tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28917784694207909402024-03-14T05:15:53.394-07:00Whoever has the most fabric, etc...Things to make and recycleAnnabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-77348748458323273312019-02-19T09:52:00.000-08:002019-02-19T09:52:25.754-08:00Orange Marmalade Drizzle Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Perfect for marmalade making season, this cake is quick to make and delicious. It is basically a sponge with the addition of orange zest, orange juice and a little marmalade. The 'drizzle' is made of sugar, orange juice and a tablespoon of marmalade. It can be served warm as a desert with cream or ice cream, or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee. It is not overly sweet and the topping adds just the right amount of sticky sweetness to make you want more. It keeps for a week if wrapped up tightly.<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b>For the cake:</b><br />
8 ounces soft margarine (Stork or Flora)<br />
8 ounces sugar<br />
4 large eggs<br />
8 ounces self-raising flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
juice and zest of half a large orange<br />
2 Tablespoons marmalade<br />
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<b>For the glaze:</b><br />
juice and zest of half a large orange<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
1 Tablespoon marmalade<br />
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Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.<br />
Add eggs, one at a time.<br />
Mix in two Tablespoons of marmalade.<br />
Sift dry ingredients.<br />
Add them gently to the wet mixture, taking care not to over beat.<br />
Add juice and rind of half a large orange and a little warm water to loosen the mixture, if necessary.<br />
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Put into a greased and lined 8" by 11" pan ad bake at 180 for 25 minutes until a skewer just comes out clean. Remove from the oven.<br />
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Melt the sugar, orange juice, zest and marmalade in a small pan.<br />
Pour evenly over the warm cake.<br />
Serve warm or room temperature.<br />
Can be reheated in foil for desert.<br />
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-26294392505549477912019-01-27T03:51:00.001-08:002019-01-27T03:51:34.769-08:00Baby Bandanas (Make do and Mend)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been making baby bandanas (rather unattractively called dribble bibs) for our first grandchild. Although I could start a pop-up shop with my stash, I didn't have anything suitable. They required soft, stretch fabric and I had purged all my old t-shirts a year ago. (Typical!) Then I remembered I had bought two pairs of soft jersey pyjamas which were still in the drawer but hardly ever worn. I managed to make five little bandanas out of them. I could probably make more but it would mean a lot of piecing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrMVOhdd3iy5nz4VB5PUL_6SdsSZ7QeKRKm0FTz3GMA_tG3qrG71uQ9bbGzuWBg9UreHi7J0GEwH5V4HsQFx6knxUt9CkCbM41S-dr5AceCOlXmvbZScfctY9YDiMpOhm8fBodVYPppI/s1600/IMG_3917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrMVOhdd3iy5nz4VB5PUL_6SdsSZ7QeKRKm0FTz3GMA_tG3qrG71uQ9bbGzuWBg9UreHi7J0GEwH5V4HsQFx6knxUt9CkCbM41S-dr5AceCOlXmvbZScfctY9YDiMpOhm8fBodVYPppI/s400/IMG_3917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The pyjamas I used for the bandanas.</b></span><br />
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The pattern is easy. Remember the paper hearts you cut out for Valentine's Day in primary school? It's almost the same as that. Each bandana 17" wide at the widest point and 7" deep.</div>
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Make a curve for the neck and add 1/4" seam allowances all around.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The pattern is cut on the fold.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The pattern folded out.</b></span></td></tr>
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To make, place the fabrics right sides together and stitch around the edges (1/4" seams) leaving a gap for turning. Clip, if necessary and turn to the right side, press and hand stitch the gap. Press again then stop stitch 1/4" from the edge.</div>
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Use a small piece of Velcro for fastening, stitching it on with a small zig zag stitch and they are finished.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcAN9FAfF2P7mr6nTZlO166KSqE_MGAzohr6xPPvap1l0zLCSbQZ_RLtvlWDqmg_JRilgV7sUtSHudJjSA_BsyMxu84NtLasOVXZO4DMSCvjVRYKGc0MryCJMaDpKNL4Drlwm837wo6I/s1600/IMG_3911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcAN9FAfF2P7mr6nTZlO166KSqE_MGAzohr6xPPvap1l0zLCSbQZ_RLtvlWDqmg_JRilgV7sUtSHudJjSA_BsyMxu84NtLasOVXZO4DMSCvjVRYKGc0MryCJMaDpKNL4Drlwm837wo6I/s400/IMG_3911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHfBuxFdO6InxwqePo6rSOICPpBZCwUPP-05nOoEbzata3rbQYYKwnltDWncosrMZv948w0ek8LgH1dq0aXe0McmCPbyhO_0uC0sXBIindymc80x8oViGQfU9hm4EEzk04sICTQNZY2U/s1600/IMG_3913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1600" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHfBuxFdO6InxwqePo6rSOICPpBZCwUPP-05nOoEbzata3rbQYYKwnltDWncosrMZv948w0ek8LgH1dq0aXe0McmCPbyhO_0uC0sXBIindymc80x8oViGQfU9hm4EEzk04sICTQNZY2U/s400/IMG_3913.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also made two posh bandanas for Flora with some Liberty jersey fabric which I had saved for bunting. Here is Flora, at four months, modelling one of them.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7sQuTZD6cQAFanNdGnbud9ae2D8JesqtYtS_VBzlq-L2AwWauBtG45NTgSKq0-ABc3hYg1lzVZWxmyX49NKP_dO3_A2WB8Vy2FOfwhA7Tq1Vvadwf5cAvL35cAAGhzXcLe1Y7cBsyrs/s1600/IMG_3916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7sQuTZD6cQAFanNdGnbud9ae2D8JesqtYtS_VBzlq-L2AwWauBtG45NTgSKq0-ABc3hYg1lzVZWxmyX49NKP_dO3_A2WB8Vy2FOfwhA7Tq1Vvadwf5cAvL35cAAGhzXcLe1Y7cBsyrs/s640/IMG_3916.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Flora looking pensive.</b></span></td></tr>
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Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-76908511739028756872018-09-22T10:41:00.000-07:002018-09-22T10:41:57.866-07:00 A Baby's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been digging around in the loft (attic) for ages to find the quilts I made for my children when they were babies. I've had one success - this quilt that I made for my daughter, Helen 34 years ago. Now she has a baby, born last week and called Flora. I'll be making a quilt for Flora as soon as I come up with a suitable design. Helen wants flowers for Flora's name and I think it could have other things as well such as butterflies and even a garden gate. I've looked on Pinterest and Etsy and I've found a few quilts to inspire me, but I want it to be an original so I must let the ideas develop and then I will get started. Sometimes it's best to play around with the design and then begin. I have lots of pieces of Liberty tana lawn for the flowers, but I don't know what to use for the background yet.<br />
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I made Helen's quilt using a ditsy print for the background and then picked out the colours from that. The sheep are fleece (what else?) and the clouds are broiderie anglaise. The heads and legs of the sheep are small floral prints too, but in darker tones than the background. I was very brave and did a bit of hand embroidery for the hills and Helen's name. I'm hoping I can still do that. I haven't done any embroidery for years. I wanted to keep it soft, so it is tie quilted. It was never on a bed or a cot, but used as a wall hanging in the nursery and it has never been washed which is why it has retained its shape. I'm afraid to wash it so I may take it to my dry cleaners and see if they can freshen it up without flattening it. Today I hung it up temporarily so I could photograph it and I am enjoyihg looking at it. I'm amazed that I managed to make it with two very small children to look after. What I remember it that it was a glorious escape. Many sewists say that sewing is their happy place and it was certainly mine, even though I remember their childhoods with pleasure.<br />
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I will have to brave the loft (not fun) to find the other one. Wish me luck.Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-78441374110931875652018-08-26T01:29:00.000-07:002018-08-26T01:29:26.759-07:00A Simple Pattern Hack - Adjusting a Neckline<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDngiCe0EENFkKn5JPLU5MZHVn8UnKVeL-RHxqFCYuzXOqwTrCb3p3TIzqTYrlO3T8_6XrdKtqF6O5V0mG9sMPbN-P18zhX93KUa95zylVPVKZ3Kma8YD_jZh6P5PGTOMX8vzTPVR9GQ/s1600/IMG_3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDngiCe0EENFkKn5JPLU5MZHVn8UnKVeL-RHxqFCYuzXOqwTrCb3p3TIzqTYrlO3T8_6XrdKtqF6O5V0mG9sMPbN-P18zhX93KUa95zylVPVKZ3Kma8YD_jZh6P5PGTOMX8vzTPVR9GQ/s400/IMG_3664.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The original pattern.</span></td></tr>
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I've been sewing up a storm. I've made three dresses this month! Having left my sewing machine in its box for nearly a year, this is amazing.<br />
Three things have motivated me: One is that I have been watching The Sewing Quarter on freeview in England on channel 73. It's brilliant. So many tips for sewing. Hubby laughs whenever he come in the room as it is on again. Two is that I am feeling very guilty about the enormous stash of fabrics I have been hoarding. Three is probably the very hot weather in London. I have been able to hide in the sitting room - the coolest room in the house and sew. Also, I have been able to produce things to wear in the heat.<br />
This dress is an example. It is very easy to make. It has a back zip and just a few darts for shaping. The blogger 'Handmade Jane' (<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: nowrap;">www.handmadejane.co.uk) </span>showcased this dress some time ago. Having made tops from another , very similar New Look pattern two or three years ago, I decided that although I liked the dress shape, the neckline would be too sloppy on me. The necklines on the tops don't stay in place. They move from side to side when I move. Wearing a crossover bag is a disaster as it pulls the neckline right out of shape. Although they are cool, I just feel untidy. The simple solution was to make the neckline narrower on the dress. I didn't make a toile this time; I just cut the pattern carefully, raising the waist and allowing for my less than hour glass figure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpekooHP58QLNx1F8bEf-GlIKPkFWP0JBARj9N8nnl4SSpAeWWZhBFnTAfgcCXRcL6A7Rl90Flc5pYLUW3l8IBb_QVLJwVGAB7SWCxFPN2YwIwzvLM9T-9bLDXJl2CKbmYpXdYVqbF5qs/s1600/IMG_2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpekooHP58QLNx1F8bEf-GlIKPkFWP0JBARj9N8nnl4SSpAeWWZhBFnTAfgcCXRcL6A7Rl90Flc5pYLUW3l8IBb_QVLJwVGAB7SWCxFPN2YwIwzvLM9T-9bLDXJl2CKbmYpXdYVqbF5qs/s400/IMG_2062.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The New Look Top which drifts around when I wear it.</span></td></tr>
