Tea Time

Just a Thought

“The kitchen is a country in which there are always discoveries to be made.”
Grimod de la Reynière (1758-1838)


Tonight on the Hulu channel
The Bob Newhart Show

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I found the best recipe for English Muffins at Elaine's place today.

 I can't wait to try them with homemade jam and Tea, I do love my Tea Time

 ( in moderation of course ) just a ity, bity, bit,

 Thanks Elaine

as Elaine said

Here's the simple recipe for anyone who fancies giving them a go:-

English Muffins

450g / 1 lb white bread flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 sachet of dried yeast
250 ml /9 fl oz lukewarm water
125 ml/ 4 fl oz natural yogurt
40g/ 1.5 oz semolina (or polenta)

Mix flour, salt, sugar and yeast in bowl.  Add water and yogurt and stir until dough begins to come together.  Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 mins until smooth and elastic.  Shape dough into a ball and cover with damp tea towel and leave to rise for 30 -40 mins.  (OR YOU CAN CHEAT LIKE ME AND USE THE DOUGH SETTING ON YOUR BREAD MACHINE!)

Knead dough on a floured surface, then roll out until it is 2cm / 3/4 inch thick.  Cut out rounds with a biscuit cutter and sprinkle each round with the semolina.  Transfer rounds to a baking sheet, cover and leave for 30 mins. 

heat a griddle or large frying pan over a medium heat - add muffins and cook for 7 -8 mins on each side until golden brown.

The English Muffins will be great top with butter and

Homemade Marmalade

The Evil Mad Scientist says

that making Marmalade is way easier than it looks

check out his recipe here

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Crochet for the day is an adorable

Tea Time Doily

from Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains

pattern can be found here
Please visit her blog everything is just so cute and adorable.
I plan on making a bunch of these as gifts.
Great Smoky Mountains

A worsted weight doily to use as a hot pad under your china teapot or other dish.

Finished measurement: 9.5 inches in diameter

Materials: 1 ball worsted weight cotton yarn
Size G crochet hook

Abbreviations:
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
yo - yarn over
beg- beginning
rs - right side
sp - space

Cluster stitch in last round:
Yo, draw up loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, yo, draw through remaining 3 loops on hook, ch 2, yo, draw up loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, yo, draw through remaining 3 loops on hook.

Ch 5, join with sl st in first ch.

Row 1: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc & ch 1) dc 1, ch 1(11 times in circle & over the free end.)
Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg st. (12 dc in this round) (RS)

Row 2: Ch 3, dc 2 in ch 1 sp, dc in dc, ch 2, *dc in dc, dc 2 in ch 1 sp, dc in dc, ch 2, repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of beg st.

Row 3: Ch 3, dc in base of ch 3 just made, dc in ea of next 2 dc, dc 2 in next dc, ch 2, *dc 2 in next dc, dc in ea of next 2 dc, dc 2 in next dc, ch 2, repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of beg st.

Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, ch 3, sc in ch2 sp, ch 3, *dc in next 6 dc, ch 3, sc in ch3 sp, ch 3, repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of beg st.

Row 5: Ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch 3](2x), *dc in next 6 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch3](2x), repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of beg st.

Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next 5 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch 3](3x), *dc in next 6 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch3](3x), repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of beg st.

Row 7: Sl st in dc, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch3](4x), *skip 1 dc, dc in next 4 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch 3](4x), repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of beg st.

Row 8: Sl st in dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch 3](2x), work popcorn st in 2nd ch of next ch3 sp, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch 3](2x), *skip 1 dc, dc in next 2 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch 3](2x), work popcorn st in 2nd ch of next ch3 sp, repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of beg st.

Row 9: Sl st between 2 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch 3](6x), *sc between 2 dc, ch 3, [sc in ch3 sp, ch3](6x), repeat from * around. Sl st in beg sl st.

