Happy Trails

Knitterly Progress

It has been a relaxing day--one spent in my study with the sunlight streaming in, listening to jazz while Salmaan was out doing some last minute Christmas shopping. While he was away, I rediscovered my loose brew teapot (actually gifted by him a few Christmases ago) in the back of one of our seldom used cupboards. I love English Breakfast. So good.

Also happy to report that I couldn't put down the Winter Storage shawl that I cast on yesterday, using the Barefoot Rooster's handspun.

When I read the name of the colorway, the first thought I had was of a pantry full of jars of fruits and veggies that had been put away to enjoy over the winter after harvest. If you keep up with Amy's blog, you'll understand why my mind went there first. She is a savvy canner and pickler! 

Last weekend my Auntie Lala gifted us a jar of her own Damson plum jelly--one of Granny's recipes. She also brought a jar of her own pickles (again, Gran's recipe), and I couldn't get enough of them. So, I went digging in the stash for some yarn that reminded me of those two things: something plummy, and something pickley. I came up with a skein of STR in jade, and Jitterbug in velvet plum (perfect!). 

I'm going to alternate a stripe each of plum and pickle throughout the shawl as the colors transition from the gorgeous green to pink and back again. It'll be an homage not only to the rooster's yarn, but also her kitchen escapades that I always enjoy reading about, and which remind me of my Granny. 

So far I'm halfway through the second round of Chart B. I might put this down for the rest of the evening and keep working on the body of my GYC shawl, which is determined to stay at 11 inches for the rest of its existence. ;-) Happy knitting!

Mais Oui!

I am 1/4 French Canadian. (I know, I know, not necessarily something to brag about (I'm also Polish--doh!)...but it's a true statement, and is relevant to today's featured cuisine). When it comes to French cooking, especially quiches, I really love to dig in and go all out. There's no doot aboot it! That's why, when I saw this recipe, my mouth began to water, and it went on the list of things that had to be created this weekend. Voila!

Now, it must be noted, despite how easy Deb makes it sound on her site, this recipe is NOT for the faint of heart. It took a really long time. The onions take 40 minutes to caramelize, the crust has to chill for 30 minutes, and the bake time noted in the recipe is a joke--it took this bad boy an hour to bake and firm up, and even then, I think we pulled it out to soon. But, by that time, we were HUNGRY, dude! I would recommend upping the oven temp to 375.

T'was absolutely delicious. The crust was an interesting venture--I've never made pastry before. I did in the food processor, which was super easy, but I had a hard time rolling it out--it didn't really want to stay together. I think my egg was on the smaller side, which likely had something to do with it. Tasted great, though.

Oh, and since it's been a million years since there was some knitting content on this blog 'o' mine, here's a progress shot of my GYC. I'm hoping to get beyond the waist shaping today, and I think this rainy weather and Harry Potter will help me do just that!

There's also an FO post on its way, just as soon as we get some weather nice enough to take a few shots of it...Happy Sunday! 

Ghoulishly Good

This was our first Halloween in the new neighborhood, and both of us were feeling pretty festive. I decided there were a few pumpkin recipes that I needed to try out, and I'm glad I did. First up? Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. After checking this out over at Cosmicpluto, we had to give them a go.

I have not enjoyed something this tasty (dessert-wise) in a long, long time. They are light, fluffy, cakey, and delicious. Initially we were going to hand them out to parents as an adult treat, but after taste testing one of the smaller ones, Salmaan begged to keep them just for us. I didn't tell him at the time, but I felt the same way. You HAVE to make these. About five seconds after we tasted them, we each locked eyes and said, our mouths full, "We've GOT to make these for Thanksgiving."

Next up we baked these Pumpkin Muffins. They made the house smell amazing, and we gave away half a dozen to our neighbors who very kindly helped us dispatch the fallen tree. 

I'm waiting to try these tomorrow morning with a steaming cup of coffee. 

While I was inside baking, Salmaan decorated the outside with some lights we had leftover from our pumpkin carving party a few years ago.

We were the only house illuminated to the hilt, and I think it was fun for the kids to approach for candy. 

