Best Beginning Quilting Books

I am a reader. You probably knew that already. And I have sewed since I was around 13. But I have never been into quilting.

I don't know why. So many of my fellow Alaskans have been quilters (and sourdough mama's) but I never got the itch. I think it might be because I'm not very good at following directions precisely. Nor cutting patterns out precisely (which is also why I'm much more comfortable at winging a recipe "cooking" rather than baking, but I'm making progress there too! :) Reading a quilting pattern that starts with "cut out 300 1.5 inch squares" just doesn't fill me with glee. My lungs catch, my eyes slightly roll backwards, and I quickly think about something else.

But I think it came about with becoming a mama and a wife that my quilting itch began. Part of that Mama Bear mentality of "I must feed and keep my family warm and safe at all costs," thing that occurs the moment the babe is placed in your arms. And I began thinking about quilting.

And this year, when we moved to a place that isn't 70 degrees on Thanksgiving day, I began doing something about it.

As anyone who knows me at all, the first thing I did was READ. I read from the library, I read from books at the fabric store, I went to the quilting store and asked questions of the poor lady at the cutting table while my two year old nearly dismembered the thread display (not really, luckily it was spring loaded). And I found books that worked, and some that didn't. Below are a few of my favorites.

Keep in mind that I have sewn and owned a sewing machine of my very own for several years. These books are recommended for someone who has a basic idea of sewing, specifically clothing. If you are a novice sewer, these books might be a bit out of your league. But just barely.

My favorite Beginning Quilting Book was

Quilting for the First Time

by Donna Kooler. I checked it out from my library, returned it, then checked it out again about a month later.

It's that good.

As soon as I got the basics down, I began to look for inspiration. I went to my local fabric store and browsed the titles and looked at the pictures. Basically (and I recommend doing this), I looked for quilts that I'd want in my home. I wasn't interested in many (MANY!) of them, but I did find a few that I loved for the beauty and the aesthetic that they brought to their art (whether they be a quilt for a bed, or a pillow or something else.) And I found a quilt that I wanted to make and bought the book that very day.

I brought it home and looked at the picture again and sighed. Ahhh. So pretty. Now, let's look at the particulars (because, of course, that was the last thing I worried about.) Hmmm. The finished size is smaller than I wanted. Okay. Well, what if I made the finished squares 12" instead of 8, which would mean I'd have to make this cut out a radius of 6.25 inches cut to make it 6" finished, which means, where is my calculator? And compass (the kind you use in geometry), and then what if I increase the size of the outer edge, and then . . . and I ended up making my own darn pattern up. Yes, I did. For my first quilt (which I'm still working on, by the way.) Why did I do this? Because, apparently, I like to make things complicated on myself. But really, it wasn't that hard. But you know what helped?

This book.

200 Quilting Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets

by Susan Briscoe. And not only did it help and answer my basic questions, but it got me hungry for more because it introduced me to a huge array of quilting techniques I didn't even know about and now want to try out at home. I love it. I need it in my stocking this year for Christmas.













Finally, my third favorite book? This one.

Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts

by Joelle Hoverson. So many ideas are coming from this book. I want to make the elephant for Baby Luke for Christmas, the coasters in seasonal fabrics all year round, I want to make a huge pinwheel quilt for our bed, or maybe a log-cabin in a modern fabric, and I want to make a color wheel for my two year old and new pincushions for me. And maybe a bird or two because they are so darn cute.

I love this book. Not only for it's gorgeous patterns, but for all the tips interwoven in the text, plus the several pages of advice at the end of the book. It's worth the cost for that alone (she actually finally explained to me what a fat quarter actually is. Priceless.) I'm currently trying to figure out how to copy the elephant pattern without cutting it because it is a copy from the library (thinking wax paper . . . any other ideas?). Not only does Joelle explain the difference between patchwork and quilting, but she enables you to try out new techniques on small, useful projects! I'm not one to decorate my home in quilted wall hangings, sorry, but if I could buy a little bit of a gorgeous fabric and make it into something useful and beautiful, like coasters, or a purse, or a little baby blanket, well, you've got me hooked. Thanks, Joelle, for bringing quilting into the modern home!

These are my favorites, the one's I've found most useful . . . if you have another to recommend, please do so! I'm still a novice and would love your advice!

And, by the way, I've just discovered something wonderful. Fabric. All cut out and ready for quilting. Jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs and the like. These could become an obsession. I've already found a pattern I like for my next quilt . . . and some books . . . this could make the worst part of quilting (in my opinion), the meticulous cutting out, a thing of the past. I'd merely have to make the decision of what pack to order online and have it delivered to my doorstep. Imagine it. No fabric store melees with husband or sons in tow, no cutting, just me, the postman, my sewing machine and a cup of coffee. Fabulous.