Row 10: Sl st in ch3 sp, ch 1, sc in same ch3 sp, ch 3 *sc in ch3 sp, ch 3, work cluster stitch in 2nd sc from hook, ch 2, work cluster in next sc, ch 3, skip next loop, sc in next ch3 loop, [ch 3, sc in ch3 loop](3x), ch 3, repeat from * around to last cluster, work cluster stitch, ch 3, sc in 2nd ch3 loop, ch 3, sc in next loop, ch 3. Sl st in beg sc of round.
Weave in end. Block flat.
Copyright © 2009 Toni in the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, All Rights Reserved



Applesauce-Oat Bran Muffins and Beseme scarf

Just a Thought

To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately,

cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life. ~  William Londen

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Applesauce-Oat Bran Muffins

Recipe found at  Ashley

Makes 12 muffins

3/4 cup unsweetened soy milk
1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup + 3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
2 tbsp sugar (optional)
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or a combination of whole wheat flour and other flours, such as 1/2 cup amaranth flour and 1 cup whole wheat)
3/4 cup oat bran
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp salt
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease a 12 cup muffin tin.

In a large bowl, whisk together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar; allow it to rest for 1 minute to curdle. Add the applesauce, and sugar (if using), and whisk to completely incorporate them.

In a separate smaller bowl, sift together the flour, oat bran, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet; stir only to moisten and don't overmix. Fold in the raisins and pecans. Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to scoop the batter into muffin cups.

Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Beseme scarf

This crochet scarf is a play on scale. Super bulky yarn becomes a flirty lace web; the whole project takes only a few hours to make, but the impact will last all winter long.

Pattern from Berroco

One size
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 10” wide (at widest point) x 66” long to end of longest loop
MATERIALS
3 Hanks BERROCO SUNDAE (100 grs), #8725 Bramble
Crochet hook, size 10.00 mm (NP-15) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
GAUGE9 dc’s = 4½”
SCARF
Row 1:  With crochet hook, ch 25.  Sl st in back loop of 12th ch from hook, then in back loop of each ch to end.  Ch 141, turn.
Row 2:  Sl st in back loop of 12th ch from hook, then in back loop of each of the following 13 ch’s; ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), dc in each of the next 8 ch’s;  * ch 9, skip 9 ch’s, dc in each of the next 9 ch’s, * rep between *’s 5 times.  Turn.
Row 3:  Sl st in first st.  Ch 24, sl st in back loop of 12th ch from hook, then in back loop of each of the next 12 ch’s; sl st in next st, ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, * ch 1, skip 1 dc, dc in next dc, * rep between *’s twice more, ** ch 9, skip 9 ch’s, dc in next dc, rep between *’s 4 times **; rep between **’s 5 times more.  Ch 24, turn.
Row 4:  Sl st in back loop of 12th ch from hook and in back loop of each of the next 12 ch’s; sl st in next st, ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), dc in next dc, * ch 1, dc in next dc *, rep between *’s twice more; ** ch 9, skip 9 ch’s, dc in next dc, rep between *’s 4 times more **; rep between **’s 5 times more.  Ch 24, turn.

Row 5: Sl st in back loop of 12th ch from hook and in back loop of each of the next 12 ch's; sl st in next st, ch 3, sc in next dc, ch 4, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, sl st in next dc; * ch 10, skip 9 ch's, sc in next dc; ch 3, sc in next dc; ch 4, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, sl st in next dc *; rep between *'s 5 times more; ch 10, skip 9 ch's, sc in next dc, ch 3, sc in next dc, ch 4, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4. Ch 24, turn.

Row 6: Sl st in back loop of 12th ch from hook and in back loop of each of the next 12 ch's; * 3 sc's, in ch-3 loop; (sc, ch 10, sc, ch 16, sc, ch 10, sc) all in ch-4 loop; 3 sc's in ch-3 loop; (4sc's, ch 2, 4 sc's) all in ch-10 loop, rep from * 5 times more, 3 sc's in ch-3 loop; (sc, ch 10, sc, ch 16, sc, ch 10, sc) all in ch-4 loop; 3 sc's in ch-3 loop, fasten off.
Note:  For Rnd 7, you will be working around all 4 edges of scarf.
Rnd 7:  Turn scarf so that straight edge is at the top.  With RS facing, using crochet hook, join yarn with a sl st in bottom loop of first ch.  Sc in this ch and in each of the next 8 ch’s, (you will be working over dc’s of Row 2); * ch 4, sc in center of ch-9 space, ch 4, sc in each of the next 9 ch’s, rep from * 5 times more.  Turn so that you are working along side edge of scarf.  ** Ch 3 in front of strand of fringe, sc in next ch space (between 2 strands of fringe), ch 25, sc in same ch space **, rep between **’s once more, ch 3, sl st in corner st of scarf edge.  Turn so that you are working along bottom edge of scarf.  *** Ch 3, skip 2 sc’s, sc in next sc, ch 5, sc in middle of ch-10 loop, ch 5, sc between loops, ch 8, sc in middle of ch-16 loop, ch 8, sc between loops, ch 5, sc in middle of ch-10 loop, ch 5, sc at base of same ch-10 loop, ch 3, skip 2 sc’s, sc in next sc, ch 4, sc in ch-2 space, ch 8, sc in same ch-2 space, ch 4, skip 4 sc, sc in next sc, rep from *** 5 times more, ch 3, skip 2 sc’s, sc in next sc, ch 5, sc in middle of next ch-10 loop, ch 5, sc between loops, ch 8, sc in middle of ch-16 loop, ch 8, sc between loop, ch 5, sc in middle of ch-10 loop, ch 5, sc in base of same ch-10 loop, ch 3, sc in corner st.  Turn scarf so that you are working along side edge.  Rep between **’s once more, join with a sl st in first sc.  Fasten off.
FINISHING

