But First, Thanksgiving

Every year for Thanksgiving I think I'm going to plan weeks ahead to give you all kinds of recipes for the feast.  The big meal is upon us and here I am behind again.  In keeping with the theme of simplicity for the late fall and winter holidays I've decided just to give you one recipe.  If there's any dish that keeps popping up every year it's this one.  I'm trying a couple of new sides and desserts this year, but I won't share those until I know they're good ones.  But this salad is one I tweaked to taste like something my Aunt Mitzi would make for either Thanksgiving or Easter.  It's a bit decadent what with the bacon, sour cream, and sugar but I've indicated substitutions when possible.

Mitzi's Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad
Serves 6-8

I love the sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy, and chewy components of this salad.  Unfortunately it's best the day it's made so make just enough for Thanksgiving day.  I intend to hit the farmers' market early this week to pick up my brassicas for this dish.

1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
1 small head broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and diced
1 medium sweet (or yellow) onion, chopped
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. sour cream (or plain whole milk yogurt)
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. sugar (you can try honey or granulated xylitol or simply cut back on the white sugar)
1/3 c. shredded/grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. raisins

Toss together cauliflower, broccoli, bacon, onion, and celery.  Combine sour cream/yogurt, mayonnaise, and sugar.  Add to vegetables and toss gently.  Add Parmesan and raisins and toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temp.

Aside from mentally and physically preparing for Thursday's company and feast, trying to get my head around the December holidays, and otherwise holding things together around the house, I've found small pockets of time to finish some sewing and knitting projects.  I always think I need to have huge blocks of time to move along with my craft projects, but even in fifteen or twenty minutes I can put in a zipper, turn up a hem, set in some sleeves, or decrease and cast-off for a winter cap.

With the cold weather teasing us I thought I'd better get working on the balaclava I planned for V.  I knew that if we wanted to keep walking the few blocks to school all winter that I needed to find a way for V to keep her nose, mouth and head warm all at once.  Of course, a scarf tied around her hood would work, but I thought a balaclava would be easier for her to put on and take off by herself as she likes to do these days.  If I made this again I would tweak the chin part of the front to be a little more snug, but the two or three times she's worn it already it's worked just fine.

I also found a few moments last weekend to finish a pair of pants for V that I'd started months and months ago.  It was one of the few patterns I've tried making from a book--tracing the pattern pieces onto tissue paper.  Fortunately V's only objection to this new garment was that it's not purple enough.  Oy!

Just not purple enough

Back in the summer I was on quite a roll cutting out all kinds of dresses for V, but only finding time to follow through on a couple of them.  Finishing the aforementioned pants got me rolling again and I decided to set a deadline for myself to finish one of the dresses.  Thanksgiving!  Why not have a new dress to wear for the holiday?  My mom gave me this darling woodlands corduroy over the summer so having her here for the holiday was another reason for me to finish soon so she could see it.  The pattern was one I bought on super deep discount a couple of years ago at the fabric store and the buttons were from a stash I've had for several years.  I absolutely love the fuchsia color of the corduroy.

Woodland Thanksgiving dress

Contrasting buttons

A little poof in the sleeve

Hoping to have a low-stress week to prepare for our company and meal on Thursday.  We're trying to keep the colds away in the process.  Elderberry, echinacea, and other various natural preventive remedies are in full effect. 

Time to Relax and Catch Up

It was a fairly productive week in the craft corner.  I'll attribute that to the personal time I had in the mornings while V at camp, which allowed me to feel rested and rejuvenated.  When the little one's nap time rolled around I felt motivated to sew instead of otherwise scrambling around the house.

The rest of my mornings spent on the eastside and downtown this week took me to a used book store, a  variety store moderne, an Italian specialty store, and back to the central library.  So if this week was any example the things I really love, I suppose that means I couldn't live without good food and books.  Ah yes--being surrounded by those things (and family, friends, peace, quiet...) are what bring me joy in life.

