I'm tired of winter, very, very tired. I'm tired of snow, walking in snow, shoveling snow. I'm even tired of looking at snow. This has inspired today's list. Of course the list would be affected by weather, so for the sake of me attempting to beat my winter blahs, we will pretend that weather conditions are all favourable.
Top 5 Places I Would Like to Knit
1. Stonehenge, I have dreamed of visiting there since I was young and learned about it on T.V. I can imagine sitting upon the grass knitting, my back against one of those mammoth stones.
2. The Eiffel Tower, preferably at the top, or sitting on the stairs. I would even be happy to stand beneath its structure and knit.
3. Tahiti, in a hammock, beneath palm trees where I have a view of the captivating turquoise waters.
4. A Mountain Cabin, curled in a comfy chair, on a deck overlooking a pristine lake surrounded by trees. Oh, and with no biting insects. Nothing would quite spoil my knitting fantasies like being eaten alive by mosquitoes. Autumn would nice.
5. Work, I know this doesn't sound like much of a knitting fantasy, but I work on the phone all day, and would love to be allowed to slip in a few stitches between calls. It would totally make my day more bearable.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
New Unofficial Holiday
Here at Chez Moonlit Knit today was unofficially named as "Dumpling Day".
For supper, the girls made Gyoza. A Japanese version of pot stickers. Basically a dumpling, filled with a cabbage and pork mixture, that is fried and them steamed. They were very very tasty. They used an online recipe we had found, and made a delicious dipping sauce of soy sauce, lime juice and ginger. Meg took this picture and is very proud that she was able to capture the steam in the shot.
As my contribution to the meal I made Apple Dumplings, from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. They were absolutely wonderful, complete and true demon food. You know, the kind that calls to you, pummels your will power and makes you want to eat the whole pan. I reduced the butter to 3/4 of a cup, and the sugar to one cup. I definitely don't think that the finished product lacked for the alteration in any way. This recipe will surely be going into regular rotation.
For anyone keeping up on my battle with Bread Making Disease, I made it through one more day, unless you count dumplings as bread. Though I did buy a 10 kilogram bag of flour while grocery shopping today.
For supper, the girls made Gyoza. A Japanese version of pot stickers. Basically a dumpling, filled with a cabbage and pork mixture, that is fried and them steamed. They were very very tasty. They used an online recipe we had found, and made a delicious dipping sauce of soy sauce, lime juice and ginger. Meg took this picture and is very proud that she was able to capture the steam in the shot.
As my contribution to the meal I made Apple Dumplings, from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. They were absolutely wonderful, complete and true demon food. You know, the kind that calls to you, pummels your will power and makes you want to eat the whole pan. I reduced the butter to 3/4 of a cup, and the sugar to one cup. I definitely don't think that the finished product lacked for the alteration in any way. This recipe will surely be going into regular rotation.For anyone keeping up on my battle with Bread Making Disease, I made it through one more day, unless you count dumplings as bread. Though I did buy a 10 kilogram bag of flour while grocery shopping today.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The Cost of Adorable
I have managed to resist the lure of bread making yet another day. I think I may well crack tomorrow. I really am craving homemade pizza.
The list for today will reflect some of the very adorable and lovely items I would love to have for my kitchen, but would probably not be able to swallow the price tag for. They are in order from highest to lowest price.
Top 10 Incredibly Over-priced Items I Lust After for My Kitchen.
1. Dots Porcelain Cookie Jar $100.00 This is so beautiful, I absolutely love the pattern.
2. Eva Solo Garlic Press $83.61. This is like art with a function.
3. Fish Measuring Spoons $65.00. I just love these, I have no reason or excuse.
4. Bread Bin $62.63. What a funky, great place to store the products of my Bread Making Disease.
5. Le Creuset Mini Dutch Oven (8 oz) $54.95. I love this, but have no idea what I might use it for to justify the price, for a casserole that holds one cup.
6. King Chin Grinder $53.66 each. This is just so cool.
7. Queen Chin Grinder $53.66 each. Of course, I would have to have the Queen to go with the King.
8. Eva Solo Grating Bucket $44.69. This one is actually incredibly functional, maybe someone will make a less expensive version soon.
9. Mr.Chin Timer $39.60 each. I actually found this before I found the grinders. I don't really need a timer, as there is one built into my stove, but this is so adorable, how could I resist.
