"THE SWEATER"

Every year I have made a sweater for a family member using the wool from my brother's farm I always  thought this would be a great thing to have as a keepsake.My sister-in-law is a spinner and probably the closest person to Tasha Tudor that I know. This being year #4 they are starting to get the whole idea of what I'm doing and my youngest actually chose a pattern for her sweater. In previous years I just made a simple sweater that I thought I could handle.

THIS IS the pattern that she choose. After reading the instructions for 3 days,I hear you chuckling out there, I finally felt confident enough to give it a try. The rectangle above shows the complete pattern that is repeated on the front and back of the sweater.

                                                               Here you see the back. Tadah!

                                                                   and this would be the front

It was quite the learning experience and mistakes were made, you think? I'm glad I pushed the envelope and got it done.Actually I think the hardest part was the blocking. I need to work on that......
.but, all in all it was a successful journey................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

I'M MAKING A COMEBACK!

All is well.............just got so crazy busy . Had to put something on hold and it turned out to be the blog. Planning on getting back to business. Talk to you soon.............said the Hobbit

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's for dessert Santa?

Santa had lots of treats to pick from this year. I can't believe how creative they get.

Check out these reindeer cupcakes.Just a little imagination turned an ordinary cupcake into Santa's best buds.I know Rudolf had a runny nose,but, it is flu season ya know?

Ginger crusted raspberry torte was another choice for Santa












And if that wasn't enough cookies,chocolates and a big glass of milk should be enough to put him over the top. It's no wonder all anyone can think about after Christmas is going on a diet. Have you sworn off sugar for the rest  of your life? I hope not because next I'll tell you what my pick was for a go to Christmas
 cookie...................said the hobbit

Christmas eve with the family

Another year of Christmas celebration has come to an end. So much to do , my mind is already planning the celebrations for 2013. I can't help myself !!Everyday I am more convinced than ever that there is nothing more important than "the family"and there is no greater joy then planning holiday get togethers.

 This year I decorated my tree with the help of my grandson Zachary.He is between employment and when he asked to spend a few days with me before the holidays, how could I resist. He did a wonderful job and although there would be no get togethers at my home this year,he too felt that it was important to put the tree up.

 Favorite ornaments were hung..........this is a little lamb that I got in a blogger crafter exchange.Zach was interested in all the details of every ornament that he hung and every few minutes he was heard to say. "I think this is my favorite"

 My good friend Betty scoured the streets of London for me one year because I was determined to have these Christmas birds in my tree. There are 3 of them and their feathers are as soft as the real thing.They were also listed as favorites by my helper.It took us quite a while to hang everything but, the time spent telling the story of every ornament give me a wonderful day with Zach. He wasn't able to join us for Christmas itself as he was in another state with no transportation. but, I will cherish my time spent with him as it made the preparation even more special

This year Christmas Eve was held at my grand daughter Cayla's home. This would be a first for her. She has been married over a year now and was anxious to have a family gathering herself. Despite moments of stress her tree was decorated and ready to greet her guest. Of course news of an up coming baby may have been what was truly on her mind. We were only too happy to toast this best of best present for our family.

Cotrell came as a poinsettia and she didn't seem stressed at all!!

Her brother Aaron couldn't wait to show us his imitation of Popeye.Want to have a stessfree party?Just invite the grandkids.........they take over the entertainment ever time. Next time we'll talk food....said the hobbit

It's still Christmas

If I could keep the spirit of the holidays alive year round , that would be so special.The girls and I think about making Christmas meaningful throughout the year. Someone is always saying "You know what we should do this year?" Then they proceed to tell me some brilliant idea that will make the day oh so special.

Of course now we have Aaron who makes it oh so easy to remember what Christmas is all about.This year we thought his schedule was too full to spend time with us,but, low and behold a window opened and Aaron was here Christmas Eve.

He is such a little man. I think of him as my people whisperer. When he's around everyone has a smile to share. He's not quite 3, yet every time I see him, he manages to teach me something.

