Just Dont Say the "C" word

This week, I shall be a) moaning, b)2 positive comments, c) sharing a recipe, Kindle book review, d)rustic recipe, e)Added to my Ravelry queue knitting suggestion

1) Moan

I wish everyone who celebrates the Yuletide/Christmas a very happy festival.  But I am reaching saturation point with the whole thing already!

Probably because I do not actually celebrate Christmas in the usual way.  But our local supermarket was the first in the UK to decorate the store in October (apparently as an exercise for other stores in the chain to study), and it seems to have heralded the December festivities for a lifetime now.  Meanwhile now I am getting older, I am not in a hurry for another year to pass!

Vegetarians and vegans who want a “traditional” Christmas are faced with some interesting prospects today compared to when I had my first meat free Christmas back in the early 1970s. In fact those of us who are no long omnivores have no difficulty in finding plenty of convenience food all year round.  Which leaves the person responsible for “catering” with lots more free time to indulge in favourite hobbies. But on the down side  I just wish more restaurants would realise how interesting vegetarian food can be and afford more choice.

The reason I no longer eat out, is that I do not wish to see a menu four pages long for everyone else, and a line at the bottom saying “vegetarian option available, please ask”.   Without asking I know it will be based on the premise we all eat nut cutlets.

2) Positive comments.

I was really pleased to see in the Morrison’s Supermarket free magazine, that they used women of normal proportions as models for the clothing article.  At last.  Realistic article without catwalk model types.  I hope this trend continues.

I went to Currys and bought a dry fryer, and politely and  tentatively asked if that was the best price they could do.  (It was cheaper than anywhere else! I had checked before going shopping)

The nice assistant gave me 5 per cent off!!  Couldn’t believe it, I have never haggled in a shop like this before.

3) Kindle book.

I downloaded free a book called Midwife: Liza by Valerie Levy. First and foremost that makes me like this book is the last page! There is a proper ending.  Nothing left in the air.  I hate books that leave the ending untidy.  The author writes midwifery textbooks, but has also written this fictional account of a midwife in 1339. Well written book and I will be reading her next book in the series.  Well written and informative of the trials and tribulations midwives and their patients had in the 1300s.   The one I read wasfree on Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Midwife-Liza-ebook/dp/B00422LGZA/ref=la_B00422814E_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353599431&sr=1-1

Being free I have not lined their non tax paying pockets! 

 But if it is not free when checked out, visit another time as books are offered free periodically but for short periods.

4)Recipe

Rustic SunnyTomato flans/plaits

 Why are they called “Rustic”?  Well, one look at the pics shows I have a somewhat rough and ready approach to baking and so it is a cop out to suggest they are rustic in origin.  If anyone can make them looking more palatable (which shouldn’t be difficult), then another posher name can be given.

1 packet puff pastry

Sun dried tomato paste

Cherry tomatoes

Optional sweet pepper roasted, peeled and cut into strips.

Optional grated cheese or vegan cheese substitute

If a suitable shallow container is available like a flan dish then that can be used, otherwise roll the pastry into squares and press the sides upwards to form a shallow container.  Prick the base and spread base with the paste. Add sliced tomatoes and pepper if used.  Also if grated cheese is used this is added.

Oven number 7 for 13 to 15 minutes.

Plaits are made by rolling into oblongs, spread centre with paste and add tomatoes, cut slanted strips down each side from centre to edge and then fold the strips alternatively over the centre. Seal the ends.  The pastry can be brushed with milk or soya milk to get nice brown shiny glaze.

Can be eaten hot or cold. 
5) Knitting suggestion
I like the idea of "convertible" garments, and Lion Brand have come up with a free pattern that fits the bill. (There is also a crocheted version).  It is a good stash buster too.  So this pattern is in my Ravelry queue, and is called Snapped Convertible Cowl Shrug
http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternFinder.fcgi?search=Search&searchText=convertible&I2.x=23&I2.y=7&craft=0&categoryKey=&subcategory=Any&size=&edition=&cost=Any&componentCategoryKey=Any&yarnClass=Any&searchType=0

 A different entry today, not craft/podcast/kindle/recipe related.  So you have been warned!

 Have you turned it off and on again?

