Knit & Nosh

cranberry jam

This one's for you Teresa.

Once the Thanksgiving feast was over I found myself with some cranberries in need of a use.  I must have purchased a container of cranberries out of habit as I was not in charge of making cranberry sauce. What to make?  

This year, some of the people on my gift list will be receiving a trio of jars.  I knew what two of the jars would contain, but had not yet decided on the third.  Picture me in the kitchen, jar in one hand, container of cranberries in the other.  Once I decided the berries should go inside the jar, I went in search of a recipe.  This is a basic recipe that can be found everywhere.  I am pretty sure we would have to go back at least 250 years to find the first person who cooked up a batch.  Of course once I decided that Cranberry Jam is the perfect addition to my trio of jars I had to buy more berries. 

Cranberry Jam

5 cups cranberries

3 cups sugar

1 cup apple cider  (the real stuff, you should not be able to see through it)

juice from one lemon

~Combine all ingredients in a heavy bottomed pot and cook until the berries burst and are soft.

~Pour the cranberry mixture into a food mill fitted with the smaller screen and mill until just the skins and seeds are left.

~Ladle the smooth cranberry paste into 1/2 pint jars leaving 1/4 inch head space.

~Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

makes 6 1/2 pints

Notes:

If you do not have a food mill, you can also push the cooked cranberries through a fine mesh seive using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.

When you pour the berries into the food mill and start cranking you may think to yourself "Ut Oh, this stuff is too thin, there is no way it is going to set up, maybe I should cook it longer."  Don't worry.  Cranberries a crammed full of pectin and you will be amazed how thick your mixture gets by the time you are done with the food mill.

the weekend feast

This Thanksgiving I tried something a little different.  Instead of having all of the traditional foods on the Thursday of Thanksgiving, I spread them out.  For the holiday we had turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries, dressing, a green salad, corn casserole,  gravy, and pie.  It was pleny of food, but did not include some of our favorites.  Friday's dinner consisted of leftover turkey, a potato pumpkin bake, and green beans with an onion sauce.  For Saturday's dinner I added the classic side dishes of roasted brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes. 

All of this I used to make and serve for Thanksgiving dinner.  All of that cooking left me tired.  The meal was too big and the leftovers were hard to deal with.  This year has been perfect and I plan to break it up it again next year.  Why did it take so many years for me to figure this out?

holiday gifts all around

Over the past few months I have been collecting ideas for things that I would love to give or receive this holiday season.  My own interests are pretty varied, add in the people around me and our gifts are all over the place.  Submitted for your consideration, some of the best things I have come across: 

Do you or someone you know get all jiggly over canning?

stainless steel rack  Something any canner would love to find wrapped up with their name on the tag.  Enameled canners come with galvanized steel racks that hold seven quart jars.  This is great if all you ever put up are seven quart jars, but for most people smaller jars are the norm.  Trying to place small jars in the positions made for large jars can lead to tipping and spilling and a mess.  This rack holds any size jars, even a combination of jars, using stainless steel made in the USA.

weck canning jars  Just looking at these jars makes me swoon a little.  I do not actually own any , but they have been used for decades by people who care about jars.  A box given to a canner will make them squeal with joy (even the men).  Remember to include an extra set of rubber rings for a gift that keeps on giving. 

Looking for little stocking stuffer sort of thing?  Ball makes storage lids for jars.  No more dealing with two part lids and rings.  I have three sets in heavy rotation.

Are you or someone on your list a little kooky for fiber?

shelter and loft yarn from one of the nicest guys around,  Jared Flood.  These yarns are spun in Harriseville New Hampshire using wool from Targree-Columbia sheep grown in Wyoming.  The colors are amazing and anything from one skein to a sweater's worth of yarn would be a real treat.

faribault woolen mills  A company in Minnesota that had shuttered its doors and caused sadness to the community has been rebuilt and is producing wool blankets that are beautiful enough to become family heirlooms.  I have this one on my wish list.

