Apple Cake

I made this apple cake for a little dinner party John and I had last night. I couldn't believe how good it was! It's a Betty Crocker recipe (the Carrot Cake recipe with the Apple variation). John and I thought it seemed really strange to put chunks of apple in a cake, but it turned out so light and yummy - I was pleased that we had leftovers.

I also made a cream of tomato soup from 365 Vegetarian Soups, which is a great book. I say this even though I've only made something like four of the soups from the book - but they have all been very good.

More Craft Swap Animals!

Here are three more craft swap animals to share:

This lovely zebra arrived in my mailbox wrapped in pretty paper from Jackie (my mom).


A sweet puppy with a tongue was sent by Whitney to Brittany.

Lillian the Cat, from Chara found a new home with Julie and the kids. She came in true storyteller form, with a story and a CD of cute cat songs!

Homemade Ricotta

I've had this mother earth news article about making cheese sitting around beckoning me for awhile. I finally got into it today. I was able to get the citric acid at the grocery store, but they didn't have rennet (which I expected) or cheese cloth (which I didn't - argh). So I decided to make the ricotta, since it was the only thing I could make with only citric acid.

I was irritated about the cheese cloth, and I hated the idea that I'd have to go to Wal-mart to get cheese making supplies, so I used a scrap of unbleached muslin instead. It worked fine, although it did take a little longer to drain than cheese cloth would've. I let it hang for a little while to drip.



It had a nice subtle flavor and creamy texture. I put a little on toast with honey, and it was enjoyed by all.

Orange Number 23: purse

I've been carrying around my market bag as a purse ever since I finished it, which has some obvious problems. So I decided I just needed to whip up a new bag during nap time. I kind of made it just like the market bag. The lining and the straps are made from red twill.

Craft Swap Animals

I haven't heard back from everyone, but little sock and glove animals have been popping into my inbox for a little while. I have more pictures to share, but I didn't want to spoil any surprises, so here's just a couple for now:

Here's my little glove bunny. I made him from some angora gloves I got at a yard sale on a cold day, only to learn moments later they were too small. Well, they've gone to good use now. I knitted him a little jacket, and made a tie out of seam binding. He went to live with Whitney



Julie's cuddly bear red bear arrived with a lovely apron. She arrived early at my mom's (Jackie) house.



I'll try to post the rest in the next few days...