Please join me on my new journey... I am taking the Aromatherapy Certification class at Aromahead Institute.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
awesome craft book giveaway!!!!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Shandeh's Knitting Blog: A Knitter's Night Before Christmas
A Knitter's Night Before Christmas
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
(based on a friend's post in the Knitting Help Forum)
'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there!
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both dad and the boys.
And though I was tired, my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment, it must be Saint Nick.
But what I heard then left me perplexed-ed,
For not a name I heard was what I expected
"Move, Ashford; move, Lopi; move, Addi and Clover.
Move, Reynolds; move, Starmore; move, KnitPicks--move over!
Patons, don't circle round; just stand there in line!
Pay attention you sheep and you'll work out just fine!
I know this is hard as it's just your first year
But I'd hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a'grazing!
And then, in a twinkle, I heard at the door
'Ol Santa's big feet marching on the porch floor.
I rose from my knees, and got back on my feet,
And as I turned round, Saint Nick, I did meet!
He was dressed all in wool, from his head to his toe
And his clothes were handknit from above to below.
A bright Fair-isle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
And suddenly on one I spied a small label.
SC was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
and I asked "Saint Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"
He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did, I learned how to knit when I was a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I'd thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I'd placed knitting needles and yarn for a cap.
He soon began stitching, first one cap then two;
For the first time, I thought that I'd really get through!
He put heels on the stockings, and toes in some socks,
While I relaxed, drinking some Scotch on the rocks!!
So quickly like magic, his needles they flew,
That he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder, he peered back at me.
I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year start your knitting sometime around June!"
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Mochimochi Land « Free Pattern: Candy Corn
Free Pattern: Candy Corn
This is a free and easy pattern for everyone to enjoy. Please check out the Mochimochi Shop for more patterns that you’ll love!
Halloween is sneaking up fast like a silly little ghost! Get ready for it with a zero calorie, zero stress knit: by popular demand, here’s the pattern for Tiny Candy Corn!
Finished Size: About 3/4 inch tall
Yarn:
Fingering-weight yarn in yellow, orange, and white, plus small amount of black (Samples made with Cascade Heritage yarn)
Needles: Set of size 1 US (2.25 mm) double-pointed needles
Other materials:
Small tapestry needle
Small amount of stuffing or scrap yarn
Gauge: Doesn’t matter, as long as your stitches are on the tight side.
Abbreviations:
CO = cast on
rnd = round
k = knit
st(s) = stitch(es)
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (decreases by 1 stitch)
Notes:
- This candy corn is definitely not edible! Be sure to keep it away from small children.
- When switching colors, wrap the old color around the new color once on inside of piece. Then after 2 rnds, pull loose ends tightly to secure.
——– Pattern starts here! ——–
With Yellow, CO 14 sts onto 3 needles, leaving a long tail for seaming, and join in a rnd.
Rnds 1-3: Knit.
Switch to Orange.
Rnd 4: K2tog, k3, [k2tog] twice, k3, k2tog (10 sts).
Rnds 5-8: Knit.
Switch to White.
Rnd 9: [K2tog] 5 times (5 sts).
Rnd 10: Knit
Break yarn, and draw tightly through sts with tapestry needle.
Finishing
Turn piece over, and stuff lightly with polyester stuffing or yarn scraps. Pinch piece flat, then, using the long tail you left when casting on, sew the open end together with mattress stitch.
With Black, embroidery two tiny eyes using one stitch each.
Weave in loose ends.
Super Bulky Button Hat
Free Knitting Pattern - Knitting Yarns, Patterns, Needles & More
trying to decide on a pattern to use my new skein of malabrigo RASTA
awesome craft book giveaway!!!!
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts Book Giveaway
Big-Ass Book of Crafts
By: Mark Montano
Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is packed with ideas for sprucing up your living space, concocting fabulous, all-natural body products, designing your own unique stationary and creating countless other crafts that will make you look like a genius. The author of this book is Mark Montano, part of the design team of TLC's While You Were Out, so you know this is a great book to win.
