tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44195750966362295162024-03-27T03:12:45.445-07:00Positively Crochet!Mary Jane Hall shares her love of crochet designing, authoring books, recipes and life!Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-34259740690019676732024-02-29T22:28:00.000-08:002024-03-20T00:50:56.836-07:00Coconut Chicken Curry with Mango<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACovnbwBwRg3AmVMByQdK2BLNhP8WMKNUDCYIUGzapcGEs4qDl8_rMfH2B4P8V003LN7MPW6bJIPmzzfe_ET-00-3OK7Zt8njLTU8UOkKew5WYHI9C3la0AmtlFhkG8aTZkf19U0VijyRpl_Z-_GngjU4_twDauOp1nIYV-vXiVD0yya86rTtYgYZYvY/s2486/20240229_211142.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2026" data-original-width="2486" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACovnbwBwRg3AmVMByQdK2BLNhP8WMKNUDCYIUGzapcGEs4qDl8_rMfH2B4P8V003LN7MPW6bJIPmzzfe_ET-00-3OK7Zt8njLTU8UOkKew5WYHI9C3la0AmtlFhkG8aTZkf19U0VijyRpl_Z-_GngjU4_twDauOp1nIYV-vXiVD0yya86rTtYgYZYvY/s320/20240229_211142.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Coconut Chicken Curry with<br />Vegetables & Fresh Mango as a </span><span>Garnish, Over Rice<br />My Own Recipe</span></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've eaten or prepared chicken curry dishes 100's of times in my life, but tonight is the first I've fixed this particular recipe. I wanted a curry recipe with potatoes & I'm aware some people may find that odd but you'll find many Asian curry recipes with potatoes and you won't believe how good it is. I looked at 6-8 different Chinese Chicken Curry recipes with potatoes, (including YouTube) and took ingredients from each one. It was the best Chicken Curry I've ever tasted or made and believe me, I've had just about every kind of chicken curry out there, including the recipe I have here on my blog that my mom learned to fix when we lived in the Philippines (1956-1959). This curry recipe is my all time favorite now and I doubt I'll ever make it any other way from now on. It's that good! This is a hearty meal and is good enough for guests. They will be impressed.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mary Jane's Coconut Curry Chicken</span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Serves 5-6 People - </b>depending on the portion Sizes (see notes below to double the sauce)</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 chicken breasts (about 3 cups) sliced thin, against the grain (2" pieces)</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Tb baking soda for tenderizing </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>*Note</b> - see below to tenderize chicken. This step is not essential, but believe me it only takes about 1 minute more to do this and it makes a huge difference. You won't believe how tender the chicken will be!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1-2 tbs avocado oil, coconut oil or any other oil </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1-2 cups white potatoes, peeled & cubed</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">½-¾ cups carrots, chopped</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1-1½ cups onions, sliced<br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 can water chestnuts, sliced<br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1½ tbs yellow curry powder</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1½ cups chicken broth<br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">½-¾ cup fresh green peas (or frozen)</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">2/3 cup fresh or frozen green beans, cut in 1½" pieces (you can substitute fresh pea pods)</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ sweet red bell pepper OR green bell pepper, sliced or cut in 1" cubes</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp soy sauce, tamarni or coconut aminos - (GF)</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1-2 tsps white sugar</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ tsp garlic powder</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">¼ tsp powdered ginger</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 -13.5 oz can coconut milk (full fat-not lite)</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">White pepper powder </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tb cornstarch + 1½ -2 tbs cold water mixed together for thickening at the end</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Garnish for Top</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chopped green onions</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fresh mango, cut into small cubes </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">*<b>Note</b> - you can put the mango on top or even mix it in with the other ingredients, right before serving, as I've seen in restaurants. Do not cook it.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">*Cooked rice - my favorite is basmati (I put this on to cook first)</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>*To Tenderize the Chicken*</b></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">After slicing the chicken into thin pieces, place it in a bowl & add 1 Tb baking soda or cornstarch. Mix til coated. If you have some Chinese Shooshing wine, add about a tsp & mix it in. If you don't have it don't worry, it probably won't make any difference. Let this set for at least 15 mins while you cut up the vegetables. After that, rinse the chicken 2-3 times to remove the baking soda. If it's not rinsed you'll taste the baking soda!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0h8P5g3pgce08SidKk5u435-oObqSTGU9JeltmALwQwrA5SjF7DpFhaP33vXyHoZeq0FOc45N_uHAEDS6nmrO_8wWUQJiKOGzkRdj3xrCr2Y2gWig13hp0YIrKUsttVqCBo2vELqRT0eydZ_FnadXctDnCNFpa-Ri6gbqh-foDYbXzNMEuwJTXMEd-w/s3024/20240301_121920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2442" data-original-width="3024" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0h8P5g3pgce08SidKk5u435-oObqSTGU9JeltmALwQwrA5SjF7DpFhaP33vXyHoZeq0FOc45N_uHAEDS6nmrO_8wWUQJiKOGzkRdj3xrCr2Y2gWig13hp0YIrKUsttVqCBo2vELqRT0eydZ_FnadXctDnCNFpa-Ri6gbqh-foDYbXzNMEuwJTXMEd-w/s320/20240301_121920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Curry Chicken made with Coconut Milk and Mango as a Garnish</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">Heat oil on med hi in large frying pan or wok. Add rinsed chicken & saute till ½ done. Remove from pan & set aside. Add cubed potatoes & carrots to wok & saute while frying for 5 mins; add more oil if needed. Do not remove potatoes or carrots from pan. (We're just partially cooking them bc they will continue to cook with rest of ingredients). Add onions, water chestnuts & curry powder; fry for 2-3 mins. Add chicken broth, ginger, garlic powder, soy sauce & sugar. Add fresh peas & green beans (if using) Put chicken back into pan. Heat for a few minutes. Turn heat down and add coconut milk; heat til chicken is done. Add red bell pepper & salt to taste. Add white pepper if you like a little heat. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">To thicken sauce, add the cornstarch slurry (1Tb cornstarch+1½Tb cold water mixed) & stir sauce til slightly thickened. Taste the sauce to see if you need to add more spices to your taste.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>*Note*</b> Some people might want to add the mango mixed into the dish, because I've had it that way in restaurants.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">Serve over rice. You can add mango, green onions to top. Even peanuts or cashews would be good with this. I love it! </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>*Note* </b>If your family likes a lot of sauce, you can make more by doubling the following to the pan.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;">Double these amounts as you add the ingredients for the sauce: curry, chicken broth, soy sauce, white sugar, garlic powder, ginger, coconut milk. At the end of cooking, to thicken sauce, double the cornstarch slurry and add to the pan.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-1850958369566856282024-02-23T02:22:00.000-08:002024-02-23T22:13:23.735-08:00Crochet Stitch Pattern Books - My FavoritesStitch pattern books are fabulous for designers or anyone wanting to become a designer. I have at least 20 stitch pattern books and I'll post pictures of my favorites & will add others later.<div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tip for New Designers on Crochet Stitches</b></div><div><br /></div><div>A new crochet stitch (such as the different sts in the books below), that you or someone else comes up with, cannot be copyrighted. Example of the kind of stitches I'm talking about would be double crochet, bobble st, pineapple st, shell st, cluster st, puff st, double treble st, etc. You get the point. Anyone can make any crochet item with any of the stitches in a books without infringing on copyrights. </div><div>BUT</div><div>I'm not talking about a written crochet PATTERN, such as a top, skirt, dress scarf, etc Those are automatically copyrighted because you came up with the combination of stitches, the number of stitches on each row, the wording and directions of how to put it together, formed into a particular shape.</div><div>This should be obvious to everybody, but the copyright laws in other countries are different from the laws in America. Its mind boggling to me that those countries allow people to steal another person's pattern, copy it and call it their own, which takes away from the original designers profits.</div><div><br /></div><div>I attended a 4 hour session, conducted by a lawyer specializing in needlework laws at a knit and crochet conference a few yrs ago. She gave us so much info that was very helpful.</div><div>But something I was very surprised about is that you can copy up to 40% of someone else's pattern! Probably what that means is that you CAN copy a particular shape. For instance, a flair/peplum on the bottom of a top, flared sleeves, V-neck as opposed to a round or square neck, ruffle, open shoulder, high waisted babydoll top, pockets on a sweater. I could go on and on, but I think you can understand what I'm saying. I also think it's ok to look at someone's schematics (drawing of the shape-like a skirt) with how many inches there are on each side-width and height. Like maybe you want to have an idea of how long you should make a shawl when you're designing your own pattern. But the big no no is that you can't copy their words of how they put the stitches together, how many rows, number of sts on each row, whether you increased or decreased, etc.<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Some of My Crochet Stitch Pattern Books</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />This is my all time favorite stitch pattern book, by Linda Schapper. There are 500 different stitch patterns in it. I have the vintage version of this book in black and white and was so happy when I saw this reprint! She also has 2 other books, which are a book of edgings/borders and a book of 500 squares. I have spent hours at a time looking through these books. If you've never seen one, you really need to check them out. They really come in handy and it will change your world!<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Another great book. This was my first one! It's not as big as the one above, but it is still good and has a few stitch patterns that Linda Shapper's book does not have. It also contains a few edgings and motifs. </span></td></tr>
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I did not buy this book till I had been designing for 10 years and it is well worth purchasing. Rita Weis told me that Jean (in the crochet hall of fame, and now deceased), was so facinated with finding new and unusual stitch patterns from other countries, so there are many in this one I had not seen before. It's a great book!</div>
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This book also has some new and unususl stitch patterns I had not seen before. And if it's cable crochet stitches you're into, you'll love this book. It also contains some edgings/borders and some beautiful motif squares. I just wish the pictures of the stitches and diagrams were larger, because I can't see them very well, even with my bi-focals!</span></div>
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This book is Margaret Hubert's first granny square book. And yes, she has several more! Margaret is a sweetheart and she's very creative, which shows in this book. Can you guess my MAIN reason for loving this book? Its because I LOVE the colors she used! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Encyclopedia of Crochet, by Donna Kooler, was also one of my firsts. It is unique in that the first half of the book has crochet patterns for projects. Not only are there very pretty and well photographed stitch patterns, but it also has borders and motifs as well. There is a newer updated version published 2-3 yrs ago. I have that one too and will post it as well. </span></div>
