tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17904459382135156582024-03-13T13:12:55.894-08:00Knit NatKnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-38420658407117381862014-03-04T14:55:00.000-09:002014-03-04T14:55:15.198-09:00I've Moved!I've decided to stop updating Knit Nat AK and post solely on <a href="http://alaskaknitnat.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Alaska Knit Nat</a>. See you on Wordpress!KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-57843497001285776562014-02-23T15:57:00.000-09:002014-02-23T15:57:04.472-09:00Quick Craft - Lace Curtains to Pillowcases<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Our living room throw pillows needed an upgrade. At $20-30 a pop, I wasn't about to buy two new ones, so I dug through my fabric stash and found an old lace curtain panel. Two cuts and four seams later I had a couple of gorgeous throw pillows.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/pillow.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/pillow.jpg"><img alt="Quick Craft -- Lace Curtains to Pillowcase" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2284" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/pillow.jpg?w=611" height="458" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/pillow.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="611" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Here's how.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Materials:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1 lace curtain panel</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
2 square pillow forms</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
straight pins</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
sewing machine</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4254.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4254.jpg"><img alt="Quick Craft -- Lace Curtains to Pillowcase" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2282" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4254.jpg?w=611" height="458" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4254.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="611" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Directions. Lay out your curtain panel on the floor and place your pillow on top of it to measure how much fabric to cut. If you have a removable slip cover on the pillow already, then remove it and use the cover as a guide. Cut the curtain widthwise, leaving a half an inch of seam allowance on the top and bottom edge.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4255.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4255.jpg"><img alt="Quick Craft -- Lace Curtains to Pillowcase" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2281" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4255.jpg?w=611" height="458" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4255.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="611" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
I made an envelope slip cover, but instead of the envelope being on the back side, like most throw pillows, it is on the front because the lace trim is already a finished edge and it looks so pretty overlapped.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<img alt="Quick Craft -- Lace Curtains to Pillowcase" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2279" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4257.jpg?w=611" height="458" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4257.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="611" /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Lay your pillow on the long width of fabric and figure out how you want it to overlap. Fold one edge over the pillow and the other edge over. Mark where you folded and remove the pillow. Refold the lace and pin the raw edges in place.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Sew across both edges. Turn right side out and stuff your pillow inside. That's it! Repeat with second pillow.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4259.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4259.jpg"><img alt="Quick Craft -- Lace Curtains to Pillowcase" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2277" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4259.jpg?w=611" height="458" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4259.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="611" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4258.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4258.jpg"><img alt="Quick Craft -- Lace Curtains to Pillowcase" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2278" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4258.jpg?w=611" height="458" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4258.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="611" /></a><a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4260.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4260.jpg"><img alt="Quick Craft -- Lace Curtains to Pillowcase" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2276" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4260.jpg?w=611" height="458" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4260.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="611" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Questions? Leave me a comment!</div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-35852420754211838262014-02-17T20:09:00.002-09:002014-02-17T20:09:34.712-09:00Creamy Crock Pot Chicken<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
My son and I both had the day off (thanks Abe and George!) and by 1:30 p.m. I realized I hadn't taken any meat out of the freezer for dinner.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
I've seen slow cooker recipes where you put frozen chicken right in with a bunch of other "cream of" somethings and cook the hell out of it and get some sort of slop. Yes, I wanted to make that, mainly because I didn't plan anything for dinner and I was way too lazy and tired to go to the store.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
What I ended up with was just what most people describe on their "crock pot chicken" Pinterest posts -- easy, creamy and delicious!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
The secret to my dinner's success was the homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup that I concocted because I didn't have a can of it in my pantry. I followed <a data-mce-href="http://pinchofyum.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup" href="http://pinchofyum.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup" target="_blank">this basic recipe</a> from Pinch Of Yum, but sautéed 2 cups of sliced baby portobello mushrooms and 1/2 an onion, finely chopped, with half a stick of butter before adding the stock and milk. I also added smoked paprika, thyme and oregano to the recipe. It yielded quite a bit of thick soup and was perfect for my crock pot concoction, which was loosely based on <a data-mce-href="http://coersfamily.com/2013/03/26/chicken-strogonoff-in-the-crock-pot/" href="http://coersfamily.com/2013/03/26/chicken-strogonoff-in-the-crock-pot/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> from Coersfamily.com.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em; text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/chicken.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/chicken.jpg"><img alt="Creamy Crock Pot Chicken | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter wp-image-2252" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/chicken.jpg?w=611" height="651" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/chicken.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="489" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Serves about 4</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
What you'll need:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
2-4 pieces frozen chicken (I used skinless thighs)</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1.5 cups condensed cream of mushroom soup (or one can of the store bought stuff)</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1 brick of cream cheese (I used neufchâtel)</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1 bay leaf</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1-2 potatoes, quartered</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
2 carrots, cut into large chunks</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1 celery rib, chopped</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1 cup frozen peas</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1 cup dry egg noodles</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1/2 cup chicken stock</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Directions:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Place your frozen chicken pieces in the slow cooker and surround it with the carrots, potatoes, celery and bay leaf. Pour over the cream of mushroom soup. Break up the cream cheese and add it to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. After a few hours, stir it and break up the chicken if you can.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Forty-five minutes before serving stir in the peas and egg noodles, making sure to coat them thoroughly. If it's already looking a bit thick, add 1/2 cup chicken stock. Cover and cook on high.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Remove bay leaf and roughly cut up carrots and potatoes before serving.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Savor the fact that your entire family should adore this meal that took little effort and zero defrosting.</div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-31160435100395495922014-02-09T15:24:00.002-09:002014-02-09T15:25:41.740-09:00Salmon Cheddar Grills -- A Quick and Healthy Snack<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was invited to test a recipe from <a data-mce-href="http://www.alaskaseafood.org/" href="http://www.alaskaseafood.org/" target="_blank">Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute's</a> new e-cookbook, <a data-mce-href="http://www.wildalaskaflavor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ASMI_KIDSCOOKBOOK_Updated.pdf" href="http://www.wildalaskaflavor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ASMI_KIDSCOOKBOOK_Updated.pdf" target="_blank">"Alaska Style -- Recipes for Kids,"</a> which is chock full of healthy snacks and meals for children and adults.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've not cooked much with my 21-month-old son, but last week he did a great job of sprinkling cheese on some focaccia I was baking, so I knew he'd be able to assist in the salmon cheddar grills we whipped up for lunch. When I mentioned I would need his help in the kitchen, Jack explained to his dad, "Help mama make snack," so he knew something special was about to happen.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These salmon grills are perfect if you're introducing fish to your little picky eater as the fishy taste is almost completely disguised by the cheesiness. Jack eats just about anything so I knew they'd be a hit. They were easy to prepare and after a few minutes in the toaster oven we had lunch for two.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4233.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4233.jpg"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="Salmon Cheddar Grills -- A Quick & Healthy Snack" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2230" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4233.jpg?w=611" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4233.jpg?w=611" height="299" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salmon Cheddar Grills</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the original recipe, check out the e-cookbook <a data-mce-href="http://www.wildalaskaflavor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ASMI_KIDSCOOKBOOK_Updated.pdf" href="http://www.wildalaskaflavor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ASMI_KIDSCOOKBOOK_Updated.pdf" target="_blank">"Alaska Style -- Recipes for Kids"</a></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1, 7.5-oz. can of wild Alaska salmon, pink or red</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 oz. light garlic and herb cheese spread (Alouette or Laughing Cow is good)</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp. green onion or chive, finely chopped</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 English muffins or slices 0f rustic bread</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4188.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4188.jpg"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="Salmon Cheddar Grills -- A Quick & Healthy Snack" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2223" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4188.jpg?w=611" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4188.jpg?w=611" height="299" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Directions:</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Drain the salmon and break it up with a fork in a mixing bowl. Add the cheese spread, green onions and half the cheese. Add pepper to taste. Mix well. Spread onto the bread and top with more cheddar. Place in the toaster oven or broiler till cheese is all bubbly. Enjoy!<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4233.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4233.jpg"><br /></a></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4207.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4207.jpg"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="IMG_4207" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2225" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4207.jpg?w=611" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4207.jpg?w=611" height="299" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4209.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4209.jpg"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="Salmon Cheddar Grills -- A Quick & Healthy Snack" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2224" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4209.jpg?w=611" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4209.jpg?w=611" height="299" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4227.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4227.jpg"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="Salmon Cheddar Grills -- A Quick & Healthy Snack" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2229" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4227.jpg?w=611" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_4227.jpg?w=611" height="299" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; text-align: center;">