In this book you can find more that 150 
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
hand knitted bow tie scarf YOU choose the color FREE SHIPPING
I've spent the afternoon organizing all my yarn and projects in ravelry....
and I've listed a few things on my etsy shop....
please take a look and let me know what you think....
I'd love your opinions!!!
thanks so much
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Crochet Necklace
Free Pattern's Outline for a Crochet Necklace
Well, this is quite different from the "Easiest Crochet Necklace" I've shown in the other post, and I've tried to write down an outline of this one's pattern.For any question just contact me.. I know that probably this is not so clear!
Anyway, here it is:
Materials:
Less than one ball of any colour cotton yarn (worsted weight)
4.00mm hook
Necklace:
Ch77, sc in second ch from hook and in the next 3chs.
Ch76, sc in the 4th ch at the beg of previous ch loop, and in next 3chs, ch1, turn.
Sc in first sc and in next 3 sc, ch80, sc in the 4 sc at the beg of previous row, ch1, turn.
Sc in first sc and in next 3 sc, ch84, sc in the 4 sc at the beg of previous row, ch3 and sl st on the other side of the same closure piece to make a button hole.
Sew a button on the opposite closure piece of the button hole.
Make a flower of any kind (mines are just improvised!) to embellish the necklace, and sew it on the four chains strands.
I've made it even in a bright purple cotton yarn, and I'm really happy with the both.
These are very easy, and I hope you won't have problems making them.Enjoy!
Actual children’s answers to the question “what is love?”
just HAD to share...
I've always loved these things...
Actual children’s answers to the question “what is love?”
“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” - Billy, age 4“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” - Karl, age 5
“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.” - Chrissy, age 6
“Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” - Terri, age 4
“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” - Danny, age 7
“Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” - Emily, age 8
“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” - Bobby, age 7
“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,” - Nikka, age 6
“Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.” - Noelle, age 7
“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” - Tommy, age 6
“During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.” - Cindy, age 8
“My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.” - Clare, age 6
“Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” - Elaine, age 5
“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt.” - Chris, age 7
“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” - Mary Ann, age 4
“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” - Lauren, age 4
“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” - Rebecca, age 8
“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.” - Karen, age 7
“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” - Jessica, age 8
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
halloween gloves for the kids
going to make these for the kids with GLOW IN THE DARK YARN for halloween!!!!
75-Yard Mmmalabrigo Fingerless Mitts:
Materials:
a small amount (75ish yards, 1.20 oz) of Malabrigo.
Size 7 & 8 Double Pointed Needles
A stitch holder
A stitch marker for marking the beginning of the round and 2 other stitch markers for marking increases
Cast on 32 stitches with size 8 needles. Join for knitting in the round being careful not to twist.
Work K2, P2 rib for 9 rounds. (the cuff was a little bit short – if you have more yarn you might want to make this a bit longer)
Knit 2 rounds plain.
Gusset:
Setup Round: K16, Place Marker, Increase 1, K1, Increase 1, Place Marker, Knit to end of round
Round 1: K around slipping all markers
Round 2: K around slipping all markers
Round 3: K to first marker, slip marker, increase 1, K to next marker, Increase 1, Slip Marker, K to end of round.
Repeat rounds 1-3 until you have 13 stitches between the markers – row 18 since the end of the ribbing.
Next Round: K around slipping all markers
Next Round: K to first marker, remove marker, Bind off 12 stitches, remove marker, knit to end of round.
Knit 7 rounds plain.
Work 4 rounds in K2, P2 ribbing
Switch to size 7 Double Pointed Needles
Work 5 more rounds
Bind off loosely in pattern.
Weave in ends and block if desired. Repeat for second mitt.
BEAUTIFUL Fingerless Gloves pattern
I LOVE the pattern on these fingerless gloves...
definitely have to try this one
Skaði Fingerless Gloves
Skaði is the Norse goddess and giantess associated with skiing, mountains and winter. These fingerless gloves are a snug choice for winter, using moss stitch to create a dense yet stretchy fabric.