His parents,Thom and Michelle have chosen to teach him sign language. Aaron has chosen to teach everyone he meets,and,he does it so well. Wish we could spread his love around however right now we plan to keep him to ourselves. He's got lots of work to do right here !!

Seems his 2 aunties are suffering from a serious holiday meltdown and could use Aaron's special touch or maybe they just don't like the tams........No that can't be right...................said the hobbit.

Getting ready for CHRISTMAS

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Isn't it exciting?? This doesn't look very tasty,but, oh what fun this will be for someone who loves to be in the kitchen.

This has been doing it's magic in my kitchen cabinets for about a month now. It was time to strain it and put it in an attractive bottle for someone very special. It's raspberry vinegar!So good for marinating chicken or mixed as a dressing.

Doesn't it look yummy? I've enclosed a recipe for beet/orange salad that is one of my favorites.Hope they like it as well.

Next came lots of chopping of dried fruit and nuts...Of course a little tasting doesn't hurt. We have to make sure the combination of flavors is just right.

Toasting in the oven we have oatmeal sunflower seeds with local honey and oil. Wow that smells so good.. Let them cool mix together and put into a pretty container for a treat that can be eaten for breakfast, on ice cream,yogurt or right out of the jar for a quick pick me up. This year granola was one of the things I decided to make on my own instead of from the grocers shelf. First few tries were a little shaky but, I have to say "better than store bought" is something I've heard on more than one occasion.Who knew one could have such a warm feeling over making granola.

I've been picking up attractive containers through out the year. After falling in love with every one that I brought home it might be a little hard to part with them.

Of course what is Christmas without a favorite cookie. Last year I made these and although they were very tasty,I neglected to read the recipe all the way through. It's done in 3 easy and short steps. What I failed to notice was a 24 or overnight waiting period between steps.These are called fruitcake cookies. You probably just said the same thing that came out of my mouth when I first heard about them YUCK!! Never having been a fan of the holiday fruitcake I was a little slow to take up the task but, now that I have I can tell you that I was WRONG Fruitcake is not a dirty word and I was more than willing to try them again this year. If you too are ready to forgive the fruitcake and allow it to play a part in your holiday,this is a good place to start.

For starters dice or chop:

1/2lb dried figs

1/4 lb dried raisins

1/4 lb candied cherries

6 oz walnuts

Drizzle with 1 tbls of honey ,2tbls sherry,1 tbls lemon juice. Stir this really well sprinkle with salt cover bowl with wrap and leave on counter OVERNIGHT.

When you're ready to move on,you will need:

2 sticks (1/2 pound) butter softened

1/2 teas.ground clove

1/2 cup superfine sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 extra large egg

2 2/3 cups all purpose flour.

Cream the butter ,clove,and both sugars at medium speed for about 3 minutes.

With mixer on low add egg and make sure it's well blended Slowly add flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix till just combined,Add the fruit and nut mixture.Divide dough in half Form into 2 logs.Roll in parchment paper and refrigerate TILL FIRM.

Here's the easy part slice cookies 1/2 inch thick and place on ungreased cookie sheet Bake 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. I liked them at 15,besides I couldn't wait to eat one. Knowing that this had to sit for 2 sessions it was easy to just mix and wait,mix and wait,cut and bake.

How's your Christmas coming?...............................said the hobbit

It's 2010 CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!

Happy New years everyone! I know I'm a little late,but ,I've been trying to sort my thought before I posted and I guess it just takes me longer than most people. Before I get lost in my own world, please know that I love having this special cyber family,and here's hoping we keep the circle growing.
Did you make any cookies this year? Usually I make a short-bread cookie. A friend ,from Nova Scotia, gave me the recipe many years ago and I have made them faithfully ever since. I cut them to look like strawberries dipped them in chocolate and they were always appreciated by everyone.This year after seeing soooo many new recipes on line,I just felt I should try something different. I told friends of my need for change and this is the recipe that I decided upon.Now I have to say, I'm one of those people that hates fruitcake. Would you believe I opted for FRUITCAKE COOKIES. I was running out of time and I certainly didn't want to fall back on chocolate chip cookies.My friend assured me these were tasty and simple and took very little time. She was right,however,there were a few catches.