By the way, these authors, and fabric purveyors, don't know me from Adam. I wasn't paid to endorse these books or websites. I'm just writing this to hopefully help other novice-quilters out. I don't even own most of them, I checked them out from the library (though if you are the author or publisher or online fabric store and want to send me a copy or lovely gift certificate, I'd happily accept because the library will only allow me to re-check it out so many times!) Thanks!

Sourdough Biscuits

I love biscuits.

My very first job (not counting babysitting, of course) was at a place that shall remain unnamed, but is well known for it's fried chicken and homemade biscuits. At 15, I was not old enough to be able to do a lot of the back-of-the-house cooking (something about knives and boiling water and hot boiling grease - you had to be 16 for that), but I was old enough to make biscuits. And I did. And I ate one, with butter and honey, every day that I was on the clock.

On occasion, my parents would make us biscuits and gravy for weekend breakfasts growing up. Once we got old enough to read a recipe, my sister's and I were in charge of making biscuits (traditional, Baking Powder biscuits, primarily) and we rarely, rarely had leftovers.

I still, always, always, make sure to save room for a

dessert biscuit.

A biscuit that must be eaten on it's own, last, with butter and honey.

No matter the meal, breakfast, lunch or dinner, if biscuits are on the table, a dessert biscuit is in order.

It wasn't until about three years ago I had ever heard of a biscuit made with yeast (I think Paula Deen introduced me to them) and once I became a sourdough mama, I thought, why not? I've been on the search for a good sourdough biscuit recipe for a long time and, through much experimentation, have finally found one up to my standards! They are just like the baking powder biscuits I grew up on, with a sourdough twang. I love them!

Disclaimer: I do have to admit, though, that I can not stomach whole wheat biscuits. I just can't. I have tried. I will happily augment muffin recipes, tortillas, breads, pita . . . even cookies sometimes, all great with whole wheat flour. Biscuits? Alas, no. In my house, they must be made with white all purpose, or pastry flour. If you find success with a mix of half white, half whole wheat, or all whole wheat with this recipe, let me know!

Sourdough Biscuits
makes around 10 biscuits

• 2-1/2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup lard, (yes, lard, the "most elegant fat you'll ever meet") cold and cut into chunks, or a mix of half lard and half cold/frozen butter
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup sourdough starter, freshly fed a few hours earlier
• up to 1 cup of milk
• melted butter
  

In a large bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients except the baking soda. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter (I use my fingers) cut in the lard (yes, lard. Don't even try substituting shortening. Lard is where it's at for flaky biscuits, pie crusts and tortillas. ) or lard and butter into the dry ingredients until it is mealy and the fat is in roughly pea-size pieces, evenly distributed throughout the flour. Add the starter and stir well.

Now, mix the baking soda with just a teaspoon or so of warm water. Add to the dough and stir well.

Then, add in just enough milk to make a biscuit dough. Biscuit dough should be quite sticky and just stick together. It should never be dry.

Dump biscuit dough onto a lightly floured surface, turning to lightly cover with flour and just barely, with your hands, push the dough together to form a rough rectangle. Gently press down until it is about an inch and a half depth.

I have made dozens and dozens of biscuits and have tried all kinds of techniques. I find that my biscuits are lighter and fluffier when I don't overwork the dough, don't flour too much and don't use a rolling pin! The pressure from your hands is enough.

The dough should feel like a soft baby's bottom.

Now, using a biscuit cutter, or even just a glass, dip the cutter into flour and then quickly cut the biscuits, making sure to have as little waste as possible between cuts. You can (and will be) reforming the dough to make more biscuits until the dough is used up, but the fluffiest, lightest, highest raising biscuits will be the ones that you cut from the first batch.

So try hard to get as many biscuits out of that first cutting as possible.

Why? Because biscuits are pastry and they become flaky through the interspersing of fat throughout the dough melting during baking and making layers. The more times you press the dough together, the more the fat pockets will disperse, the layers will flatten, and the biscuits will be denser. I'm sure someone, somewhere explained it more eloquently, but that is just how it works around here.

Place biscuits, touching, on a greased baking pan or 9"x13" pan. I prefer baking biscuits (and, actually, all baked goods other than pies) on metal, I feel it makes the crust browner, (something about that heat conductivity thing) but some people swear by glass so choose whichever you have access to! Allow to rest and rise for about half to one hour.

Right before baking, baste the tops of the biscuits with melted butter (this was the secret at the Colonel's, by the way) and bake in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 30-35 minutes.

Enjoy!

This post is written in conjunction with the Octoberfest Carnival of Super Foods hosted by Kitchen Stewardship, Pennywise Platter hosted by The Nourishing Gourmet, Frugal Friday hosted by Life as Mom, Foodie Friday hosted by Designs by Gollum and Fight Back Friday hosted by Real Food Renegade and yeastpotting hosted by Wild Yeast.

