Happy Holidays!

I hope you are enjoying your holidays, I certainly am. I adore this time of year and although this one is busier than those of the past, I have kept it right in the middle of my heart, as usual, spending the little free time I have browsing through my collection of Christmas books, drinking tea, working on small projects, cooking, baking - the usual.

Mr. K and I spent a quiet Christmas Eve with a platter of cheeses, spinach dip, and crackers watching Christmas movies and chatting. On Christmas day, I took my pan of lasagna to the home of very dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. R, after picking up another friend to join us. We ate and ate and had a very good time indeed. There is no better way to spend the holiday than with those who you love.

I am excited about some new looms I purchased from Carol Leigh's Hillcreek Fiber Studio. I took a continuous strand weaving class from Carol Leigh a few years ago in Asheville, NC at the Southeast Animal Fiber Festival. I have a triangle loom, the 2 foot travel size, which I purchased from Carol at the festival and now have purchased a few smaller models. These looms are the perfect size for those of us who live in little homes and have no room for a large loom, although I was have a table-top heddle loom which is also great for small spaces. Anywho, one of these new minis is called a "washcloth" square loom. This loom makes a square of woven fabric the approximate size of a washcloth. I'm thinking lots of gifts for the future, as well as a patchwork blanket... and a shawl, of course... amulet bags too! Since Carol was having a sale to celebrate her 32nd year in business, I also purchased two mini looms - a six inch square, as well as another triangle mini-loom with an eight inch hypotenuse. I also bought Carol's WONDERFUL book which explains everything you could want to know about continuous strand weaving and is packed with projects and patterns. Right now I am just finishing a project on the little square as a gift for my friend, Mrs. R.

And this project has been a bit of an adventure. Wanting to match Mrs. R's decor, I chose an overdyed yarn in shades of burnt oranges and softs browns, a bit of a knobby yarn. Well... that knobbiness has been a real challenge as my locker hook, which helps pull the weft thread through the warp threads, just kept getting tangled and caught on those little hairs! It certainly slowed me down, but I am about to put in the last two rows and Mrs. R will have a little wine glass rug! A unique gift, LOL.

The mini looms

The "washcloth" loom - about 12 inches

Of course weaving is not all that is on the fiber agenda, no. I belong to a group on Facebook called "Our Scarlet Letter Years Sampler Group" dedicated to samplers designed by.... The Scarlet Letter, Reproduction Samplers. They chose four samplers for an SAL (stitch-along) but I already have one I am working on, EK 1653, which really needs to be finished, seriously, I have been working on this one for years! I also have another I have just been itching to work on, The Boscobel Oak. Both are 17th century reproductions. I love 17th century samplers because of all the blackwork! So... those are my stitching projects for 2015, but there will be a few smaller project tossed in just because!

http://www.scarlet-letter.com/samplers/boscobel.php

http://www.scarlet-letter.com/samplers/ek.php

There will be weaving projects thrown in too, but my plan is to work these two samplers and get them finished! So... we shall see how that goes... but I am strongly determined, yes I am!!!

I hope you have plenty of projects planned that you love and will make your heart sing!

Tangled in threads,

Mrs. K

 (photographer unknown, photo from Facebook)

Thanksgiving & What It Means To Me

I have noticed, in the communities I frequent, that there seems to be this backlash against Thanksgiving, similar to that of Columbus Day. Many people have become overly sensitive and beyond politically correct. I can't agree with them and I will enjoy my Thanksgiving. So... what does Thanksgiving mean to me? Well, many things, as i found when I really thought about it. From now until Thanksgiving I will share some of those things - memories, nostalgia, just good stuff.

I celebrate Thanksgiving with gratitude for all the year has given me... and that's the name of that tune! Others may feel differently and get angry and negative about things that happened hundreds of years ago, well, that's their right I suppose, but I'm not interested in hearing about it. As I said, I am all about giving thanks and being with people I love.

This year we will be doing something a little different than in years past. Instead of joining Mr. K's cousin, we are going to my very good friend, Diana's. We met over a year go and found we have SO much in common we couldn't help but become close friends. We are both the same age, we love all  things Victorian, we love the same books, we love needlework, antiques, and drinking tea! So... naturally when she invited us to join her family for Thanksgiving, we said yes, indeed! One can never go to Thanksgiving empty-handed, so I suggested I bring my squash carrot casserole and the suggestion was enthusiastically accepted.