Who doesn't love to eat?

canyon bakehouse variety pack Most gluten free bread blows.  Hard. If you are on a gluten free diet you already know this little fact.  Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon Canyon Bakehouse.  As close to real bread as I have found.  Since trying their San Juan 7-Grain I have stopped buying other GF breads all together.  Now that I know a decent bread is possible I would rather go without than compromise.  I have also tried the Rosemary Foccacia.  Delicious.  I would love to try the other varieties, but have not quite talked myself into spending 50 dollars for the variety pack.  The pack itself is only $31 and a good deal, it is the shipping that has kept me from clicking the buy button.  If you have a GF friend or family member and plan to mail them a gift, this is a great choice. 

mt townsend creamery Yeah, I know I am not suppose to eat cheese, but this stuff is pill worthy.  A small cheese maker on the Olympic Peninsula that uses milk from local cows that are treated well.  You can stop in for a tour of the "factory" any day.  The tour runs all of about 50 feet with some days more exciting than others.  But they are passionate about their cheese and will happily answer all your questions.  The cherry on top is of course the cheese, some of the best stuff you will ever put in your mouth.

If you are a reader of my blog, chances are you have a DIY attitude.

mushroom growing kit  Do you know a foodie who loves mushrooms?  Nothing is more local than the kitchen counter.  Easy enough for kids and oh so tasty.  Oldest Son is getting a kit to take back to his college apartment.

diy solar projects This gem of a book has been in the house for a couple of months and every time I pick it up I find something else I want to make.  If you have ever had thoughts about making your whole house solar, this book will show you how, but there is so much more than that.  There are a variety of solar projects to tackle without converting the entire house.  A solar oven or hot water heater, and my favorite, the solar battery charger.  This will be the first thing I build and it will become part of our emergency supply kit.  Every project includes a parts list, detailed instructions and TONS of photos.  Most of use learn visually and the photos are what really sets this book apart.  Perfect for a DIYer, environmentalist, or anyone looking to leave a smaller footprint.  Highly recommend! 

At heart I am a practical sort, but I do love me some shinies:

aleph bet jewelry  Stunning jewelry from a family owned business.  They have a wide variety of choices and price points. 

For the past couple of weeks I have been wearing this sweet Star of David necklace.  It feels handmade, not stamped out by a factory, and because of the short chain, would be perfect for the daughter or niece in your family, or as a layering piece. Totally cute, totally affordable.

At the other end of the price spectrum is this beautiful Evil Eye pendant.  For the ultimate in stylish protection.  While much of their line is Judaica, they also carry initials, peace signs, and words of wisdom pieces.  The selection is amazing!  Fast shipping and friendly people make Aleph Bet a go- to jewelrystore. 

bedrock industries  I am not sure how many years ago our family discovered Bedrock, but it was love at first sight.  All of their art is made from recycled glass and you will absolutely not find anything else like it.  The "lollipops" pictured above come in many sizes and was our first purchase.   Since then I have received many gifts from Bedrock and love each one dearly.  We have also given many gifts from Bedrock and all of the recipients have been charmed by their whimsy.

book coasters  Have a book lover in your life?  Why not give them a set of out of print book coasters?  When not in use, slide them into their own bookish holder.  This website also has cool journals that I would be proud to pull out of my bag.

Who doesn't love a cup of cheer?

St Germain  Last year I infused vodka with elderberries and it was darn tasty.  Did you notice I did not actually swear?  This liqueur is made from elderberry blossoms!  i am beside myself imagining the taste.  If there is one thing I want Hanukkah Harry to bring me (an ipad is out of the question) it is a bottle of St Germain.

Your local distillery.  Remember 15 years ago when small wineries popped up and prospered?  Well now it is time for distillers to have a turn.  Look about in the region where you live and it is quite possible you will find a small, craft distillery.  Patronizethem, help them grow.  Local products made by real people who live where you live.  This is means something.

 So that is my first gift giving round up.  I am anxious to hear what you think.  Did I show you something new?  Spark an idea for the perfect gift?  Let me know.

makes me excited for the leftovers

Yesterday, New York Times Magazine published a story about Thanksgiving leftovers.  SO many good ideas that I can not wait until Friday morning. 