Dinner this evening was a fast affair, I basically wolfed it down in one gulp, only to discover afterwards that I'm not sure I even liked it that much. We made Black Bean Pumpkin Soup--a recipe that I got off of the Smitten Kitchen. 

A few notes on this soup--it wasn't at ALL orange (the photos on Deb's site are electric), and I didn't taste the pumpkin. Not even a little bit. Not even at all. Additionally, I found the overall flavor to be a bit sour, and I think that was due in large part to the sherry wine the recipe called for--I think it could have done without that entirely, and instead of finishing it off with sherry vinegar, I believe a bit of red wine vinegar would have done the trick. It did, however, introduce us to one of the most wonderful ingredients--pre-cooked ham. It came in this huge chunk, and was smokey and delicious. I plan to use it in a quiche tomorrow, and probably make a club salad later this week complete with beets and other numerous accoutrement. There might even be a ham salad sandwich in our future. (This is a big deal. I very rarely do any sort of meat salad. They tend to make me barf. But, this ham has non-barfing saladish potential. Very cool.)

All in all, the evening was a bit anticlimactic. We met a few neighbors that we hadn't seen before, so that was nice, but all in all, only SIX children darkened out door to trick or treat. One of them had so many food allergies that his parents went by to every house beforehand to drop off a gift to give him instead of candy. I threw in a glow stick for him as well. Not like the kid who is allergic to everything under the sun needs to glow in the dark, but hey, they're cool!

When Gluten Kid and his family were walking away, the kids asked the parents, "Hey, can we go trick or treat at that house over there?" [referencing our neighbors that live across the street] The mother promptly responded, "No, their porch light is out, see? That's the universal sign to stay away. That family never comes out. Not even for Christmas. That's why we call them the Vampire Family." I. Laughed. My. Ass. Off. And then I thought it was kind of inappropriate that they said that within earshot of us, which of course, theoretically meant they were in earshot of the Vampire Family. Suburbia? You are FASCINATING.

In any event, Happy Halloween, everyone! And if you find yourself with a sweet tooth this evening, come on by. We have about $30 left of unclaimed candy. 

"I'm ready for my close up...."

A few weeks ago over Columbus Day weekend, Salmaan and I headed back to the mountains for a little photo shoot. When we moved into our new house and began decorating, I realized that we really didn't have any good updated photos of us, and not a single photo anywhere of River. 

To remedy that, we contacted our beloved wedding photographer, Fran Fevrier. She met us out at one of our favorite places on Sunday afternoon--Goshen Pass, and these are some of my favorite shots from the time we spent together. A few were taken at the old post office in Rockbridge Baths, and the others were on the River itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was an afternoon that we really enjoyed. Fran has a way of making you feel relaxed, but gorgeous at the same time. And I loved the way she used the reflections, and River adored her. We're still sorting through photos, editing them to get them just right, and trying to figure out which ones we want to develop. It's fun to treat yourself to capturing a moment in time in your life. And I think it's important, too. Plus, it's so much fun to say, for real, "I'm ready for my close up!"

Soup's On!

There has been a lot of this going on here at Chez K. the last few weeks.

A few weeks ago on Columbus day, I made homemade Chicken Soup for the first time (using the FANTASTIC recipe out of Food to Live By) and it changed my life. While I have made many a batch of potato leek soup over the years, I've never been a big homemade soup fan. I always thought it took too long, and was a lot of work for something that never ended up being very satisfying. I have been converted.

All in all, it took about 4.5 hours from start to finish, and the house smelled tremendously good. The aroma brought back memories for me: late mornings on Saturday; Dad would be sitting at the kitchen table with his notebook--wearing jeans and a ratty old sweatshirt. His curly hair would be wiry and tousled, not having showered yet that day. He would watch cooking shows for hours, taking notes and writing out recipes (this was YEARS before the internet, food network, etc.). Meanwhile, a homemade soup would be simmering on the stove, with a lemony bunch of parsley from the garden sitting on the wooden cutting board, ready to be thrown in at the very end. I never really appreciated the hard work of it all until this month--or the quick comfort that can be achieved from a savory spoonful. That was one memory, and the other, my Granny. Nothing specific...just a home filled with earthy slow-cooked goodness. That was my Granny. Good things.