How often have I groaned when hearing that solution offered to technical issues with the computer!  Well, my iphone went on 3g strike and would happily make calls and texts, but decided not to surf.  I rechecked all the settings.  I read forums with various bits of advice, and still the recalcitrant gadget would not strut its stuff.  Until we were in Comet waiting tor out internet order to be sorted, and I had to tell the salesman I couldn’t show the email as required due to …….  He then stated the dreaded phrase.

So I did.

Bingo!!!!!

So it does work sometimes.

Clocks have gone back and to me that is the harbinger of winter approaching.

Winter usually means I spend more time indoors.

More time indoors means I spend more time knitting.

Knitting more, means I buy more yarn.

I think you can see where this is going……

To fund the habit, I like to see where I can be a bit thrifty but invisibly so.  I am not into leading an austere life totally bereft of pleasure for the sake of a ball of wool.

I am not about to melt scraps of soap and mould them into a “new bar” of soap (I use liquid soap anyway!).  But I have begun to realise how wasteful I am with shampoo, washing up liquid, laundry liquid etc.  I cannot believe how little shampoo I now need to get a full lather.  Hitherto I was using copious amounts and therefore buying shampoo of a near weekly basis.  I have realised too to notice if the washing up liquid I am using has the word “concentrated” on the container.  Otherwise I liberally disgorge a  good dollop, (I know bubbles per se have no cleaning properties, but I do so like a bowl of them!).  Laundry liquid manufacturers must love consumers like myself.  I hurl in a stack of liquid and then another squirt for good measure.  The other day I actually dispensed the recommended amount and found I had…..tarara… clean washing!  So I have been pouring money into my washing up bowl, and washing machine, and losing valuable yarn money in the process.

I have, however, “upset the apple cart” with my well meaning measures.  I will not forego decent toilet paper, but read somewhere that if the roll is squashed to an oval before being put on the holder it would not roll so freely and therefore the user would have more control.  This did not go down with a certain person who thought this was a step too far.

(Off the topic of frugality for a moment, but another instance where bog roll got me into trouble).  Many years ago when working for a public body that was undergoing expenditure cuts, on 1^st April I put a notice on the staff notice board, stating that due to the cuts in public expenditure, only one sheet per visit to the toilet was permissible and if staff wanted more they must bring it from home.  How was I to know that the Big Boss was coming to the staff room for a meeting that very morning?

It was not appreciated!!

Back to domesticity.  I also like “handy tips” that make daily life cheaper and more importantly easier. My best email friend sent me an email this week containing a list of them, and some were really clever I thought.  (thanks Viv).  Like the one where a pull ring from a drinks can, is slipped over a metal coathanger hook, and then another hanger can be hung from the ring thus saving room on the rail and making a wardrobe accommodate more clothes.    I also liked the idea of using a staple extractor to hold a key ring open when putting on another key, this saves damaging nails. Or using a tin opener to get inside blister packs designed to keep the user out.

The problem with some frugal living solutions, is that the amount of effort needed to achieve a saving is off putting.

I make bread which is cheaper than shop bought, but only because I enjoy making bread.  I am not about to become a domestic slave for the sake of a penny or too.  But I am also not happy to knowingly waste money. 

So if anyone has any pain free tips I will receive them gratefully. The trouble with some “tips” is the idea seems novel but however clever they are, does the item made in the Blue Peter style ever actually get used like this one or the little cord holder?

THEY COME IN HANDY!

This is a short entry as keyboarding is rather problematic at the moment due to carpel tunnel syndrome!  Great, another syndrome to add to my Holmes Adies syndrome.  I really would rather not go through life collecting syndromes as I age. This has meant my knitting activities are severely curtailed and I can only knit for short periods of a time. Also my cooking is reduced as chopping and cutting is not a joyful experience to say the least.

This week the knitting chat is about gloves,

Knitting can be an expensive hobby but not when such projects as these are made.  Time consuming and yet not yarn eaters, so they are more than affordable.  But more importantly they instill a great sense of satisfaction upon completion.  Also they do not weigh much on the needles!  I particularly like these sort of projects that are steeped in history and tradition.  These gloves above I made last week are made from a pattern currently sold at https://www.wordsworth.org.uk/home.html,  or the Winter 2011 edition of Knitting Traditions.  They are in the Dales tradition and called Mary Allen's gloves. So far on Ravelry there are only 7 projects which surprised me. 

