a simple snack

Snacks around here can be difficult.  My Beloved does not eat gluten and stays away from soy.  That means most snack foods are out.  But occassionally we like a snack or a light meal.  This has hit the spot recently.

A bit of prosciutto.  A bit of brie.  A smidgen of honey.  It is not really a recipe but I would suggest you try somehthing similar.  With a fizzy juice or a glass of sparkling wine.  Good conversation and your loved ones around.  It makes for a lovely time.

eyelet top

My friend Jewels sent me a picture of a top from etsy she thought I would like.  I did but the seller was not making that style in that fabric anymore.  So I made something similar.  The Tall Short Person helped me pick out the fabric.  It is an eyelet that has a flower pattern.  It is really a simple top.  Cut a bit wider at the bottom so there is some swing.  Cut a bit shorter so it does not get tucked in.  I put a deep hem on it and cuffs, which were not on the original.  I also did a different closure in the back.

My Beloved picked out the button.  It is pearly and shiny at the same time.  It sparkles.

The fabric is so soft that it wrinkles when you look at it sideways but the soft is very nice.  I have a feeling that this is going to be one of my favorite tops and I will wear it out before I am ready.  That happens to often for my pleasure around here!

gluten free chocolate shortbread

My friends and family love my shortbread, also called tallbreads around here.  But when my Beloved went gluten free shortbread were difficult.  The texture just was not right and neither was the flavor.  We find gluten free grains much more flavorful so sometimes when you are trying to duplicate something made with wheat, the flavors get in the way.

This cookie is an exception.  I have mentioned that I follow Lucullian's blog.  I really like her photography and if any of her recipes appeal they are always good.  And most convert well to being gluten free if they are not already.  

This cookie recipe never got the frosting that was suggested to make them into kisses because they turned out to be my chocolate shortbread!  Just gluten free.  Makes me smile.

Gluten Free Chocolate Shortbread

80 grams almond flour

100 grams millet flour

100 grams arrowroot flour

100 grams sorghum flour

100 grams teff flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter 

1 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 tablespoon vanilla rum

granulated sugar for dredging

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrentheit.  Cover baking sheets with silpats or parchament paper.

Cream butter and sugar together.  Mix in vanilla and vanilla rum.  Mix in flours, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.  Take a small teaspoon of dough and roll in sugar.  Place on the baking sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes.

If you can wait, let cool.  

Maybe someday I will make the chocolate kisses......

the kilt is done

My Beloved likes wearing kilts.  He has worn a Utility Kilt for a while now.  He has had three but then his wheight changed and some wore different then others.

I got to looking on line and said I would give it a go.  

Four and half yards of twill later.  Two spools of thread.  Chalk. Rulers. Measuring tapes.  Lots of straight pins and saftey pins.  Having my Beloved read me the directions out loud because I was so tired I could not make head or tails of them.

Being read a loud to so we can spend time together as I sew.  Because I did a bit more stitching then was called for.

A kilt is made.  I would already change a few things but I thought I give it a go first following the directions I found online.  

But, all said, I do believe it was a success.  By the end of the weekend it was crumpled  and wrinkled from wear.  Covered in fuzzies and baby drool from playing on the floor with the Smallest Short Person.

And I have aleady been asked for another.

sunday morning

My Beloved and I have been having quiet Friday evenings lately.  Which just makes it hard for me to turn on the computer and post because I enjoy our time together so much.

I thought I would just post a moment of our morning today.  We had been talking, creating, laughing, and finally got hungry.  This is a picture of the how "breakfast" looked right before I served.  It is lovely and was tasty.