Last weekend I made up a batch of Mexican Albondigas soup (again, another recipe out of Food to Live By). I had made this previously last year (albondigas are mexican meatballs), but had used ground turkey. This go round I substituted ground sirloin, and the difference was marked. From now on, I'm going beef all the way with this soup. 

We shared this meal with a co-worker who stopped by to haul away that tree that busted our deck. Turns out, it made him very happy to have free firewood. The next day, we tried a new recipe out of Fine Cooking--French Onion Soup. It was time-consuming to caramelize the onions (and honestly, they could have steamed a bit longer), but the time and watery eyes were WELL worth the wait. Gorgeous.

Next up was Parker's Beef Stew out of one of Ina's cookbooks. Salmaan took the lead on this one, as he normally does whenever wine, beef, and potatoes are involved. This was an incredibly hearty stew, and although many of the same components were present, I felt it was totally different from the bourguignon we made a few weeks ago. The presence of the potatoes and peas were wonderful, and there was a richness to this dish that was completely different from the other.

And last, but definitely not least, we enjoyed this wonderful concoction this evening. Amy is often posting about dishes she's tried from Smitten Kitchen, and so I finally visited and checked it out. I will be back again, and again...and...well, you get the idea. This soup was excellent, and truly fit the bill for what was in the pantry. We used the acorn squash we purchased at the orchard a few weeks ago, and surprisingly, had just about everything else on hand. It's strange how your staples as a cook change as you evolve. Lately, mine have been butter, cream, french baguette, gruyere, and chicken stock. Perhaps this new trend would account for the extra pounds I have been carrying around the last few months. ;-)

At any rate, grab a great recipe, and get to simmering. It does a body (and soul) good. Soup's on!

Tasting, Touring, and the Nitty Gritty of Those Grapes Up Your Ass--I Mean! In Your GLASS...

Okay, so it's high time for a rant, folks. HIGH TIME. This is directed not at you, dear readers, but the World in general--especially the world encompassing tasting rooms across America--or, more specifically, their visitors. 

First of all, I LOVE wine tasting. LOVE. There is something magical about touring through beautiful countryside, and leisurely visiting a small farm winery, surrounded by vineyards (many of which have been painstakingly planted by ancestors, spouses, friends, sons, and daughters), and literally enjoying the fruits of the vine. There is a physical music in tasting a handcrafted wine that has clearly been coaxed and cared for throughout the fermentation process, and is a reflection of the passion that the owners and winemakers have for their land and their craft. These guys are a perfect example.

We have toured and tasted in the Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, and across Virginia as well as a few other states here and there. I share this not to tout my knowledge or expertise, but to illuminate the fact that in my experience, people do NOT know how to behave when tasting and touring. It isn't a Here or There thing, it's an everywhere thing, and it's high time someone said something about it!

There are books of etiquette on just about everything: How to write a thank you note, how to plan a wedding, sushi bar etiquette...how to how to how to....After this weekend, I googled "wine tasting etiquette" and this was a pretty consistent example of the results generated. None of these resources tell you the appropriate way to BEHAVE...not really, at least...and isn't that the biggest part of what proper etiquette is all about? Civility? 

I have been shocked by the behavior I have witnessed in tasting rooms these last few years. And no, I'm not talking about that guy who didn't know how to aerate the wine in his mouth, and ended up sucking it down his throat, resulting in a coughing spasm that was incredibly protracted and probably quite painful...*quick aside to shake head with affectionate pity*. I'm talking about the entitled Turds that walk into a tasting room and put on an invisible black robe, imagining they are Judges of the High Court of Spirits and Libation. You aren't there to JUDGE, friends, you're there to SAMPLE, and, if you're lucky, truly enjoy.

The rules of the elementary school playground apply here. There should be no pushing, shoving, cutting in line, or name calling. It is not nice to "hog the ball", so to speak, and stretch your elbows so that you can dub yourself Queen of the Tasting Bar. It is still considered impolite to "make faces", and talk about the fat kid behind his back in a whisper that an Armadillo could hear 5 miles away. (They're hard of hearing by the way. Very, very, hard of hearing). Oh, and furthermore, as ALWAYS, NOBODY likes a know-it-all. 

