Pots and Pins

A Sweet Gift...

We didn't live in Minnesota long, just six years, but it was long enough for me to make some great life-long friends and to develop a love for the Twin Cities.  The other day a package arrived for the girl from one of those life-long friends and I know I shouldn't have opened it, but I couldn't help myself...besides mail theft is one sin I openly admit to.  I routinely open the mister's mail, he sees nothing unless I see it first!  That's the secret to our long marriage...it's for his own good that I make sure he doesn't see some things, like the Macy's bill...or the Amazon box...or the rebate/refund from the bank/insurance company/cable company/doctor's office or the check from Publisher's Clearing House...oh, I haven't actually received that one yet but it said on the envelope that I COULD BE THE NEXT MILLIONAIRE!!  

When I opened the package for the girl, I was completely blown away...Glenda made these for Baby Elsa...and the workmanship is just beautiful!!  I made sure to show the mister what she had sent and he, being used to seeing hand-made things, said, "Cool!  That puts your stuff to shame!  Look how teeny those stitches are!  She's really talented!"  And guess what?  He is right!  And I couldn't be happier...and I know the girl is going to squeal with delight when she opens this for herself...which should be two days from now as it's already in the mail and on the way to her!!  On top of all that, I can only imagine how adorable Baby Elsa will be wearing her so, so soft pink ensemble!

Thanks so much Glenda, as you can see, Baby Elsa is already quite the fashionista...oh, just so you know, Elsa put her finger up all by herself...apparently she has a bit of her grandma in her! 

Elsa Kate's Nursery...

It's in the works - lots of sewing left to do but today, in between watching every Thomas The Train video with Max, (I was riveted when Thomas stopped just before the bridge collapsed!)   I was able to sew the crib skirt, the bumper pad, and two sheets...still have another sheet, some drapes (and whatever else the princess wants) to do.

Pink and white toile by Alexander Henry called Storybook is the main fabric, paired with a pink and white check - it's very, sweet!  (Thanks to the Aussie for this beautiful fabric!!!)  I made the crib skirt with pink tulle, a ballerina's dream!

  

It will probably be another week or so before Elsa's nursery is completed...but it's going to be adorable - just like her!  She could not be prettier...or sweeter...she reminds me of the girl when she was brand new - perfect in every way!

She's Here!

Baby Elsa arrived this morning at 7:54 weighing in at 7 lbs. 14 oz. and she is 20-inches long...to say she is beautiful would be lying, she is gorgeous!  Elsa looks just like her big brother Max...and her mom and me!!...and she's as sweet as can be!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I know what it feels like to be on Cloud Nine...and it's everything it's cracked up to be!

I would highly recommend you all get yourself a granddaughter as soon as possible!  Life is good!

 

Better Butter, Bad Martha, Bird Boy Shirt...

Let's start with the better butter...what's that?  How could one possibly make butter better?!  All you need is a cute cookie cutter - cute butter is better butter!  This Thanksgiving you can have better butter by shaping your butter into a turkey or a leaf for your T-day feast!

 

 

 

If you have a 3-D chocolate mold of a turkey or a leaf, you can use that...but I was fresh out.  I have a 3-D bunny mold but it only comes out at Easter...anywho, cookie cutters work great and it doesn't matter if they are plastic or metal.  Line a plate/cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Using softened/room temperature butter (do not melt it!) smush it into the cutters.  Put the cookie sheet into the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes,then remove and you'll be able to plop those beautiful shapes of butter out onto a pretty plate!

That would be your bad lighting shot!  But just look at my beautiful and festive butter!  I stick of butter per cookie cutter is what I used...if your cutters are bigger you'll use more, if they're smaller, get a bigger one!

 

 

 

After making my butter I came across an idea from Martha...but alas, it was not a good thing!  Martha "likes to make these sugar turkey to decorate her buffet table..." and what buffet table would be complete without a sugar turkey?!  So I followed the instructions, using my leaf and turkey cookie cutter and smushed some of the 4 lbs of brown sugar with 3 tablespoons of water into my cutters...the directions said to let them sit for a few days to harden...it's been FIVE days and they are STILL not ready!

  When I tried to un-mold a turkey after 5 days it crumbled immediately.  So if YOU saw the cute sugar turkeys Martha has in her magazine this month and want to try them...good luck!  I'm sure one of Martha's many minions made these for her...in JULY...because it would take MONTHS for these to harden!

Thanks to She She Made for the idea for Max's Turkey Shirt this year...Max is a little stubborn about his clothes, preferring to only wear shirts with trucks, helicopters, or Mahter/McQueen on them...but he does love circles so I'm hoping those big circles for eyes will convince him to put this on!

