I have been very neglectful of this blog that I love so much. I've been working some odd hours, and a lot of them, and the imagination just isn't soaring. I will be posting the directions for the glass topper soon and also have a wonderful recipe.
Until next time...
Monday, July 2, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Victorian Retreat
I found a wonderful website with an idea for a great Victorian retreat. Just think of it! It even offers recipes for that era. Here is the link
Victorian Retreat.
Have a look, I think you will enjoy it
Victorian Retreat.
Have a look, I think you will enjoy it
Bear ghan pieces
Well, this is upside down, but you get the idea. Finished product coming soon!!
Until next time...
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings
I found myself playing "Mom's Taxi" today and yet I wanted to cook some comfort food. I didn't have a lot of time, or energy. I decided to improvise. It turned out really well!
I had some chicken thighs thawed, so I took out my Deep pan (it's almost like a WOK actually) Put in a bit of oil and browned the chicken. I opened and added one of the large cans of Chicken noodle soup then put in 1 1/2 cans of water to bring to a boil. I let that simmer a while. I thought of putting in some veggies. I didn't, but would have been even better if I had. Then I made up some Bisquick dumplings and dropped on top of the bubbling brew...Covered for about 10 minutes, then uncovered for about 10 minutes. The bisquick also thickened the soup, so it turned out fabulous! Was just what I was hungry for, very satisfying, and VERY easy.
I had some chicken thighs thawed, so I took out my Deep pan (it's almost like a WOK actually) Put in a bit of oil and browned the chicken. I opened and added one of the large cans of Chicken noodle soup then put in 1 1/2 cans of water to bring to a boil. I let that simmer a while. I thought of putting in some veggies. I didn't, but would have been even better if I had. Then I made up some Bisquick dumplings and dropped on top of the bubbling brew...Covered for about 10 minutes, then uncovered for about 10 minutes. The bisquick also thickened the soup, so it turned out fabulous! Was just what I was hungry for, very satisfying, and VERY easy.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Day 10
Add one cup Flour, Sugar and Milk, stir then put into containers to give away. Fill each container only about half full.
To make the bread from starter:
Ingredients:1 cup starter
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Procedure:Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into 2 well greased and sugared loaf pans. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until done. Cool 20 minutes before removing from pans.
Amish Friendship Bread Variation I Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1(6-serving size) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup starter 1 cup sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Procedure:Whisk together in a medium bowl the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; set aside. In large mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients, mixing well. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing only until just combined; do not over mix. Pour into two 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350*F (175*C) for 50 to 60 minutes. For more variations, add your favorite dried fruits, nuts and/or chocolate chips. Also experiment using different flavor pudding mixes. Makes 2 loaves
To make the bread from starter:
Ingredients:1 cup starter
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Procedure:Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into 2 well greased and sugared loaf pans. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until done. Cool 20 minutes before removing from pans.
Amish Friendship Bread Variation I Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1(6-serving size) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup starter 1 cup sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Procedure:Whisk together in a medium bowl the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; set aside. In large mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients, mixing well. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing only until just combined; do not over mix. Pour into two 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350*F (175*C) for 50 to 60 minutes. For more variations, add your favorite dried fruits, nuts and/or chocolate chips. Also experiment using different flavor pudding mixes. Makes 2 loaves
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Day 9 of the starter bread. Hope you have people picked out to give some to! I will post the recipe again for using the starter, tomorrow.
I managed to get another square done on the bearghan and I hope to be able to post a picture of what I have done so far by tomorrow as well.
Rough day, and another tomorrow...so short blog tonight
Until next time...
I managed to get another square done on the bearghan and I hope to be able to post a picture of what I have done so far by tomorrow as well.
Rough day, and another tomorrow...so short blog tonight
Until next time...
Monday, June 18, 2007
Finally time to crochet
My daughter really came through for me today and did a lot to straighten up the house. That gave me time to get in some crochet. Only a couple more things and the bear ghan will be finished.
