Homemade Bread, Etsy Purchases and Grandchildren

Hello my friends.  I'm sitting here on a bright, sunny afternoon, enjoying the freshness after our rainstorm on Tuesday.  When it rains, it can pour down here in southern California.  Our pool is filled to the top but luckily it didn't overflow.  I feel so sad for all those people who have lost life or home from the ravages of the floods due to the Thomas Fire (which is about 100 miles north of where I live).  Sometimes, we can take things for granted.  I'm so thankful every day.

Being thankful, I'm so thankful for the many blog friends I have met.  I get so many great ideas from all of you.  It can be books, fiber arts, recipes, gardening or just some great advice now and then.  The other day I was reading Morning's Minion's blog and she had shared her recipe for some wonderful homemade bread.  She's an expert bread baker! I used to bake bread regularly but for the past few years, my yeast baking has consisted of rolls.  Today, I made the bread pictured above.  You can find my recipe at the bottom of this post if you wish to try it.  (I think it didn't proof enough hence the crack in the loaf).

The title of this post today mentions Etsy purchases.  I've finished my latest  needlepoint and I found this much needed little thread catcher on Etsy.  Isn't this just an adorable little fabric bag?  And, it was like $5.00!

I think I shared with you that I joined The Handmade Sock Society and I'm anxiously awaiting for the first pattern release.  I wanted (but didn't need :)) a new sock project bag.  I found this adorable little project bag from this seller on Etsy.  It was a great buy, too!  I used to sew back in the old days.  But, my sewing skills are circa 1970's and it makes me nervous with clipping all those threads, etc.  Hence, my love of knitting/crochet/needlepoint.

 

For the past few months, my dear husband has been having some medical tests are still inconclusive.  On our way home from the doctor on Tuesday, during a torrential downpour, we stopped at Trader Joe's and I just had to buy this colorful cyclamen complete with the flower pot.  I'm wondering if this is a plant and I can keep and have it bloom again?

 

My little granddaughter is here for a couple of nights.  Here she is at her home helping her Mom set the table.  Her older brother (my first grandchild), will join her tomorrow for a fun time with Grandma and Grandpa.  The joys of being a grandparent!

I hope that the New Year is being good to you.  Lilly is doing well and wanted me to send her "meows" to everyone, too!  Until next time . . .

My best wishes,

Pat

Pat's Whole Wheat Bread

2 cups lukewarm water

1 package dry yeast

scant 1/3 cup honey/molasses mixture (you can use all honey if you wish or brown sugar)

2 Tablespoons oil

1/2 Tablespoon salt

3 cups Trader Joe's pastry whole wheat flour*

2 cups all purpose flour*

I used my Kitchenaid mixture to make/knead this dough.  I placed the water in the warmed bowl and added the yeast.  Let it sit about 5 minutes.  Add in honey/molasses mixture, oil, salt and 3 cups of the whole wheat flour.  Start mixer to begin combining the ingredients.  You can give it a good stir with a large wooden spoon.  Add in all purpose flour, gradually, until mixture becomes a ball.  Don't add too much as you want a soft dough.  Knead a few minutes in the machine and then remove beater and cover dough and let it rise for at least one hour.

Punch down dough and divide into four balls of equal size.  Let the balls rest for about 10 minutes.  Grease well two 9 x 5 bread pans.  Shape each ball into a nice ball and place two balls in each pan.  Let rise for about an hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place bread pans in oven and bake for 30 minutes or until they sound "hollow".  Place a clean tea towel on the counter and put a cooling rack on top.  Remove bread from pans onto cooling rack.  Brush tops with butter.  Let cool and then slice or freeze them as you wish.

* I keep my whole wheat flour in the frig to prolong it's life.  But, when I looked at it today, it wasn't fresh so I used instead this Trader Joe's pastry flour.  It worked great as it's just a finer ground whole wheat flour.  In you use regular whole wheat flour, I would use two cups whole wheat to 3 cups of all purpose flour.  It's up to you whether you enjoy a fine textured bread versus a coarse textured bread.

 

  

Egyptian Foul Medammas & Boca Burgers en Croute on a Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Hello my dear friends. It's a quiet, cloudy, wonderful Sunday afternoon here in Southern California.  I love the cool weather!

Yesterday was a glorious day to sit outside under the gazebo and drink a cup of tea and enjoy nature.  Of course, I couldn't sit without my latest project.  It's a large needlepoint scene that I purchased with 96 skeins of yarn.  I soon found out that 96 skeins of tapestry yarn is way too much but at least I'll have some leftover for another time. 

