Here at last!

Wow! Hard to believe I'm actually here talking to my blogging buddies. I'm almost shaky.Like everyone else we had a busy summer. I'll try to give you the condensed version in the next few blogs. I was under the impression that I had everything under control,however,I WAS WRONG.

Then before I knew it canning season was upon us.Was I ready? Of course not silly.Jars needed cleaning,equipment needed to be found. Wait a minute jars needed to be purchased.Bounty was greater than anticipated and a trip to Blue Seal was in order.See those raspberries?Two beautiful trays like that were about to go in the dumpster because of heavy harvesting that weekend. Some people rescue dogs and cats. Everyone at work knows I can't bear to see good food thrown out so they came to me and said "Can you do something with this or should we toss It?"Who are they kidding !They knew I would bite for that sob story.

Soooo,despite the fact that I work full time and have a gazillion things to do. I have spent the last 2 weeks canning and canning.These are my little soldiers waiting on the dining room table for me to give them a proper tag. We(it was just me)made stewed tomatoes,tomato sauce,pizza sauce,pickled beets,chow chow,dill pickles raspberry jam,dilled carrots and this year I attempted something new. I quartered and roasted small tomatoes with garlic,onion,and basil in evoo with s&p. When they had roasted to a point where I wanted to rip open the oven door and devour the whole tray,I packed them in hot pint jars.(Well maybe a few didn't make it.hehe)I made a brine of 1part lemon 2part vinegar and 1part evoo. Part for me equals 1 cup but it can be whatever you want it to be.This was brought to ALMOST boiling then poured over the waiting Divine tomatoes as we are calling them. I don't know why I keep saying we. Trust me no one in my house cares what I call the food as long as I call them to the table. Slap me if I say that again. Anyhow process in a hot bath 20 mins and take them out and admire the beauty of them. Really,I was impressed with these.

So this is Sarah The baby in our home. She is also the main reason our summer was crazy busy.She and her husband Matt needed temporary housing this summer. Matt was on tour with his band and she got a new position with Boston Ballet. She is their new outreach director. Well of course my husband and I opened the Inn as it is called by everyone in the family and said "come stay with us"The biggest problem for me was that my guest room is my computer room. The biggest problem for Sarah was and additional hour drive to and from Boston. After 8 week of living out of a suitcase she is now in her own apartment and about 15 minutes from her office.That's her in her pantry jumping for joy. We are very glad to see her embark on this adventure and wish her success. Oh ya,we miss her too......................said the hobbit

Still here!!!!

I know you must think I bit the bullet but, all is well and plan on posting soon. Thanks to all for your concern. Nice to know I was missed.Should be back tomorrow.Missed you too!!!!............................Said the hobbit

So much going on

This summer is so full of happenings,I can hardly keep up.Michael,son # 2 married Sylvie in a backyard ceremony. It was held at her families home and was a very low key fun gathering.

This is her father,Pete,just making sure everyone is happy with their food and drink. Sylvies family is native to Canada and had relatives visiting so we had the opportunity to speak the language.Such fun. Can't wait to do it again.

This is our grandson Aaron.Last week he was Baptized and this week is his first birthday.Happy Birthday Aaron.Can't wait to see you........................said the Hobbit

Our first knitalong

This is going to be stitch and bitchs' first knitalong.Several of us will be doing a scarf from the Boutique Knits.

According to the cover they have 20 must have accessories .We have chosen the Pseudo shibori scarf as our first project.It's really very simple,however it does introduce us to a new process,which we will discuss as we move along.This pattern consist of 6 rows which you repeat till you have a desired length.

We have chosen our yarn and are just about ready to start.Recommended is single ply using #4 needles.Do remember this is a scarf and using different weight and needles will just make it your very own.The single ply mohair combo used in this picture makes for a very dramatic piece which would be perfect for an evening at the theater or some other gala evening however most of us won't be attending any functions of that sort in the near future so we are using what we feel is right for us. If you want to knitalong please do and let me know how the project goes for you.Here are the 6 rows that you repeat till It's long enough for you.

Cast on 54 stitches.

Row 1 Knit in front and back of 1st stitch.Knit to within 3 stitches Knit 2 together knit 1

Row 2 Purl all the way across.

Row 3 Same as row 1

Row 4 Knit all the way across

Row 5 Knit in front and back of 1st stitch purl to within last 3 stitches purl 2 together purl 1

Row 6 same as row 4

Come on now I know you can do this.

This is another scarf from the same book .It's done in 3 pieces .The neck band is felted and as soon as it's ready I'll be showing some photos. So now join in the fun. Get those needle going. Hmmm I think a lace weight cotton might even look nice..................said the hobbit

Good things on my menu

Although I have been making an effort to eat from the pantry,everyone should add a little something fun to their menu especially in the summer.We have been making frozen smoothies on a regular basis.This one requires 1/2 a honeydew melon ,1/4 cup of honey,1/4 cup of heavy cream 1/4 cup pistachios and I throw in a few mint leaves.The recipe doesn't call for it ,but,I think herbs are a great addition to a frozen treat. I just put everything in the food processor give it a whirl and pour it in the molds.The first time I did this I thought it was a little too much like a Popsicle,so I added a little more cream to make it like a creamsicle.Both varieties were great however I'm going to try it with yogurt and see which one we like best.The family said "Just keep them coming ,we'll try every variation you can come up with."I think we might also try plums or blackberries if we ever get our fill of the honeydew.

People in our area are trying to get into raw eating.Changing one's eating habits is always so difficult but I came up with this recipe.It was a hit at the barn and sold out before I even had a chance to try it.Here are the ingredients.

1/3 cup dried currants

1/3 cup canola oil

1 minced garlic clove

1/4 teas ground cumin

zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

3 med zucchini

3 summer squash

1 shallot

1 box of pasta (I used ziti)

3 tbls of toasted pine nuts

2 cups arugula

In a small bowl cover the currants with hot water till they plump (10 mins or so) Raisins would also work)Drain of extra liquid.

In a large bowl (non reactive please)combine 2 tlbs of the oil with the garlic,cumin ,lemon zest and 1/2 of the lemon juice.Add salt and pepper to your taste at this time.Cut up the squash and zucchini to your liking and put them in your dressing along with the currants.Allow this to sit in the dressing on your counter for at least 1 hr. Do not refrigerate at this time.When ready ,bring your water to a boil with the shallot in it.Add pasta and cook to your preference.Drain, toss with veggies add pine nuts and arugula. Baby spinach is good also. If you try this let me know how you like it.....................said the Hobbit