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-mce-style="width: 189px;" id="attachment_2232" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 10px auto; padding-top: 4px; width: 189px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://www.wildalaskaflavor.com/ecookbooks/" href="http://www.wildalaskaflavor.com/ecookbooks/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="For more great recipes and e-cookbooks, click here!" class="size-full wp-image-2232" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/kids-cookbook-thumbnail.png" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/kids-cookbook-thumbnail.png" height="278" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="179" /></span></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For more great recipes and e-cookbooks, click here!</span></dd></dl>
</div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-38916684916821798022014-01-13T14:57:00.002-09:002014-01-13T14:57:21.598-09:00Preemie Football Hat -- Free Pattern<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
My friend Laura asked me to make her new little one a tiny football hat. I was definitely up to the challenge. I was surprised how few knitted patterns there were floating around Pinterest. Most of the patterns are crochet, which can be made very quickly, but for a football hat I think knit has more room for detail.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
This hat is so cute and teeny! It's based on a <a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/the-tiniest-steelers-fan/" href="http://alaskaknitnat.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/the-tiniest-steelers-fan/" target="_blank">tiny Steelers hat</a> I made Laura's second child a couple of years ago.</div>
<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; text-align: center;">
<dl class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-mce-style="width: 604px;" id="attachment_2198" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); margin: 10px auto; padding-top: 4px; width: 604px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/football.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/football.jpg"><img alt="Preemie Football Hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="size-full wp-image-2198" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/football.jpg" height="960" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/football.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="594" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">Photo courtesy of <a data-mce-href="www.laurastennettphotography.com" href="http://alaskaknitnat.wordpress.com/wp-admin/www.laurastennettphotography.com" target="_blank">www.laurastennetphotography.com</a></dd></dl>
</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Materials:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Red Heart Brand worsted yarn in white and brown</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
size 8 double pointed needles</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
darning needle</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Abbreviations:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
k1, p1 = knit one, purl one ribbing</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
k2tog = knit two stitches together</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Directions:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
With your double pointed needles, cast on 56 stitches (14 stitches per needle) in brown. Join your work, being sure the stitches aren't twisted and k1, p1 rib for three rounds.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit two rounds regularly and switch to the white. No need to cut the brown yarn. Knit two rounds in white and cut leaving an 8-inch tail. Bring up the brown and knit 15 rounds. Knit two rounds white without cutting the brown. Cut the white leaving an 8-inch tail and knit one round in brown. Decrease as follows:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
*k2tog, k6* Repeat * till end of round<br />K one round<br />*K2tog, k5*, repeat * till end of round<br />K one round<br />*K2tog, k4*, repeat * till end of round<br />K one round<br />*K2tog, k 3*, repeat * till end of round<br />K one round<br />*K2tog, k 2*, repeat * till end of round<br />K one round<br />*K2tog, k1*, repeat * till end of round<br />*K2tog*, repeat * till end of round.<br />Cut yarn leaving an 8-inch tail. Using a darning needle, weave in all ends.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
For the football stitches, thread a darning needle with a 24-inch length of white yarn. On the front of the hat, whipstitch the vertical line using short diagonal stitches stacked on top of one another. Then run three wide stitches perpendicular to the vertical line. Tie off the yarn and weave in the end.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
To make this hat for a newborn-3 month size, cast on 64 stitches and follow the same pattern.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/football1.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/football1.jpg"><img alt="Preemie Football Hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2199" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/football1.jpg" height="358" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/football1.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="398" /></a></div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-65261537704438825162013-12-22T21:17:00.002-09:002013-12-22T21:18:56.496-09:00Retro Baby Ski Hat -- Free Pattern<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
I'm getting down to the knitty gritty here for Christmas presents. I just had one more hat on my list and that was for my best friend's new baby.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
I knit this up in just a couple of hours -- and you can too with this simple pattern.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em; text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/piitaq.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/piitaq.jpg"><img alt="Retro baby ski hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter wp-image-2183" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/piitaq.jpg?w=611" height="400" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/piitaq.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Retro Baby Ski Hat -- for a 3-6 mo. baby</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Materials:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Vanna's Choice worsted weight yarn -- mustard, teal and light blue</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Size 9 circular needles</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
size 9 double pointed needles</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
darning needle</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
large fork or pom pom maker</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Abbreviations:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
k1, p1 = knit 1, purl 1 ribbing</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
k2tog = knit two stitches together</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Directions:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
With your circular, cast on 64 stitches with mustard color and knit last stitch to first stitch without twisting the stitches. K1, P1 for six rounds. Knit 8 rounds in stockinette stitch.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Switch to teal and knit three rounds. Do not cut mustard yarn.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Cut teal yarn with an 8-inch tail. Switch to mustard yarn and knit two rounds.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Switch to light blue and knit two rounds. Do not cut mustard yarn.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Cut light blue yarn with an 8-inch tail and knit 10 rounds with mustard.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Begin decrease as follows:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Place a marker if you need to, but I can tell where the beginning of the round is based on the stripes.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K6, repeat till end of round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit one round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K5, repeat till end of round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K one round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K4, repeat till end</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K one round while transferring to double pointed needles. Or knit the round and transfer stitches — whatever’s easier for you.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K3, repeat till end</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit one round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K2, repeat till end</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit one round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K1, repeat till end</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, repeat till end.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Cut yarn leaving a long tail. With darning needle, draw up remaining stitches and weave in all ends.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
For the pom pom:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Take both the teal and light blue yarn and wrap them around a large serving fork till it's pom pom sized. With a doubled piece of yarn about one foot long, tie the yarn around the middle tine and remove from the fork. Cut the loops and trim pom pom to your liking. Using a darning needle, attach to top of hat. To better secure pom pom, run the yarn back up through the pom pom and back down into the inside of the hat.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/piitaq2.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/piitaq2.jpg"><img alt="Retro baby ski hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2184" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/piitaq2.jpg?w=611" height="400" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/piitaq2.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></a></div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-62843568347142198542013-12-22T08:56:00.001-09:002013-12-22T09:03:32.848-09:00Simple Fox Hat -- Free Pattern<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
In case you haven't noticed, foxes are really in right now. This season I've already crocheted a <a data-mce-href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/crochet/foxy-stash-basket" href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/crochet/foxy-stash-basket" target="_blank">nifty fox basket </a>and sewn several <a data-mce-href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/161003755402346271/" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/161003755402346271/" target="_blank">felt fox ornaments</a>. I really wanted to make a fox hat for a friend's baby, but I'm pretty terrible at fair isle and halfway through my first attempt, I scratched the whole thing. The snout was all scrunched and I didn't like the look of it.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
I decided on something much simpler -- my regular old hat pattern with some ears sewn on top. I winged the ears, but I really like how they turned out. For this project I used some <a data-mce-href="http://classiceliteyarns.com/product_page_detail.php?category_id=1&item_id=19" href="http://classiceliteyarns.com/product_page_detail.php?category_id=1&item_id=19" target="_blank">Montera Classic Elite</a> llama/wool chunky yarn I'd been coveting for some time. This hat is fuzzy, warm and downright delightful.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em; text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7407.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7407.jpg"><img alt="Simple Fox Hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter wp-image-2174" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7407.jpg?w=611" height="428" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7407.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Here's what you need:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