Daybook

Daybook for Today, October 26, 2009

Outside my Window... It is a grey day. The leaves are everywhere. Gorgeous and red and orange and yellow. I shouldn't have been concerned about evenly distributing them as a form of mulch and protection on my garden bed, they've done very well on their own.

I am thinking... about all the things I want to do in the next few months before the year is out. Homemade Christmas projects, plans for the home, recipes to try . . .

From the school room... Lloyd has been devouring books and is interested in puzzles again after borrowing a more difficult one from a friend. . . we have had (up to now) only the puzzles that have pieces that fit into a pre-cut board, now he is getting into the puzzles that have more pieces and are actual puzzle pieces that you construct on your own. We're up to the 24 piecers around here.

I am thankful... that we got T. to the hospital in time this weekend and he is feeling much better, resting at home now. Thank you all for your prayers!

From the kitchen... Menu plan for this week includes:

Sunday - Chicken Noodle Soup
Monday - Leftovers (we have leftover chicken noodle soup, leftover chicken and biscuits and leftover spaghetti! The fridge is full! I think I'm going to be freezing some of the chicken noodle soup in pint jars for individual bowls this winter . . . )
Tuesday - Vegetable Beef Stew
Wednesday - Cassoulet - I think we're visiting the Pumpkin Patch this evening since we didn't get a chance to make it over the weekend, so I'll be making this in the crock pot.
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday -TBD - we may be headed out of town (as we had originally been planning before the appendix situation, or we might be staying depending on how T. is recovering. We'll see)
Saturday - TBD - see above. If we are at home, maybe homemade pizza?
Sunday - One Pot Sabbath Meal. Still TBD. A soup or spaghetti or casserole. Something easy and tasty and good for leftovers for Monday lunch.

I am (still) creating...plans for our family. T. and I had some great collaboration and discussion this weekend about our goals for our family and what we are going to do to meet those goals. Planning some more "planned," intentional family activities. One of those is to keep the Sabbath holy, restful and God focused. I think I'm going to be switching from cooking a big meal Sunday night to Saturday and making Sunday suppers much more simple. We've got some great ideas, now we just need to implement them. For this week?

Popcorn and apples for snacks while watching It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
Probably on Thursday.

I am reading... I completely read through Better Off, Flipping the Switch on Technology this weekend. Very interesting read. On my nightstand includes The Backyard Homestead, books on quilting, the November issue of Gourmet (which will be sorely missed in this home. Bon Apetit is not even close.) and the winter edition of the Peaceful Valley organic seed catalog. I'm really wishing we weren't renting and I could buy some of their gorgeous fruit trees!

I am hearing. . . the coffee brewing and Little Bear on the television.

Around the house... fabric is piled up in a few places. I need to get back to sewing on that quilt. And those bibs. And maybe an apron for me. And what about those great ideas in Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts? I need to get busy.

One of my favorite things... is a leisurely morning. However I'm headed to the DMV and a doctor's appointment later this morning, so it is short lived!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...

• Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two.
• Dropping off books at the library. Wednesday they are re-instituting story time so we might attend, but it is still TBD.
  
• Caring after my husband
  
• Reading, Sewing, Crafting . . .

A Picture Thought to share (above) -It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Have a great day!

Thank you to Peggy for hosting! Please go visit other daybooks here!

Happy Six Months Luke!

I can not believe that you are already

six months old!

You are such a beautiful soul, so joyous and sweet. You are such a patient boy and always share a smile and big, slobbery kiss for everyone you meet. Right now you are perfecting sitting up on your own, enjoy grabbing for your brother's cars when he is playing with them, and love laying in bed with Lloyd at bedtime while I read you two "Goodnight Moon," before tucking in your brother and then retiring to the glider with you to nurse you to sleep.

Lloyd holds your hand every time.

He (and your Mama and Daddy) loves you so much.

Happy Six Months Luke! We love you Mucho!

Prayer Request - Heading to the ER

Heading to the ER with T. with severe abdominal pain. Please PRAY!!

Update: T. had an appendectomy this morning, just in time according to the surgeon! He is doing well and resting comfortably. They are going to keep him in the hospital overnight and we'll have him back home Sunday.

Thank you for all your prayers! I am exhausted but am thankful, in a strange way, that this happened here and now that we live near family, rather than before. It has been such a blessing to have Grandma and Grandpa helping last night and today with the little one's !

Sure makes those vows for "in sickness and in health" mean something . . .

Welcoming Autumn into the Home

We are excited to Welcome Autumn into the home! We've got the new banner, we've got falling leaves outside and, well . . . we don't have much more in the decorating budget than that. But yet, my mantles are full, my dining table is lovely and the whole house just breathes autumn. How did I do it?

Would you believe I've used my grocery money to decorate my home?

Before you get upset and think, "oh, those poor children. . . . " hear me out.

Yes, I've used my grocery money on decor. But on what, you may ask? Edible decor. I'm rethinking my pantry and relocating it to my mantle, my dining table and more.