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I really like this Japanese stitch pattern book, but it would not appeal to everyone. It does not have written instructions in English, but does have stitch charts you can follow. Another plus is that it has many stitch pstterns I've never seen before. This is only one of many other Japanese books.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you like the crochet shell pattern, you'll love this Shell stitch book by Darla Sims! It's fantastic for those of us who love any kind of shell or fan in crochet. Such a huge variety! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZteSNeTSSNT5cGA-RtuQlfWrc6oN0P1l-d2zqdYb45NXXzNJn_I3gnk55ScMFZXvFssCTqVQarzgGrTbAHnuJJi5S4k5MLPzzyCvkTv8dcgD22ZdlCOTHde_mUWLWvyGmSVBg-ww1_k/s1600/31a%252BX3eJH3L._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZteSNeTSSNT5cGA-RtuQlfWrc6oN0P1l-d2zqdYb45NXXzNJn_I3gnk55ScMFZXvFssCTqVQarzgGrTbAHnuJJi5S4k5MLPzzyCvkTv8dcgD22ZdlCOTHde_mUWLWvyGmSVBg-ww1_k/w200-h200/31a%252BX3eJH3L._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you do both knit and crochet, then this book, by Reader's Digest, is probably your best choice for finding many unique patterns. Some of these patterns are exactly as some in the Harmony guides</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStf1YzHlxzfuiYnCfUNxu_sCJM3nYneh9m59KIvIBxU77xdCfCnWBWKv1SqnvIJsUuxbD72aKVlwYneXE35yTkRTQK-D8uYkqfWp9anQUumIT1aOpgINyCNTczDijAekvanyEXDK6wcI/s1600/61SFY-zJyIL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStf1YzHlxzfuiYnCfUNxu_sCJM3nYneh9m59KIvIBxU77xdCfCnWBWKv1SqnvIJsUuxbD72aKVlwYneXE35yTkRTQK-D8uYkqfWp9anQUumIT1aOpgINyCNTczDijAekvanyEXDK6wcI/w200-h200/61SFY-zJyIL._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Another great book by Darla Sims. It's mostly open lace stitch patterns if that is what you are looking for. A great book!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak3hsA-RIOefdasKT4zqqb4HxZ3zgYqqh5T7pB4P9Ddd48mryv4A299CUiHXS9n1MmNgvpPR4t91vk2VeGH5dnu-2smeicrTMQs_7d3sADNubkLfRICwmxI7n1aqDvalEQn2jUxHBU0U/s1600/51OPJc7frnL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak3hsA-RIOefdasKT4zqqb4HxZ3zgYqqh5T7pB4P9Ddd48mryv4A299CUiHXS9n1MmNgvpPR4t91vk2VeGH5dnu-2smeicrTMQs_7d3sADNubkLfRICwmxI7n1aqDvalEQn2jUxHBU0U/w200-h200/51OPJc7frnL._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am a big fan of the Harmony Guides. This is # 7. These are not thick books but are full of stitch patterns. They have come out with an updated book that contains all their stitches together. I have that too and will post it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagF1qclG61yPnpnAdJaS8L-qZ91WnuKwQzS4fwV8oYdd67qdIoTXf108TXMJx3jKDy1JfRVN-AngHesHhmX2M0RoqKUTwEjLDpmZqJv_nt8qocucYTdyZfZGq3tuhb6uXZ9WemGrXq-E/s1600/217ED9YT9CL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagF1qclG61yPnpnAdJaS8L-qZ91WnuKwQzS4fwV8oYdd67qdIoTXf108TXMJx3jKDy1JfRVN-AngHesHhmX2M0RoqKUTwEjLDpmZqJv_nt8qocucYTdyZfZGq3tuhb6uXZ9WemGrXq-E/w200-h200/217ED9YT9CL._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Harmony Guide # 6 - a great book. These books also have edgings and motifs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd80IPqeeMwCNBeGmVLT2hLidhpHuRS5oqIWNxdJaJELBm_1GV_NN1vZz_YhFoIULyI1Zku-HBAJ2n8h4QAZuoUU5z5XsP1CGkpy9jvOoa0HHKpuT-9fdoqPhcGhPJDYVs0GI-D33hTuQ/s1600/51zRjxwILiL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd80IPqeeMwCNBeGmVLT2hLidhpHuRS5oqIWNxdJaJELBm_1GV_NN1vZz_YhFoIULyI1Zku-HBAJ2n8h4QAZuoUU5z5XsP1CGkpy9jvOoa0HHKpuT-9fdoqPhcGhPJDYVs0GI-D33hTuQ/w200-h200/51zRjxwILiL._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Here's my all time favorite crochet book of edgings by Linda Schapper. Such a huge variety. You won't be disappointed!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvB-x_M1GWed1oAeOhOqgHHGgPTi6eByeagslPYoC-AjJ8xWLpxfG6SC59ZaFMrguNFVdFsXkW6pMHcUjJHrluDeOgmuqHSeqJ2HxmJ3P7u5oYQuj53fqpsivSws_82zR7YGQHuaVbqE/s1600/51nbT8Cl5fL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvB-x_M1GWed1oAeOhOqgHHGgPTi6eByeagslPYoC-AjJ8xWLpxfG6SC59ZaFMrguNFVdFsXkW6pMHcUjJHrluDeOgmuqHSeqJ2HxmJ3P7u5oYQuj53fqpsivSws_82zR7YGQHuaVbqE/w200-h200/51nbT8Cl5fL._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is a much older book, probably from the 70's. I rarely use it because thee are others I like better. I believe the stitches shown inside are all in black and white. I may have given this to a friend. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg698HcVniq2LjLiqWU05rkyfPp8BINXqrc4D-eNYHJ32FizBRzFzyn8mXHWrjzH9s1PbbsbzaWuOwaF3BUasPH2lyMlpag8sQDc-fByzg7s6JztuLLolqjBswVbMKGyPhusRMEU7Yas8A/s1600/51dCujtipaL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg698HcVniq2LjLiqWU05rkyfPp8BINXqrc4D-eNYHJ32FizBRzFzyn8mXHWrjzH9s1PbbsbzaWuOwaF3BUasPH2lyMlpag8sQDc-fByzg7s6JztuLLolqjBswVbMKGyPhusRMEU7Yas8A/w200-h200/51dCujtipaL._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is a wonderful book by Sasha Kagen. I believe she's from the UK and I was privilaged to meet her at a TNNA conference in Columbus when this book was first released. There are several very pretty patterns for projects in the book too, but also many stitch patterns.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMFZa_BS83J4qHN6iKLtQQL4cFqF3nqfd1WXCp0aK-vorSbcdWQu_VAWNi6bO69V3Ekxi-tWl_CZVY52v_6mGZU0IyA96Kcf90WM_QGvXQgneIGuffLXSV93oXSWSDLQdH7DmnZoSQf4/s1600/51hAYSzGTeL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMFZa_BS83J4qHN6iKLtQQL4cFqF3nqfd1WXCp0aK-vorSbcdWQu_VAWNi6bO69V3Ekxi-tWl_CZVY52v_6mGZU0IyA96Kcf90WM_QGvXQgneIGuffLXSV93oXSWSDLQdH7DmnZoSQf4/w200-h200/51hAYSzGTeL._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is a much older booklet and it's both knit and crochet, but has some nice stitch patterns</span></div>
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This not only contains stitch patterns, but Jan Eaton included just about anything you want to know about crochet. This would be a great book for a new crocheter. It's colorful and just loaded with information! It would be a great book for a whole crochet class!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxJZGy4YnOalTGt4NcsmKQ3tKjU61GKh_Y8chE7sHJRkY3cTjSJfIwzCNwUpnPoo1Gr5t960OuqmTmxoZd3GNKLQcRMBpRidzw-BR83zJ4r699UICdVEafdTBXn7yQBOTMMqZvbxMJNg/s1600/61AVAPJ1F5L._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxJZGy4YnOalTGt4NcsmKQ3tKjU61GKh_Y8chE7sHJRkY3cTjSJfIwzCNwUpnPoo1Gr5t960OuqmTmxoZd3GNKLQcRMBpRidzw-BR83zJ4r699UICdVEafdTBXn7yQBOTMMqZvbxMJNg/w200-h200/61AVAPJ1F5L._AC_US218_.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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This one is much older snd doesnt have a whole lot in it. Stitch Patterns are in black and white.</span></div>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqFLzZK1WZDc-cUIu2ioQUsdYuzs5_MqU9GzGojUwgfn8miaocYF4RGOZwCQ1IQ4ow-mLvTiuF-En7B4TW245NoQBeTB_iDrVkZJE0gW5_fLT3_5ULIO-3kh_MjiaLC20HReCZbmxW9J6HMtIezccjGy7URua75_f97p4k5p1wOZJyg7QV16-Do-D808/s489/20240223_051726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="369" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqFLzZK1WZDc-cUIu2ioQUsdYuzs5_MqU9GzGojUwgfn8miaocYF4RGOZwCQ1IQ4ow-mLvTiuF-En7B4TW245NoQBeTB_iDrVkZJE0gW5_fLT3_5ULIO-3kh_MjiaLC20HReCZbmxW9J6HMtIezccjGy7URua75_f97p4k5p1wOZJyg7QV16-Do-D808/w151-h200/20240223_051726.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;">This is a beautiful Border book by Edie Eckman. She has several others and I have those too. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCXDmiWlFRURYa4P3Qo-uWK6fihykF17twgA4Rxs81tkaBSbaZhbW36LN0C6AynrtLdv6c7EWrIsaTfp5KY7Yc2LdSlU8Xa1wZceuoG9Rc9STpBAm0oQkPj-rzIbboRdSQKDwAlmLq3Nz3J1du-ZR_FCN2mmAj4gMknWJs2yk-y0KwmK-khd2iGoNGdI/s2896/20240224_005726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2896" data-original-width="2896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCXDmiWlFRURYa4P3Qo-uWK6fihykF17twgA4Rxs81tkaBSbaZhbW36LN0C6AynrtLdv6c7EWrIsaTfp5KY7Yc2LdSlU8Xa1wZceuoG9Rc9STpBAm0oQkPj-rzIbboRdSQKDwAlmLq3Nz3J1du-ZR_FCN2mmAj4gMknWJs2yk-y0KwmK-khd2iGoNGdI/s320/20240224_005726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4 more beautiful books by </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Eddie Eckman!</span></div></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Read this blog post about crochet pattern copyrights! Good piot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-copyrights/</div></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-52862370265461712024-02-14T23:57:00.000-08:002024-02-22T13:01:57.339-08:00Cheesy Ham and Potato Chowder I've eaten many different soup recipes in my lifetime and this recipe is one of the best I've ever tasted. I'm not even crazy about ham, but the ingredients in this soup make the most delicious, satisfying comfort food! I don't even remember where I got the original recipe, but I have changed it up a bit to make it even better. There are other chowder recipes out there that are quick to fix with adding canned soups and they are pretty good, but making this recipe from scratch makes your time worthwhile and your family will love it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cheesy Ham and Potato Chowder</b></span><br />
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1/2 lb. bacon (or 10-12 strips) pepper to taste<br />
1 large onion, chopped 1 cup diced carrots<br />
3 Tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups water<br />
2 1/2 cups cubed potatoes <br />
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained <i><b>or</b></i> 1 can cream style corn<br />
3 cups milk (Vitamin D, heavy cream or evaporated milk) <br />
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules<br />
3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby or American. (I used half Velveeta and half Colby this time)<br />
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham <br />
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In large soup pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. In the bacon drippings, saute onion and carrots until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add water. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, corn, bouillon and pepper. Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or til potatoes are tender.Add milk, cheese and ham; heat til cheese is melted. Stir in crumbled bacon. <b>YIELD:</b> 10 servings<br />
<b>Note:</b> I hadn't made this soup in years but tonight I didn't have whole kernel corn so I used the cream style corn. I also didn't have enough regular milk so that's why I used evaporated and the heavy whipping cream. The original recipe said to add the milk with the water and cook the potatoes, but I didn't want my soup to curdle from boiling it, so that's why I added the milk later. I didn't have enough water in the pot to boil the potatoes so I added about 4 more cups water and 4 more teaspoons of the bouillon. I also added more ham, potatoes and cheese! This soup is SO good!Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-81843488941489808692024-01-06T09:03:00.000-08:002024-01-06T09:31:03.889-08:00Coconut Curry Thai Chicken or Shrimp Soup<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WvNCanyM8dk6a4tl-9ytGFP31igol6jX_KRYOJrYM0Pa5IaY1k1ztdM4HkTuohNuDwp1Q3b8hIvUv7HG52NPia6in10rSUU1FL3n6PIQAMH6J_RpVNdRhEbDtyCvgpYPC5z7DX6va3yY1fpmcSgGHZm8X7RSfGg871fASZJB5KWvLo3to0YrJ4ZpydU/s1080/20231114_210828.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1080" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WvNCanyM8dk6a4tl-9ytGFP31igol6jX_KRYOJrYM0Pa5IaY1k1ztdM4HkTuohNuDwp1Q3b8hIvUv7HG52NPia6in10rSUU1FL3n6PIQAMH6J_RpVNdRhEbDtyCvgpYPC5z7DX6va3yY1fpmcSgGHZm8X7RSfGg871fASZJB5KWvLo3to0YrJ4ZpydU/s320/20231114_210828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Version of Thai Coconut Curry Soup with Shrimp<br />and Chicken served over Rice</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span face="Muli, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #010101; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> This recipe came from Aicha, the co-founder of 100krecipes.com. Their goal is to create easy recipes that are also healthy. I LOVE this recipe, but the second time I made it, I did change some things to make it more for my taste. Click the link below for the original recipe, but below that is what I did differently to make it even better.</span></p><p><a href="https://100krecipes.com/thai-coconut-soup/">https://100krecipes.com/thai-coconut-soup/</a></p><p>I made this Thai Coconut Curry Soup with Shrimp and Chicken for my daughter, Jamie and her family. My sister, DonnaGay, ate it too, when she was visiting me. Everyone loved it! I love it too!</p><p>I've made this type of soup before, but this is the very best recipe! I served it with rice. Just can't get enough of it!</p><p>Below are the things I I changed about the original recipe at 100k Recipes.</p><p>1. Instead of red curry paste I used about 2 Tb of powdered yellow curry (or more)</p><p>2. I added chicken with the shrimp</p><p>3. I added red sweet pepper the last 5 minutes. Make sure it's not too soft.</p><p>4. Added a little garlic powder</p><p>5. Only used 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger instead of 2.</p><p>6. Added chopped green onions on top of the soup in each individual bowl.</p><p>Next time I will:</p><p>1. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil</p><p>2. 3 cans of coconut milk (or cream) instead of just 2 cans</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>https://pin.it/76VAaMi</p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-37333979535003736592023-11-14T15:47:00.000-08:002023-11-14T15:52:38.101-08:00Positively Crochet-Translated to Other Languages<p> It's always exciting when I get an email from my publisher saying they are having one of my books printed in another language!</p><p>The first book, Positively Crochet!, has been translated into 2 different languages, I believe. I don't really even remember what these languages are but seems like it is Polish or Portuguese. Below is the first one. Do you know what language this is?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ9B4qSH4xIvJCpvltSMdbxdk2t9O467IUMTKtnUPPNlxD9Myn5kkGd-zskRhJL3rtO78dwAx8LAy2cVOKxbuStuPeY5tPX7G3E7LUyqkZAefbajUTo5elMF8yY3ndCanBKj9ueNhRLML2UVyx57NK461_ki27rKid3TGrcQoMEISGxQaig1sUiYwCQA/s2420/20230809_151402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2420" data-original-width="1886" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ9B4qSH4xIvJCpvltSMdbxdk2t9O467IUMTKtnUPPNlxD9Myn5kkGd-zskRhJL3rtO78dwAx8LAy2cVOKxbuStuPeY5tPX7G3E7LUyqkZAefbajUTo5elMF8yY3ndCanBKj9ueNhRLML2UVyx57NK461_ki27rKid3TGrcQoMEISGxQaig1sUiYwCQA/s320/20230809_151402.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Positively Crochet! <br />By<br />Mary Jane Hall<br /><br /></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYny3h4bpd0sxefHHDpLAwIs8OLb25V5fUr9aiyaq9ygD0pYZs20-D2mmm4iRCekRM3dVvQGLr6uMaydP-hB3SRnnRGBccIn2uWUGjiINvAsYkokKNK53xoPwdMs2QZ7tQf-h7XrB9ecZbo0sIH0HfSQx3EDUpKTmmxKRpGwLCWloTIjzVwDBQl67pvQ/s1268/20230809_210926.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYny3h4bpd0sxefHHDpLAwIs8OLb25V5fUr9aiyaq9ygD0pYZs20-D2mmm4iRCekRM3dVvQGLr6uMaydP-hB3SRnnRGBccIn2uWUGjiINvAsYkokKNK53xoPwdMs2QZ7tQf-h7XrB9ecZbo0sIH0HfSQx3EDUpKTmmxKRpGwLCWloTIjzVwDBQl67pvQ/s320/20230809_210926.