In my opinion, a tasting room is like the foyer of a person's home. You should be conscious of the fact that this is someone's craft and passion. They are NOT there to please you. YOU came to THEM, not to be SERVED, but to SAMPLE. There's a huge difference between going wine tasting and going out to dinner. If you don't like what you taste, then be polite, and move on. So many times I have stood beside the quintessential Hermione Granger of Oenology, who can't seem to stifle her incessant desire to be an insufferable know-it-all, and feels it is incumbent upon HER to inform the tasting room of what SHE thinks of every wine on the menu. *whew! That was a long one...deep breath in recovery...* And I just want to say, "Oh really? And what do you think about the Cabernet Franc?" and then, RIGHT after she begins to pontificate, I want to get all Oprah on her ass and abruptly BARK, "IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINKuh!!!" And watch her blink as the realization of Truth dawns in her eyes....it really doesn't matter what she thinks--to anyone else, that is. Keep your trap shut, Granger!

 

You wouldn't stand in the foyer of someone's home, as a guest, and criticize their choice of wall color, would you? (Well, most people wouldn't, there are always exceptions to the rule). Nothing obligates you to purchase--the whole point of tasting is for you to determine if you WANT to purchase. Whether you choose to or not, the goal of the exercise has been achieved. Your sampling informed your decision, either way.

It seems what I would consider "comprehensive" literature on wine tasting just isn't available. Perhaps that's because no one who is passionate about a hobby or activity would consider it necessary to inform a newcomer how to avoid being an ass while doing it. That's something we're supposed to have learned already, right? On the elementary school playground? 

Yes, I could go on. And on, and on and on and on and on and on. But, I won't. I'll spare you that. You get the point, right? Soak it all in, enjoy your time, savor the intention in every glass. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. And for goodness sakes, if you're going to buy a glass, DO IT, and move your ass! And to that, I say, "Salute". 

October: When Festivals Abound

Last weekend, we enjoyed what I believe will be a new yearly tradition: the Fall Festival at Carter Mountain Orchard, outside of Charlottesville, VA. 

Even though I lived in C'ville for four years, we never made it out to the orchard. Having driven past it many times on our trips wine tasting, we knew we wanted to check it out this season. Saturday morning we got up early, took River for a long walk so she'd be set for the day at home, and we headed out. It was very, very crowded, but the view was stunning.

These are shots from both sides of the mountain. This last one is from the slope where we picked our apples--we chose to focus primarily on Golden Delicious and Jonagolds. The GD were incredible--they tasted as though they were basted in honey, and were firm and juicy. We picked about ten pounds of those. The Jonagolds ended up going into an apple crisp (I thought they would be good baking apples--but they ended up turning into something much more akin to apple SAUCE). 

Even so, they look pretty beautiful on the branch, don't they?

We stayed for a while, enjoying the views and the plinkety plink of a bluegrass band. There is also a vast vineyard on the top of the mountain, and while I wish I could have walked through the vines, the electric fencing served as a successful deterrent.

In addition to the apple picking, there was also a nice selection of mums from local greenhouses, and other types of organic produce from local farms. We picked up some acorn squash that I'm hoping to stuff with something delicious very soon, and a pint of homemade apple cider. The pièce de résistance if you will, was the apple cider doughnut--OH. MY. GOD. We were eating them on our way back to the car, and the ecstasy must have shown on our faces--a complete stranger came up, jabbed me in the arm and said, "Like a little piece of heaven, ain't it?". Oh yes. Divine. 

