Archives for the month of: January, 2009
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Happy Birthday, Café Eclectic!

January 31, 2009 //
2

Three years ago today, I decided to take a plunge and start my own blog, after reading so many others.  I didn’t know what would happen to this, and certainly didn’t think I will still be blogging, BUT – look where this blog has come!  I’ve made new friends via the blog and I couldn’t be happier with the result.

And to celebrate, and in preparation for tomorrow’s party (not my party, the one I’m going to), I made quiche.  Not just any quiche!  I made Simply Recipes Caramelized Onion Quiche.

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This is super easy, but of course, I made it just a little different:  I used a frozen pie crust instead of homemade one;  I used a mixture of Asiago cheese and Gruyère cheese, and I double the recipe to make two quiche (one for tonight, one for tomorrow).

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And in preparation of the Super Bowl Sale, I decided to pick one project for the sale:  Loppem.  So there, hold me to it!  Now what are you buying at your super bowl sale???

Categories Blog, Food

The New Pal

January 30, 2009 //
8

Please meet the new Beat The Winter Blahs Buddy – Sleepy!

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Pattern – Sleepy Puppy by Raynor Galletly
Yarn Used – Red Heart Soft in Teal, Caron Simply Soft in Pale Yellow, and little bit of Patons Classic Wool in Black
Needles – Harmony size 4
Gauge – N/A
Knit – January 27, 2009 to January 30, 2009
Modification - I made this all in the round except the ears.  I stuffed as I knitted.  And I used a little bit of the black Patons Classic Wool for the nose and eyes.  I reduced the muzzle size by forgoing row 1 to 3 and cast on 12 stitches to start, then follow row 5 to 10 and finished.  I find the flat muzzle looks nicer and a better transition.

I love this pattern! I would make this again in a heart beat!

And I hope my pal will love him as much as I do!  I mean com’on!  Look at Sleepy on my sleepy puppy!

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Adorable!

Tags
Categories exchange

Are You Ready…

January 29, 2009 //
2

… for your local Super Bowl Yarn Sale?

I know I’m not.  Actually, I know I don’t need any yarn, however, with the 40% off lurking around every corner, it’s almost hard to resist.

But no fears, my readers – I will be prepared!  I will pick a project, and go with something very specific.  If I find it, that would be great.  If not, then I will not buy anything.  And you all can hold me to that!  I will make sure I reveal what project I picked and what yarn I picked prior to the sale.

Now, are you ready?

Categories random

Almost a Doggie!

January 28, 2009 //
0

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See!  Almost!  :)

Categories random

The Winter Blahs…

January 27, 2009 //
3

I don’t consider myself to have winter blahs, but lately, it’s just kinda bleh…  I think it’s because my living room is a mess, and tomorrow, we will have our yet another snow storm.

Living on the coast usually means that we get snow in the amount that’s melt-able, or we get wintry mix, which resulting not much of accumlation, but this year, it has been fluffy white stuff, one after another.  Don’t get me run, snow is pretty to look at, and it really isn’t all that difficult to drive in, if you know how to drive.  You would think that people who reside in Connecticut should have been used to driving in snow since we are in the New England, but nope, bunch of people gets panic but still decide to drive, and rather badly.

K.  Enough on the grumbling.

On a better note, I started making this for my cocoa swap pal.  Isn’t he cute?  Any name suggestions???

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Categories random

Cocoa Swapn Weekly Topic #3

January 26, 2009 //
2

Before I post about the question, just wanted to say that I uploaded the picture of me and Mr. President on yesterday’s post, so go check it out!!!

OK.  Here goes:

Marshmallows/Whipped Cream – The big debate.

I think for me, it was more of that I have no choice.  Whipped Cream makes me sick.  I love it, don’t get me wrong, but I just can’t have a lot.  And what’s the fun if I can’t have a lot of it?  So I have it when the waitress/coffee-maker person decided to play “what?  you didn’t say that!” even though I specifically say it ALL THE TIME.  Even then, I try to spoon off as much as I can so I can just have the cocoa.  

Marshmallow on the other hand, is my best friend.  I LOVE THEM.  You hear that there?  LOOOOOVE them.  I love them so much I eat them by themselves sometimes!!!  Last year my pal Michelle sent me some home made marshmallow and oh my, I was swoooon over by them.  I savor them like they were the last supper.  YUM.  (makes me drool just thinking about it!)

So my conclusion – Marshmallow, hands down.  Whipped Cream, take it or leave it.

Categories random

The Belated Inauguration Party

January 25, 2009 //
1

I missed the inauguration speech when it happened, so I read it online during lunch.  And when K and L decided to have an inauguration party after, I was all over it.

I went with CostumeChick and her hubby.  PeacefulKnitter and her sweetie showed up shortly after, and we were quickly joined by YankeeL and her hubby.  We watched the DVR’ed inaguration speech, trying to figure out if Marine One was made by Sikorsky or not and just chatting about anything in general.  I even got my picture taken with Mr. President himself!!!  But K has it and I’ll update the post when I receive it.

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So did you do anything fun this weekend?

Categories friends

Cocoa Swapin’ 2 Week 2 Topic

January 24, 2009 //
2

So this week, the cocoa topic is to share a hot cocoa recipe with everyone.   I usually just use a packet, but I decided to dig around on foodnetwork, and I came across some from my favorite chefs.  I’ll post the one I really want to try RIGHT NOW, and link to the ones that I am also interested in.

Hot Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate with Ice Cream Dusted with Chili Powder

Recipe courtesy by Michael Chiarello

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 heaping tablespoon instant espresso
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, the best quality possible, grated
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Chili powder

Directions

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Split the vanilla bean and add to the boiling water. Add sugar, cinnamon, espresso, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 1 minute and add the bittersweet chocolate. Whisk until it gets thick. Add milk and simmer 1 minute. Serve immediately with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkling of chili powder on top.

You may make this ahead and reheat. Make sure to either whisk it or blend it in a blender to make it light and foamy before serving. (The classic Mexican chocolate was whisked with a special wooden tool called a ‘molinillo’.)

 

Doesn’t that look yummy???  I love Michael – all of his recipes are simple but crowd pleasing, and most of them can be done ahead so you enjoy the day of entertaining!

And here are some of the other ones I really want to try:  Ina Garten, Alexandra Guarnaschelli, Ellie Krieger, Giada De Laurentiis, Tyler Florence, Nigella Lawson, Paula Deen, and Rachael Ray.

Categories random

Remembering…

January 23, 2009 //
2

Beanie Baby.

Beanie is my aunt and uncle’s dog.  He’s a mix of chihuahua and daschund.  He was fierce when strangers come along, he barked and protected us from them and alerted us whenver someone walk by, just like any good watch dog would do.

When we first got him, he was the size of a beanie baby, if not smaller, and the name sticked.  I was in high school.  I remember making a little bed in a picnic basket, and we took him everywhere.  When he grew to full size, he has a long body like a daschund, but the face of chihuahua.  He was snuggly and gave all of us unconditional love.

We’ll miss you, Beanie.

Categories critters, Family

Vogue Knitting

January 22, 2009 //
1

I received my copy of the new VogueKnitting issue.  When I first subscribed to the magazine, I almost regret it, because I didn’t really see anything in my style, but this past few issues have been right on the money.

If you don’t subscribe to it, be sure to go to your local stores to check it out.  I’m sure I’ll be knitting from this issue soon.

Categories Baby Makes 3
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