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />This is the same book, <br />Positively Crochet! By Mary Jane Hall <br />but I'm not sure what language this is either. Are they the same? <br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-70075785496483732952023-11-14T15:46:00.000-08:002023-11-14T15:55:01.208-08:00Perfect Tuna Melt<p>This sandwich is absolutely one of the best things I've ever eaten. I love Tuna in just about any way and this is a quick and easy lunch that I crave! I recently fixed it for my sister and she couldn't stop saying, "This is one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth!" It's just that good! I copied this recipe from Sarah Titus Ministries. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKai6rf94rpM8UzTV6bsSbmOUTqnlrydOG5afLv85hZ7IFNqwxqSKLA11r2V2zlJXub5BCXM2wAbEA4rNaxKlmZiH_ZQhMugIYKJhaGR2NOscpyaypY9r5vwSG38Xgz1tM90GDV66yfcFsYxvlesezBSHdMkSdNYXnRsMboZfO4hyphenhyphenVX9PJUIyYP5DXJo/s1238/20231114_182749.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1020" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKai6rf94rpM8UzTV6bsSbmOUTqnlrydOG5afLv85hZ7IFNqwxqSKLA11r2V2zlJXub5BCXM2wAbEA4rNaxKlmZiH_ZQhMugIYKJhaGR2NOscpyaypY9r5vwSG38Xgz1tM90GDV66yfcFsYxvlesezBSHdMkSdNYXnRsMboZfO4hyphenhyphenVX9PJUIyYP5DXJo/s320/20231114_182749.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.sarahtitus.com/the-perfect-tuna-melt/"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Perfect Tuna Melt<br />Recipe from<br />Sarah Titus Ministries</b></span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>This Tuna Melt might be different from any other you've had but this is the only recipe I've ever tried. I notice that other recipes are different from this. It might seem odd to put garlic with tuna, but please don't leave it out because that's what makes it so good. Also other recipes call for cheddar cheese, and even though I'm sure that's good, I love love love the mozzarella cheese on this! And make sure you toast the bread the way it says to do! You won't be sorry.</p><p>https://pin.it/4mOXJr8</p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-14518794276596030372023-08-07T20:44:00.003-07:002023-08-08T15:08:31.810-07:00How To Make Money With Crochet<span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="sans-serif">I have been a mentor for 4-5 crocheters who had dreams of making money with their original designs. These talented gals were published within a year. They each had tremendous talent and all I did was just steer them in the right direction and give them tips along the way. I've taught them about</span><span face="sans-serif"> how to go about contacting a magazine or other book publisher to submit their designs. Also, most publishers who publish knit and crochet books for just 1 author (like me) also publish books on their own that will have a combination of designer's designs in one book, and this would be a good way to start. Contact them (a publisher you know does this) and ask to be put on their designer list and you will get their email sending out a "Call for Submissions"</span><span>. </span><span>Of course, it's better if you've already had something published in a or other venue, such as selling your own designs on your blog or Ravelry. I never had to ask any publishers to add my name to their list. They somehow found out about me (probably by seeing my crochet books or my designs in magazines). To this day I still get those emails with "Calls for Submissions." I don't answer every call because I don't have time to fill up my schedule with more designing, but occasionally I do answer the call and write up a proposal (with sketch, description, swatch, yarn suggestion, etc). I recently turned in 5 designs to a publisher in NYC who solicited my designs for a book full of designs by several different designers.</span></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Crochet Calendar</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There used to be a yearly Crochet A Day crochet calender that was always looking for designs to publish each year. Every year they needed 365 shorter patterns, but if someone submitted a pattern like an Afghan or top that required more space they would dedicate 2-3 pages/days for that. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5RGDl-FckNURy21cZOwiL1WInqrwvFx56Ndxqa9ruUpJrvDQpdqNyD7W4Fg9TYmmpE3UGf2dD_xoCFZ0qIJhncZcEq8Cc_yV5_1lpglBt-QgT6Yug-LM6SnJdy9DkoTQoJDFkASuekqpEj5O61IlE-653yJeNZzh5im8q46JW3nTs-W7mZvKydIA4Mc/s1080/20230808_174539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1080" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5RGDl-FckNURy21cZOwiL1WInqrwvFx56Ndxqa9ruUpJrvDQpdqNyD7W4Fg9TYmmpE3UGf2dD_xoCFZ0qIJhncZcEq8Cc_yV5_1lpglBt-QgT6Yug-LM6SnJdy9DkoTQoJDFkASuekqpEj5O61IlE-653yJeNZzh5im8q46JW3nTs-W7mZvKydIA4Mc/w320-h170/20230808_174539.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span><div style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">W</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">hen I hadn't been designing very long and had just a few designs in magazines, I submitted some small designs for the calender just to mainly get my name out there. You could send them your own picture of the design or they would take a picture of it for you to be in the calender. The calender did not pay for you to have your design in it, but the reason I or anyone else would do this without pay is to get exposure. They always put your name and other info such as your website or blog with your pattern. Another good thing about not being paid is that YOU still own the design! Therefore, after the calender has been published you can do whatever you want with your pattern. You can sell it on your blog, website or social media sites who allow that. Oh, and of course they send you a free calender! The calender also choose the design they thought was the best and that person won $1,000 for being the best design for that year! One of the designers I mentored, Natalia of <a href="https://www.outstandingcrochet.com/natalia-kononova-crochet-patterns">Outstanding Crochet</a>, won the $1,000 prize! I was so happy for her! In my opinion, she's is one of these best crochet designers out there, but she makes her money mostly by selling her own patterns on Etsy and other places. She is very very successful and I am so happy for her!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I believe I had designs published in 6-7 of the "Crochet A Day" calendars, but I don't believe they are still around. Someone needs to start publishing another crochet calendar, because I think it was a good thing!<br /></span><div>
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="sans-serif"><br /></span><span face="sans-serif"><span>Make A Living with Crochet?</span></span></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="sans-serif"><span>Then there are others who contact me wanting to know if they can make a living with crochet. I tell them that yes, it is possible, but you really have to be dedicated and have a passion for what you do. Some people get paid to teach crochet in a chain store such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby, while others may teach at a LYS (local yarn shop). You can do this if you are a professional designer, or if you are just someone who is experienced and love to crochet. You usually don't need any credentials to teach at these places. </span></span><br />
<span face="sans-serif"><span>As soon as you get paid to have a design published in a book or magazine, you are considered a professional, as with any craft or skill you have. When my siblings and I started getting paid to sing at different places (when I was 14 & the others were 10, 13 and 16)), they told us we were considered professional. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="sans-serif"><span>If you want to be known in the crochet design industry as a professional, you can join CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) and they will give you the label of Professional as long as you have met the criteria. For more info on that, go to their website <b><a href="https://www.crochet.org/">here</a> </b>where you can find all kinds of info on the subject. You'll also learn about conferences, and many subjects about what is going on in the world of crochet. </span></span><br />
<span face="sans-serif"><span>Some professional designers who make money by having their designs bought by a magazine or publisher, also make money by traveling around the country teaching classes at local CGOA or speaking at retreats, workshops and conferences. I have done this several times in my designing career, but I would not want to travel all the time like some do. Of course it all depends on whether or not you have a family and how much you are willing to be away from them. Usually the people who get asked to speak at conferences or retreats have a specialty. By this, I mean that some are known for Tunisian Crochet, Freeform, Lace, Afghans, Hairpin Lace, Broomstick Lace, Bruges, or some other technique people are interested in learning. I have been asked to teach on my signature Graduated Stitch Method of making shaped garments without having </span></span><span face="sans-serif">to use increases or decreases. This is a method I came up with w</span><span face="sans-serif">hen I was writing my book, Crochet That Fits. A passion and priority with me is to make crochet as easy as possible. So with this method, people who have only made Afghans, scarves or washcloths all their lives are now making garments. They're so excited, but I'm here to tell you, it's so easy. If you are a beginner, you can be making garments in no time. The book was voted "Best Crochet Pattern Book of 2008", due to this new easy method of making garments. My crochet books have also been published in other languages and that is very exciting!</span><br />
<span face="sans-serif"><span>If you come up with a new idea you should consider submitting a book proposal to a publisher. I have other posts on this with more detail. Publishers are always looking for new ideas. This is the main way I make a living at crochet, which is from my book royalties.</span></span><br />
<span face="sans-serif"><span>So whatever genre y</span></span><span face="sans-serif">ou like to work with, you can become a specialist in that and be known for it. You may soon be known for this and will be asked to come teach others.</span><br />
<span face="sans-serif"><span>I've also given talks on "How to Get Your Designs Published" or "How to go About Writing a Crochet Book." (See my other posts).</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span>
<span face="sans-serif"><span>Other ways of making money with your crochet would be to become a Pattern Tester or a Contract Crocheter.</span></span><br />
<span face="sans-serif"> These are actual job titles if someone is looking to make money with their crochet. </span></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span>
<span face="sans-serif"><b>Pattern Tester</b></span><br />
<span face="sans-serif">Whether a designer is planning to sell their patterns on their blog, Ravelry or other sites, they are usually looking for someone they can trust who will test their pattern before going to print or being published. In my case, since the majority of my patterns have been published in books or magazines, I too, have my written patterns tested, before sending them off to the publisher, even though they do not require this of us. I want to make absolutely sure my pattrns can be understood and they are error free BEFORE going to the tech editor! I have another blog post on Pattern Tesing <a href="http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.com/search/label/Pattern%20Testers"><b>here</b></a> if you want more info on the subject.</span></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span>Contract Crocheter</span></b><br />
<span face="sans-serif">Most designers prefer to stitch up their own designs, but occasionally we need to hire someone to get it finished before our deadline, especially if we are working on other designs ourselves. I had to hire some other professional crochet designer friends to stitch up about 4 of my designs that were going in my book, Colorful Crochet Lace. It was mainly because I got behind when I stayed with my sister in the hospital for 15 days when she had a heart attack. I tried but could not keep my mind on designing crochet! </span></span><div><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Chain Link Conference (Knit and Crochet Show)</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="sans-serif">There are many ways to get your name put on a list of Contract Crocheters and Pattern Testers, by looking online. Those groups would be Ravelry, Crochetville, Facebook, through word of mouth or by searching on the CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) website. </span><br />
</span><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