10. Mandarin Citrus Squeezer $35.72. This is the least expensive on the list and I think it may actually be my favourite. I already have a juicer, but ... well, apparently I have an addiction to cute.
The list for today will reflect some of the very adorable and lovely items I would love to have for my kitchen, but would probably not be able to swallow the price tag for. They are in order from highest to lowest price.
Top 10 Incredibly Over-priced Items I Lust After for My Kitchen.
1. Dots Porcelain Cookie Jar $100.00 This is so beautiful, I absolutely love the pattern.
2. Eva Solo Garlic Press $83.61. This is like art with a function.
3. Fish Measuring Spoons $65.00. I just love these, I have no reason or excuse.
4. Bread Bin $62.63. What a funky, great place to store the products of my Bread Making Disease.
5. Le Creuset Mini Dutch Oven (8 oz) $54.95. I love this, but have no idea what I might use it for to justify the price, for a casserole that holds one cup.
6. King Chin Grinder $53.66 each. This is just so cool.
7. Queen Chin Grinder $53.66 each. Of course, I would have to have the Queen to go with the King.
8. Eva Solo Grating Bucket $44.69. This one is actually incredibly functional, maybe someone will make a less expensive version soon.
9. Mr.Chin Timer $39.60 each. I actually found this before I found the grinders. I don't really need a timer, as there is one built into my stove, but this is so adorable, how could I resist.
10. Mandarin Citrus Squeezer $35.72. This is the least expensive on the list and I think it may actually be my favourite. I already have a juicer, but ... well, apparently I have an addiction to cute.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Dealing.
I managed through the day without baking any bread. I did however share some of the delicious brioche buns with my co-workers, and I ate one myself. I think it's a good sign that I was able to show this level of restraint. Tomorrow though, that's a whole 'nother day and I can already feel the symptoms of Bread Making Disease creeping up on me. All day, actually it began last night, I have been itching to try the No-Knead Pizza Dough. If I do succumb to this afflictiom of mine, I will be sure to take pictures.
On with today's list, a bit of a follow up to yesterday's entry.
Top 5 Ways to Deal with a Flour Shortage.
1. Stockpile as much flour as is humanly possible. This may involve replacing some furniture with Rubermaid totes filled with bags of flour. Oh well, the kid's mattresses probably are due to be replaced anyway.
2. Becoming close, personal friend's with a wheat farmer ... or two.
3. Finding alternatives to wheat flour. I know there are alternatives, I'm just unsure as to how they would bake up. Once wheat flour becomes more of a commodity, will alternate flours also become more costly and harder to obtain?
4. Selling off small amounts of stockpiled flour and or baked goodies at a large profit, in order to support my own habit.
5. Growing wheat in the back yard and teaching my children the value of hard work by having them mill the wheat into flour for their loving mother.
My mind is racing, I know there are many, many other ways to combat the horror of a possible flour shortage, however these are the top five so far. Suggestions are welcome. As an avid baker with fans to please and a very bad case of Bread Making Disease, flour is almost as important as breathing. I can't imagine not always having a big cannister of flour waiting for me in the kitchen.
On with today's list, a bit of a follow up to yesterday's entry.
Top 5 Ways to Deal with a Flour Shortage.
1. Stockpile as much flour as is humanly possible. This may involve replacing some furniture with Rubermaid totes filled with bags of flour. Oh well, the kid's mattresses probably are due to be replaced anyway.
2. Becoming close, personal friend's with a wheat farmer ... or two.
3. Finding alternatives to wheat flour. I know there are alternatives, I'm just unsure as to how they would bake up. Once wheat flour becomes more of a commodity, will alternate flours also become more costly and harder to obtain?
4. Selling off small amounts of stockpiled flour and or baked goodies at a large profit, in order to support my own habit.
5. Growing wheat in the back yard and teaching my children the value of hard work by having them mill the wheat into flour for their loving mother.
My mind is racing, I know there are many, many other ways to combat the horror of a possible flour shortage, however these are the top five so far. Suggestions are welcome. As an avid baker with fans to please and a very bad case of Bread Making Disease, flour is almost as important as breathing. I can't imagine not always having a big cannister of flour waiting for me in the kitchen.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Relapse.
There will be no list for today, as I have suffered a relapse of Bread Making Disease. This afternoon I decided to try out the Challah/Brioche master dough from Artisan Bread in Five, and this evening, unable to restrain myself, I baked the entire batch.