Once I had completed the Mary Allen’s gloves, I started another pair with my own design on the back of the hand and deviated from tradition by continuing the pattern up the length of the fingers.  It is only now after decades of knitting that I have the confidence to “do my own thing”.  Hitherto all patterns have been carved in stone.  Here is the result:

The project has yet to be named so if anyone has any ideas what these gloves should be called I would welcome the suggestion.

The recipe is a minimum fuss, quick make, lunch and a leave it alone as long as you like casserole till you want to eat it!

The quick one:

Roasted veggies on warm baguettes - makes a change from pizza!

I find the bake at home baguettes ideal size for this.

Ingredients: baked baguette, from the following use one or any or all tomatoes, sweet peppers, mushrooms, onions.

Garlic and decent olive oil.  No cheating on the oil, if it is crap oil it will ruin this entirely.  Prepare the veggies used by halving the tomatoes, cutting onions into chunks, halving peppers and removing seeds, clean and slice the mushrooms.

Method: half baguettes lengthwise and lay crust down on baking tray.  Liberally spread oil over the surface and rub in crushed garlic.  Arrange the veggies used over the bread and drizzle over olive oil.  Bake number 6 for 15 mins.  Check and ensure veggies cooked. 

The casserole can be cooked on the stove top and eaten immediately or it can be put in a slow cooker/casserole dish and slow cooked for ages.  So it is a good dish to prepare say before going shopping and then on home coming it is ready to eat.

Home Coming Casserole

In the picture it can be seen that there is pasta, but this is an optional extra and not totally necessary.  400g tin of chopped tomatoes, 1 tbs tomato puree, 1 tsp sugar, 1 clove crushed garlic,  large onion chopped, 1tbs olive oil, seasoning,  4 oz dried pasta cooked as directed on the packet. Veggie meat free  Meatballs from Asda http://groceries.asda.com/asda-estore/search/searchcontainer.jsp?trailSize=1&searchString=vegetarian+meat+balls&  or Redwoods http://shop.redwoodfoods.eu/vegideli-meat-free-meatballs-350g.html

Saute onions in the oil and garlic, add the chopped tomatoes, puree, sugar, seasoning. When well combined add the “meatballs” and pasta if used, and thoroughly heat, or cook in the oven.

 

I did it myself

 

This week: knitting, recipes, kindle stuff

I have at last developed a measure of self confidence to try to create rather than slavishly follow patterns and recipes.  Obviously some efforts are not as successful as others, but this week my two creative efforts were successful

Success/Sockcess!

In last blog entry I mentioned discovering after heel socks.    After thought heels on socks are widely known as a type of heel, but all the patterns I came across said either waste yarn technique, or cutting was involved.

I like the look of the heel and it is created easily and no gussets etc, but wanted to incorporate the heel as I went along rather than go back when the sock was completed.

My method works on cuff down or toe up socks.

So here is my heel…

For cuff down,  It is achieved by putting half the stitches used onto a holder and then casting on the same number of stitches just put on a holder.  Start knitting in the round again for three rounds and then decrease as if knitting a toe.  When the decreasing has reached the desired number then either Kitchener or turn inside out and three needle bind off. 

To continue the sock put the needles held on the holder on to a needle and then pick up stitches from the cast on edge of the heel and continue in the round to the toe.  So if the sock starts with 60 sts, 30 are the amount put on the holder, and 30 are the amount picked up from the cast on edge of the heel.  If anyone wants more explicit instructions with pictures just contact me.

Recipes this week are “cheesey bread rolls” and “creamy sauce” which is base for a number of dishes.

Cheesey bread rolls:

12oz strong flour (white or brown or mix the two)

3 oz margarine

1 sachet of easy yeast

½ pt milk tepid

4 oz cheese or vegan cheezly grated

1 tsp sugar and 1tsp salt

Add yeast, sugar and salt to flour

The margarine can be added by rubbing in, or by melting it and adding with the milk

Knead for 10 mins and set aside to double in size covered.

Knock back the dough and roll out into 4 large or 6 smaller oblongs.  Put grated cheese in centre third of  each oblong and fold over an end piece of dough.  Add more cheese to the folder over piece and then finally fold over the remaining third.  Then roll out the dough to an oblong. Sprinkle top with cheese

Put aside to rise and 20 mins later put in oven 7 for 10 mins.