Here is a picture of the next project, which I will start BEFORE hand so I have a completed picture to show you...:)
It is the Beaded Sunburst Glass Cover. I plan to modify it a bit. I just wanted to give you an idea of what it will be.
Today is Day 8, stir your starter with a wooden spoon.
Until Next time...
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Work gets in the way!
How I wish I could spend ALL of my time crocheting, and searching Victorian archives and sites...but, I must work. Sadly, this means I have less time for the things I love...I always make an effort though to get 'some' done every day.
My bearghan is coming along...I have only a couple more pieces to get done, and it will be ready for "show and tell."
It is day 7 of the bread starter, remember to stir with a wooden spoon!
I found a wonderful site! It is the Antique patterns library! There are many, many antique books, magazines and such that have been copied, clarified, and downloadable! Have a look!
Antique Pattern Library
I also visited the Yarn Lover's room...and they have some antique patterns as well. You may have to join this site...but it's free and there is a LOT of good information there, including crochet instructions.
Yarn Lover's Room
I am absolutely SURE you are going to love these sites if you enjoy antique patterns.
Until Next time...
My bearghan is coming along...I have only a couple more pieces to get done, and it will be ready for "show and tell."
It is day 7 of the bread starter, remember to stir with a wooden spoon!
I found a wonderful site! It is the Antique patterns library! There are many, many antique books, magazines and such that have been copied, clarified, and downloadable! Have a look!
Antique Pattern Library
I also visited the Yarn Lover's room...and they have some antique patterns as well. You may have to join this site...but it's free and there is a LOT of good information there, including crochet instructions.
Yarn Lover's Room
I am absolutely SURE you are going to love these sites if you enjoy antique patterns.
Until Next time...
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Slow day today
Remember this is day 6 of the starter recipe...mix with a wooden spoon.
Unless I add to the blog later, this will be a slow blog day. I want to work on the bear-ghan and get some other info ready for this blog.
Have you thought of who you are going to give your friendship bread to? Remember to keep one container for yourself when it is done!
I got a link for a wonderful glass topper that will be the project for next week. (Although I know most of us won't be finished with the first project by then!)
Enjoy your Saturday!
Unless I add to the blog later, this will be a slow blog day. I want to work on the bear-ghan and get some other info ready for this blog.
Have you thought of who you are going to give your friendship bread to? Remember to keep one container for yourself when it is done!
I got a link for a wonderful glass topper that will be the project for next week. (Although I know most of us won't be finished with the first project by then!)
Enjoy your Saturday!
Oops, forgot day 5!!!
Day 5 of starter:
Add 1 cup each of flour, milk and sugar. Stir with WOODEN spoon.
Add 1 cup each of flour, milk and sugar. Stir with WOODEN spoon.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Summer and Crochet
There are many people who taper off their crochet projects in the summer in favor of being outdoors. I can certainly understand their reasoning. For me, however, Hot weather is NOT something I enjoy. I am out and about much more in Fall, Spring, and yes, even Winter. Summer and Crochet are a perfect match for me...
As promised, here are some "Victorian Sites/blogs" that I think you will enjoy. They cover many aspects of the Victorian Era. I hope you enjoy them.
Victorian Recipes: http://www.lexington1.net/lms/vicrecipe.html
History and Traditions of "Taking Tea," http://www.ladiesofreenacting.com/afternoontea.html
Decorating tips for that "Victorian Look" http://www.thecompletevictorian.com/decorating.html
There will be more to add in future blogs.
If you haven't guessed, I am a fan of the Victorian Era. I live in an old Victorian house. When I first moved here, I opened the closet door in one of the bedrooms and was Thrilled that what looks like the original paper was still on the walls! I will photograph it and put it into one of my blogs.
So...in my blog you will find links, themes, stories, and my own personal views on the following topics:
Victorian Era (both in England and the influence it had on American lifestyle)
Tea...(My Grandmother was British. Although she lived in another state, and I only met her a few times, This lady really made an impression on me. Our family was Never without 2 tea services. One silver for entertaining, and one ceramic.