Notions:
1 skein of Palette Vintage Worsted yarn (9 wpi) in Enamel
5mm (H) hook
Needle to weave in ends
Pattern:
Uses US crochet terms
Cuffs:
Ch 25
Row 1: Single crochet around back-loops only. Slip stitch to first stitch, turn.
Row 2-9: Repeat as above. This should form back-loop only ribbing.
Hand portion:
Row 10: Moss stitch around (switch to crocheting in the round). Moss stitch = *1 single crochet into both loops, chain over next stitch* repeat *to*
Row 11 onwards: * **Sc into chain space, ch over sc**, every 5 **to** inc by 1 (sc ch sc ch in 1 ch space)* repeat *to* 10 times
After: *Moss stitch around inc by 1 every 10 sts* repeat *to* 3 times
After: *Moss stitch around (no increases)* until the moss stitch fabric above the cuff measure around 2 inches.
Thumb hole: ch1, slip stitch into 7 moss sts before (14 loops – sc ch). Moss stitch around until measures 1 inch. Slip stitch and bind off.
Rest of hand: reattach at bottom edge of thumb hole. Moss stitch around until measures 2 inches from thumb divide.
Edging: *slip stitch in first loop, double crochet in next loop* repeat *to* until reach beginning. Slip stitch, bind off.
Weave in all ends.
Cosy knitted hand/wrist warmers - Knitting - Canadian Living
pattern to make with my POEMS yarn
Cosy knitted hand/wrist warmers
Also called fingerless gloves, these quick-to-knit warmers keep wrists and the upper part of the hands toasty while preserving finger dexterity. In mildly cold weather, they can be worn as is; when it's really cold, they can be layered with gloves underneath. They are shown here in women's and men's versions. The men's pattern is great for all ages, even "cool" teenage boys who worry that handknits might be too girlish for them. One size fits just about everyone, a handy feature for gifts.
Women's hand warmers
Finished size: Will stretch to fit hand sizes up to 8" (20.5 cm) around, about a women's size large.
Finished measurements: Circumference about 6-1/2" (16.5 cm) around (unstretched), and 6-1/2" (16.5 cm) long.
Yarn: Noro Cash Iroha (40% silk, 30% lambswool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon; 100 yards [91 metres] / 40 grams): #84 raspberry, 1 skein.
Needles: Two 8" (20 cm) circular needles size US 6 (4 mm). Change needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker.
Gauge: 20 sts and 30.5 rows = 4" (10 cm) in spiral rib pattern in the round, with rib relaxed.
Cuff and lower hand
Cast on 32 sts onto one circular needle. Join for working in the rnd (round), being careful not to twist, and place marker to indicate the beginning of the rnd. Work in spiral rib pattern as follows:
Rnds 1 - 4: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Rnds 5 - 8: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last 3 sts, end k2, p1.
Rnds 9 - 12: *P2, k2; repeat from * to end.
Rnds 13 - 16: K1, *p2, k2; repeat from * to last 3 sts, end p2, k1.
Work rnds 1 - 16 a total of two times -- 32 rows completed; piece measures about 4-1/4" (11 cm) from beginning.
Thumb opening
For the next 8 rows, the sts will be worked back and forth to create the thumb opening, using both circular needles as if they were straight needles. The circular needles are necessary to accommodate the curve of the fabric tube you have been working so far. Temporarily remove the end-of-rnd stitch marker while working back and forth.
Row 1: (WS) Using the second circular needle, turn work and *k2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Row 2: (RS) *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Rows 3 and 4: Repeat Rows 1 and 2.
Row 5: K1, *p2, k2; repeat from * to last 3 sts, end p2, k1.
Row 6: P1, *k2, p2; repeat from * to last 3 sts, end k2, p1.
Rows 7 and 8: Repeat Rows 5 and 6.