Cool on a rack

The creamy sauce recipe is versatile as it can be used as sauce to go with pasta, or if cheese is added it can be used as a base for a macaroni cheese type dish as in the pic.

Creamy Sauce

2 onions, 4 medium or 2 large cucumbers peeled, carton of single cream or vegan equivalent, 3desert spoons of  margarine

Remove seeds from cucumbers and sprinkle with salt and set aside for an hour.

Rinse cucumbers and cut into chunks

Saute onions in the margarine and add cucumbers.

Put lid on saucepan and leave on very gentle heat for about 45 mins, incorporate the cream and stir well.

This sauce is then ready to pour over pasta.

Alternatively

Saute onions and cucumber as before, but instead of cream add a cheese sauce.  Then combine the mix with cooked pasta and bake in oven 5 for about 25 mins.  I topped mine with cherry tomatoes and sprinkled more grated vegan cheese on top.

Kindle

Living in Lichfield http://www.visitlichfield.co.uk/ 

Decided I would read about its famous son Samuel Johnson who wrote the first English dictionary and whose birthplace is in the centre of town http://www.lichfield.gov.uk/sjmuseum/.  So downloaded free book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samuel-Johnson-ebook/dp/B004TQEOSA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346419979&sr=1-1

Bit heavy but interesting biography, and gives interesting glimpse into the period of the time. 

Another book I have dipped into this week is Behind Jane Austen's Door by Jennifer Forest http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behind-Jane-Austens-Door-ebook/dp/B006YITPAS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346422109&sr=8-1

Again a free book when I downloaded it. The book visits room by room a Regency house and delves into what life was like for the residents, it draws on the Jane Austen characters and their dwellings.

If I had known that before!

Life could have been so much easier if hindsight was clutched in my fist the day I was born.  But then maybe I would have missed out on some interesting episodes on various journeys to achieve goals.  So lesson number one is “modernity doesn’t always equate to easiest/best”.  I like to think I am not a stick in the mud, but sometimes Granny knew Best.  So the remainder of the blog is based on the idea that Granny Knew Best.  (knitting, recipe, ebook etc)

Knitting

I have a collection of knitting books, some of which are over 100 years old, and yet I have chosen to ignore some of the techniques in them in the mistaken belief that more modern must mean better!  Such a case is the “After thought heel”.  I have been knitting socks for years now and thought I had developed the easiest format in the universe to make them.  I then found modern references to  what is now known as “After thought Heel”.  It is simplicity itself and produces a good heel very very easily.  I then found this method in a book printed in the 1930s, and realised it is not a new technique at all, even though it was not known by the name “After thought heel”.

It is versatility personified, works fine with cuff down or toe up patterns, and no little holes where adjoined to the foot.  I always do reinforced toes and heels and this method lends itself to that too.  Yes, I am a convert!  Loads of instructions are available for free and a quick google will show the way.  If anyone particularly wants the method I use please contact me.

 Recipe

Granny was not afforded the year round choice of fresh vegetables that are available today and made use of seasonal vegetables, and also most of them were locally produced if not produced in her own garden.  Although this recipe is not totally local it is seasonal.

 Fruity Crunch

A salad full of textures with a really tasty dressing

The word “shredded” can be grated for softer texture, or cut into matchsticks

Main ingredients are: 1 large raw beetroot peeled and shredded, Raddichio leaves, 2 large raw carrots shredded, 5 sliced radishes, orange segments or tangerine segments, Additional ingredients all of which can be added or just one or two:  sunflower seeds, alfalfa, dried cranberries,  sliced bananas, any salad leaves.

Dressing: Mix well together: 3tbs best olive oil, juice of a large orange, half tsp mustard powder, salt, pepper, 1tsp sugar.

Mix all ingredients and toss in the dressing.

Ebook

Granny did not have to hand a supermarket stocked with a bewildering array of chemical cleaners, but she did know that her larder was stocked with items that were not only culinary but would keep her house sparkling clean too.  Lemons, vinegar, bicarbonate of soda etc.  What Granny did not do was fill her home with chemicals that could sometimes be potentially harmful.  I found this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Pantry-Cleaner-Chemical-ebook/dp/B004OC03LQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345198612&sr=8-1

Interesting in that it explains the different chemicals used in household cleaners and their effects,  and  then goes on to give recipes for cleaners made out of every day larder items. 