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One year ago:  Thanksgiving "Blessings" Mix  

Two years ago:  Molasses Pork Roast

Three years ago:  Baked Sweet Potatoes With Maple Sour Cream

Four years ago:  Give Thanks Pillow

 

Max is now 3 1/2 - such a big boy!  The only thing that could make our Thanksgiving better would be to have Max at our table!  It's just not right when kids have kids and move away!!

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IT'S A GIRL!!!

The Girl is having a girl!  I'm so excited..even though I know having a granddaughter will bankrupt me.  Little Macy is due to arrive on January 19th...yes, she has a name already, I've named her...I'm going to call her Macy - I don't care what The Girl and The SIL call her, she will be Macy to me.  So I have just a few short months to get busy!  She's going to need quilts, tutus, tiaras, shoes, shoes, shoes!

 
This is a pic of Max on his first day of preschool.  He started last Tuesday at a new school for children with autism and he was so excited to ride the bus - he loves wheels and things that go around and around.  Just look at my big-little boy!!  He rode the bus all the way to school by himself, happy as can be.  The bus picked him up at 7:30 in the morning and brought him back home at 3:00!!  That's a long day for a 3-year old but his teacher said he loved every minute! 

He's going to be a wonderful big brother - he's so sweet and gentle - Macy is going to love Max!

  

Happy...

I saw this in a magazine...couldn't find where to order it so I painted my own...it makes me smile: 

And today I am...happier than a bird with a French fry...that's pretty dang happy, even though I can't seem to take a good picture - this looks much better in person...it even makes the mister smile!

Why am I so happy?  Glad you asked...the mister finally settled on a destination...we're going to France!  Croissants, eclairs, macarons, pain au chocolat, madelaines, petit fours, palmiers, croquembouche!  Ooh-la-la!  And The Girl is preggers!  France AND a grandbaby!  What more could a gal ask for?!?

Mango Sorbet in Lime Shells...

Sometimes all you need is a taste...two or three spoonfuls instead of a pint (or a vat!)...and if it's two or three spoonfuls of Mango Sorbet in too-cute-to-be-believed hollowed out lime shells, well, then it IS all you need!

This is sorbet making 101...super easy and worth the calories!  Of course, you don't have to scoop the mango sorbet into a hollowed-out lime shells, but then, if you don't, you won't hear giggles of delight!  Your choice!

 

 

 

 

 

First the mango's are pureed in a food processor, then removed to a bowl to wait for their cue.  The cream is then whipped into submission and the mango puree is poured into the cream...one final twirl around the bowl, or two, and it's ready for the freezer.  Now, Grasshopper, patience is needed...so while the sorbet is freezing, hollow out your lime shells...reserving the juice for another use.  If you're feeling like a lime shell is just not big enough, use an orange!  I liked the contrast of the colors with the mango and the lime...remember, looking good is important, too!

I served this to my book club a while back - it was a hit!  This makes about 4 cups of sorbet, so you'll have plenty to fill lime shells or bowls...and make sure to stick a piece of mango on top!

Mango Sorbet in Lime Shells - Pots and Pins

 12 large limes

2 large, ripe mangoes, peeled and roughly chopped plus one that is peeled and sliced to use as garnish

1 tablespoon cream of coconut

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup sugar

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Prepare lime shells.  Cut lime top offs, (about 1/3 of the lime) and save for another use.  Make a small slice on the "bottom" of the lime so it will sit evenly.  Juice the limes, reserve juice for another recipe.  Using scissors, cut the membranes and remove and discard.  Don't try to remove all of the pulp, just the membranes in the center.  Run a spoon along the inside of the lime to remove any remaining juice.  Place lime shells into a plastic freezer Zip-lock style bag and freeze overnight.

In the bowl of a food processor or a blender, combine mangoes, cream of coconut, lemon juice and sugar.  Process until smooth, about 10 seconds.  Remove to a large bowl.  Pour heavy cream into food processor bowl or blender (no need to rinse) and process until stiff peaks form.   Add mango mixture to whipped cream and process until well combined, about 10 seconds.  Pour everything back into large bowl and freeze overnight. 

When ready to serve, using a small spoon, scoop out sorbet and push into frozen lime shells.  Makes about 4 cups sorbet.  You could also use frozen lemon shells or frozen orange shells...or bowls.  On a hot, sunny day, there is only one thing better than Mango Sorbet in Lime Shells...

ReFamDamlyUnion...

 

 

 

 

Mt. Rainier.  It does exist.  Many friends and family have flown up to see us, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive mountain on the way, or while in the Northwest, only to leave without seeing so much as a mole hill.  It does tend to be a bit cloudy in Seattle.  But once above the clouds, around 25,000 feet, Mt. Rainier is still as impressive as ever.  We flew to Salt Lake via Reno...due to another "booking defugelty" caused by the mister.  He has now been banned from making airline reservations, talking about reservations and/or airlines altogether.  When we landed in Reno I was still a bit irritated (from having to stop in Reno!), but once off the plane that quickly passed...I was greeted by SLOT MACHINES!  Stinkin' fun!  Bells, lights, music and all I had to do was put in a buck and push a button!  If it had been up to me I would still be sitting there...those slots were hypnotic!  But the mister, who audibly groaned with each dollar that was inserted, kept one eye on the clock (and the other on his wallet) and before I could lose the farm he had us back on the next flight.  Oh, I did not win one red cent...and got nothing for losing, not even a sticker!  But I suppose losers don't need stickers that say losers.