Upper hand
At end of Row 8, place marker to indicate beginning of rnd, and resume working in the rnd on all sts with the RS of the work facing you as for cuff and lower hand. Work Rnds 9 - 16 of spiral rib pattern once, then work Rnds 1 - 2 once -- 50 rnds or rows completed; piece measures about 6-1/2" (16.5 cm) from beginning. Bind off all sts in pattern.
Weave in ends.
Make second hand warmer same as the first.
Banana Republic Hat Knockoff *big pics* **Now with PATTERN!** - KNITTING
I saw this hat at Banana Republic last year and fell in love with it. But, like most things at BR it was ridiculously overpriced ($50, I think). Since it goes against every moral fiber in my body to pay that much for a hat, I whipped up my own pattern.
Mine:
The Original:
I changed a few things, like using seed stitch for the band instead of garter stitch and making it a little bit longer to cover my ears all the way. And it only cost $5 to make! Take that, Banana Republic!
Pattern:
Yarn: Lion's Brand Wool-Ease, Thick & Quick
Needles: US 8 29" circulars and US 10.5 dpns
Notions: One big ol' funky button, needle and thread
The band of the hat is knit flat:
Using circular needles to accommodate the number of sts, CO 75 sts, leaving a fairly long tail (don't join). Knit seed stitch *P1, K1* for 9 rows.
Row 10: Bind off 13 sts (this is the button flap) - 62 sts remain.
Change to dpns: K10, place marker (pm), K11, pm, K10, pm, K10, pm, K10, pm, K10, pm, k2tog to join round.
Knit 13 more rounds (Several people have mentioned that their hats have turned out a little short. I would recommend trying on your hat at this point and seeing if it is your desired length. If not, knit an extra round or two (or three) and then continue with the remaining pattern)
Begin decreasing: k2tog before each marker. Continue to do so until only 7 sts remain.
Break yarn leaving a fairly long tail. Pull tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and knot.
Now, try on the hat. Pull the button flap until the hat band is to desired fit. Remove hat, holding button flap in place (I used a dpn to keep it in place). Using the tail from the CO sts, stitch the bottom edge of the band and button flap together. Using a needle and thread, attach your button to the button flap.
This is the first pattern I've ever written. Hopefully I explained it okay. If you have any questions please pm me and I'll try to help you out. If anyone makes this hat, please post pictures! I would love to see how they turn out!
P.S.: I added it to Ravelry, too. I'm still learning how to use the site, but it seems pretty awesome so far.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
2 humped camel
I have GOT to make one of these guys for my hubby... who has been to Kuwait/Iraq twice, and HATES CAMELS!!! lol
Claude the 2 humped Camel
Claude the 2 Humped CamelSupplies needed:
G Hook
Small amounts of WW yarn
Buttons for eyes (optional)
Fiberfill
1 pipe cleaner
Terms used
Sc = single crochet
Sc-dec = single crochet decrease over 2 stitches
Dc= double crochet
Trc= Triple crochet
Ch = chain
BLO= Back loops only
Slp stch= slip stitch
FO = Finish off, or Fasten off
Body and neck
Each round is joined with a slp st to first stitch made in that row
Ch 2,
1) 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook,
2) ch 1, 2 sc in each sc around (12 sc)
3) ch 1, (2 sc in first sc, sc in next sc) repeat around (18 sc)
4-10) ch 1, sc in each sc around
11) ch 1, (sc-dec, sc in next sc) (12 sc)
STUFF
12) ch 1, (sc-dec, sc in next sc) (8 sc)
Body is not complete..DO NOT finish off, moving onto neck,
STUFF as you go.
13-20) ch 1, sc in each sc around.
FO leaving longer tail for sewing.
