LEFSE WARRIOR...

Well, I promised I would post after I made my first batch of lefse and to give you my recipe. Well, today is the day.

I asked my daughter to take a picture of me with my new lefse apron on. Wasn't sure how to pose with my rolling pin and lefse turning stick.
She suggested a 'warrior' pose. ??? (I guess I am out to conquer lefse!)

So here I am; weapons in hand; ready to roll!







The first thing you need to do is prepare the lefse and get everything ready to roll.







Here is the recipe that I use. It calls for instant potatoes (my mom has always told me that Hungry Jack are the best.. so that is all I use!!)


Easy Potato Lefse

3 cups instant Hungry Jack potatoes (dry)
3 cups water
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup powdered milk
1 1/2 cup flour
1 2/3 tsp. salt

1. Mix instant potatoes, sugar, powdered milk and salt in large bowl.
2. Bring water and butter to a boil and add to
the dry mixture.
3. Mix well.
4. Cover with a damp cloth and refrigerate overnight.
5. The next day, add the flour and mix well. (I do this in my Kitchen Aid mixer)
6. Cut into 16 even pieces.
7. Roll the lefse dough, using lots of flour and a grooved rolling pin, on a pastry cloth into a 12 to 14 inch diameter circle.
8. Pick up the lefse, using your lefse handling stick (or yardstick) and gently put onto a
preheated (HOT) lefse frying pan.
9. Fry for about 1 minute and turn the lefse.
10. Fry for 1 more minute (give or take...it should have some small brown patches on it and should bubble up when turned. )
11. Put cooked Lefse into a Lefse Cozy.

Here are some step by step photos:


1. Lefse is rolled on a large cloth covered board with LOTS of flour! Be generous with the flour and re-flour board after every piece! Here is a piece of lefse rolled out and ready for the grill.







2. Picking up the rolled out piece on the turning stick. Lefse is fairly fragile. Make sure you pick it up at the center and gently shake off excess flour.








3. With your stick, roll the lefse gently onto the griddle. (which should be pre-heated and VERY HOT!...note the board I have under my griddle. You do not want the griddle directly on your counter top or table. Make sure it is on a surface that can handle the heat!)







4. The lefse cooks in a very short time. When it bubbles all over you turn it and then it will finish cooking as you see here. (Aren't the air bubbles fun?)








5. Next you move it over onto your stack of finished lefse (in a cozy or newspaper oven*)
It sits in here for several hours and continues to cook and soften.

Here is my 'conquered' lefse! Quite a nice stack. Some people call them 'Lefse Rounds' My husband has assured me that it is ok to call them 'Rounds' even if they are not a perfect circle. What a relief. So, here are my Lefse Rounds.

Now you must decide how you are going to eat your lefse. MOST people choose to take the lefse and put a little butter on it and some sugar; roll it up and eat it as a dessert. (I show some done up this way in the picture with my cornbread rolls which I am making 50 of today for my daughter's play practice!!)

Our family, however, eats lefse a little differently. We basically make a 'Swedish burrito' with it! We take a triangle piece of lefse and put on a little mashed potatoes; swedish meatballs; turkey; corn; cranberries, fish etc......whatever is on the table... and roll it up and pour melted butter on it. MMMM..Just typing this out makes me hungry for it. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of this, but Thanksgiving is not too far away and I'll be sure to take some.

CONFESSION:


I cast on a bag before my others were finished. I know I said I wouldn't, but I did. I could tell you how I justified it (8+ hours in the car so I needed an easy knit round and round project), but the truth is I just plain wanted to. I saw this Big Bag pattern on Maia's blog. (The pattern link is on the left under Big Bag pattern) I decided to use 2 strands for a very sturdy bag and did it on size 13 needles. It is huge! And I LOVE it! It's not quite dry yet, but I hope to be carrying it later this
week.













Here are a couple of felted bowls I have made from the One Skein book. They are a quick knit and turned out very cute. I think I will donate them to our church for the Christmas Walk that we are having this weekend.





EASILY AMUSED!
Have I told you how easily amused my family is? Well, they are. Here is a common site at our house. My husband, daughter and friend gathered on the couch around the computer.

What are they looking at? Macintosh computer commericals on the internet.

Yes, we are a Mac family. Now you know.




As for me, I think I will sign off and hit my NEW knitting spot!
Yes, I have given up my little corner of the couch and headed to
a comfy chair that I pull up in front of the fire. You can see I have my new clogs on my feet. They only come off when I leave the house or go to bed. I'm sure I will go through a pair a year at this rate!

Until next time.....








