Slow Cooking Thursday and Crockpot Challenge - Bow Tie Mock Lasagna

This is modified from the March/April 2001 Taste of Home/Quick Cooking magazine -"Italian Bow Tie Supper" I cut back on the beef to save money and arteries. The pinked edge of the Farfalle/Bow Tie pasta makes it look like lasagna. I used 1/2 of Barilla's one pound box (4 cups) to easily serve 4 with leftovers.


BOW TIE MOCK LASAGNA


1/3 to 1/2 pound ground beef, browned
1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 can Italian Stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon oregano*
1 teaspoon basil*
*(or 3 teaspoons Penzeys Italian Herb Seasoning)
4 cups Bow Tie pasta, cooked to just before al dente
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese


Add all ingredients together, stir, sprinkle a little of the mozzarella cheese on top and cook on LOW for 4 hours. Fits just fine in my red 4 quart Rival. Make sure pasta is covered with sauce or else it will become hard. Before serving, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, cover for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with Garlic Basil Bread (see previous post). Enjoy!

Bread Machine Recipe - Garlic Basil Bread

I like to fix this when we are having Italian food. It's another yummer from the Betty Crocker's Bread Machine Cookbook, page 27. Recipe is for 1 pound, 1 1/2 pounds in (x).

GARLIC-BASIL BREAD

3/4 cup water (1 cup+1 tablespoon)

2 teaspoons butter or margarine, softened (1 tablespoon)

1 clove garlic, chopped (2)

2 cups bread flour (3)

1 tablespoon dry milk (2)

1 tablespoon sugar (2)

1 teaspoon salt (1 1/2)

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves (1 1/2)

1 1/2 teaspoons yeast (2 1/4)

Place in order your machine likes, select Basic/White cycle, Medium or Light crust color. Smells and tastes great!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Leona Lewis, "Bleeding Love"
(I saw her video on VH1 and she has the most gorgeous eyes!)

It's cool how names will recycle - my grandmother's name was Leona and she was born in 1900. I was supposed to be named after her, but mom shortened it to Lee. Yes, "Peggy Lee"... and then my sister's name is Sue, so we got called "Peggy Sue" hahahaha.not

Free subscription to Self magazine!

If you order $75 or more from Fresh Pair, you can get a free one year subscription to Self magazine, or if you are already a subscriber, they will extend your current subscription. Fresh Pair seems to be always including something with your order -- I've received free pairs of sports socks, lingerie bags, etc. They also accept coupon codes and offer low or free shipping. Here's two current coupon codes - 10% off $85 or more -- couponcabin and 15% off $150 or more -- couponcabin15 or fp15

(I also think the Coupon Cabin website has consistently good and updated coupon codes)

(And yes, that good-looking guy model on the Fresh Pair site is J.T. from the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency show!)

Make Netflixing easier!

I love this site -- http://videoeta.com/ It helps keep my Netflix queue up-to-date with new and upcoming DVD releases. They recently added lists of favorite rentals and current box office movies, so you can put them in your Save section now.

Reunion!

Tonight is the final episode/reunion special of the Real Housewives of New York City! I wonder if they will do a Season 2 with them or another group? It appears to me towards the end they could barely tolerate each other.

Burda 7797 - View B Top with View A Trim

This is Burda 7797, in the shorter View B tunic length, with View A's bias trim on the neckline and sleeves. I added 2 1/2 inches to the front and back pieces and almost 3 inches to the sleeves -- it's hard to tell on the model if they are supposed to fall to the wrist or are 3/4 style. Again the fabric shrunk and if you want to add the extra length and do the bias trim to View B, get an extra yard. Fortunately Jo-Ann's still had some on the bolt.

You can get a head start on the bias ruffling by sewing with the bias curling up-evidently the bias can indicate the wrong and right side on a fabric that looks the same on both sides. (I didn't realize that until after sewing the strips on one of the sleeves and they didn't look like the others. Rip, rip, rip...do-over!)

