Merry Christmas!

I admit that this season has flown by - and I also admit to being a bit relieved that it has. I love the holidays. The lights, the busy atmosphere, good food, meeting up with good friends - I love it all. As this fall has been a bit strained (actually most of 2010 has been, but more on that for a New Year's greeting . . .) I am quite happy barreling into winter and getting to the shiny Christmasy bits. It's been a bright spot.

So as you gather with loved ones, take the time to really enjoy the stillness in the moment. If not it can just fly by unnoticed.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Ode to a Computer

So it's happened at last. My poor little computer has gone off the the great server in the sky. I tried to turn it on the other day and nada. It's clearly decided it's time for other activities that don't involve me. Evidently my googling activities aren't very exciting.

I hummed Taps as I closed it's screen for the last time. Then I promptly freaked out as I wondered when was the last time I'd backed everything up. I can't remember and I've spent the last few days sorting through my memory. I'm pretty sure it's been at least 8 months, if not longer.

Really - I should have seen the death of the computer coming. First of all, 2010 has been one of those years. Second, the computer was five years old. Third, it already tried this trick when I was finishing my thesis.

Back in 2009, six weeks before my thesis was due, the computer up and quit. I had a less than graceful moment of screaming. Then - still screaming - I gathered the laptop up in my arm and ran out of the apartment. I ran (not exaggerating) down M st. in DC, where there used to be a computer store. It had closed.

I called for back-up. The person I called (who will remain nameless) suggested I google a computer store. It's funny now, not so much at the time.

Anyway - I did find a computer store and they did resurrect the computer with the thesis happily waiting for me.

Not this round though. It's pretty dead this time. I'm picking out a new one as a computer is pretty necessary for me. Sadly, a few pictures were eaten in this process . . .

A big thanks to the awesome roomie Kirsten for loaning me her computer during the day.

Oh, and while I have your attention - back up your computer files . . .

More Holiday Food

Everyone should have a guaranteed hit dish for the holidays. Our family has one that always hits it out of the park - Jello salad. Don't laugh. Know, it's terribly mid-western, but believe me, there are some holidays where its been the only thing edible. One Thanksgiving, it was the only thing we could actually eat and enjoy - the turkey was rubbery, the potatoes tasted like paste, the vegetables were over cooked, the rolls undercooked, and the pie raw. Thank God for the Jello Salad.

Our Jello Salad is a little different than the typical Jello Salad (does that make any sense?). You'll need the following items:

24oz. Jar of Regular Apple Sauce
2 sugar free packets of Raspberry jello
24 oz. of Diet 7-Up

That's it.

Dump the Apple Sauce in into a saucepan and bring to a boil. While this is reaching boiling, use the jar to flatten the fizzy soda, pour the 7-Up in the jar and let it sit. When the apple sauce is boiling slowly add the jello into the mix. Stir quickly or it will clump.

Let mixture cool slightly and then stir in 7-Up - Note: If you haven't let it go flat stir it in a little at a time as it will bubble and spill over.

Once soda has been added, pour mixture into the serving bowl and place in refrigerator.

This is also a nice recipe as you can make it the day before and it's ready to go. If you make it the day of, make it early to give the jello time to set.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Which means it's pie time! One pie in particular - Mincemeat. Before you wrinkle your nose and ask me -- What?!? Let me explain - Mincemeat has nothing to do with meat. Nope. No cows, chickens, pigs, etc were harmed in the making of this pie. Mincemeat is apples, pears, and raisins in a heavy syrup that's spicy and sweet. It smells very pungent and most places in the US don't make it - luckily for us folks it comes in jars and you can make your own.

Roll out your pie crust available in the refrigerator section of the grocery store and line the pie plate with it.
Pie filling loaded into it's shell . . .

There are a few companies that make Mincemeat - but the best is Crosse and Blackwell. You'll need two jars for a standard pie.

Fold the top layer of crust over to make it easier to place on top of the pie.

Trim excess crust, wet edges to get it to seal, and crimp shut. Take a knife to vent top of pie. Before placing in oven at 350 for 45 min - put a ring of tinfoil around the top of pie to keep it from burning.

Remove from oven and let cool. Serve with whip cream.

Admittedly - Mincemeat is not my favorite kind of pie. But it's a family tradition and my Dad's favorite, so it wouldn't be the Holiday's without it.

I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here

I'm back in New Jersey for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Now if you are of my generation, odds are you are familiar with this movie:


Unless your like my strange roomie Kirsten who has NEVER seen this movie.

