if a foodie does not take a picture.....

This is a joke in our household.  One of the people who I follow on twitter and read his blog posted:  If two foodies sit down to dinner and a picture is not taken, did it happen?  My Beloved roared when I read him this because he feels that it is very true.  We were teasing about just that when I took the picture above.

It is a simple meal for family.  What can you put together fast.  A pound of cooked pasta.  A half pound of pancetta browned.  A handful of pine nuts and sliced garlic thrown into the pan while the pancetta is cooking.  A tablespoon or so of dried basil next.  A few stirs and minutes until everything is well mingled.  A half cup of heavy whipping cream and two handfuls of grated asiago cheese stirred into the pancetta at the very end.

Three bowls.  Three forks.  A sprinkle of cheese.  Laughter.  Conversation.  Home.  Family.  

Yes, dinner does take place if a picture is not taken.  It is even better if a memory is made.

wool mitts

I have been seeing mitts all over the place lately.  At the ice rink.  In catalogs.  I decided I really wanted a pair for myself but I could not bring myself to buy a pair.  I looked at knitted mitt patterns and finally decided to get out my crochet hook.  I had an extra skein of Cascade wool because it saved me shipping when I bought yarn for a afghan for Mr. G (I am planning on putting it in his sling or mei tai).  It is really close to the color you see in the picture.  

I started them, ripped them out, started again, changed them, crocheted some more.  They were definitely a process but I am very pleased with how they turned out.  At the ice rink, you are always wanting to have your fingers not covered in knit so you can tie skates or open water bottles.  But I find the same is true on my bicycle and I can see the potential for rowing (but not for gardening).  I am actually thinking about making myself another pair I like them so much.  A few may end up in Christmas stockings.

gluten free vanilla cake

I have been baking more gluten free lately.  My Beloved has asked for this due to skin issues.  He is no longer on the floor in pain if he eats gluten.  Skin is not as crucial but still annoying.  I think the funny thing is that my family, gluten and non-gluten eaters, are all asking for the same version of baked goods.  Cakes and cookies have a tendency to be better when gluten free when you get the porportions down, like this cake.  Or Bendy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

My Beloved wanted cake.  Vanilla gluten free cake.  This is what he got.  I think it stayed fresher then the gluten cake I make with this same recipe and the flavor and texture were good.  This is not a light cake.  I am told it is very European.

Gluten Free Vanilla Cake

Note:  To make this cake with wheat flour, use 2 1/2 cup.

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

135 grams almond flour

135 grams millet flour

135 grams sorghum flour

135 grams arrowroot flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, milk, buttermilk, or hempmilk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Butter a 9 inch springform pan.

In a bowl, cream the butter and the sugar together.  Mix in the eggs and vanilla.  Mix in the almond flour.  Then 1/4 cup of cream.  Mix in the millet flour.  Mix in 1/4 cup of cream.  Mix in the arrowroot flour.  Mix in 1/4 cup of cream.  Mix in the sorghum flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan.  Bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean.

If you can, let it cool before slicing.  That really does not work in our house so just enjoy.

My Beloved usually starts toasting this cake when it is a day or two old when made with wheat.  He was still eating it as is five days later and it was not covered well.  Good cake.

Mr G's sweater

I wish you could feel how soft this yarn is.  Mr. G is being born at the end of October or the beginning of November.  He really is not going to need much winter wear because of where we live but he will need a little bit.

I put together a sweater for him.  It is an alpaca wool blend and will probably be much too big all winter but by the time he is really moving and needing real outdoor clothes it will be warm again.

I like how this yarn striped and SOOO soft.  I keep thinking I should make some pants for him too.  I probably will but I will need to get more yarn.

last hat for now

I finished the last hat for Mr. G.  There are a few more woolies that I am making for him but this is the last hat until he is bigger.

Two colors of cotton.  I really like this one because of how subtle it is.

I have a few more things to make for him but I have started lists for Christmas.  It is time to pick up yarns and get started.  Great for sitting when still trying to regain energy from long rows.  I need more distance stamina if I am going to be able to row to some of the state parks I wish to go to.  Only accessible by boat.  I know I am babbling.....  :)