Head
Each round is joined with a slp st to first stitch made in that row
Ch 2
1) 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook
2) ch 1, sc in each sc around
3) ch 1, sc in first 2 sc, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in last sc (9 sc)
4) ch 1, (2 sc in first sc, sc in next sc) repeat 3 MORE times, sc in last sc (13sc)
5-9) ch 1, sc in each sc around
It is easiest if you emboider nose now,
10) ch 1, (sc-dec, sc in next sc) repeat 3 MORE times, sc in last sc. (9 sc)
STUFF, sew or emboider eyes is easiest if done here.
11) ch 1, sc-dec around, end with sc in last sc
FO
Use tail to sew hole shut.
Fold pipe cleaner in half. Push folded pipe cleaner up neck of camel and into body, leaving about ½ inch sticking out. Place head on end of neck, pushing remaining pipe cleaner into head. Make sure seam side of head is used as the bottom of head. Trim pipe cleaner if necessary. Sew head to neck.
Ears (make 2)
Ears are done in continous spiral, do not join at round end
Ch 2
1) 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook
2) sc in each sc around
Slp st to next sc,
FO
Sew ears towards back of head.
Sew or emboider eyes on head
First hump
Rows are done in continous spiral, do not join at round end
Ch 2
1) 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook
2) (2 sc in first sc, sc in next sc) repeat around (9 sc)
3) (2 sc in first sc, sc in next 2 sc) repeat around (12 sc)
Slp st to next sc
FO
Second hump:
Repeat directions for first hump EXCEPT do not slp st to next sc at end of round 3..instead,
4) sc in first 4 sc, dc in next sc, trc in next sc, now, take first hump made,(NO NOT fasten off!) and trc in any sc on first hump, Wornking on first hump dc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc, dc in next sc, trc in next sc, Working now on second hump, trc in first unused sc on second hump (this will be the first one immediately after the trc made before joining the first hump), dc in next sc, sc in last 4 sc.
Slp stch to next sc
FO leaving LONG tail.
Sew hump to camel body, stuffing slightly under the hump if desired.
Feet (make 4)
Feet are made in one continous spiral, do not join round ends A stich marker may be helpful here.
Chain 2,
1) 6 sc in 2nd chain from hook
2) IN BACK LOOPS ONLY. ch 1, sc in each sc around
3-6) sc in each sc around.
FO leaving longer tail for sewing.
Stuff legs if desired. (I didn’t do this to mine, and it still stands up!)
Sew legs to camel
Tail
Ch 6
1) slp stch in 2nd chain from hook, slp stch in next 2 chs, sc in last 2 chs.
FO
Sew tail to camel.
Bend Camels neck as desired.
Enjoy!
great info about pumpkin!!
Cooking Low Carb with Pumpkin
From Laura Dolson,
Did You Know… that pumpkin is one of the vegetables allowed during Atkins’ Induction phase?
Did You Know…that pumpkin is chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants?
Did You Know…that pie is not the only way to cook pumpkin?
Pumpkin is one of those vegetables that is almost emblematic of fall – it makes us think of harvest, of holidays, of frost, of lengthening nights and the oncoming winter. And yet, the only way it usually gets to the table is in a store-bought pie, or perhaps a can of pie filling that goes in a pie we made ourselves. But pumpkin can be so much more - and since pumpkin keeps for 6 months whole or for years in a can, it can be a year-round addition to our diets.
Pumpkin is chock full ‘o goodness. You can tell by its bright color that it’s going to be going to be good for you! Not only is pumpkin loaded with Vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids, particularly alpha and beta-carotenes, it’s a good source of Vitamins C, K, and E, and lots of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron.
Half a cup of canned pumpkin has 6.5 grams of effective carbohydrate and 3.5 grams of fiber.
The seeds are also worth latching on to. Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are loaded with minerals, seem to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and may even help protect against prostate cancer and osteoporosis. A quarter cup has about 5 grams of effective carb and 1.5 grams of fiber.
Selection
For cooking, you want a pumpkin that is heavy for its size. The lighter ones are drier, with a bigger open space in the middle. For the most part, stay away from the large pumpkins when selecting a pumpkin for eating – 2-5 lbs is about right.
