Preserve

Talk of jams and preserves has been frequent in these last few weeks. Perhaps it is my evolving sense of seasonal rhythms, or maybe the upcoming changes for our family in the next few months that is driving me. (more on that later) My birthday brought a lovely book on canning, Canning for a New Generation. It is a pretty book, with lots of mouthwatering photos with simple directions and recipes. 

While spending the weekend in Detroit to celebrate the union of two dear old friends, I was able to learn a little about the jam making process from my Momma. A friend of hers picked some raspberries from a family farm over the day before and was kind enough to share them with us for my first try at preserves. The raspberries were so sweet and perfectly tart, and I knew I had to do something special with them. The recipe for Raspberry Jam with Lavender & Mint was one that had caught my eye while first flipping through the canning book, it was meant to be! 

Maybe when I get better at it, I can share more of the process in this space. It was fairly simple, and really fun to do. I am excited to say that a jar of this jam is on its way to Uganda, to be given to my dear friend Betty, who I have spoken of often here. Making a small batch (1/2 the recipe in the book) yielded 6 of these little jars of jam. I actually enjoy that we made a smaller batch, it makes it more special, a treat, for some delicious bread, or to be shared with friends for brunch over pan cakes. It makes a simple jam "an affordable luxury". 

Do you have a favorite jam? It's funny how most of my memories involving jam are from childhood, and usually involve peanut butter. What about you? 

Thanks for reading,

-K 

Urban Treasure

Look at all these thrifty goodies. 

Seriously, I have no idea why people let go of so many amazing things.

I'll take them, but I think you are crazy.

In order top to bottom:

 1. Cotton crochet doilies. I have about 100 of them now.

Im sure they will come in handy for some of that mending I talked about in my last post.

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2. Pasta maker. I can finally make that kale and ricotta ravioli I've been dreaming about.

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3. Ladle. You'd think for such a soup obsessed family we would have a ladle. This is our first ladle.

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4. Apple Slicer. Im just waiting to use this for some pies this fall. 

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5. Adorable Tiny Forks. I can not help myself, tiny utensils always get me. 

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6. Canning Tongs. Oh just you wait, plenty of that to come. 

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7. Adorable tiny human.

 He wasn't thrifted, but he is definitely a treasure. (Sorry, I had to) 

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love, 

K 

Current Inspirations: Give. Mend. Do.

This week has been busy. I feel like I am always, for some reason, surprised by this. None the less, I have been drowning in some seriously inspirational things, when I have not been toddler chasing, dinner making and apartment reorganizing. (I beat the hell out of my kitchen last night, and came to terms with that giant "green thing" that holds our dishes and cups, which came with our apartment)

Give.

I find it much easier for my mind to consider different creative ideas when there is peace and organization in my home. This is a mark of maturity for me, I haven't always been that way. My friend Aiyana, from YAWNI TIGER has been talking about simplifying things in her life, which has really resonated with me. Keep what you need, give what you don't. This is a theme that can be carried into most aspects of life, and I hope to further explore them in those places. Meaningless emotional, physical and spiritual clutter doesn't help anyone.

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Mend.

I have these cotton lounge type pants that have travelled with me so many places, across oceans and continents, heart break and new found love, a pregnancy and plenty of late nights with baby. I don't even know where I got them, or when, I think they were given to me as a hand me down from a friend, which makes them even more special. They are deemed "the card board pants" because they are literally the color of cardboard, have pretty much no shape and are not flattering in any way. I don't really care that they aren't fancy or "pretty", they are soft in a way only beloved, well worn garments can be. I feel like "me" in these pants. They have been slapped against rocks in the wash, and spun in the dryer and hung on a line, crumpled in a suitcase and stretched to the limit the last few days of my pregnancy with Julian. They have just begun to fall apart, but I can not bear to part with them. Thus brings me to my next bit of inspiration.

I am so moved and inspired by the notion of the "mend and make do" movement of WW2. Although the saying was born out of a very dark era in the history of our world, the relevance has not lessened. How lovely is it that something I think is considered an worthy of being called an art form can also serve as something so practical. I am excited to start mending, darning and repairing some of my favorite well worn items, starting with the card board pants.

This elbow repair is so pretty, you would think it was supposed to be this way. This also inspires me to keep knitting and sewing my own clothes, and clothes for the ones I love. So many people ask me what the point of putting so much effort into hand knit garment is, when it could fall apart in a few seasons. Adding and repairing could only exaggerate the beauty and sentimentality of such things. A memory sewn in with a patch, woven in to a hole that was created sledding down a hill or caught on a apple tree branch last fall. Another theme which can lend itself to other places in our lives, mine especially. Changing life seasons can wear holes in the deepest and dearest relationships, taking time to mend the relationships we cherish is something we, or maybe just I, should consider. 

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Do.