Crochet; Taught to me by my other grandmother, whose home was filled with doilys and other things she had crocheted.
Recipes Both old and New
I want to create an "Atmosphere" here...one complete with pictures that will give you a visual when I talk of the Crochet Lane Manor.....
Remember, today is day 4 of the starter. Stir the starter with a WOODEN spoon.
Blessings...
As promised, here are some "Victorian Sites/blogs" that I think you will enjoy. They cover many aspects of the Victorian Era. I hope you enjoy them.
Victorian Recipes: http://www.lexington1.net/lms/vicrecipe.html
History and Traditions of "Taking Tea," http://www.ladiesofreenacting.com/afternoontea.html
Decorating tips for that "Victorian Look" http://www.thecompletevictorian.com/decorating.html
There will be more to add in future blogs.
If you haven't guessed, I am a fan of the Victorian Era. I live in an old Victorian house. When I first moved here, I opened the closet door in one of the bedrooms and was Thrilled that what looks like the original paper was still on the walls! I will photograph it and put it into one of my blogs.
So...in my blog you will find links, themes, stories, and my own personal views on the following topics:
Victorian Era (both in England and the influence it had on American lifestyle)
Tea...(My Grandmother was British. Although she lived in another state, and I only met her a few times, This lady really made an impression on me. Our family was Never without 2 tea services. One silver for entertaining, and one ceramic.
Crochet; Taught to me by my other grandmother, whose home was filled with doilys and other things she had crocheted.
Recipes Both old and New
I want to create an "Atmosphere" here...one complete with pictures that will give you a visual when I talk of the Crochet Lane Manor.....
Remember, today is day 4 of the starter. Stir the starter with a WOODEN spoon.
Blessings...
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Omaha Babble
Don't forget to check out my "everything" blog, Omahababble ! Humor, personal blogs, Lots of info about me.
Compiling some good links...
I will be adding to the blog roll soon. I found some wonderful "Victorian" type sites, and even some new crochet sites. Well, they probably aren't "new"but they are to me!
I will also be putting up a slide show of things Victorian. Houses, dresses, many things. I have great plans for this blog!
Today is day 3 of the starter. Stir with a wooden spoon. You may also want to start thinking about to whom you will give the starter when it is ready. An old friend? A new neighbor? Someone new to your organization or group? I think I am going to give one to a neighbor, and one to an old friend of mine.
The "trunk" part of the bearghan is done. I am deciding colors as I go. So far it is Orange, Yellow, and of course black accents for the nose, etc.
My computer has been acting wackie today, so if there is a lapse in posts, you'll know why. I have the phone company working on the problem....Phone won't work at all, and the internet fades in and out.
In my next post, I want to talk about some of the wonderful designed Crochet hooks that are out there. There is a lot of buzz about some of them!
Until next time, remember to take care of YOU, and create for yourself a relaxing, enjoyable place to enjoy the things you like to do...
PS...I will also be sharing a wonderful site that helps women get their homes and lives organized! It really is great!
I will also be putting up a slide show of things Victorian. Houses, dresses, many things. I have great plans for this blog!
Today is day 3 of the starter. Stir with a wooden spoon. You may also want to start thinking about to whom you will give the starter when it is ready. An old friend? A new neighbor? Someone new to your organization or group? I think I am going to give one to a neighbor, and one to an old friend of mine.
The "trunk" part of the bearghan is done. I am deciding colors as I go. So far it is Orange, Yellow, and of course black accents for the nose, etc.
My computer has been acting wackie today, so if there is a lapse in posts, you'll know why. I have the phone company working on the problem....Phone won't work at all, and the internet fades in and out.
In my next post, I want to talk about some of the wonderful designed Crochet hooks that are out there. There is a lot of buzz about some of them!