Storage
Pumpkins can keep for a long time in a cool (ideally 50-60 degrees) dry place. Put newspapers underneath just in case though! Once the pumpkin is cut open, you need to use it within a couple of days (or freeze it) as it can mold quickly. Cooked, it’s fine in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Basic Easy Cooking Techniques
For pumpkin puree: Remember, you heard it here first: you don’t need to cut the pumpkin open before you roast it. I’m not kidding. Just jab it with a knife once or twice to vent the steam, put the whole darned thing on a baking sheet, and pop it in the oven at 350 F for an hour or so, until you can easily stick a knife into it. (Once I had to leave in the middle of this, so I turned off the oven after 20 minutes, and when I came back several hours later it was perfectly cooked.) Cool, then scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff with a spoon, or pull it out with tongs. It is SO MUCH EASIER than when it is raw!
If you want chunks, you’ll have to cut into it raw (though I have wondered if “par-roasting†would work to make the skin easier to hack into). Or find a store where you can buy it already in chunks. Or beg the produce guy at your local market to do it. Explain that people (e.g. you) would gladly pay more if someone else had done the wrestling.
For the seeds, let them dry on paper towels, then oil and salt them (and any other seasonings you want) and slow roast them in a 250 F oven until they smell good – about 45-60 minutes. Stir them every 15 minutes or so.
Ways to Eat Pumpkin
Pumpkin can be used in any squash recipe, but it has a depth of flavor that many other winter squashes don’t. It’s very versatile! Of course, we have to have pumpkin pie, so do try my low carb version. But here are some recipes for soup, a main dish, and even breakfast:
Low Carb Pumpkin Pie
From Laura Dolson,
Your Guide to Low Carb Diets.
People love this pie. People have told me it was the best they've even had, and they didn't know it was low carb or sugar-free (or gluten-free). You must make it with the pecan crust for full impact. That said, it's great on its own as a baked pudding, even for breakfast.
INGREDIENTS:
1 15 oz can pumpkin
2 eggs
2/3 cup unsweetened soy milk (or milk or cream - milk has more carbs, so adjust)
1/3 cup cream
1 C sugar equivalent from artificial sweetener
1 teaspoon dark molasses (optional)
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 scant teaspoon t nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch cloves
1/4 t salt
PREPARATION:
As an artificial sweetener, I prefer a form of liquid sucralose, as powdered types have more carbs and sometimes an off-taste.
1) Preheat oven to 425 F.
2) Dump all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and whirl to blend.
3) Pour into the crust.
4) Put the pie in the oven and immediately turn the oven down to 375 F. In 15 minutes, turn the oven down to 300 F. (This cooks the crust, so it isn't soggy, but then allows the custard to bake more slowly.) Bake until almost set in the middle, about 30-40 minutes more. If it starts to crack a bit around the edges, it's probably done.
5) Cool and serve with whipped cream (the real stuff, made with vanilla and sweetener). How To Make Homemade Whipped Cream
Nutritional Analysis: 8 servings, without crust: 3.5 grams effective carbohydrate plus 2 grams fiber, 3 grams protein, 5.5 grams fat, 80 calories.
With pecan crust, each serving is 4 grams effective carbohydrate with 3.4 grams fiber
Pumpkin Bread
I love pumpkin bread!! I wonder if this could compare...
* Exported from MasterCook *
Pumpkin Bread
Recipe shared by Phillip
Serving Size : 1
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
3/4 cup Designer Protein Whey -- Vanilla
1/8 cup dried egg white powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2/3 cup Splenda -- granular
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 can canned pumpkin -- 12 oz. unsweetened
3 large eggs
1/8 cup water
3 tablespoons olive oil
(This is really more like a cake. For a more traditional bread taste and texture, use only 1/2 can (6 oz.) of pumpkin and 1/3 cup Splenda)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Oil loaf pan. Mix all ingredients and pour in.