Recently I visited our local farm stand and found winter squash in several varieties for $2 each. Buy Three get One Free. Now that's my kind of deal! I bought two each of some of our favorites, and even a few new ones I haven't tried before! Are they taking up room in my pantry or fridge? Those bulky, misshapen squash? Nope. They're on my "mantle" (okay, on top of the TV, but it's the only horizontal space I have at this time) and scattered around the house.

I keep this cake plate full of apples this time of year and it has a permanent spot on my table. As we eat them, I buy and stock more!

Recently we added a few pretty leaves we discovered on an evening walk.

Then, last week I picked two baby pumpkins off the vine that had made it's way across the fence from the neighbors; they're now happily viewing the rain from my kitchen window.












And the baby thinks they're bath toys. . . .

One more gratuitous
shot of the baby, just because he is so darn cute . . .

So, if you don't have the budget to go all out this Autumn, don't fret. . . just rethink your pantry and, when a cold snap hits, grab that curvy butternut squash off the mantel and make soup . . .

This post is written in conjunction with Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom, and Finer Things Friday at Amy's Finer Things.

Homemade Pantry Staples

When starting to cook in a more nourishing manner, I started out by making lacto-fermented foods, changing the type of fats I bought and used, and began to cook with more unrefined sugars and whole grains. But there were still those staples that I unthinkingly bought at the store each week. Bread. Crackers. Yogurt. Condiments.

But after a while, I became a bit uncomfortable purchasing some of these items. I read the labels. I found it was

really hard to find a truly whole grain cracker

for my toddler to snack on, and if I could, it was made with oils I didn't like or had preservatives or artificial colors I wasn't comfortable serving to my two year old. I thought, I'm comfortable making gourmet meals, why am I still buying these things?

So I decided to challenge myself to make a better product than I could find in the store.

And not only did I find I could make it better tasting, but it was a whole lot cheaper too! A bag of good quality flour costs around $4.00 for a five pound bag. The same price as a good quality loaf of bread or box of crackers at the store, yet I could make several loaves of breads and dozens of crackers out of the same bag. Organic yogurt runs around $4.00 a quart. I can make twice that amount for 75% of the price by making it in my crock pot. And it only takes about three minutes of my time to make.

Who wouldn't do this?

Below I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite "pantry" staples that I now make from scratch. . . I hope you enjoy and are inspired!

Crackers
Sourdough Cheese Crackers - tastes better than Cheese-Its and perfect for toddlers as well as cocktail parties! I love them plain or as the base for cheese or a yummy pate or salmon spread.

Whole Wheat Sourdough Crackers - tastes just like Wheat Thins. These are whole grain and are perfect for toddler snacks or as an accompaniment for soup!

Whole Wheat Graham Crackers - these are perfect for toddler snacks and s'mores! I love making these with seasonal cookie cutters . . .

Breads . . .

Everyone needs a good sandwich bread every once in a while. For PBJs, for cheese sandwiches, for meatloaf sandwiches . . . here are our family favorites

Multigrain Sourdough Sandwich Bread - this is part whole wheat, all sourdough and uses up leftover grain from your fridge!

Sourdough Honey Whole Wheat Bread - this is all whole wheat and is great for tuna melts and toast!

Sourdough Focaccia - Perfect for minestrone soup, and great for paninis. Yum. This can be made with whole wheat or white flour. Sliced horizontally, this is one of my favorite sandwich breads for leftover roast chicken and pesto. Sigh. I want one right now.


Other Random, Yummy Homemade Un-Processed Foods? How about . . .

Pico de Gallo - perfect for Saturday afternoon chips and salsa

Yogurt (leads to an outside link, but this is the recipe I use weekly!)

Instant Pancake Mix - I make mine with 2/3rds whole wheat

Chicken Stock

Pesto

and even Baby Food!

I've really enjoyed challenging myself to outfit my "pantry" with homemade items. And I've been pleasantly surprised to find that they are not only less expensive to make in EVERY way, but they taste better! Yes, they don't last four months on the shelf, but really, do you want to eat something that does?

This post is written in conjunction with the Octoberfest Carnival of Super Foods hosted by Kitchen Stewardship, Pennywise Platter hosted by The Nourishing Gourmet, Frugal Friday hosted by Life as Mom, Foodie Friday hosted by Designs by Gollum and Fight Back Friday hosted by Real Food Renegade.

Full Heart, I love being a Mama, moment

This morning, at breakfast, Lloyd looked at me and said,

"Thank you, Mama, Make Cereal. Nummy."

It is the first time he has ever, on his own, without any guiding or suggesting or prodding, thanked me for something. Just out of nowhere. Especially something I do for him, everyday. What a love.

I am so blessed.

This post is written in conjunction with GratiTuesday at Heavenly Homemakers.