Until next time, remember to take care of YOU, and create for yourself a relaxing, enjoyable place to enjoy the things you like to do...
PS...I will also be sharing a wonderful site that helps women get their homes and lives organized! It really is great!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
To continue our theme
Remember this is day 2 of the bread starter. Stir with a wooden spoon!
I will post this again near the end of the ten days, but here is the bread recipe for the finished starter.
To make the bread from starter:
Ingredients:1 cup starter
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into 2 well greased and sugared loaf pans. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until done. Cool 20 minutes before removing from pans.
Amish Friendship Bread Variation I
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1(6-serving size) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup starter
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Procedure:
Whisk together in a medium bowl the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; set aside. In large mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients, mixing well. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing only until just combined; do not over mix. Pour into two 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350*F (175*C) for 50 to 60 minutes. For more variations, add your favorite dried fruits, nuts and/or chocolate chips. Also experiment using different flavor pudding mixes. Makes 2 loaves
Personally, as much as I LOVE baking, and cooking, I am glad this is not the "bake" day for the bread. It is hot here, and it makes one wonder how Victorian ladies got along in those layers and layers of clothing! I love the Victorian era for all it's splendor and elegance, but I do not envy their living conditions at times. It is wonderful, though, is it not, to take a few moments out of our day and relive this wonderous time.
The bear ghan head is complete. I will be adding the "body" to it now. Tomorrow, I plan a trip to Joanns to stock back up on thread and yarn.
Until tomorrow...
I will post this again near the end of the ten days, but here is the bread recipe for the finished starter.
To make the bread from starter:
Ingredients:1 cup starter
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Procedure:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into 2 well greased and sugared loaf pans. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until done. Cool 20 minutes before removing from pans.
Amish Friendship Bread Variation I
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1(6-serving size) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup starter
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Procedure:
Whisk together in a medium bowl the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; set aside. In large mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients, mixing well. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing only until just combined; do not over mix. Pour into two 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350*F (175*C) for 50 to 60 minutes. For more variations, add your favorite dried fruits, nuts and/or chocolate chips. Also experiment using different flavor pudding mixes. Makes 2 loaves
Personally, as much as I LOVE baking, and cooking, I am glad this is not the "bake" day for the bread. It is hot here, and it makes one wonder how Victorian ladies got along in those layers and layers of clothing! I love the Victorian era for all it's splendor and elegance, but I do not envy their living conditions at times. It is wonderful, though, is it not, to take a few moments out of our day and relive this wonderous time.
The bear ghan head is complete. I will be adding the "body" to it now. Tomorrow, I plan a trip to Joanns to stock back up on thread and yarn.
Until tomorrow...
Monday, June 11, 2007
The week of June 11-17 (Sharing/Love/Friendship)
These are going to be my main focus points this week. I will continue to work on Loveyah's Bear ghan, and also be making a starter for some Amish Friendship bread. These will fit nicely into the theme for this week. Sharing/Love and Friendship.
The link again for the bear ghan is
http://www.geocities.com/cdjsimon/bearghan.html
Here is my recipe for the starter bread and the instructions...
Ingredients for Starter:
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup cup milk
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
Procedure to make Starter:
Note: DO NOT use metal bowls or spoons and DO NOT refrigerate. Dissolve yeast in small amount of warm water. Mix all ingredients together in an ample sized bowl or jar (it WILL grow). This is Day 1 of the starter.
Day 1: The day you receive the starter - Do nothing.
Day 2, 3, 4: Stir with wooden spoon.
Day 5: Add 1 cup each - flour, sugar, milk. Stir.
Day 6, 7, 8: Stir with wooden spoon.
Day 9: Do nothing.
Day 10: Add 1 cup each - flour, sugar, milk. Stir. Pour into 3 containers (1 cup each). Give 2 containers to friends along with this recipe. Keep 1 cup for yourself.