Bake for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
I have been using a Pyrex square baking dish and it takes approximately 50 minutes to cook.
Per RECIPE: (excluding unknown items): 1122 Calories; 80g Fat (59.7% calories from fat); 71g Protein; 51g Carbohydrate; 10g Dietary Fiber; 710mg Cholesterol; 2100mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 4 Vegetable; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 14 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.
NOTES : This recipe shows only one serving so you must divide the carb count by the number of slices you get from the loaf, minus the fiber
LowCarbRecipeBox : Message: Sweets - Pumpkin Bars
are you seeing a theme here??? ;o)
* Exported from MasterCook *
Sweets - Pumpkin Bars
Serving Size : 12
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup almond meal
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 lg eggs
1 cup brown sugar twin or splenda
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup nuts
In a bowl beat eggs and splenda. Add oil and mix until combined. Then add the
dry sifted ingredients together with the pumpkin and nuts. Pour in 1/4 sheet
(12" x 8") greased baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool 5
minutes. Remove from pan and frost, if desired. Cut into 2" x 4" squares.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 128 Calories; 10g Fat (68.7% calories
from fat); 5g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 31mg Cholesterol;
197mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain (Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2
Fat.
LowCarbRecipeBox : Message: LOW CARB FAUX SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
might save this one for thanksgiving!!! (with maybe a trial run first)
LOW CARB FAUX SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
1 can pumpkin puree
1egg
1 T brown sweet and low
2 T melted butter
1 tea pumpkin pie spice
pinch of salt
TOPPING
1/4 ground pecans
1 T softened butter
pinch of cinnamon
1 T splenda
1 T protein powder
Serves 6
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix first six ingredients together and put into a small casserole dish
Mix together topping ingredients and sprinkle over the pumpkin in the
casserole dish
Bake until warmed through and steusel has set a bit about 15 mintues
LowCarbRecipeBox : Message: Pumpkin Muffins
now maybe I can stop buying the "expensive" less healthy pumpkin muffins at Dunkin Donuts!! hehe
* Exported from MasterCook *
Pumpkin Muffins
Recipe By :
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breakfast Muffins
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 cup butter -- softened
1 pkg cream cheese -- (8 oz) softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 eggs
1 can pumpkin -- (15 oz.)
1 cup splenda granular
1 cup pecan meal
1 1/2 cups Whey Protein Isolate
1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
Cream butter, cream cheese and splenda together. Add eggs and vanilla, mix.
Add pumpkin. Add dry ingredients. Mix.
Bake in a 350 oven for 20 min in greased muffin tins.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 142 Calories; 13g Fat (81.6% calories
from fat); 4g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 125mg
Cholesterol; 205mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 2 Fat; 0 Other
Carbohydrates.
NOTES : 5 NetCarbs per muffin
great fall recipe
I'm trying to get ideas for low carb, low fat, etc recipes for fall... since fall and winter is always when I gain weight..
I have found a few I'd like to share.. here is the first one!!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes?! On a low-carb diet?! Many of us miss the flavor of sweet
potatoes in casseroles and more - especially in the Fall. The good news is
that by adding just 1/2 cup of real baked sweet potato to a couple of more
carb-friendly relatives (pumpkin and squash), we can extend the dish and
fool the tastebuds! A finishing sprinkling of our low-carb marshmallows and
you'll think you're cheating - but you're NOT!
Ingredients:
1 small sweet potato
(baked, cooled and mashed to make 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 medium summer squash
(halved, seeded, baked and mashed to make 1 cup)
4 eggs
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 stick butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Dash of allspice
Dash of cloves
1/2 cup Splenda®
1 tsp Brown Sugar Twin®
4 drops of yellow and 1 drop red food color [optional]
Marshmallows for topping (See Low Carb Marshmallows recipe)
Prepare sweet potato and squash to their recipe ready condition as listed
above. Ingredients should be room temperature. Preheat oven to 325°F.
Butter a 9-12" casserole dish.