I believe my relapse was triggered by news of a possible flour shortage. I have to give thanks to my Foodie Girl, aka:Kelly, who has alerted me to this potential impending disaster. I have already begun researching methods of bulk flour storage that will not require taking over my Children's bedroom. Depending on the future outlook, I may even consider growing my own wheat in the back yard. I have to consider that there is more than just bread at stake here. This may well effect the future of cookies, cupcakes and muffins for which I also rely heavily on flour. For the love of all that's good, I even used flour in the chicken wings we had for dinner. Do I start stockpiling now, before prices begin to rise or do I live cavalierly, buy only as needed and risk being caught off guard and flourless. I'm only hoping that this relapse doesn't send me into a downward spiral of bread and goodie baking that I am unable to recover from.
I leave you with a photo of one of this evening's Brioche buns, which by the way were incredibly tasty and very addictive. I don't think I will be able to resist baking more of them for long.
Brioche bun, fresh from the oven dressed in a glossy coat of melted butter.
I believe my relapse was triggered by news of a possible flour shortage. I have to give thanks to my Foodie Girl, aka:Kelly, who has alerted me to this potential impending disaster. I have already begun researching methods of bulk flour storage that will not require taking over my Children's bedroom. Depending on the future outlook, I may even consider growing my own wheat in the back yard. I have to consider that there is more than just bread at stake here. This may well effect the future of cookies, cupcakes and muffins for which I also rely heavily on flour. For the love of all that's good, I even used flour in the chicken wings we had for dinner. Do I start stockpiling now, before prices begin to rise or do I live cavalierly, buy only as needed and risk being caught off guard and flourless. I'm only hoping that this relapse doesn't send me into a downward spiral of bread and goodie baking that I am unable to recover from.
I leave you with a photo of one of this evening's Brioche buns, which by the way were incredibly tasty and very addictive. I don't think I will be able to resist baking more of them for long.
Brioche bun, fresh from the oven dressed in a glossy coat of melted butter.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Thou Shalt Not Covet
I believe it mentions thy neighbour's wife and thy neighbour's ass, but if I remember correctly, there was nothing about yarn.
Top 5 Yarns I'd Really Like to Knit With. (& maybe fondle just a little)
1. Black Orchid, by Rabbitch. I fell in love with this the moment I saw it online. The colours are so extraordinarily sexy and just make me want to sink myself into them like bathwater.
2. Sea Silk, by Handmaiden. I want this yarn so bad, but it's just a teeny bit pricey. I'm sure that it is more than worth it. I think I like the Blackberry colour way best. However, even though I'm not usually a fan of pink, I also kinda like the Sangria.
3. Cashlana, by Fleece Artist. This looks simply delicious, there is no other way to describe it. I like colour ways Peacock and Indian Summer best.
4. ArtYarns. These all look so fun and sumptous, I've been smitten since I first saw some on The Nocturnal Knit Witch, I just cant decide which one, either Silk Fur in colour way #123 or Supermerino in colour way #155.
5. Kureyon, by Noro. I have head this is kinda scratchy at first, but I would still love to give it a try. I like colour ways #213 and #188 best.
Top 5 Yarns I'd Really Like to Knit With. (& maybe fondle just a little)
1. Black Orchid, by Rabbitch. I fell in love with this the moment I saw it online. The colours are so extraordinarily sexy and just make me want to sink myself into them like bathwater.
2. Sea Silk, by Handmaiden. I want this yarn so bad, but it's just a teeny bit pricey. I'm sure that it is more than worth it. I think I like the Blackberry colour way best. However, even though I'm not usually a fan of pink, I also kinda like the Sangria.
3. Cashlana, by Fleece Artist. This looks simply delicious, there is no other way to describe it. I like colour ways Peacock and Indian Summer best.
4. ArtYarns. These all look so fun and sumptous, I've been smitten since I first saw some on The Nocturnal Knit Witch, I just cant decide which one, either Silk Fur in colour way #123 or Supermerino in colour way #155.
5. Kureyon, by Noro. I have head this is kinda scratchy at first, but I would still love to give it a try. I like colour ways #213 and #188 best.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Peek-a-boo
Today, I thought I might share a glimpse inside of my kitchen. Okay, so it's not huge, it lacks cupboard space and it is in desperate need of a coat of paint. However, it is quite bright, the brightest room in the house in fact, and I love to cook in it.
