Broken Bones, and Downton Abbey

Current afghan I'm working on for Bridge and Beyond.  Called Learning Logs.  Started it some time ago to learn how to use multiple colors/stands at the same time.  This was through a lesson I purchased on Crafty's.  The lessons were flawed, as was the pattern and through lots of complaints it was removed from Crafty's, along with the instructor.  However, I did actually learn how to slip stitch and use multiple colors.The pattern was 6 large blocks all with these different patterns and colors.  FAR too busy, I think for one afghan.  So, am adding to it in solids with some texture at the moment.  I may decide to add some additional color with stripes as it's grows; but will try to keep the center the busy part.

You see me wearing the boot in the afghan picture.........here's the reason why.  Fractured 5th Metatarsal Bone on Right Foot.  

Watching this, courtesy of a friend has helped pass the time while I sit with foot elevated.  Never had the chance to watch it when it was on, so have been enjoying her collection of the entire series.

Am so very tired of winter.  We've been wetter and colder than normal.  How are things for you all?

Cuisinart Food Spiralizer

 This is my new toy/Spiralizer.  I bought it at Cosco's for $15.00.  It's a 4 cup basically plastic model from Cuisinart.  A friend of mine had been talking about one she got that was a combination of Spiralizer and food processor.  It's nice and light weight.  Comes apart easily to be washed, see picture below.

There are 3 settings: Ribbon Slice, Thin Julienne, and Thick Julienne.  Thus far I've used both thin and thick Julienne.

My first go round was thin Julienne using both summer squash (yellow) and zucchini.  It was easy to use.  I used almost 2 Zucchini's and one summer squash.  Was not sure how much I needed for 2 people.  Also, was unsure how much it would shrink when cooked.  The pan is the top of my double boiler with nice holes.  I had my water hot and simply set the pan with Zucchini and Squash inside the larger pan with water and stirred a few times.  Basically I heated it through for about 1 minute...similar in texture to Angle Hair.

I had mushrooms, onion, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts at the ready.  Once I drained the squash, and the pan was still hot, I added the veggies and put the hot squash on top and stirred to warm the veggies.  Topped with grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh ground pepper.  It was pretty good, but I think more flavor is needed AND next time, I will saute the veggies.  Drizzled nice olive oil on top before adding the cheese.

My 2nd attempt, the following night is Thick Julienne Sweet Potatoes.  Look how pretty.  Used almost 2 whole potatoes which was more then needed for 2 people.

I used the same process of hot water and dipping the pain with holes into the water, but heated the sweat potatoes about 3 minutes, which was a nice aldente...the way we like our pasta.  I sauted onions, mushrooms, pine nuts, and handful of bacon bits.  Added the potatoes into the pan used to saute veggies and mixed them all together.  Drizzled with olive oil, and freshly grated Romano cheese.  The better cheese, the little bit of bacon both seemed to make the 2nd dish more tasty than the first.  

Served with salad and wine.  A definite repeat.  This is suppose to be a healthier alternative to eating lots of pasta.

The little brochure that came with the machine says the following can be Spiralized:

• Zucchini
• Summer Squash
• Radishes
• Beets
• Potato
• Sweet Potato
• Turnips
• Onions
• Firms pears
• Wide Carrots
• Apples
• Seedless Cucumbers

I'll be experimenting further with this new toy/tool/machine.  I think it will be particularly nice in summer when it's hot and you want to eat even lighter.

Counting Days til Spring

This is not my idea of a pretty day, I want Spring.  I basically start counting down for Spring almost as soon as fall hits.  I used to like fall, but now all it does is make me sad summer is over.  Fall is always too short and I know what follows......scenes like above.  BOO!!

Some people like snow, some think it’s pretty.  I did when I was younger.  I do think it’s ok to look out if you have to go no where and you can watch the kids next door or across the street making a snow man or something along those lines, but like it.......NOPE!!

Just thought I post the picture, as I reminder of what winter in Ohio looks like.  I know some who visit the blog are from the South and wonder about snow.

Winter is a good time to read, to knit, to crochet or do other indoor activities.  If you scroll back, you’ll see some of the projects in the works for me during my inside time.