Basketweave – Dishcloth 3 of 12

This weeks dishcloth was a simple basketweave pattern.

Basket Weave

This was a very simple pattern Here it is if anyone were to want to create it (K=knit, P=purl).

First, I cast on 32 stitches.

Row 1-4: knit all for a garter stitch edging

Rows 5-8: K8, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4
Rows 9-12: K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K8

Rows 13-16: K8, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4
Rows 17-20: K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K8

Rows 21-24: K8, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4
Rows 25-28: K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K8

Rows 29-32: K8, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4
Rows 33-36: K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K8

Rows 37-40: K8, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4

Rows 41-44: knit all for a garter stitch edging

That’s it. This pattern became pretty simple and I was able to use the row I had just knitted to determine my next stitch.  Happy knitting

Lemon Meringue Cookies

Previously I posted about one of my favorite Christmas cookies, Meringue Cookies. I decided to try something a little different with the basic recipe and make Lemon Meringues.  I still have not decided which one I like better. But regardless to which ones you choose to make they both go great with a spot of tea.

lemon meringue

Lemon Meringue Cookies
2 egg white at room temperature
1/2 t cream of tarter
1/4 t lemon extract
1/2 t lemon zest
1/2 c sugar
Beat egg whites to a soft peak, while beating add cream of tarter and lemon extract.  Add lemon zest. Slowly add sugar. Pipe onto parchment lined baking sheet. Bake 1 hr 20 min at 200. Turn off oven (don’t open the door) and leave in for 1 hour to crisp.
Updated on 7/15/2013: here is a printable recipe card Lemon Meringue Cookies

1 of 12 knitted dish clothes

Last week I shared with you my first knitting project ever. Knitting is my new passion! Not that I know how to do much more than knit and purl. My husband describes my crafts as seasons. I find something new and go after it like a fully loaded steam engine. But, after a while I lose steam and interest. But until then knitting it is!

I love using cotton dish clothes in my kitchen!

  1. They last forever.
  2. They are cheaper to maintain then buying new sponges.
  3. No slimy feel after one of the kids leave it setting in a sink of God only knows what, just throw it in the wash

I have decided to make a set of 12 dish clothes for my kitchen. My plan is to make each of them in different pattern, but all the same color. I have chosen to use Ecru, 100% USA grown cotton by Peaches & Creme.  The Ecru is nice since it matches everything and with my upcoming move, I have no idea what color my new kitchen will be. Over time white becomes dingy, cream or Ecru is a great alternative.

Are you ready for the first one? Well here it is.

four corners dishcloth

Here is the pattern I used.  (K=knit, P=purl)

Cast on 33 stitches

Row 1-3: K33

Row 4: K3, P1, K25, P1, K3

Row 5: K5, P23, K5

Row 6: K3, P3, K21, P3, K3

Row 7: K7, P19, K7

Row 8: K3, P5, K17, P5, K3

Row 9: K9, P15, K9

Row 10: K3, P7, K13, P7, K3

Row 11: K11, P11, K11

Row 12: K3, P9, K9, P9, K3

Row 13: K13, P9, K13

Row 14: K3, P11, K7, P11, K3

Row 15: K15, P5, K15

Row 16: K3, P13, K3, P13, K3

Row 17: K17, P3, K17

Row 18: K3, P15, K1, P15, K3

Row 19: K33

Row 20-37: Work Rows 1-18 in reverse order

Gumbo

Baby it’s cold outside… One of the few things I enjoy about dreary cold winter days is eating home-made soup.  And Gumbo is one of my all-time favorites.  Here is my take on a classic dish.

gumbo 1

Gumbo
1 cup olive oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
8 oz. clam juice
2 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1/2 pound Andouille sausages
12 oz. cooked shrimp (100-150 count)
8 oz. imitation crab
16 oz. package of frozen gumbo vegetable mix*
2 teaspoons file powder

 
Begin by making a roux: In a large skillet combine oil and flour. Heat over medium-low heat until the flour turns a medium brown color. Stir frequently as it will burn very easily.  This takes 30-45 minutes.
 
Meanwhile in a separate skillet cook sausages. Remove from pan and allow to rest. Then slice into bite size pieces.
 
Once roux is complete, slowly add liquids a small about at a time, stirring between additions.
 
Into a large crockpot, add roux and all remaining ingredients except for the file powder.  Allow to cook for approximately 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. Just before serving add file powder. Serve over rice. 

*gumbo vegetable mix contains okra, corn, celery, onions and red peppers