We also have a yearly conference called The Knit and Crochet Show where we network with others and get information on who needs a Contract Crocheter or Pattern Tester. Another name for this is the Chain Link Conference, which is what most people call it. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Selling Your Own Patterns or Selling Projects you Make</b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like I said above, you can make money by selling your own patterns on sites such as Ravelry, Etsy, EBay or social media sites. If you have a good design that's very popular, it's possible that you can make even more money doing that than you can by selling that one design to a magazine! I'm very serious about that! The best thing to do, is to do some research. This is what I did when I think I want to send a book proposal to a publisher. Find out what kind of crochet items are in demand but you can't find a pattern for those things. A pattern will always sell when that particular item can not be found anywhere. Doesn't this make sense? I think that's one reason all my books have been top sellers. I came up with things that were different and not just like everybody else's crochet patterns.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Another thing I did was to look at as many runway shows as I could whether they were a New York or Paris runway show. You can always get ideas from high fashion designers, but keep in mind the designs in a current runway show may not catch on with the public for anywhere from 2-6 years! That's the truth! I had several designs in my books that were published but they became really even more popular a few years later and are still to this day in style. There are also fashion magazines that most of the public do not even know about, that are meant for designers. They were very very expensive and I could not afford to buy those. I think they were around $70-$100 each, (called either Runway Magazine or Look Book) but I found some on eBay that were not too old. If I can find those magazines, I'll come back and tell what they are here. Since they are about 4 or more years ahead, it's worth having those books. But I also subscribed to several other fashion magazines, such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Allure, In Style and others. These magazines can inspire you in designing your own projects.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are other ways you can make money crocheting, but I'll let that be another post later.</span></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-39869181322672264362023-04-06T12:33:00.009-07:002023-04-06T12:54:29.182-07:00Shrimp and Grits<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqf13LaKlCxvg5CY4Ot0yRNrCWWyy2lcYJuNLK-hA0MrE4ehk5wY_akJCOCxg-qYr1Yl0Zy9pPGIF0iZYOAxDi0N9NXaMdu0W1JrM-JIzNnfyUi3shZ2T40GvahDDIzIfxKVkgxfmIbqpBmPkP4a7GN5-L903lidQLc0-V8dUpFEFXAvi-0sq2yup/s3024/IMG_20230406_014622_436.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2546" data-original-width="3024" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqf13LaKlCxvg5CY4Ot0yRNrCWWyy2lcYJuNLK-hA0MrE4ehk5wY_akJCOCxg-qYr1Yl0Zy9pPGIF0iZYOAxDi0N9NXaMdu0W1JrM-JIzNnfyUi3shZ2T40GvahDDIzIfxKVkgxfmIbqpBmPkP4a7GN5-L903lidQLc0-V8dUpFEFXAvi-0sq2yup/s320/IMG_20230406_014622_436.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Shrimp and Grits<br />SO Good and Addicting!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>This is my first time to fix Shrimp and Grits and I have to say, it turned out pretty good. I'm very pleased. I've looked up at least 50 recipes on Pinterest and YouTube, looking for just the right one & I even have cookbooks with the recipes. I'd been reluctant to make it because the first time I ever had it was in Fairhope, Alabama when my brother took me there. I thought it was to die for! I'm crazy about grits anyway, but this is a totally different experience. Since that restaurant (Locals) in Fairhope doesn't give out their recipe I just had to go by a picture I took and the taste. I'm really excited about how it turned out. The restaurant in Alabama said their Shrimp and Grits is in the style of the "low country" in South Carolina. I've read many recipes that claim to fix their dish in this style but none of them have all the ingredients I used tonight & remember eating at Locals in Fairhope, Alabama. I didn't measure anything, so I'll just list the ingredients I used.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Ingredients and Instructions</span></b></p><p>Fresh shrimp</p><p>Quick grits, cooked in chicken broth & butter. Gouda cheese & cream added at the end. I kept adding that til it tasted the way I wanted it to. Some say they add cream cheese or mascarpone cheese and I'll try that next time.</p><p>In a frying pan I cooked the smoked sausage I'd cut up & bacon I had chopped in small squares, til crisp. I removed both, leaving the grease in the pan to cook the Shrimp on both sides (removed it after a few minutes so it wouldn't get overdone) and then cooked the following ingredients in same pan. I had chopped them into squares ahead of time:</p><p>Green pepper</p><p>Red sweet pepper</p><p>Sweet Onion</p><p>Fresh mushrooms, sliced</p><p>Minced garlic</p><p>I didn't cook them till they were too tender. (Just softened a little)</p><p>After the vegetables were partially cooked I added the cooked shrimp & added some chicken broth and a little cooking sherry. At this point some recipes said to add about 1 tablespoon tomato sauce, and I'll try that next time. Then after about 2 minutes of simmering, I added real cream. Also made a slurry of cornstarch and cold water to thicken the liquid a little. I didn't add salt bc it was too salty from the powdered chicken broth I used, but I did add pepper. I kept tasting it and added more cream. Just add to your taste. Oh and I was going to add Cajun seasoning but I only had Creole seasoning so I added a dash of that. If you like spicy food (like I do), add more Creole or Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce or add some chopped fresh jalapeno. I'll definitely add that next time.</p><p>After everything was done, I put some grits in a bowl, added the shrimp, vegetables & creamy sauce. I meant to add a squeeze of fresh lemon, but forgot. Then I sprinkled the top with crispy bacon, little squares of smoked sausage, chopped green onions and chopped fresh parsley. It was delicious and I didn't feel like it was missing anything. I will definitely make it again! Let me know what you think!</p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-35550615903700803502023-02-26T13:59:00.001-08:002023-12-02T13:36:22.226-08:00Tuna Cheese Ball<p> This is my all time favorite cheese ball! (2nd favorite is my Chicken Curry Cheese Ball). Recipe is here on my blog. I hope you love it too! Maybe when I have more time I'll type the ingredients! Sorry for how messy it is.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPwEUOaYaRZMM-zD-f1DMqXMxJWk36-7afYioGeA49HDHetpzFfNx57ko4j8jF0eqs4_Tq73Vj3veq0yHtfdbz-n1-wkSgFzeMSaBRwZCicxm1Ft--KnRLEGQGLHa8ET5YGztWeGKEnqJ2t0lGm0ddFReG_xrItErDP59zL8fNXaoHIztPyiVLNKF/s1855/20221123_184105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="1855" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPwEUOaYaRZMM-zD-f1DMqXMxJWk36-7afYioGeA49HDHetpzFfNx57ko4j8jF0eqs4_Tq73Vj3veq0yHtfdbz-n1-wkSgFzeMSaBRwZCicxm1Ft--KnRLEGQGLHa8ET5YGztWeGKEnqJ2t0lGm0ddFReG_xrItErDP59zL8fNXaoHIztPyiVLNKF/w400-h288/20221123_184105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I just form it into a ball and put it in the refrigerator for an hour or even over night. Put the ball into a deep bowl that has sides that are taller than the ball and put a lid or saran wrap over it. Then roll it in chopped pecans the next day. But I almost always double it because I like having some left over. It's addicting if you love Tuna!</p>Serve with crackers<p></p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-25464271701905669632023-02-21T20:41:00.006-08:002023-02-21T20:45:39.064-08:00Ribbon Scrunchy - Free Beginner Pattern<p> Skill level: Beginner</p><p><span style="white-space: pre;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvt0y_Rbnm5PBcczjaAlEBgUCDrbjaUqacK-EMcBCYRz8u32Gro0jr2fG_AXEXq8Cy6EgCD1n2OxEKUrSyz1OLwM1ntyKRI4Td1zF4rF9EtZP1vo1wVBd-xkTFvvanWX32PWT9RdupEgbsV8ccev0CC99Bq0RgRrgaEBiBxppLx6frFjplV3sW8zG5/s501/20230221_233837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="434" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvt0y_Rbnm5PBcczjaAlEBgUCDrbjaUqacK-EMcBCYRz8u32Gro0jr2fG_AXEXq8Cy6EgCD1n2OxEKUrSyz1OLwM1ntyKRI4Td1zF4rF9EtZP1vo1wVBd-xkTFvvanWX32PWT9RdupEgbsV8ccev0CC99Bq0RgRrgaEBiBxppLx6frFjplV3sW8zG5/w346-h400/20230221_233837.jpg" width="346" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ribbon Scrunchy - Free Beginner Pattern</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><p>This scrunchie is very simple to make, but the satiny ribbon makes it special. Single crochets are spread around the entire band. Make several in cheerful, bright colors for a different look.</p><p><b>Materials</b></p><p>2 spools Offray Ribbon, 1/8” wide, 10 yds each spool - 20 yds total ribbon. Substitute any yarn</p><p>1 Elastic round Hair band -about 2” in diameter </p><p>Crochet Hook- size F/ 5 (3.75mm)</p><p><b>Instructions</b></p><p>Rnd 1: Attach ribbon to band with s s, ch 1, work sc around band, making sure entire band is covered, s s to first sc.</p><p>Rnd 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each sc around, attach with s s to first sc. </p><p>Rnd 3: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each sc, but work 3 sc in every 4th sc, as follows:</p><p>2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, etc.</p><p>Attach with s s to beg sc, end off.</p><div><br /></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-90871226636406787312022-11-22T13:19:00.001-08:002022-11-22T13:21:05.009-08:00Authentic Cincinnati Chili<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWKEtPJxpSbVdmsIpgvGZ5tPNWn8WbCsVjuvRH7XlbGYDlkNcYuEzL_amdvfOAZgGFotDPhriC31YIE7ys3OLPnNBId1Y3X1bGCVZEyTt7jEuRYGIi6NVbrlm1j31zokniGiBDp41FG_IWxY8j0iniEJzn-KPHjVBbixrD8Fo4pFyw_fgfmHG3prr/s1102/20221122_161322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWKEtPJxpSbVdmsIpgvGZ5tPNWn8WbCsVjuvRH7XlbGYDlkNcYuEzL_amdvfOAZgGFotDPhriC31YIE7ys3OLPnNBId1Y3X1bGCVZEyTt7jEuRYGIi6NVbrlm1j31zokniGiBDp41FG_IWxY8j0iniEJzn-KPHjVBbixrD8Fo4pFyw_fgfmHG3prr/w393-h400/20221122_161322.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Authentic Cincinnati Chili</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Jane Tibbet's introduced this to us when we first moved to Xenia in 1981. Even though we lived in NE Ohio for 10 yrs, and my husband was from Ohio, I'd never heard of this dish. I did not like it at first! But then I grew to love it so much that I craved it! Brian loves it just as much as I do too! It's not really a Chili and its not really a Spaghetti, but is a unique dish full of flavor. It calls for many spices including dry chocolate cocoa, cinnamon, cloves and all spice! You can eat it 3-way, 4-way or 5-way, but I eat my Cincinnati Chili 6-way! (Spaghetti noodles, Sauce, cheese, beans, sweet onion and chopped green pepper on top)</p><p><br /></p><p> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="termHighlighted" style="background-color: #fde293; color: #3c4043;">Cincinnati</span> <span class="termHighlighted" style="background-color: #fde293; color: #3c4043;">Chili</span> </span></b> Serves 6</p><div dir="auto">1 quart water (4 cups)</div><div dir="auto">2 lbs ground beef (I use 80 (lean) / 20 (fat)</div><div dir="auto">2 medium onions, grated</div><div dir="auto">2 - 8oz cans tomato sauce (Or 1 can tomato sauce and 1 can tomato paste)</div><div dir="auto">5 whole allspice or 1/2 tsp ground (sometimes I add both)</div><div dir="auto">1/2 tsp ground cayenne <span class="termHighlighted" style="background-color: #fde293; color: #3c4043;">pepper</span></div><div dir="auto">1 tsp cumin</div><div dir="auto">2-4 Tb <span class="termHighlighted" style="background-color: #fde293; color: #3c4043;">chili</span> powder (original recipe says 4, but i use 2 or 3)</div><div dir="auto">1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate OR 1 ½ - 2 Tb dry cocoa (like Hersheys unsweetened powder)</div><div dir="auto">4 cloves garlic, minced</div><div dir="auto">2 Tb vinegar (can be white, apple cidar or red wine vinegar)</div><div dir="auto">1/4 tsp ground corinder</div><div dir="auto">1/4 tsp ground cardamon</div><div dir="auto">5 whole cloves OR 1/2 tsp ground cloves</div><div dir="auto">2 tsps Worcestershire sauce</div><div dir="auto">1/2 tsp salt</div><div dir="auto">1 tsp cinnamon</div><div dir="auto">Cooked spaghetti noodles</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">TOPPINGS</div><div dir="auto">Finely grated cheddar cheese</div><div dir="auto">Red beans, pinto beans or kidney beans</div><div dir="auto">Green <span class="termHighlighted" style="background-color: #fde293; color: #3c4043;">pepper</span>, chopped</div><div dir="auto">Sweet Vidalia onion, chopped</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1iNYR_lppQfOOIwtJLJqutiDD61AqOnK59zZn11uUKVi_O8o-fVgRYcD9wkzdlDIj88zM8-hYOJCoh5rnqgG0y5OL1Fg_CVQnLgpLZV7XwnC7d9HPIYJr29iZixY11bKVAjSY7hUd_jHEizanGD3Wpj011mASRHvy_8zupnZanCV4pegj-jE_t4-/s1195/20221122_161339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1iNYR_lppQfOOIwtJLJqutiDD61AqOnK59zZn11uUKVi_O8o-fVgRYcD9wkzdlDIj88zM8-hYOJCoh5rnqgG0y5OL1Fg_CVQnLgpLZV7XwnC7d9HPIYJr29iZixY11bKVAjSY7hUd_jHEizanGD3Wpj011mASRHvy_8zupnZanCV4pegj-jE_t4-/s320/20221122_161339.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Add beef to boiling water in a large soup pan. Stir until beef is to a fine texture. Add rest of ingredients. Simmer 3 hours. (Note: you can cook it less than that, like 2 hrs or less, but it always tastes better if cooked 3 hrs. It will be better the next day too.)</div><div dir="auto">Serve over cooked buttered spaghetti. Top with cheese, beans, green <span class="termHighlighted" style="background-color: #fde293; color: #3c4043;">pepper</span> snd onion. I dont mix the sauce with the noodles but like to just spoon it on top before adding the toppings. </div><div dir="auto">I LOVE this! Its addicting!</div><div dir="auto"> 6 SERVINGS</div><div dir="auto"><br style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-13264005520303275782022-11-16T17:56:00.002-08:002022-11-16T18:13:44.619-08:00Nacho Potato Soup<div><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSc4gUfEfNID-JM_sC_ZRw43oOUyc0c3sGQSIpnxOwDRsjA60P2J6DMY0IbGvI3MbCJMYY-ZeazUrwL4b-5NpzjCQDYCOA6yeZJELr9HYDljThF7f7lTttHDleQnfLDxn_sk1bTNTBkenXlKhqUZwVMVpEge2tLT4yEN9ywK5yp045h1DWInB-WfP/s1288/20221116_211052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1054" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSc4gUfEfNID-JM_sC_ZRw43oOUyc0c3sGQSIpnxOwDRsjA60P2J6DMY0IbGvI3MbCJMYY-ZeazUrwL4b-5NpzjCQDYCOA6yeZJELr9HYDljThF7f7lTttHDleQnfLDxn_sk1bTNTBkenXlKhqUZwVMVpEge2tLT4yEN9ywK5yp045h1DWInB-WfP/w328-h400/20221116_211052.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nacho Cheese Soup</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I used to fix this soup for my family every Christmas Eve and we all loved it. I also love that it only takes a few minutes to put together!