Ah, squash carrot casserole, I just love this! I first found it in a book I mail-ordered in the early 1980s from Better Homes & Gardens - Better Homes and Gardens  American Christmas, Crafts and Foods. What a treasure of a book! So may wonderful country-style craft projects and recipes. It is a great pleasure to just browse through, which I do often at this time of year... and others when I need a little nostalgic boost.

The book is just brimming with projects, some which look a little dated, but so what! 

Some sections of pages have separated, but I keep it all together. 

You can see how well used this page used, not just the casserole, but

the creamed onions recipe was the first I used.

So this book is worn to bits, but I love it. There is a lovely Christmas sampler I would love to stitch, as well as one that says, East West, Home is Best! The book has many photos showing the crafts and craftspeople who made lovely things that were included, lots of projects and good instructions as well as wonderful art quilts.

Here is the recipe as I make it, a bit tweaked from the original, but not much.

Squash Carrot Casserole

7 cups yellow crookneck squash

A large sweet onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots

1 can Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup (10.5 oz)

1 cup of regular sour cream

½ to ¾ quarters bag of herb-seasoned stuffing mix

(I use Pepperidge Farm and like plenty of crumbs on top)

½ cup real butter, melted

(or as much as you need for your crumbs)

Cook the carrots in a pot of salted, gently boiling water for 5 minutes then add the crookneck squash for another 5 minutes. Drain very well and set aside in a bowl lined with a cotton cloth. Sauté the onion in a little butter until translucent and just starting to brown. Toss in the chopped garlic for just a couple of minutes and remove from heat. You want that garlic barely cooked so it doesn't taste bitter.

Stir the cream of chicken soup and sour cream together, add all veggies and gently stir so the veggies are coated well with the soup/sour cream mix. Butter a baking dish - 12 x 7 x 2, then add the veggie mix and spread evenly in the dish. You can prepare the casserole to this point the day before and set it in the fridge to keep until ready. 

Preheat the oven to 350.  Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or so, just as it gets bubbly around the edges. While it bakes, melt the half cup of butter over medium low heat in a pot that will hold the crumbs and you will be able to mix easily. When the butter is completely melted, add crumbs, mix with a fork until those crumbs are well coated and softening up. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle evenly with the crumbs, return to the oven for another 10 - 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it so the crumbs don't over-toast. The casserole should be boiling up a bit here and there when heated through.

Let the dish sit for 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

A very forgiving recipe, double or triple, it is very easy and really yummy.

(adapted from Better Homes and Gardens American Christmas, 1984) 

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K

Merry, Merry!

A very Merry Christmas!

May you have plenty of love, happiness,

good health, and prosperity...

and anything else your sweet hearts desire!

Now off to make the lasagna!

Tangled in  lasagna noodles and the joy of the holiday,

Mrs. K.

A Stitch For Christmas

Majestic Bird

Design by Sandra Sullivan, Homespun Elegance

Just CrossStitch 2013 Christmas Ornament issue

Working on a little stitch from Homespun Elegance. Will I keep it or give it away as a gift? Such is my dilemma. 

While Sandra's suggested linen is 30 count espresso from R & R Reproductions, I decided to use what I have on hand; it is either 28 or 32 count linen in sand, not sure about the count, but I love this linen, the color is very vintage-looking. I also decided to use DMC floss instead of over-dyed: DMC 500 for the green, and DMC 355 for the old red. Sandra suggested DMC 356, but it looked washed out on my linen and I love 355 for an old red. I am leaving off the word "Noel" under the linen in case the recipient, whomever that may be, wants to keep it out all year.

I found a very nice advent calendar this year at the local Fresh Market. Utterly Victorian and each little window opens to reveal a delicious little chocolate coin which Mr. K. and I share. Beneath the coin is a tiny image. I took this photo on December 1st. I have to have an advent calendar every year, but this is the first year in many that I obtained one with the chocolates. I take a bite and Mr. K. gets the other half. Yes, chocolate before breakfast!

The decorating is almost done, but the gift-making is in full swing. Time to put down my needle and head off into the arms of Morpheus! There is so much to do tomorrow.

Oh, by the way, the stone sitting pretty on my linen is called spiderweb jasper. Isn't it beautiful? And so appropriate for a stitcher.

Tangled in threads and stitching madly,

Mrs. K.

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Chanukah!

Chanukah 2011

Back to back holidays!!! Latkes last night and today the usual turkey, ham, prime rib, and trimmings. We'll be rolling around for days to come. Sunday is another latke night too.