1 skein of orange chunky yarn (I used Bolsita Orange from Montera Classic Elite)</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
size 9, 16-inch circular needle</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
one set of size 9 double pointed needles</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
darning needle</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Size: This pattern fits a 12-18-month baby. For a larger hat (2T-3T), cast on 72 stitches and follow the same pattern. For a smaller hat, knit this same pattern on size 8 needles.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Gauge: I do not gauge my work, but according to Montera yarn's website, it should be 3.5-4 sts/inch on size 9 needles.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Abbreviations:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
k2tog= knit two stitches together</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
For the main body of the hat, cast on 64 stitches on the circular needle and knit last stitch to first stitch without twisting the stitches. Knit 1, purl 1 ribbing for five rounds. Knit in stockinette stitch for 22 more rounds, or until piece measures about 5.5 inches.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Decrease as follows:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Place a marker at beginning of round.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K6, repeat till end of round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit one round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K5, repeat till end of round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K one round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K4, repeat till end</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K one round while transferring to double pointed needles. Or knit the round and transfer stitches — whatever’s easier for you.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K3, repeat till end</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit one round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K2, repeat till end</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit one round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, K1, repeat till end</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, repeat till end.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Run the yarn through the remaining stitches with a darning needle and draw up the hole tight. Weave in ends.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Ear (make 2):</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em; text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7339.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7339.jpg"><img alt="Simple Fox Hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter wp-image-2177" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7339.jpg?w=611" height="275" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7339.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="367" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
With three double pointed needles, cast on 16 stitches (5, 5, 6), leaving a 12-inch tail. <span style="background-color: white;">Connect last stitch to first stitch and begin knitting in the round. </span>Knit 3 rounds.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, k3, K2tog, k3, K2tog, k4</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit 2 rounds</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, k2, k2tog, k2, k2tog k3</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Knit 1 round</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
K2tog, k1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k2</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Run yarn through the remaining stitches and draw up tight. Weave in the end on the inside of the ear.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
With your darning needle and the long cast-on tail, sew the bottom of the ear closed.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em; text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7338.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7338.jpg"><img alt="Simple Fox Hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter wp-image-2178" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7338.jpg?w=611" height="570" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7338.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
As for sewing on the ears, I folded my hat in half and determined the best placement of the ears. I sewed each ear on with the remaining length of cast-on yarn. I didn't use any special technique for sewing, so I recommend whatever you feel most comfortable with. I actually didn't have enough cast-on yarn so I did some touch ups with extra yarn.</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em; text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7337.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7337.jpg"><img alt="Simple Fox Hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter wp-image-2176" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7337.jpg?w=611" height="570" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7337.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Now it's up to you whether to stitch a little nose and eyes on the front of the hat. I decided not to as I figured the child's face would be the fox's face. Either way would be cute!</div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.3em; text-align: center;">
<a data-mce-href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7406.jpg" href="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7406.jpg"><img alt="Simple Fox Hat -- Free Pattern | Alaska Knit Nat" class="aligncenter wp-image-2175" data-mce-src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7406.jpg?w=611" height="570" src="http://alaskaknitnat.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/img_7406.jpg?w=611" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="428" /></a></div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-15612816138065174432013-11-28T12:43:00.003-09:002013-11-28T12:43:57.133-09:00The Easy Way to Line a HatI could knit hats all day, but ask me to line a hat and chances are I'll never do it. Something about measuring a head, cutting out fabric and sewing it into a hat seems like way too much work.<br />
<br />
I was recently deconstructing a cashmere turtleneck for <a href="http://alaskaknitnat.wordpress.com/2013/11/10/quick-craft-diy-heart-shirt/" target="_blank">another project</a> and was trying to figure out how to use the turtleneck tube. Headband? Too ugly. Hat lining? Perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otnqyCm5piE/Upe4q0r5DmI/AAAAAAAAB54/2AgUZiPy6Ys/s1600/lining5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otnqyCm5piE/Upe4q0r5DmI/AAAAAAAAB54/2AgUZiPy6Ys/s400/lining5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's how to line a hat with minimal effort. Just some scissors, pinning and whip stitches.<br />
<br />
What you'll need:<br />
An old turtleneck<br />
Fabric scissors<br />
A person's head (not yours)<br />
Straight or safety pins<br />
Needle and thread<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Cut the tube of the neck away from the body of the sweater. I cut below the seam so it wouldn't unravel over time.<br />
<br />
Turn the tube inside out and put it on a head with the seam in the back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owfibV1mFXY/Upe40QLIUWI/AAAAAAAAB6A/b1S89HifY1I/s1600/lining4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owfibV1mFXY/Upe40QLIUWI/AAAAAAAAB6A/b1S89HifY1I/s400/lining4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Put the hat over the tube and line it up the way you'd like it (if there's a seam to the hat, it should also be in back). Let the hat overhang the tube by 1/4 inch.<br />
<br />
Pin the tube to the hat all the way around. This way it will remain stretched out as you sew it and won't cause the hat to pucker.<br />
<br />
Remove the tube and hat from the head and thank your head for its assistance.<br />
<br />
With thread matching the color of the hat, whip stitch the lining to the inside of the hat, trying to sew into the inside knitted stitches so as not to reveal the thread on the outside of the hat. The following photos are from a different hat and turtleneck.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U6DYwoX9BKM/Upe49kBvyHI/AAAAAAAAB6I/mChQoy_WhUM/s1600/lining3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U6DYwoX9BKM/Upe49kBvyHI/AAAAAAAAB6I/mChQoy_WhUM/s400/lining3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWJYzv3Dnw0/UpezrDm49PI/AAAAAAAAB5o/tzp4wVPIrr4/s1600/lining1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWJYzv3Dnw0/UpezrDm49PI/AAAAAAAAB5o/tzp4wVPIrr4/s400/lining1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside-out view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
That's it! Now your hat is warmer and cozier.KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-21937279095751853722013-11-27T18:24:00.000-09:002013-11-27T18:24:41.950-09:00Baby Candy Cane Stocking Cap -- Free PatternMy photographer friend commissioned me to make a cute stocking cap for her holiday baby photo shoots.<br />
<br />
I've never made anything so tall and pointy, but I think the effect is perfect. Could a baby look more like an adorable naked Christmas elf?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_FdPC3ZB6U/UpavvYbaSXI/AAAAAAAAB5M/rEqsE0AoDKo/s1600/elf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_FdPC3ZB6U/UpavvYbaSXI/AAAAAAAAB5M/rEqsE0AoDKo/s400/elf.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LauraStennettPhotography?fref=ts" target="_blank">Laura Stennett Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This pattern is for a 3-6 month head. It's also a great introduction to knitting stripes.<br />
<br />
Ho ho hope you enjoy it!<br />
<br />
<u>Baby Candy Cane Stocking Cap</u><br />
<br />
Materials:<br />
One skein of red worsted weight yarn<br />
One skein of cream worsted weight yarn (I used Red Heart soft)<br />
Size 9 circular needles<br />
Set of 9 double-point needles<br />
darning needle<br />
<a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/4C2ADBE0-EFC3-44CA-80EF-CD28A54CA98F/productID/74682B19-DA58-4422-ADFD-84FABEF64A2A/?p=POMPOMCLOVLRG&gclid=CKvqgMv45boCFaN_QgodJ3EATw" target="_blank">pom pom maker </a>or <a href="http://vividplease.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-how-to-make-tiny-pom-poms-with-fork.html" target="_blank">large fork</a><br />
<br />
Abbreviation: K2tog = knit two stitches together<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
With the red yarn cast on 64 stitches on your circular needle. Join with first stitch being careful not to twist the stitches. Begin ribbing in k1, p1 for six rounds.<br />
<br />
Switch to white yarn and knit 2 rounds. There is no need to cut the red yarn as the rows are so narrow you can easily bring up the other yarn when you need it.<br />
<br />
Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for 25 more rounds changing colors every 2 rounds. Transfer stitches to double pointed needles and begin decreasing as follows (while continuing to switch colors every 2 rounds):<br />
<br />
*K2tog, k6, repeat * till end of round<br />
knit 3 rounds<br />
*K2tog, k5, repeat * till end of round<br />
knit 4 rounds<br />
*K2tog, k4, repeat * till end of round<br />
knit 6 rounds<br />
*K2tog, k3, repeat * till end of round<br />
knit 15 rounds<br />
*K2tog, k2, repeat * till end of round<br />
knit 16 rounds<br />
*K2tog, k1, repeat * till end of round<br />
knit 5 rounds<br />
*K2tog, repeat * till end of round<br />
k 4 rounds. Cut yarn leaving a 12-inch tail. Using a darning needle, draw up remaining stitches and weave in all ends.<br />
<br />
Make your pom pom and sew it to the top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tht4HxmG6VY/UpazqJprhQI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/L-IVww4mLQ0/s1600/elf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tht4HxmG6VY/UpazqJprhQI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/L-IVww4mLQ0/s400/elf2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays from Alaska Knit Nat!<br />
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-27939657072420211282013-11-26T21:02:00.000-09:002013-11-26T21:02:02.155-09:00Chicken in a Sherry Mushroom Sauce with Baconated Collard GreensBeing a working mom can often leave me beat at the end of the day. I always try and throw something together, but once in a while it's nice to make something fancy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzsD4f7BecY/UpWKe8wXSgI/AAAAAAAAB40/JjfmHB7_7uU/s1600/collards2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzsD4f7BecY/UpWKe8wXSgI/AAAAAAAAB40/JjfmHB7_7uU/s400/collards2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The dish I made tonight was again inspired by an NPR show. Today on Fresh Air the chefs from America's Test Kitchen were <a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/11/26/247336038/dont-stuff-the-turkey-and-other-tips-from-americas-test-kitchen" target="_blank">talking turkey </a>and mentioned a collard greens side dish that sounded pretty tasty. I wasn't able to find the recipe on Fresh Air's website, so I winged it.<br />