Note:
When giving starter away, only half fill the container and provide for some ventilation (ie. small hole in top of jar). The starter does expand and unless the gases caused by the fermenting process are allowed to escape, they will build up and could cause the lid of the container to pop off. Store the remaining starter in a container in the refrigerator and begin the 10 day process over again when ready. You can also freeze this starter in 1 cup measures for later use. Frozen starter will take at least 3 hours at room temperature to thaw before using.
I will share the recipe for How to prepare the bread from the starter (and a variation) in my blog tomorrow.
Loveyah's bear ghan head is almost done. I think I may have to block it...it seems a bit twirly to me, but we'll see how it finishes up. The eyes, nose and muzzle are ready to be placed.
My thanks to all of the ladies in the groups in which I belong! They have such interesting projects and great attitudes! My favorite groups so far are:
http://groups.msn.com/MMCrochetCorner
and
http://groups.msn.com/CrochetMamas
Stop by if you get the chance. The links are also on my blog-roll.
Have a wonderful week!
The link again for the bear ghan is
http://www.geocities.com/cdjsimon/bearghan.html
Here is my recipe for the starter bread and the instructions...
Ingredients for Starter:
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup cup milk
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
Procedure to make Starter:
Note: DO NOT use metal bowls or spoons and DO NOT refrigerate. Dissolve yeast in small amount of warm water. Mix all ingredients together in an ample sized bowl or jar (it WILL grow). This is Day 1 of the starter.
Day 1: The day you receive the starter - Do nothing.
Day 2, 3, 4: Stir with wooden spoon.
Day 5: Add 1 cup each - flour, sugar, milk. Stir.
Day 6, 7, 8: Stir with wooden spoon.
Day 9: Do nothing.
Day 10: Add 1 cup each - flour, sugar, milk. Stir. Pour into 3 containers (1 cup each). Give 2 containers to friends along with this recipe. Keep 1 cup for yourself.
Note:
When giving starter away, only half fill the container and provide for some ventilation (ie. small hole in top of jar). The starter does expand and unless the gases caused by the fermenting process are allowed to escape, they will build up and could cause the lid of the container to pop off. Store the remaining starter in a container in the refrigerator and begin the 10 day process over again when ready. You can also freeze this starter in 1 cup measures for later use. Frozen starter will take at least 3 hours at room temperature to thaw before using.
I will share the recipe for How to prepare the bread from the starter (and a variation) in my blog tomorrow.
Loveyah's bear ghan head is almost done. I think I may have to block it...it seems a bit twirly to me, but we'll see how it finishes up. The eyes, nose and muzzle are ready to be placed.
My thanks to all of the ladies in the groups in which I belong! They have such interesting projects and great attitudes! My favorite groups so far are:
http://groups.msn.com/MMCrochetCorner
and
http://groups.msn.com/CrochetMamas
Stop by if you get the chance. The links are also on my blog-roll.
Have a wonderful week!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Good Ole Days...
I've decided to try to make this page a trip back to the Good Old Days. I will feature some old recipies, (and some new) along with crochet blogs. I will feature a recipe or recipe feature along with a crochet project.
I should have everything ready to get started tomorrow.
I should have everything ready to get started tomorrow.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Today I plan to work on my Grand baby's bear ghan.
The copyright is by Pat Liles and the pattern can be found here
I am making mine in Yellow, orange, black...and I'm not sure what other colors yet. :)
So far this has been really fun to make. I can't wait to see the finished project. I will post a picture when I am finished.
If anyone cares to join me in this project...feel free! I'd love to see other creations!
Welcome to Crochet Lane
Welcome to Crochet Lane. It is probably best described as my Crochet journey. I learned to crochet at a young age by my Grandmother. Although I was left handed, I learned, but I hold the hook quite differently than other people. I never really enjoyed or experimented with crochet until a couple of years ago.
Now, with a new grand baby, I want to create, explore and learn. You are welcome to join my on my journey.
I will be listing some of my favorite crochet links and patterns. I will also be posting on projects I am working on.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I.
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