</span></div><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><div><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Nacho Potato Soup</b></span><br style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><br style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">1 pkg. (5 1/2 oz) Au Gratin Potatoes<br />1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn, drained<br />1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel is the brand I use)<br />2 cups water<br />2 cups milk<br />2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese<br />Dash hot pepper sauce, optional (like Tobasco)<br />Minced fresh parsley, optional</b><br style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" /><b style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br />In 3 qt saucepan, combine potatoes & sauce mix, corn, tomatoes & water; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover & simmer for 15-18 minutes or til potatoes are tender. Add milk, cheese & hot pepper sauce if desired; cook & stir til the cheese is melted. Garnish w/ parsley if desired. Makes 2 quarts ( 6-8 servings)</b>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-1669527106238956702022-11-09T16:32:00.005-08:002022-11-09T21:18:43.364-08:00Low Carb Avocado Chicken Wrap<p> <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZILi3exzFC8O5jcSjbH2rZnV1IU2OZQOibqXTPQKhXRzCQeHZKwqQV-HdAz90SkdLADSZ7SGHzxWf0a6J7rN1xO9Fwx7YSh1TXhbMNQ5zC2mNXmBa2eudIdJlYH-Au7zg1EFesK_m6HWiJ7HP64ogLh1fJqQKUJYTJ5sbvK0S77QoadpVF600oBtm/s1080/20221109_192059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1080" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZILi3exzFC8O5jcSjbH2rZnV1IU2OZQOibqXTPQKhXRzCQeHZKwqQV-HdAz90SkdLADSZ7SGHzxWf0a6J7rN1xO9Fwx7YSh1TXhbMNQ5zC2mNXmBa2eudIdJlYH-Au7zg1EFesK_m6HWiJ7HP64ogLh1fJqQKUJYTJ5sbvK0S77QoadpVF600oBtm/w400-h345/20221109_192059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Avocado Chicken Wrap with Grain Free Egg Tortillas</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I finally found a way to eat a healthy quick and easy wrap. It doesn't matter what kind, whether it's Mexican, Asian, Italian of fresh traditional wraps such as chicken or any other meat. I'm on the AIP Autoimmune Protocol which is so similar to Keto since I have to eat grain and dairy free because of intolerances that have caused my health to go downhill. So that means I can't have the typical rice tortillas or wraps. I found a wrap by accident when I was looking around at Fresh Thyme Market in Beavercreek, Ohio, called EggLife. They're made from egg whites and i have no idea how they did it but they don't even taste like eggs and they're very soft and easy to roll up. They have 4 versions and 2 of them are plain and Italian. </p><p>Here are the ingredients I used to make this Chicken Wrap and it was delicious!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Avocado Chicken Wrap</span></b></p><p>Chicken (can use rotisserie, frozen grilled strips or any other cooked chicken)</p><p>Ranch dressing (or ranch sauce made with a mixture of dry ranch seasoning mix, mayonnaise and milk)</p><p>Bacon (cooked)</p><p>Avocado, sliced</p><p>Red or sweet Vidalia onions, chopped</p><p>Feta or any other white cheese such as provolone, mozzarella or Monterey jack</p><p>Tomatoes chopped</p><p>Lettuce, shredded (I added argula to mine)</p><p>I layered my ingredients on the <a href="https://www.target.com/p/egglife-gluten-free-original-egg-white-wraps-6oz-6ct/-/A-81907833?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012732781&CPNG=PLA_Grocery%2BShopping_Local%7CGrocery_Ecomm_Food_Bev&adgroup=SC_Grocery&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9052753&targetid=pla-812299188630&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=CjwKCAiAvK2bBhB8EiwAZUbP1Hg7hgVmSeV_-qUXXgqoXor2OBxBcVWvxSNXMwXxO0zE__UG5Np2FBoCp6YQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds">Egglife wrap</a> (see picture below) which is about the size of a large taco but if you don't have to eat wheat free, do it this way below.</p><p>If using a larger 10"-12" tortilla</p><p>Layer your ingredients in the center of your tortilla and roll it up or fold it up the same way you would a burrito. You can eat it as is, or brown the outsides in a frying pan with butter to brown a little on the outside. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbaJHMmRq43jRSULTVl_0eKcR4NtH5o4w7v20EKlUbhPK4MSEAWHjF-s-Zzv1Le2E9w35qnDzTqKltjBiz-12PLMnFe-UWw98J-14oBaVXxy2QCx3aPtVnbJGqnr1ws5w8NdtI7K4s-vkeAKt8IjzTrKZzWau35rv3D1H7UyLg1uGYV1hJtxROTL6/s834/20221110_001206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="645" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbaJHMmRq43jRSULTVl_0eKcR4NtH5o4w7v20EKlUbhPK4MSEAWHjF-s-Zzv1Le2E9w35qnDzTqKltjBiz-12PLMnFe-UWw98J-14oBaVXxy2QCx3aPtVnbJGqnr1ws5w8NdtI7K4s-vkeAKt8IjzTrKZzWau35rv3D1H7UyLg1uGYV1hJtxROTL6/w309-h400/20221110_001206.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Most grocery stores carry these</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-89544362391673103992022-10-06T11:41:00.005-07:002022-10-06T11:46:20.726-07:00Knit Look Crochet Cowl<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4q-YkmLVkHMYdkCbyYcL09JMK3duD8LqPPQVMaBiUDozTw-FArViPr75axSJZO2HYUTh3M3kCXvEn7j3tsgjOummXGWZOjjAbk9uPtIB39b9k_MD5EOJHjN5TyN1O7UzH2EmZoGPrv4/s1440/20210907_014157.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4q-YkmLVkHMYdkCbyYcL09JMK3duD8LqPPQVMaBiUDozTw-FArViPr75axSJZO2HYUTh3M3kCXvEn7j3tsgjOummXGWZOjjAbk9uPtIB39b9k_MD5EOJHjN5TyN1O7UzH2EmZoGPrv4/w300-h400/20210907_014157.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Knit Look Beginner <br />Free Crochet Cowl Pattern<br />By<br />May Jane Hall</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Description</span></b> <div><br /><div>This is a beginner project that's quick and easy. If you'd rather have a long scarf that's not circular like an infinity scarf, just work enough chains at the beginning to the length you want your scarf to be, then work the entire scarf in rows (not rounds) turning each row to get the ridged effect. Don't forget to work all rows in the back loop only. You will be working all half double crochet stitches (hdc) after your beginning chain, and in my opinion working a hdc in the blo is what makes this stitch look like knitting. <div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Tip</b> - you can use a smaller hook than size M, but keep in mind if you do use a smaller hook, your scarf will not be as drapeable and will be stiffer. The loser you crochet with a larger hook, the softer your scarf will be.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Finished Size -</b> I made this for a friend and didn't measure it because at the time I didn't know I was going to offer the cowl as a free pattern. <p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Materials</span></b></p><p><b>Vannas Choice yarn:</b> #4, worsted wt yarn in color: Barley</p><p><b>Note: </b>any worsted (or Aran) wt yarn can be used for this pattern. You can use a smaller yarn and smaller hook, such as #2 sport wt, #3 DK wt, but keep in mind that you'll need to crochet more foundation stitches at the beginning to make it longer if you do this. You could even use a bulky yarn but would need to make less foundation sts. </p><p><b>Crochet Hook:</b> size M/13 (9mm)</p><p><b>Gauge: </b>I made this as a gift for a friend and did not measure the gauge before I gave it to her. Even though your gauge is very important when making garments, it's not all that important when making a scarf. That is, unless you want it to look identical to the one the pattern was written for. Something to keep in mind is that I always use a larger hook than what the company suggests on the yarn label. You do not want your crochet items to be hard and stiff unless it's a purse or a molded hat. </p><p><b>Stitches used:</b> Chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), half double crochet (hdc)</p><p><b>Abbreviations: </b></p><p>Blo - back loop only</p><p>Ch - chain</p><p>Hdc - half double crochet</p><p>Rep - repeat</p><p>Rnd - round</p><p>Sl st - slip stitch</p><p>St - stitch</p><p><b>Pattern notes:</b> all rounds are worked in the blo (back loop only) to get the ridged effect. You will be slip stitching the last st to the first st on each end. (Unless you make 1 long scarf that's not in the round). Then you'll turn each round. If you don't turn the rnds, you won't get the ridged effect. Ch 2 at the beginning of each round.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOdhHsvIb0Uo5tGr1CcjitHUVv-vMgBzGkE1USaL8aq48JEBYw1vL1zl66vAI0E3dNAQwaCR_dCvT1KvJfjH_uWXJSPDioy0-Fu7ypDOtxH6Bzk7JaoSgjGbi_O9bJr5IEX70zw4CSN4jyWoVEQ6uEo7gsTXpUHuf1pL-c1zcm3v40pL5qRN2EU8T/s1163/20221006_141604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="851" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOdhHsvIb0Uo5tGr1CcjitHUVv-vMgBzGkE1USaL8aq48JEBYw1vL1zl66vAI0E3dNAQwaCR_dCvT1KvJfjH_uWXJSPDioy0-Fu7ypDOtxH6Bzk7JaoSgjGbi_O9bJr5IEX70zw4CSN4jyWoVEQ6uEo7gsTXpUHuf1pL-c1zcm3v40pL5qRN2EU8T/w293-h400/20221006_141604.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Knit Look Crochet Cowl <br />Free Beginner Pattern by<br />Mary Jane Hal</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Instructions</b></div><p><b>Foundation row:</b> Ch 144 , being careful not to twist ch, sl st to 1st ch (circle made)</p><p><b>Rnd 1:</b> ch 2, work hdc in blo of each ch, sl st to first st, turn- 144 hdc</p><p><b>Note: </b>in order to make the raised ridges, you have to turn each round/row, and work in the back loop only (blo) of each stitch (hdc), otherwise your stitches will all be flat.</p><p><b>Rnds 2 - ___:</b> Rep rnd 1 until you get the desired width of the cowl. (Sorry I did not count these rows either, before I gave this cowl to my friend!)</p><p>End off yarn and weave in all loose ends. </p><p>PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!</p><p><b>Important: </b>Remember, if you want your friends to know about this pattern or post about it, you'll need to post a link on your blog to have them come to this blog. You're not allowed to copy the text and put the pattern on your blog. Because if you post my pattern on your blog it's considered stealing. Please follow the copyright laws. One of the reasons to offer free patterns is so I can promote my crochet books that are sold on Amazon. I still receive royalties from the sale of my books and this is part of the way I make my living. So posting my patterns on your blog or anywhere else takes away from my income. </p><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-73120910472339244792022-10-03T13:08:00.001-07:002022-10-04T23:06:30.007-07:00Fried Okra with Tomatoes and Onions<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oj0hIsF1PZzxpJ-6eDOMYBuZB1BwUjNNIEtpBfowOEiY_NSQwQ_5gYNziBEEybUqsMswbArS23LoNU5JftJkn5uFfmOTFQIOWX01sqWmNHteMSTYB9YtTlXXNqnfOTGMZmyrKWYALHXtFtB07R2vj6AUtvP6h09XUBvCxK_GiRaaSgolmCXlmMir/s779/20221003_111523.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oj0hIsF1PZzxpJ-6eDOMYBuZB1BwUjNNIEtpBfowOEiY_NSQwQ_5gYNziBEEybUqsMswbArS23LoNU5JftJkn5uFfmOTFQIOWX01sqWmNHteMSTYB9YtTlXXNqnfOTGMZmyrKWYALHXtFtB07R2vj6AUtvP6h09XUBvCxK_GiRaaSgolmCXlmMir/s320/20221003_111523.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Fried Okra with Onions and Tomatoes<br />My Mama's Recipe<br /><br /></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>If you are from the south, you might be saying "Yum!", but if you aren't from the south you're probably saying "What in the world is that?" As odd as it might look or sound to some people, fried okra with tomatoes and onions is one of my favorite things to eat on this planet!<p></p><p>Oddly enough, even though okra is considered a southern vegetable, one thing that's surprising to me is that I've recently found out even southerners have never heard of cooking fried okta with tomatoes and onions! I'm shocked about that because cooking it this way is the only way my mama ever cooked it while I was growing up. Until I went away to college and on my own, I never knew anyone ever cooked okra any other way! When I'd see fried okra in restaurants (in the south) it was always just okra with a crunchy coating. </p><p>Now, I have to say, even though okra tastes a little bland to me by itself, I love okra cooked any way, because it IS my favorite vegetable in the whole world. You're talking to a girl who as a teenager, would even boil a few pods of fresh okra in water (drained with butter and salt added) and eat it as a bedtime snack! That's how much I love the taste of okra. Even if you like fried okra but don't like the slimminess of it boiled, you're not alone. But not this southern gal. I love it any way it's cooked. </p><p>I'm going to try and tell you how I cook it fried with tomatoes and onions, but my mana never wrote it down, that I'm aware of. She's been gone from this world for about 8 years and there are so many things I'd like to ask her about. Like "Where in the world did you learn to cook okra with tomatoes and onions?" Since I thought everyone in the south fried it that way, I never knew to ask her, till after she'd passed away. </p><p>After I attempt to tell you how I cook the okra, I'll post a link to a YouTube video I found where someone (Tammy) is cooking it this way. I was shocked to find that, because even though I posted about this on FaceBook, not even my southern friends had ever heard of cooking it any other way than with cornmeal and flour. I'll try to explain the best way I know how.</p><p> And remember! When you're picking out fresh okra at the grocery store, grab the smallest ones because they're the most tender. The large ones that are tough and hard to cut through are not really edible. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Southern Fried okra with Tomatoes and Onions</span></b></p><p><b>Ingredients</b></p><p>Fresh okra, chopped into 1/2" pieces, discarding the large end</p><p>Fresh tomato, cut into about 1/2" squares (it's best to use a tomato that is not over ripe because it will have too much liquid. You could even use a green tomato but I like it best with a ripe tomato)</p><p>Fresh onion, chopped or sliced</p><p>Cornmeal and flour</p><p>Buttermilk, whole milk or 2 raw eggs</p><p>Salt and pepper to taste</p><p>Cooking oil (vegetable, peanut oil or crisco)</p><p>1. Put about 1/2" - 1" of oil in a skillet. This will depend in how much okra you are cooking. (Iron skillset is best if you have one because the okra will turn out crisper and will cook more even). Turn the heat to medium hi so it can heat while you ate preparing the okra. Oil needs to be piping hot.