Happenings

I have been feeling the need to do some nesting lately. This has manifested in the way I do my house cleaning, and in baking projects. So when I stopped by the drug store a few evenings ago and saw these in the clearance section, I had to bring them all home. Especially since they were only 99¢ each!

They are Roasting, Gifts from the Kitchen, Blissful Brownies, Toast It!, Brunch, Cupcakes, and Cookies & Bars. I spent a delightful evening going through them and making menu plans. And there were only 2 or 3 recipes that were repeated. I'm excited to get started.


But instead of using the cookbooks, I decided to bake a family favorite last night - Gingersnaps.

This recipe makes the most delicious gingersnaps ever. Even my DH who isn't overly fond of this type of cookie loves them. They have the perfect texture of slightly crisp on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. And the seasoning is just right too.


My own personal indulgence, however, was not cookies.
I LOVE Greek food.

Truly.
Deeply.
Passionately.
So today's baking project featured one of my favorites: Spanikopita (otherwise known as spinach pie).

The seasoned spinach and feta filling wrapped up in layers of buttery phyllo dough are so delicious. Add a dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce and I'm in culinary heaven. Of course, the baking isn't doing anything to help with the weigh down challenge, but I figure if I leave the cookies to the men and work a bit harder, the spanikopita indulgence won't throw me too far off.

All of this doesn't mean that I've been ignoring my fiber projects. I have two bobbins of superwash merino singles ready to be plied, and a bobbin of alpaca singles for Navajo plying.

Since both are birthday gifts, and a teensy bit late, I'm hurrying to get them finished and delivered to my friends. I hope they enjoy them. I've had fun working on them, spinning a bit thicker than I usually do. I'd heard from Bams on The High Fiber Diet podcast (sorry, I don't remember which episode) that it's a good idea to vary the thickness of your yarn or you may forget how to work with other thicknesses. Good advice, indeed, as I did struggle some with making the adjustment. Well worth it though.

I've also made quite a bit of progress on my Lines 'N Vines Cardigan from the Fall 2008 issue of Knitters Magazine (it's the cover sweater).

I've got the back and both fronts finished, and am just over halfway through the first sleeve. I'm really enjoying this pattern. The lacework ribbing adds just enough interest to keep from being boring, but not so much that I feel like my brain might explode. I'm looking forward to being able to wear it next winter. The yarn is stashed Mary Maxim Starlette in Chocolate Brown.

So, that's what's been happening with me. What's been happening with you?