Although I mostly sewed for my daughter this week, I did happen to pick up a lovely vintage fabric remnant at Fischberger's yesterday.  V's always asking me what I'm going to make for myself, though it's truly more fun to sew for her right now.  I think I may put this fabric aside for a few months and consider using it to make a fun summer skirt for next year.  (I have the perfect "nude-colored" ballet top to accompany it.)

Loving this vintage remnant.  Perhaps I'll make something for myself...

At my return visit to the library today--where I spent the majority of my time scratching down the titles/authors of new books and adding them to my looooong reading list at home--I came across a craft book called Crafting with Cat Hair, which I didn't believe until I flipped through it.  What an interesting idea for using a "renewable resource."  Reminds me of my one-time attempt to card/spin dryer lint, which was an epic fail.  But kudos to those who attempt this pet-friendly hobby.  How very sustainable!  (Note to self: we still don't have a valid reason to get a kitty.)

The sewing I did for V this week included an art smock for home; her old one will be sent to school.  I had this airplane fabric for years--probably acquired it back when my nephew was a wee lad and I enjoyed sewing jammies for him for the holidays.  I know for sure I got it at the thrift store.  The smock was a super easy pattern I found secondhand and I rather enjoyed edging it with all the double-fold bias tape, which I realized I haven't worked with nearly enough, as fun as it is.

Art Smock or Apron--not oil-cloth or anything, just cotton

Almost a little hospital gown-ish from the rear

The second project the latter part of this week was a quick and fun stretch knit dress for V.  Again, a secondhand pattern as well as secondhand fabric.  No notions needed other than thread.  It may be hard to tell from the photo, but it's a very subtle pink color that I would call "ballet pink" like the pale shade of their tights and leotards.  Truth be told, in the past I've been fairly nervous--okay totally freaked out--about sewing on stretch knits.  I've finished a project or two with this type of fabric, but was never 100% satisfied with the look of the final product.  So for once (SHOCKING!) I read further into the preliminary directions on the pattern and learned that if I used a very narrow zigzag stitch instead of a straight stitch that the seams would give a little bit and the final garment wouldn't look so puckered as I've experienced before.  It worked like a charm and I have to say I may now be hooked on knits.  I've been so inspired over the last six months by the wearable art of Courtney Courtney and so began amassing a stash of "found" or cast-off jersey knits since just after the holidays.  I have a particular women's T-shirt with flower screen print that I found at a rummage and I'd like to use it to make another one of these simple dresses for V.  With a long sleeve shirt underneath and leggings or tights, it could even be taken into winter.

Simple, delicate dress in "Ballet Pink."  If V will have it,
I'm thinking black tights, black Mary Jane's and a simple
black headband.

I want to make eight more of these.

Yesterday was also baking day.  There were some fresh, plump figs calling my name at the Italian grocery yesterday so I went for a little basket of them.  My immediate idea was to draw from one of the flavor combinations made popular by the first pastry chef I worked with--and would call my mentor--at the former Jean-Pierre Bakery.  Fig and Fennel it was and I translated this combo into some gluten-free muffins.

Fig and Fennel Muffins (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Makes 1 dozen

Not only are these breakfast treats GF and DF, but also free of white sugar.  I used a combo of maple syrup, sorghum syrup, and honey, but have noted how to consolidate below. 

I love these sweet, beautiful fruits!

1 c. coconut kefir (can substitute regular kefir or plain yogurt)
1/2 c. + 2 T. oat bran
2 large eggs
3 T. sweetener--can use maple syrup, sorghum syrup, or honey...or a combination of the three
2 T. olive oil
1 1/2 c. all-purpose gluten-free flour
1 1/4 c. oat flour (could sub. additional APGFF)
2 T. fennel seeds
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
2 t. baking powder
3/4 t. xanthan gum
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. grated dried lemon peel (or 1/2 t. fresh zest)
3/4 c. fresh figs, rinsed, trimmed, and chopped
1/2 c. toasted walnuts, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 400F and line/grease muffin pan.
In small bowl, combine kefir and oat bran to soften.  Let sit; mix remaining ingredients.  In bowl of food processor, combine eggs, sweetener, oil.  Process to combine.  In another bowl, combine flours, fennel, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and lemon peel.  Add wet ingredients to dry and process just long enough to combine.  Fold in chopped figs.  Fill muffin cups and top with toasted walnuts.  Bake 20-25 min. or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.  Cool then enjoy with preserves.