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As for the neckline I made it smaller by one inch on each side, front and back (See photo.) and then just traced around it for make the facings. I knew I could make the neckline larger if I didn't like it. However, the result was a very pretty and flattering neckline - one that would not slip around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnDeRgAMn0SGxCVa1vphOl829HIU-FlgdEM5huVD-AjvVWBKv1mKBSpUQoIknO1436D_n_TEV3C4Ah_WhjchrVOMKYkfeGDq6TzgVjCXMFgKYSiKsfuLJ9cuDtY0d7P1dLFCQvRwqPis/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnDeRgAMn0SGxCVa1vphOl829HIU-FlgdEM5huVD-AjvVWBKv1mKBSpUQoIknO1436D_n_TEV3C4Ah_WhjchrVOMKYkfeGDq6TzgVjCXMFgKYSiKsfuLJ9cuDtY0d7P1dLFCQvRwqPis/s400/IMG_3665.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made the pattern adjustment by adding one inch to the front and back necklines and then using a French curve to blend in the cutting line. The dark lines are the neckline on the original pattern.</span><br />
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I used this Japanese fabric which has been in my stash for two years. I'm very pleased with the result as the neckline is flattering and it stays in place. It's amusing how much the dress reflects the 1960's. It would look great with 60's accessories, like pointy shoes and a Biba hat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr6qbeROATNnUPuaAc9w-0gewE9u0lhcxV1ZfH2sFoKwu47qVVeMGO2micbu0RbpKNLhPQfq2u7lZettu8JihtwPJfZNVDP3Kpi3LJvQkSnltVW78dxd7-YSlMCL2lZCurQoCadyZbKY/s1600/IMG_3660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1338" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr6qbeROATNnUPuaAc9w-0gewE9u0lhcxV1ZfH2sFoKwu47qVVeMGO2micbu0RbpKNLhPQfq2u7lZettu8JihtwPJfZNVDP3Kpi3LJvQkSnltVW78dxd7-YSlMCL2lZCurQoCadyZbKY/s400/IMG_3660.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The new neckline. Note the Japanese fabric. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The finished dress. Just add a hat and a large straw bag, perhaps the one in the pattern.</span></td></tr>
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N.B. Most of my friends will not wear sleeveless dresses any more, but to quote Sandra Bullock in <u>Hope Floats</u>, 'I'm fearless that way'.<br />
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-61847701982239844422018-08-21T01:44:00.000-07:002018-08-21T01:44:08.509-07:00Yummy Spinach and Bacon Salad<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFQZhHFFRoHLDTTXqsNzZm26PC6I0RFsr_RMTh7Go5qg_InPbm2fH-Uq58vg2TCbWNm9qxTvzq9Q7x8w7LQ1qJbLKtfc6ywB2RR4B3wjuRZCLeoZVNUeMNv0Wkm2JjnInndVG4PwzGLM/s1600/IMG_3649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFQZhHFFRoHLDTTXqsNzZm26PC6I0RFsr_RMTh7Go5qg_InPbm2fH-Uq58vg2TCbWNm9qxTvzq9Q7x8w7LQ1qJbLKtfc6ywB2RR4B3wjuRZCLeoZVNUeMNv0Wkm2JjnInndVG4PwzGLM/s400/IMG_3649.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Saturday lunch in our house is usually something like hamburgers, sausages and beans, full English breakfast and such like. Supper is a light meal in front of the TV if we are not going out.<br />
Last Saturday we were invited to an early evening barbecue, so I made a light and healthy meal for lunch - Spinach and Bacon Salad.<br />
It was delicious and I will make it again. I served it Jamie Oliver style on a platter to show off its loveliness.<br />
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This recipe makes two generous servings. Simply spread spinach leaves on the platter. Add chopped fruit (in this case, a nectarine and some white grapes but you could use any seasonal fruit, such as apples or even oranges or satsumas). Add chopped pecans. Chop up the bacon and fry it. Remove it from the pan and make the dressing using the crusty bits on the bottom of the pan, about 1/3 cup olive oil, a couple of Tablespoons of runny honey, a teaspoon of mustard and a Tablespoon of red wine vinegar.Drizzle thjs over the salad. For a vegetarian option you can omit the bacon and add cheese, such as goats cheese or feta which you place on top so as not to mash it up. Make the dressing in a jar or a bowl instead of the frying pan.Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-79872872434551503252018-08-19T06:54:00.000-07:002018-08-19T06:54:37.387-07:00Retro Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The original pattern, circa mid 80s.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Liberty tana lawn.</span></td></tr>
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Going through my stash of patterns, I found this one from the 1980s. As you can see by the price, it is the original. I made it for myself when my children were tiny but I received some comments about whether I was expecting again. I wasn't and decided I didn't like this dress all that much. However it was very comfortable and just the thing for hot holidays in the Dordogne in August.<br />
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This summer our daughter is pregnant with her first child. What better pattern than this one to accommodate the bump. I made it out of some beautiful Liberty Tana Lawn and she wore it for her baby shower when she was seven months. To my delight, she looks beautiful in it and there is plenty of room to grow for the next month.<br />
In fact, I was tempted to make it again for myself during this exceptionally hot summer in London, but I have found some other old favourites which I will be blogging soon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cornflower blue buttons add back interest.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The inspiration - a photo in a magazine.</span></td></tr>
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Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-51271269369640534882018-01-24T06:39:00.000-08:002018-01-24T06:39:07.552-08:00Six Vegetable Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a cold, wet, windy day in London and perfect for staying in and eating hot soup and crusty bread for lunch. That, plus all the admonishments to eat healthily in January after the excesses of the holidays, makes this a virtuous meal.<br />
The trick is to make it thick by using lots of vegetables and tasty by adding enough seasoning to give it a bit of zing when you dip your bread in and slurp it up.<br />
This soup is a variation of many soups that I make, but it's probably the simplest and it requires only what I already have in the fridge and cupboard.<br />
So, begin by assembling the vegetables you might have in the fridge. Get out the olive oil, butter, salt and pepper and fresh thyme (if you have it), plus some chicken or vegetable stock, or a stock cube. I sometimes have fresh stock, but more often I use a stock cube. If you do not have fresh thyme, use dried oregano for a similar taste.<br />
If, like many people you are going Vegan for January, omit the butter and use a vegetable stock cube.<br />
If you require meat, top the soup with a little crispy bacon.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
1 teaspoon buter (for flavour)<br />
1 nice fat leek<br />
2 medium onions<br />
2 or 3 sticks of celery<br />
2 or 3 carrots<br />
2 medium potatoes, peeled<br />
1 medium courgette or a few florets of broccoli<br />
water to cover<br />
1 stock cube<br />
a few sprigs of fresh thyme<br />
salt and pepper (Be generous with the pepper.)<br />
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Method:<br />
Chop all the vegetables.<br />
Put the olive oil and butter into a large saucepan and soften the leeks, onions and celery over low heat covered, for about five minutes.<br />
Add the carrots and potatoes and cover and cook for another five minutes.<br />
Add the courgettes, followed by enough water to cover, the stock cube and salt and pepper.<br />
Throw in the sprigs of thyme, bring to a boil, turn down the heat and cook for about 30 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender.<br />
Remove from the heat and take out the thyme stalks. (The leaves will have fallen off.)<br />
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.<br />
Using a potato masher or a stick blender, lightly crush some of the vegetables, leaving some texture in the soup.<br />
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Serve warm with crusty bread and butter. <br />
Makes a satisfying meal for four or five people.<br />
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-22808689049071861282018-01-21T03:33:00.000-08:002018-01-21T03:33:30.139-08:00Starting a Quilt in my own messy way...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's nearly a year since I last posted. I have had no desire to sew, even though I gave a few friends lessons in sewing. Now, however, I am fired up to make a new quilt. I have had the fabric for a few years and I even did a post on them (a long time ago). I cut out the strips last spring and then couldn't decide how to put them together. <br />
Yesterday I lay them out on a piece of wadding on the floor and played with them until I felt they were in the right order. It's a bit like putting together a puzzle. I roped in Hubby to help and his input was good. I don't always give him credit for his colour sense, (Well, sometimes it is non-existent.) but this time he came up trumps<br />
The rectangles are actually long strips and will form four patches each. I plan to stitch them together from left to right and then cut them up to make the whole process quicker. <br />
The pattern is loosely based on "Wisteria" from <i>Quilt Me</i> by Jane Brocket. I love this book because all the patterns are modern and not too fiddly. (I don't do fiddly.) My original plan was to do another pattern based on a whole collection by Lotta Jansdotter. (I have some of her fabrics already sewn into strips and will make another design with them.)<br />
The fabrics for this quilt are mostly Japanese, made by Moda, and I love the subtle colours and simple prints. The others have been added, thanks to a lovely woman at Creative Quilting in Hampton Court. She gave me an inordinate amount of her time to enrich the fabrics I already had and to bulk out the quilt.<br />
