Quick Little Blanket

Don't They Look So Cozy?

 They are crazy easy to make too, if you have a sewing machine.

I have made a few of these as gifts this year.  Corwin, was surprised to learn that these were gifts for adults.  I pointed out that even adults like cozy little blankets in patterns that will make them smile.  These are approximately 4 ft x 4 ft, the perfect size for your lap, or over your shoulders at your desk.  If you want it closer to twin sized, you will need to adjust the measurements listed below.

Start out with a yard and a half of your favorite polar fleece, and trim the uncut edges.

You will need 1/3 yard of a complimenting color of fleece as well, cut into strips about 2-3 inches wide

Pin the strips about 3 inches in from the edge of the fabric and sew into place along each edge.

Then take your favorite pair of scissors and start cutting the outer edges into strips about 1 inch thick.

This blanket is not really heavy since it is only one layer thick, but the trim adds a little weight and makes it feel more substantial...

and cozy.

Faux Pho

Fee-Fai-Faux-Pho-mmmm

It seems that my whole family is still feeling “off.”  So I was thinking about what to make for dinner that would please everyone, and then I remembered the Pho that Tarin had last week.  I figured that if I made it like a chicken noodle soup with rice noodles, it just might work.  So, that is what I made for dinner tonight with things I had on hand.  I know the vegetables are not the ones usually associated with Pho, but it was still tasty (even if my horrid camera does not make it look so).

Recipe:  

1 box of chicken stock
4 cups of water
4 frozen chicken thighs - boneless/skinless (or whatever chicken you have)
2 stalks of celery
2 cups of carrots (we like carrots at our house)
3 green onions
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp onion powder

2 chicken bullion cubes

2 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp garlic (or 1 clove pressed)

salt
pepper
½ package of “rice straw” noodles or package of Ramen
Hoisin sauce
chili sauce
1 cup of Kale (about)

Put the stock, water, seasonings and thighs in a pot and turn it on to a medium high.  While that is cooking, chop up the vegetables.  Once the vegetables are done being chopped, the chicken should have thawed enough to cut.  Pull out the thighs and cut into small bite sized pieces.  Return the chicken and the vegetables (except for the kale) to the pot add the seasoning and continue cooking until the chicken has completely cooked through.  Turn down to a simmer and continue cooking. 

 I always wait an additional 5 or so minutes before tasting the broth because I am a little paranoid about raw chicken.
Taste the broth and season, adding salt, pepper, and additional seasonings you feel like throwing in to make a chicken broth to your liking (even if they are not listed above).  You can pre-cook the noodles according to package directions, but I was lazy and just put them right in the soup to cook.  Just before serving, cut/rip the kale into small pieces and put it into the soup.

We each added the sauce we wanted right to the broth and everyone was happy.  Corwin said that it was right up there with his favorite foods and wanted some for “second supper” 

(yes, he is a hobbit fan).

Next time, I think I will add mushrooms, about half an onion (chopped) more kale, and the traditional bean sprouts.  What would you add?

PS: The table is still cleared, and we had a family game night!

What's With the Empty Table?

It is the time of year again for resolutions and...refinement.

It may seem strange that I would post a picture of an empty table, but that is actually one of my two New Year's resolutions (the other is to blog more).  I have resolved to have a clear table EVERY day before each meal.  For those of you that do not know me do not realize the magnitude of this.  It is just so easy to put something on the table until you can get to it, my problem is that once it is on the table it may take a while to get to it.  

I knew this was the correct resolution this morning when my 9 year old son, Corwin, pointed out that now there was enough room for all of us to eat at the table together.  The happiness and possibilities that a cleared table brought touched my heart.

We then proceded to have a wonderful lunch together with both boys and I sitting and chatting together.  We had "The Taste of Arby's" for lunch: curly fries (the off brand ones from the grocery store), deli roast beef, and left over Arby's packets from a previous visit (I always get obscene amounts of the sauces to keep in the drawer).  Both boys commented on what a great lunch it was.  Thanks clear table!

For those that noticed the lack of fruit or vegetables on the table, we do have a "fruit table" in the corner that is always stocked with fruit to snack on.

And yes...the table is cleared!