Admittedly I got the book for free as it was listed in  http://www.bookbasset.com/

I have their daily newsletter.  But it could be worth checking now and then on Amazon to see if it is free again.  And this site is ace for up to date free ebooks.

Do unto others

This week it is mainly a domestic update. So bypass the boring bits and scroll down for podcast recommendation etc.

 Went to visit my mother on Wednesday who has lived in a Residential care home since 1999.  I hasten to add that she remained there at her own request and likes it.  She now has dementia, but still does have lucid periods and is proactive in participating in all the activities made available.    

She has been adamant for many years now that my father who died in 1958 visits her, and according to her also that he has frequent conversations with the gardener in the shed!

She started a conversation off saying “I haven’t seen much of Frank lately” and that he had not been to see the gardener recently.  I said to her “You do realise he isn’t alive don’t you?”  To which she replied “Of course I know he is not alive, but I cannot tell the gardener that, it might upset him”!  So she apparently still tries to live by some on the tenets she instilled in me of being kind to people.  Well, to other people that is. (There is of course, an exception to every rule). She has no qualms about introducing me to a person to whom I am not known by saying “This is Sandra, she is NOT the clever one”.  (I have a living sibling who can revel in the glory that she IS the clever one)!

My mother is 97 and adamant that when she is 100 shewill be a recipient of a telegram from the queen.  I think it is a good thing we decided she was not to be told as I was, in September 2010 that she had less than six months to live!  At that time she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which fortunately has subsided due to the medication she was given, albeit no chemo or radiotherapy.  She is blissfully unaware of this hiccup in her hitherto robust health record.  Every one at the home has to make their wishes known regarding their treatment in their final days.  She told them she definitely does want resuscitation if the occasion arises, and that she has no intention of dying anyway.  I for one, believe her. She broke her hip a couple of years ago and is adamant that she will strive to improve on her mobility, and has not succumbed to a wheelchair. 

Riley

It goes without saying that Riley is exceptional.  I am not a modest Nan where he is concerned!  He now has an infectious grin, and brings sunshine with him when he comes to visit.

Oliver

Oliver is the DIY cat.  He has had an operation to remove a blockage.  This meant he had a neat row of stitches down the length of the abdomen.  Well “had” being the operative word.  He has assiduously unpicked these stitiches which are not due to be removed until Monday coming.  So besides his post operative check at the vets, he had to go and be checked regarding his diy stitch removals.  Unfortunately because he is deaf he didn’t listen to the vets instructions on how he should be quiet for his recuperation.  I cannot believe how quickly he recovered, and today he is on a mission to gain access to the cable box in the tv cabinet.  Oliver has also shown an unhealthy interest in electrical wires and cables, and now when using my laptop I have to remove the mains lead because he thinks it is part of his diet.  

Podcast recommendation.

I have been listening to some quiz podcasts, and they are a mixed bunch!  Some are cures for insomnia for sure.  The one this week that I have subscribed to and definitely will listen again is http://goodjobbrain.libsyn.com/rss

Upbeat and friendly and interesting content. 

The second recommendation this week is not an audio podcast but a thought provoking site to visit. The site does have visual/audio clips and I scrolled down and chose the “I’m an Animal Lover” clip to start http://www.vegansmythe.com

The Land of the Free

1) Rant,          2) recipe                                                     3) knitting   4)Kindle read                5) Snippet

1)  The Land of the Free

The first time I knew of this description (land of the free)  was when reading a poem by DH Lawrence, who wrote it when his paintings were deemed obscene and the exhibition closed down, prompting him to write

“Oh what a pity, Oh! Don’t you agree
that figs aren’t found in the land of the free!
Figs don’t grow in my native land;
There’s never a fig-leaf near at hand
when you want one; so I did without;
and that is what the row’s about.”
(there is an interesting article on this event here: http://www.andrewgrahamdixon.com/archive/readArticle/335
And it was the land of the free that occurred to me on hearing of all the constraints being placed on people who have bought tickets to see the Olympic events.  Even what they wear can ban their entrance, or carrying a bottle of water of more than 100ml. Any object or clothing bearing political statement or overt commercial identification is not allowed.  Oh dear all those people who wanted to wear their Dave Cameron is the Greatest P.M. ever, are going to be banned.   I haven’t found out if they would prefer topless spectators!  They are also advised to arrive two and a half hours before the event starts to ensure they get through security procedures.  So if in a queue for that length of time their 100ml of water will be consumed before they get in!  Traders have been in trouble because they have committed such terrible crimes as creating window displays using tissue paper in the form of the Olympic Rings, or horror of horror displaying bagels in the Olympic Ring pattern.  Oh yes, we live in the Lane of the Free alright.
Rant over.  I don’t care as I am not going!

