has been a bit uncooperative.This morning the weatherman said that 3 out of 5 days have been snow days for the school children in this area. So, someone has to be happy over this.But, enough crying.......

While looking for something new to try I came across BIALYS. I'm always drawn to breads and sweets. I guess you can say " It's a blessing ...and a curse. But, this time I gave in and thought,why not, there's nothing in the garden at this time to get my creative juices going so, I'm going with the BIALYS.

The dough is pretty basic: 2CUPS WARM WATER
                                        1 TABLESPOON SUGAR
                                        2 TEASPOONS INSTANT YEAST
                                        4 3/4 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
                                        2 TABLESPOON KOSHER SALT.
Sprinkle sugar and yeast over warm water and let it get foamy. About 5 min. Mix flour with salt. Note: If you don't have Kosher salt and are using table salt.........cut amount in 1/2
Add flour to yeast and mix with bread hook attachment till just blended. Turn onto floured cloth and knead till dough seems smooth,about 1 to 2 min. Turn into a greased bowl and let rise till double. Should be about 1 hour. Took me a bit longer with snowmagedden going on in my neighborhood.






THE FILLING: I took this break and made my filling.
3 TABLESPOONS OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
1 LARGE VIDALIA  1/2'D AND SLICED THIN
CRUMBLED BLUE CHEESE (they said 1 tbs poppy seeds,but, I break out in hives with poppy seeds) So you can do either.Saute onions in oil till golden  then sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese

After the first rise, divide dough into 12 pieces ....form into a ball and place on 2 parchment lined sheets. Cover with clear wrap and let rise for another 30 min.Now flatten each ball to a 5 inch disc.Cover and let rise another 15 minutes,grease a flat bottom glass or a 1 cup measuring cup and dip in flour to make indentations in all of your disc.

Fill your disc with the onion mixture and bake at 475 degree for 15 to 20 minutes. Place your sheets on the upper middle and lower middle racks Switch and rotate sheets 1/2 way through baking

And, here is my batch of BIALYS....They were so close to being perfect,but, I wanted them just a bit more golden and popped them back in the oven for a little extra browning. What I got was a little thicker crust. Live and learn. What can I say ? I guess we have to put them back on the list for a remake. They were still edible,just not perfect yet............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

TIME FOR ANOTHER CELEBRATION !

Someone had a birthday last weekend so, we bought her a boa..........Isn't that what you buy for the child who has everything?

Of course the theme was Frozen !! I have yet to see it,however, she can sing every song.

It was also my husbands birthday and she insisted on sharing her candles with him.

Here she is coaching him on how to blow out the candles.....................so funny, very serious business.

We arrived late,due to an ice storm.......but, we played hard and at the end of the day..............
                 everyone was ready for bed........said the hobbit.

Waste not Want not

Organization seems to be the thing on everyone's mind in the new year and I am no exception. Last year I decided to go through everything in my cellar and do a complete house cleaning.............NOT EVEN CLOSE !!!However I did get all my recipe and craft books organized and these are the ones that I have projects to do . BAHAHAHA 

So I'm sticking with an easy task. This was also done last January and, it prove to be a worthy of being repeated.Step one : find all cards that have a scene that is pleasing to the eye.

  Using a plastic template that I  made from the top of a clear plastic lid I scan  my Christmas cards looking for just the right scene. Circle the scene with a pencil then cut out. Such fun.........low stress, and, feeling good about giving the cards a second life.

Now when I share my canning creations I can also have a pretty little scene on the top

Always a good thing when a project has reached the finish line ....................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."

HELLO 2015 ! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

As we get ready to start a new year, I feel the need to put my thoughts on paper, so to speak.

We celebrate new and old family and make plans to move forward in a positive way.

Some projects will be fun............others not so much but, for now I will be happy just to list them.

Jayne..........a he man of a dog, was new to our family this year, No he's not ours but, Sarah's baby.Somehow I don't think he's going to be any help but, you never know. He is your typical toddlers except for the fact that he is 130 lbs.  So for now, I am off to finish my list.keeping it small and working on January for now....We'll see. So Happy New Year to all and let's work at getting it done.