*Newspaper Oven:
How to make a newspaper oven: Take 30 to 40 sheets of newspaper and pile every other sheet of paper on top of each other so the end result is a thick newspaper 1 1/2 times the length of an individual newspaper. Staple or tape the newspaper oven. Put together a piece of wax paper the size of the newspaper oven. Secure that onto the oven. Fold in half. When your lefses come off the gridle, pile them on top of each other and let them set in the oven for an hour or more after you’re done. Fold or cut the lefse and wrap securely. Freezes well.

My Fling Fix...

Well, I think that I have finally put the finishing touches on my Fling bag disaster. If you remember, I had knit AND felted a Fling Bag with Noro Kureyon, only to discover that I had twisted the handle when attaching it which created a disaster of sorts. I set it aside and contemplated for several weeks how to salvage what was left. Here is the before picture:

This was even with my first salvaging attempt of knitting an I-cord and hoping to attach it. No go!







I finally took the plunge and cut the whole top part off. Added some handles and decided a fun felted flower would finish it off nicely! So, here it is. I think it's done. I think I like it. The flower looks gigantic in this photo, but really does work on it.

Maybe I should try a smaller flower, but with the time I already have into this bag, I think I need to call it good and move on!







Since I am on my bag-knitting restriction (although I am happy to report I put the finishing touches on 4 bags today.. only 3 to go and I can cast on another bag!!!), I decided to knit my first felted bowl from the One Skein book. I did it in Paton's white with one of the Paton's SWS wool/soy blends. The colors are beautiful and it was soooo soft. (I think I may need a non-felted scarf out of this combination!) ANYWAYS, when my daughter saw it right before I threw it in to the washing machine to felt, she wanted it for a hat!! So I only felted it a little and she absolutely loves it! Too funny.

And so tonight, I have cast on another bowl... this time in red for Christmas. I doubt it will become a hat. But one never knows......

Knitting, Knitting...Must Keep Knitting...

I am an addict. It is plain and simple. I love to knit. I honestly never would have thought that I would enjoy it this much. But I do. Never have I dreamed of a very cold; very snowy winter... but I am this year because I think how wonderful to be 'stuck' at home in front of the fire knitting! OK, maybe we can forego the very cold. Very snowy would be ok.

As I mentioned earlier, I have put myself on a self-induced bag-knitting restriction. So far I have stayed on my 'diet' (unusual for me....)
Of course, the only reason for my success is that I have replaced knitting bags with knitting hats! Here are my first two...

This is the hat you saw my son modeling on my last post. Sure wish he was in town so he could model it again and you could see his wonderful smile! But a bowl will have to do for today....

I double stranded Paton's Wool for this.. and it really is too thick for my liking...



So I had to try again, with a single strand. I'm much happier with the feel of this second hat, but not as happy with my coloring strategy.


Wish I would have put white in the middle of the two varigated sections... Oh well.
Third time's a charm I hear! (Maybe I'll have to cast on #3 today!)


Next, I was able to felt my Trellis Tote, a bag designed by Diane in Chicago, (which was a very fun bag to knit) It is not quite dry, so I haven't attached the I-cord handle to it yet or given it its' shave, but it came out better than I had hoped. I know I will get good use out of this bag. Can't wait to knit another (maybe with a flap this time).. once I'm off my 'diet', of course!




Came home from Galena this morning and my book from Amazon had arrived and was greeted warmly by my Sweet Georgia yarns from The Loopy Ewe. (which are just dying to be knit up and worn around town). I am hoping that knitting socks on two circulars will be a little easier for me with all my circular needle experience. Time will tell....










The other part of my Amazon order has not arrived yet, but I am expecting them any day... Two Lefse Aprons. For those not familiar with Lefse check back soon for photos of our first of many Lefse making days. I will be making it during our church's Fall Festival and need to make quite a bit before hand as well. It may very well be one of my favorite all time foods.
Now I got you curious.....

A Norman Rockwell Moment......

Well, maybe not exactly Norman Rockwell, but I did come across my husband giving my son a haircut out on the back deck in 32 degree weather... BRRRRRR. He came home for a visit this weekend from college. Always so good to have him home.

He chose his colors for his Fiber Trend Clogs which I hope to have done for him when he comes home for Thanksgiving. Black and Gray were his choices. With a size 13.5 foot, they may take awhile to knit!!








I decided to put myself on a bag-knitting probation until all the bags in my 'yet to be finished' basket have the finishing touches done on them. So what did I do... I cast on a hat and got that knit and ready to felt when I go to Galena tomorrow. Aaron volunteered to 'model' it for me. Doesn't he look nice? Just wished he would have smiled!

I had debated not felting it, as it covers a bad hair AND a bad make-up day.... but it is not that flattering. This was a quick knit and I am excited to see how it turns out.