What else did we like about 7797? The shaping. Burda did not take the easy Big 4 way out and just make a rectangle tunic. They added curves -- side seams, hems, and there's a center back seam, also curved. Also, consider using a striped fabric. The pattern photo shows solid gauzy-linen, but the stripe worked and was flattering.

Next up -- Burda 7789, View D skirt!

Everyday Food #51 - Coconut-Apricot Macaroons

Behold Coconut-Apricot Macaroons, from the April 2008 issue #51 of Everyday Food, page 144. At first I passed this over, but then when I read about Mad About Martha's good luck with it, I thought I would try it, too. They were right, this is a yummy cookie! Though the recipe fibbed about them not spreading on the cookie sheet, mine did, so you may want to leave a little more than 1/2" between. I thought the dough was a little gooey, maybe that was it.

What's on my now sagging even more Sew-Fit cutting table (which I have a new cutting table on order, but it's backordered!)?

Is it a Burda? Yes! Is it for L? Yes! Am I still drinking green iced tea which is the only explanation I can think of for this sewing streak? Yes!

Burda 7797 - View B the shorter length tunic not shown on the envelope, in a crinkle/striped cotton. I am keeping the cool ragged bias trim along the neckline and sleeves shown in the photo, which should look pretty cool in the stripe.

Netflix Stars - Dan in Real Life

3/5 stars - Steve Carell was charming and had really good chemistry with Juliette Binoche. Good casting there. But it's not what I would consider a light-hearted romantic comedy, which the trailers and previews led us to believe --there were some dark, almost sad parts interspersed with some meanness. L and I would both look at each other and say, "Jeez!" Pretty location scenery though, I think it was set in Rhode Island.

Today's Costco Find

I knew when I saw the display at Barnes and Noble last weekend that Costco would get this book, too at a price of $21.99 versus $34.95 -- Cooking Light Complete Cookbook - A Fresh New Way to Cook. And you get a 17 month subscription for $9. 99 or 6 free issues, plus 11 more. And the interactive CD of Cooking Light's Dinner Tonight Cookbook.

Upon reading the "Welcome" letter from Mary Kay Culpepper, Editor in Chief, I discovered this is the same as the 2006 "All-New Complete Cooking Light Cookbook", with the following differences --the In Season section and the CD. Plus the subscription offer, which I want to find out if I can add on to my current one. (Hey, it worked with the Taste of Home Baking Book). The 35 "In Season" recipes are new -- Corn Bread Shortcake with Ham and Fresh Peach Salsa, and Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce are two which popped to my attention.

So, a must buy? Your call: If you don't already have the 2006 cookbook - yes. If you like ring-bound cookbooks - yes. If you don't like Cooking Light's older cookbook's hard-to-use indices - yes. If you like the interactive CD of the Dinner Tonight Cookbook - yes. If you think you'll also be able to extend or start your Cooking Light magazine subscription for $9.99 - yes. If you are a sucker for all things Cooking Light - yes.

Giving It

Houston is lucky to have more than one animal rescue agency, and I like to support the "underdog" so to speak - the Houston Human Society Unlike the SPCA, the Houston Humane Society is a local, not national organization and supported entirely by donations -- money, food, supplies, etc. I just dropped off an armful of old towels, still nice in the middle but starting to fray a little along the edges. The Costco towels are wonderful, but that edge is so thick, my sewing machine can't zig-zag over it without protesting. For $5, I'll get new ones, keep from destroying my machine and give the old ones to the doggies and kitties... In addition to towels, they can also use dry and wet food (adult dog and cat, puppy and kitten), collars, treats, toys, rugs, pet shampoo and brushes, cleaning supplies and newspaper.

Losing It

Sometimes you just need a little "bubblegum biography." Valerie Bertinelli's "Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time," is an easy, quick read. Lots of juicy, unknown at least to me before, tidbits (Steven Spielberg?!) Obviously it's not all about Jenny Craig!