I wanted to fix something fast and easy for lunch so I made my husband a bowl of foul medammes or as you may know them as fava beans.  Foul (pronounced fool) is an iconic food of Egypt; probably Egypt's first fast food.  It can be eaten many ways; in a bowl with seasoned sauce, as a sandwich in pita bread with fresh chopped salad and tahini sauce, or ground and made into taamia as it's called in Egypt or more commonly known as falafel. 

In the old days, I would buy the fava beans in bulk and cook them in my slow cooker.  Of course times have changed and now you can find them already cooked in cans, ready to be heated and seasoned to your liking.  The dried beans shown above are the large fava beans.  The large beans can also be bought without the skins and these type of beans are used for taamia (falafel) or a wonderful dish called  bisara.  Bisara is a popular dish during the lenten fast as it consists of pureed fava beans mixed with molokhia and seasoned with garlic.  

Today I was trying out a new crochet pattern when it dawned on me that maybe I should fix my dear husband some lunch.  I had two frozen Boca burgers (vegan burgers) in the freezer which I browned in a skillet.  I took two frozen puff pastry squares from the freezer and let them thaw.  I them placed the puff pastry on a greased baking sheet, added a little mix of mayonaise and dijon mustand in the middle of each pastry, and then placed the Boca burger on top.  I turned up the ends and added some cheese to my husband's burger.  I baked them at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes or until nicely puffed and browned.  I added some sauted onions (with a little Worchestire sauce as flavor) to the top and served them.  Voila!  A easy lunch entree.

I have always wanted double ovens and now I have them in this home.  I love to use my oven and I use it a lot!  Unfortunately, here in SoCal, our electricity is so expensive and they monitor your use and tell you if you're using too much. So.....

I easily came up with a solution.  My friend has a countertop oven that works so well so I thought I'd give it a try.  This is a Hamilton Beach that can bake, broil, rotisserie and convention bake.  I purchased it earlier this year from Amazon for around $70.00.  It works great!  And, most of all, it bakes great!

I think today is the calm before the storm...I will be babysitting my dear little grandchildren, shown above, for four days starting tomorrow.  Their parents on going to NYC and of course Grandma and Grandpa are here to take over.  It will be fun to have them and make more memories with them.

I hope your are having a good day.  I want to say THANK YOU on this Veterans Day weekend to all our Veterans who have placed their lives in service to our country.  I appreciate and applaud your service.  I'd love to hear from you if you have the time.  Feel free to stop by for a chat!

With my best wishes,

Pat

 (PS - if you are interested in any of the recipes I wrote about above, please let me know)

It's Good to be Home

The joys of home . . .

I'm back to my routine after spending six wonderful weeks in Turkey.  Oh, Turkey. Maybe you have read the disturbing news about America and Turkey suspending visas?  What a mess; I wish our government would stay out of other people's business!  But, that's a story for another time...

Today I thought I'd share a little bit about what I've been up to this week.  My jet lag is not so bad and my energy level is high.  Yes!  My home is always "clean" but not everything is organized in the cupboards, closets, etc.  I recently discovered a new blog and it has really inspired me to get myself in gear and try to decorate a little more posh.  It's been fun as I have so much "stuff" to decorate with.  And, my cupboards have been cleaned along with my closet.  So, things are looking up.

My new decor for my nightstand.  I used to read in bed years ago but not anymore.  My nightstand looked so bare and neglected.  When I wake up now, I see something bright and happy.

I went to the store to buy fresh flowers but I didn't feel like buying pink or red flowers for fall.  Instead I opted for this "green" bouquet.  It matches the decor quite well and will last for a long time as it's fresh greenery vs flowers.

 

I found my fall decorations and decorated the mantle in the family room.  I bought these little pumpkin candles years ago and have used them as decor vs candles.

I just have to show you my new electric tea kettle.  I think this is the 5th one we have had.  Years ago when they came out, we bought one and it lasted for so long.  Since then we've gone through a couple of them that didn't last long at all.  This is the latest one from Amazon.  The cost was $25.00 and free shipping, too!  So far, it's working great, heats the water fast and is an attractive design, too. (Do you spy my new cookie/cake tin? A new buy this week from Home Goods.)

 

 People have asked me how did my cat Lilly get along without me for so long.  She did great.  She got to stay at home and we have some dear friends who come by every couple of days to take care of her, pet her and let her wander in the back yard for awhile.  The best thing I did before I left was to buy Lilly this HUGE covered litter box.  It's amazing and no more mess.  I should have done this years ago but Lilly is a 17 pound cat and my dear Pumpkin was 15 pounds.  Try and find a covered litter box to fit a big, beautiful kitty!