This weekend we met up with my parents at a local eatery in Waynesboro, VA, and checked out the Fall Festival there. I'd like to say we enjoyed browsing leisurely among booths filled with unique and beautiful art, but alas, we were kicked out! One block in, we were approached by a local police officer, who looked at us like were were dumbasses, saying, "Um, I'm not sure if you've seen the signs, but we aren't allowing dogs at this event." Well, maybe he was on point, because I was pretty damned dumbfounded. It's an outdoor event, a FESTIVAL for God's sake, in VIRGINIA!!!!! And you're not allowing DOGS!?!?!?! And of course we didn't see the sign, we were busy looking at the booths--it isn't a SIGN festival bub, it's a CRAFTS festival. *deep breath*. I was peeved. And River felt bad, I know she did. We left. But not before a very nice lady came up and said, "I think it's RIDICULOUS they're not allowing dogs this year, especially one as gorgeous and well behaved as she is!" Lady? I don't know who you are, but I like you. Power to the dog people!

In keeping with the autumnal festivities, here is a WIP that I've enjoyed knitting to and from these fun events--I'm calling it Fall Festival.

Hopefully it will be done by the end of this month, so I can wear it while the leaves are still on the trees. I better hurry.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Lately I've wanted to create one of those really witty posts that tie everything I want to write about together into some super intelligent, humorous theme, complete with to-die-for photos. You know, the kind of photos that people ask you to put on blank greeting cards and sell to them. The caliber of humor that makes you chuckle at your own joke while sitting at a traffic light, instead of absentmindedly picking your nose. 

Well, fuck that. 

Sometimes you just gotta say what you want to say, and know that it's good enough. And when it comes to this blog, the standard from the beginning was whether it was good enough for me. Then, somewhere along the line, that changed. The parents and other family members discovered this space (hey Mom, hey Dad), and lately, with the advent of Facebook and "friending" more and more of my colleagues, people I work with are now reading (hello work peeps), and of course there have always been the knitters. This isn't anonymous anymore. But, was it ever? Was it ever, really? Um. No. Probably, not really.

So, no bells, no whistles, no more thinking and rethinking this or that idea...from now on this is a narrative on how good it feels to let it all out there. Like a breath of fresh air, this is my time, my space to be ME. That's how it was in the beginning, and that's how it'll be from here on out. 

It has to be. That's the whole POINT.

*Breathes deeply*

I needed to say that. Thanks. And now, on to the good shtuff.

Today I came home to this:

I purchased some Madelinetosh Worsted from Webs last week. They took forever to ship it. I was about to call them today to check on the order, but was thrilled when it came in the mail. Their discounts are MUHNEY. These skeins are normally $18.00 (sometimes more, depending on the vendor), but with the discount they offer, they were $15 each. Not bad at all. 

I love Madelinetosh. It's friggin' gorgeous. And lusciously soft. The only thing is that each skein is hand painted with some sort of "glazed" technique (why does that always make me think of donuts? And not JUST donuts, but Homer Simpson drooling and saying the WORD, "Dohnuuuuts"), so each skein is pretty different, even in the same color. They recommend that you alternate skeins every other row, which makes sense. However, I'm going to knit this yarn into the Treeline Cardigan, so I'm not really sure how that's going to happen. The only skein that gives me concern is the rightmost blue one. It's more blackish than the other two, and I don't want it to be obvious. We'll see how it works out. What I DO know is that I will NOT be weaving in every other blue stripe. Hello, Greek depiction of Hell. Hello, Reality. Goodbye, Greek depiction of Hell. 

I'm also gauging up for a KAL on the Garter Yoke Cardigan (two sweaters at one time, Laura?!?!? Are you KUHRACY????) that will commence next week. I'm super pumped about it, as I'm doing it with my two best blog friends, who are awesome people and knitters. Bring on the autumn weather!

We bought curtains for our bedroom, which has been bangin' awesome. No more waking up to glaring sunlight infiltrating the blinds that never closed QUITE tightly enough...no more waking up naturally on weekdays, either (the NOT so awesome consequence). I'm glad we did it. What's life without a little rushing? Soap in my eyes, Run in my panythose--PAH! I OWN you.

We found a Thai restaurant that is less than 10 minutes from our front door. And it's good. Really, really good. We went there for the second time this evening, and already feel like regulars. I love how it feels to be treated like a regular. I also love green curry and thai eggplant.

I baked the Barefoot Contessa's Peach/Blueberry crumble dessert this weekend. It was like my culinary adios to summer. We ate some, and froze most of it. It was delicious. 