Burlap Banner Tutorial

Burlap seems to be all the rage amongst the home-decor blogging set these days, and I admit, I've caught the bug! I'd seen some cute banners online that were very rustic, no sewing required, but I wanted one a bit more tailored and finished to suit my personal style. I made this banner in early September and hung it up the first day of Autumn! Though I made mine without a pattern, I've had quite a few requests for the directions so wanted to share this tutorial. . . .

How to make a Burlap Fabric Banner in 10 Easy Steps!

Burlap Banner Supplies

• Burlap (or other non-stretchy fabric*). Enough for the number of triangles you are going to make, factoring two triangles per letter. I used about one yard for a six-letter word
• Fabric for your letters in a coordinating fabric. Can be solid or patterned, but you will need more fabric if patterned fabric is chosen. I used about 1/4 yard for a six-letter word
• Fusible interfacing or two-sided fusible web. Same quantity as letter fabric
• Extra-wide, double-fold bias tape - one package in a coordinating color
• Thread to match or complement your letter fabric and/or bias tape
  

This is assuming all fabrics are pre-washed, if necessary. My red in the tutorial has been pre-washed, as has the bias tape. The burlap I did not wash.

1) Open a Word document on your computer and type out the word you want on your banner. Play with the font until you find the one you like best for all of your letters, making sure you have some uniqueness, some definition but nothing with too many curlicues or too thin of sides (mine was almost too thin in certain sections, it makes it tricky to sew.)

2) Once you have your preferred font and letter details (do you want them all capitalized? Some lower case? All lower case? These are important details) increase the size of your font. A lot. I think mine was about 200. Print out one letter per sheet of paper and cut out the letters, leaving about 1/4" clearance around the letter.

3) Using the largest/widest letter as a guide (mine was the letter "M") take a brown paper grocery bag and make a template for your triangle. Cut down one fold of the bag, then cut out the bottom out of the bag so you have one large rectangle of paper and, using one of the folds, simply place your letter on the bag as a size guide, use a ruler to make a straight line and, leaving at least one inch on either side of the letter, sketch out a triangle of your choice (I preferred a longer triangle, but feel free to do an equilateral if you prefer!) Once you have the basic shape you like, cut the triangle pattern out and re-check it's size with both your printed out letters and where you think you might want to put the banner. If it is the size you want, move on, if not, try again and cut a new triangle until you find the one you like.

4) On the wrong side of the fabric you will be using for your letters, iron on fusible interfacing (points to you if you have two-sided fusible web! That would have been useful, but I only had one-sided fusible interfacing so used it for this banner instead. It worked fine.) Turn fabric right-side up and arrange, with pins, the cut-out letters to cut them out, arranging them as you would if cutting cookies out, using as little fabric as possible and with as little waste as possible. Obviously, if your fabric has a specific pattern, you'll have to be wary of that and will use more fabric. Cut out letters as close to the printed lines as possible.

5) Using your brown paper bag triangle template, cut out twice as many triangles as you have letters. A rotary cutter makes quick use of this!

Be aware that burlap makes a mess when you cut it or sew with it. It almost is "dusty" if that makes sense. Wear something you don't mind getting dirty.

6) Remove the paper pattern from your letters and pin each fabric letter to one burlap triangle, centering as you prefer. (If you used double-sided fusible web, simply remove the paper side and press to the burlap once you have determined it's proper place, no pins required)

7) Consult your sewing machine guide and adjust your machine to sew for "applique." Using a zigzag stitch, sew carefully around the letters using a matching or coordinating thread. If your letters have an "inside" to them (like an "O" or an "A") sew the inside first, to allow for any stretching, then sew the outside. Pull threads through to the opposite sides and knot to secure before clipping threads.

8) Taking an additional, un-appliqued triangle of burlap for each "lettered" triangle, pin right sides together and sew along the two sides, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving the "top" of the triangle open. Knot threads before clipping and clip seams around the point of the triangle. Turn right side out and press. Trim any excess fabric on the tops of the triangles so that both sides match.

9) Using extra wide, double-fold bias tape, pin open tops of the triangles to the bias tape, nestling the tops of the triangles within the two sides of the tape, leaving about 12 inches on both the beginning and end of the word (for tying to the wall or window or front porch) and four inches between each letter. If you need to piece together a bias tape because yours isn't long enough, now is the time. Sew the bias tape together first, then pin your triangles to it.

Extra tip: Check your spelling before sewing!!

10) Starting at the end of the bias tape, using a straight stitch (make sure you change your sewing machine back to a straight stitch!) stitch 1/4 inch from the edge of the tape in one long line, through the bias tape, connecting the triangle "tops" together within the tape, as well as all the triangles to the bias tape (four total layers). Pull threads to the back, knot to secure and trim.

And . . . you're done!

Hang up your banner, step back and enjoy the view!

*This can be done using any un-stretchy fabric, but I love burlap for the fall. Let me know if you try this!

