Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Krumkake for Christmas

Krumkake is a traditional Norwegian specialty (I think).  Maybe it's a Norwegian American specialty.  It's been over ten years since I first had Krumkake at the Gerards' house and the kids have never had it.  We've been wanting to make these again for quite some time. And Christmas Eve seemed like a good time.


A light batter is cooked in a special griddle for a couple minutes.  Then the hot cake is quickly rolled on a tapered spindle where it cools in that shape.  The griddle was borrowed from Rachel's dad and the recipe for the batter was her Grandma Rachel's.  We made it with coffee instead of milk, which is apparently the way she made it.


You might imagine that it would take quite some time to make enough krumkake for a family of six.  It does - but it's worth it.  The result is a wonderfully light, crisp cone reminiscent of a waffle cone, but thinner and more delicate.  We served it filled with almond whipped cream, then experimented with hot fudge, Nutella, and my favorite - thimbleberry jam with whipped cream.  They're tasty plain, too.


One recipe made enough for Christmas Eve and a treat for Christmas Day breakfast, to go with our pancakes.  In fact, I think we're not halfway through the batter, so I might experiment with freezing it.  You can only eat so much krumkake!

Friday, November 8, 2013

And now, for the final product!

I actually finished my quilt at the end of the summer, but forgot to post pictures of it.  I had a lot of fun with this,  but it might be a while before I jump into another quilting project.  Or if I do, I'll make one that's a little less complex.


And now, for your viewing pleasure, here is a bag I just made a few weeks ago.  I was in need if a larger bag to hold my supplies for piano lessons, and this fits the bill!


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

I have a confession to make...

In a family where it seems that everyone is a gourmet chef, I have always felt slightly like the odd one out.  Occasionally I enjoy trying out a new recipe or making a special dessert,  but for the most part I'm just tired and hungry when I come home and I would rather eat something quick and easy.  So this is my confession; I don't really like to cook. (Gasp! The horror!)  I do cook, mostly for Karl's sake because otherwise I think he would eat chips and cheese every night.

BUT!

I have recently discovered that I have a different passion.  I enjoy sewing!  Mom gave me Great-Grandma Springer's sewing machine last year, and not knowing how to use it, I decided to take some sewing classes.  I've learned the basics of sewing and have made several small projects like curtains and pillowcases.  I'm currently working on my first quilt, and so far I have pieced two squares together.


I always assumed that quilting was difficult and for experienced sewers only, but it turns out that the work mostly involves being tedious and precise, which are two skills that I excell at : )  I think this quilt is going to be extra special because some of the fabric I'm using came from Great-Grandma Springer.  Any other crafting projects going on out there?

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Sourdough Makes a Strong Showing in 2013



After a formal review of the blog, it has come to our attention that there hasn't been much butchering baking or candlestick making in 2013 (or not much documentation of it, at least). 

Including posts through today, it seems that baking has been the only category to see any attention.  Bread baking - sourdough in particular - has been rather strong, however.