Right. Time to get the sewing machine out. Can't wait to get started.Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-9062331007624939342017-02-15T04:02:00.000-08:002017-02-15T04:02:51.995-08:00Make a Double-sided Blanket in an Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Finished dog blanket in beautiful colours. </span></b></td></tr>
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My friend Rita, who has a beautiful English cocker spaniel, is making dog blankets to sell. She was inspired by a blanket belonging to a friend and much loved by her dog who plays with it, sleeps on it and drags it around the house like a comfort blanket.<br />
The blankets are two pieces of fleece sewn together and stitched around the edges to give a nice finish. Simple and effective, these would also make great cot, crib and push-chair blankets. <br />
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<b>Here's how she does it:</b><br />
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Before you cut the fabric, ensure that the edges are square. This is not always the case when meterage is hand cut.<br />
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Carefully measure the fleece (this blanket is approximately 70cm by 55 cm but it could be larger, depending on the size of the dog).<br />
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Using a straight edge as a guide, mark and cut one piece of fleece to the correct size. Then lay this piece on top of the other piece, right sides together and cut the second piece.<br />
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Pin and stitch around the outer edges leaving a space for turning.<br />
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Clip the corners.<br />
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Turn to right side and hand stitch the gap closed.<br />
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Smooth the fabric out and top stitch about 1.5 cm from the edge.<br />
No pressing required. Your blanket is finished.<br />
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I plan to make some for all the new babies friends' and relatives' children are having.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbB1FHnJHG_3SccKBdzzIz_W-DGKSi1bk84hVrPA3PeECVxByzr8PBHYb1n74THI0-9wXHQbRAh4uS_flshgc8m3VsW7STSMvX2drrDlm1opkQDN1NNXuckHLVGaNf20nmVfKpqlTqgc/s1600/IMG_3001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbB1FHnJHG_3SccKBdzzIz_W-DGKSi1bk84hVrPA3PeECVxByzr8PBHYb1n74THI0-9wXHQbRAh4uS_flshgc8m3VsW7STSMvX2drrDlm1opkQDN1NNXuckHLVGaNf20nmVfKpqlTqgc/s400/IMG_3001.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Cutting the second piece of fleece by laying the first one on top of it.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQd1ds5DUFujCKYxatfVQt5ULayNMyFMJFeJz8lLyF0UocpXBAhnWW1M5AsAtUEKz2tI1JoWQ9vsNkh3VhpkpbFcC8FNeKxoNb95pZ7KgnGGQlZqZzEwYvg9DbXANc14Wo0I5Off0WPbs/s1600/IMG_2998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQd1ds5DUFujCKYxatfVQt5ULayNMyFMJFeJz8lLyF0UocpXBAhnWW1M5AsAtUEKz2tI1JoWQ9vsNkh3VhpkpbFcC8FNeKxoNb95pZ7KgnGGQlZqZzEwYvg9DbXANc14Wo0I5Off0WPbs/s320/IMG_2998.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Carefully trimming the edges.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijMPDvNaLuFBF6jS1pkmZdSwWAYDCXL8RR3SC_YrKr6HfxxIYElZOOUzn6Yk3nbzNGFBH61A7pgl2hU8PEDGeQduJDEi8V6XkP-xYeytKrBj65zx-b-u098HEpHz6hz0XZnCecAiFB_o/s1600/IMG_3009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijMPDvNaLuFBF6jS1pkmZdSwWAYDCXL8RR3SC_YrKr6HfxxIYElZOOUzn6Yk3nbzNGFBH61A7pgl2hU8PEDGeQduJDEi8V6XkP-xYeytKrBj65zx-b-u098HEpHz6hz0XZnCecAiFB_o/s400/IMG_3009.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Clipping the corners</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zfctV259NtZE3G8YLdCPG3wquAwGCS10n6RJg1a0iLqQX4id8yKaaggkmC4zO3eXXPnpbZm3hDschtMbga0BC9tD0aoOJzQM4fqL_mH9n6VtdDmla2oQ00PNfuxw-OzbUroYBYGkUGI/s1600/IMG_3011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zfctV259NtZE3G8YLdCPG3wquAwGCS10n6RJg1a0iLqQX4id8yKaaggkmC4zO3eXXPnpbZm3hDschtMbga0BC9tD0aoOJzQM4fqL_mH9n6VtdDmla2oQ00PNfuxw-OzbUroYBYGkUGI/s400/IMG_3011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Clipping the corners<br /></span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy__ix3ACwYgaEfIVmljNllpgScFzg099twnBC6XPYs1qyGLiNmESLXCnCf4QuI_jqFw-Nhx6X31xKe1Yjq-MRkoTcFACtxwUriQsh2NhYzuSBEhLzeqd2nBFvma9ULiH6rvv_jvRqFWU/s1600/IMG_3016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy__ix3ACwYgaEfIVmljNllpgScFzg099twnBC6XPYs1qyGLiNmESLXCnCf4QuI_jqFw-Nhx6X31xKe1Yjq-MRkoTcFACtxwUriQsh2NhYzuSBEhLzeqd2nBFvma9ULiH6rvv_jvRqFWU/s400/IMG_3016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Rita's Stash of Fabrics for the Next Blankets</span></b></td></tr>
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-77890032158674419332017-01-23T06:59:00.001-08:002017-01-23T06:59:53.980-08:00Apple Upside Down Cake to Make Ahead and Keep (if you are lucky)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This cake is quick to make, can be served warm or cold and will keep for several days in the fridge (as long as it is covered). We had some Granny Smith apples lurking n the fridge and Hubby very kindly peeled, cored and sliced them then cooked them in a little water until they were soft. I think he had apple sauce in mind, but G S's don't cook down like Bramleys do, so I used my pineapple upside down cake recipe to turn them into something delicious. The caramelised base was just the right compliment to the apples and the cake was wolfed down by everyone. I served it warm with ice cream but it is equally delicious with cream. I think you could make this cake without cooking the apples first, just put them in a little water with lemon juice to keep them from going brown while you assemble the cake.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEZkZp7VwDDZZEvqVWepV0rE3dy-RlN0tj0AV1Xc2MvEgICCO8JjDQ4CF-7QkcXSkhbhCJFrdB1TWY06b8_Sg9-0Dd2NYTTGDfzlEF6O-msQubBeKn4snADmDHm0YWRZNPJfNj92hthk/s1600/IMG_2079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEZkZp7VwDDZZEvqVWepV0rE3dy-RlN0tj0AV1Xc2MvEgICCO8JjDQ4CF-7QkcXSkhbhCJFrdB1TWY06b8_Sg9-0Dd2NYTTGDfzlEF6O-msQubBeKn4snADmDHm0YWRZNPJfNj92hthk/s400/IMG_2079.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The finished cake. Note the caramel glaze.</b></span></td></tr>
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
4 or 5 firm apple, peeled, cored and sliced<br />
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For the glaze:<br />
1 Tablespoon butter<br />
4 Tablespoons golden syrup<br />
1 Tablespoon soft brown sugar<br />
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For the cake batter:<br />
4 oz of butter or soft margarine<br />
4 oz sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
6 oz self raising flour, sifted<br />
3 Tablespoons milk<br />
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<b>Method:</b><br />
Preheat oven to 180 C or 350 F.<br />
e)<br />
Melt butter, golden syrup and brown sugar in the bottom of your cake pan. (I used a 9 " tart tin.)<br />
Revoke from oven and grease the sides of the tin.<br />
Carefully place apples slices on top of the warm glaze.<br />
Cream butter and sugar.<br />
Add eggs and beat well.<br />
Fold in the flour by hand and add enough of the milk to make the batter a dropping consistency.<br />
Drop the cake batter by large spoonfuls onto the apples, taking care not to move them about.<br />
Place the cake tin in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. <br />
Check that the cake is cooked by inserting a skewer into the centre of the batter. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.<br />
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.<br />
Run a knife around the edge of the pan.<br />
Place a plate on the top of the cake and flip it over.<br />
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Serve warm or cold with cream or ice cream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ8MlAxty_VQ3jbFu3clHQtjA_vrDWF39f1w9llk7F9k7ngr3bKr3IDzordlHguyKBLMwRz-W1aEJx0brJIGYYj04as8ZJHd5MyQIzJBDf4Ff8uDPNRIzVBhJVj6OZelSiur_L77i-hQ/s1600/IMG_2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ8MlAxty_VQ3jbFu3clHQtjA_vrDWF39f1w9llk7F9k7ngr3bKr3IDzordlHguyKBLMwRz-W1aEJx0brJIGYYj04as8ZJHd5MyQIzJBDf4Ff8uDPNRIzVBhJVj6OZelSiur_L77i-hQ/s320/IMG_2080.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>There weren't many slices left by the end of the evening.</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-58706217618365782482017-01-22T09:37:00.000-08:002017-01-22T09:37:16.530-08:00Dirty Eating - Cream of Mushroom Soup<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOCRqaFwyNkzuLPD_hChFXk8GrxWeRZnPD8xCnCMnhbqofwixG7UuyzN9F8PBGcnA5Q0R615NPTpxM6ho_hawIt_ZJ7WrWSE00oJjiwMKgXXB007ir7Cy7L_fgF2RQnU2M8dOdfHDtzE/s1600/IMG_2986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOCRqaFwyNkzuLPD_hChFXk8GrxWeRZnPD8xCnCMnhbqofwixG7UuyzN9F8PBGcnA5Q0R615NPTpxM6ho_hawIt_ZJ7WrWSE00oJjiwMKgXXB007ir7Cy7L_fgF2RQnU2M8dOdfHDtzE/s400/IMG_2986.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Home-made cream of mushroom soup</b></span></td></tr>
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It's January. It's cold out there and I have heard and read enough about dieting, exercising and 'clean eating'. What IS clean eating? We eat healthily with a few exceptions, but we are not fanatical about it. Nor do we have any food allergies (Of course I sympathise with those who do), but there is so much hype about existing on a kale leaf or a sludgy green smoothie after the Christmas indulgences that I feel no guilt about winter pick-me-ups like a dollop of cream, or a hearty steamed pudding. Yes, my tummy is bigger after the holidays, but I just intend to eat a LITTLE less.<br />
This recipe will brighten a grey day and make you feel good. You will see in the corner that I had mine with Ryvita, but that is just because we had no bread in the house. I sneakily topped it with a large helping of cream cheese to compensate.<br />
This soup is quick and easy to make and will serve four people. I have used it as a starter in days past when I made starters for three course dinner parties. These days Hubby does a roast or I do a casserole and we skip the starters.<br />
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<b>Mushroom Soup</b><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 knob of butter<br />
1 Tablespoon of oil<br />
1 onion or leek, chopped<br />
