Introducing the Breakfast Cookie

Yes, this does seem like an oxymoron: a breakfast cookie. But in terms of texture, this tasty treat is more muffin top than cookie. And what could be more wholesome than oatmeal, whole wheat flour, raisins (or craisins), carrot, walnuts and cinnamon? Plus there is little fat, less sugar than most breakfast bars and absolutely no preservatives. So, I contend that this is a perfect breakfast... er... um... even taking into account the 1/3 cup of chocolate chips I may have added.


I know, I know! If I had made it into bars it would seem more legit as a breakfast item. It's true. But somehow I can't imagine it tasting quite as good or being as much a treat as if I make them into cookies. So there.

Here is the recipe. My tinkering: 1/3 cup chocolate chips, craisins instead of raisins, additional oatmeal to replace the bran flakes, and I make 18 cookies instead of 12.

Refashioning project

After months of travel, weddings and related events and otherwise busy weekends, Phineas and I finally had a quiet weekend free of commitments. So, in addition to getting back into the kitchen, I took the opportunity to get back into the craft lounge. I can now scratch Erato's birthday gift off the to do list. I think it is safe to post about it since she is in finals and not likely to read my blog.

How to Refashion a Dress

Step one: Take one old dress and rip out the seams.


Step 2: Sew all the loose hems and add a colorful waistband and sashes.


Step 3: Add ties and some embellishments, like a flower and a loop for hanging.



Step 4: Topstitch the waist and sashes, and add your own label.


Step 5: Voila! Admire your handywork. You now have a very cute apron!


Obviously, you wouldn't cook a messy meal in this apron, but I can see Erato sashaying around her new apartment offering cocktails to her guests in it. Perhaps I will have to make some matching drink napkins or coasters.

Three cheers!

The oven is back and I am a happy baker! First up was oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, to get me back into the swing of things.

Admit it; you do it too...

Nothing beats the smell of cookies in the oven...

...except cookies cooling on the counter.

Pants: In 2D

I was very disappointed when I had to cancel my Pattern Drafting Class because of a work commitment. My fabric shop said they probably won't offer the class again for another 3-4 months. BUT on Tuesday, the teacher of the class called to say I could make up the missed lesson with a one-on-one session on Wednesday night, and then I could join the main group next Monday. Woo hoo hoo! What an opportunity!

Pattern Drafting Class 1No, you are not allowed to suck in...

Most of the class was spent taking very detailed measurements of my body - waist, high and low hips, length from center waist to floor and side to floor, circumferences of my thighs, knees and calfs, crotch depth, height of my knee... You name it, I now know exactly how big it is. I even had to bring scary spandex pants to wear in order to get a really accurate measure. (ewwwww!)

The point of the class is to make a sloper - basically a 2D image of yourself that you will then use to create patterns in whatever style you want that fit you perfectly. We spent the rest of the class doing some calculations - taking my specific measurements and adding the right amount of ease. (Ease is the amount of extra room you need to actually move and be comfortable in a garment.)

Next class we will draw our slopers. Then we will create a muslin to check that the fit is correct and work out any kinks. And at the end, I will (in theory) have solved my pants problem!

Back to the Kitchen

Since I am sadly still without an oven, I am resorting to posting recipes that don't require heat. My corn salad recipe has become a summer staple. Actually, I am not even sure I can even call it a recipe since it is entirely raw. But, since I get lots of requests, here is the "recipe". No cooking required.

Summer Corn Salad

• 4-6 ears corn (raw)
• 2-3 plum tomatoes or 1/2 carton of grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 med red onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• 1 bunch cilantro, minced
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional ingredients (any assortment of): 2 avocados, 1 large cucumber, 1 can black beans (rinsed), 1 mango, 1-2 red peppers, parsley (to replace some or all cilantro)

Shuck the corn and cut the kernels off the ears. Dice tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño. Rinse the onion in cool water to tame the bite, if you want. Toss all the ingredients together including any of the optional ingredients. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Here it is before the addition of tomato, avocado and red onion. I
never remember to take photos of my finished projects! It's a problem.

For Terpiscory's recent shower, I made this salad with added black beans and avocado since it was one of our vegetarian offerings. It was a blazingly hot day and the salad was cool, refreshing and looked bright and colorful on the buffet. I made it raw, but you could grill the corn lightly before taking it off the cob if you really wanted. However, if you have never had raw corn, I highly recommend that you give it a try. It is fresh, crisp and delicious.

Birthday Love for Phineas!

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you. - Winnie the Pooh

Light at the End of the Oven?

Apparently, the part arrived yesterday. So, the oven may be back in business in time for pizza Friday this evening and peach pie for Sunday. Fingers crossed!

Yes, that is twine holding the oven together. I am hopeful that this is the
things get worse before they get better portion of the repair.

UPDATE (8/4): The oven is still not fixed. Apparently what was thought to be the broken part is not actually the broken part. SIGH. Back to the drawing board.