<br />
I'm not too familiar with cooking collards, but what I came up with was bright, slightly smoky and delicious.<br />
<br />
The chicken, coincidentally enough, was inspired by an America's Test Kitchen recipe for chicken piccata. This was healthy meal and was enjoyed by all (even our son liked the collards!)<br />
<br />
Serves 3, prep/cooking time: 45 mins.<br />
<br />
Ingredients for the chicken:<br />
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts<br />
Olive oil<br />
2 tsp. soy sauce<br />
3 Tbs. apple cider vinegar<br />
5 cloves garlic, chopped<br />
1 tsp. Dijon mustard<br />
salt and pepper<br />
flour<br />
butter<br />
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped<br />
2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms (such as button, crimini and baby portobello)<br />
1/4 cup sherry or white wine<br />
3/4 cup chicken stock<br />
2 Tbs. fresh parsley, chopped<br />
1 tbs. capers (optional)<br />
squeeze of lemon<br />
<br />
Ingredients for the collards:<br />
1 bunch collard greens<br />
3 slices bacon, chopped<br />
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped<br />
1 cup chicken stock<br />
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar<br />
salt and pepper<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
With a fork, stab the chicken all over. Place in a large Ziploc bag with 3 Tbs. olive oil, the soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, 3 cloves of garlic, salt and pepper. Marinate chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, rinse the collards and remove the stalks. Roughly chop the collards. In a dutch oven, brown the bacon and set aside. Add 1 Tbs. olive oil and sauté the onions till soft, about 5 minutes. Add the collards and stir till they are wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock, cover and let steam for 30 minutes, adding more stock if needed. There should be very little liquid in the pot toward the end, so partially cover and let liquid evaporate if needs be.<br />
<br />
While the collards cook, pat dry the chicken and dredge in flour.<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbs. butter and 1 Tbs. olive oil. When pan is hot, add the chicken and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Set chicken aside.<br />
<br />
Add the mushrooms and onions and sauté till onions are soft. Add 2 cloves of garlic and cook for one minute. Stir in 2 Tbs. flour and cook for another minute. Pour in the sherry and stock and bring to a simmer, scraping up all the yummy burnt bits from the bottom of the pan.<br />
<br />
When the sauce has thickened, place the chicken back in the pan. Cover the pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.<br />
<br />
Set the chicken on your serving plates and add parsley and capers to the sauce in the pan. Stir and spoon over the chicken. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to each plate.<br />
<br />
To finish the collards, stir in the bacon bits and vinegar. Add salt and vinegar to taste.<br />
<br />
Serve with brown rice or farro.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZbArBNFizM/UpWKqcRm4dI/AAAAAAAAB48/JVAhT8ypp5U/s1600/collards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZbArBNFizM/UpWKqcRm4dI/AAAAAAAAB48/JVAhT8ypp5U/s400/collards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-72921792299017061902013-11-19T19:37:00.000-09:002013-11-19T19:59:19.412-09:00Pink Elephant ScarfA few years back I got hooked on a pattern from <a href="http://pickles.no/" target="_blank">Pickles.no</a> called the <a href="http://www.pickles.no/simple-luxury-scarf/" target="_blank">Simple Luxury Scarf</a>. It was indeed simple and I must have made five or six of them.<br />
<br />
The pattern calls for two different high-quality yarns to be knitted at once. Each scarf was setting me back about $28.<br />
<br />
Now that I'm not able to splurge on every yarn desire I decided to try the pattern with an inexpensive yarn. It turned out great and totally gift worthy. Patons Divine Yarn contains a little wool and mohair so you still achieve the fluffy, luxurious look and feel. I call it scrumptious. And at $4 after a JoAnn's coupon, I call it a great deal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iScr9TD55DY/Uow72xVWvXI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/9Ja7CpJG8_4/s1600/elephant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iScr9TD55DY/Uow72xVWvXI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/9Ja7CpJG8_4/s400/elephant1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I didn't refer to Pickles' pattern this time around and it turns out I made it slightly differently, which is why I'm providing my pattern below; but I want to be clear that it originated from <a href="http://www.pickles.no/simple-luxury-scarf/" target="_blank">Pickles' pattern</a>.<br />
<br />
This pattern is for any level of knitter. It's a great way to pass winter weekend where it's -3 degrees outside.<br />
<br />
Materials:<br />
1, 100-gram ball of <a href="http://store.knitting-warehouse.com/061208.html" target="_blank">Patons Divine Yarn</a> (I used the Chantilly Rose color)<br />
a long size 15 circular needle<br />
darning needle<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbm0aWvpjg8/Uow75jBJB3I/AAAAAAAAB4o/0roSUEOqjtU/s1600/elephant4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbm0aWvpjg8/Uow75jBJB3I/AAAAAAAAB4o/0roSUEOqjtU/s400/elephant4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Abbreviations:<br />
M1FB = Make 1 stitch in the front and 1 in the back of the same stitch, thus increasing your work by one stitch.<br />
M1 = make 1 stitch<br />
<br />
Special note: You'll be using a circular needle only to easily hold a large number of stitches required for this scarf. You will not be joining the work in the round.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWlNuWtqdXk/Uow74QOXeYI/AAAAAAAAB4g/K8TEdGIEXMA/s1600/elephant3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWlNuWtqdXk/Uow74QOXeYI/AAAAAAAAB4g/K8TEdGIEXMA/s400/elephant3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Cast on 4 stitches.<br />
M1FB into the first stitch. Knit to end of row.<br />
Repeat previous row until you have used most of the yarn.<br />
<br />
Final row: M1FB, K1, M1 *K3, M1. Repeat * to end of row. It's ok if you have a few extra stitches at the end. Just knit those. Cast off final row. Using darning needle, weave in ends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBOxL377yA8/Uow739uAZqI/AAAAAAAAB4c/YjRTAsKhD_Y/s1600/elephant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VBOxL377yA8/Uow739uAZqI/AAAAAAAAB4c/YjRTAsKhD_Y/s400/elephant2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-77189443111249739492013-11-14T19:52:00.001-09:002013-11-14T20:16:00.511-09:00Ice Cream Sundae Hat -- Free PatternDuring my bedtime Pinterest bingeing (I like to call it "pingeing") I came across a <a href="http://muitaihania.blogspot.dk/2013/01/pienet-pipot.html" target="_blank">lovely knitted hat </a>from http://muitaihania.blogspot.dk/.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know Finnish, but I'm pretty sure the blogger <strike>didn't post a pattern for it</strike>. *Correction: After 30 seconds of browsing the site, I did find the <a href="http://muitaihania.blogspot.fi/p/s-u-p-e-r-h-e-l-p-p-o-s-y-y-s-p-i-p-o-g.html" target="_blank">pattern</a>. Oh well!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here's my version. It's called the Ice Cream Sundae Hat and it's lovely. I made it up as I went along and the pattern is simple enough that I don't think I need to provide a chart as long as you follow the instructions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uEuakOZHn8/UoWnkbmpRkI/AAAAAAAAB3A/uJhnFo4u0cI/s1600/sundae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uEuakOZHn8/UoWnkbmpRkI/AAAAAAAAB3A/uJhnFo4u0cI/s400/sundae.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Materials:</div>
<div>
3 colors of bulky yarn such as <a href="http://brownsheep.com/yarns/lamb-pride" target="_blank">Lamb's Pride Bulky</a>, (Color A, Color B, and Color C)</div>
<div>
Size 9 circular needles</div>
<div>
Size 9 double-pointed needles</div>
<div>
darning needle</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/4C2ADBE0-EFC3-44CA-80EF-CD28A54CA98F/productID/74682B19-DA58-4422-ADFD-84FABEF64A2A/?p=POMPOMCLOVLRG&gclid=CKvqgMv45boCFaN_QgodJ3EATw" target="_blank">pom-pom maker</a> or giant fork</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Abbreviations:</div>
<div>
K = knit</div>
<div>
P = purl</div>
<div>
k2tog = Knit two stitches together</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zf_nVQTvTOPGwyvlI7GPpk8FT965t4F0EfPW0_M1lcUETLMeqvVL1Xn6K2jkbv6kGg6ujSySc17ZdwpA-jkdDb54MuGKmhM_rYiwlUf6QSaG6HtUv_66zPxzPZRPVm6Ss3Yolnt1qg0/s1600/sundae2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_zf_nVQTvTOPGwyvlI7GPpk8FT965t4F0EfPW0_M1lcUETLMeqvVL1Xn6K2jkbv6kGg6ujSySc17ZdwpA-jkdDb54MuGKmhM_rYiwlUf6QSaG6HtUv_66zPxzPZRPVm6Ss3Yolnt1qg0/s400/sundae2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Special notes: You'll be knitting a basic fair isle pattern, so carry the unworked yarn across the back of the stitches you're working, being VERY CAREFUL not to pull the unworked yarn too tightly. Your hat will shrink significantly in diameter if you don't pay attention to the unworked yarn. I intentionally made my pattern bigger than my normal hats to account for my habit of pulling too tightly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On your circular needle, cast on 80 stitches with Color A. Place marker on needle. Knit into the first stitch, being careful the stitches aren't twisted. K2, P2 for five rounds. Knit 3 rounds regularly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Round 9: With Color A, Knit 3 stitches. *With Color B, knit 4 stitches. With Color A, knit 6 stitches.* Repeat ** till end of round (you'll end by knitting 3 stitches with color A).</div>
<div>
Round 10: With Color A, Knit 2 stitches. *With Color B, knit 6 stitches. With Color A, knit 4 stitches.* Repeat ** till end of round, ending with 2 stitches of Color A.</div>
<div>
Round 11: With Color A, Knit 1 stitch. *With Color B, knit 8 stitches. With Color A, knit 2 stitches.* Repeat ** till end of round, ending with 1 stitch of Color A.</div>
<div>
Rounds 12 & 13: With Color A, knit 1 stitch. *With Color B, knit 9 stitches. With Color A, knit 1 stitch.* Repeat ** till end of round. Cut Color A leaving a six-inch tail.</div>
<div>
Knit 5 rounds with Color B.</div>
<div>
Repeat rounds 9-13 with Colors B & C.</div>
<div>
Knit 6 rounds with Color C.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Decrease as follows:</div>
<div>
<div>
Round 1: Knit two together, knit 6. Repeat for one round.</div>
<div>
Round 2 (and all even rounds): Knit</div>
<div>
Round 3: K2tog, K 5 for one round</div>
<div>
Round 5: K2tog, K 4 for one round (this is where you should probably switch to the double points).</div>
<div>
Round 7: K2tog, K 3</div>
<div>
Round 9: K2tog, K 2</div>
<div>
Round 11: K2tog, K 1</div>
<div>
Round 12: K2tog</div>
<div>
Cut yarn leaving a 12-inch tail. Gather remaining stitches with a darning needle and fasten off. Weave in all tails.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the pom pom:</div>
<div>
I recommend a pom pom maker, which you can buy for about $6 at any big-box crafts store. Another super technique I found on Pinterest, where you use a <a href="http://vividplease.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-how-to-make-tiny-pom-poms-with-fork.html" target="_blank">serving fork</a>. It's pretty great if you're feeling lazy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Secure your pom pom to the hat using yarn and a darning needle. Run the yarn through the pom pom a couple of times and tie on the inside of the hat. I always try and leave a little length in case the pom pom loosens so I can easily refasten it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fJgP2723E8/UoWngJx300I/AAAAAAAAB28/eV843NN2t-I/s1600/sundae3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fJgP2723E8/UoWngJx300I/AAAAAAAAB28/eV843NN2t-I/s400/sundae3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks again to <a href="http://muitaihania.blogspot.dk/2013/01/pienet-pipot.html" target="_blank">Muita Ihania</a> for the pretty design. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please contact me if there are any errors in the pattern. I've already given the hat away so I wasn't able to look at it as I was writing the pattern.</div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-55060397193466973492013-11-09T20:50:00.001-09:002013-11-10T09:50:39.455-09:00Quick Craft: DIY Heart ShirtShirts with big hearts are big right now, but despite the fad I actually think they are pretty cool.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've had a few old cashmere sweaters awaiting crafting and this was the perfect short-attention-span craft: cut out a heart, sew it on a shirt.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdMLNfIkGLI/Un_VaywXi_I/AAAAAAAAB2k/vwGEO_bWlF0/s1600/heart9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdMLNfIkGLI/Un_VaywXi_I/AAAAAAAAB2k/vwGEO_bWlF0/s400/heart9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My husband had the idea of sewing on the heart with contrasting embroidery thread. It not only gives it some "pop," but it also adds more of a homemade touch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's what you'll need:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