I left my completed needlepoint in Turkey after I had them framed.  This is a new one I've started on and it's huge compared to the other pieces.  It's going to take me awhile since the colors are a bit darker and for my eyes makes it more difficult.

It's nice to be home and get ready for all the upcoming fall activities.  So many people have asked me if it's safe to go to Turkey.  We've never experienced any problem whatsoever.  Staying home could be just as toxic with the horrible Las Vegas shootings and the San Bernardino shootings.  Both of those incidents hit very close to home.  And, since yesterday morning we have a horrible wild fire near us burning down houses and destroying beautiful  natural areas.  If the wind had blown in the opposite direction, we would have been in danger.  We've been having Santa Ana winds which are strong, warm winds that cause havoc each year.  My hearts and prayers go out to everyone effected by these sad events.

I'd love to hear what you've been up to.  I'm going to plant some spring bulbs, iron and enjoy my day at home.  It's always good to be home.  Thank you for visiting today!

My best wishes,

Pat

Needlepoint and Turkiye

Greetings my friends. I hope your day is going well.  I'm sitting out on the balcony enjoying the clouds moving past and the sounds of thunder.  It poured rain earlier today.  I love rain and clouds...

I also love needlepoint.  I discovered this amazing craft two years ago.  My dear friend Nadia, who is an expert at this craft, helped me to get started.

This is my latest piece I completed.  It's a kit from England called Evening Light Westminster. It was so bumpy and skewed when completed but it came out perfect after being framed.

Here's my collection so far.

This is the second piece I made.  It's an iconic scene called The Angelus.

And, here is my very first piece of needlepoint that I made.  Although the wool wasn't great quality. I think the depth of this piece is the best. It's a pastoral scene.

Would you believe I had all three of these pieces custom framed for less than $50.00?  Yes! I had them framed in Turkey.

We discovered a huge art store a couple of years ago.  We bought some paintings along with these hand painted decor items.  As you can see, they're my favorite gold, faux French design.  If I could, my whole household would be like this!

The framed needlepoint pictures are staying in Turkey, adding decor to our home, little by little.

My OCD doesn't allow me to sit down and rest unless I'm working on something; i.e., knitting, crocheting, needlepoint.  On my last shopping day in Turkey, I stumbled across a wonderful yarn shop. Oh my, was I in heaven!  They also had lots of European needlepoint canvases.  There was one I wanted to buy but will wait until next time as I have a large canvas waiting to be started.

My secret wish is that I wish I could do embroidery/crewel work.  I'm fascinated by antique needlework pieces.  There was an advertisement in a needlework magazine I subscribe to. It was for a ten day needlework tour in England. I'd love to go to this but my skills are zero...and the cost was a little too much at £8,000+...maybe one day.

Thank you dear friends for visiting today.

With my best wishes,

Pat

Five on Friday Fotos Featuring Needlepoint and kNitting

Hello my friends. This past week my little grandson stayed two "sleeps" at our home so I was busy.  He started kindergarten this year and I had to take him to school and pick him up each day.  It was really very pleasant to be needed.  It brought back great memories of my own children during those early school years.  Right when I got used to our routine, he returned back home.  But, he's expected to stay with us again next week.
 
Last week's post about the magazine review was not my usual kind of post.  If you've been reading Lilly My Cat for awhile, you know my passion is Needlework.  I was kind of burned out with my knitting and crocheting until my friend introduced me to needlepoint.  I thought I'd show you what I've accomplished so far.

Here's my first piece of Needlepoint that I've finished.  I bought this "kit" on ebay for $20.00.  It's a kit from Germany and it was a good starter piece for me.  Although, now that I kind of know what I'm doing, the yarn was not the best.  I do like this type of canvas; penelope canvas I think it's called.

Here's the second piece that I bought. Again, from ebay and the tapestry wool was included.  I love the Royal Paris canvas designs and the wool is so nice. It's DMC wool from France.  This particular piece is small though as it will measure 9" x 12" when it's completed.  I'm thinking of making a handbag out of this piece.

Here's my latest purchase from ebay.  I've bought on ebay for many years now either by placing a "bid" or "buy it now" option.  This piece was listed also as "make an offer".  I'd never done that before.   The list price was $39 and I "made an offer for $25 shipping included".  The buyer accepted my offer and I'm so pleased with this new kit. 

The canvas and tapestry wools are made in England.  It's really very nice quality and the size will be a bit unique since it is oblong. I'm excited to get started on this piece after I finish my current canvas.  And, best of all, this one actually came with directions.  How I could have used those directions when I started my first piece of needlepoint!