Burda 7824 Young Fashion Teen Top - View B

This Burda 7824 top is just pretty! Pretty on the hanger, pretty to wear. The combination of styling, fabric (Jo-Ann's sheer ocean gray blue with "velvet" flocked circles and ovals -on the rounders near the store entrance and I believe still on sale 40% or 50% off- and the mother-of-pearl shell buttons made a perfect top for my Pisces girl!

However, it is short. If you are petite, this is good to go for you straight out of the envelope. Look at the model, even she is leaning to one side to make it appear longer. Same with View A. L's version is with 1-1/2" added, and the next go-round I'll add another 1-1/2 inches.

Another styling detail not obviously evident on the pattern envelope is the two-piece overlay over the front bottom. A nice surprise -- the technical drawing made us think it was another belly flasher.

Even with all the cool detailing, it went together easily in an afternoon. Surprisingly this fabric wasn't a *$%#@ to sew. It behaved nicely despite the sheerness. The only thing I didn't do was interface the front button placket. My intention was to just sew the buttons on; however, I had to sew a snap underneath the top button for ease of getting on and off. The other two buttons are sewn through.

We'll definitely make it again with the extra length, and perhaps even playing with different fabric combinations for the overlay. Another Burda winner!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

R.E.M. "Supernatural Superserious" 3:24
Accelerate
Did you see them perform this on The Colbert Report? And their interview with Stephen was hysterical!

Dianthus Gigantus - update! and again!

"Amazon Neon Duo" is already 18 inches tall and the flowers are beginning to open - a glowing neon ultra-violet purple! Beautiful!

<--This is a shot from this morning (left).

And Sunday afternoon (right) -->

Burda 7793 View B - Tank Top

All you have to do is blink and this tank top from Burda 7793 is done!

No facings or bias trim to fiddle with, you use Steam-A-Seam to fold, fuse and stitch the edges under.

Even though it called for 2-way stretch knit, I used some of the leftover blue rose knit fabric for a trial run, which seemed to work just fine. And we were happy once again at Burda's perfect fit and style combinations -- The side seams are shaped, the shoulder straps narrow at the top shoulder, the front has a nice scoop curve without overexposing or being dowdy, and the back is lower than the front-but still covering the bra strap. L really liked that! With the pattern's wide size range--so you know it's going to look good on just about everyone--I even traced off her size, reserving the larger size for me! I know this will become a great basic tank wardrobe addition.

The only changes made were in length -- I added 1 1/2" at the alteration line above the waist and 1 1/2 inches at the hem line. The pattern photo looked a little short and it probably would have hit about the same without the adjustments. She could always trim it if necessary later after wearing a few times or it may even self-adjust after washing and drying. Us tallies hate raising our arms and having the hem ride up to the armpit!

UnHappy Meal

Not all McDonald's have free wi-fi -- depending upon the generosity of the franchise owner. You log on and pay $2.95 for 2 hours at a pop with your credit card at their online connect site. In small print it says sometimes a promotional code may be available, but when asked, they didn't know anything. . .

Burda 8517 Young Fashion Teen View A - Top...in a knit!

L loved the purple cotton version of 8517 so much, I thought I would try it in a knit. This is a silky thin knit, much nicer in real life than it photographed. We decided to forgo the ruching option again. It hung from the shoulder gathering so nicely, it didn't need any pit stops along the way.

www.tankmiche.com/signs/

Slow Cooking Thursday & Crockpot Challenge - Crocked Chicken

My recipe is based upon the one by Cathy Thomas in the Houston Chronicle on May 19, 1999. "The easiest way to cook the humble bird to use in anything that calls for cooked chicken." What is different from other recipes is that you do not add any liquid. Just plop the bird in there, breast side up.

Her recipe called for a 2.5 to 3.5 pound chicken, a wedge of 1/4 medium lemon, bay leaf, salt and pepper, 2-4 sprigs of fresh thyme. Remove giblets from interior of chicken and fat pads on either side of interior opening. Wash chicken in cold water, shake off excess. Place lemon wedge and bay leaf inside cavity. Place chicken in a 3 1/2 to 4 quart crockpot, breast side up. Season with salt and pepper, add thyme. Cook on Low 7-8 1/2 hours.