2) Recipe On a more cheery note.  A seasonal salad has bought a smile to my face a couple of times this week as it is my favourite.  I call it Sunshine Salad, as the bananas are arranged to depict sunrays. 
Ingredients for two servings are: a packet/bunch of watercress, 2 tangerines or satusmas, quarter of a cucumber, 2 bananas, 12 dates – stoned and halved, and optional sunflower seeds.
Simply cover the base of each plate with watercress which has had the coarse stalks removed.  Round the edge of the plate place sliced cucumber, place the segments of tangerines, add the date halves.  Then the slices of banana go on the top and finally if desired a sprinkling of sunflower seeds. 

3) Knitting
I was on Ravelry and liked something another knitter had made and then looked at her other projects, one of which was a project I have been queing for ages.  This prompted me to cast on.  I have some carpel tunnel syndrome problems at the moment and cannot knit anything weighty and this seemed a nice idea as it was light with short rows.  So I have done a few inches of it and it is surprising how different it looks  another colour.  Check out on Ravelry the Pimpelleise pattern projects or see here  http://straw.com/cpy/patterns2/accessories/PSilkDeb-Shawl.html

  I am using sock yarn and will post a pic when it is completed.  I would recommend this as a handy project when travelling as it is certainly portable.  The pattern is easy to understand, and if someone wants to try lace it would be a good starting point. 
I was hoping to join the Caithness Craft Collective KAL to make the  
Adirondack pattern by Sarah Pundeson but am loathe to commit myself to a particular project until I know I can knit for a meaningful length of time without putting my knitting aside due to discomfort. 


4) Kindle Thanks to the newsletters I get about free Kindle Books, I have read another free book that I enjoyed this week.  Henry VIII’s Seventh  by Steve Farndon. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Henry-VIIIs-Seventh-ebook/dp/B0082PF3NY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342791689&sr=8-1
The synopsis on Amazon includes this: What hardly anyone knows is that he actually married one of his mistresses in 1538 so in fact the school yard rhyme should read ; divorced, beheaded, died, murdered, divorced, beheaded and survived.

Read all about his fourth wife, a Lady Mary Shelton.

5)Snippet, finally I found this really interesting and wonder how many other people on statins could benefit by reading it.  Of course, they should check with their own GP before deciding if it is a course of action suitable for them.  http://musingsofaseniledelinquent.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/miracle-cure-sort-of.html
I like this blog and read it regularly.  

To Bathe or Not to Bathe that is the question.

We have a house guest who is to decide if he would like to live with us permanently. 

Oliver has been with us just over a week now and we are getting to know each other more as every day passes.  He is a  deaf adult neutered cat which makes requesting him to refrain from doing something problematic.  Having had Siamese and British Short Hair Colourpoints has not fully equipped us to know the vagaries of Birman cats.  So I have been reading up on the subject.  Like everything else on the internet there is a counter argument for everything.  I was surprised to discover that here was a breed that didn’t mind water.  Well, when I say doesn’t mind, perhaps that should be “positively embraces”.  Some sites suggest they should be bathed regularly and other sites do not espouse this theory.  So if anyone has any experience of Birmans I will gladly listen to all advice.    Like most children he has been scathing towards the more expensive toys and likes easily provided freebies such as rolled up tin foil.  He also has a penchant for playing with long shoe laces.  That is ok until the said lace is still supposed to be in use on the shoe one is actually wearing. 

No doubt there will be more in future weeks on “the adventures of Oliver”, as I realise daily there is more to Oliver than meets the eye.  Oh yeah, forgot to tell you he has amazing balancing skills on the very narrow top of our tv.