Even if you are a fan, you might not know that this movie was partially filmed in West Long Branch, NJ at Monmouth University. The University's campus is based around Woodrow Wilson's Summer House (read: Mansion). It serves as Daddy Warbuck's Mansion in the movie.

This might look familiar:

If the outside doesn't, perhaps the inside does . . .

It was all I could do to not run around singing and dancing . . .

Tweed Ride DC

Ever have the urge to put on Tweed hats, vests, jackets, pants, get on a bike, and ride through DC? Me too. That's why this last Saturday I was pleasantly surprised to find an entire pack of tweed clad cyclists peddling their way through downtown.

It was the group Dandies and Quaintrelles on their second annual Tweed Ride. This group is also responsible for the Seersucker Social held earlier this summer. I will be keeping my eye on this group, it looks like they have a lot of fun. You can find out more about them here.

Here's some pics of the fun:

Rosemary Jelly

With apples in season, I just couldn't help myself. I decided to try and make Rosemary Jelly.

All you need - Apples, Rosemary, and lemon

Pull off the leaves on the Rosemary and save the stems. Put the leaves on a baking tray. Pop in the oven for two hours at 200 degrees. This dries them out.

Cut 2lbs of apples up (chunky as you like, feel free to include stems and cores). Put on the stove and add 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook until it becomes mush. Put a layer of cheesecloth inside a strainer and then pour mush into strainer over a bowl.

Leave the mixture to strain overnight. (Again, if only I followed directions . . . )

The following day (after the mixture has strained all night long), put on the stove and heat to a boil. Add the 2 cups of sugar and juice from the lemon. Cook for around 20 min or until the mixture begins to gel. Add rosemary leaves at the very end. Pour into sterilized jars and give them the hot water bath treatment.

Across Part of the United States

I have never really driven East when leaving Kansas City. After living in Los Angeles for five years, most of the time - I head West. But thanks to needing to pick up the car here are some pics of my adventure heading East -

Leaving early, early in the morning - (as in before 8 AM . . .)

I grew up going to St. Louis on the weekends and I still love going through. We didn't have much time as I needed to get back to DC, but we did manage to stop at the Hill. It's the Italian section of the city. There you can find the most wonderful food. My favorites? Try Amighetti's for fresh baked bread, lasagna, and sandwiches. The whole place smells like heaven.

While your there, head down the street to the Missouri Baking Company located at Edwards and Wilson. Their pastries are awesome! Shelves filled with Josephines, Napoleons, cream puffs, cannollis, biscotti, and other delicacies await you! My favorite is the Josephine - white cake, a layer of strawberry filling, a layer of cream on a heavy base and dusted with powdered sugar. This bakery has been in business since 1915 (?) and it's now being operated by the family's 4th generation. While we were there an elderly lady stopped by and said she'd worked there as a teenager during WWII. Don't forget to check out the oven mitts framed on the wall - in use from 1915 to 2007!

So many options, so little time!

Ohh yum! In back are the Josephines covered in powdered sugar, a piece of German Chocolate cake peeks out of the corner, two chocolate cream puffs sit on the right, and a sugar rose tops a Napoleon.

We also drove through the beautiful city of Louisville, Kentucky! We didn't have a chance to stop, but I'm definitely adding this city to my list of must sees! It looked beautiful!

And of course there was a small surprise for us as we reached West Virginia . . .

SNOW! Just a light dusting, but enough to remind us that winter is well on its way.

Back in DC

I have returned! Earlier than expected after the series of car issues. We had a beautiful drive back - pictures to follow when I locate the connector from the camera to the computer (which has gone missing . . . again. Apparently I never learn . . .)

Another lovely trip to Kansas City - can one ever get tired of the Plaza?

Or Mass St. in Lawrence?

That said, I'm ecstatic to be back in my apartment and returning to regular activities. I have several projects which I'm staring to work on and will hopefully finish before the busy holiday season takes over.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to all! I hope you've eaten too much candy and jumped out of the dark at at least one person. Pumpkin carving was the key to my Halloween this year. I haven't done this is ages. I've forgotten how much time it takes. Here's a sample of our work. Mine is on the left and my dad's is on the right. Is it any wonder we didn't get that many trick-or-treaters?

The Strange Woman

I'm not the only one in the family with projects. In fact, I'm usually the one with the least amount of project, but as of late - that's not been the case.

My sister, Kate, has been up to no good - but in a creative sort of way. Earlier this year we saw these cool clutch book purses at Kate Spade. After a little investigating and creative sourcing, we figured out how to make our own.