Aaron's only food request for the weekend was Fajita's. Both boys LOVE them and it is their meal of choice. I usually use Skirt Steak which is the best meat for it.. but the meat locker was all out, so I had to settle for Flank Steak. Still was quite good. The marinade is very simple but very good. I use equal portions of Soy Sauce; Worchestshire Sauce and Lime juice. Marinate overnight and then grill. I also marinate thick onion slices in the same marinade and throw them on the grill as well. (They are probably my favorite part of the whole fajita.) I've also done green and red peppers as well...

Well, time for the Vikings game (which means knitting.....) so I'll make this short. Hope to have my Trellis tote and hat felted and ready to post in a couple of days.

Good bye for now...

One Llama..Two Llama...

So, the question is, what is cuter than a baby llama? Answer: TWO baby llamas! There is another baby llama next door.. a little boy... and it is so fun to watch the two babies run and play and pick on all the adult llamas! I can watch them as I sit on my little corner of the couch knitting! You can see from their coloring that they look alot alike!






























I have been spending some time trying to put the finishing touches on some of my bags. I sure love to knit and felt them... but adding snaps; linings; handles etc... is another story! I did put the leather handles on my ballband bag and am very happy with how it came out. I can tell this will be a fun bag to carry.






The next project was trying to 'save' my Fling bag disaster. I found some handles that I thought went well and attached them. I am now attempting my first felted flower that I may attach to the front. If it turns out, I will post a picture of the totally finished bag. But for now, I am relieved to have salvaged this bag.



My husband and I did a talk today at our local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group on marriage... so we have been working quite a bit on that during the past week. In between time, however, I have tried to press on with my current projects....

Drumroll please...... I finished the heel of my first sock and am knitting up homestretch. The heel wasn't as bad as I had thought. (Thanks to Sheri at the Loopy Ewe who wrote me out step by step what to do!!)
Here it is: (Sure hope it fits!!)



My Trellis tote is coming along nicely.. Only 1 1/2 windows left to go and I can finish off the top; knit the handle and felt away.

















IN THE KITCHEN:
Well, on the stove is a pot of comfort food.... Chicken and Gravy. This is one of the staples around here and is the meal I often take to someone when the need arises because everyone loves it.

Chicken and Gravy

1/ 3 cup margarine or butter
1/ 3 cup flour
1/ 3 cup chopped onion
1/ 2 teaspoon salt
1/ 4 teaspoon pepper
1 & 3/ 4 cup chicken broth (1 - 14 ounce can)
2/ 3 cup milk
2 1/ 2 - 3 cups cup-up cooked chicken

1. Heat butter in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat until melted.
2. Stir in flour, onion, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly; remove from heat.
3. Stir in broth and milk. (I also add several drops of Kitchen bouquet gravy browning sauce)
4. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute.
5. Stir in chicken (and frozen vegetables, if desired).
6. We also often serve over rice; mashed potatoes or puff pastries (found in frozen section of grocery store.)


Happy Cooking! Happy Knitting! Be Happy!

Progress Report.....

Well, some of you may remember my previous post when I showed my very slow progress on my first pair of socks.... Well, I am happy to report that I have made a decision and I CHOOSE to love sock knitting! And so, with that choice made (for reasons I will explain in a bit) I would like to show you the status today of that very same sock....




Ok... How exciting is that?? I am now stuck, of course, until my daughter has time to help her mother figure out the whole heel thing, but I do believe they will soon be on my feet! Don't you love the colors? They go perfect with jeans (which I wear everyday!)



Ok, and now the reason I am choosing to LOVE sock knitting.... Because I cannot stay away from The Loopy Ewe and all the fun yarns that Sheri carries. Every time I visit her site and read her blog I just know that I have to do it. I HAVE to be a sock knitter!


This box came Saturday from The Loopy Ewe.
It is some new yarn that she has called Sweet Georgia Yarn. It feels so yummy. And now she has some All Things Heather yarn that I am pretty sure I need....




On the bag front, I am currently working on the Trellis Tote. I loved this bag the moment I saw the pattern and knew I had to try it. Designed by Diane in Chicago, it is basically a slip stitch pattern (like my ballband bag). I am knitting this with a Galway Highland Heather and Noro. Can't wait to felt it.




I am also ready to cast on my next modified Vintage Bubble Bag. Not sure yet how I will work these colors exactly but they are beautiful. I know that this project will have to come after my husband's clogs.. because he keeps asking me if I have started them yet... Too many projects.. too little time.





So I should sign off and head back downstairs to my little corner on the couch where I love to knit ... with Little Sumo laying on my feet keeping me company. (ok, he is not so 'little' but this is what we have always called him.. even when he tipped the scale at over 100 pounds!)