---

Through the years, I have modified it. I place halved onions on the bottom and then put the chicken on top, season it with poultry seasoning or my new favorite - Penzeys Ozark Style Seasoning. I also like to use Penzeys Old World Seasoning - the wonderful smell has you practically clawing the crockpot. This is one of the few times I leave the skin on chicken as it cooks. It transports the flavor to the chicken and helps keep it from drying out. I also hurry it along by cooking it on High for 1-2 hours and then Low for 2 hours or until the thermometer reads 180. It fits perfectly in my 4 quart crockpot.

(Finally I crocked on a Thursday so I could participate in Slow Cooking Thursday!)

One of my favorite bread machine recipes

This is my go-to recipe when I need a regular, no-fuss loaf of bread. It is sized for a 1 pound machine. Put in the order your bread machine prefers.

1 cup water

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/4 cup bread flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon dry milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoon yeast

Netflix Stars - Keeping Mum

3/5...only because of Hometown Hunk Patrick Swayze. A nice surprise to find him in this movie, and his role is hysterical!

Today's Costco Find

But on the other hand, we did find this rose - "Pink Knockout" - for $11.59. They also had "Rainbow Knockout" with yellow and apricot pink colors. For $5 more I get flowers instead of a cooked chicken. Sounds like a deal to me!

Et tu Costco?

Even Costco isn't immune from higher prices -- the rotissierie chicken, which used to be $4.99; then $5.99 is now $6.59! T balked at that price and instead we bought a two-pack of whole chickens for the same price to crock at home.

Burda 8134 View B - Tank Top - & Update

Update 4-10-08 -- Here's the pink version I made this morning, posted not for the applause, but to show the Burda details...how the front is narrower than the back. And to make your eyes buggy with the bias on bias action!

Make it today, wear it tonight!

We take a slight detour from sewing for L for something for me! I got these cute Nick and Nora PJ bottoms from Target as a gift, but unlike their other PJ's, they didn't have matching tops. Somehow a USMC t-shirt did not go with them. I was going to drag out Kwik Sew 2811, but didn't want to spend that much time, fabric and money, so I looked at the Burdas and found a tank top for woven fabric in Burda 8134 and "Tonal Stripe" 100% cotton seersucker in Crocus and Hyacinth on sale 40% off ($4.19/yard before the ASG discount) at Jo-Ann's. Be forewarned, it's a shrinker. I lost almost 4" in a 2 yard cut.

The envelope drawing looked like one was made on the bias and the other on the straight grain. Perhaps that plaid fabric was on the bias and putting it on the bias made it look straight grain? Then the matching pants wouldn't make sense. Confusing. Note and move on. I didn't see any yardage specifics for the View B, so figured bias/straight grain was an either/or option. Turns out not! The yardage amount is for the bias. Good thing I pinned the front and back before cutting and seeing that I would not have enough fabric for the bias armhole and neckline pieces if I laid out on grain. Whew! Usually I just pin and cut when fabric is hanging off the table. Also, be sure you follow the layout instructions - there is just enough room to get all the pieces on. The pieces are that close to each other. Unless you are a pattern layout genius (and Burda is tough to beat), don't lose this tissue bit...I'm glad a took a photo!

I'm pleased how this turned out and will make it again - in Crocus or Hyacinth, whichever the pink one is...probably Hyacinth. I liked the bust darts, which are not shown on the drawings. And they are appropriately placed, given this is lingerie. The bias is fun, especially the hem finish. It's the perfect length and style to go with the Nick and Nora capris. I would note that you may want to get a little extra - 1/8 to 1/4 yard in case of shrinkage. The pattern layout uses every last bit of fabric. Also it runs a little big. I don't know if that is because of the bias or my bias in making my old size. If you are in between sizes, go down and just baste the side seams if you are unsure. The side seams are 5/8" so all would not be lost if you needed to adjust the other way. Now back to sewing for L before this manic sewing phase ends!

