It May be Contagious

First off, let's pretend that it has not been almost two months since my last post. We (meaning me), are going to overlook that little detail and move ahead.

Anyone who knows me well, and probably a few who don't know me so well, know that I love to cook and bake as much as I love to knit. I often think this blog looks more like a cooking blog that a knitting one, but they're both a part of me.

Well...

I think I may have contracted a new addiction. Bread making. My Foodie Girl, aka: Kelly, and I discussed this book, a while back, then she went and bought it. She kindly shared her experiences and the recipe formula, and now I too have the "Bread Making Disease". Yeah, 'cause there weren't already enough carbs in my life. Although, in my own defense I have already shared my bread making results with my children, my friend Kim, neighbours, and several co workers, so at least I am not hording. The first batch of dough never even made it in to the fridge. The second managed a whole 12 hrs or so before being delved into to make a few cheesy, herby rolls.

I have had to slightly modify my cooking method from what the recipe suggests. I don't have a baking stone, so I have utilised the method from another no-knead bread. I place my Grandmother's cast iron dutch oven into the oven, and allow it to pre-heat. When the dough has rested and the oven is fully pre-heated I carefully plop the semi-shaped dough into the pot and place on the lid. I then let the bread bake and turn into a much desired orb of yummyness. Works pretty well, the crust is crispy, yet not to tough and the bread is light and moist without being either too dense or too wholey. I definitely think this will become a problem. Between, cookies, cupcakes, biscuits and now bread, I may need a part time job just to supplement the costs of baking supplies, not too mention the knitting supplies.

Speaking of knitting, it's been a little slow. I have been experiencing some hand an wrist troubles that occasionally get in the way, and I'm still busy playing with the new oven. I did however manage to finish a hat for little Charlie Girl, requested by her Mom. A Bumble Bee! I love the way it turned out. It is exactly as I imagined it, and it was very easy. A simple, striped , rolled brim hat with i-cord antennae.


One more thing, Kelly has coerced me into attempting to partake in National Blog Posting Month or NaBloPoMo as it is more commonly known. It is apparently going monthly. I will try. However, I don't always have access to the internet on weekends, so I can't make any promises.

A Most Excellent Gift.

My final 2007 Christmas gift arrived January 3, 2008. I love it and I have to say, it is one of my most favourite gifts ever. Actually everyone in the house loves it, well, maybe not the cats. It was first used late the day of it's arrival, though not for very long. Today, I put it to proper use. Wanna see?

Here's how things progressed.




You may need a napkin for this part. Here is the results of my toil.

Have you guessed my gift yet? Those who know me I'm sure have, but just in case here it is, posing for a couple of photos upon it's arrival.


It's not fancy, but it's mine and works wonderfully. After almost 2 years without a working oven, I am over the moon, and the moon sparkles just like a sugar cookie made with real butter.

Btw, the cookies are an adaptation that began with a no-frills peanut butter cookie recipe from my Grandmother's Five Roses Cookbook, which I have named Peanut Butter Sugar Blossoms.

Holidays & Such.

Christmas is always busier that I expect, though this year I did manage to not overwhelm myself with a never ending to do list. I decorated a little. I love our cute feather tree, which managed to not be eaten by a certain kitten. I shopped for what was needed, I made goodies only for a select few and kept the knitting gift list to a minimum. It made for an enjoyable and relaxed holiday. I plan on keeping New Year's, and all of 2008 for that matter, on a similar course.

The Christmas goodie preparation, although a little later than I had planned turned out well, and all recipients at least feined pleasure, which is good enough for me. Here's a peek at them all wrapped and ready for gifting. My kiddles did finish all of the extra goodies, so I'm sure they were indeed good.

I even managed a post-Christmas batch of toffee. It began with an online recipe which I modified into Double Toffee Almond Crunch, no feedback as of yet(the kiddles are away), but I find it pretty tasty and look forward to making many versions and adaptations in the future. It is also quite pretty to look at.


Now I will share my favourite photo from this year's Holiday celebration. Let you know that my last gift will be arriving on Thursday, and all y'all are gonna love it. Okay, I'll love it, and those I love will love it, maybe not everyone will love it.

Finally, I hope that you have enjoyed my musings on this humble little blog, which isn't updated nearly enough and would like to wish all a Happy and Peaceful 2008.

Live, love, laugh, enjoy. (my new moto)

Long Awaited Update..?

Update.. definitely. Long awaited.. maybe, maybe not.

This is actually a mini update, I don't currently have all that much to share. There were a few hats knit for the Christmas charity drive at work, ... but I forgot to take pictures. There are a couple of other knits I'm currently working on. Some are destined to be Christmas gifts and therefore I probably shouldn't blog them, but I might when they reach a more photogenic stage. Today, I'll be sharing foodie bits and my eldest's (aka:Tall Child) cooking talents, obviously inherited from her mother.


Tonight's supper, pierogies, artfully prepared by Em (aka:Tall Child), under the watchful eye of her Mother (that's me). They were fabulous, and
downright delicious. Photographic evidence.

Congrats to the Kiddles

I forgot to share, my Em (aka Tall Child) won a cash prize at school for having her artwork selected to be included with a CD they're making. Honour roll and winning artwork, and second semester hasn't even begun yet. Megan will be performing a solo at the school's upcomming Christmas concert, and has a role in the school's production of High School Musical. Just to re-afirm, I am very proud of both of my girls, not just for their accomplishments, I am exceedingly proud of them for the people that they are.


On a knitting note, apparently it's genetic. Here is a peek at the progress Meg has made on her pink camo, garter stitch scarf. It's with Bernat Camouflage yarn, knitted on pink metalic 4.5mm needles.

Speaking of camouflage, here is Marzipan, blending in with the blanket on my bed.

Bonnet Completedness

Mocha & Bonnet.JPG
Originally uploaded by Moonlit Knit

What a quick little knit this bonnet is. I would definitely use the pattern again, though I did make a few modifications. Mocha decided to help with the photo by posing next to the bonnet for size comparison. I plan on playing with the pattern to make a ruffled brim. I also think it would look fabulous in funkier colours. Truth be told, I'm just glad I have it
done in time for delivery
before little Lorelei's arrival.

Progress.

Charlie Girl's kitty hat is finished, and I love it! Let's hope she does as well. I'm sure she will look absolutely adorable in it. I've cast on the bonnet for Baby Lorelei, and am almost half way through the pattern. It's quite easy, although the recommended yarn is a little thinner than it should be. It's pretty cute too.


Last week when I picked up the yarn for Charlie's hat, I also found this awesome, yummy looking yarn. I can't wait to try it out, though I have no idea what I'm going to use it for. I'll let you know once I figure it out, for now I'll just admire and fondle it.