First we went and found some old "vintage" books at used book stores. You have to find hard book covers that are actually printed on the hardcover - remove the dust jacket and look underneath. Then Kate when out, purchased some fabric and notions that matched the books hardcover. She exacto-ed the pages out (I know, I know - but sacrifices must be made in the name of cool fashion items) and inserted the fabric. After adding on the handles (only if you want to!) she had a really cute purse.

She's currently making more . . .

Interred With Their Bones

Looking for a good read? Try Interred with Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell. If you're like me and love research, Shakespeare, and a little action adventure - you'll love this. Think (and the poor author is probably so tired of hearing this . . .) Da Vinci Code - but so much better, which isn't hard because I still haven't forgiven Dan Brown for the sin that was The Lost Symbol (I don't think the man has ever been to Washington, DC or even looked at a Metro map . . .).

The story centers around Kate - a scholar who as given up Shakespeare academia for good and gone in the direction of directing when her mentor shows up with some big news. But life rarely lets anyone in Fiction have good news without a good deal of drama. Or in Kate's case - a murder mystery. It doesn't take long before Kate's being chased by some serious baddies and she's still not sure why . . .

It's a fast paced read and the research bits make me laugh, because I understand them - deeply. And really what researcher doesn't dream of being on an action packed hunt for a hidden gem? Library included.

And Back to Kansas City . . .

I know - am I ever where I'm supposed to be? I've come home to pick up my car, which until two months ago was my grandmother's car - so it's a little misbegotten. Its also a little bit still in the shop after a cracked oil pan was discovered. Which means at this point I'm not sure how long I will be in Kansas. My mom and I were going to leave on Monday. Estimated Time of Departure is currently Wednesday at the earliest. But as it can't be helped, we're making the most out of the situation.

Which in my family translates to cleaning things. We're going through boxes (my old stuff which has been in the basement for the last 10 years) and sorting through my Grandmother's belongings. And is there a lot of stuff to go through. But it's just stuff. And as I've just moved, I'm not all that keen to move more stuff. So, I'm proud to say, I'm getting rid of stuff. And not just here in Kansas City, I've been busy back in DC sorting through things and finishing old projects.

I'll have a project update when I get back to DC - I've been going through my crochet bag and completing loads of half - almost-but -not-quite projects. Yes, this means that I am actually putting two arms on those baby sweaters (I sometimes get done with one and the thrill is gone . . .) and scarves and mittens . . . well you get the picture - and I'll get the pictures up upon arrival.

But it's been a rather productive few days just getting all those loose ends tied up - projects, boxes, cleaning and all.

I'll let you all know when we head out. Hopefully the car won't take too long!

The Good and the Bad

The summer is over - sigh! Sadly my garden yielded tasteless tomatoes, but other people had more luck. I decided to try a spaghetti sauce recipe with the ones that ended up in my kitchen. Too bad I picked a terrible one to try! Whatever you do, if you find a recipe that calls for brown sugar - don't do it! Just say no!

Boiling tomatoes to peel off the skins.

Chopped veggies for the mix-

Again - bad choice of ingredients, so I won't bother posting the recipe.

However! At the same time, I decided to do sun dried tomatoes in oil-

These were good!

Slice 12 Roma tomatoes the long way into fourths

Sprinkle 2 tbsp sugar, 3 tsp oregano, and salt and pepper over the tomatoes

Place the tomatoes on baking sheets (don't let them touch) and put them in the oven at 175 degrees for around 8 hrs.

Tomatoes should be dried out!

Add 3 tbsp white wine vinegar and 1 cup extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan.

Boil.

Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper

Let mixture cool

Put dried tomatoes in sterilized cans and pour oil mixture over the top. Add more oil if tomatoes are not covered. Tightly screw on lids. Use within two weeks.

*Do not use a hot water bath to seal jars - oil mixtures do not work with this method!*

Loading Dried Tomatoes into the jars

Just Keep Calm and Put the Hook Down!

I'm enjoying crocheting. I've even threatened to crochet my living room during my work hiatus. My aunt has requested I crochet a Mini Cooper Cosy. BUT I hear by promise to never make any of the following . . .

http://whatnottocrochet.wordpress.com/

Roomie Kirsten and I were dying laughing - just another killer Saturday night . . . Looks like someone's beaten me to crocheting the bathroom. Oh, yeah, and don't miss out on the Lemmings (complete with pickax and steps - but hey! No lemming bomb with little lemming pieces spread out?!?!)

What I'm Watching

About a year or so ago I discovered British television. British television has greatly improved over the years and now I think it's better than most of the stuff you can find on TV here in the States. You have to adjust to the shorter seasons - instead of the 22+ episodes you get over here, their shows range from 6 to (if your really, really lucky) 13. But this means the story lines are tighter and with less repeated events. Every single episode really counts!