An old sweater</div>
<div>
A plain shirt</div>
<div>
A large piece of paper or newspaper</div>
<div>
chalk</div>
<div>
Thin, double-sided fusible interfacing or Stitch Witchery</div>
<div>
Embroidery thread</div>
<div>
iron</div>
<div>
large needle</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_SkmxGqQZw/Un8ZHw9SyyI/AAAAAAAAB1o/tvfJNbAf69g/s1600/heart4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_SkmxGqQZw/Un8ZHw9SyyI/AAAAAAAAB1o/tvfJNbAf69g/s400/heart4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Make a heart template to your liking. I just folded an 11 x 17 piece of paper in half and cut out a heart shape.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uba7oCmShbw/Un8ZD-LU2fI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/dU54zw5x2Qc/s1600/heart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uba7oCmShbw/Un8ZD-LU2fI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/dU54zw5x2Qc/s400/heart2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6DfW07PCJ4/Un8ZCSQpCmI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/kZiSvOHfxC8/s1600/heart3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6DfW07PCJ4/Un8ZCSQpCmI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/kZiSvOHfxC8/s400/heart3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Place your heart template on the sweater and use chalk to trace the shape. Cut your shape out of the sweater.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Figure out where you'd like the heart to be placed on your shirt. Cut strips of interfacing or Stitch Witchery and place them on the shirt. Lay your heart, right side up, on top of the strips and fiddle around to get everything centered and flat. The photo below just shows where I placed the Stitch Witchery. In reality, the strips should not be facing up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3fdkDtmnZM/Un8ZLVqFs5I/AAAAAAAAB14/rJcj6yw3Dac/s1600/heart6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3fdkDtmnZM/Un8ZLVqFs5I/AAAAAAAAB14/rJcj6yw3Dac/s400/heart6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. Iron the heart according to interfacing instructions, so it fuses to the shirt. This way it won't slip around when you're sewing and you won't have to worry about pins sticking you as you sew.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. Cut a long piece of embroidery thread and straight stitch around the edge of the heart. Secure thread with a couple of knots on the inside when finished.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJPXAsGTwHc/Un8ZJkzIgnI/AAAAAAAAB1w/rI4oqBAVVpc/s1600/heart5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJPXAsGTwHc/Un8ZJkzIgnI/AAAAAAAAB1w/rI4oqBAVVpc/s400/heart5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ta-da!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PL-5XD4_DVA/Un8eecHm7ZI/AAAAAAAAB2U/28QWBQs9lyM/s1600/heart7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PL-5XD4_DVA/Un8eecHm7ZI/AAAAAAAAB2U/28QWBQs9lyM/s400/heart7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-69837808999053990802013-11-06T20:08:00.000-09:002013-11-09T10:28:06.212-09:00Mushroom Risotto with Parsnip PuréeYesterday on my way to work I was listening to a story on NPR's Morning Edition about Mediterranean cooking and a chef was talking about a mushroom risotto with parsnip purée. They didn't provide a recipe, so I patched my own together from several different recipes I found online.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRVe9WCb5IM/UnsfoFi1V8I/AAAAAAAAB04/wI27jhBfNpk/s1600/risotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRVe9WCb5IM/UnsfoFi1V8I/AAAAAAAAB04/wI27jhBfNpk/s400/risotto.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As usual, the photo falls flat (it's dark when I eat dinner!) but trust me, if you like mushrooms, this is a great meal and can easily be made vegetarian if you sub veggie stock for chicken stock.<br />
<br />
I technically didn't use Arborio rice for last night's meal. I used farro, which is an ancient grain that's supposedly really healthy and can be found at health food stores. Use whatever grain you desire, you'll still have a flavorful dish.<br />
<br />
I've not really cooked parsnips before, and purée sounds fancy, but is really just cooked parsnips put in the blender. Simple, creamy, flavorful and a great topping to the risotto.<br />
<br />
I served this with chicken piccata -- cutlets in a white wine lemon sauce with capers.<br />
<br />
Ingredients for risotto:<br />
1/2 onion, finely chopped<br />
olive oil<br />
3/4 lb. crimini or button mushrooms, sliced<br />
1 oz. dried porcini mushrooms (optional)<br />
3/4 cup dried Arborio rice, farro or brown rice<br />
1/4 cup dry white wine or sherry<br />
2-3 cans chicken or vegetable stock<br />
1/4 cup water<br />
2 Tbs. butter<br />
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
For the parsnips:<br />
1/2 lb. parsnips, peeled and largely diced<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1/2 cup chopped onion<br />
1 Tbs. butter<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
In a small microwave safe bowl, place the porcini mushrooms with 1/4 cup stock and 1/4 cup water. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and heat for two minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes. Reserve the liquid and finely chop the porcini mushrooms.<br />
<br />
Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet. Sauté the crimini and porcini mushrooms for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Set mushrooms and any liquid aside. Add another small swig of olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent, about five minutes. Add the dry rice and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the white wine and simmer until liquid is absorbed. Add half the mushroom water and cook till absorbed, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining mushroom water. Continue adding stock 1/2 cup at a time letting rice absorb the liquid before adding more, stirring occasionally for about 20-30 minutes when rice becomes tender.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, add the milk and parsnips to a small saucepan and simmer till parsnips are tender, about 20 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on the milk as it can easily boil over if heat is too high. While parsnips are cooking, heat the butter in a small frying pan. Add the 1/2 cup onion and sauté till soft, about five minutes.<br />
<br />
Add milk, parsnips and onions to a blender and blend till completely puréed. Transfer to a small serving bowl, season with salt and pepper, cover and set aside.<br />
<br />
When the rice is tender and ready to eat, turn off the heat. Stir in the mushrooms, butter and cheese till well combined. Serve risotto with dollops of parsnip purée.<br />
<br />
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-57782812217322247692013-11-02T10:50:00.002-08:002013-11-02T10:50:49.613-08:00Creamy Tomato Soup with Tortellini and Sausage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFZbFYyyMTQ/UnVI71vC7II/AAAAAAAAB0U/axdZKzVy08M/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFZbFYyyMTQ/UnVI71vC7II/AAAAAAAAB0U/axdZKzVy08M/s400/soup.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 Tbs. olive oil<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
5 button mushrooms, sliced (optional)<br />
2 tbs. flour<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes<br />
2 Tbs. tomato paste<br />
1.5 cans chicken stock<br />
2 cans condensed tomato soup<br />
1 tsp. dried porcini powder (optional)<br />
2 Tbs. dried basil<br />
2 tsp. dried oregano<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
1/2 package frozen tortellini<br />
1 lb. Italian sausage<br />
3/4 cup whole milk or half and half<br />
grated parmesan cheese<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium high flame. Add the onion, mushrooms and garlic and cook till onions are translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook another couple of minutes. Add the bay leaf, tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, tomato soup and seasonings and bring to a simmer. Turn heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to an hour.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, cook your sausages and brown them all over. Slice into rounds and brown those too. Add the sausage and tortellini to the soup. When tortellini is cooked, stir in the milk. Remove bay leaf. Serve with grated parmesan cheese and slices of buttered rustic bread.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BQ083tAQhI/UnVJCYyk9FI/AAAAAAAAB0c/O9HXWT7HsUg/s1600/soup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BQ083tAQhI/UnVJCYyk9FI/AAAAAAAAB0c/O9HXWT7HsUg/s400/soup2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-87879262520922205682013-10-15T18:26:00.000-08:002013-10-15T18:26:04.263-08:00Easy Homemade Chicken StockMaking your own chicken stock is actually pretty easy and far more delicious than store bought stock.<br />
<br />
I like to make the most of a Costco rotisserie chicken. I can stretch it for three meals.<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.knitnatak.blogspot.com/2013/10/cranberry-cornbread-stuffing.html" target="_blank">Chicken with stuffing and glazed carrots</a><br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://knitnatak.blogspot.com/2013/07/chicken-pesto-lasagna-roll-ups.html" target="_blank">Chicken pesto lasagna roll-ups</a><br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://knitnatak.blogspot.com/2011/06/short-cut-long-cut-chicken-noodle.html" target="_blank">Chicken noodle soup</a><br />
<br />
The secret to tasty chicken stock is in the bones. By crushing the chicken bones you release all the marrow and yummy goodness into the stock. You know you have a good stock when it's like Jell-o in the fridge -- that means the bones really got into the stock. I do cheat a little bit by adding a can of store bought stock just to boost the flavor, but it's not necessary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eEdr3wxJJE/Ul3m_LNofWI/AAAAAAAAByo/UBzavKuvucE/s1600/stock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eEdr3wxJJE/Ul3m_LNofWI/AAAAAAAAByo/UBzavKuvucE/s400/stock2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 leftover rotisserie chicken<br />
2 Tbs. olive oil<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
2 celery ribs, chopped<br />
2 carrots, chopped<br />
handful of fresh parsley<br />
2 fresh rosemary sprigs<br />
1 tsp. dried thyme<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
6 cups water<br />
1 can chicken stock (optional)<br />
salt and pepper<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Remove all the edible meat left on the chicken and store in the fridge (in case you'd like to use it for chicken noodle soup later).<br />
Using a mallet or the bottom of a wine bottle, crush that carcass so that all the bones are broken up.<br />
Heat the oil over medium high in a large soup pot. Add the onion, celery and carrots and cook for about five minutes. Add the chicken, parsley, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf and cook till onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add pepper to taste. Add the liquid, cover and simmer for about three hours. Salt to taste.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiDAZWPwZrw/Ul3hjXSzwaI/AAAAAAAAByY/dslpxq0-8DI/s1600/stock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiDAZWPwZrw/Ul3hjXSzwaI/AAAAAAAAByY/dslpxq0-8DI/s400/stock.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large liquid measuring cup and carefully strain the stock to remove bones, veggies and other flavor enhancers. You may need to do this in batches. Toss the solid ingredients. Store stock in jars. You can freeze the jars but make sure not to fill them all the way to the top to allow stock to expand when freezing (science!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBbQ5nvpuok/Ul349ZFX5LI/AAAAAAAABy8/B_NpYZBRLfE/s1600/stock4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBbQ5nvpuok/Ul349ZFX5LI/AAAAAAAABy8/B_NpYZBRLfE/s400/stock4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you're making chicken noodle soup, add the chicken meat back to the stock. Add egg noodles to boiling soup and cook till al dente. Yum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHM7s_EdUrs/Ul349DzjNnI/AAAAAAAABy4/sS8V-l4RVr0/s1600/stock3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHM7s_EdUrs/Ul349DzjNnI/AAAAAAAABy4/sS8V-l4RVr0/s400/stock3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-68549585965497498902013-10-13T18:46:00.002-08:002013-10-13T18:57:17.309-08:00Cranberry Cornbread StuffingMy sister just cleared out her garden and gave me a gallon bag of fresh sage. In my pursuit to use some of it before drying it I found a great recipe on <a href="http://foodnetwork.com/">Foodnetwork.com</a> for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/neelys/stuffed-pork-chops-recipe2/index.html" target="_blank">Stuffed Pork Chops</a>.<br />
<br />
I decided I didn't feel much like pork chops for dinner, but that cornbread stuffing sounded pretty good. Plus, I have three gallons of cranberries I need to figure out how to use.<br />
<br />