In large mixing bowl, stir together mashed sweet potato, pumpkin, and mashed
squash (any summer squash is acceptable here). If some lumps remain, don't
worry about it - they add a little character to the dish! In a separate bowl
beat eggs with xanthan gum, Splenda and Brown Sugar Twin. Add heavy cream
and mix (with hand mixer) until well mixed and beginning to thicken.
Add egg/cream mixture to sweet potato mixture and stir by hand to mix
lightly. Add salt, spices and food color (if you wish to use it.) Mix to
distribute. You may wish to taste here for your sweetness and spice
preference. If more is needed, add it now.
Spoon mixture into buttered casserole dish and smooth to even out. Cut
remainder of 1/2 stick butter (after using some to butter dish) into thin
pats and distribute them over top of casserole. Optionally, you can sprinkle
a bit of extra cinnamon on top. Bake for 35-45 minutes until browned at
edges and cracking a bit. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes before
sprinkling with marshmallows.
NOTE: You can top this dish with artificially sweetened meringue instead of
marshmallows if you prefer. If you use meringue, give the dish a few moments
under the broiler to brown the meringue tips before serving.
40 grams carbs (allowing for fiber) in entire recipe.
Makes 6 servings. 6.5 grams per serving.
Friday, September 24, 2010
amazing sweater I'd love to make sometime...
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by Hélène Rush
coffee cup cozy
Quick & Basic Coffee Cozy
I had some extra Swish left over from another project, and I thought: hey! What could I made with this? Something fast and simple, but also very useful. Coffee cozy time!
I’ve found it best to put the cozy on the cup before filling it with coffee. I may modify the pattern to accommodate this issue.
Materials
- KnitPicks Swish Lemongrass Heather
- set of 4 US size 6 DPN (or 40″ circ for magic loop)
Gauge
6 sts + 9 rows = 1″ on US size 6 needles
Sizes
Stretchy enough to fit one to-go coffee/tea cup
Directions
Cast on 46 stitches and join in round.
Knit 4 rounds in K1P1 rib.
Knit 2 rounds.
Next round: K1 K2tog [K to last 3] SSK K1
Next 3 rounds: K
Repeat the above 4 rounds 4 more times.
(There should now be 36 stitches on the needles.)
Knit 1 more round.
Knit 4 rounds in K1P1 rib.
Finishing
BO all stitches and weave in ends. Enjoy your coffee!
for those of you that don't know what to do for Halloween yet...
   by Megan Reardon I found myself wondering just what I could do with all that cheap, bright acrylic yarn one finds in craft shops. I also found myself thinking about Halloween. Add in a bad hair day and this is what I got. This wig is worked from the bottom up, the bound off edge is the center part.
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| SIZE |
| One size fits all/Adult |
| FINISHED MEASUREMENTS |
| 8 inches wide at widest point when flat (unstretched) 11 inches long when flat |
| MATERIALS |
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| STITCH PATTERNS |
| [Knitty's list of standard abbreviations can be found here] 2 X 2 rib |
| GAUGE |
| 28 sts/22 rows = 4 inches in 2x2 rib (unstretched) |
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| DIRECTIONS |
| Wig Using straight needles or one set of circulars, cast on 96 sts. Work in 2 x 2 rib until the piece is as long as the distance between the bottom of your chin, and your eyebrow (about 6.5"), ending with a WS row. NOTE: The extra stitches along the edge of the work will balance the width of the first and last ribs. Later on, when the bangs are added, these stitches will become parts of purl ribs. If more length in the main body of the wig is desired, work more rows at this point. Bangs If more length in the bangs is desired, work more rows at this point. Work Decreases
NOTE: Decreases will be worked identically at the front and back of the wig. Markers have been placed one stitch away from decreases instead of directly next to decreases, for ease of working. Begin decrease round by working decreases over bangs.
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| FINISHING |
| Weave in ends and turn right side out
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| ABOUT THE DESIGNER |