I keep hearing about the drought in the mid west this year. I live in the midwest, so you would think such things would genuinely effect my daily life, especially something as drastic as a draught. I have honesty not felt the economic repercussions of this so far, but I am sure the cost of food will go up soon, and only rise on through winter. The cost of conventionally farmed meat products and packaged edibles will probably have the greatest increase in price, considering the crops that are suffering the most are corn and wheat. Economically speaking, our family doesn't have to necessarily fret over the idea of food costs rising, because we can always take from this part of the budget, or that, for something like food. But was interests me is the idea that we should take this into consideration, even if there are more convenient options. Just because we don't HAVE to do something, doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. Our garden is exploding with kale, chard and beans, and I am determined to preserve them, to save the excess for winter, because it is simply a wise thing to do. Sure, I could go to the grocery come January and buy myself some strawberries from Chili, but I just feel like popping the lid on a jar of strawberry basil jam made just for this dreary day would be better. My friend Melissa and I talked about starting up a canning guild. So far we have nothing set in stone, but a few other women have shown interest. My hope is to get enough people (maybe five or six) to chip in for the supplies and possibly a pressure canner, and meet monthly to share abundant garden spoils, recipes and encouragements, while canning some tomato sauce and maybe some of that strawberry basil jam. Yet again, storing up and recording good things when they are in abundance in my life, weather it be affections from my husband and son, or feelings of peace and thankfulness, can help bring the spirits up in times of need and sadness. "Consider the ant, look at it's ways and be wise." 

These are the things currently inspiring me, what about you?

Charles' Figgy Mittens

Say hello to Charles's Figgy Man Mittens.

These handsome mittens were made for my dear friend Charles for his birthday, last winter hah. He has just now gotten around to unpacking his new apartment and found the time to snap a few photos of them, for me to share here! I always have so much trouble finding patterns that I feel are truly masculine with out being overly simple. A good pattern for a sturdy, to the point, but also beautiful man-ccessory is the one I used for these mittens, Jane Richmond's Red is Best. 

The fiber is none other than the always beloved, Madelinetosh Vintage, in the Fig color way. Isn't it so handsome? I think that is what really takes them over the top. 

For some reason I find that most men love those flip top mittens. I suppose maybe because you don't have to fiddle with them too much, or maybe because they serve as a two in one type thing. I will probably have to start planning out a few more pairs for Christmas (?!?!) and winter birthdays. Come to think of it, I should probably just keep a few made and on hand to give away for last minutes gifts, since I haven't ventured into socks just yet. (If you have a favorite sock pattern please share it with me!) 

Thanks for reading!

-K 

Weekend Eats / Focus

Sometimes I forget that I am a working mother. Most days, Julian and I spend playing with the darling little Omi, at her house while her parents are working. It works out well for everyone involved for the most part. The little ones are so close, they give hugs and kisses in the morning when we arrive and sweet little hand waves when we leave. I am so thankful to have a way to bring income into our home, while still spending every moment I can with Julian. But sometimes, I forget that I am indeed, working.

The weekends are devoted to our little family of three. We have a pretty constant routine, always coffee, sometimes we even go to two different shops on a Saturday or Sunday, just to see what they are offering. Some weekends we go thrifting, or to the bookstore, where the little one plays with the train table with the other children and I flip through cookbooks, knitting books or now, sewing books (in the air conditioning). I usually get some time to sit down and knit, after the house is cleaned, the laundry is done (ok sometimes this doesn't happen...not completely done.), the meals are planned and the baby is sleeping. This weekend was a little different, and I could feel the weight of the demands of my time. Im not complaining, no, I'm just having a little bit of a revelation, that maybe I should take a little more time to focus, simplify, consolidate, and maybe sit once and a while. I was able to meet with a dear friend this week who reminded me that I do not have to be supper mother/wife/woman/person. No one is expecting that out of me, so to put that pressure on myself only hurts the ones I am trying to care for. I also read this quote today, "Great is the enemy of Good".  Sometimes when I try to do too much, nothing gets done, or everything is done poorly.

I am thankful that I was able to make this yummy pesto yesterday for that reason. I made a silly amount of pesto, that will top pasta and sandwiches and maybe find its way into a frittata by next weekend. This is something that will help to simplify our time at home this week. You already know how much I love kale, so it should be no surprise to you that I've switched out the basil for peppery dino kale, from the garden. I used this and this as references but sort of went at it on my own, with what I had, but honestly, I cant really claim any sort of ownership over any pesto recipe...its pretty basic. Quickly blanched kale, garlic, lemon, pine nuts, parmesan, salt, pepper, oil, that is it. 

We have already had two dishes with this pesto since yesterday, and they were both delicious, Xavier went back for seconds, and the little one willingly ate kale...a win in my book. I am hoping to use it on his turkey sandwiches for lunch. It was relatively quick to prepare as well, a good 20 minutes from garden to jar. Maybe I should make a batch of this every week or so, and change up the ingredients just a bit, play with the ratios and flavors. I think adding a little crushed red pepper would be yummy too. This is also something that can easily be frozen in preparation for winter, when something bright and fresh tasting is a welcome indulgence. 

