Saturday, November 15, 2008

and now for something completely different

I don't usually post cookery items on my blog but this was too good not to share. We had a church supper the other evening and I was casting about for something unusual with an autumn flavor. Since we were encouraged to bring recipes originating in other countries, I decided this Argentine stew in a pumpkin tureen about filled the bill in all directions. The recipe called for the stew to be made in a pot on top of the stove, then put into a hollowed out and buttered pumpkin shell (which my kind hubby did a bang up job on). The whole thing was then put in a slow oven and baked. It got a lot of attention at the dinner, I can tell you that! It was also delicious. The idea was to scoop bits of the baked pumpkin into the stew as it was being ladled out. I would definitely make this again.


Now for some craftiness. This is some luscious yarn I've been working with, 75% wool and 25% silk. I decided to try and make a felted handbag, so I knitted a rectangle....


...and then I got clever and decided to decrease at each end of each row until the knitting came to a point at the end for the bag flap. I think it worked rather well. This is the knitting after felting in a washer full of hot water with a couple pairs of slacks to agitate against the wool and help the felting process along. I will finish it with a large button closure, a felted strap, and maybe lining.



My mother, bless her heart, has done absolutely beautifully since the surgery. She's been up and around really since she came home on Tuesday, feeling a lot better than she had expected too. It has been a great blessing to have my sister around to look after Mom; the rest of us have been able to be easy in our minds knowing Mom was in very capable and loving hands. We've been out to lunch a couple of times and Mom and Sarah have been shopping--Mom looks really good, certainly not like someone who just had surgery last Monday! Again, thank you all for your kind thoughts, prayers, and concern. It really does make a difference to know you all care.

6 comments:

Genie said...

Stew looks delicous,Glad your mum has made a good recovery. Have a great weekend.

Maureen said...

That will be a great looking bag once it's finished.

Viv said...

What great news that your Mom is on the mend... and I love the colours in this yarn ....

Julie said...

Yummy looking stew and your bag looks wonderful too. You're tempting me to have a go if I can find a similar blend of yarn.

I'm so pleased to hear that your Mum is doing really well. What a great relief for you all :o)

CG said...

That stew looks wonderful and so does the knitting...in different ways! I'm glad to hear your mum is doing well!!

Robin Mac said...

Great news about your Mum. Love the bag,especially the colours. I might even be able to tempt my husband with that stew - looks delicious! Cheers, Robin