Sunday, May 29, 2011

Opulent Raglan - jumper in progress

So at the start of the year I wrote a list of crafty new years resolutions.  The only one I've manage to make progress on is knitting a jumper.  So here it is!

Opulent Raglan (in progress)


"That's not a jumper," I hear you say, "that's a vest.  And what's with the random blue stripe on your bust?"

Well my friends, it is a jumper, I just haven't knit the sleeves yet.  And the blue stripes are lifelines - very useful and handy if you need to rip back a few inches (which I did at one point).  They are placed at my bust because I was experimenting with shaping - I added some more decreases to pull in the waist more than the original did.  And dang if it didn't work!  It fits very nicely, although I think I would have probably been quite happy with the original shaping as well.

Opulent Raglan (in progress)


The pattern is Opulent Raglan and it is so lovely and easy I could knit it again. And again.  In different colours.  But I won't.  I will knit other jumpers and cardigans because now I have the jumper bug.  I can knit jumpers that are long enough to meet my jeans without the freezing gap of death, whee!

But I should probably tackle something else from my list of resolutions first.  In fact I really should get back to spinning...after I finish these sleeves.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Ginger and apple tea

I've been sick with various colds and viruses for the better part of May and let me tell you I am sick of Lemon and Honey tea.  So I've concocted a very pleasant alternative that is still chock full of restorative elements.

Peel a chunk of ginger (approx 1cm) and steep for a few minutes in boiling water.
Add half or one teaspoon of honey.
And the secret ingredient - a splash of apple juice.

Ginger is a common folk remedy for cold symptoms, honey is soothing for the throat (and antibacterial if you believe the reports) and apple juice is full of Vitamin C.  Non-caffeinated tea is also a great way to keep hydrated, which my pharmacist assures me is essential in kicking this blasted cold.

Plus, you know, it just tastes good.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Blog resurrection and Apple Couscous

My poor blog is a neglected creature that reads like a list of broken New Year's resolutions, all on the theme of promising to blog more frequently. Arguably this post is on the same theme, but this time I'm hoping to follow through a bit better. Not only will I post about my knitting but hopefully a bit more about cooking, bellydance and pretty things I find over on Pinterest.

In that spirit, here is today's cooking experiment - Apple Couscous. Recently I was reminded of a sweet breakfast I tried, based on orange juice, dried fruits and yoghurt (a bit like this one).  I didn't have any orange juice but I did have couscous, apple juice and plenty of dried fruit so I went in hunt of an apple couscous recipe. I modified the Fruity Breakfast Couscous recipe from taste.com.au by excluding the peaches and nuts and adding in dried apricot.  Otherwise I followed it pretty much exactly.























Apple Couscous - serves 3-4

1 cup couscous
1 cup apple juice
1 Tablespoon honey
Half a cup of dried fruit (I used sultanas and dried apricots)
1 apple, grated
Dollop of natural yoghurt

Bring juice and honey to boil in small pan
Stir in dried fruit and couscous
Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 3 mins  Separate grains with a fork and cover another 2 minutes.
Stir in apple
Serve with yoghurt

So how was it? 

Firstly, couscous is deceptively simple yet I always end up with a clumpy mess (this time wasn't as bad as others!).  The San Remo packet recommends stirring as you pour in the couscous, let it stand 3 mins and then stir for the last two.  I didn't stir as I poured it in this time so I will definitely try that next time.

Secondly, the apple juice made it quite sweet.  I must say I prefer the orange juice couscous I once had.  If I make this one again I would try half apple juice and half water and maybe toss in some cinnamon and flaked almonds.  

All in all it was a quick and filling treat with real fruit, great for breakfast or dessert.  Or lunch or dinner in this case!

 
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