Project Golden Runway

Click here for potential changes to Project Runway when it moves from Bravo to Lifetime!

On the positive side, we will get a summer series run beginning in July - Bravo!

Burda 8517 Young Fashion Teen View A - Top

We are on a Burda roll! This is Burda 8517 View A without the empire gathering trimming. The hem is unfinished in this first try-on photo, she wants 4 1/2" side seam slits for a little extra ease through the hips so she can have the option of wearing loose or belted. We saw a similar styled top at Urban Outfitters for $42!
The orchid star print fabric is from the Red Tag markdown section of Jo-Ann's. I think it was $2/yd. The elastic in the casing is not pulled tightly. Just enough to give a hint of a gather-pucker shaping. I think that keeps it more trendy and less like a preschooler's puffy-sleeved top. You can see the model's sleeves are not tight to the arms either. Unlike a Big 4 pattern, there is a distinct difference between the front and back body and sleeve pieces - you can even tell on the hanger. Details like this definitely make a big difference in the fit and styling. We'll be making this again, you can see a snip of the fabric for the dress version taped to the pattern envelope.

Crockpot Challenge - Brownie Cake Squares

These are great!! Rich and chewy, just like a brownie...cake!

If you are serving it later, it tastes best warmed in the microwave for about 10 seconds. There was a little difficulty getting it out of the crockpot, despite coating first with non-stick spray. I think next time I'll try a piece of parchment paper for the bottom. This recipe is from the new $4.99 Prevention Guide Slow Cooker Recipe Book (page 49) currently on the newsstands. I found it at Barnes and Noble over the weekend.

BROWNIE CAKE SQUARES

2/3 cup all purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup fat-free evaporated milk

1/3 cup trans-fat free margarine*

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (or regular)

Coat 4-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Combine milk, margarine, egg and vanilla in another bowl. Mix in flour mixture until smooth, then stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter evenly in bottom of slow cooker. Cover. Cook on low 2-3 (2 1/2 in my 4 quart size) hours or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool, uncovered, 15 minutes. Remove insert from cooker and invert contents over rack (plate). Cool completely before cutting into 12 squares.

*The recipe did not specify softened or melted. I actually used softened unsalted butter and was able to mix it in without any problem. I also think a handful of walnuts would make it taste good, too. L thought it was missing something - probably that.

Hershey's Almond Chocolate Chip Shortbread

From my Hershey's Homemade Cookbook but also online - click here for the recipe.

I cut the ingredients in half and baked in an 8" x 8" pan. I didn't want a lifetime commitment nor the temptation of the 13" x 9" pan! I was also able to lop off almost 2 tablespoons of butter without any difference. I also used regular sized chips and lined the bottom of the baking dish a la Martha for easier removal.

Grade: A! They are rich enough you really can't overeat. One'll do ya!

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

Madonna, "4 Minutes", 4:04
with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland

Netflix Stars - Atonement

3.5/5 stars. The beginning is a little hard to get into and if you realize from the start it will jump around a lot, you'll be less inclined to ditch. And besides, James McAvoy is in it! It's a movie that will have you thinking about it later, and not having read the book, it's also a movie you can't guess the ending. Well done!

Tah-Dah! Burda 8316 Young Fashion Teen View B - Pants

Perfect fit! Aren't these cute-cute-cute!? I love the side seam pleats. Here's the earlier post of the work in progress.

I am a bit concerned that Burda 8316 is designated a "Start 3" pattern. While they print the pattern layout on the directions sheet and the pattern tissue (usually they are just on the tissue), I think for beginners, the directions are a little vague and all over the place. For instance, the leg elastic. I went through the pattern instructions several times and checked the tissue for a measuring/cutting guideline. Wait, back up - the pattern called for 5/8" elastic - a little hard to find, so I used 1/2". OK. No where did it say how long to cut the pieces?! I looked at the back of the envelope and it indicated you needed a 42" piece of 5/8" elastic. So I think, 2 legs, divide by 2 = 21" per leg. That's why the elastic is still pinned and not sewn until L tries them on. Still - one measurement of elastic for sizes 6-18?!