 First up is a pan of Eggs Baked In Stuffing.

google bloggers

Hey, all of you out there that blog using google, there is a problem you may not be aware of when it come to comments.  If you have your comments set so that people have to sign in via google. or tyepad, or open id, it is HARD to leave a comment.  I have jumped through so may hoops, tried so many times.  Now when I see a blog that does not have a name/url option, I just give up.  More comments equals more readers.  Help us out here and open up your comment settings.

'twas the knits before christmas

The cutest book landed at my house yesterday.

'Twas The Knits Before Christmas by Fiona Gobel.  This book takes the poem we all know and love and provides knitting patterns to bring it to life. 

On the page that reads, "The stockings were hung by the chimney with care" we see knitted stockings hanging on the mantle.  The next pages tell you how to make them.

"Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap"  Is followed by patterns for Mama and Papa, including their head wear.  There are children, toys, packages, and the sweetest moon, but the best things of all are

Santa and the reindeer!

There are details to create each of the reindeer.  Oh my.  I do not know how a knitter can resist such cuteness.

These are small objects that can be made using leftover yarns and knit up while watching holiday movies.  Imagine a tree covered with the images from the poem.  Next weekend you will find me with a cup of cider, watching White Christmas, knitting reindeer.

SO fun!

in the begining

The first blanket square is finished.

I really like the colors.

I am not sure why the center square is katty-wompus, but I can live with it.  Especially since not knowing why it is crocked guarantees it will happen again.  I did not have quite enough of the original yarn to finish the square, but spun up some yellow/green for those last few rows that matched perfectly.  In addition to this neutral yellow I think I will spin up some blue so that I can be prepared for future yarn shortages.

Before blocking, the square measures 12 1/2 inches.  Eventually it will receive a border bringing its size to 15 1/2 inches.  The math fairy tells me I will need 30 squares to make a blanket big enough for the bed.  30 is larger than 24 and means I will not be finishing this blanket in 2012.  Its fine, I am not in a hurry.

Can't wait to see how the next square turns out. 

While waiting patiently for my next fiber shipment I will make a quick hat for Husband.  He left his hat on the bus and it is darn cold around here. 

market bags

Last week a friend and I met for tea/coffee and made a swap.  She brought home some handspun yarn and I brought home some market bags.

She made these, can you believe it?

This little one will be going with me to the drug store where I often pick up chapstick or nail polish or a bar of chocolate with my prescription. I think it will work well for the book shop and candy store as well.

This one is perfect for a walk to the grocery story.  When I walk to the store it means I just need a few things, nothing too heavy.  This bag has sturdy sides so that my things do not jostle around on the way home, and the wide straps are comfortable to hold.   Also, a bottle of wine stands up perfectly!  Which means that I can walk to the book store, the wine shop and the kitchen store using one pretty bag.

This one has not yet had a test drive.  I imagine a bagette and a big head of lettuce will fit nicely.

Wow do I feel spoiled.

wal-kie

It has come to my attention that I spend a great deal of time not moving much more than my hands.  Writing, reading, knitting, cooking...not a whole lot of activity going on there.  I used to walk all over town, up and down hills, carrying heavy loads and pushing strollers.   Now I watch other people walk by the house and sometimes I wave (more hand movements).  It is time to start walking again.

I am a creature of habit.  Once I establish a routine any deviation makes me cranky.  I think talking myself in to leaving the house for an hour when it is cold outside is going to be difficult.  Seriously difficult. But it is time.  I can't stop getting old, but there are factors I can control that will help the getting old part go more smoothly.  Ee gads it never occurred to me I would get old.  Funny how that works.

gluten free in 5 minutes a day

If you have been reading the blog for over a year, you may remember that I am a big fan of the Artisan Bread In 5 Minutes A Day books.  Before I had to give up gluten, you could always find a container of dough in the fridge.  Oh how I miss pulling those rustic loaves out of the oven and listening to the crackle of cooling bread on the counter.  Guess what?  They have developed a gluten free version!

You can find a preview from the new book here.  The dough is not vegan, but is easy to make dairy free.  The first recipe from the preview is for challah!  I cannot wait to give it a try.  Is it possible to have tasty GF challah this Friday?  I am more hopeful than ever.