I picked up a Costco rotisserie chicken, made some <a href="http://alaskaknitnat.wordpress.com/2013/10/05/roasted-carrots-in-a-honey-dijon-rosemary-glaze/" target="_blank">glazed carrots</a> and I had a mini-Thanksgiving in no time at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tHFm4reDDiM/Ultao8citaI/AAAAAAAAByA/v8tWVAnTNcs/s1600/stuffing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tHFm4reDDiM/Ultao8citaI/AAAAAAAAByA/v8tWVAnTNcs/s400/stuffing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I reheated the chicken in the oven 20 minutes before taking out the stuffing (or dressing in this case) and it made enough juice for some tasty gravy.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2.5 cups crumbled cornbread<br />
2 slices of bacon, chopped<br />
1 Tbs. butter<br />
2 celery ribs, chopped fine<br />
1/2 onion, chopped fine<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
6 baby portobello mushrooms, sliced<br />
1 Tbs. chopped parsley<br />
1 Tbs. chopped sage<br />
1 Tbs. chopped rosemary<br />
1/4 cup dried or fresh cranberries<br />
1/4 cup golden raisins<br />
1/2 cup chicken stock<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
In a heavy skillet, start browning the bacon. Add the celery, onion, garlic and mushrooms and cook till bacon is fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Add the parsley, sage, rosemary (sorry, no thyme) and cook another couple of minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
In a bowl, toss together the cornbread, cranberries and raisins. Add the rest of the ingredients including the chicken stock and gently toss to combine.<br />
<br />
Transfer to a casserole dish and top with little bits of butter.<br />
<br />
Cover and bake for 50 minutes.<br />
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-52338998604571472302013-10-05T18:06:00.000-08:002013-10-05T18:17:39.639-08:00Pumpkin Rosemary BagelsWhen I told my best friend I was making bagels today, she first asked if they were hard to make and then asked if they were fried. The answer to both is no, and I'll clear up this bagel mystery by saying they aren't too difficult to make, it's a fun process and if you've made bread and boiled water, you can make bagels.<br />
<br />
Today was pumpkin cooking day with my friend Kelly, so naturally I needed to make a pumpkin bagel. I'm not one for sweet flavored bagels so I thought adding rosemary to the dough and sprinkling them with kosher salt would please me. And it did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-neaFbfSc54E/UlDEu83Hk5I/AAAAAAAABxI/NEdBTuKiCwQ/s1600/bagle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-neaFbfSc54E/UlDEu83Hk5I/AAAAAAAABxI/NEdBTuKiCwQ/s400/bagle2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I based my recipe off this <a href="http://sweetspatulas.com/2012/12/01/pumpkin-bagels/" target="_blank">fine one</a> at <a href="http://sweetspatulas.com/">SweetSpatulas.com</a>.<br />
<br />
I did not have any wheat flour so I used only white and I really like the texture.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
4 cups white flour<br />
4 tsp. yeast<br />
1 cup warm (not hot!) water<br />
1.5 tsp. salt<br />
2 Tbs. chopped fresh rosemary, extra for sprinkling on top if you like<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
3/4 cup pumpkin puree<br />
1 tsp. ground allspice<br />
2 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1 egg<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Combine the yeast, rosemary and two cups of flour in a large mixing bowl or the bowl to your KitchenAid mixer. In another mixing bowl combine the water, salt, sugar, pumpkin and spices. Add the wet to the dry and thoroughly combine. Slowly start incorporating the remaining flour. I switched to the KitchenAid hook and let the machine go for about 3 minutes.<br />
<br />
Remove the dough and knead on a floured surface till you have an elastic, smooth ball. Place in a bowl and cover for 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOrYw_iRSdQ/UlDE2Y0IqNI/AAAAAAAABxo/EqGFGfaWvnE/s1600/bagle6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOrYw_iRSdQ/UlDE2Y0IqNI/AAAAAAAABxo/EqGFGfaWvnE/s400/bagle6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Divide the dough into eight equal balls. Make them as round and smooth as you can and punch a hole in the center of each ball. Dust each hole with a little flour. Use your thumbs and fingers to shape the hole evenly so it's two inches in diameter. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let sit for 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FfJRJcOPDA/UlDE3wO0-TI/AAAAAAAABx0/SLYxG7unqEU/s1600/bagle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FfJRJcOPDA/UlDE3wO0-TI/AAAAAAAABx0/SLYxG7unqEU/s400/bagle5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, turn on your broiler and set two big pots of water on the stove to boil.<br />
<br />
Why boil bagels, you ask?<br />
<br />
Well...according to <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/food-science-why-bagels-are-bo-86711">thekitchn.com</a>, boiling them is what gives them that signature crust and also helps with the classic chewiness.<br />
<br />
Now you know! Let's continue with the bageling.<br />
<br />
Place your bagels under the broiler for 1.5 minutes. You could turn them and broil the other side, but I didn't do that and they turned out fine. Next, place two or three bagels at a time into the boiling water. Let them boil on each side for one minute. While this is going on, whisk your egg in a bowl and set aside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nt26MAiUEFo/UlDEze7t65I/AAAAAAAABxk/X_sbU5avEo8/s1600/bagle4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nt26MAiUEFo/UlDEze7t65I/AAAAAAAABxk/X_sbU5avEo8/s320/bagle4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Using tongs, gently place your boiled bagels back on the cookie sheet. Brush with the egg and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and kosher salt.<br />
<br />
When all the bagels are boiled, egged and sprinkled, bake them for 25 minutes or until the tops are nicely brown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXuYUcx2iR8/UlDEyRIIBPI/AAAAAAAABxc/5ma1Ow26vwQ/s1600/bagle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXuYUcx2iR8/UlDEyRIIBPI/AAAAAAAABxc/5ma1Ow26vwQ/s400/bagle1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Let cool on a rack. Serve with cream cheese and revel in the fact that you just made bagels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--e2iNKaJ9aU/UlDEx0MPbpI/AAAAAAAABxY/oJqhxVXAnHI/s1600/bagel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--e2iNKaJ9aU/UlDEx0MPbpI/AAAAAAAABxY/oJqhxVXAnHI/s400/bagel3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-89053851203639948022013-10-04T21:39:00.003-08:002013-10-08T09:30:15.103-08:00Roasted Carrots in a Honey Dijon Rosemary GlazeRecently I've been poking around online newspapers from the little villages around Alaska. Something I've noticed is that they frequently feature recipes sent in from the locals.<br />
<br />
I came across a glazed carrots recipe from a <a href="http://www.kfsk.org/" target="_blank">radio station</a> in Petersburg, Alaska (population 3,000). I really want to give the station all the credit, but upon closer inspection, I discovered it was lifted from <a href="http://thehealthyfoodie.com/" target="_blank">The Healthy Foodie</a> blog.<br />
<br />
My dad was roasting a leg of lamb and had first dibs on the oven, which was set at 350 degrees. So I opted to use the gas grill as an oven. The temperature wasn't consistent, but the carrots turned out perfectly caramelized, garlicky, mustardy and a delicious side dish for lamb.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thehealthyfoodie.com/2013/04/24/honey-mustard-rosemary-glazed-carrots/" target="_blank">Here's the link</a> to the original blog post, since I'd like to give credit where it's due. Also, her photos are a heck of a lot better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lHioB1aZyk/Uk-lfFbKJPI/AAAAAAAABw0/hfG_-72qiFY/s1600/carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lHioB1aZyk/Uk-lfFbKJPI/AAAAAAAABw0/hfG_-72qiFY/s400/carrots.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Ingredients:</div>
<div class="p1">
1 pound medium sized carrots</div>
<div class="p1">
2 Tbs. olive oil</div>
<div class="p1">
2 Tbs. honey</div>
<div class="p1">
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard</div>
<div class="p1">
1 Tbs. fresh rosemary, finely chopped</div>
<div class="p1">
2 cloves garlic, minced</div>
<div class="p1">
salt and pepper to taste</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Directions:</div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 425 degrees.</li>
<li>Brush the carrots under running water. Cut them in half lengthwise and crosswise and set them aside.</li>
<li>In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, mustard, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper. Add the reserved carrots. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer in a shallow baking sheet lined with parchment paper.</li>
<li>Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once or twice, until the carrots are tender and golden.</li>
</ul>
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-68624934058743601502013-09-30T20:36:00.001-08:002013-09-30T20:36:44.374-08:00Italian Inspiration -- A Small Tribute to Marcella HazanMy father informed me that Marcella Hazan died yesterday at age 89. If you aren't familiar with this Italian cookbook author, you really ought to look her up. In my family we didn't own a copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." Our Julia Child was Marcella Hazan. Our family's copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Italian-Cookbook-Marcella-Hazan/dp/0345314026" target="_blank">The Classic Italian Cookbook</a> is covered in stains and drips from meals past, a true testament to the respect my father gave to Marcella Hazan's recipes.<br />
<br />
A few years ago I realized that my aunt and uncle have an even more tattered copy of this cookbook, which means her recipes are truly embedded in my family's culture.<br />
<br />
What I love about Hazan's recipes is their simplicity -- there aren't too many ingredients or difficult preparations. She writes it how it is. She also includes a summary of what to serve with each dish and the page numbers for the corresponding recipes.<br />
<br />
For instance, last week I made <i>Pollo in Tegame al Limone, </i>Pan-Roasted Chicken with Lemon Juice. At the end of the recipe she suggests, "To begin -- Stuffed Lettuce Soup, Risotto with Celery, or Small Macaroni with Peas and Peppers. With the chicken serve Gratin of Cauliflower with Béchamel Sauce, Smothered Lettuce with Pancetta (do not serve this if you served lettuce soup first), or Gratin of Zucchini with Tomato and Herbs."<br />
<br />
As a tribute to this legendary cook, I present just a few of my favorite recipes from her books "The Classic Italian Cookbook" and "More Classic Italian Cooking" that I have blogged about over the years.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ktDkaF2ZlU/UkpQC44UxzI/AAAAAAAABwU/syPPYMDTbUA/s1600/minestrone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ktDkaF2ZlU/UkpQC44UxzI/AAAAAAAABwU/syPPYMDTbUA/s400/minestrone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.knitnatak.blogspot.com/2013/05/spectacular-minestrone.html" target="_blank">Minestrone alla Novarese</a> - The long simmering of pancetta and red cabbage give this traditional soup a deep, rich flavor.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xIsJ_akMf4/UkpQzKXOquI/AAAAAAAABwc/G80qZJkR9HA/s1600/burger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xIsJ_akMf4/UkpQzKXOquI/AAAAAAAABwc/G80qZJkR9HA/s400/burger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.knitnatak.blogspot.com/2011/06/italian-cheeseburgers-with-homemade.html" target="_blank">Italian Cheeseburgers with Homemade Pasta and Cheese</a> -- these burgers are so flavorful and juicy, you don't even miss the bun!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sK4zh9ejKUo/UkpRGFF4C2I/AAAAAAAABwk/bVvx4bufx6g/s1600/pesto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sK4zh9ejKUo/UkpRGFF4C2I/AAAAAAAABwk/bVvx4bufx6g/s400/pesto2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.knitnatak.blogspot.com/2010/12/pesto-pesto-pesto.html" target="_blank">Classic Blender Pesto</a> -- this is by far the most referenced recipe in my family. We make pesto at least once a month from homegrown basil.</div>
KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-28274828671744084142013-09-21T17:32:00.001-08:002013-09-21T17:32:13.541-08:00Simple Knitted Boot CuffsDon't know how much Game of Thrones you've been watching, but Winter is Coming.<br />
<br />
That means scarves and coats and mittens and boots! Knitting season is officially on so why not start off with a super simple project to give your new fall outfits a little more refinement?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HYCa0edi2AdJ7qcpegp3saNVrEbm6wErJdn7XeMnpOr-the2gdjWlmmOXM2PmaYtAt2RP5JT2V8DAgkZIZ-eNYPbI76VWrUR-dROCugkvXZKppccKIjiNL0BBX_rNLBuLBAKdIS4RXg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HYCa0edi2AdJ7qcpegp3saNVrEbm6wErJdn7XeMnpOr-the2gdjWlmmOXM2PmaYtAt2RP5JT2V8DAgkZIZ-eNYPbI76VWrUR-dROCugkvXZKppccKIjiNL0BBX_rNLBuLBAKdIS4RXg/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These boot cuffs can be made in just a couple of hours. Nothing fancy, but they are the perfect touch for those cute brown boots you've been waiting all summer to wear. You won't have to worry about bulky wool socks and hot feet when your boot cuffs are peeking out.<br />
<br />
Here's what you need:<br />