To you and yours, the very best of holidays!

Happy Chanukah!

and 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings for all the best,

Mr. & Mrs. K.

Happy October!

Autumn

The morns are meeker than they were,

The nuts are getting brown;

The berry's cheek is plumper,

The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf,

The field a scarlet gown.

Lest I should be old-fashioned,

I'll put a trinket on.

Emily Dickinson

(1830 - 1886)

Finally... October is here and all the wonderful feelings and things that go along with it. Apple cake and a crackling fire; making pomanders and Halloween crafts; and lots more lovely autumn goodies. I do love this time of year!

I am beginning a Halloween project, stitching what reminds me of an advent calendar, but for Halloween, by The Primitive Hare. I have a little design to stitch each day - 31 in total. They are small designs so I think I can do this and have each one completed at day's end. Of course there is the border, but I'll do what I can and enjoy it. The Primitive Hare has a blog here and an Etsy shop, where designs can be purchased (in PDF format - instant gratification!) here . I love this designer's work, it is a real favorite. She offers a few little freebie charts at her blog as well. Isn't this wonderful?!?!?! I shall post a few photos as I go.

Time for breakfast, a little cleaning, then an afternoon of stitching!

Deliciously yours and tangles in threads,

Mrs. K.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

May all good things bless you and yours in this new year.

Looking Forward

May this new year find you

healthier and happier,

peaceful, content, satisfied,

looking forward

to fresh, revitalizing interests,

a variety of pleasures,

interests and new people,

material and personal successes

to make this new year

the best one yet.

Happy New Year!

(author, Joanna Fuchs)

Yours in friendship,

Mrs. K.

Have Yourself A Merry Christmas!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful day

filled with love and laughter,

good food and good cheer,

and whatever else makes you happy!

We were supposed to have a quiet Christmas Eve and Christmas day, however, friends came last night for a little while, and other friends are joining us for our traditional lasagna. Dinner, of course, to be preceded by the usual good appetizers; not a real antipasto, but close enough.

It's been a busy December and I am looking forward to a peaceful and quiet New Year. This Christmas sure did come upon us quickly, didn't it? I do suppose, though, if you're five, ten, or thereabout, it took an awfully long time. I certainly don't remember the days flying by when I was a child as they seem to today.

Well, off to the kitchen. Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

Deliciously yours, 

Mrs. K.

 Yeah, right!!! ; )

After Thanksgiving!

Well, I certainly hope your Thanksgiving was as lovely as mine. That nasty stomach virus I had been dealing with finally let up and I was able to enjoy my dinner. I made sure not to over-indulge. Although the wine didn't sit well, otherwise I am back in fighting form! Yay! I don't do sick well.

Our Thanksgiving was spent at my husband's cousin's club (what a mouthful!) which included very moist and delicious turkey, naturally, but also excellent ham, apple cider glazed salmon, and prime rib that didn't require a knife to cut. Along with these, there were traditional fixings, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, a wonderful salad table that included a sauteed mushroom and Brussels  sprouts salad with bits of bacon that was out of this world. I will be figuring out that recipe, for sure. There was plenty of breads; cornbread, rolls, sliced breads of all types, butter and honey butter. Then there was dessert... two rooms worth, traditional pies and everything in between and around, including a sugar free table that I don't think anyone touched, hehe. The chef even made his own truffles and white chocolate covered almonds. OH...... delightful. However, with my tender tummy, I did not over indulge, enjoying a few little bites of this and that along with a lovely cup of tea. Best of all, Mike's cousin and his wife, Aunt Harriet and her friend, Arlene, were there to share the day. We sat a good long time, chatting, laughing, and remembering. My own mother was home with my nephew and a few friends. She said she cooked up a feast that she hasn't done in years when we talked on the phone. Thanksgiving, a wonderful day!

How appropriate that Common Sense Homesteading had this post today - all about natural remedies for.... you guessed it, upset tummy! See the post here. Good information to add to one's housekeeping book or file.

Do you remember those old Victorian housekeeping books? I have a number of them, including Mrs. Beeton's, of course. My edition is probably early 1900s, but there were many editions. I also have a copy of A Jane Austen Household Book, which includes Martha Lloyd's receipts; not an antique, but most interesting. I do have many actual antique books which I love to peruse and even attempt the recipes - adjusting measures and ingredients as needed. There is a lot of advice about remedies too, which Laurie's post at Common Sense Homesteading reminded me of.

