Easy Knitting

I have trouble just sitting still.  I need to do something with my hands if I'm watching TV or sitting on a plane.  Knitting is the perfect solution for me.  But, I don't want to concentrate too hard following a pattern.  Complicated cable stitches or patterns involving keeping track and counting stitches are not my style.  I also don't want to worry about fit.  Scarves and shaws are the perfect solution for me.

My daughter gave me this yarn and pattern for a gift.  It is a colorful addition to a basic outfit and keeps me warm too.

I wear it like an infinity scarf under a coat but pull it around my shoulders when the coat is off.

I like the stich and the gorgeous deep, vivid color.

This infinity scarf can also be looped twice around my neck for more of a collar look.

I made this scarf with the "mistake stitch". 

This scarf is wider and a looser knit.  The multicolor yarn makes it really versatile.

This couldn't be more simple: straight knit stitch.

For some knitting inspiration, look to Pinterest.

                                            Source: ravelry.com via Deborah on Pinterest

                                    Source: tentenknits.com via Deborah on Pinterest

                                                  Source: pinterestgreatdeals.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Coconut Friands

I was flipping through my Dorie Greenspan cookbook, Around My French Table, looking for a dessert.  I have made three chocolate desserts in a row and was looking for something different. 

Voilà, I found Coconut Friands.  These little coconut tea cakes, similar to financiers are a perfect sweet treat with a cup of tea or espresso.

Seven simple ingredients are whisked together in the time it takes to melt a stick of butter.

Using a mini muffin pan, the batter makes 20 little cakes.

Bake for just 15 - 17 minutes for moist, tender cakes.  Do not wait for a golden color.

Hubby likes the little treats with his morning coffee.  He give them a 15 second zap in the microwave. 

You could dress up the Coconut Friands with a drizzle of melted chocolate.  I LOVE coconut and these little treats are mostly coconut with just enough "cake" to hold them  together.  

Here is the recipe:  ( a bit adapted )

Coconut Friands

4 egg whites, preferably at room temperature

1 1/2 cups shredded dried coconut, preferable unsweetened 

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (one stick) unsalted butter, melted

Center rack in oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.  Butter the cups of mini muffin tins or use paper liners.  Using 2 1/2 tablespoons of batter will yield 20 cakes.  

Put the egg whites in a bowl and whisk them until they are smooth and slightly foamy.  One by one, whisk in the remaining ingredients gently being particularly careful with the flour and butter.  You'll have a thick batter with a nice satiny sheen.  At this point you may save the batter for up to 3 days by placing plastic wrap on the surface of the batter and placing in the refrigerator.

Spoon the batter into the muffing tins and put the tins on a baking sheet.  

Bake the friands for 15 - 17 minutes.  Poke a toothpick into the center of a cake and it should come out clean.  As soon as you remove the pans from the oven, unmold the cakes or turn out from the pan.  Cool on racks.  

Monday Again

Happy Monday dear Spiral Style followers.  I hope you had a lovely weekend.  I don't know if I'm quite ready for Monday but I don't seem to have a choice.

                                               Source: camillestyles.com via Deborah on Pinterest

A little something to think about as we start our week.

The east coast was slammed with winter storms and many of us are still struggling to keep warm.  

 

Quilts and quilted clothing are essential for warmth.  As a style statement, the quilted look is not limited to the classic Chanel bag and Barbour jackets.

Quilted by spiralstyle 

designsbybette's Ideas / Hampton Forge Flatware in Quilted Design - Design Trends 2013 - ELLE... / Hampton Forge Flatware in Quilted Design - Design Trends 2013 - ELLE... / Hampton Forge Flatware in Quilted Design - Design Trends 2013 - ELLE... / Trend Alert Quilted Pieces

The quilted look is finding its way into home decor.

And for those living where there is no need for quilting to keep warm, the motif can be found in sandals.

Buckwheat Pancakes

All I could think about during my workout yesterday morning was buckwheat pancakes.

I don't indulge in pancakes very often but occasionally I crave the warm, fluffy griddle cakes. Buckwheat is my favorite flavor because of the nutty, earthy taste.  Buckwheat is not a wheat or grain at all but it is actually an herb.  Buckwheat does not contain gluten so it is perfect for celiacs and those trying to avoid gluten in their diet.   

So when I got home I heated up the griddle with a bit of butter sizzling and awaiting the batter.

In no time at all I had several cakes baking.

Fantastic!  Nothing better...

...except maybe the addition of maple syrup and bacon.

Here is my recipe.

1 cup of buckwheat "flour"

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar or honey

2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil (optional)

In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients together and then add the liquid ingredient and mix just until combined.  Drop batter onto hot griddle or frying pan coated with oil or butter.  Cook until small bubbles form on the top of the cakes and then flip and cook until done, 1-2 minutes more.  

Have a lovely weekend.

Winter Wanderlust

February may be the shortest month of the year but when the weather is cold and gray it can seem like the longest month.  I was looking through vacation photos and dreaming of taking a trip.

Place de la Concorde, Paris

Ayers Rock, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Elbow Cay, Bahamas

Big Sky, Montana

Puget Sound, Seattle

Lisbon, Portugal

Source: roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Blush and Charcoal

Lately I'm drawn to the look of blush contrasted with charcoal.  

Blush and Charcoal by spiralstyle

J.Crew wedge heels / Handbag / J.Crew j crew / Givenchy perfume, $59 / Deborah Lippmann nail polish / Mikimoto / clear-frame4 / Ippolita | Rings

Soft and feminine, n'est-ce pas?

Swipe It

Are you looking for a gift that your tech savvy sweetie will love for Valentine's Day?  

This may be just the thing.

Swipe Tie $39.95

A tie, you say?  Well this is MORE than a tie.

The inside of the tie is made of a specialized microfiber cloth for swiping clean the screen of phones, ipods, ipads and other tablet devices.  

Ah, but sweetie doesn't wear a tie?  

Swipe Tee $24.95

No worries, I'll bet he wears tee shirts.

The swipe microfiber patch can be placed on either sleeve or the front inner lining of the shirt near the waist.

We all love our tech gadgets but isn't a filthy, greasy screen annoying?  That microfiber cloth is never handy when you want it.  These smart and functional garments may be a fun solution to an irritating problem.