1 pound (450 grams) mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (Reserve a few for garnish.)<br />
3 Tablespoons flour<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon pepper<br />
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or two sticks of fresh thyme<br />
a dash of cayenne pepper<br />
bay leaf<br />
chicken stock or water and a stock cube to cover<br />
single cream to drizzle over the top (or a dollop of cream fraiche)<br />
chopped parsley (optional)<br />
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<b>Method:</b><br />
Melt the butter with the oil in a large saucepan.<br />
Add leeks or onions and soften (about 5 minutes).<br />
Add flour and stir to make a roux.<br />
Add seasoning and cook for one minute.<br />
Put mushrooms in pan and cover with stock or stock cube dissolved in water.<br />
Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.<br />
Remove bay leaf.<br />
Using a hand blender, blend the soup a little to thicken it, leaving some texture.<br />
Serve with sliced mushrooms to garnish and a little cream and parsley.<br />
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<b><br /></b>Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-20817852754940780132016-12-18T10:19:00.000-08:002016-12-18T10:19:09.829-08:00The Beauty of Christmas Memories - My Mother's Fruitcake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mLXZ0q8a5zWG7cj0WTQHSdhsWcP2iaSQDCat2YmAI6SPSX6r5i0aATYKo7hi2B5K1zdHEnUoZCv2Imw2u6sqDnFnTj2vSxBzs0KqFbm3z4rqB8hiPGvw7USPyqoMvZPVdDcQCvRm7Kw/s1600/IMG_2915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mLXZ0q8a5zWG7cj0WTQHSdhsWcP2iaSQDCat2YmAI6SPSX6r5i0aATYKo7hi2B5K1zdHEnUoZCv2Imw2u6sqDnFnTj2vSxBzs0KqFbm3z4rqB8hiPGvw7USPyqoMvZPVdDcQCvRm7Kw/s400/IMG_2915.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Christmas is a time when I most remember the past.. I do this by telling the story of every ornament on the tree; baking cookies from family recipes; and particularly, by making my mother's fruit cake.<br />
I'm sure I used to get under her feet when she was baking, but I always loved being in the kitchen with her. She taught me to love and respect food and to this day, I do.<br />
I have kept note of every fruitcake I have made - how successful it was- whether it baked perfectly or was underdone or over baked and this is a way of making sure that I have a good result.<br />
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The story of my mother's recipe is a charming one. As a young bride, recently moved from Canada to Detroit where my father found work, she lived in rooms in the home of a Scottish lady whose name I can no longer remember. This lady took my mother, only 19 years old and away from her family, under her wing. She taught her the proper way to make tea (always hot the pot) and gave her two fruitcake recipes - one light and one dark. We always preferred the light one and that is the one that was handed down to me.<br />
When I moved to England, I wrote and asked for the recipes and eventually, got a rather grumpy reply that this was the fourth time she had written it out for me. I found every one. Bless her. No computers then.<br />
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I used to see making fruit cake as a daunting task, and although we all love it, the whole recipe made five fruitcakes - way too much for us and our friends. Recently, I started making half the recipe. It makes three small loaf tins and all have been eaten by the end of the festive season, leaving us anticipating having the again the next year.<br />
It takes quite a lot of ingredients, but this year, I found all the fruit and nuts in the freezer. They kept very well and Hubby says they are the best fruitcakes ever.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-re8FV1NVvKBUSehGhQGISHnyZRh3D1iXbaqqzxPs5opTnBfK7WJploK-bF2FPGTMV7T-QNuQbamzCx13mAJzKUO5oaGA6mi4QTXySW7UV-KkhK3vEVU_Wkbbnj5SH48bHPdod9chNw4/s1600/IMG_2917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-re8FV1NVvKBUSehGhQGISHnyZRh3D1iXbaqqzxPs5opTnBfK7WJploK-bF2FPGTMV7T-QNuQbamzCx13mAJzKUO5oaGA6mi4QTXySW7UV-KkhK3vEVU_Wkbbnj5SH48bHPdod9chNw4/s400/IMG_2917.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">My Mother's hand-written recipe.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The fruit and nuts in a large bowl.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The loaf tins lined with parchment paper. I only used three.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Adding the batter to the fruit and nuts.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sampling the first one.</b><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
The Recipe</div>
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3/4 cup (6 oz) of soft butter</div>
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3 eggs</div>
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3/4 cup sugar</div>
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2 1/2 cups sifted flour</div>
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1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder</div>
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1/2 pound sultanas</div>
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I tub glace cherries</div>
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1/8 lb orange peel (Do not over do this. I did one year and it was unpleasant.)</div>
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1 small bag candied pineapple (about 4 oz)</div>
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1 - 1 1/2 pounds of mixed nuts. (I use almonds, Brazil nuts (broken up),</div>
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walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts (if I have them)</div>
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1 Tablespoon vanilla essence</div>
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1/4 teaspoon almond essence</div>
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1/4 cup sweet sherry, sweet wine or apple juice.</div>
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Mix the fruit and nuts in a large bowl.</div>
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In your mixer cream butter, add sugar and beat until pale yellow.</div>
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Add eggs one at a time and mix well.</div>
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Sift flour, salt and baking powder and stir into the mixture.</div>
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Dollop all the batter onto the fruit and nuts.</div>
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With clean, wet hands, mix the batter and the fruit and nuts together.</div>
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Put the mixture into loaf tins or other small tins, lined with greaseproof or parchment paper.</div>
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Bake in a pre-heated oven at 150 C or 300 F for 30 minutes.</div>
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Turn pans around to bake evenly. Cover with foil to prevent burning or uneven browning.</div>
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Bake another 30 minutes.</div>
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Test with a skewer. If the skewer does not have any raw batter on it, remove from oven and cool.</div>
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(We couldn't wait that long and ate some warm.)</div>
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When the cakes are thoroughly cool, wrap in muslin (or paper towels) soaked in sherry, etc.</div>
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Put in plastic bags or a tin and allow the liquid to infuse the cakes and soften them.</div>
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You may want to top up the sherry, etc, but they should not be soaking wet. You want firm cake that can be easily sliced.</div>
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Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-43972013834936340352016-08-24T03:01:00.000-07:002016-08-24T03:01:11.638-07:00Inspirations from France<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAbtIlPfpg0mt9l5sUVjb8kCOy99D5pQYcfGWlXxEWwWbSOZk19TNy0JSHyf_PAxAf-0Dx8J0o7ii2APz7vuoLzglRPm4bBF3Xe9JG6L_gpzyEcw5AKVE81SGJakGSawSOF9I02PXttM/s1600/IMG_2683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAbtIlPfpg0mt9l5sUVjb8kCOy99D5pQYcfGWlXxEWwWbSOZk19TNy0JSHyf_PAxAf-0Dx8J0o7ii2APz7vuoLzglRPm4bBF3Xe9JG6L_gpzyEcw5AKVE81SGJakGSawSOF9I02PXttM/s400/IMG_2683.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My husband calls this The Button Shop. I call it heaven.</b><br /><br /><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
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I have not blogged much this year. Nor have I done much sewing. A summer in France has been my inspiration to get sewing again - and blogging. Here are some things I saw that inspired me.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVZUkRCQoY4gcmYOOb_H294qO9CVp-jtNa46HAwuuSyEem9YF5AZ0-2dOEZ49QOsVtGAZV4KbvcaEOaPTBXHyYD6iB4EP9oVTeg49OSE_nbRZcNskiVwnYswgrbwzYiLlj8SeI42ioNs/s640/IMG_2690.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></div>
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<b>Purchases from La Drogerie: Sticky circles for my friend to use on bunting, a scarf to add tassels to for another friend, a small piece of very bright fabric and a notebook for me.</b></div>
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<b>Interior of La Drogerie seen from the window.</b></div>
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<b>Buttons and Trims.</b></div>
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<b>An amazing boutique (they still exist in France) of original things.</b></div>
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<b>Another very chic boutique filled with vintage things. Love the chair.</b></div>
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<b>African bags. These would be fun to make in the tradition of the African-inspired dresses seen on The Great British Sewing Bee.</b></div>
Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-320669505924431542016-06-25T02:09:00.001-07:002016-06-25T02:09:19.019-07:00Educating Rita - to Sew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXxCoo2SoLKVnQ4C7UbBmNfWlkPJK0OgKVZPer3baECDen3cIOVxCq4kahC2v2MNiJg2_cNCCP4zEOGt4EO4xv5QSvWgXZx1lqpYZFLsjRiIPh8uZ0EOS8T-2_TogBkaDbpm6ZxuKXQs/s1600/IMG_2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXxCoo2SoLKVnQ4C7UbBmNfWlkPJK0OgKVZPer3baECDen3cIOVxCq4kahC2v2MNiJg2_cNCCP4zEOGt4EO4xv5QSvWgXZx1lqpYZFLsjRiIPh8uZ0EOS8T-2_TogBkaDbpm6ZxuKXQs/s400/IMG_2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