Instead of using eyelets, I made buttonholes for the tie, which appears to be mostly decorative. I'll see how much it pulls in the waist and may just make a mock non-functioning tie the next pair. I can just see that narrow (3/8") tie misbehaving up and down around inside the facing. See the tiny red heart button? You can, right above the bow knot. It's sewn over a snap, and I put a second snap on the underflap next to it. I deviated from the pattern instructions again for that one, too. There was supposed to be a real button closure but since I used the Sandra Betzina fly front, I forgot to set it a little lower to accommodate the button/button hole. And this is other reminder if you use SB's method, don't attach the contour facing first. Then you'll have room to do what you are supposed to do. But, no harm, no foul. The only thing L cares about is them staying up... and shut.

Other than sort of following your own way of pants construction, this is another winning, teen-approved Burda pattern. L mentioned she'd also like a pair of the View A pants, too, probably without the side D rings.

Bad bees, bad bees...

...whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when they buzz by you?! (with apologies to Inner Circle's Cops TV theme song)

It seems to be bee season around here, even making local news. So imagine my shock (and relief) when the "Gotcha!" truck was on my street mid afternoon yesterday. We had seen bees buzzing around the house across the street, but had no idea there were at least 250,000 of them between the walls, and some Africanized - per the Gotcha Guy. "Go see a movie or stay away for a few hours, it'll be crazy here for awhile" No kidding -- If you look at some of their Gallery photos (including the "Texas Icicles"), you see why I made beeline outta there - to pick up L from school and make a detour at the library for homework time. Almost four hours later, we carefully drove up the street and all was fine. Whew. Last year, Gotcha was designated one of Channel 13's "Marvin's Angels". (Click here for story) Hopefully you won't bee needing any help, but if you would like to help them help others, keep them in mind when you are looking to donate to a do-good company.

The Complete Book of Retro Crafts

The Complete Book of Retro Crafts - Collecting, Displaying & Making Crafts of the Past by Suzie Millions. Library Call No. 745.5, ISBN: 978-1-57990-869-0 Lark Books, 2008 What a wonderful and fun read! First, it's from Lark Books so I knew it already had potential before I even opened it. But you will also love flipping through the pages, looking at her amazing collection of craft kitsch, along with projects you can create. I bet you'll want to make the Bread Wrapper Apron (page 166), too. Remember those "Saucy Tea Cup Cuties"? She includes a brushstroke chart to help the drawing-impaired like me get the faces down right. Lots of hints, ideas and even a gift-giving chart matching appropriate projects for appropriate occasions. You'll be glad you added this book to your reserve and/or to buy lists.

Houston, we have a new outlet center!

Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress, near Fairfield (which we used to nickname "Far-field" back when there was hardly anything out there and we were on our way to the Hempstead HealthTex/VF outlet store when L was little). They are part of the Chelsea Premium Outlets. The other closest one is in Round Rock north of Austin.

And if you join the VIP Club online, in addition to special deals at the stores, you can get access to special deals around your selected outlet's area attractions. In particular, for the Houston location right now, they have great discounts on admission to the Aerodrome Ice Skating AND the Houston Museum of Natural Science attractions - the Exhibit Hall, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham 3-D Imax, and the current Leonardo da Vinci, Lucy's Legacy, and CSI: The Experience special exhibits.

Target Dollar Spot Finds

Doesn't this key fob look Coach-y?

A basket to corral my current obsession of buying white serger thread when it's on sale. Why? For some reason everytime there is a thread sale at Jo-Ann's or Hancock's I think, "I need white thread!" Obviously, I don't! Hopefully seeing a basket full of cones will help remind me to buy black instead! Which by the way, this cute basket also comes in black and red. It's in their black/white/red section of the Dollar Spot.

Today's Favorite iPod Workout Song

The Kills, "Cheap and Cheerful" 2:26
Midnight Boom
(This was one of the free songs on iTunes a couple weeks ago.)