</p><p>2. Place cut okra, tomatoes and onion in a bowl. Then pour about 2-3 tablespoons of buttermilk, whole milk or egg in the bowl and toss with a spoon or your hands, making sure the okra, tomatoes and onion are wet, but not too wet. (Just barely wet). </p><p>3. Then put about 3 tablespoons of cornmeal and 2 tablespoons of flour (self rising if you have it) into the bowl. You don't want too much of the dry ingredients, but make sure every little piece is covered so the okra won't stick together.</p><p>4. Next, salt the okra and add a little pepper if you want. Don't put too much salt because you can add more after it's done, if it needs more. For extra taste, add a little cayenne. </p><p>5. Place 1 piece of okra in the hot oil to see if it's hot enough. If it's not sizzling, it's not hot enough. The perfect temperature to cook fried okra would be 365° - 375° if you have a thermometer. Place just enough of the okra mix (that's been sifted in a colander to remove excess flour and cornmeal) in the pan to be a single layer. If you have a lot of okra mix, you'll have to cook it in 2 batches, because you do not want the okra to stick together. If you do it right, the okra will be floating around. </p><p>6. Fry the okra til it's done on the underside and then flip it over to cook the top. I like mine golden brown. Be patient! This takes a while. If its taking too long, it means your oil is not hot enough. Let the okra cool and dig in!</p><p><b>Note: </b>I always use fresh okra but this is the only time I've ever bought frozen breaded okra, so it would look better if it were fresh! If you do buy frozen, make sure it's thawed out first. </p><p>I finally found a YouTube video where a lady is cooking okra with tomatoes and onion! To see her version go to this <a href="https://youtu.be/gUO4BCvaPAo">link</a>. I wish I knew where she is from so I'd know which state my mom learned to cook her okra this way! If you try my recipe, please let me know what you think! By the way, I make okra patties too!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oLrmk3Yc-OImqeuVITj46NgiJfBZfsnkwMc8uZXG9-2oa02xZbLJ8nplAjgKLIwGaAXzn_HBjrxOmID55sifS3DOtqJi_lyavyI5eVX7DJ0DPt9UAToi8UtSJzB9DselzsIpF-YV_XO2OCtA3V0jMCtQhmJ0uHiJhcUSYwQTJTTlI9hlstFzHoVz/s1080/20221003_154648.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oLrmk3Yc-OImqeuVITj46NgiJfBZfsnkwMc8uZXG9-2oa02xZbLJ8nplAjgKLIwGaAXzn_HBjrxOmID55sifS3DOtqJi_lyavyI5eVX7DJ0DPt9UAToi8UtSJzB9DselzsIpF-YV_XO2OCtA3V0jMCtQhmJ0uHiJhcUSYwQTJTTlI9hlstFzHoVz/w400-h225/20221003_154648.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Another Fried Okra Recipe at<br /> <a href="https://youtu.be/gUO4BCvaPAo">Collard Valley Cooks</a></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Fried Okra with Tomatoes, Onions and Green Pepper Recipe, by Tammy at her "<a href="https://youtu.be/gUO4BCvaPAo"><b>Collard Valley Cooks" YouTube channel. </b></a></p><p><br /></p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-60578522935580772232022-09-27T10:21:00.003-07:002022-09-27T10:34:09.966-07:00Review of Colorful Crochet Lace by Desert Blossom Crafts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquv2Zzj6HzfWsuwZqbr8YGhThzZBXvtglFt-yJlB7ACH_YjyTo6jX8wtSdeUd_FrWrW2PfaMlzWMRkueFY7iP_qhIE3-kc2Vh5ehfBvgLYbK1puqRnkDPU3wG7vBaZgPfXGDQxdu03wEhRLBnmi9OqEZkoKB-yFrwypuq8eZQvFyMuKKbv1qjB1nB/s1470/20220927_125509.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquv2Zzj6HzfWsuwZqbr8YGhThzZBXvtglFt-yJlB7ACH_YjyTo6jX8wtSdeUd_FrWrW2PfaMlzWMRkueFY7iP_qhIE3-kc2Vh5ehfBvgLYbK1puqRnkDPU3wG7vBaZgPfXGDQxdu03wEhRLBnmi9OqEZkoKB-yFrwypuq8eZQvFyMuKKbv1qjB1nB/w470-h640/20220927_125509.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Colorful Crochet Lace book by Mary Jane Hall <br /><a href="https://desertblossomcrafts.com/best-crochet-books/#beginners">Review by Rachel at Dessert Blossom Crafts</a><br /><br /></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><ul><li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">🌲* </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Great Christmas idea for the Crocheter in your life! </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">* 🎅</span></b></span></li></ul></span><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: 0.42px;"><b>Colorful Crochet Lace</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.42px; margin-bottom: var(--global-md-spacing); margin-top: 0px;">The feel of Colorful Crochet Lace is actually pretty similar to the previous book mentioned—but with all different projects! The patterns included, written by Mary Jane Hall, are simply stunning. I mean, just look at that pineapple lace top on the cover! This is only a small sample of the gorgeous lace tops, scarves, bags, and dresses included in this book.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.42px; margin-bottom: var(--global-md-spacing); margin-top: 0px;">The feel of<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"> <a href="https://amzn.to/3rNxHIc" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; transition: all 0.1s linear 0s;" target="_blank">Colorful Crochet Lace</a></strong> is actually pretty similar to the previous book mentioned—but with all different projects! The patterns included, written by Mary Jane Hall, are simply stunning. I mean, just look at that pineapple lace top on the cover! This is only a small sample of the gorgeous lace tops, scarves, bags, and dresses included in this book. <a href="https://amzn.to/3Iu3qEW" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: pointer; transition: all 0.1s linear 0s;" target="_blank">Get yours here.</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #555555; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.42px; margin-bottom: var(--global-md-spacing); margin-top: 0px;">THANK YOU RACHEL! She has an awesome crochet blog <a href="https://desertblossomcrafts.com/best-crochet-books/#beginners">HERE</a>! Lots of crochet patterns and info. Follow her on <a href="https://instagram.com/desertblossomcrafts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/268012777342966/?ref=share">Facebook</a>!</p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-49619000664754769752022-08-08T00:24:00.005-07:002022-08-08T00:24:58.362-07:00Cucumber Salad<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgwUrXUM4gVMIMTqlLwCJTCkwoCt_-psIEg_HsuuXVJVf3ejKdDExt2pDMA9MfPx4qIPro1zKlEH4LwNveAgnu0oNU7_8_LHErSIxttC9nbK7D2JoesAMpZNG-dc3Mxq7ZISg3DbqXLAQytasEWXMO_FFxNxWUzXY1OUU80uRwRSSBvZb4YJX59Uy/s1104/20220808_031914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgwUrXUM4gVMIMTqlLwCJTCkwoCt_-psIEg_HsuuXVJVf3ejKdDExt2pDMA9MfPx4qIPro1zKlEH4LwNveAgnu0oNU7_8_LHErSIxttC9nbK7D2JoesAMpZNG-dc3Mxq7ZISg3DbqXLAQytasEWXMO_FFxNxWUzXY1OUU80uRwRSSBvZb4YJX59Uy/s320/20220808_031914.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Cucumber Salad</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>This is my own creation. I first started with basic cucumber salad recipes I found but just added the ingredients I like. My daughter, Jamie, loves it and I do too! It's just really refreshing and you feel good eating it, knowing it's healthy and good for you. It will go with just about any kind of meal but is also a fresh, cold salad for summer. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p_MX-o6lcqXGL4vW6tmwCH_BydoF9ACp5p0pW2S286s1N-BOJ3mCHzYKnRFuvXubmEopjdCV0AFGWtiYA87EiAE3omMtimpufKPKKoXHMSImW3L29Y3YBuW7dXt7FfdfSJeP_esBY0yEW9yfLYnBJ9ICHMfVwo9vXACVB4Iy0zxBsr22P0R778Rj/s1131/20220808_031827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1051" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p_MX-o6lcqXGL4vW6tmwCH_BydoF9ACp5p0pW2S286s1N-BOJ3mCHzYKnRFuvXubmEopjdCV0AFGWtiYA87EiAE3omMtimpufKPKKoXHMSImW3L29Y3YBuW7dXt7FfdfSJeP_esBY0yEW9yfLYnBJ9ICHMfVwo9vXACVB4Iy0zxBsr22P0R778Rj/s320/20220808_031827.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Cucumber/Tomato Salad with Mozzarella Cheese</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">Cucumber Tomato Salad</b></p><p>1 lg cucumber (sliced or cut into squares) I like to use English cucumbers but it's great with either kind</p><p>Grape tomatoes, cut in half</p><p>Sweet Vidalia onion or red onion (that's been soaked in cold water), cut in ½" small squares</p><p>Fresh mozzarella (or block) cut into small squares</p><p>1 Can garbanzo beans (chock peas) drained & rinsed</p><p>2 garlic cloves, diced/chopped</p><p>Salt and pepper</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Sauce</span></b></p><p>Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream</p><p>Lots of dill (fresh or dried)</p><p>Garlic powder</p><p>Onion powder</p><p>Salt and pepper</p><p>Fresh lemon juice</p><p>1 tsp sugar</p><p>Optional: Avocado, diced or sliced, A little mayo</p><p>Mix the vegetables and cheese together and stir in the sauce.</p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-92202490938900675402022-08-01T18:36:00.001-07:002022-08-01T18:54:44.327-07:00Unstuffed Pork Chops<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlitxLnl9dF-vlH2_KM_8J9TG8m3GAVD0c8UwaRd6ljQq5nF8WfqjEiAqsotEoDUjbMQFvwC2v_7lzEQS67N9tFRP5YHx1Krmas8uI_BiTLx_iEme6TQgU9WOLsXRHkgOEGsYCB6IIfEApsOVeOvk8CFon3Ana-zu4asjovrSrfMyEWO2NHW6aC-V3/s1080/20220801_210650.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1080" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlitxLnl9dF-vlH2_KM_8J9TG8m3GAVD0c8UwaRd6ljQq5nF8WfqjEiAqsotEoDUjbMQFvwC2v_7lzEQS67N9tFRP5YHx1Krmas8uI_BiTLx_iEme6TQgU9WOLsXRHkgOEGsYCB6IIfEApsOVeOvk8CFon3Ana-zu4asjovrSrfMyEWO2NHW6aC-V3/s320/20220801_210650.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Unstuffed Pork Chops<br />This picture is from the time I used the <br />large chops on the bone</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>We had mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables with this. </p><h3 class="wprm-recipe-header wprm-recipe-ingredients-header wprm-block-text-bold wprm-align-left wprm-header-decoration-none" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1.2em 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">Ingredients</h3><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;"><ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: aleo, serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 31px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin-block: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" data-uid="0" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">6</span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> pork chops</span> </li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" data-uid="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">box (6 oz)</span> cornbread<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> stuffing mix</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" data-uid="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 cup water</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" data-uid="4" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" data-uid="6" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"> Chopped dried onion, dehydrated</li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" data-uid="8" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">2 <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tablespoons butter</span> </li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" data-uid="10" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">can (10.75 ounces)</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cream of mushroom soup</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" data-uid="12" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">½ <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">milk + enough water to finish filling up the empty soup can. <b>Note:</b> put the ½ cup milk in the empty soup can first then finish filling it up with water. </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7iIv3ribJTkHd7pZhWSkHNaBV54U0SqHeHa56yE3-HjFSAxXe4wZU5rnX66mQ8lpxHDzzSRhgwyw7pLLrHmeuLva6OMvlDWEe1nCUbJtz0-Kt0WsAmdq_Ceh9-W2FMNmhd06zOXH4BUj05K38rk24BQz0INMe8gB_1AleOhe9H3tDrCnX_4tjdTV/s2976/20220801_193745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="2976" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7iIv3ribJTkHd7pZhWSkHNaBV54U0SqHeHa56yE3-HjFSAxXe4wZU5rnX66mQ8lpxHDzzSRhgwyw7pLLrHmeuLva6OMvlDWEe1nCUbJtz0-Kt0WsAmdq_Ceh9-W2FMNmhd06zOXH4BUj05K38rk24BQz0INMe8gB_1AleOhe9H3tDrCnX_4tjdTV/s320/20220801_193745.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the stuffing on top of the chops without <br />the mushroom soup mixture</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Put butter in frying pan and let it melt on medium high heat. Add salt and pepper to pork chops and place in the hot frying pan for about 4 minutes on each side. They don't need to cook all the way because they will finish cooking in the oven. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Preheat oven to 350º (375º in my oven)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">While pork chops are browning, put dry stuffing in a bowl with 1 cup water and stir to soften. After pork chops are browned, place them in a 9" x 13" baking pan. (I got 8 smaller pork chops in my pan). Put some of the dehydrated onion on top of each pork chop, then place stuffing mix evenly on top of each chop. Now mix mushroom soup with water and milk, stirring with a whisk to combine. Pour mushroom soup mixture evenly over pork chops and stuffing. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Take foil off and continue to bake for 5-10 more minutes or til soup is thickened. Let it sit 5 minutes before serving.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>Note: </b>if you can find the thicker pork chops, you can split them in half and stuff them with the stuffing.This is an easy meal and I hope you enjoy it! </span></div><div><br /></div></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-24404764669315342632022-07-30T21:08:00.002-07:002022-09-18T16:34:51.997-07:00Keto Chicken Salad<p> I'm crazy about this salad! My daughter, Jamie, and I had it at a local restaurant in Beavercreek, Ohio called the Cherry House Cafe and immediately loved it. I told myself I had to write down all the ingredients so I could try and duplicate it. Well, I hit it on the mark! I've already fixed it 3 times and it tastes exactly like their salad. I'll try to get a better picture next time. It was much prettier before I mixed it up!