Dickens and Socks

     I am reading Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens. I love Dickens. I read Oliver Twist in a few short days a few years ago, and loved it. I haven't gotten very far in Nicholas Nickleby, but I do like it. Dickens has such a descriptive way of writing that it makes me feel like I am really there. I love books like that. Keeps you reading. In fact, I will probably start reading as soon as I am done with this post.

     I went ahead and started another attempt at making socks, and so far it is going well. I love working with the thin yarn and small needles. The next time I make socks, I am going to use circular needles. I know you can do it I just don't know how...yet.

     I actually have a crochet project as well, but the sock is the one I am working on right at this moment. Guess I better figure out which one to finish first.

     

Yogurt Banana bread

     Most banana breads I have had were either dry or too sugary for my tastes. This recipe comes out moist with the perfect amount of bananas in it. I cannot tell you how good this recipe is. 
   So, put your apron on and get started.
   First, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).

    Mash up 2-3 bananas in a bowl. You can mash 2 large bananas or 3 little ones. They also have to be nice and ripe. Typically with lots of brown on the skin.

    Next, you are going to add 1/2 a cup of greek yogurt, or you can use sour cream. Make sure the greek yogurt is unsweetened.

     You're going to add 1 cup of sugar. 

     Next, add 2 eggs.

     Melt 1/2 cup of butter and pour into bowl.

     Then, add in a teaspoon of vanilla.

   Mix well.

     Next, add in 1 and 1/2 cups of all purpose flour. I forgot to take a picture of this, but add in 1/2 tsp. salt.

     Finally, add in 1 tsp baking soda. Mix it together one more time.

     Pour into greased 9" by 5" baking pan. Bake for 55 minutes and immediately take the loaves out and place them on a cooling rack.

Note: The recipe only makes one loaf but I happened to be making two when I was taking the pics.

     This is literally the best banana bread you will ever eat in your life. Trust me.

Yogurt Banana bread

serves 6-8 people

2-3 ripe bananas 

1/2 cup greek yogurt or sour cream

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla 

1 and a 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 salt

Blooms

   

     Our cucumbers are doing great, I mean they are growing. What's awesome is that they are already blooming! That means cucumbers.

Those yellow flowers are the blooms, and that is where the cucumbers will grow

 

     I can't wait until they grow cucumbers. We have dill growing, too; so, I can make pickles. They will be the best pickles ever!

     The beefsteak tomatoes are doing pretty good. They weren't doing too well at first, but once we started watering the plants with the sprinkler, they grew taller.

These are the tomato blooms

     There are some baby tomato plants as well, but those aren't doing as well. There are two that are growing better, but they are still not as good as I hoped they would be. 

     The rest of the garden is almost the same as when we put them in the ground. We will just have to let them be until something happens.

Tea and Scones

     It is a little odd to have hot tea in May, but I don't think scones would be very good with cold tea.

     Sometime last week my mom wanted to bake some type of scone, so, she looked up a recipe and I made them.

     These were Toasted Pecan Oatmeal Scones and they were delicious. We added the icing which was cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar. You don't have to do the icing.

     We just had green tea with our scones. If I hadn't had the scones I would have indulged in a richer tea. I thought it complemented the scones nicely.

     We are going to try and have tea, and some type of dessert, once a week.

     So go ahead. Make a pot of tea, some scones, and sit back and read a book. That sounds rather relaxing. I think I'll try that myself.

Yarn Along

     I know, I didn't stop and think of a cool name for my yarn along today. I am really tired and am also pressed for time.

     I am reading Nicholas Nickleby, supposed to anyway. I started it and keep forgetting that I even have a book to read. You're probably wondering "Well, if she isn't reading or posting, what is she doing all day?". I have been doing nothing but knitting. It might sound good at first, but if you are knitting while watching t.v it starts to wane on your spirits. Really. 

     I am knitting a couple of projects but one is currently being revised, so I am knitting my cowl. I knitted this for several weeks just to go really far and mess up. I thought I was going to have to start over, but I was able to save it! Whoo,  what a relief. 

     I think I might pick up my book, pick up my embroidery, or practice my guitar. Basically, I just need a brake from knitting. 

Pics

     I know I have not been posting in a while, but I've just been so busy that I forget about posting. So, I have conjured up all my best pictures I have taken.

     It took me forever to take this one. There was a lot of bees, and not wanting to get stung, I aimed my camera without looking in the lens. It took awhile, but I did it.

     This was taken in front of my Mamaw's house. Their rose bush is really blooming. 

     I thought this one was really cool. It was taken at a park and there was tons of these little red berries.

     All I did was look up a tree and snap the picture. It came out looking really cool.

       This cross was hanging over Mamaw's desk. It took a couple of times before I got the right shot.

     Taking pictures is nothing more than a hobby. Lots of other things pique my interest more than photography, but it is fun. 

     Now to take some more amazing pictures...

Baked Oatmeal

     Every one gets tired of plain old oatmeal for breakfast, right? Well, I can't remember when we had plain oatmeal last. There is no need when you have hot baked oatmeal. Trust me. When you make this, you'll never turn back.

   You are going to make this the night before you eat it. Then, in the morning, you pop it in the oven. Super simple.
   Let's get started.

     Measure 3 cups quick-cooking oats and put it in a large bowl. 

     There is no right way to put in the ingredients, I just throw every thing in and stir. Add in the wet ingredients and dry ingredients. 

     Then stir until all mixed up.

     Then, put it in a pie pan and smooth it out.

     After all that, top it with cinnamon, and brown sugar, and my secret ingredient...nutmeg. Just a little nutmeg goes a long way.

    

     Cover with foil/saran wrap and stick in the fridge over night.

     So, assuming you've gone to sleep and woken up, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celcius). Cook for about 35 minutes.

     Now, bet you didn't know this, you are going to want to top the oatmeal with white sauce. It is super easy to make and really good. 

     You are going to make this while the oatmeal is cooking.

     Measure 1/2 cup sugar and 1 T corn starch. Set aside.

     Measure 1 cup milk and whisk it in to the sugar and corn starch mixture. 

     Add 2 T butter. Put it on the heat. Continue to cook it until thick and butter is melted and mixed in well. Once done add 1 tsp vanilla extract.

     By the time your sauce is cooked, your baked oatmeal should be done, that is if you timed it right.

We added raisins too but if you do that then you would add it in the oatmeal not the top.

     You're done! Trust me, this is THE way to eat oatmeal.

Baked Oatmeal

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup sugar 

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 tsp salt

1 T baking powder

3 cups cooking oats

1/2 to 1 cup raisins (optional)

Topping

sprinkle cinnamon, brown sugar, and a little nutmeg.

White Sauce

1/2 cup sugar

1 T corn starch 

1 cup milk

2 T butter

1 tsp vanilla