I knew a package was wending its way to me, but I had no idea of the fabulousness I should expect. Jennifer, the Craftlilly, sent me this delicious yarn that she hand spun for me. Could anything be more wonderful? What you’re looking at is about 300 yards of Pippi’s "Strange Days" hand dyed. I’m fairly certain I’m going to make a Bainbridge scarf with this. Wrapping my neck in something so rich with hand made energy sends shivers down my spine! Thank you so, so much, Jennifer. I’m astounded by the generosity of this gift, and I’m inspired to send out another of my own PIFs!
If you’re facing anything similar to the weather we’ve got in CT, here’s a recipe, courtesy of my sister, that might warm you up a bit. I’m looking forward to summer when I can make it with sun-ripened, fresh tomatoes, but it’s pretty yummy as is, especially if served with my favorite bread.
MB’s Quickie Tomato Soup
3 cups vegetable stock (homemade is best, but as this is meant to be quick, go for the lowest sodium you can find)
3 15 oz. cans of diced tomatoes –drain two
Drizzle of olive oil
Garlic–as much as you like (I used four big cloves)
Basil–fresh if you can find it
Saute the garlic in olive oil, add the stock and tomatoes, bring to a boil, simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add the basil during the last few minutes of simmering. Blend soup until smooth. Serve with warm bread or grilled cheese. Rub your belly and say "yumsters".
I’m off to write about Chaucer and his portrayal of women. Just before posting this, I finished reading three critical articles, "The Book of the Duchess," and "The Parliament of Fowls". I always forget how much fun reading Middle English is. Writing about it? Meh. This feeling is how I know that I should talk myself out of a Ph.D. in literature any time I start to toy with the idea.
I *loved* reading Chaucer in Middle English, and I even loved writing about it.
That is how I know that I probably should get my sh*t together and think about that advanced degree.
I cannot even speak of that handspun yarn because of the inappropriate longing it inspires in me. It is probably lucky that we do not live near each other, because I would definitely try to, um, take that off your hands. 😉
I’m so glad you like the handspun! I’m sure you’ll make something lovely out of it.
I have all the ingredients for that soup and will be making it in about 30 minutes–thanks!
I finally got your rubber stamps mailed off to you that you won on my blog — you should have them in hand any day now….
The yarn is gorgeous! I finished Muir!! Maybe I’ll find my camera cord so I can post pics!
I remember loving to read Chaucer, but hating to write the requisite paper, too….ugh!
Do you read Cooks Illustrated? They recommend substituting 1/4 cup of beer for some of the liquid. After 12-18 hours, you knead the bread about 5 to 10 times, then proceed with cooking in the Dutch oven, half the time with the lid on, the second half with the lid off. Results are incredible. I think the recipe is in the current edition. They tested several simple changes that did not add much labor to the process, but really improved the result. My stupid husband insists on going no-carbs so we don’t eat much bread, but i think I might have to go put a loaf together for tomorrow. bev
Ooooooooooh. So so pretty!!