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1_NQuewjq83TdPE10623WzWUeNywTOdw5_a6tvJC9t5CXUw0dNU6vEwQZ93_FuEi85c8wQ4JclXwj4qVUT_WPSLGjt4_zj6fRgDE5Qcg7ICPV07iN870xhakdJcqnE2y4IHC_9gOL01715RuF71ty-Aq639aIrMg404wmghWtLfk3KxG6PukzW7L/s3024/20220730_232409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2703" data-original-width="3024" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1_NQuewjq83TdPE10623WzWUeNywTOdw5_a6tvJC9t5CXUw0dNU6vEwQZ93_FuEi85c8wQ4JclXwj4qVUT_WPSLGjt4_zj6fRgDE5Qcg7ICPV07iN870xhakdJcqnE2y4IHC_9gOL01715RuF71ty-Aq639aIrMg404wmghWtLfk3KxG6PukzW7L/s320/20220730_232409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Keto Chicken Salad - low carb with lots of protein</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Salad Greens (I use Romaine and spinach)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chicken, cooked (I use frozen grilled chicken pieces or strips)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Bacon, cooked & broken into small pieces </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cherry tomatoes, cut in half</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Red onion, sliced (soaked in cold water to take out the hotness) or you could use Vidalia sweet onion or sliced green onions</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Avocado, cut into ½" squares</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheddar cheese, grated </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Toasted slivered almonds (I added this and love the crunch!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ranch Salad Dressing (I make up the dressing with the spices from the ranch packets and it's so much better than bottled dressing. You add mayonnaise and cream or half and half.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Optimal: hard boiled eggs, if you want even more protein</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I put greens on each plate and then pile the ingredients on top of each one, rather than make 1 big bowl of it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-55340639172496385122022-07-25T16:13:00.003-07:002022-07-25T16:20:46.774-07:00Le Chocolat Lace Crochet Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I'm sure you can tell that I just love lace and I love designing garments and accessories with intricate patterns. I've heard many people say they are afraid to try making a lace crochet project, because they shy away from working with thread. That's the very reason I wanted to give my readers some lace projects with yarn and also some that are really open so they wouldn't take forever to finish! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Le Chocolat Skirt in <br />Colorful Crochet Lace <br />by Mary Jane Hall<br />Pattern is for sizes xsmall - 2x</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The skirt is shown in the picture with leggings, but I also think the skirt would look great over a longer full skirt with a peticoat underneath! I designed this the same as you woukd work a doily, in the round, so if it lies flat, it's a complete circle. you could also use this as a swim suit cover or poncho!</span><br /><div style="text-align: start;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This is the swatch I made when creating this skirt overlay. I chose a #2 sport weight cotton yarn. It is definitely the softest cotton yarn I have ever used and my fingers loved working with it! Many cotton yarns are stiff, as you may know. If you have the book and you decide to make this, please post it on Ravelry, your blog or FaceBook and tag me so I can see it.</span></div>
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<br />Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-39132726665823524592022-06-28T10:17:00.009-07:002022-06-30T13:08:47.218-07:00Scrap Yarn Ball Crochet <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt931FWC5BeiFOdBps65uzg78654qlDqqU5BuSJjmLZRdMzlw5KCv7wm6HN5RIvPsJevoJsU6GYoKNZuYmWfAEmL8Hf-q13XAShDRtguxbzwRq3KqXYJwSQdy1rNWgmIaC5claAe6Tvc/s1600/P1020896.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt931FWC5BeiFOdBps65uzg78654qlDqqU5BuSJjmLZRdMzlw5KCv7wm6HN5RIvPsJevoJsU6GYoKNZuYmWfAEmL8Hf-q13XAShDRtguxbzwRq3KqXYJwSQdy1rNWgmIaC5claAe6Tvc/s320/P1020896.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Scrap Yarn Ball put Together<br />At <a href="https://crochetbug.com/scrap-crochet-present-scrap-crochet-future/">Crochet Bug</a></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever wondered what to do with your leftover yarn? It may not be enough to make any one item but the "Magic Ball" is fun and a good way to use up your yarn without throwing it away. <div><br /></div><div>Just take all your scraps of yarn and tie them together (Random colors), and roll that up in a ball as you go. You can make the cutest sweaters, bags and hats with this tied up scraps of yarn. It's fun to see what people come up with. What prompted me to do this post was the Scrap Yarn Hat (below) that I found at a thrift store!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e0y0SId4b_ZD1Cleis5YH9Igq7vdLV5LESDN1PR-B2WsYuiZYSKp8HyCgwZy9dcyJUiRUgHrgTKRCMD8Y3D6c2e31rFhKlUUG-taZPA9XTyy9d3-rxyU-XsgbbIBbI3cqNqxCDvg_2_yFYinwQpNIr2I2GobbXcMldufZ3vbsmv8KBJ0wJxuEZEQ/s616/20220628_131016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e0y0SId4b_ZD1Cleis5YH9Igq7vdLV5LESDN1PR-B2WsYuiZYSKp8HyCgwZy9dcyJUiRUgHrgTKRCMD8Y3D6c2e31rFhKlUUG-taZPA9XTyy9d3-rxyU-XsgbbIBbI3cqNqxCDvg_2_yFYinwQpNIr2I2GobbXcMldufZ3vbsmv8KBJ0wJxuEZEQ/w324-h400/20220628_131016.jpg" width="324" /></span></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Mihaela Văduva Voss<br />Wearing the Scrap Yarn Hat</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>You can join the yarn with the "scrappy/rustic" look with the ends exposed, but there are other ways to join the yarn so the ends are not showing. Below are some ways to do this and where you can find tutorials. Below that are some examples of the things you can make with scrap yarn! For many more see my boards on Pinterest!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mary Jane Hall's Pinterest Board</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <a href="https://pin.it/1RxizMZ">Scrap Yarn Projects</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">How to Join Yarn With </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">the Magic Knot at </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Raffam USA Designs</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiT7fK4AX7i4GYLzORt2Z4-8lPAb2wW_Ja_n-Vx-TFN8xJGpbiM9pGxe323chRxTgAj62ZzwxUvbOvO0TOVKYW8i1jlZ6FRaKFFsLt1EyNFGRfpMuPM3A3DyAUgoM5jbGEy0-ChbBrlaYlZNWq2UE4AMGJSNyRVmzMqlvAJrBu7mKTO-nWBSEwUO3/s2896/20220630_152000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2896" data-original-width="2896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiT7fK4AX7i4GYLzORt2Z4-8lPAb2wW_Ja_n-Vx-TFN8xJGpbiM9pGxe323chRxTgAj62ZzwxUvbOvO0TOVKYW8i1jlZ6FRaKFFsLt1EyNFGRfpMuPM3A3DyAUgoM5jbGEy0-ChbBrlaYlZNWq2UE4AMGJSNyRVmzMqlvAJrBu7mKTO-nWBSEwUO3/s320/20220630_152000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://raffamusadesigns.com/how-to-join-yarn-with-the-magic-knot/">https://raffamusadesigns.com/how-to-join-yarn-with-the-magic-knot/</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The Russian Join Tutorial</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopkpeOQTXSG7LpwFcJbkQRc0c_EeOqaI-FL32sJM9IA8v-y2uL6T8gI-Yb8soH6gDsKL8v2kMd8qXa-5ZX59MS8EM0LUIg_oTMnkffP5PiVM6w15KDXK3wqdcJcoxptemPhfg80lCV0RV6G4dKZAxi7NfwXfD4KhBMVD-5FgMuqbuy5lQhmZDQEtC/s753/20220630_152810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopkpeOQTXSG7LpwFcJbkQRc0c_EeOqaI-FL32sJM9IA8v-y2uL6T8gI-Yb8soH6gDsKL8v2kMd8qXa-5ZX59MS8EM0LUIg_oTMnkffP5PiVM6w15KDXK3wqdcJcoxptemPhfg80lCV0RV6G4dKZAxi7NfwXfD4KhBMVD-5FgMuqbuy5lQhmZDQEtC/s320/20220630_152810.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirella Moments<br /><a href="https://mirellamoments.com/how-to-join-yarn-russian-join/">https://mirellamoments.com/how-to-join-yarn-russian-join/</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Why not try it? Here are some examples of what you can make.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm8rUZMb-hCEIi2s8pAPGBcX8nZDghuDmvE1lAqJ0nt7a1ivJZN3WHKCvPu9R8jUSLJLuQ0mP0365-QAHLRbItyiFosKQX9hAxFH8Xjo-liLN7mwdiOO-1CUFWizbHib32VFt4xTEILzMec73T6syMtMZcSbiLoGDEeXGe8mOY6ZaFTgXXfJ9lXbs/s594/20220630_154744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="490" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJm8rUZMb-hCEIi2s8pAPGBcX8nZDghuDmvE1lAqJ0nt7a1ivJZN3WHKCvPu9R8jUSLJLuQ0mP0365-QAHLRbItyiFosKQX9hAxFH8Xjo-liLN7mwdiOO-1CUFWizbHib32VFt4xTEILzMec73T6syMtMZcSbiLoGDEeXGe8mOY6ZaFTgXXfJ9lXbs/s320/20220630_154744.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schachenmayr<br />https://schachenmayr.com/en/free-patterns/colorful-flower-bag-s9023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B8cXJdx1F8YZJowzH1M7-uaTfBBK5LAuWeR0yupmLJ2yCUSOz2LFPUechsH6Q-cLK2F5lOKe1hM_-KMeEtbPhXpTdERMsw-xdXvqWznwhuuh1vk9g1qmykCHuS6mCCIyvAVFGgf7Xbzl79XD3RE8tIB4Te9h-IBkzHEB4us7miX7Af_MrC2vnwHx/s881/20220628_125836.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="871" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B8cXJdx1F8YZJowzH1M7-uaTfBBK5LAuWeR0yupmLJ2yCUSOz2LFPUechsH6Q-cLK2F5lOKe1hM_-KMeEtbPhXpTdERMsw-xdXvqWznwhuuh1vk9g1qmykCHuS6mCCIyvAVFGgf7Xbzl79XD3RE8tIB4Te9h-IBkzHEB4us7miX7Af_MrC2vnwHx/s320/20220628_125836.jpg" width="316" /></b></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><b>Go to this link for more info<br /><a href="https://crochetbug.com/scrap-crochet-present-scrap-crochet-future/">https://crochetbug.com/scrap-crochet-present-scrap-crochet-future/</a></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div> More on scrap yarn projects. </div><div>Go here: <a href="http://www.crochetbug.com/tag/magic-ball/page/2/">http://www.crochetbug.com/tag/magic-ball/page/2/</a></div></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-75340627294646808122022-06-13T17:20:00.003-07:002022-06-18T12:57:35.789-07:00Italian Pasta Hamburger Helper<p> *Easy One Pot 30 Minute Meal*</p><p>I normally spend 2-3 hrs in the kitchen, cooking, eating and then cleaning up but lately I've been trying to fix dishes that don't take quite as long. This is a delicious, easy one! I couldn't find a recipe with ingredients I wanted to use, so I came up with it in my own. It was a hit!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_dOFoNtL3RfwuT8TT5lZBoxyXBh280A6iAkLx29Kh1aPS2vdiakgz1HmfSFLRlI7cuAQ-doX19rBxDVLZqg149zPretVdpMm7-1kRLMS1t48zgcjJBMJRMkenStkI_gH80ejE1yCqyr5iy7bD3GvvM7Rw_PH09j6B_OLAhehoBriV8gPAIUxKIGF/s2856/20220618_153945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2732" data-original-width="2856" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_dOFoNtL3RfwuT8TT5lZBoxyXBh280A6iAkLx29Kh1aPS2vdiakgz1HmfSFLRlI7cuAQ-doX19rBxDVLZqg149zPretVdpMm7-1kRLMS1t48zgcjJBMJRMkenStkI_gH80ejE1yCqyr5iy7bD3GvvM7Rw_PH09j6B_OLAhehoBriV8gPAIUxKIGF/w320-h306/20220618_153945.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3</span><span style="font-size: medium;">0 Minute Italian Pasta <br />One Pot Meal </span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span>Italian Pasta Hamburger Helper </span><span>(serves about 6 hungry people)</span></p><p>* 1-1½ lbs ground beef</p><p>* 12 oz spiral pasta (also called rotini or corkscrew)</p><p>* ½-¾ cup onion chopped</p><p>* 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped</p><p>* 1 cup mushrooms, optional</p><p>* 1-10oz can Rotel (tomatoes + chilis) or 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained</p><p>* 1- 6oz can tomato paste or tomato sauce</p><p>* 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)</p><p><b>Note: </b>if it looks like there won't be enough liquid to cook pasta, add a little water. It does not have to be completely covered with water. The steam with the lid on should coook it, but make sure to stir it occasionally.</p><p>* Spices to taste - salt, pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder</p><p>* Optional: Greek yogurt (full fat), sour cream, half and half or cream cheese (if you want thisd dish to be creamy)</p><p>* Mozzarella or cheddar cheese (to add at end or put on each serving)</p><p><b>INSTRUCTIONS</b></p><p>1. Cook ground beef in large 12" skillet. Drain fat. </p><p>2. Add onions, mushrooms and garlic cooking til tender. </p><p>3. Add Rotel and tomato paste. Stir and add spices. I added 1 tsp of sugar too. </p><p>4. Add broth and pasta. Cover with lid, heating till pasta is tender, stirring occasionally, 13- 15 minutes. </p><p>5. Add cheese to top or on each serving. You can put sliced green onions or fresh parsley on top for color.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-46185679147923851642022-06-07T13:42:00.011-07:002022-06-09T15:22:49.141-07:00My Favorite Moo Goo Gai Pan<p> To see more of my Recipes, look at the column to right of this post and scroll down. There are Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Thai, Filipino, Romanian and Southern Cooking Recipes.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfAySnE8jrrbWzv5TN2V1-QiHJ60KU7QWxQEjogIfwLfYShWtKlhbXrA-bhc2vtQNgTRXjjxRRzwVEasbgGE5VFb9XKE9ORjHzltJIDohDQQ3JcO8b-hOZI60WwUMSOuYwBGNWPvg9LxERtV-f0ZAY2ugEhDwMQHvK9PyqX8abEGfLcIc9Odb76rh/s1137/20220606_191519.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfAySnE8jrrbWzv5TN2V1-QiHJ60KU7QWxQEjogIfwLfYShWtKlhbXrA-bhc2vtQNgTRXjjxRRzwVEasbgGE5VFb9XKE9ORjHzltJIDohDQQ3JcO8b-hOZI60WwUMSOuYwBGNWPvg9LxERtV-f0ZAY2ugEhDwMQHvK9PyqX8abEGfLcIc9Odb76rh/s320/20220606_191519.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Moo Goo Gai Pan<br /></span><b>(Served over White Rice)</b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Note</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This will take approx 1½ hrs to make, unless you cut up the vegetables and chicken the night before, but once everything is cut up and the sauce is mixed up it takes only about 20 mins to cook everything together in the wok or large skillet. <br />Even though his dish ordered in a Chinese restaurant doesn't have a lot of flavor, it's the healthiest of them all. I assure you, this sauce has more flavor. The Chinese cooking wine is optional but I think it helps add to the flavor. Also some people may not like sesame oil as much as I do but that's what gives it an authentic taste. I'd never make any Chinese dish without it!