 

This week too there is 

Olympic knitting

Recipe

Kindle corner

Olympic knitting

Unless living on another planet everyone is aware of the upcoming Olympics, and if anyone wants to combine watching these events with knitting then the Rowan site has some suitable patriotic projects to consider, and of course as with any other pattern recommendations on here, the patterns are free!  They include a snazzy Kindle cover, tops to knit for male and female, and home furnishings.

http://www.knitrowan.com/search/apachesolr_search/union%20jack

For those who like to knit toys

http://blog.themakingspot.com/blog/free-knitting-pattern-olympic-runner

and for those who want to get in on some action of yarn bombing:

http://morecanalsthanvenice.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery-covered-in-knit-graffiti/

Recipe
Half and Half Soft Bread Baps

Ideal for burgers, or cool salad fillings, etc.  These are filling and substantial bread rolls.  I used half brown and half white flour, but the recipe lends itself to all brown, or all white, just decide the ratio of brown to white that is preferred
1lb bread flour (all brown, all white, or a mix)
1 tsp salt, 1tsp sugar, 1 packet of easy blend yeast granules.
2tbs margarine/butter 
half pint milk or soya milk
Put the margarine and milk in microwave till warm and margarine has begun to melt.
Mix all dry ingredients.
Add milk mixture gradually to the flour until all of it is incorporated.  If the dough is too sticky add a little flour, if too dry add a little more milk.  (that is why best to add gradually and no extras may then be needed).
Knead well, till soft and pliable.
Put aside in warm place, covered, to rise to double its size.  If warm enough an hour will be enough.
Separate into 6 large or 8 medium size pieces and make into bap shapes. Cover with flour, and set aside to rise for another 20 mins covered. 
Put in oven number 7 for 9 mins and when cooked put them on a rack and cover with clean cloth to trap the warmth and thus keep them soft.

Kindle Corner

I am now subscribed to http://www.bookbasset.com/ which is a newsletter advising of free books available that day, and have been pleased with some of the recommendations.  

I have recommended before I know, http://www.ereaderiq.com/free/ as a source for free kindle books, and this week I was amazed to get for free a book that is now retailing at £6.36!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Royal-Family-Boxed-Edition-ebook/dp/B007UOTJFG/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341568671&sr=1-2

It was an interesting read about the royal family, and although much of it is is known there were still some snippets that are new to me.  There are photos that I have not seen in the UK newspapers.  I am not a royalist and that is why I read about them! I need to know my doubts are not unfounded!

This week I have been downloading some spooky books and the jury is still out whilst I wade my way through the first one. (these were downloaded not as a result of newsletters but just my own browsing).

 

Half Time and Not What it Says on the Tin

Not what it says on the tin:

In the UK it is a well used phrase “It does what says on the tin” and is even an advertising slogan.  Well, to coin another phrase “think outside the box”, I decided to “think outside the tin”.  A tin of ratatouille has been languishing on the larder shelf and I decided it was time to use it.  How many recipes can I create with this being the main ingredient became a bit of a challenge.  Wont bore you with them all, but here are some suggestions: whizz it in a processor and if necessary just add a little stock or water and hey presto a soup manifests itself in the saucepan.  A second idea was to use it liquidised again as a sauce over pasta.  The third idea is the one I actually implemented and is Recipe of the Week below.

Half Time:

Unless you inhabit another planet you will know we are in the throes of Euro matches.

Whilst I don’t mind actual football matches, I can do without endless hours of the pundits telling me what I am about to watch, and worse still what I have just watched.

A few minutes of informed opinion is OK, but if I want to hear more I would go to the pub and it is there in abundance.  So to fill in the time I like to read or knit.  Well, that’s not strictly true is it, as I have to feed my internet addiction first!  Or “Quality time with the laptop”!

Belowtherefore are knitting/kindle/recipes for half time.

 Half Time Knitting:

The knitting has to be the sort that distractions don’t impact on the project.  So I resort to sock knitting or the favourite standby for stash busting of a Baktus. The Baktus is really the most versatile scarf/shawlette to wear.  For the socks Patons site have some good free patterns that fit the bill nicely like these  http://www.patonsyarns.com/pattern.php?PID=2423

And to save the search on here for the Baktus here is the pattern link http://www.flickr.com/photos/norwayneedles/2963651011

Recipe is Half Time Casserole.