There was no candied fruit which is the big no-no for me,so I thought I'd give them a try.After all time was running short,I needed cookies.I lined up my ingredients.
1/2 lb dried figs
1/4 lb raisins(golden)
1/4lb dried cherries
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons sherry(All I had was Harvey's Bristol Creme)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6 oz chopped walnuts
kosher salt
2sticks unsalted butter (room temp)
1/2 teas ground clove
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 extra large egg
2 2/3 cup all purpose flour
I didn't have the walnuts so being in a hurry I just told everyone I forgot to put them in.

So first thing Snip off the hard stems of the figs with scissors or a small knife and coarsely chop the figs .In a medium bowl combine the figs Raisins cherries honey sherry lemon juice walnuts and a pinch of salt.Cover with the plastic wrap and allow to sit OVERNIGHT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. ARGGGHHH.So even though it was midnight and I was hoping to get these done before going to bed ,I dutifully covered them and got up at 5:30 am to work on them again.
So early in the morning take out the bowl and mixer and cream the butter clove superfine sugar and brown sugar till smooth about 3 mins.now in with the egg mix well and next the flour and another 1/4 teas of salt .Just mix till combined then add the drunken fruit and (nuts) and any liquid in the bowl.This is where a turned the page to read. Roll into 2 logs12x18 secure in parchment and REFRIGERATE FOR SEVERAL HOURS.Hmmmm how about place in freezer for 30 mins.

so I rolled,chilled cut baked at 350 for 15 mins .


and these are my cookies.I don't know if they would be better had I taken the time to follow the recipe to the letter but,we thought they were pretty darn tasty and rather festive looking.Oh.everyone decided to make cookies this year so Jiggy and I are still up to our eyeballs in cookies squares and fudge, so, I guess there was no need to panic.................................said the hobbit

Still talking about Christmas

Ok everyone I promised to show my Christmas goodies from my children and here they are. I'm always knitting socks for other people so my son decided to give me these polar fleece socks. He's not quite ready to pick up the needles himself I think this is as close as it will get. The little book in the back is a bragging book, that's right he's Aaron's dad and he wants to make sure I have something to carry those oh so sweet pictures that he plans on showering me with. Don't worry you'll get to see them too.

Son #2 knows how I love butter so he couldn't pass up the opportunity to get me this autographed copy of Paula Deens' book I haven't started it yet but, I hope to get to it soon.

Daughter #1 has taken an interest in knitting herself and just to make sure I stayed in the knitting loop she got some gorgeous yarn and even looked up a new pattern for me to try. Tuesday night she joined us at Stitch and Bitch she added plenty to our meeting. Hope she can find time to come again. More on that later,I'm trying to catch-up here.

I was checking my reader the other day and I came across something that might be of interest to some of you. Have any of you visited thelongthread she talks about a stuffed toy exchange similar to our ornament one we just had. Sounds like fun. Well I 'll be signing off now hope to get back tomorrow and catch you up on my "eating out of the pantry" adventure. In fact I'm headed there right now to see what I can find..................said the hobbit

Family gathering

Well tomorrow should be a big day.My husbands' family has their annual Christmas party. Usually I am unable to attend but, this year things worked out for me to finally join in the fun. By Sunday I should have pictures of the family to show. All on their best behavior for certain. In the meantime I thought I'd show you a gift from Christmas past. This is the platter we use for Mr Tom turkey. It was made by our son Thom. All the little drawings are places we lived starting with my home in Candia,N.H. followed by Manchester,Metarie La. Scarborough Me. Neptune Beach FlaFarmingtonN.H. and finally Gonic. I thought it was a great idea and maybe someone out there would enjoy making such a platter for someone they know. Well it's off to bed now so much to do before the big parrrrtie. I believe I'm suppose to be at the farmers market for 9am.Already the day is getting a little too short Oh and I musn't forget to pick up a prezzie for the scotch exchange.

Times a wasting I'd better get some rest goodnight all........said the hobbit