This post is written in conjunction with Do It Yourself Day at a Soft Place to Land, Tackle It Tuesday at 5 Minutes for Mom, Tightwad Tuesday at Being Frugal and at Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog.

Best of the Best

I am approaching 400 Published Posts . . . this one makes #385. Phew!

For my 400th, I'd like to do a "Best Of" post and want your input! I have some favorites, but what are yours?

What post moved you? Inspired you? What post do you have bookmarked to re-read from time to time? Any "Best Of" recipes that I need to include?

I know I have WAY more readers and lurkers than commenters, so please, even if you've never commented before, come out of the woodwork, introduce yourself and leave me a note! I love hearing from you and hearing your input!

Also, you might have noticed a few changes going on around here . . . I am in the midst of a bit of a blog overhaul, trying things out and seeing what works . . . in short, ramping up for the NEXT 400 posts. I have lots of ideas for upcoming posts, but what do you want to see? Leave me a note letting me know and I'll try to work it in!

Thanks and have a lovely, lovely weekend all!

SuperFoods and the conscious decision to enjoy cooking again

I am not one to dissect my food.

I don't like making my dinner table political nor thinking about my food in terms of micronutrients, macronutrients nor carbon footprint size.

I just want it to taste good and nourish the bodies of my family.

Granted, I agree that the more local your food, the better. It is picked when ripe, eaten closer to the time of picking which means there are more vitamins, minerals and nutrients in it, plus you are helping out your neighbors. I agree, that it is important to eat foods in season, if possible. If you're going to eat grains, it is best for them to be whole, and possibly soaked. I like using a wild yeast.

But you're still going to find bananas in my fruit basket pretty much year round (and really, where in America are bananas local or in season?) and white flour in my pie crust.

Just being honest here.

But here's the thing. . . . I enjoy eating real foods. Honest foods. And I look forward to the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season, when they are in season. I just don't like to get in fights with people about the politics of it, I'd rather just enjoy the smiles and full bellies of satisfied, nourished people around the table.

And, over the past few years, I've begun cooking and including in our meals a wide variety of what dietitians and foodies are now labeling "Super Foods." Why? Because they're super good for you. And they taste good. Some of them, I can take or leave (flaxseed, I'm talking to you!). But a few of them . . . those have really become favorites in this house. You've probably come to recognize them on my blog. They're familiar faces. And though

I've recently decided to consciously stop thinking of food as political and just get back to the enjoyment of cooking

(which does, I admit, tend to be much healthier and crunchy and homemade and real than most people I know, whether I am political about it or not! :)

which is how I started out on this journey in the first place, I'm still excited to share a few recipes featuring these "Super Foods" on my dear friend Katie's blog carnival, the Octoberfest Carnival of Super Foods.

So, without further adieu let me introduce you to some of my favorites . . .

Kale
Have you met kale yet? You really should. It is the epitome of the "dark, leafy greens" that everyone is telling you to eat. It is my favorite as it packs a ton of nutrition into a few mouthfuls, without a strong flavor. According to an article in the Guardian, Kale contains

". . . . six times more calcium than broccoli [is] high in vitamins A and C, [and is]

Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals. The health benefits of this baby leaf make it one of the most nutritious green vegetables around. Cooked baby leaf curly kale provides more calcium for each 100g than milk, yogurt, cooked broccoli or cooked spinach.

In addition, 100g of the cooked leaves provides over half (55%) of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C - the antioxidant that helps to protect the body from free radicals. It also contains seven times as much Vitamin A as cooked broccoli."

Kale is the ultimate of superfoods,

in my opinion, and I'm here to make a believer of you! How do we eat it?

If you can believe it, I "force" my children to eat it from the get-go. Here's my recipe for

kale baby food cubes . . .

they blend beautifully when mixed with a sweet potato cube and some yogurt. Yum.

I also use the kale cubes in green smoothies. You can't taste the kale. At all.

I've also been known to throw the cubes in the

Best Minestrone Soup Ever

if I can't find fresh. The soup in itself is amazing. Seriously, you have to try it.

Recently, I've also found a love for Caldo Verde, a traditional Portuguese soup featuring kale and smoky linguica. Awesome.

Okay, getting off my soapbox about kale . . . other superfoods we love include,

Cranberries

For a cheerleader story about how great cranberries are, check out this article (this is already going to be a long blog post!) .

Did I ever mention I was a cheerleader in high school? I was. Three years. Football. Just in case you were wondering . . .

In our house, it is a sad day when our dried cranberries get used up. I, frankly, primarily use them dried in baked goods but occasionally have a jar of juice or fresh cranberries in the fridge as well. My favorite uses (other than the lovely Cosmopolitan) include:

My mom's granola (also made with good for you oats and honey and nuts, among other things)

grain-free granola
(just like mom's except . . . no grain!)