Weave in all ends.  Pin scarf to blocking or ironing board with rust-proof pins.  Steam with hot steam iron held about 1” above scarf.  Allow to dry completely before removing pins.

How Green Was My Valley and Pattern for 1916 Vintage Cape

Watching  How Green Was My Valley while Knitting :) Life is good :)

Vintage Crochet Pattern

 1916 Woman's Cape

Below is a vintage pattern to make a crocheted cape that appeared in the Woolco Knitting & Crocheting Manual that was published in 1916 (Woolco Knitting & Crocheting Manual, F.W. Woolworth Co., 1916).

This vintage pattern has passed into the public domain. That means that this design is no longer protected by copyright and you are free to do whatever you want with this pattern.

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Free Vintage 1916 Cape Pattern

MATERIAL-14 skeins Woolco Shetland Floss. 1 piece of No. 4 ribbon. No. 3 Woolco hook.

Chain 100 stitches.

1ST ROW - Make 1 treble in each chain; turn. (From now on work all the trebles around the trebles of former row.)

2D ROW - *3 trebles; around the 4th treble make 3 treble; 3 trebles; 1 chain; skip 1 treble of former row; repeat from * to the end of the row; turn.

3D ROW - Chain 3; 1 treble around the 2d treble; 2 trebles; 5treble around the 4th treble of former row; 3 trebles; *chain 1; skip the last treble, and the 1st treble of the next point; make 3 trebles; 5 treble around  the next treble; 3 trebles; repeat from * to the end of the row.

4TH ROW - Widen by putting 3 treble around the middle treble in the point. (Always skip the last and first treble of each point.)

5TH ROW - Widen by putting 5 treble.

6TH ROW - Widen by putting 3 treble.

Repeat these last 2 rows 6 times.

19TH ROW - Widen by putting 5 treble.

Make 11 rows more, widening by putting 3 treble in each point.

BORDER - Make a shell of 4 trebles; *skip 2 stitches; 1 treble; skip 2 stitches; shell of 4 trebles; repeat from * across the bottom of cape.

Make 5 more rows the same as this one.

Make 2 rows the same way up the fronts and around the neck.

Finish with a scallop of trebles and a picot edge all around.

Put the ribbon through the spaces made by the chain (as in the design), drawing it over the ridge and under the next chain. Finish at the bottom with a loop and sew it at each end. Also run the ribbon through the spaces around the neck.

Link to more great

Free Vintage Pattern Here

Marshmallows

This is the most fascinating recipe I have come across in a long time,. I didn't know you could make marshmallows. My grand kids are just going to love this one. I found it over at Celtic Mommy's blog. She has all kinds of neat ideas pop in and give her a visit.



Ingredients:

3 packages gelatin, unflavored

1/2 cup cold water

2/3 cup light corn syrup

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1 tablespoon vanilla (I used Penzey's Double Strength Vanilla Extract)

Additionally you will need:

PAM cooking spray

Saran Wrap

9x9 inch square pan

KitchenAid stand mixer with whisk

2 quart saucepan

Plastic spatula

Sharp sharp sharp knife

Cutting board

1 cup confectioners sugar -OR- Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa for coating marshmallows

Honestly, these are super simple to make but messy.  But messy in a fun way.  Make sure you understand the prep work before beginning to avoid frustration mid way through your candy-making.