Until next time....

New Addiction....

Ok, I have a new addiction! (Just what I didn't need.....) These Fiber Trend felted clogs are just too much fun!! I made this pair for my daughter who is impatiently waiting for them to dry so she can wear them on her Happy Toes.


This time around was SO much easier!! I can't wait to cast on my next pair.

More tomorrow....

Let it Snow...Let it Snow...Let it Snow....

And so it did! A little too early for my liking, but at least I will have toasty toes!! Yes, the clogs are felted and turned out well. They are so yummy on my feet! Have started a pair of gray/pink ones for my daughter. Can't wait to see how they turn out! (They are knit with Paton's Wool (blue) and ANDES wool (not WOTA)).




I felted 3 bags yesterday as well. Two I can show you, one is a surprise bag for my mom! (Yes, she is my faithful blog reader who has now even left a comment!!) Once I send it to her, I will post a photo. It is very fun!

The first is the modified Vintage bag (with the balloon bag bottom). I just love this pattern. Can't make enough of them. Need to find a fun fabric for the lining and add the snap and it will be done!









This is one I just made up as I knit and am very happy with how it came out, especially the colors. It may accompany the 'fun surprise' bag in a package to my mom. I think the colors are perfect for her.

A Weekend And A Wedding....

This past weekend found us once again heading north to Minneapolis. This time it was to attend the wedding of my niece. I love weddings. And this wedding was so beautiful. It was especially precious to see my brother as 'Father of the Bride'. It was great to spend time with friends and family. I am extremely blessed with a wonderful family.

Here is a photo of my brother dancing with his daugher during the Father/Daughter dance which was a highlight. The song was beautiful and you could see that they were enjoying every minute.







Before we left for Minneapolis, my daughter and I spent some time in the kitchen making biscotti. It is one of my favorite treats. Especially dunked in a nice cup of coffee. The cherry/almond are my all-time favorites; but the chocolate dipped ones come a very close second. If you would like either recipe, just let me know. I'd be happy to share.








And, the big news is, my clogs are ready to felt! I will be felting them tomorrow and have my fingers crossed. There are some 'issues' with the first one I knit, that even the magic of felting may not solve. The pattern does get easier after the first couple of attempts and I am excited to start my next pair. Steve and the kids all want a pair.. just have to decide who to start with...






I also have 2 bags to felt, the first being a modified Vintage Bag, which I have added the balloon bag bottom to. (Like the one I did for the tote exchange.) I still think this is my favorite pattern so far. The other bag is a secret at this point. Pending how it turns out, it may be a presento for my most faithful blog reader... and you know who you are!! (Though you have YET to post a comment!!)



Goodbye for now....

Toasty Toes....

Yes, I am hoping to have toasty toes by November 1st... That is my goal for having my felted clogs completed. Heidi from Fiber and Photography has agreed to join me in knitting up these clogs by November 1st!! I started my first one last night, and have made some progress! (There are a few errors on it, but I am banking on the felting process to cover them up!!) The pattern takes tremendous concentration. If the phone rings or someones asks a question I am in trouble.....

I can't wait to wear them, tho. They already feel yummy!!


Speaking of yummy, I am making curry for dinner. It is a nice cool fall day and it just calls for a steaming bowl of curry over rice. Don't really have a recipe, but can show you the box I buy at the Oriental store.
As you can see, we like it HOT!!

























Felted my ballband bag and am very happy with how it came out! I purchased a used leather purse at Goodwill (for $1.25) and will add the straps to this bag and use it for a book bag. I can't wait to cast on my next one. I think I will do gray with hot pink and green.











I have joined a Dishcloth KAL where twice a month we knit a dishcloth where they send you 7-8 lines of the pattern a day. It is kind of fun. I think I know what this pattern is going to be, but you are not suppose to guess I guess until the very end! See if you can figure it out from the picture.
(It's kind of hard to see with the white...)







Thought you would enjoy meeting one of the two barn cats from next door. They are quite entertaining to watch. They love to sleep in a variety of locations... One of their favorites is the llamas' grain bins!! I think the llamas are smart enough not to mistake him for food!







Speaking of llamas, the little one is doing quite well. One of the girls who was there when she was born sent me this sweet picture taken shortly after the birth. I thought I would share it with you. A mother's love is universal! It is nice when a little girl is born because you can spend a little more time cuddling and loving on her than with a little boy llama. Too much cuddling on a little boy can cause BMS.. Berserk Male Syndrome. It's true. I am not making this up. Not sure if llamas are the only species known to have it.......








Goodbye for now from Willow Way.....