(the pic doesnt do it justice as it is not so anaemic in real life!)

Ingredients:Tin of ratatouille, small onion, Redwood ready to eat sage and majoram sausages or equivalent, 4 oz twirly pasta.

Saute the onions, and while they soften cook the pasta and drain.

Add the tin of ratatouille to the onions.

Zap the lot like crazy till a nice thick sauce happens.

In a bowl mix sausages, sauce and pasta and either serve immediately or reheat later.

Now you know why it is called Half Time Casserol, because it can be made earlier, then when the football is on the tv, just before kick off put the casserole in the oven.

Half time remove the hot casserole and eat before the second half starts!

Half time/pundit time read. 

Kindle How Not to Run a BB Bobby Hutchinson,http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Not-To-Run-ebook/dp/B007KOTSVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340109708&sr=8-1

This book is an interesting mix, it has humour, racy moments (you have been warned!) and breakfast recipes!!  I like it as a half time book because it can be picked up spasmodically without a complicated plot to follow.   It was a free download notified to me by http://www.ereaderiq.com/free/  If it is no longer free, then it may become free again at a later date with a bit of luck.

COINCIDENCES

This entry has 1)Welcome Riley, 2)Kindle stuff, 3) Recipe and 4)Knitting.
1) Welcome Riley

We were happy to welcome a new member of the family this week.  Baby Riley arrived weighing in at 8lb. He arrived on June 4^th which just happens to be my mother’s birthday.  So that was a happy coincidence.

I have been really well disciplined and not bought any noisy toys!  Yet. 

Riley has been the recipient of a hand knitted shawl I did, but is not inundated with knitted clothes from me.  (His dad didn’t want a “knitted baby”)  I know this is hard to believe if you are knitting orientated, but I am a firm believer in Mom and Dad of the child know best.  And since I espouse this ethic, I have little choice but to abide by it.

It goes without saying he is the best grandchild anyone ever had.  So yeah, I think I could become a granny bore. 

2)Kindle stuff

I am a sucker for “free” books!  I put this in inverts because many of the books I have downloaded are not free all the while.  I have regular alerts from this site http://www.ereaderiq.com/free/ and it is a really good tool for finding free books.  Especially if one subscribes to their email as this can be personalised allowing the recipient to only have alerts on topics in which they are interested,.   It is also worth noting that books free on Amazon com, are not necessarily free on Amazon co.uk. Many of them are only free for a very limited period so one does have to be a regular visitor to the site to ensure a good book isn’t missed.  One I thoroughly enjoyed though sadly at the moment no longer free, was shown on the ereaderiq site and is by

P D Bekendam and called Prime of Life http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prime-of-Life-ebook/dp/B0078H9XZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338833027&sr=8-1

Sometimes I just check out the “Customers who bought this item also bought” section on Amazon and thus today came across a few books that appealed to me including  http://www.amazon.co.uk/mystery-romance-Cottonmouth-Series-ebook/dp/B00688GE7Q/ref=pd_sim_kinc_99#reader_B00688GE7Q 

if anyone else has any to recommend I would welcome the link.

 3)Recipe

Easy Make now eat later salad.

I packet of microwave long grain rice cooked, 1 can chick peas opened and rinsed, some quartered cherry tomatoes, small cubes of cucumber, slices of spring onion, handful of halved grapes, a sweet red pepper chopped into small pieces. Mint leaves. Optional dressing.

If beetroot is liked it could be served alongside, but not with as it will discolour the rice.  This is a nice salad with crusty bread.  It is best not to put the dressing on until just before eating.  For the dressing I like a splash of balsamic vinegar, but otherwise a classic salad dressing of say 3tbs olive oil, 1 tbs white wine or cider vinegar, seasoning, 1tsp sugar, all shaken together, is fine.

4) Knitting

I was asked this week how a knitter can avoid a curling cuff on Sanquhar gloves.  I have seen many pics of my favourite gloves to knit and think it may come with the territory to varying degrees.  I gave suggestions of a couple of rows of seed stitch at the edge, or simple rib to start before introducing contrasting colours.  If anyone else has any suggestions I will gladly pass on advice to the person who approached me.

For anyone who is not sure of what  Sanquhar knitting is, here is a sample of my knitting in this Scottish pattern.  This project used the Dukes pattern.