"The Works" oatmeal cookie bar (which also features runner-up "super foods", oatmeal, coconut and dark chocolate! Oh, and whole wheat flour . . . yum)

Oatmeal Cranberry Muffins
(also featuring . . . oatmeal (though I bet you could have guessed that!) and yogurt)

Whole Wheat Chocolate Cranberry Chunk Muffins

Whole Wheat Cranberry Pecan Cinnamon Swirl Bread
(say that five times fast! Oh, and did I mention that you can make it yeasted, or sourdough? Yum.)

Coconut
Here's a link to an article all about coconut. I am just on the cusp of using it to it's fullest, there are far more recipes and bloggers who are using it in depth much more than I (coconut water, coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut milk ice cream . . . those are definitely on my list to start playing with). For me, I primarily use coconut in two forms; shredded/dried and coconut oil.

I use the shredded/dried/dessicated coconut in many baked goods (see recipes above) and as a "breading" for fish, shrimp and chicken.

I use coconut oil as an alternative to "vegetable oil", i.e. canola oil, and most vegetable shortenings (sometimes I use butter but I no longer use shortening at all) in most recipes that call for it (be it sweet or savory) and have been known to drink a Tablespoonful of it melted in my coffee to boost my metabolism. Looking for more coconut recipes? I highly recommend this book, Eat Fat, Lose Fat by Doctor Mary Enig and Sally Fallon.

And finally, one of the SuperFoods we eat the most, eggs.

We love eggs. We go through about three dozen eggs a week. Two adults and one two year old. Three dozen. Seriously. Normally we eat them the basic way that everyone else eats them, scrambled or fried for breakfast. Eaten as a snack hard-boiled or chopped up on a salad. Egg salad. No need for a recipe or blog post on that, but sometimes we eat them in more unusual ways . . .

in frittatas

"fancy-schmancy" eggs en cocotte

Scrambled up and served on breakfast pizza

smooth as silk egg custard

I hope that you see from this small smattering of recipes that eating "Super Foods" is easier that you might think. You don't have to spend all of your time "thinking" about food, nor a ton of money, to make a healthy, nourishing dinner. Just scramble up some eggs for breakfast, put a pot of soup on the stove and enjoy an oatmeal cookie for dessert . . . simple choices, simple, super food.

Enjoy!

Daybook

Daybook for Today, October 11, 2009

Outside my Window... It is a grey day. There are still patches of snow here and there and I'm afraid my herbs are long gone.

I am thinking... about all the things I want to do in the next few months before the year is out. Homemade Christmas projects, plans for the home, recipes to try . . .

From the school room... We are organizing the school room! Picked up three bookshelves this weekend (two for the downstairs and one for Lloyd's room) which my husband thoughtfully built, and we are in the midst of organizing toys, books and "school" supplies.

I am thankful... for my two beautiful boys and my loving husband. They bring me such joy. And I'm thankful for forgiveness.

From the kitchen... Menu plan for this week includes:

Sunday - Chili
Monday - Roast chicken with cauliflower gratin and prosciutto
Tuesday - California Chicken Wraps with homemade refried beans (I cooked extra beans on Sunday, so I just have to "re-fry" and season them)
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Bee Rocks, a traditional German "hot-pocket" style thing which my family always makes in the winter. Once I met T., my Nebraskan hubby, I found out that around here, not only are they familiar with them, but they call them "Runza's" after a local fast food restaurant that makes them. Mine taste better, though.
Friday - Leftover Bee Rocks for Lloyd. T. and I are heading to a Halloween party!
Saturday - I believe we are going to be tailgating and at a Husker Game Date
Sunday - One Pot Sabbath Meal. Still TBD. A soup or spaghetti or casserole. Something easy and tasty and good for leftovers for Monday lunch.

I am creating...plans for our family. T. and I had some great collaboration and discussion this weekend about our goals for our family and what we are going to do to meet those goals. Planning some more "planned," intentional family activities. One of those is to keep the Sabbath holy, restful and God focused. I think I'm going to be switching from cooking a big meal Sunday night to Saturday and making Sunday suppers much more simple.

I am reading... I've been devouring NieNie's blog over the past few days. Reading the archive from the beginning. So inspiring (and one of the inspirations I had to have the conversations that T. and I had this weekend. I love the beauty that NieNie brings to the everyday, her pure joy with her children and husband and extended family, and her perseverance now in the face of such difficulty.) She's inspired me to be a bit more home focused.

I am hearing. . . Gorgeous piano music.

Around the house... Luke is successfully napping in his own crib and last night was our first time having him sleep there overnight. I made the trek upstairs three times, but he did well. Progress.

One of my favorite things... is lists and planning. I'm really, really good at lists and planning.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...

• Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two.
• Trip to the library
• One, maybe two playdates
• Reading, Sewing, Crafting . . .

A Picture Thought to share (above) -How cute is this craft from BHG? I, frankly, am not a huge fan of candy corn, but I do love the visual of this for decorating . . .

Have a great day!

Lloyd's Snow Day.