 

 

 

 

Notice the little pyramid in the lake?  Hence the name, Pyramid Lake, just outside of Reno and there was not one boat on it !?  Everyone must have been in on the slots!  As we made our final approach into Salt Lake I played my favorite game, I call it Count the Churches.  Looking out of the plane window, two minutes before touchdown, I counted 79 churches.  79.  No wonder the mister is always apprehensive when visiting Utah!  One of the reasons we flew to SLC was to introduce the mister's son to his daughter....oh please, doesn't everyone have children show up in the middle of their lives who need introducing to the other children?!?!  Just for the record, I have TWO children...I know, because I was there when they were born.  The mister has five children (surprise!  surprise!) and if the muzzle is ever lifted from my mouth, or when Hell freezes over, or when the mister decides to visit one of those 79 churches,  I'll tell you all about them...until then just know that if any more children show up, the mister will be allowed to purchase one more airline ticket...a ONE WAY ticket!. Pictured above, left to right:  Max, Coleman, Carson, Hayden and Dawson...along with my Max, those boys are four are the nicest and most well-mannered boys we have EVER met...they are the mister's new grandchildren!  We had a great time playing tourist (Temple Square, Park City, Snowbird) with them and their parents.

 

 

 

 

 

Take a closer look at that car...those are EYE-LASHES over the lights!  Seriously!  And that wasn't the only strange sight we saw...they are still skiing at Snowbird...it's June 20th and there is still over 100-inches of snow up there!  Skiers had their shirts off and wore shorts - it was 70 degrees and beautiful - not a cloud in the sky!  The mister and the rest of the gang rode the tram up top, I opted to stay below to document the event...as I'm not a fan of trams...I have issues, you know.  Besides, sitting in the sun watching gorgeous men ski down the hill is my favorite sport.  

The mister got to the top and was skeered so they sent him back down alone....just kidding...the rest of the traveling tribe is in there with him...they all had a great time at 11,000 feet.  So the bottom line is this...we had fun, the one fam met the other fam and our Christmas list has grown!

 

Island Rice...

I hope you've been sitting at your computer patiently waiting for this recipe so you can finally make Island Chicken (see yesterday's post) which goes with Island Rice and get on with your life!  But this is worth the wait, I promise!  Everyone can make beans and rice...even those of us with IQ's on simmer...and at first glance that's what you'll think Island Rice is...nothing but ordinary beans and rice.  But you couldn't be further from the truth/taste!

 Notice those heart-shaped carrots?  I cut them myself...rather extreme, I agree, but heart-shaped carrots were mentioned in the book (we read In The Time of The Butterflies for Book Club last month and we try to eat food that goes with the book)...and if there is something totally impractical, like spending two hours cutting heart-shaped carrots, well, I'm all about that...and I can tell you this, heart-shaped carrots taste better...sweeter...more LOVEly than you can imagine!  If you've got a few hours to kill, cut yourself some!  Island Rice is smothered in cream of coconut...and butter...and if you can conjure up a picture in your mind of a white sandy beach, with a striped hammock tied between two palm trees gently swaying in the ocean breeze, well, that's what this tastes like.  Make it and see for yourself.

Island Rice - Pots and Pins

2 cans (15 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained  

2 cans (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained

6 cups long-grain rice, cooked according to package directions

4 tablespoon butter

1 container (21 oz.) Cream of Coconut

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 of a large Anaheim chili pepper, seeded and finely diced

1 large white onion, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

In a large pot, over medium heat,  melt butter.  Stir in chili, onion, salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes or until onion is soft and translucent.  Stir in beans and cooked rice.  Stir in  Cream of Coconut and broth.  Cook until heated through.  Serves 10 to 12.

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Since I'm rather lacking the in photo department today, feast your eyes on this...

Wing in a Sling...

All he wanted to do was look at his Mickey pictures in the chair...but there wasn't enough room for the pictures AND him, so he sat up on the arm of the chair so he could lay the pictures out...and he scooted back just a bit too far and toppled over onto the floor - breaking his clavicle!!  My poor leeeetle boy!  He cried and cried and the girl knew something was very wrong - two x-rays later and Max was wearing a sling on his wing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Max's new little car seems to have helped him forget the pain!  As long as his arm is in the sling he is fine, but when the sling is removed he is in tears!  So he loves his wing in the sling, which is a very good thing!