My lovely neighbour, Rita, asked me to teach her to sew. She was one of the few people who actually sewed at sewing club. She started by making pyjama bottoms and moved on to making a top (see left) out of the left over fabric. I suggested a top as she can learn various techniques which she can use for other things. The top has facing and interfacing, slit sides and will be bound at the armholes with bias binding.<br />
Rita's mother was trained in tailoring in Italy when she was a girl and she, like my mother, made lots of clothes for her children. Consequently, Rita knows some things about sewing, for example, how to hand sew a very neat hem, but she wants to know more.<br />
In between lessons, she made a pin cushion., beautifully stitched and finished with buttons on both sides.<br />
The next project is a covered foam cushion for an outdoor bench.<br />
Watch this space to see the finished pyjamas and the cushion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE6hwTZT6w-3wtJRIo8q4ArxTwoRhVf6hrLaxGUaifLcPMUS5HArFoN3cS7CPWYDbRaVs2eKBB2J20HON8iiX9694EMVkO56K3YQzyMtyTDaY65kTHbczMEwri65qchKh8454L_KTkHw/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirE6hwTZT6w-3wtJRIo8q4ArxTwoRhVf6hrLaxGUaifLcPMUS5HArFoN3cS7CPWYDbRaVs2eKBB2J20HON8iiX9694EMVkO56K3YQzyMtyTDaY65kTHbczMEwri65qchKh8454L_KTkHw/s400/IMG_2527.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The beautifully made pin cushion.</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-49383416940205486022016-06-21T02:32:00.000-07:002016-06-21T02:32:33.298-07:00Liberty's Take on the Great British Sewing Bee<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm6dCCzh8hJ03TqrSaSWwRHL5cZwVd6xzr2gS49C28mpR9xPx3tZAKv_Q1R83xFczBzgmtNlC-zUfWmixaMEZ0HeT__F1kb8aExuRXO6yb2kUZ9CmxOxBM8FjSSAewtbYpgQRYsP6o38/s1600/IMG_2530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm6dCCzh8hJ03TqrSaSWwRHL5cZwVd6xzr2gS49C28mpR9xPx3tZAKv_Q1R83xFczBzgmtNlC-zUfWmixaMEZ0HeT__F1kb8aExuRXO6yb2kUZ9CmxOxBM8FjSSAewtbYpgQRYsP6o38/s400/IMG_2530.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>One view of the African dress<br />Clever use of two fabrics.<br />The 'grass' underneath it is <br />made of tape measures.</b></span></td></tr>
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Liberty's sale is now on. It's an excellent opportunity to stock up on Tana Lawn at half price - lots of 1 metre pieces for £12.95. Guess what? I DIDN'T BUY ANYTHING! Hubby checked my pulse when I came home.<br />
Why didn't I buy anything? Because the night before I was looking for something in my fabric cupboard and I was shocked at how much fabric I already have. Just didn't find anything at Liberty that I felt I had to add to it.<br />
Nevertheless, going to Liberty is my idea of heaven. I love the building, the displays, the clothes, the home furnishings and most of all, the fabric department. Sometimes it's enough just to look.<br />
What I did see, was the Liberty interpretation of two of the dresses from the 'Eastern' week on GBSB - the African dress and the Mondrian dress (which I remember from my youth). Both were lovely and worth seeing. <br />
Last week I bought the Mondrian pattern and plan to make it - sometime. If I do, it will be in the solid, bold colours of the original. Still, the Liberty one is fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A different take on the Mondrian dress.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Liberty fabrics are fun.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Another view of the African dress.<br />I loved the wax printed fabric used on GBSB<br />but I also love this.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77lncKHNfbe6gPbgoMdKvDbh4TDR8hHQcJNjnJ-kfvJqBLX0_ontbU13TyV0G0fVQRJ0hy64eLLrv4Sb80ipP_rVHC94gBVBL1SbQij9a2Ox0FFFlL5Z9pqc5N-Wt-vQ4UllIdTaX714/s1600/IMG_2533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77lncKHNfbe6gPbgoMdKvDbh4TDR8hHQcJNjnJ-kfvJqBLX0_ontbU13TyV0G0fVQRJ0hy64eLLrv4Sb80ipP_rVHC94gBVBL1SbQij9a2Ox0FFFlL5Z9pqc5N-Wt-vQ4UllIdTaX714/s400/IMG_2533.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My lunch A teeny, tiny crab and fennel salad with avocado mayonnaise.<br />I could have eaten three of then! Delicious.</b></span></td></tr>
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<span id="goog_231201394"></span><span id="goog_231201395"></span><br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-50672987990103942472016-06-08T04:22:00.000-07:002016-06-08T04:22:03.093-07:00Another Easy Mid-Week Meal - Pasta with Bacon and Mushrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNEtq4fzQDjd_DWtnHe_VnoytaB-hBavQ5PfS7QJqYHQeYjzlazBPJnmJUPU8jIy3kx0OT6ObFYfmmpNDc_KmaetniW8L7m7-I6CTcVzy23LidFECH2WOQa38XzQKM9MFEaNgsoHlwSc/s1600/IMG_2501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNEtq4fzQDjd_DWtnHe_VnoytaB-hBavQ5PfS7QJqYHQeYjzlazBPJnmJUPU8jIy3kx0OT6ObFYfmmpNDc_KmaetniW8L7m7-I6CTcVzy23LidFECH2WOQa38XzQKM9MFEaNgsoHlwSc/s400/IMG_2501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Hubby did a whole day's training in Media Law yesterday and I went out with a friend for lunch. (Yes, I know.)<br />
I never know if he will be hungry in the evening these days, but I feel he deserves a decent meal after a day's work. It doesn't matter if he eats a little or a lot. I've done my bit.<br />
Bless him. He was hungry and had seconds. This is a lovely recipe for tired people as the pasta is restorative.<br />
I can't remember if I have blogged this recipe before or not, but it's a good one. It takes 20 minutes max and that's only because I am slow. <br />
(I could never be a chef or even a short-order cook.)<br />
If you are cooking this for non-meat eaters, omit the bacon and use a dollop of pesto in the creme fraiche or stir in some chopped brie which will melt deliciously.<br />
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Measurements for this recipe are flexible and I kind of use my eye rather than measuring spoons and cups, pound, kilos or ounces. I will try to be more accurate with this but if you want to use more or less of something, then do, It will still be good,<br />
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<b>Ingredients for 2 people:</b><br />
6 to 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or bows work best)<br />
3 or 4 slices of bacon, cut into pieces.<br />
4 ounces of mushrooms, cut in half or sliced<br />
1 or 2 sliced spring onions<br />
1/2 a small tub of creme fraiche (or more if you want more sauce)<br />
salt, pepper and a hint of cayenne<br />
parsley to garnish<br />
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<b>Method:</b><br />
Cook the pasta according to package directions. (About 10 minutes in boiling, salted water.)<br />
Meanwhile, fry the bacon pieces in a little oil, then remove from pan and put to one side.<br />
Add a knob of butter to the pan and cook the mushrooms and spring onions for 5 minutes.<br />
Put the bacon back in the pan and add the creme fraiche.<br />
Add the seasoning. You may not need salt.<br />
Stir until the creme fraiche is heated through and add the drained pasta to the sauce.<br />
Serve in bowls or on plates and garnish with a little chopped parsley.<br />
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P.S. I AM sewing, just not blogging about it. I will try to do so soon.<br />
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-27633409083910834202016-05-31T08:57:00.000-07:002016-05-31T08:57:49.063-07:00Coffee and Walnut Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCjNqlR101XkIEKedsTUJz0b8EaAm3sn3uhdFS-o6PW95R0b9ah_UVkbky23CFddfxnOX_cWID4f32-ZEmRWnMNX8NCqbF_A4LVM7MSa8CAhjQJHDBrURndB1gSsCufFB_zgw91dR-xc/s1600/IMG_2497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCjNqlR101XkIEKedsTUJz0b8EaAm3sn3uhdFS-o6PW95R0b9ah_UVkbky23CFddfxnOX_cWID4f32-ZEmRWnMNX8NCqbF_A4LVM7MSa8CAhjQJHDBrURndB1gSsCufFB_zgw91dR-xc/s400/IMG_2497.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Book club is tonight and I remembered that I promised one of the members a recipe for Coffee Walnut Cake. I can't find the original recipe, but I tried this one out at the weekend and it is a winner. Very easy to make, moist and delicious. <br />
I think the recipe came from a Parish Magazine in a cottage we rented 32 years ago! My son was little and my daughter had not been born. I remember sitting contentedly and copying out several recipes. The original was called "Bradworthy Coffee Walnut Cake". This one is "Coffee and Walnut Traybake" and it only varies slightly. I think it would make a very good layer cake as well as a traybake, but I made a traybake so I could use half on Sunday for company and take half to Book Club this evening. The hostess will have her own dessert for us, but she can keep this for visitors. It's always nice to have a sample of what you might make.<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
8 ounces of soft margarine (Stork or Flora)<br />
4 ounces of soft, light brown sugar<br />
4 ounces of caster sugar<br />
10 oz of self raising flour<br />
2 teaspoons of baking powder<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 teaspoon Vanilla essence<br />
2 Tablespoons milk<br />
2 Tablespoons strong coffee<br />
3 unces chopped walnuts (I used more.)<br />
<br />
<b>Icing</b><br />
3 ounces of butter<br />
8 ounces of sifted icing sugar<br />
2 teaspoons milk<br />
2 teaspoons strong coffee<br />
walnut halves<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
<b>Cake:</b><br />
Cream the margarine and sugar.<br />
Add the eggs, one at a time and beat well.<br />
Sift the flour and baking powder.<br />
Fold in the flour, milk and coffee.<br />
Add the walnuts.<br />
Bake in a greased, line tray 8" x 11" for 25 to 30 minutes. at 180 C/350F. (My fan oven is very fast so mine was done after 25 minutes. Test for doneness by pressing the top. If it springs back, it is done.<br />
Leave the cake to cool on a rack.<br />
<br />
<b>Icing:</b><br />
Melt the butter in a milk pan.<br />
Add the liquids and then the sifted icing sugar.<br />
The mixture should be smooth and easy to spread. If it is too liquid, add a little more icing sugar.<br />
<br />
While the icing is warm, spread over the cooled cake and then place walnut halves so each piece of cake will have one.<br />
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The first half of the cake did not last long. Let's see what happens to the second half.<br />