Salmaan also stood on his feet for almost 3 hours that same day and used up all of our harvested basil (and, believe me, that was a LOT of basil) to make pesto for the winter. He made enough for 26 dinners. I think we're good to go, even if the White Witch decides to pay Virginia a visit. I mean, that's enough basil to dig in until Aslan shows up. Yep. That's right. I'm a Narnia nerd. 

Wednesday, Salmaan bought a whole case of our favorite white wine, and the proprietor of the wine shop was so jazzed by Salmaan's enthusiasm over it, he gave him 25% off. That's when I realized, there really is a God. 

Adele is singing live on Palladia this evening, and her acoustic stuff is so much better than that popular crap song, Chasing Pavements. Before I looked up the lyrics, I thought she was a baby mama going after baby daddy for child support. "Should I give up, or should I just keep chasin' payments..." I want to understand the WORDS, SINGER PEOPLE! ENUNCIATE! Her other stuff is really nice, though. She's a talented vocalist.

While we were at the Thai restaurant, River absolutely annihilated the wool looped rug that I got for free from L.L.Bean with my coupon dollars. I don't understand, as she doesn't tear anything up anymore, with the exception of magazines that I leave on the floor. Even though I got it for free, I'm still pissed and bummed. Just a little.

My Ishbel that I started last week is coming along incredibly well. The color is so bright, it almost makes my eyes water. I hope I like it when it's finished. Salmaan is convinced that I will.

I found a new blog that I've really enjoyed reading.

I'm starting to really, very seriously, consider the idea of writing a novel. A work of fiction. I've actually been choked up at how enthusiastically supportive Salmaan has been about that, in particular. I'm an incredibly lucky woman. One that has been outlining, feverishly.

And that's what's been going on lately. Feel that? No...THAT, just there. It's a breath of fresh air. Feels GOOD.

GiddeeeeeUP!

Recently I made a new friend at work, and she happens to own two horses. Two beautiful, well mannered horses. Here's A. with Dakota, the two year old.

The other is a seven year old named Nevada. I've been out riding with A. twice this past month, and it's been really fun. Nevada and I have developed a good relationship, and we're starting to trust one another.

Ever since I was young, I wanted to learn to ride. I grew up very close to the Virginia Horse Center, but never got the opportunity. I'm literally GIDDY to be able to do this now. I'm learning to ride Western, and got a feel for Nevada in a small pasture by the stables. (And, just as an aside, because I KNOW you're in panic mode right now, Mom, when we leave the pasture I always wear a helmet. A. Is actually right out of frame here, she was walking Nevada around while I learned how to use the reins. Yes--yes, I PROMISE). 

A few days ago we went on our first trail ride. We saw lots of wildlife, and I loved navigating Nevada along the narrow path. I even got to ride her bareback, which I actually like a ton more than Western. I feel more secure riding this way--nothing between her muscles and mine. I think you're able to get a better feel for the horse, and can adjust your body to every move she makes. It's beautifully natural. Next go round we'll do a ride bareback, and I'm really looking forward to it! 

Along with riding, there has still been plenty of knitting going on, including an FO: Funky Monkey. 

This was a mindless garter project that finally came to completion last week. I used superwash merino hand dyed by Unplanned Peacock Studios--a skein that I bought at the Sedalia Fiber Festival. The colorway is Columbine. There's something funky and carefree about the garter bumps of color--nearly every stitch transitions to a color different from the one preceding it. It will be gifted very soon. 

As it's rainy cats and dogs outside, I'm organizing my WIPs (there are more than I realized) to bring with me to the beach. We're leaving this weekend, and we're both very ready for it. I'm looking forward to taking some time to relax, reflect, and hopefully, have a few FO's to share by the time we return. I am determined to knit while sunning on the beach--sunblock and sand, be damned! 

Happy Friday!

Backlog on the Blog

It has been almost a month since my last post, and while I never feel "guilty" for setting aside the time I spend here to pursue other things, I've missed updating this space. I've also been remiss in keeping up with all of your exploits, as well. I hope this week will be a time for sharing, as well as exploring everything you have been up to. Another week gone, another week beginning. And, for good measure, a very curious rainbow.