<br />
Bulky yarn -- less than one skein<br />
Size 10, 16-inch circular needle<br />
Darning needle<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiJitp1GzqGLrV6r5dpH4aZ-fiF09kDZNhDe66Vf9NMNyNSr8dltaN-0JFR9GVDhlwI9v1otXy8xIF4KBnCxZjHdvXRtSHGIhIG5U4OqP_x7JtGxWW1xmOvc1lrIMdwtcIeZBLVvPDf4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiJitp1GzqGLrV6r5dpH4aZ-fiF09kDZNhDe66Vf9NMNyNSr8dltaN-0JFR9GVDhlwI9v1otXy8xIF4KBnCxZjHdvXRtSHGIhIG5U4OqP_x7JtGxWW1xmOvc1lrIMdwtcIeZBLVvPDf4/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Cast on 48 stitches on your circular needle. Join the round, making sure not to twist the row.<br />
<br />
K2, P2 around.<br />
<br />
Repeat for 20 rounds.<br />
<br />
Loosely cast off. Weave in ends.<br />
<br />
Repeat for other cuff.<br />
<br />
Wear as is or decorate with a cute button.<br />
<br />
Easy as pie! Cute as cake?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtgOMGONge8/Uj5IL7HkN8I/AAAAAAAABv8/0eLdRR__aNA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtgOMGONge8/Uj5IL7HkN8I/AAAAAAAABv8/0eLdRR__aNA/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-25307230440252364092013-09-13T20:30:00.000-08:002013-09-13T20:30:42.170-08:00Auntie A's Choice ChiliMy little sis has become quite a capable cook. Last month she came up from Pittsburgh to visit the family, but mostly to hang out with her nephew (my son), Jack.<br />
<br />
While she was here I asked her to cook dinner for us one night and she could choose what to make.<br />
<br />
She concocted a fabulous chili with a couple of surprising ingredients.<br />
<br />
Here's her basic recipe for a chunky, meaty, beany chili with a good kick. I did alter the recipe slightly, but that's the great thing about chili -- it's really customizable depending on what's in your pantry. These were the ingredients in my pantry today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQDk-qrlCRY/UjPlYfu2Y5I/AAAAAAAABvc/45MG8YomBpM/s1600/squirrell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IQDk-qrlCRY/UjPlYfu2Y5I/AAAAAAAABvc/45MG8YomBpM/s400/squirrell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ingredients (eyeball it):<br />
1 lb. of beef, cut into bite size bits<br />
olive oil<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
Two fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (optional)<br />
1 orange bell pepper, chopped<br />
2 fresh anaheim peppers, chopped<br />
2 canned chipotle chilles in adobo, chopped finely plus 2 tsp. chile powder OR 3-4 dried peppers such as pasilla, ancho or chipotle<br />
2 large cans of tomato (whole, chopped or crushed), with their juices<br />
chicken stock<br />
2-3 Tbs. cumin<br />
2 tsp. smoked paprika<br />
1 tsp. garlic powder<br />
3 tsp. oregano<br />
1/4 tsp. cinnamon<br />
2-3 squares of unsweetened chocolate OR 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
2 cans of beans of your choice, such as cannellini, pinto, kidney or black -- partially drained and not rinsed<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
If you'd like your peppers to have a smokier taste, do the following steps. Otherwise, just chop the peppers.<br />
<br />
Turn your gas stove to medium and place the pepper directly over the heat, on the burner itself. Blacken the peppers on all sides (the process takes about seven minutes) and place in a Ziploc bag for 10 minutes. The steam should help make the skin come off easily. When cool enough to handle, remove as much skin from the peppers as possible. You now have roasted peppers and have no need to ever buy them in a jar again. Chop them and prepare chili as follows.<br />
<br />
Heat a large dutch oven or pot over high heat and coat the bottom with olive oil. When hot, add the cubed meat and brown on all sides. Set aside with any juices. Add a little more olive oil and cook the onion and peppers till onions are soft, about 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
Add the meat (and any juices), tomatoes, paprika, chocolate, garlic powder, oregano and cinnamon. Stir thoroughly. Add the chile powder/chiles and cumin slowly. These strong spices are hard to chase away once added. Add a little at a time, wait five minutes, and then taste whether it's a good move to add more.<br />
<br />
Bring to a simmer and turn down the heat, stirring once in a while so the bottom doesn't burn. If it's too thick, add some chicken stock. If you like a more soupy chili, cook with the pot covered. If you'd like it more stewy and thick, cook uncovered. Either way, cook for at least an hour. Twenty minutes before serving, add the beans and cook till beans are heated through. Salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
Serve with grated cheddar cheese in a squirrel bowl, if you desire.<br />
<br />
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-7439018567460740352013-09-04T20:37:00.001-08:002013-09-04T20:38:45.546-08:00Quick Craft! -- How to Undorkify a SweatshirtI've never been much for sweatshirts. The collars always seem too tight and the cuffs are too....cuffy? But lately I've been finding some really comfortable sweatshirts that look a little more flattering, such as this Lands End tunic:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vK47kJvdG54/UigIDIs1UsI/AAAAAAAABuQ/yyFVLmxuQ8s/s1600/spacer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vK47kJvdG54/UigIDIs1UsI/AAAAAAAABuQ/yyFVLmxuQ8s/s1600/spacer.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YEOo-1UBxbM/UigIaZhQs6I/AAAAAAAABuY/47b-3mTYs1s/s1600/thunic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YEOo-1UBxbM/UigIaZhQs6I/AAAAAAAABuY/47b-3mTYs1s/s1600/thunic.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Although $30 isn't a lot for a sweatshirt, a craft challenge was calling my name. Could I take a dorky thrift store sweatshirt and make it cool?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W63rLuap96M/UigJRSFqQyI/AAAAAAAABu0/zn1pat-XsrQ/s1600/shirt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W63rLuap96M/UigJRSFqQyI/AAAAAAAABu0/zn1pat-XsrQ/s400/shirt5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I can't tell you, but what I came up with is a lot more wearable; and it only took about 15 minutes. Hello Esprit! The epitome of awesome in the early 90s. Did you notice the double ribbing? Oh yeah, you could really work a church bake sale in this bad boy.<br />
<br />
This is a no-sew craft, by the way.<br />
<br />
Here, take a look again that this great shirt. Click on it for a larger view.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WfFmGdqQY2w/UigJSwaGGoI/AAAAAAAABvE/5Vwu53rRbyg/s1600/shirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WfFmGdqQY2w/UigJSwaGGoI/AAAAAAAABvE/5Vwu53rRbyg/s400/shirt1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Materials:<br />
1 thrift store sweatshirt in your size<br />
1 shirt with a collar shape you prefer<br />
fabric scissors<br />
sewing machine (optional)<br />
chalk<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Lay the thrift store shirt out on a flat surface, front side up. Place the shirt you like on top of it with the shoulder seams matching up as best you can.<br />
<br />
Find the lowest part of your shirt collar in the front and mark it with chalk on the thrift shirt. Do the same with the collar shape at the shoulders. You're just using your own shirt as a guide. Remove your shirt and with the chalk draw a curve to mark your new collar shape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Li01oIxUWFw/UigJNZW_CoI/AAAAAAAABuo/KbLB8irkAYY/s1600/shirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Li01oIxUWFw/UigJNZW_CoI/AAAAAAAABuo/KbLB8irkAYY/s400/shirt3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Do the same with the back of the shirt.<br />
<br />
Starting at a shoulder seam, carefully cut along your line.<br />
<br />
Ta-da! New collar. Now you could pin under the cut edge and sew a hem around, which I did. But it looks pretty good without doing that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaGTJ6WJrrY/UigJPcPTNDI/AAAAAAAABuw/0Xc2VxQJLfk/s1600/shirt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaGTJ6WJrrY/UigJPcPTNDI/AAAAAAAABuw/0Xc2VxQJLfk/s400/shirt4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For the sleeves, I just cut around the top part of the cuff, thus removing the cuff altogether. Roll up your sleeves and you're done.<br />
<br />
Bingo boingo! Fast craft.KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-82986919593077415342013-09-01T15:33:00.001-08:002014-09-10T20:09:42.934-08:00Alaska Guide to Boletus Mushrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mushroom season is in full force and with a little knowhow, you can join the foraging movement and become a mushroom hunter.</div>
<br />
Here is my DISCLAIMER: I've been foraging for mushrooms my whole life and I am positive that what I'm picking is edible. I am not a mushroom expert but I can give you great advice on how to discern boletus mushrooms from inedible ones. Pick at your own risk, but honestly, boletus are easy to detect and as long as you cook them thoroughly before eating, most mushrooms in Alaska will not kill you (but they might make you have some bad stomach problems).<br />
<br />
Feel free to contact me and e-mail me photos of your finds if you ever have any questions. There are quite a few edible mushrooms in Alaska, but I'm only knowledgable about boletus.<br />
<br />
So here we go:<br />
<br />
There are several types of boletus mushrooms and you can find many of them in the Anchorage area. Most are edible and the ones that are poisonous will let you know by their scary color.<br />
<br />
The U.S. Forest Service has a great <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5414170.pdf" target="_blank">Alaska mushroom guide</a>. I highly recommend taking a look at it.<br />
<br />
The only inedible boletes I've come across in Alaska are <i>boletus ludiformus </i> and <i>boletus coniferarum</i>. Ludiformus is red, which to me is a signal to not eat it. The coniferarum has yellow flesh that when bruised or cut will rapidly turn inky blue. Keep in mind that many edible types of boletus will oxidize, but not nearly as quickly as the coniferarum turns from yellow to blue. It looks pretty cool, but tastes extremely bitter (but will not kill you if eaten).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAYfIuTTHRw/UiO9fqm9aqI/AAAAAAAABrc/ZDvdVOi2aLk/s1600/BadBolete1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aAYfIuTTHRw/UiO9fqm9aqI/AAAAAAAABrc/ZDvdVOi2aLk/s1600/BadBolete1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boletus ludiformus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ok, now that we have the inedibles out of the way, let's start becoming mushroom detectives. Before you go out and pick these mushrooms, let me prepare you...<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>You will probably get dirty and wet</li>
<li>You will probably encounter bugs</li>
<li>You will probably encounter little maggots (baby bugs!)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
You've got to get over these factors if you'd like to carry on.<br />
<br />
OK? ok....<br />
<br />
First, all edible boletes have sponge under the caps instead of gills. Boletes are the only mushroom in Anchorage forests that have sponge instead of gills besides the hawks wing mushroom, which has hedgehog-like spines underneath (and it's edible if you boil it). You can exclude any mushroom with gills because it will not be a bolete. This one fact makes bolete hunting reassuring because there is so much you can rule out. There are deceptive mushrooms that really look like bolete caps, but when you turn them over and see gills, just let them be. They tricked you!<br />
<br />
Here are the types of boletes you'll come across in Anchorage forests:<br />
<br />
Aspen Scaber-stalk -- these are found in birch and spruce forests, typically around moss, low-bush cranberry and crow berry bushes. They have sienna-colored caps with dirty-looking stems (almost looks like the texture of a terry-cloth towel). The flesh also tends to oxidize and turn black when cut.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOWplCx6pYE/UiPJ5-MaUCI/AAAAAAAABsY/fFpT46I-w1Q/s1600/aspen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOWplCx6pYE/UiPJ5-MaUCI/AAAAAAAABsY/fFpT46I-w1Q/s400/aspen1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen scaber-stalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbd3vcnhYzM/UiPKRC9ZUzI/AAAAAAAABto/cMdPBRhRTLM/s1600/stem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbd3vcnhYzM/UiPKRC9ZUzI/AAAAAAAABto/cMdPBRhRTLM/s400/stem.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stem of most forest boletes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Alaskan Scaber-stalk -- these look a lot like the Admirable bolete but smaller with a narrower stem.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZXcfmyPzrY/UiPJ5EKRC0I/AAAAAAAABsQ/jrQ2-XQCiYs/s1600/alaskan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZXcfmyPzrY/UiPJ5EKRC0I/AAAAAAAABsQ/jrQ2-XQCiYs/s400/alaskan.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaskan scaber-stalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