<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-520756712118774762016-04-24T02:55:00.000-07:002016-04-24T02:55:41.183-07:00Disappearing Ice Box Cookies<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Make these and watch them disappear.</span></b></td></tr>
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I grew up calling these ice box cookies because it was what my mother always said. She probably was referring to the days when they had an ice box and not a fridge. I love the term. The old-fashioned image fits these cookies perfectly. I also love the fact that they remind me of being in the kitchen with my mother. I think, growing up, that I was more or less attached to her side. I have so many memories of standing beside her 'helping her cook'. We always made these for Christmas, along with half a dozen other recipes, to serve to guests and to give as gifts.<br />
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Nowadays they are called refrigerator cookies because they need to chill before they can be sliced and baked. The dough keeps well in the freezer and can be sliced straight from there as well and then thawed a little and baked. They can also be frozen after they are baked. My sister-in-law assures me that her youngest daughter still likes them best frozen and that solved the mystery of why they disappeared from the freezer.<br />
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I call them disappearing because when I made them recently, any that were put out disappeared in minutes. No one can eat just one. Because they are small, people generally eat four or five at a time.<br />
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The recipe is simple and can be made with many variations. The ones above are made with chopped almonds (which I had in the cupboard). I have made them with ground hazelnuts (delicious!) and with chopped pecans or walnuts (my favourites). I have also divided the dough into two parts and mixed melted chocolate in one half, then rolled them out into two rectangles, laid one on the other and then rolled them up and cut out 'pinwheels'. The book suggests a variation with orange zest and 1/2 cup coconut, but I have not tried these. The recipe comes from 'Modern Approach to Everyday Cooking' published by the American Dairy Association sometime in the 1960s. There must be many similar recipes online.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljZZmmB3T-OXvH-w7Z1yRDLKCj0hGjUl8zhXGLM7qEk4MlwYgKkQp1aNbUrHQX63-_1LdhnyMMbT93wt1lnInttx4B3fGkPoDqqnSDKEYBiccjEcPEMr01XhC4l4-jHNRpeCigW3bXG0/s1600/IMG_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljZZmmB3T-OXvH-w7Z1yRDLKCj0hGjUl8zhXGLM7qEk4MlwYgKkQp1aNbUrHQX63-_1LdhnyMMbT93wt1lnInttx4B3fGkPoDqqnSDKEYBiccjEcPEMr01XhC4l4-jHNRpeCigW3bXG0/s400/IMG_2072.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Slicing the chilled dough.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Here's how to make them:<br />
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Ingredients<br />
1/2 cup (4 oz) softened butter<br />
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar.<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla essence<br />
2 cups sifted flour<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 cup chopped nuts<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
<br />
Cream the butter and gradually add the sugars.<br />
Beat in eggs and vanilla.<br />
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.<br />
Add nuts and stir.<br />
On parchment paper, form dough into rolls about 1" in diameter, then roll up the dough inside the parchment to keep the shape.<br />
Chill several hours or overnight.<br />
Cut rolls into 1/8" slices and place on greased baking sheets or parchment paper.<br />
Bake 8 0 10 minutes at 400 F or 200 C.<br />
Place on wire rack and hide if you don't want them all eaten immediately.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87X9QF99i8PLjemHUN5IaOd8PjnFubqrd8R-p0xko9feS-0OxCS6wqFlfSooaGSGXp-ej-euBudjOQy6AO3lCdMDd7NwFQ55G-zI9I20Xk81FWaRU8UeXzi9FAhyphenhyphenMeAN4lnvJWll9UWE/s1600/IMG_2074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87X9QF99i8PLjemHUN5IaOd8PjnFubqrd8R-p0xko9feS-0OxCS6wqFlfSooaGSGXp-ej-euBudjOQy6AO3lCdMDd7NwFQ55G-zI9I20Xk81FWaRU8UeXzi9FAhyphenhyphenMeAN4lnvJWll9UWE/s400/IMG_2074.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>See what I mean?</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-61386496025341759642016-04-07T03:08:00.000-07:002016-04-07T03:08:20.216-07:00Making a Wearable Toile (Muslin)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2THphwiJLt5fEQMkvYC46LHpHsizdOx_oxDXOXRqG3SZifS74V5XUW8yRf_P6s8XQclnBI6BZko_v7cCBRCHZlsOrbQX01ZftKb2VCM8mSrbdVGtyskheTGebP8OhefGdqag1mFEJks/s1600/IMG_2062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2THphwiJLt5fEQMkvYC46LHpHsizdOx_oxDXOXRqG3SZifS74V5XUW8yRf_P6s8XQclnBI6BZko_v7cCBRCHZlsOrbQX01ZftKb2VCM8mSrbdVGtyskheTGebP8OhefGdqag1mFEJks/s400/IMG_2062.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My wearable toile,<br />made from a Batik cotton,</b></span></td></tr>
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Aa long time ago, when I was sewing for other people, I learned the hard way that when I want to cut out something from really good fabric, it is important to make a toile. It allows me to asses the style and shape and, most importantly, the fit. This also applies to things I make for myself. Normally I would make a toile out of muslin or plain white fabric. This is important if you are making something complicated as you are not distracted by the fabric, but by making a simple, wearable toile, I can do all those things and have something useful at the end of the process. This pretty fabric has been in my stash for several years. I had always intended to make it into a top and now I have done just that.<br />
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What I learned from this toile is that the neckline is too wide and the sleeves are a little too short. I was also not happy with the narrow hems and the finish of the neckline, for which I used bias binding. (Just call me Mrs Fussy.) So I intend to make another wearable toile (start to finish it only takes about two hours, and I am slow) and get the finish absolutely correct before I make the final garment. The joy of this is that I will have TWO new tops for summer and who wouldn't be happy about that.<br />
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For the my next toile, I will add one inch to the sleeves (otherwise, I might distort the fit) and cut a proper facing for the neck. Watch this space to see my progress.<br />
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The fabric I want to use eventually is a beautiful ivory polyester crepe from Minerva Crafts. I want something classic and packable that will look good under a jacket for my trip to Russia in May so I better get cracking on the second toile today!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocc8h-0T8E5YGnEorV5-qsLxVC8XuP2AL9-AlBBu0Z2BWxzRF-ay1epyoq1J7wlUar2tW1e7-bNlnxkHV551ZqU4knC76bgU517e0uhHIbW9Y2KisBMq-_3rMlAtlCJx-1IUn06M2wlU/s1600/IMG_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocc8h-0T8E5YGnEorV5-qsLxVC8XuP2AL9-AlBBu0Z2BWxzRF-ay1epyoq1J7wlUar2tW1e7-bNlnxkHV551ZqU4knC76bgU517e0uhHIbW9Y2KisBMq-_3rMlAtlCJx-1IUn06M2wlU/s400/IMG_2007.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This is the original pattern. Simple, but effective.</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-7412612905464869042016-03-20T11:35:00.000-07:002016-03-20T11:35:22.351-07:00Three Ways to Copy Multi-sized Patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfhyIn-mifRlUc69fbqrFydKQsF5FrcRBiKcmy-bORmyi79uIwqzCJDWsbjsgd5npUyY4h9knucEg9MLQIiiw5MCJjAqdZNOzK-6bkZo55T9fTHI2WKPm_4Emlp60USDYvVFQFNIWttw/s1600/IMG_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfhyIn-mifRlUc69fbqrFydKQsF5FrcRBiKcmy-bORmyi79uIwqzCJDWsbjsgd5npUyY4h9knucEg9MLQIiiw5MCJjAqdZNOzK-6bkZo55T9fTHI2WKPm_4Emlp60USDYvVFQFNIWttw/s400/IMG_2007.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This great little pattern would suit a variety of ages <br />and sizes.</b></span></td></tr>
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Back in the day when you bought a pattern, you bought it in your own size and there was only that one size in the envelope. Today, most patterns come in multiple sizes. Many, like the one on the left, would suit a variety of ages. However, once you have cut it out in your size, there is no going back. All you have left is scraps with the edges of the larger sizes printed on them. Any smaller sizes are printed inside the one you have cut out and you can't really use them as you will destroy the one you want.<br />
Occasionally, you will want to use the other sizes as well. This top would suit my daughter and I know several people who might like to make it. If you are making children's clothes, you may want to use the larger sizes later. For my sewing club, I made three patterns for pyjama bottoms - small, medium and large and we had a pyjama-making session.<br />
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It's really not difficult to copy out the sizes and get maximum value from the outlay on your pattern.<br />
Here are three different ways to do it.<br />
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<b>Tracing:</b><br />
This is the cheapest and easiest way to copy a pattern and would even work on Burda patterns. On Burda patterns, though, I would add an extra step - use a felt tip pen to draw around your size. Otherwise, you may find it hard to identify which lines to trace.<br />
<b>What you need:</b><br />
Your pattern, a soft pencil, a ruler, pins or sello tape, scissors and some greaseproof paper.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXYpjGa5I2vlHLH-YQgEh2y4QutSXQTua9d7DUGhQamRzybkfNoAztJpJKptUzG4n-kz8tiNHIwFD3FB8Nc7ELdO0ruN-G3eCh8wavOeMg1uX0fXBMJLDlXKPxMuQyHhbZkcRRpB_33M/s1600/IMG_2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXYpjGa5I2vlHLH-YQgEh2y4QutSXQTua9d7DUGhQamRzybkfNoAztJpJKptUzG4n-kz8tiNHIwFD3FB8Nc7ELdO0ruN-G3eCh8wavOeMg1uX0fXBMJLDlXKPxMuQyHhbZkcRRpB_33M/s400/IMG_2002.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A pattern spanning sizes 10 to 22.</b></span></td></tr>
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Greaseproof paper is very good - sturdy, transparent and will probably last longer than the original paper.<br />
Begin by laying out your pattern and securing the greaseproof paper over it. I used a few pins, but you could use a bit of sellotape.<br />