A Weekend of Snow

It snowed today, October 10th!! My father-in-law's birthday!

Happy Birthday Terry!

Except that he is in New York City enjoying a birthday weekend with his wife. In 60 degree weather (as it should be in the second week of October!)

Meanwhile, we spent the morning running around looking for wintery clothes for the kids. T. took us out to lunch (Thanks for the family date, honey!) and then, home, for . . .

Snowman making . . .



Playing in the yard in snowpants




Ahem, having a blast playing in the yard in snowpants




Followed by hot chocolate for two with Daddy, drinking out of matching mugs and watching football.

What a day.

It Snowed!

A real and true text between T. and me about something funny

Me: Lloyd just came up and told me "the poo is hiding." I asked him where and he said in his diaper. Nice.

T.: Peek-a-poo!

Trip to the Farm Stand today

My local farm stand closes on Halloween. I am sad already. I am going to try to go there as often as possible/probable between now and then, but everytime I go I buy enough veggies for, say, three weeks of dinners for around $20.

Luckily, winter squash keep well. I'm currently using them as decor around my house for autumn. Why buy decorative squash and gourds that you can't/won't eat when you can set out butternut, acorn and buttercup squash here, there and everywhere until you're ready to make soup?

Plus, it saves room in the pantry.

Some fun pics from today . . . they had a rooster strutting around and every time he cockle-doodle-dooed (every time. Every twenty seconds.)

Lloyd would bust out laughing in a belly laugh.

He was tickled.

It was fabulous.

I also tried to get a shot of me and the babe . . . Luke. He was strapped to me in the Moby. Couldn't fit both me and those cheeks in though. So here are a few of the cheeks.

And one of me.

Progress

The "insides" of all 16 blocks are done!

Caldo Verde

Lately, I've become infatuated with Spanish cooking. And my new favorite cooking icon? Joyce Goldstein. She's written several cookbooks that I've been reading voraciously recently (including Mediterranean Fresh) and I found this gem in an older cookbook of hers, Savoring Spain and Portugal from the Williams Sonoma line (by the way, hint, hint, a great Christmas idea for those interested.) She's my Spanish/lower Mediterranean Julia Child. Her recipes are succinct, and memorable (rarely do I follow a recipe for something like soup to the letter, but after reading her work, I was compelled to do so. And loved it.) and I love the amount of information and detail she shares.

I've been trying to incorporate more dark, leafy greens in our diet, eating lots of salads and green smoothies and trying to incorporate a cooked green (normally kale) about once a week with dinner. Caldo Verde made eating kale easy. Full of smoky sausage (though inexpensive! The linguica from my butcher only cost about $4 per pound rounding out the entire stockpot of soup to roughly $6 or $7, tops) and leafy kale, this was certainly a winner in my home. I LOVED the broth, it was nice and salty like a good miso, and even my husband really enjoyed it, eating two bowls! The worst thing my husband said about it is that he felt a bit like a Brontosaurus eating it . . . next time I'll cut the kale a bit smaller!

This makes a large pot of kale soup. We had leftovers. I have a difficult time eating any cooked green/brassica/cabbage (or cooked fish, for that matter, but that is another post) leftover, even though the soup was amazing, so keep that in mind when cooking it. It is best fresh.

Caldo Verde
lightly adapted* from Joyce Goldstein's Savoring Spain and Portugal
serves 4 adults, heartily, as an entree for dinner

• 1 lb linguica (*the original recipe calls for half a pound, but I had a package a bit under 1 pound so used it all as it was fresh sausage)
  
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus 4 teaspoons
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 potatoes, about 1lb total weight, peeled and cut into slices 1/4 inch thick
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 2 cups water (*I used one quart of chicken stock and 2 cups of water, but the original recipe calls for 6 cups of water)
• 2 teaspoons salt, plus salt to taste
• 3/4 lb kale or collard greens, tough stems removed and very finely shredded
• freshly ground pepper to taste

If using fresh sausages,preheat an oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prick with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake until firm, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice 1/4 inch thick. Set aside. If using a dry, cooked sausage, skip the cooking step and simply slice.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the 1/4 cup olive oil. Add the onion and saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the potatoes and garlic and saute for a few minutes, stirring often. Add the stock and water and the 2 teaspoons salt. Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are very soft, about 20 minutes.

Mash the potatoes to a puree with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Add the sausage and cook over low heat for5 minutes longer to warm through. Add the greens, stir well and simmer, uncovered for 3-5 minutes. Do not overcook. The greens should stay bright green and slightly crunchy. Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle each serving with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and serve at once.

Enjoy!

This post is written in conjunction with the Octoberfest Carnival of SuperFoods hosted by Kitchen Stewardship and Pennywise Platter Thursday, hosted by The Nourishing Gourmet! Please go and visit the other contributors!

image courtesy of ehow. Mine looked like that, but didn't photograph that beautifully!