Fig and Fennel Muffins anyone?

I like them warm with butter--so much for dairy-free!

Hoping for a PBS spot we can call "The Ballerina Bakes."

One other "project" I recently "put together" wasn't much of a physical effort, though took some brainpower in order to consider my available resources.  I was feeling like I needed a bigger and better place to hang my earrings since the narrow piece of undecorated peg board I'd been using for a few years was getting crowded.  I started by looking for something to buy via Etsy and my search for "earring tree" not only brought back memories of some cheesy earring holder I'd gotten from Claire's boutique as a kid, but also turned up a couple of super creative ideas like this and that.  The style of organizers using a frame with screen made me realize that this wooden curio I found at the flea market a few years ago and used to store bits and pieces at my former desk could be rescued from its pre-donation position in the basement (meaning I'd been thinking of getting rid of it, but hadn't officially decided to put it in a donation bag and part with it) and repurposed.  Not only does this new earring holder have plenty of space for my bangles and dangles, but a convenient set of shelves inside for other bits of jewelry.  And it didn't require me to shell out any more money (though if I HAD purchased one I most certainly would have used Etsy.)

Et Voila!

Getting ready for another weekend of family time, tackling the garden, farmers' marketing, and getting together with some friends.  Summer's drifting away, but there's still a ton of activity in our fair city.  Enjoy your corner of the world in the days to come.

What's Me-Time?

Ready for Dance Camp

Last weekend I had the tremendous luxury of a day and a half without anyone relying on me. My husband took V to visit her grandparents in the Chicago suburbs so I was left to my own devices. The first half hour or more was spent panicking and turning in circles asking myself "what should I do first?" There have only been 3-4 nights in my daughter's entire life that I haven't been with her (no grandparents in the immediate area, otherwise I'm sure this number would be much higher by now...believe me, it's not that I haven't wanted to send her on an occasional overnight.) So what did I do with my unmommy time?  Went to the farmers' market, shopped some rummage sales and thrift stores, worked in the garden, sat in the yard and read a book, ate whatever I wanted as late or early as I wanted, sewed, stayed up late, watched a spot of TV, slept in, drank a ton of coffee, went to a movie, did some canning.  It was like "Mommy Gone Wild," right?!  Hardly, but I definitely had the chance to engage in everything I love doing and didn't feel rushed in the process.

This week V has a drop-off dance camp downtown in the mornings so I've found myself with even more free-time.  (I could get used to this.)  Honestly, it's been a great practice for BOTH of us in preparation for school this fall.  Leaving her in a room with a bunch of new people produced a little anxiety for her at first, but once I left she apparently opened up and had a great time.  Again, I spent my time doing the geeky things I love to do: went to our city's gorgeous Central Library and poked around at the used bookseller to find some craft and children's books and a couple of paperback novels for myself.  Ended my morning respite at one of my old Brady Street haunts drinking coffee and reading the library book currently in my possession.  Ah!  Felt so good to breathe.  Today it was a little of the same--coffee and reading--but I also spent some time walking along our gorgeous, sparkling lakefront and realizing I haven't spent enough time enjoying it yet this summer.  What will tomorrow morning hold?  Have always wanted to check out Fischberger's Variety so currently that tops the list.

These breathable mornings have helped me feel more relaxed in the afternoons.  I was motivated to get at a sewing project in the pile (literallly, a PILE) of patterns I've cut out and queued up to make for V for this coming school year.  This skirt was a really quick and fun project.  The fabric was a recent cast-off from my mom and the multi-style skirt pattern I got for pennies at the thrift store.  I reached a point of confusion yesterday where I thought I'd found an error in the directions--and went as far as crossing out what I viewed as a mistake--only to reinstate the step a half hour later after I'd erred, ripped out, erred again, ripped out, and finally decided that I wasn't, in fact, smarter than the pattern/designer.  Humbling.