I carefully traced over the pattern lines, using a ruler where necessary. ( The dressmaker's curves were not really useful on this pattern, but may suit another one. They go back to my pattern making days and were definitely useful then.)<br />
Cut out your pattern and label it. Don't forget the notches, darts, straight grain line and markings like 'cut on fold' and the pattern number and size.<br />
Proceed to next size. I traced sizes 10 to 16.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZbJ4oPFW04WYc9kDuOXX3cFbG2Mf6VGDqlBVqj7jGo5ULCH_k3eVSx7uZYoKFzt6BqxLRtnuBgWFA54Du4Xo35IwpatihWjiOw6f5vPgtxHM-r-L2MACGE170zXBn5ycka6gUzo4zGA/s1600/IMG_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZbJ4oPFW04WYc9kDuOXX3cFbG2Mf6VGDqlBVqj7jGo5ULCH_k3eVSx7uZYoKFzt6BqxLRtnuBgWFA54Du4Xo35IwpatihWjiOw6f5vPgtxHM-r-L2MACGE170zXBn5ycka6gUzo4zGA/s400/IMG_2008.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Covering the pattern with greaseproof paper.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2FokV6rpnJfRxobKv9bFayduu9JF0sIaCGWMKe7Ln6jYL_i6T1R4ILzKbBl3dgsTsUeUM92xshkAt7LuUy1mDqWgmr83qtVreUZsFFLx3jNRS_Kj79A75eGl9_P6vPW1pI_OAb26TIg/s1600/IMG_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2FokV6rpnJfRxobKv9bFayduu9JF0sIaCGWMKe7Ln6jYL_i6T1R4ILzKbBl3dgsTsUeUM92xshkAt7LuUy1mDqWgmr83qtVreUZsFFLx3jNRS_Kj79A75eGl9_P6vPW1pI_OAb26TIg/s400/IMG_2010.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tools for tracing.<br /><br /><br /></b></span></td></tr>
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<b>The second method:</b><br />
<b>What you need:</b><br />
Large sheets of paper. I used the A2 paper from my husband's whiteboard. You could use newsprint (cheap, unprinted paper) or even newspaper although you would need to ensure the ink did not harm your fabric.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<br />
Cut out the largest size that you want to copy. Lay it on the paper and pin it just like fabric. Cut around the pattern and label it with straight grain line, notches, darts 'cut on fold' line pattern number and size. Continue with each smaller consecutive size taking care where pattern sizes overlap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLBSzsL8uF8P9gSOCgZfd88bJdnMJZlYTNyf16SYJc604Mjfiz38z66wIeBnNV5W6itGiiJKzN9LJwGebOHcpXLSYfth_TQfon34mJrGe1cFGgckPh3Vo0WlOGxc1oggRluodL1RiiiI/s1600/IMG_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLBSzsL8uF8P9gSOCgZfd88bJdnMJZlYTNyf16SYJc604Mjfiz38z66wIeBnNV5W6itGiiJKzN9LJwGebOHcpXLSYfth_TQfon34mJrGe1cFGgckPh3Vo0WlOGxc1oggRluodL1RiiiI/s400/IMG_2015.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cutting out the pattern and then the copy on paper.</b></span></td></tr>
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<br /><br /><br /><b>The third method: Tracing the pattern.</b><div>
<b>What you need: </b></div>
<div>
You will need large paper again and a tracing wheel and dressmaker's carbon paper.</div>
<div>
Sandwich the pattern, carbon paper (carbon side down) and paper and secure with pins.</div>
<div>
You may need to put a few layers of newspaper underneath to allow the tracing wheel to do its work.</div>
<div>
Trace around the pattern including markings and notches. Then cut out the pattern and label it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8cFFSgCOjUQCvYyYgFZ-MakQa8n1m2-E3hSDmQ6tY5LWusn5_WlwnJtzEUvMhddE3TLGTwFkinpdMSZa6RjbzYm6ye640yJLLr-VV6q2gHyVLQgmElGNW4E16tR3Sh4M1Jsxcjigmk0/s1600/IMG_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8cFFSgCOjUQCvYyYgFZ-MakQa8n1m2-E3hSDmQ6tY5LWusn5_WlwnJtzEUvMhddE3TLGTwFkinpdMSZa6RjbzYm6ye640yJLLr-VV6q2gHyVLQgmElGNW4E16tR3Sh4M1Jsxcjigmk0/s400/IMG_2014.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dressmaker's carbon paper and a tracing wheel.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs85sVQTBeK6U5O6YNdSKg0NKyIqMmBWO79zEbkEArEXw7Ny3IuDrSAu-m79SqLcju1kLzBYFlNTvjYLgC3ewwYdDIo5sNGE8MWlM9HExX96sZFMxAjSq_9ZBswfnKSIPT7Fjiop0egc/s1600/IMG_2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs85sVQTBeK6U5O6YNdSKg0NKyIqMmBWO79zEbkEArEXw7Ny3IuDrSAu-m79SqLcju1kLzBYFlNTvjYLgC3ewwYdDIo5sNGE8MWlM9HExX96sZFMxAjSq_9ZBswfnKSIPT7Fjiop0egc/s400/IMG_2020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Using the tracing wheel and dark dressmaker's carbon paper.</b></span></td></tr>
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS1-ClQWq_sCWWnYaSMDHPHSWcBFYdFdCgTTOcRHzNQXh8WFPfBSGrcwORbfwUySHtxzyIIiES1yk8xg__DkMlo8ME5p3-6dP0MRPgmR6IFubmLWtRRreDME-FSBvly_0b1IiH1M8Wp8/s1600/IMG_2024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcS1-ClQWq_sCWWnYaSMDHPHSWcBFYdFdCgTTOcRHzNQXh8WFPfBSGrcwORbfwUySHtxzyIIiES1yk8xg__DkMlo8ME5p3-6dP0MRPgmR6IFubmLWtRRreDME-FSBvly_0b1IiH1M8Wp8/s400/IMG_2024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The traced pattern.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusM8oza102S70btJHBlv-xDtQmM7RF9WAivDiuo4-qq5mME_bfc5YhCEHaXR5kbKCUHuPbOBAAm6gil6uDLlyCVvLYCuHCepsniY7A4i0E6Z47ugcYRBiPjxl0A_CZo77kQ9xgH4nmHI/s1600/IMG_2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusM8oza102S70btJHBlv-xDtQmM7RF9WAivDiuo4-qq5mME_bfc5YhCEHaXR5kbKCUHuPbOBAAm6gil6uDLlyCVvLYCuHCepsniY7A4i0E6Z47ugcYRBiPjxl0A_CZo77kQ9xgH4nmHI/s400/IMG_2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The shell top ready to cut out in my size.</b></span></td></tr>
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Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-58384135184403984802016-03-14T03:41:00.000-07:002016-03-14T03:41:45.279-07:00Salmon, Leek and Spinach Tart<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YKmF9Mvf0wFlQ1i331AUuX0lLyS_SlRmL8Qv98xC0yDiqBgRaNoPThnO5eEyrNqHiujs-T4rGEr8-eOPrS3Z_JQ6BN_WGLCFhbg3CKpY13kHr_EsTb309mZJ5Uy7th0YriuSJ7tdAuQ/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YKmF9Mvf0wFlQ1i331AUuX0lLyS_SlRmL8Qv98xC0yDiqBgRaNoPThnO5eEyrNqHiujs-T4rGEr8-eOPrS3Z_JQ6BN_WGLCFhbg3CKpY13kHr_EsTb309mZJ5Uy7th0YriuSJ7tdAuQ/s400/IMG_1996.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Salmon, Leek and Spinach Tart</b></span></td></tr>
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As Nigella Lawson says, 'It's not meant to be restaurant quality, it's meant to look homemade.' and this tart does look homemade, but that is part of its charm.<br />
<br />
Last week was a friend's birthday and to celebrate we had a little dinner party here. She does not eat meat, and not everyone can arrive on time. Two of my guests have young children and cannot get here until the little ones are safely tucked into bed. So the menu had to be one that could be kept at room temperature and not be spoiled. I wanted an easy option and something that could be cooked in advance. I like to be part of the fun, not stuck in the kitchen once guests arrive. This tart was perfect. It was done an hour ahead and we had drinks and nibbles until everyone was here and ready to eat.<br />
<br />
I served the tart with roasted tomatoes and a Salade Nicoise, which consisted of Little Gem and Cos lettuce, new potatoes, spring onions, French beans,and avocado. <br />
The cake was a lemon sponge filled with lemon curd and topped with lemon icing. I served it with vanilla ice cream.<br />
It was a pretty meal, enjoyed by everyone and the 'birthday girl', who usually hosts the birthdays, was delighted.<br />
<br />
Here's how to make the tart. It looks complicated, but it is not.<br />
For an even easier option, you could used tinned salmon. <br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 package pre-rolled shortcrust pastry<br />
( You can make your own, but I went for the easy option.)<br />
2 fillets of salmon.<br />
1 leek, washed, split lengthways and chopped.<br />
1/2 packet of baby spinach. (The rest can go in the salad.)<br />
2 eggs<br />
5 oz cream or creme fraiche<br />
10 oz milk<br />
1/2 cup grated Cheddar.<br />
salt and pepper<br />
a little dash of nutmeg or cayenne pepper (optional)<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
Fit the pastry to the tart tin.<br />
Put in the fridge for 10 minutes. This seems to prevent it shrinking.<br />
Brush with a little egg mixed with water.<br />
Blind bake at 200 C for 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
While the pastry is in the fridge, put the salmon fillets in a piece of foil, add salt and pepper and a little white wine or lemon juice.<br />
Wrap the foil loosely, ensuring the juices will not escape.<br />
Bake at 180 F for 10 minutes.<br />
Remove from oven, open the foil and allow the salmon to cool enough so you can handle it,<br />
Gently flake the salmon and remove the skin.<br />
<br />
Put chopped leeks in a frying pan and saute gently in oil and butter for five minutes to soften.<br />
<br />
When the pastry shell has been baked, layer the leeks in the bottom, then the flaked salmon, then the spinach and finally the cheese.<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, whisk the two eggs, cream and milk and add seasoning,<br />
Pour the mixture over the salmon, leeks and spinach and put in the oven.<br />
Bake for approximately 25 minutes at 180 F. Keep your eye on it near the end so it doesn't go too brown.<br />
Test the centre with a skewer to see if it is set. <br />
Remove from oven. Remember that it will continue to cook while it is warm (a bit like scrambled eggs).<br />
<br />
Let it cool to room temperature and serve.<br />
<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-30438776320691810362015-11-22T04:55:00.000-08:002015-11-22T04:55:59.641-08:00Bran Fruit Loaf - A Fun Way to Eat Bran and it's also Egg Free.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrxGeZZ3qSdU1duSTZBBagJyaxYDHJNwycyI-bOlk0R7naPteDJd2GRU2uMky6p_aq-FS8ZnV2swzPMeJ9kKyVqpOCpj2uM4nyaFFOW0PLi_fzkghDgjK7pKb0gP4_urxNDanP7uVitc/s1600/IMG_1811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrxGeZZ3qSdU1duSTZBBagJyaxYDHJNwycyI-bOlk0R7naPteDJd2GRU2uMky6p_aq-FS8ZnV2swzPMeJ9kKyVqpOCpj2uM4nyaFFOW0PLi_fzkghDgjK7pKb0gP4_urxNDanP7uVitc/s400/IMG_1811.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bran Fruit Loaf. Delicious with Butter.</span></b></td></tr>
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If you feel you are missing fibre in your diet, bran is probably the answer, but if like me, you don't like cereal in the morning, or you find bran too tasteless on its own, you might want to try this. It's a recipe I got an All-Bran packet in the 80s and I hadn't made it for years, but I remembered that it is quite tasty. It's also eggless.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Bran Fruit Loaf is very simple to do and does not require much equipment. Just as well as I can't lift my mixer at the moment.<br />