Thanks to netflix I got hooked on a show called MI-5 here in the States (It's called Spooks everywhere else). If you like spy dramas - this one takes the cake, absolutely wiped the floor with anything similar. It's currently broadcasting its 9 series (their not called seasons across the pond). The action draws you in but fantastic characters and actors keep you interested. Spy master Harry Pierce (Peter Firth) and brainiac Ruth Evershed (Nicola Walker) alone are fascinating to watch.

And from there, I've branched out into all sorts of great programs. If spies aren't your thing (you're missing out! - MI-5 is available on instant view on Netflix!), try Doctor Who (the latest versions) and it's spin-off Torchwood - Doctor Who is a great standing British tradition and it took a few episodes before I really began to enjoy it.

If you enjoy mysteries - try Wire in the Blood or Touching Evil. Chilling stories, well written and detailed!

Feel good comedy/dramas? Try Kingdom - with Steven Fry! It's hilarious and I was so sad it hear it was cancelled! Also the short lived Married, Single, Other - or William and Mary.

Curtains Up!

Literally in my case.

I'm still settling into my new place, still battling boxes and am now looking at the daunting task of switching around the summer clothes to the winter clothes - but today I decided to work on the curtains. There's this space above my built-in desk with a large shelf and I've managed to fit two shelves on the shelf (if that makes since). As the new place has almost no storage, I've turned this into storage. And to hide the boxes on the shelves, I've used a tension rod (the kind you find in showers) and put the sheer curtains up from the last house on them. Originally, they were too long and (being sheers) you could still see through them. So today I took them down, trimmed them up and took some beige fabric and backed it against the sheers. It looks much better - now I just need to finish the actual curtain hung in the windows, but that's for another day.

I also applied to two jobs (yay!), made a trip to the grocery store, read a little, did two loads of laundry, and cut out fabric for my next project - I'm making purses, but still need a few materials before continuing. But here's to being highly productive!

The Last Fruits of Summer

My final summer jamming project for the summer was White Plums and Red Plums - while the white plums were great (also picked by my sister before she left), the red plums were to die for. For every plum that made it into the pot, I'm pretty sure I consumed one.

Very easy recipe again:
6 cups cut up fruit
2 cups sugar
1 tbs. lemon juice
1 packet of pectin

Remove the pits!

Chop!

And boil!

Oh, yeah - don't forget the cans!!

Pickled Beets!

My sister before she moved found a great pick-your-own farm near DC. Over the summer, she's brought me some fruit and veggies . . . and 20 lbs. of beets. So what do you do with these tasty roots? Pickle them!

One huge beet!

Washing them off and cutting the tops and bottoms off.

Get your cans prepped!

We did three different recipes - one was for spicy picked beets, one for beet relish, and one regular pickled beet. We boiled beets and baked beets -

Here's Jodie pulling beets out of the oven . . .

And the final product! We had a taste tester try the beets a few weeks later and they passed with flying colors~ I don't know if I do beets again, they were quite a bit of work and it was very messy. Not to mention we all had purple hands at the end.

Itty Bitty Baby Sweaters

And now it's October! Which means sweater season (especially seeings how it's more like late November out there) and at long last all the baby sweaters I've been working on will finally come in use. Here's a few that are done (with both arms - I have a tendency of only finishing one arm and then getting distracted and as my roomie points out -there aren't that many one armed babies out there . . .)

A white ruffled sweater dress . . .

An organic cotton light weight sweater in oatmeal . . .

Detailing on the sweater . . .

I love this one - I added more to the sleeves, the pic color is a little off so . . .

Here's the actual color of the thicker organic cotton.

I'm still crocheting away - finishing up a few blanket and a jumper for a cute little one in Kansas - more to come!

A Solo Canning for the Canned

Earlier last month, I made cherry jam. As Trinh was out of town I made a mess all by myself. I don't know about you, but the cherries available at the store this year were so unbelievably good! Sweet, firm, and juicy - I purchased these while on sale. Not wanting them to go to waste, as I was leaving the following week, I decided to can these beauties - it's pretty simple:


Wash those beauties!

Pit them - I didn't have a cherry pitter, so I cut them in half and forced the pit out - I had very red stained hands as a result!

Throw them in the pot:

6 cups cherries

2 cups sugar

1 tbs. lemon juice

Bring to a boil and reduce heat for 5 min. Add a packet of pectin (liquid or powder) stir in and continue to heat for 2 min. Pour into heat-treated clean jars and give them the standard hot water treatment.

Sweet and good - I like this recipe because some jams and jellies require so much sugar, I try to limit it as much as possible to really let the fruit shine through.