FRONT: V's new skort or as she calls it "squirt."

Back--with adjustable elastic band--made to last.

And a peek underneath.  Can't wait to see this one styled with tights!

Interesting how zukes "sweat" like this when sliced.

The garden took a significant trimming over the weekend and now feels more aesthetically pleasing and ready for its next phase of production.  Blackberries are done.  Tomato plants are toppling over with the weight of their plump still-green orbs, zucchini production has dwindled though holds steady despite the recent identification of squash borer, and basil is pret'near coming out of my ears.  (Do I smell pesto?)  I went ahead and bought some local slicing tomatoes at the farmers' market on Saturday because I really wanted to make this yummy looking spread, which will make its debut on some sort of nosh-plate-dinner (an occasional quick and simple meal option around the homestead) this week.

The rest of my homegrown blackberries ended up dried.
Hope to use them this winter in homemade granola.

Also, I meant to link to this article way before now, but was delayed due to our vacation.  Apparently someone thought my interest in wringing every bit of flavor and function out of our food would make a worthwhile story.  Again, I credit Tamar Adler for her lasting inspiration.

Beating the Heat

Robin's nest atop our front awning

It's darn hot out there.  Curious things are happening with this drought.  My daughter seems to be coming down with a cold (what!?! in summer?!?) maybe because of all the time we've spent cooped up inside in the forced air.  And the insect pressure on my garden is more intense than ever.  Knock on wood, I've had very few pest issues in the six seasons we've grown vegetables.  I thought maybe it was that they just needed a few years to find the place, but have since learned that with this lack of normal rainfall the plants are severely stressed and therefore more susceptible to pests.  My cole crops (broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi) are being defoliated by flea beetles and I just realized this morning that even though my zucchini and pattypan squash are going gangbusters right now, the honeybees are sharing the flowers with a ton of cucumber beetles.  (It makes me itch just to think about them while I type.)  So far I have only tried the organic method called "squishing."

On a more positive note, the protective tulle I've put around my gooseberry plant has mostly helped keep the critters out though I discovered a small hole in this netting the other day when I saw a chipmunk fleeing with full cheeks.  I picked as many gooseberries as I could and found that they were very close to being ripe.  I'll be sure I prepare them to somehow balance the sourness via a natural sweetener.  Today I picked the first blackberry from our front yard bushes, which are loaded with fruit and backed by my complete confidence that the critters won't have any interest in them.  The golden raspberries are also coming along nicely.  As I predicted in late spring, it will be a good fruit year (minus the cherry thievery) at the homestead.

Pixwell Gooseberries!

We've been keeping ourselves cool lately by hanging out at a couple county parks wading pools, splashing in our own tiny inflatable backyard pool, eating lots of fruits with high water contents (most not locally grown yet, but worth seeking out), and spending time in the cool basement working on crafts and sewing projects.  On our nation's birthday yesterday, a day typically spent lounging or playing outdoors, we took cover from the extreme heat immediately after the neighborhood parade.  Between naps and family movie night (I recommend the movie "Toast" about food writer/chef Nigel Slater's interesting childhood relationship with food) V and I managed to squeeze a simple craft into the day.  I've been trying to engage her in at least one craft per week; this idea came from the Cool Crafts for Creative Kids.

Glitter Galaxy


In my opinion, this is one of the few good uses for corn syrup besides making homemade bubbles.  I found the jar/lid for 45-cents at American Science and Surplus where they have them in all shapes and sizes.  The glitter and metallic confetti I picked up nearly for free at a rummage.  This project cost close to nothing, but provides "hours" of fun--even my husband was enthralled by the final product. 