I altered the original recipe to make it more interesting and I will show both versions below.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
4 oz (100 g) Bran<br />
5 oz sugar (125g)<br />
10 oz (275 g)mixed dried fruit<br />
1/4 pt milk (1/2 cup)<br />
4 oz Self Raising flout (100 g)<br />
<br />
Put the bran, sugar, dried fruit into a basin and mix them well together.<br />
Stir in milk and leave to stand for 30 minutes.<br />
Stir in the flour and pour the mixture into a greased 2 lb loaf tin.<br />
Bake at 350 F or 180 C for about one hour.<br />
Turn out onto a rack and allow to cool.<br />
Cut into slices and serve with butter.<br />
<br />
My versions:<br />
I used 3 oz sultanas, 3 oz glace cherries, one Tablespoon mixed peel and some chopped walnuts.<br />
I baked it for about 45 minutes, but it could have baked a little longer.<br />
Delicious.Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-3568896994528058532015-11-18T02:17:00.000-08:002015-11-18T02:18:08.947-08:00How to Un-shrink a Sweater<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbVw9qplSqHobsQ2Ne-szFquE5FvT_2G1ad7rjOxQT5E1OpaVRXcIrvwDNW3mBKlWDg87sxq9o1OZpxnzPQ55Rt2zxmJ37z84DuAKvI_qwIhJ4uQGpBHFMwyyM0ui7NI1_zcm4jorcVc/s1600/IMG_1808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbVw9qplSqHobsQ2Ne-szFquE5FvT_2G1ad7rjOxQT5E1OpaVRXcIrvwDNW3mBKlWDg87sxq9o1OZpxnzPQ55Rt2zxmJ37z84DuAKvI_qwIhJ4uQGpBHFMwyyM0ui7NI1_zcm4jorcVc/s400/IMG_1808.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Cardigan back to normal size</span></b>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the weekend I did a terrible thing. I inadvertently put my favourite cardigan in the washer and dryer. I normally put it in a wool wash and air dry it. Although it is viscose and elastane, it came out two sizes smaller. It was destined for the charity shop but a friend suggested I look online to see if it could be fixed. I found the solution on this site:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">It worked! I plan to try it with something else now.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Here's what to do.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Put a small amount of fabric conditioner in a plastic bowl and fill it with cool water.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Immerse the cardigan and leave it in this solution for 30 minutes. This allows the fibres to relax.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Do not rinse.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Roll it in a towel to take away excess moisture.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Spread it out and gently stretch it back to its original shape, if necessary. (I drew around another </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">similar </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">cardigan and used the template to check but mine had reverted to its original shape.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Spread it out on a clean, dry towel and allow to dry. This will take a day or so, but it's worth it.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">Gently press it if </span></span></span><span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">necessary.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">( If you are dealing with a wool sweater, you may have to stretch and pin it when it is still wet and</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">then press it with a damp cloth when it is dry.)</span></span>Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-84630485911494440332015-11-11T04:09:00.000-08:002015-11-11T04:09:33.987-08:00A Quick Mid-Week Meal<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsavxWrgpsYkmyLtXPnOsTjRI7ymMoENLStd86K71W3W__t0j1xVORZ5A73urfrydMhzbs35lZJ7fkIOn2uMBZj-6LM5klTW12HvaILwJqa4QENOU2S54BLqMIt-MKm8N4UZ5X09IpB0M/s1600/IMG_1804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsavxWrgpsYkmyLtXPnOsTjRI7ymMoENLStd86K71W3W__t0j1xVORZ5A73urfrydMhzbs35lZJ7fkIOn2uMBZj-6LM5klTW12HvaILwJqa4QENOU2S54BLqMIt-MKm8N4UZ5X09IpB0M/s400/IMG_1804.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Pasta with bacon, mushrooms and creme fraiche</span></b></td></tr>
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This dish is one of my favourite quick meals. It is tasty and filling and there is a vegetarian option.<br />
Hubby had to help me with lifting and draining the pasta pan, but otherwise I was able to do it myself. I am at the beginning of my third week of convalescence and still not allowed to lift anything heavier than one litre, so I have to rely on others to do it for me. I am now feeling well enough to be a little bit bored, so this was a bit of light relief. Not only that, but I managed a short walk to the local shops to get mushrooms!<br />
Here's the recipe followed by alterations for other versions.<br />
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I used to make this by the bucket full, but now I am usually cooking for just the two of us.<br />
If you are cooking for four, just double the amounts.<br />
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Ingredients for two people:<br />
A handful of pasta for each person to be fed. I use bows.<br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil.<br />
Bacon lardons or chopped bacon (about 4 strips)<br />
2 handfuls of closed cap mushrooms wiped and sliced.<br />
2 spring onions, chopped.<br />
About 6 oz of creme fraiche. Use your judgement. You need enough to coat the pasta.<br />
Some chopped parsley to garnish.<br />
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Method:<br />
Cook the pasta according to the direction on the package.<br />
While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a frying pan.<br />
Add bacon/lardons and fry until brown.<br />
Put in mushrooms and cook until they begin to colour.<br />
Add the spring greens and let then cook for one minute.<br />
Add creme fraiche and stir in well.<br />
Remove from heat.<br />
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Drain the pasta leaving a little water in the pan.<br />
Add pasta and water (about 1/2 cup) to the sauce and stir in.<br />
Put in bowls and garnish with parsley.<br />
Grate a little parmesan over the top.<br />
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Serve with a salad if you require something green. ( I always need salad.)<br />
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Other versions:<br />
For a delicious vegetarian version, cook the mushrooms and spring onion as above. Add the creme fraiche and put in the pasta. Stir in bite size pieces of brie. They will melt slightly from the heat.<br />
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If you don't like mushrooms, substitute with broccoli (Do not overcook) or frozen peas. <br />
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2891778469420790940.post-25779547020734892852015-11-08T03:14:00.000-08:002015-11-08T03:14:33.782-08:00A Little Bit of Crochet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Lq4GEtEkqWxc4lGfHFu_bGH6iNQjOADv5pnGaHu5DnWbx1-HHcsRo5MvBjAkrfdnHI_raueAbOkUHVKtnJdoF-rH1aVeKLH-k_5MBqsDyJI14rQ9Ih75OmnFSV8xQPAIyw0OpUTaORE/s1600/IMG_1803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Lq4GEtEkqWxc4lGfHFu_bGH6iNQjOADv5pnGaHu5DnWbx1-HHcsRo5MvBjAkrfdnHI_raueAbOkUHVKtnJdoF-rH1aVeKLH-k_5MBqsDyJI14rQ9Ih75OmnFSV8xQPAIyw0OpUTaORE/s400/IMG_1803.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The beginning of a scarf in Larksfoot pattern.</b></span></td></tr>
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I have not done any sewing for months and now that I am convalescing from an operation, I can't. I am not allowed to do any housework (yay), cooking, etc nor can I lift anything heavier than one litre. This puts severe constraints on my activities as you can imagine. It is particularly frustrating when Hubby (who has been an Angel) is away at work and not here to help me. Fortunately, I was warned. I did everything I could pre-op and planned a few light activities to amuse myself while convalescing.<br />
This embryo scarf is one of them.<br />
I have forgotten how to crochet and I am very slow, but it is coming back and it is wonderful to be able to create something, no matter how small or how slow.<br />
I can do this from a reclining position so there is no guilt about 'over doing it'. I chose the colours starting with the sale bin at Elys Department Store in Wimbledon, then moved on to find others to coordinate with them. A trip to Liberty with my daughter (also pre-op) gave me the opportunity to buy enough wool for a second scarf. If all goes well, they will make good Christmas or birthday presents for friends. If I don't feel they are up to scratch, I will wear them myself. I'm not proud.<br />
My inspiration for this scarf was this from the blog 'Little Treasures' which you can find at:<br />
<a href="http://thelittletreasures.blogspot.co.uk/2015/15/10/larksfoot-crochet-scarf">http:thelittletreasures.blogspot.co.uk/2015/15/10/larksfoot-crochet-scarf</a><br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR52RPcImuu1CIQzjvFsGAI4NYECUzORoPYtXawYTVbkSUyrI-j0qBzTVXTXmnsP2QF3p4LRqVI6t0AqfX-FeLLeDQw1NrBVU0w9SgqKTGqxMDt7lvHuEh6YPl6OfM6tCA3hxw5eeqdmQ/s640/IMG_1789.PNG" width="360" /></div>
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I am following the tutorial at this site:</div>
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http://thelittletreasures.blogspot.mk/2015/04/larksfoot-crochet-stitch-pattern-or.html.</div>
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Try as I might, I can't form a link here, but if you go to the site above, there is a link to the tutorial. I think the stitch is so pretty and it is not difficult to do once you get past the first row, which is always a difficulty for me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc86vAVvcskO-sYTPS5XVNn2bY-SP_RCMjCqbyC1A4jGbuH6gFtfn_DMqKx7m6ijQJMoKC2og2Ko5Hg2MN3m13OJ_O1-yIwLYz6uD8T3AP6dfTY4YaYpmBbAlRFVmUGHWTSqmSoK8hxM/s1600/DSC07996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc86vAVvcskO-sYTPS5XVNn2bY-SP_RCMjCqbyC1A4jGbuH6gFtfn_DMqKx7m6ijQJMoKC2og2Ko5Hg2MN3m13OJ_O1-yIwLYz6uD8T3AP6dfTY4YaYpmBbAlRFVmUGHWTSqmSoK8hxM/s400/DSC07996.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>From The Little Treasures Tutorial.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<br />Annabellouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13523584782744730849noreply@blogger.com1