King bolete -- this is the purest, most prized bolete and is the equivalent of a wild porcini mushroom. These have light brown caps and white stems with no terry-cloth look to them. The sponge will turn yellow with age.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngEjBM3AWTw/UiPLRkTwRYI/AAAAAAAABt0/gHHOKMBoHks/s1600/melded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngEjBM3AWTw/UiPLRkTwRYI/AAAAAAAABt0/gHHOKMBoHks/s400/melded.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freaky melded-cap king bolete. Still delicious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwGh64J5s94/UiPKDndGQUI/AAAAAAAABs4/4E6h0cL0gCc/s1600/king1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwGh64J5s94/UiPKDndGQUI/AAAAAAAABs4/4E6h0cL0gCc/s400/king1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King boletes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In addition to the U.S. Forest Service, here is <a href="http://sausagemania.com/recipes4.html" target="_blank">another great site</a> about Alaska boletes.<br />
<br />
All right, now let's set out to find some mushrooms! But where, might you ask? Well, boletes like to grow near spruce roots, birches and in mossy areas. You can often find boletes growing in people's yards. You usually won't find them in areas with long grasses and ferns or anywhere with tall vegetation. The trail system in Anchorage is a great place to start. You could also try Thunderbird Falls, Bird Creek and Girdwood.<br />
<br />
The best time to pick boletes is from late July to mid-September. Over the years I haven't found a true rhyme or reason to how boletes grow. Sometimes you'll have a summer with hundreds of pounds and others you won't find any. Usually they grow during the rainy and damp times of Alaska summers.<br />
<br />
Boletes can grow to be pretty huge, but it's best to pick them when they are just a couple of days old because bugs love boletes as much as humans do. They will flock to them pretty much as soon as they surface. It's rare to find a bolete that hasn't been lived in by a beetle or some sort of fly eggs, but if you pick them early on it doesn't affect the quality or taste of the mushroom. I'll show some photos later.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrxJ2_SE0Dc/UiPKE1GpjTI/AAAAAAAABtE/IV9wxHo2ZmU/s1600/bigbolete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PrxJ2_SE0Dc/UiPKE1GpjTI/AAAAAAAABtE/IV9wxHo2ZmU/s400/bigbolete.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This large bolete was literally teeming with insects and maggots. Didn't take this one home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Fresh boletes should have firm stems and caps, but it's ok if the cap is slightly soft. If you find a really squishy bolete, let it be because the bugs have laid claim to it. Sometimes you'll find a bolete that's firm on the cap, but when you look underneath it looks like bugs have taken it over. Not always true! Sometimes the bugs just get into the sponge part of the mushroom, which can be easily removed. Break the cap in half. If the flesh is white and has no holes in it, then keep it. Baby boletes are the best. Their cap and stem are both firm and delicious. They also look totally phallic. I just had to put that out there.<br />
<br />
I recommend field dressing your mushrooms as you go. This means bringing a pocket knife along and whittling away the dirty root. I'm lazy and totally don't do this. It just means I'll have more trash to throw out at home.<br />
<br />
Boletes are sturdy so you can collect them in plastic grocery or garbage bags, five-gallon buckets, or if you're feeling whimsical, in a lovely basket. It's up to you.<br />
<br />
When you find a good bolete, pick it by the base of the stem, not by the cap, as you will probably break off the cap and tear away the flesh by accident.<br />
<br />
The great thing about picking mushrooms is they literally pop up overnight so many people could pick the same spot and still find a good share. You can usually tell if another bolete hunter has been in the area by the discarded caps and overturned trickster mushrooms. This weekend we covered the same ground as another hunter and still came out with nearly 40 pounds of mushrooms!<br />
<br />
Once you've collected your mushrooms, you'll have to process them. Here's how it goes:<br />
<br />
Start by whittling away the root of the mushroom to remove any soil. If you come across any bug-eaten mushrooms, either toss them or cut into the stem or cap to see if it's salvageable. Sometimes the bugs will have only gotten to half the mushroom, so why waste the whole thing? Once you've removed the big pieces of dirt, you can run each mushroom under cold water and lightly scrub with a nail brush to remove excess dirt. Only rinse them if you plan to use them right away. Rinsing them and then storing them in the fridge may cause them to rot.<br />
<br />
Now comes the part where you need to figure out what you're doing with your mushrooms. They can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, but you'll want to prepare them as soon as you can. If you must store them, be sure to keep them in paper bags so they can breathe.<br />
<br />
Boletes should not be eaten raw. They will probably give you an upset stomach. If I'm not cooking with them right away I either sauté the mushrooms in butter, vacuum pack and freeze them or put them in a food dehydrator for a couple of days, bag them up or grind them into porcini powder.<br />
<br />
Either way, you'll need to slice them up. This is where you do most of the work. You might find that lots of your mushrooms are bug eaten. I tend to toss caps that are eaten even in the slightest, but really it's not gonna kill you so this is a matter of personal preference. You'll be able to tell if the mushroom is too rotten to eat cause it will look totally gross. But as I said before, you can always try and cut away the nasty bits and keep the good bits. I mentioned before that you can remove the sponge. I do this with most mature boletes because the sponge ends up becoming slimy when cooking. With really new boletes, the sponge is firm and doesn't need to be removed. It's a bit like getting to an artichoke heart -- the sponge will peel off easily and you'll be left with the yummy cap.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoBc-cJ8gQI/UiPJ71-UFnI/AAAAAAAABss/UZkplzpAeJo/s1600/bug1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoBc-cJ8gQI/UiPJ71-UFnI/AAAAAAAABss/UZkplzpAeJo/s400/bug1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This king bolete stem has been eaten by bugs. Not salvagable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvbWBh21Z1c/UiPJvDJDdQI/AAAAAAAABsE/k-0h3U6cXaU/s1600/badcap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvbWBh21Z1c/UiPJvDJDdQI/AAAAAAAABsE/k-0h3U6cXaU/s400/badcap.jpg" height="400" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This aspen cap is totally nasty. Didn't keep any of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShM_b3-KTYg/UiPJ6n7YirI/AAAAAAAABsk/HqstJgjPNzc/s1600/badstem2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShM_b3-KTYg/UiPJ6n7YirI/AAAAAAAABsk/HqstJgjPNzc/s400/badstem2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Alaskan stem was soft and dark as soon as I cut into it. It was not good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avauYq_1qVM/UiPJyipqHbI/AAAAAAAABsM/3aJQgLDM6AI/s1600/badstem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avauYq_1qVM/UiPJyipqHbI/AAAAAAAABsM/3aJQgLDM6AI/s400/badstem.jpg" height="400" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stem was deceiving because it felt great from the outside, but was eaten up on the inside.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaV_0nfpdyg/UiPKKIttQaI/AAAAAAAABtQ/-kJIySCHT88/s1600/maggot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaV_0nfpdyg/UiPKKIttQaI/AAAAAAAABtQ/-kJIySCHT88/s400/maggot.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cap had maggots in the sponge, but the actual flesh was just fine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0fpkzeGRRw/UiPKQjjIWcI/AAAAAAAABtk/3ZpTM3zlqWo/s1600/sponge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0fpkzeGRRw/UiPKQjjIWcI/AAAAAAAABtk/3ZpTM3zlqWo/s400/sponge.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Looks great! Peel off the sponge and you'll be fine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQAWKjb3JpY/UiPKMOfRLSI/AAAAAAAABtc/RZCRHg9lSz0/s1600/stem2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQAWKjb3JpY/UiPKMOfRLSI/AAAAAAAABtc/RZCRHg9lSz0/s400/stem2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the inside of a good king bolete. Some parts have been eaten by a bug, but I wasn't horrified by it so I kept it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rg3A0fPT_4/UiPKKbAOXfI/AAAAAAAABtU/-WbjDzhrzoQ/s1600/oxidation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rg3A0fPT_4/UiPKKbAOXfI/AAAAAAAABtU/-WbjDzhrzoQ/s400/oxidation.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Alaskan bolete has oxidized. Totally fine to eat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms3X_6_cfOU/UiPKDq3vbVI/AAAAAAAABs8/dnnzh5a97mE/s1600/goodsponge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms3X_6_cfOU/UiPKDq3vbVI/AAAAAAAABs8/dnnzh5a97mE/s400/goodsponge.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a fresh king cap. The sponge is thin and firm. It doesn't need to be peeled off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Once your boletes have been processed the world is your mushroom! Boletes are great in soups and sauces, but your best bet is to do a Google search for recipes for porcini. If you've decided to dry your mushrooms, they will need to be reconstituted. Boil a couple of cups of water or chicken broth and pour over the dried mushrooms in a bowl. Let sit for 20 minutes and reserve the steeped water for your soup. It'll deepen the flavor even more.<br />
<br />
So, that's my guide to Alaska boletes. Please contact me if you have any questions, comments or even corrections.<br />
<br />
And remember, if you're not extremely positive about a mushroom, don't eat it. Better safe than sorry!<br />
<br />
For more Alaska mushroom information, check out this <a href="http://vimeo.com/73504182" target="_blank">short film</a> produced by the <a href="http://alaskateenmedia.org/" target="_blank">Alaska Teen Media Institute</a> for the U.S. Forest Service<br />
<br />KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790445938213515658.post-10599224595010567112013-08-31T12:18:00.000-08:002013-08-31T12:44:42.574-08:00Chicken with Artichokes in a Smoky Cream SauceI'm on day seven of the South Beach Diet (or, as I like to call it, the South Beach Challenge) and I'm finding more ways to make delicious food without missing pasta.<br />
<br />
Last night was chicken with roasted red peppers, capers and artichoke hearts in a smoky cream sauce. Ok, ok, I broke a few guidelines on this one. I used chicken thighs when the diet recommends white meat and I used half and half. The official cookbooks recommend fat-free half and half (which sounds like an oxymoron to me) but when I looked at the ingredients at the grocery store, the second ingredient was corn syrup. What the? That's why I stuck to the regular kind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjaZVb9Znik/UiJPImV0PmI/AAAAAAAABq0/qSGRcJo4_kM/s1600/artichoke3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qjaZVb9Znik/UiJPImV0PmI/AAAAAAAABq0/qSGRcJo4_kM/s400/artichoke3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's how to make it.<br />
<br />
Serves 2<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
olive oil<br />
2 skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs), cut into large chunks<br />
1 roasted bell pepper, sliced<br />
1/2 small onion, diced<br />
2 cloves garlic, chopped<br />
2 Tbs. capers<br />
6 canned artichoke hearts, cut in half<br />
1/4 cup chicken stock (eyeball it)<br />
1/4 cup half and half or milk (eyeball it)<br />
1/4 cup fresh or canned chopped tomatoes (eyeball it)<br />
1 Tbs. smoked paprika<br />
salt and pepper<br />
handful of chopped fresh basil<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1L1L3EfRek/UiJPLCXxR_I/AAAAAAAABq8/m_3ETshqcdA/s1600/artichoke1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1L1L3EfRek/UiJPLCXxR_I/AAAAAAAABq8/m_3ETshqcdA/s400/artichoke1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Coat a skillet with olive oil and heat over medium high. Salt and pepper the chicken. When the olive oil is just starting to smoke add the chicken. Brown both sides (about 5 minutes each side). Refrain from moving the chicken around to ensure a nice golden brown. Set chicken aside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9RI-pERUTA/UiJPH38ccvI/AAAAAAAABqs/TuNqHhJCf6w/s1600/artichoke2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9RI-pERUTA/UiJPH38ccvI/AAAAAAAABqs/TuNqHhJCf6w/s400/artichoke2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Add the peppers, onion, garlic, capers and artichokes and sauté till onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken back to the pan and pour in the tomatoes, stock, cream and paprika. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken it up a little. Turn down the heat and cover. Let simmer 10 minutes or until chicken is done all the way through. Toss in the basil and cook uncovered another minute or so, combining everything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYIDV_-4wFU/UiJPMkNe3zI/AAAAAAAABrE/ajTOGAY346I/s1600/artichoke4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYIDV_-4wFU/UiJPMkNe3zI/AAAAAAAABrE/ajTOGAY346I/s400/artichoke4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Serve and sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if you like.KnitNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18077568716553184787noreply@blogger.com0