The part of my kitchen that I would really like to share are a few of my favourite things (whoa, Sound of Music moment) that happen to reside there. Of course, I won't be going on about my new stove, as I have already mentioned that at least a couple of times.
5 Favs from My Kitchen
1.My salt & pepper set.
Consisting of a salt shaker and pepper grinder.
I bought this at Winners a few years back. I love cobalt blue, and of course fell in love with these the instant I laid eyes on them. They live beside the stove, on the cookbook cabinet.
2.My Kitten Mug.
This was a Christmas gift from my Mother a couple of years ago. I love Siamese cats, and it's a nice big mug, perfect for herbal tea.
3.My Grandma's Dutch Oven.
This cast iron dutch oven belonged to my maternal Grandmother, she had it for most of her adult life and used it for many a pot roast. I've had it for the past few years. It was the one thing I really wanted when she was moving into the retirement home. I have cooked everything from soups, to chili, to roasts, to most recently bread in it. Now that she's passed on it's a very nice feeling to have and use it, after all, she was a big part of my love of cooking.
4. My Mixing Bowls.
This is actually a set of three bowls (I know there's only one in the pic),that I saw before Christmas in the Grocery store. They are gorgeous and heavy, and even have a nifty flat spot on one side so you can tilt the bowl and it will rest that way on its own. There is a 1L, a 2L and a 4L. When I first noticed them they were $29.99 A tiny bit more than I could justify at Christmas time for bowls, something I already have several of. Then, they went on sale for $19.99, I put them on my Christmas wish list. I didn't get them. After Christmas I decided to admire my bowls when I happened to be in the store and low and behold, they were on sale for $7.97!! for the set! I took it as a sign and bought them. Shortly after purchasing them, I found very similar bowls on the website of a high-end kitchen store here in town. They have the smallest bowls priced at more than my whole set was originally priced at. If you compare my pic to the ones in the link, you'll see what I mean about similar.
5. My Recipe Box.
Actually, I don't have a recipe box, but I want one, very badly. I just haven't found one I like, that suits my needs. However, I know that when I finally do get one, and it's jam packed with all of my favourite recipes, it will be one of the most prized things to live in my humble kitchen.
The part of my kitchen that I would really like to share are a few of my favourite things (whoa, Sound of Music moment) that happen to reside there. Of course, I won't be going on about my new stove, as I have already mentioned that at least a couple of times.
5 Favs from My Kitchen
1.My salt & pepper set.
Consisting of a salt shaker and pepper grinder.
I bought this at Winners a few years back. I love cobalt blue, and of course fell in love with these the instant I laid eyes on them. They live beside the stove, on the cookbook cabinet.
2.My Kitten Mug.
This was a Christmas gift from my Mother a couple of years ago. I love Siamese cats, and it's a nice big mug, perfect for herbal tea.
3.My Grandma's Dutch Oven.
This cast iron dutch oven belonged to my maternal Grandmother, she had it for most of her adult life and used it for many a pot roast. I've had it for the past few years. It was the one thing I really wanted when she was moving into the retirement home. I have cooked everything from soups, to chili, to roasts, to most recently bread in it. Now that she's passed on it's a very nice feeling to have and use it, after all, she was a big part of my love of cooking.4. My Mixing Bowls.
This is actually a set of three bowls (I know there's only one in the pic),that I saw before Christmas in the Grocery store. They are gorgeous and heavy, and even have a nifty flat spot on one side so you can tilt the bowl and it will rest that way on its own. There is a 1L, a 2L and a 4L. When I first noticed them they were $29.99 A tiny bit more than I could justify at Christmas time for bowls, something I already have several of. Then, they went on sale for $19.99, I put them on my Christmas wish list. I didn't get them. After Christmas I decided to admire my bowls when I happened to be in the store and low and behold, they were on sale for $7.97!! for the set! I took it as a sign and bought them. Shortly after purchasing them, I found very similar bowls on the website of a high-end kitchen store here in town. They have the smallest bowls priced at more than my whole set was originally priced at. If you compare my pic to the ones in the link, you'll see what I mean about similar.
5. My Recipe Box.
Actually, I don't have a recipe box, but I want one, very badly. I just haven't found one I like, that suits my needs. However, I know that when I finally do get one, and it's jam packed with all of my favourite recipes, it will be one of the most prized things to live in my humble kitchen.
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