Directions:

1-  Coat square pan with PAM cooking spray and line pan on bottom and all four sides leaving plastic overhanging.  Spray plastic again with PAM.  Set aside.

2-  In your stand mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup cold water.  Add gelatin and set aside.

3-  In saucepan, add corn syrup, sugar and 1/4 cup water.  Stir to combine.  Heat sugar mixture on medium until it comes to a boil.  Do not stir!  Turn heat to high and let boil for an additional minute.  Turn off heat and add sea salt.  Do not stir.

4-  Turn stand mixer with whisk on medium.  Being careful not to burn yourself, slowly add hot sugar mixture along the side of the bowl.  Once combined, set mixer on high and mix 10 minutes.

5-  Add vanilla along the side of the bowl and mix additional 3 minutes.

6- (OPTIONAL)  If you want to color your marshmallows, add colorings now.  Marshmallows will turn out pastel colored unless you add a ton of coloring, but this can also effect the texture of the marshmallow so I wouldn't recommend it.  Additionally, you can substitute Vanilla for other flavorings such as lemon, orange, peppermint or chocolate extract.  Use same 1 tablespoon measurement for peppermint or chocolate.  Use 2 tsp. of lemon or orange extracts.

7-  Spread marshmallows into prepared pan.  Use spatula coated with PAM to scrape bowl

8-  Use plastic overhanging covered with PAM to cover marshmallows.  If not completely covered, spray another sheet of Saran Wrap and cover (face down).

9-  Let marshmallows set up for 2-3 hours or overnight.

10-  When marshmallows have set, prepare to cut and coat them.  Pour confectioners sugar or cocoa in a shallow bowl.  Sprinkle more confectioners sugar or cocoa onto cutting board so marshmallows won't stick.

11-  Take Saran Wrap off the top of marshmallows and sides.  Invert as you would a cake and the marshmallow brick should pop right out.  Take off the rest of the plastic wrapping.  Sprinkle confectioners sugar or cocoa on top of marshmallow brick.

12-  With a sharp knife, cut long strips of marshmallow.  I usually do 3/4 to 1 inch strips.  Cut these into squares, coat lightly with sugar or cocoa and set on a plate.

13-  Continue until you are done!  3/4 inch squares will yield about 144 marshmallows give or take.  1 inch squares will yield about 81... that is, if they all make it to the plate

Mary Jane Slippers Crocheted Hats and Boots

Just a thought

 “When we engage in what we are naturally suited to do, our work takes

on the quality of play and it is play that stimulates creativity.” –  Linda Naiman

Pattern from The Purl Bee 

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Great Crochet by

Simply Crochet on youtube

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Patterns by
The CRAFTY COOKIE CROCHET DESIGNS

Pear Delight Smoothie and Crocheted Plastic Bag

Just a Thought

“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”

Buddha

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Pear Delight Smoothie

       I am mostly a raw vegen with some of my foods cooked. Very rarely do I eat meat or dairy, when I do I usually feel ill  so I avoid them. I prefer my food to be fresh and raw.

       Smooties are great, they're like desert to me. Here is one of my favorites. Enjoy

Pear Delight Smoothie

Ingredients

1 mango peeled, deseeded, and diced
1 pear
1/2 cup chopped pineapple
1 celery rib
juice from 1/2 lime
seeds from 1 vanilla bean
1 teaspoon raw honey water to thin

Blend all the ingredients in a powerful blender.
Adjust lime juice and honey to desired taste.
For more really yummy raw food recipes
check out Rawglow
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Speaking of Green,

if you have ever wondered what you could do with

 all those plastic bags under your cupboards here's a great idea from 

Nightfall Accessories/Reliquary Arts

 Crocheted plastic bags



Face scrubbies plus a list of Free Patterns

These are the cutest little face scrubbies from  Cynthia's Cynfully Spiffy Stuff
You can make up a batch in any and all colors you like put them in a really cute jar in the bathroom and never have to buy and throw away those paper face scrubbers again.You could use cotton or any type of yarn really that you wish, Great gift for teen agers. Have fun :)
I found her adorable site over at All Free Crochet they have loads of great patterns.
Also Cynthia has a link to Crochetotology.net that has amazing crochet work.