And there my mind goes, preparing for winter. I am thinking of canning, and tomato sauces, jams, and pickled things. Pickles, then I think of a birthday that is coming up, which I plan to celebrate a gift of garden dilly beans, oh and a hat needs knitting. Celebrate, there is a wedding coming, travel plans must be made, as well as a gift, and a dress needs to be chosen. Dress, I still have that other skirt pattern I want to try. See what I mean....I can only laugh at myself, really. Ever feel the same?

Thanks for reading. 

-K 

Tukula Give Away Winner!

Sorry this is so late in the day, but it still counts! 

Using Random.org, the winner is:

Comment #5

Angela Hunt! 

Congratulations! Send an email to:

KALANAGKNITS@gmail.com

 redeem your lovely prize! 

p.s. tomorrow I have a fun little addition to my face to talk about. 

See you then!

-K 

Ode to Greek Yogurt

When Julian was still pretty little, he came down with a bad case of thrush. Instead of having it in his mouth, he had it in the diaper area, and it was terrible. The rash was huge, raised, bright red and scaly at some parts, especially in the folds of his little chubby legs. I battled the rash on the surface for about two weeks, sunning the cloth diapers, washing them over and over, making about five different kinds of home made baby bum balms, and even let him air out and roll around naked for most of the day. Nothing would help, I felt guilty and helpless. I took him to the doctor several times and all they would recomend was a prescription steroid cream, which made me really uncomfortable. 

I read and read and read. Thankfully, there were plenty of articles and advise from other mothers (particularly those who are in the "cloth" community) who had dealt with similar issues. I discovered that, because Julian was breast fed elusively, the thrush was being continuously passed back and forth between us, giving neither of us a change to fight it off. I came to the conclusion that I had to seriously change my diet, to kill off any excessive yeast that was in my system, therefor reducing the amount of yeast in diet as well. I had to fight it internally. 

I had to cut out just about everything, anything starchy, sugary and or treated with pesticides and antibiotics. I was already eating a 100% organic, non processed diet, so that was not a difficult issue to deal with. Not eating any carbs was difficult, no fruit, except berries, which actually helped to reduce the amount of yeast in the tummy. I started taking probiotics as well. " So, what did you eat? " you ask. I pretty much lived on greek yogurt with strawberries, almonds, and spinach or kale, and that is where my obsession began. If you don't already know how awesome greek yogurt is, I suggest you use the google machine and see for yourself. Greek yogurt is also a great option for babies who are struggling to gain weight, considering the fat, and protein content. Seriously, in less than a week the rash was gone! I had also lost about 6 pounds, but that might have been because I was also drinking an obscene amount of water and had no bread, pasta, etc.

Since then, I have tried to sneak this stuff into anything I can, when I am not just eating is out of the container. My favorite brand (and I have tried pretty much all of them) is hands down Fage. It has way more protein than most of the other brands, less sodium and less cholesterol. It does have a higher fat content, but I am not totally afraid of fats, you need a bit of them anyway. The texture of this stuff is so rich and decadent, the flavor is tart but slightly sweet and creamy. Oh dear, I could replace cheesecake with Fage Total (the higher fat option) for the rest of my life and never complain. I still think it is best with strawberries, almonds and a little honey, in the morning.

Here are a two ways that switched out the less

 nutritious options with greek yogurt in our meals this week:

Egg Salad with Thyme and Greek Yogurt.

This is one of Xavier and my favorite weekend lunch, the bebes actually really love it too. We usually have some crusty bread to smoosh it on to and it really hits the spot. The ingredients are simple. I just replace the mayo (side point, I seriously hate mayo) with the greek yogurt. I think it tastes cleaner, and you don't loose any of the creaminess. 

Four hard boilded eggs

a few sprigs of thyme

squirt of lemon juice

greek yogurt

s&p

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Carrot Cupcakes with Greek Yogurt Vanilla Icing

If I am going to make the kids some sort of treat, I try to have it be a veggie or fruit based. Carrot cake is a great option, especially if you use whole wheat pastry flour and apple sauce in place of the oil. I really do love cream cheese frosting that usually tops this treat but this is a really good alternative. Because greek yogurt has that natural sweetness, it doesn't need much to make it good enough for a cupcake, with a little fruit on top for garnish. It certainly does not have the same texture as a normal "frosting" especially with butter, cream cheese and so much sugar, but I thought it was a nice switch. The ingredients for this are really simple as well:

1 c greek yogurt

squirt of lemon juice

1 tsp of vanilla bean paste

a little less than 1/4 c caster sugar. 

Thats it! When I served it to the bebes with the little berries on top it was met with an excited and enthusiastic "Ooooooh!!". I think they might have liked the frosting more than the cake, but that seems pretty normal. I also felt better about giving them cup cakes...haha. I think next time I might try it with orange juice and almond, or what about coconut milk and lime?! The options are endless!

So, if you aren't already obsessed with greek yogurt like I am, I highly suggest you try it.

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Thanks for reading,

-K