Jar with lid (we used a plastic jar since V's just 3, but you could use a glass jar for older kids)
Light corn syrup
Glitter, metallic confetti, aluminum foil
Water
Optional: plastic space alien or other far out objects (we used a button that looked similar to a UFO)
Markers and stickers to decorate the outside of the jar, is you wish
Super glue (especially for little ones who may be handling the jar and curious to open it)

Using warm water and soap, clean and remove any labels from your jar then dry it.  Fill jar 2/3 with corn syrup.  Add a few tablespoons of glitter and metallic confetti.  If you do not have glitter and confetti, cut the aluminum foil into tiny bits.  Roll the bits into balls to create planets.  If you have a plastic alien or any other spacey objects, add it to the jar.  Fill the jar to the top with water.  Put some super glue around the lid then screw it on tight!  Shake up the jar for a magical meteor shower!

Yesterday also allowed me some time to work on a sewing project or two.  I'm trying to make both Vera and myself a couple of summer outfits before our family vacation to SC at the end of this month.  I had this thrifted scarf in my fabric stash for the longest time and finally decided to turn it into a very cool (for HOT weather) top for her.  I worked with the fabric's striped border to make the straps and the "band" around the shirt's top.

I fell in love with the bold colors of this thrifted scarf

How fun are these hot air balloons!

Sun top, formally a scarf

I've also been entertaining myself by taking a couple of classes through the Milwaukee Rec. Department (versus teaching others all the time.)  I hadn't tried my hand at basket weaving since the annual spring Pioneer Days festival at my grade school 25+ years ago.  We used packing strips to weave a small basket, which I may use as a garden harvesting basket.  At first I was all thumbs then found my rhythm and realized I quite enjoyed the project.  I have a friend who's taken a similar class in the area and we've planned a craft day soon where we hope to use some recycled materials to make more baskets.  Look out now, I'm going to weave every long rigid piece of scrap I find into a useful vessel!  Just what I need is another hobby.

My first basket.  Very therapeutic!

Wild berry season is early this year as are most seasonal foods around these parts.  I more or less missed mulberry season--especially because I found that the usual tree from which I harvest in the park was whacked down recently.  But I've been out a couple of times to pick wild black raspberries and was able to gather enough to supplement my salvaged cherry crop to make a dessert for our Independence Day celebration.  You could probably use any kind of berry in this dish, but cherries and raspberries seem to go especially well with chocolate.

Cherry and Wild Black Raspberry Revel Bars--Gluten-Free
Makes at least 1 dozen

These could certainly be eaten by themselves, but I went a bit overboard in providing the dessert at a potluck on July 3rd.  Served them with home-canned Brandied Peaches and Sassy Cow Creamery's Pear Ginger and Salted Caramel ice cream flavors available at our local natural foods co-op.

1 c. butter, softened, divided (I used half butter, half coconut oil)
2 1/2 c. packed brown sugar, divided
1/2 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. xanthan gum
1/4 t. salt
4 eggs, divided
1 1/2 t. vanilla, divided
2 1/2 c. all-purpose gluten-free flour, divided
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
6 oz. semi-sweet mini gluten-free chocolate chips (I prefer Enjoy Life brand)
2 c. combination of fresh sweet cherries, pitted and raspberries

Adding chocolate almost isn't necessary, but certainly welcome!

1/2 c. slivered toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds, optional

Preheat oven to 350F.  Line 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil or parchment; set aside.  In mixing bowl, beat 1/2 c. butter on medium to high 30 seconds.  Add 1 c. brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt.  Beat until combined, occasionally scraping bowl.  Beat in 1 egg and 1/2 t. vanilla.  Beat or stir in 1 1/4 c. flour.  Stir in oats; set aside.

For filling, in saucepan stir remaining 1 1/2 c. brown sugar and 1/2 c. butter over medium heat until combined; cool slightly.  Stir in remaining 3 eggs and 1 t. vanilla; lightly beat with wooden spoon.  Stir in remaining 1 1/4 c. flour and the chocolate chips.

Set aside 3/4 c. oat mixture; press remaining into pan.  Spread filling, top with cherries and raspberries, dot with reserved oat mixture, and sprinkle nuts.  Bake 25 min., until top is light brown and filling is moist.  Cool on rack 1 hour.  Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.  Lift from pan; cut with serrated knife.  Store, covered at room temp.