Out of the recliner

Tuesday, December 7, 2010




Ok....I know it's been a long time since my last post. I was in the recliner for about a week, but I did eventually get out.

I took some cooking classes at the local Culinary Center of Kansas City. What a fun and relaxing way to spend a day or a couple of hours. Someone demonstrates how to make the food....you watch them cook and get to taste everything.

I've learned how to make toffee, cinnamon rolls, pasta and some sauces. After watching the chefs cook, I came home and began to experiment. I've made toffee a couple of times, and now I'm claiming to be the queen of cinnamon rolls. (After baking them one morning my family even let me win at scrabble....because now I'm the queen.) Can you believe I've never made them from scratch before?



The bread at the beginning of the post is a rustic olive bread I found in a baking cookbook. Now that I'm not too afraid of yeast I'm daring to try something new. I even experimented with cutting the bread to make a motif on top. Next time I will try a leaf or something a bit more imaginative.

One evening, when all the kids were home for Thanksgiving, I made Bolognese sauce and pasta dough. I demonstrated how to use the pasta machine to the kids and had them make the noodles. It really made a fun meal for all of us.

Mostly, I've been cleaning and getting things in order here. I had to work for about a week to get the house ready for Thanksgiving and now I'm getting my studio ready so I can work again.

My niece is coming for a visit this weekend to work on some projects. We will take pictures and share.

My big project for the next week is shown on Curious Sofa's blog. Take a look at her post for November 17. Debbie took one of her 6-7 feet metal trees and wrapped it in yarn. She's selling the one she made, along with the vintage ornaments decorating it. Believe me, if I had the money I would buy it....because it's the most whimsical tree I've seen in a long time.

The picture was taken by Debbie Dusenberry, the creative force behind Curious Sofa and used with her permission. Take a look at her site for more pictures.

The staff at Curious Sofa is the best! After helping me with instructions, I bought one of the black wire trees and now have the yarn to wrap the thing up. Will show pictures when I start and finish. I've got some vintage ornaments that will look great on this tree.

I'm back to work and will post more often!

Until later!

Alma



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22 comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 7, 2010 at 3:58 PM

    You're very brave, Alma! I used to do the yeast baking thing when we had forced hot air heat because there was a good place to put it to rise. Now I have a bread machine so I cheat! ;-)
    Hugs, Diane
    PS: Just FINALLY bought the fabric to finish the border on the Home Sweet Home quilt I appliqued all by hand in 2006. Shame on me!

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  2. PennyDecember 7, 2010 at 4:14 PM

    Sounds as though you have had a lot of fun. I have been checking your blog daily, glad your out of the recliner. LOL! All of the wonderful things you have been making sound delicious. I am looking forward to seeing your projects. Have fun!

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  3. MargaretDecember 7, 2010 at 4:43 PM

    Sounds like you've been busy! My DH does the bread baking around here. I should ask him to make cinnamon buns. :D That tree wrapping idea is wonderful! Looking forward to seeing the results of your efforts.

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  4. Mama JoanDecember 7, 2010 at 5:18 PM

    Glad to see a post from you. Sounds like you got to do some things you enjoy. Hope you feel rejuvenated and refreshed:)

    Can't wait to see how your tree turns out, I am sure it will be fabulous.

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  5. farmhousequilter8December 7, 2010 at 5:54 PM

    So glad you are back. I looked on the other site at the tree and ornaments and they are gorgeous. I agree, one of the pretties trees, I have seen lately

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  6. samplergalDecember 7, 2010 at 6:42 PM

    Oh how we have missed you! Stay safe and happy!

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  7. CariDecember 7, 2010 at 7:55 PM

    Your bread looks yummy and the cinnamon buns look even better!! I love that yarn tree....I would love to try that....and I may.

    Take care!!

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  8. LindaDecember 7, 2010 at 8:57 PM

    Glad you are back! You find the most interesting things. Anxious to see and hear your experience with the tree. The store's tree is gorgeous!

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  9. WoolenSailsDecember 7, 2010 at 10:06 PM

    I used to make home made breads as gifts for my neighbors, but now I can't eat yeast products, so stopped baking. Love that tree, very unique and creative.

    Debbie

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  10. MarianneDecember 7, 2010 at 10:26 PM

    Your bread looks delicious! I love baking breads. I turn to King Arthur Flour alot for some awesome recipes. Love the tree!! Can't wait to see how your's turns out!

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  11. LouDecember 7, 2010 at 10:48 PM

    The bread looks amazing. It's so rewarding baking from scratch. Good for you! I was wondering about the "Two Hearts, One Soul" sewing tray pattern that you did at Shepherd's Bush and if that is going to be published soon? I think it would be a wonderful wedding present for my sister. Please advise. Love to read your blog.

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  12. sherrieDecember 8, 2010 at 9:25 AM

    Would love to tackle the tree myself Alma, where can I purchase the black metal tree? Love your blog!

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  13. AnonymousDecember 8, 2010 at 12:22 PM

    So glad you are out of the recliner! However, as busy as you are you most deservedly earn that much needed rest. Looking forward to next year and the goodies you all imagine for us.

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  14. Alma AllenDecember 8, 2010 at 3:16 PM

    Hi Sherri,

    I purchased the black wire tree from Curious Sofa. Click on the store name in her blog and you will be able to go to her site. http://curioussofa.blogspot.com/

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  15. Alma AllenDecember 8, 2010 at 3:17 PM

    Hi Lou,

    All patterns that we taught will be released in a book this spring. They will be available in Feb.-March. Hope that's in time for your sister's wedding!

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  16. Nancy in WIDecember 8, 2010 at 4:34 PM

    Well, we missed you and dang that bread looks good! I know your tree will turn out smashing good!

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  17. Varla LeeDecember 8, 2010 at 9:08 PM

    Dear Alma, I love BBD!! And I love your blog. I'm following since a month and i feel very inspired!!! I'm trying to buy your book here in Italy because it's wonderful. Have a magic days in this "xtmas" time! Hugs, Varla Lee R. Oh... very "twinkle" pics!!

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  18. LouDecember 8, 2010 at 9:48 PM

    Thanks so much, Alma. It'll be perfect! I just love your latest book, Garden Club, by the way. What great stories and beautiful patterns. The small towns in Nebraska hold a special place in my heart.

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  19. SharonDecember 9, 2010 at 11:58 AM

    So glad you took time to recharge - we all need it - but few take care of ourselves like we should!! - Love following your blog!!!

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  20. bonniequiltDecember 11, 2010 at 9:10 AM

    Yeah your back!!!

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  21. Sherry :o)December 11, 2010 at 9:38 PM

    Your bread looks great - I like to make bread from scratch!

    The tree looks very interesting.

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  22. http://www.top-essays-uk.com/December 15, 2015 at 2:24 AM

    You're a good cook! The bread looks so scrumptious! I'd like to bake it myself, though I've no time now, as the holidays are coming, and I'm desperately looking for the stuff to decorate the tree. Hope to find something worthy.

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