Folks are  so quick to take a pill when, most of the time, a cup of chamomile tea with a just a pinch of mint will do the trick for the upset tummy. A tea of crushed fennel seeds also relieves the, pardon the expression, burps. Herbal tinctures are also very good - melissa, passionflower, chamomile, all relaxing when stress is about to overwhelm or you can't sleep. Of course, there are good medicines today, so I like to utilize the best of both worlds; the ultimate tummy soother: Pepto Bismol! Works for me, LOL!

Moving along, it is now officially THAT time of year, the countdown to the holidays! On the agenda for me, finishing handmade gifts, candy and cookie making, cakes, homemade eggnog, and, of course, decorating. I like to have my tree up on December 1st so I can enjoy it all month. Last year, I was way behind getting my decorating done and that definitely will not be happening this year. I am ready to go!

We, in this household, celebrate Chanukah as well as Christmas, Mr. K being Jewish. I love it!!! Getting a little Chanukah gift takes the edge off waiting for Christmas, LOL! (oh, I have to stop with the exclamation points! Argh, there I go again.) After all these years being married, we curb the gift giving to just little goodies, but still, it is the excitement of a sweet little something wrapped in pretty paper. So, in addition to the Christmas food making, there will be LATKES!!!! And no latke incident as happened a few years ago - I will post that another day, a funny story, just before Chanukah which begins the evening of December 8th. Out with the menorah and blue paper!!! Onward potatoes, onions, applesauce and sour cream!!! The smell of frying will permeate my home for a few days, but it IS worth it. Nothing like homemade potato pancakes!!!

What about all of you? Ready to decorate? Recovered from the wonderful gastronomic indulgences of Thanksgiving and plotting those for Christmas? My Christmas pudding fixings await me!

Did I say Christmas pudding???? I certainly did. Today is Stir-up Sunday, the Sunday before Advent or the Sunday after Thanksgiving, according to some. In any event, mine is not a traditional plum pudding, but a dried apricot pudding. Each and every Sunday after making it, I unwrap it and douse it in rum, wrap it back up and leave it in the fridge to do its thing. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, that baby is potent! And quite delicious with a lovely, buttery rum sauce drizzled over it. Lights up like a torch too, hehe! Yes, we set it alight in the traditional manner. Fun, fun.

So, off I go, because in addition to the pudding and some ham steaks for supper, there is stitching to be done.

Tangled in threads and deliciously yours,
Mrs. K.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you be blessed with plenty and more;

lots of love, plenty of delicious food enjoyed with abandon,

family and friends who love and treasure you.

Thanks so much for reading my blog, 

Tangled in threads and deliciously yours,

Mrs. K (and Mr. K. too)

Remembering Thanksgiving

When I was a child, Thanksgiving was a very exciting time. Most years, family joined us for dinner, but sometimes, it was just the immediate family, my parents and us kids. My dad always cooked breakfast for us on Sundays and holidays, pancakes! He made great pancakes and we ate piles, literally. He would just keep cooking until he could see we were full, then he'd sit down and have his breakfast.

There was one thing my dad, who's gone now three years as of October, did for us on Thanksgiving when we were kids, that I always remember with such sweetness. We'd come to the breakfast table, waiting for those pancakes, and there was a little gift at each of our places; just small things, a little mini tea set, a little girl's make-up kit - not really make-up, but the play stuff. My brother would find Match Box cars, little tools, those sorts of little toys and goodies one found in the Five and Ten, or in our case, the Hopewell Pharmacy. We could never wait to see what he got us. Small things, big memories.

Yesterday, as I am just getting over a stomach virus from hell, I made a pot of homemade chicken soup. I had a large pack of chicken thighs in the freezer, so I used those. I cooked the chicken with some onions, garlic, celery with leaves, and a couple of carrot. When the meat was cooked, I removed it, but threw the bones and skin back into the pot, cooking another couple of hours. I then strained the broth and put it back into the pot. Along with more fresh onion, lots of garlic - all told, about 8 cloves, carrots, and celery, I threw in a leftover half bag of frozen spinach, some barley, about a third box leftover ditilini macaroni, and finally, some cheese tortellini. That is the best chicken soup I have ever had, and I consider myself a connoisseur. Love chicken soup.

Wasn't sure how Mr. K. would react to such a mixed pot, but he ate three bowls and told me I better make it again just that way. He said I could always add matzoh balls too! As I've mentioned before, we mix it up in our home and it's all good.