I still haven't forgotten about my kNitting though.  Here's the sweater I'm currently knitting for myself. The yarn is Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece.  It's nice in that it's 80% cotton & 20% wool.  But, it has no sheen whatsoever and it likes to split.  I tweaked the pattern since I'm using a different type of yarn and a different size needle.  It's pretty easy knitting now that I have the sizing correct.

If you've enjoyed these five photos I've shared, then please pop over and visit Amy at Five on Friday. I'm also linking to Victoria's Handmade Monday    and  Keep Calm Craft On. I wish to thank my dear daughter, Heidi, for updating my blog photo and design.  The header photo was taken by Heidi when we were in Paris two years ago.  If you have time, please feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what's happening in your part of the world.  I read each and every one of them.  

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Pat

Discovering Needlepoint

Hello my friends.  All is well here at Lilly My Cat.  We are anxiously awaiting the appearance of my new little granddaughter.  She's expected to arrive in about 9 days.  I have finally put down my knitting needles and crochet hook and discovered a new hobby.  Needlepoint!

I was watching on TV a British show called Cash in the Attic. It's a bit like Antiques Roadshow but with a twist.  There was a clip of a lady doing the most beautiful needlepoint on a frame.  I had never seen a needlepoint frame before.  It turned out the canvas she was working on was by a famous designer.  That's when I discovered Ehrman Tapestry. They carry the most beautiful designs but they are a bit pricey.  I needed a beginner's project so I bought just what I needed on Ebay.

Above is a photo of the canvas I am working on.  It's from Germany and I paid $20.00 for the complete kit! My dear friend Nadia, who is an expert in this field, got me started on how to do the stitches.....

Years ago, my dear aunt gave me this tramme needlepoint canvas.  I think it was meant to be a chair cover.  I just kept it in my craft closet but now I'm thinking of making it into a handbag...

Here's a needlepoint canvas and thread that I bought in Egypt back in 1976.  It's quite a popular hobby there but I never had the patience to learn how to do this.  Nadia worked on it but after all these years the cotton yarn has faded.  So, I'm just going to keep it as a keepsake.  It only has a few stitches completed on the leaves...

I've collected needlepoint pictures for years. This Mona Lisa I won at a church auction....

And here's one that I bought at a church bazaar.....

The piece above is probably my most favorite.  It's from Egypt and was hand made.  I purchased it at the Hanging Church in Old Cairo probably over 20 years ago....

My grandparents were from Denmark and this was a popular hobby there years ago.  My grandma gave me this dog and flower needlepoint.  I had them framed in Egypt many years ago....

 

 When I was in Denmark back in 2004 I purchased this piece from a thrift shop.  It's professionally framed.  It seems as though no one wants these types of art anymore since they are old fashioned...

 

 Lastly, here are two needlepoint pillows from Denmark that I received from my family members there.  I cherish them since they are from the family.....

There's not a lot of info out there in regard to doing needlepoint.  I didn't watch videos since I don't have the patience; I prefer to see the pictures and/or read about how to do something.  If you have any pointers for me, please let me know.  But, I find this hobby so relaxing (no counting which I kind of miss) and it's like seeing a puzzle come together when you make each stitch that fits in it's place.  I think I'm addicted to needlepoint!

Before I sign off, I'd like your opinion on something.  Have you ever met old acquaintances and they don't care to have anything to do with you?  Here's what happened.....Years ago when my son was in the Midwest going to the University he got a job at Starbucks.  It turned out that the manager was related to my family (her mother was my cousin).  Small world....anyway, there was no rapport at all with the manager in regard to being in the same family.  When I say family, my own dear Mother took care of this manager when she was young.  I found this very odd. 

Fast forward a few years and I recently heard from a friend I knew from high school.  I had sent a text message to her and she answered.  Our families knew each from the small town we grew up in.  I had lost track these past few years so I thought I would say "hello".  I was looking forward to catching up on our lives since we were both empty nesters, grandmas, etc.  But, it went flat...nothing.  She said she would call but I know she will never call me. 

Is there something wrong with me or is it just the norm in this day and age?  It doesn't bother me but it puzzles me.  The ironic thing is that both of these people where in my wedding party 40 years ago!  Isn't that funny?  Maybe I wouldn't have anything in common with them but I feel I'm a good listener and would be polite to respond to them.  Anyway, I'm thankful for the close family and dear friends I do have.

I wish you a wonderful week.  Please say hello if you have the time.

My best to you,

Pat

Linking to the following parties:

Handmade Monday..... 

The Art of Homemaking Mondays..... 

Tuesday Afternoons..... 

Keep Calm Craft On.......