Tomorrow we are off to Mr. K's cousin's club, as we have been doing for the past few years, joining relatives and friends. They put on an incredible spread, so it will be a wonderful meal. For leftovers, I've got that pot of soup in the fridge, but who knows, maybe Sunday, as I stir up my Christmas pudding, I'll make a little turkey dinner just for the two of us. As for the pudding, I'll share the adventure of the first one I made later in the week.

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K.  

Leaf Bowl

I thought this was really nice when I saw the photo on Facebook. There is a great tutorial and the bowl is easy to make. Thought I'd share, so take a look!

http://www.hellolucky.com/wordpress/2012/10/25/diy-autumn-leaf-bowls/

Tangled in threads, at the moment!

Mrs. K.

Happy 4th of July!

Have a safe and deliciously happy 4th!

Mrs. K

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all! I am planning a lovely little dinner for the DH and myself which will include chocolate wine! Yes... chocolate wine. I had some at a friend's home and it was so delicious, I think it will be perfect for tonight. More chocolate for dessert - DH has a real sweet tooth.

I am marinating a flank steak in wine - not the chocolate stuff - olive oil, onion and garlic, and a little salt. That will tenderize it nicely. Along with the steak, roasted potatoes which I toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and then dot with butter - the butter just gives it the right finishing yummy touch. Of course, we must have a green, so spinach sauteed with garlic and butter. Oooh - I can't wait. Personally, I think garlic is an aphrodisiac.

Dessert - brownies with a little scoop of coffee ice cream on top and a dollop of whipped cream to go along with the chocolate wine.

What about the rest of you - making anything special for your Valentine's dinner or are you going out?

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K

Happy New Year!

A very Happy New Year!

May your year be filled with

love, joy, peace, good health, prosperity

and anything else your heart desires!

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K

Post Christmas Thoughts

I am having a bit of post Christmas blues which, being me, I shall get over ASAP. My motto: When I wake up I have two choices, happy or miserable - I choose happy. Right now I shall wallow a pinch and then pull myself back to normal.

I think it is just the let down after the holiday rush and it seems autumn rushed right on by into Christmas. Oh well, winter is for introspection, sitting by the fire, drinking plenty of tea, making lovely soups and stitching. Those endeavors should pull me right up by my boot straps!

Christmas Eve and Christmas day were quiet and lovely with just DH and I, oh and Sterling B, our old cat, of course. It was rather nice not to have to go crazy preparing for a houseful, although I did miss it. Maybe next year or maybe not. Sitting beside your love, rocking, watching the fire and being a bit silly romantic is a very nice way to spent Christmas Eve.

The homemade goodies, especially the apple butter, were a big hit as holiday gifts. I received a text this morning that my friend had added some to her oatmeal and it was delish! Never thought of putting it in oatmeal, but then I'm not a cereal for breakfast kind of gal.

I made some bone broth from chicken last month, 4 quarts, and shall pull a jar out of the freezer and brew up a lovely chicken pumpkin winter soup - nice and thick with some potatoes, chicken and whatever other veggies I can find. To go with it, a nice cornbread, an old recipe from the Fanny Farmer Cookbook I got when first married. Despite the fact that I have a cookbook that is just cornbread recipes, this is the once I always use. Made with honey, it has just enough sweetness to make it interesting. DH eats half a loaf in one sitting - and never gains an ounce - I know, you likely had figured that out.

As for stitching, three large projects: Sampler Sisters of the Thread, Autumn At Hawk Run Hollow and A Marriage by by Lizzie & Kate, all ready to go. Sampler Sisters has one line stitched. A Marriage is for our 32nd anniversary at the end of May. There are also some smalls to give me a break. These fingers will be flying.

Generally, we go to my mom's for New Year's Eve, but she is up north visiting the rest of the family after the death of my uncle before Thanksgiving. We'll likely just stay home and try to stay awake until midnight, LOL, not hard for me, but my other half will have to be awakened just before the big moment as he dozes in the rocker.

Whatever you do for New Year's Eve, have a wonderful and safe time!

Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K

Merry, Merry!

Hoping your Christmas is filled with love, joy, peace

and lots of goodies!

Deliciously yours,

Mrs. K.

O Christmas Tree!

Cute and interesting, in case anyone doesn't know all this! Be sure to turn off my playlist at the bottom before viewing.



Deliciously yours,
Mrs. K