<br /><br />Serves 5-6<br />Double this recipe if you like large servings and want leftovers. I usually make 1½ of this recipe (1 recipe + half of that) for 5 adults and there is always plenty. You might even want to just double the sauce.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 class="wprm-recipe-header wprm-recipe-ingredients-header wprm-block-text-bold wprm-align-left wprm-header-decoration-none" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: none; color: #a32e14; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 20px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1.2em 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;"><b style="background-color: white;">INGREDIENTS</b><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></h3><div><br /></div><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">* 1 lb<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> chicken breasts (or tenderloins), thinly sliced "against the grain" (see the video at bottom of this post how to do that and tenderize below for 30 mins ahead of time)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="1 large egg white" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-1" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>To tenderize chicken</b> - mix the following 2 items in with the chicken (making sure it's all coated) and put in refrigerator for 30 mins. </span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1 egg white (I've used the whole egg and it was fine, but actually you don't even need to add the egg. Most Chinese only use cornstarch to "velvetize" the chicken but some add other things for more flavor)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon of cornstarch divided use" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-2" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1-2 </span>Tb corn starch or baking soda </li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><b>Note:</b> there are tons of videos on YouTube on how to do this. There are many different ways. Some people add rice vinegar, soy sauce or Chinese cooking wine to give the chicken more flavor. Sometimes I might add one of those but it's not really necessary. If using cornstarch you don't need to rinse the chicken after 30 mins but if using baking soda, you will need to rinse the chicken and pat it dry before cooking)</li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><br /></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="1 tablespoon vegetable oil divided use" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-3" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1</span> Tb avocado oil or <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">veg. oil</span> </li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="2 teaspoons minced garlic" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-4" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*3 </span>tsps chopped<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> garlic</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="1 teaspoon minced ginger" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-5" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*½-1 tsp minced ginger (I use the tube you can buy in the produce dept)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="2 cups of sliced mushrooms" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-6" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cups</span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> sliced mushrooms (I use Shitake or Bella but you can also use canned)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="1 cup of snow peas" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-7" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1½-2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cups</span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> snow peas (the flat ones-not sugar snap peas)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="1/2 cup of thinly sliced carrots" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-8" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*¾-1 </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> thinly sliced carrots</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1 cup baby bok choy, cut into 1" squares</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="1 8-ounce can of sliced water chestnuts drained" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-9" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">can sliced water chestnuts, drained </span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="1 8-ounce can of sliced bamboo shoots drained" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-10" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">can bamboo shoots, drained</span> </li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">* 1 can Baby corn, drained</li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">*Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><b>Note:</b> You don't have to put all these vegetables in. Just use the ones you like, but the pea pods and carrots give it color.</li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><b>For Garnish on top</b>: </li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">Chopped green onions and toasted Sesame seeds (Asian section of store)</li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>SAUCE </b></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">(Mix this ahead of time, while chicken is cooking)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">*1½ cups</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;"> </span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">chicken stock or broth (I use the instant granules in the jar)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">*3 tsps <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">sugar</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1 Tbs Chinese cooking wine (I use ShoaXing - see note below)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-checkbox-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; left: -32px; line-height: 0.9em; margin-left: -16px; position: absolute; top: 0.25em;"><input aria-label="1 tablespoon soy sauce" class="wprm-checkbox" id="wprm-checkbox-13" style="background-color: white; border-color: rgb(178, 190, 197); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #555555; font-family: Biryani; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; opacity: 0; padding: 0px; width: 16px;" type="checkbox" /><label class="wprm-checkbox-label" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 26px; position: relative;"></label></span><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">*1½</span> Tbs Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce </li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">*5 tsps <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">sesame oil (it's imperative that it is "toasted" sesame oil. I bought some 1 time that didn't say toasted and it had no flavor and was just like other oils but the "toasted" is used just for flavoring)</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2vHML7x-QZYJecULrwWlssBpcqcWcDLAgUiJaaPG5e6X8fq4_2zTiz-mmEj1Vg6o-nBi5OLNeFtQGNeCffwQUp23R4_FaWSZbHC6Wcu2VVoD3LFIOHhfeNb2j5CQ0_S2GRuGhdBCD1ATsiUQCDdQjWIEhj95CpIW3jEzpb1eVSaJGGjkBIVvMiyf/s2984/20220606_191905.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2758" data-original-width="2984" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2vHML7x-QZYJecULrwWlssBpcqcWcDLAgUiJaaPG5e6X8fq4_2zTiz-mmEj1Vg6o-nBi5OLNeFtQGNeCffwQUp23R4_FaWSZbHC6Wcu2VVoD3LFIOHhfeNb2j5CQ0_S2GRuGhdBCD1ATsiUQCDdQjWIEhj95CpIW3jEzpb1eVSaJGGjkBIVvMiyf/s320/20220606_191905.jpg" width="320" /></span></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mary Jane's Moo Goo Gai Pan (translated Chicken with Mushrooms)</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></li></ul><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>INSTRUCTIONS </b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>Note: </b>I usually put the rice on to cook after I set the chicken aside to tenderize. I cook 2 cups "dry" rice (with designated amount of water) which is supposed to make about 6 cups cooked rice but seems like there's never enough rice so next time I'm going to make more rice)</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></div><div><ul class="wprm-recipe-instructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-block: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">Whisk together the egg and 1 tb cornstarch. Coat the chicken using a spoon or your hand. Set aside for 20-30 mins. After 30 mins drain out any excess liquid, but do not rinse chicken. (unless tenderiziing with baking soda)</div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">In wok or large pan, heat 2 tsps avocado or veg oil over med heat. Add carrots, bok choy (if using) and 2 Tbs of water. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. (You do not want to cook them till done because they'll cook more later and are supposed to be crisp).</div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">Add fresh mushrooms and cook for 3 mins til mushrooms are tender. If using canned, add them in next step.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">Stir in water chestnuts, bamboo shoots and/or baby corn. (if using canned mushrooms add them now too). </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">Add snow peas and cook 1 minute.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;"> Season vegetables to taste with salt and pepper.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">Remove vegetables from pan and place in a bowl. Cover to keep them warm. Veg will be</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;"> added to chicken after its cooked.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-5" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">Put 1 Tb oil in wok and heat on med high heat.</div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-6" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">Add chicken to pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, til chicken is cooked through, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 min more or til pink is gone in chicken. </div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-7" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">While chicken is cooking, make the sauce - in a bowl whisk together chicken stock, sugar, coconut aminos (or soy sauce) and toasted sesame oil. Taste to see if you need more of any ingredient. Whisk in 1 tablespoons cornstarch. Set aside.</div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-8" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">Add vegetables to pan with cooked chicken and heat everything together about 1 min. Stir sauce again and pour in pan and heat, stirring about <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">1 minute or til sauce starts to thicken.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-9" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;">Serve immediately, over rice, because you don't want the vegetables to get cooked anymore. Add chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to top of each serving. </div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-9" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;"><b>Important: </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">The key to making this dish good is to NOT cook the vegetables too long. You want them to be crisp and crunchy.</span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-9" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;"><b>Where to Find Chinese Ingredients: </b>most of the ingredients you need to make any Chinese dish can be bought in the Asian section of your grocery store, but if you have an an Asian grocery store near you, they should most definitely have everything you need. </span></div></li><li class="wprm-recipe-instruction" id="wprm-recipe-6761-step-0-9" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 32px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-text" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>Video</b> on how to cut the chicken against the grain and also how to tenderize the chicken or what the Chinese call "velveting". </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Lora, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><a href="https://youtu.be/G5UvqrlI_MM">https://youtu.be/G5UvqrlI_MM</a> <b> Another good video:</b> <a href="https://youtu.be/GfPNbtCJqOk">https://youtu.be/GfPNbtCJqOk</a></span></span></div></li></ul></div></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-45850695818766417372022-05-20T03:51:00.002-07:002023-10-24T09:06:55.553-07:00White Chicken Chili with Salsa Verde and Beans<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZINkimArOaHMdqyKeRXUYUc7lGNXD10aeKcEDByVROd66OodnvG3uZZi7brBAl6GEycjVkxEGD_7h6l5efQ2SDLS2mjFcccuLjZI96a_QJGoq3AyFpdvdu6hu0XneRkAYz6wmYs5cjBqyerykEvfEjdR7AjzhLsNtrlHgAetUzkDF5kpdsFeeWKkD=s1801" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="1801" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZINkimArOaHMdqyKeRXUYUc7lGNXD10aeKcEDByVROd66OodnvG3uZZi7brBAl6GEycjVkxEGD_7h6l5efQ2SDLS2mjFcccuLjZI96a_QJGoq3AyFpdvdu6hu0XneRkAYz6wmYs5cjBqyerykEvfEjdR7AjzhLsNtrlHgAetUzkDF5kpdsFeeWKkD=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">White Chicken Chili with Green <br />Salsa and Beans</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>I've made White Chicken Chill before but couldn't find the recipe I liked on Pinterest. So I decided to just make my own and now it's my favorite! Everyone was raving about it, saying "You've got to make this again!" I didn't want to forget what I used so decided to put it here on my blog while it's still fresh in my mind. I hope you like it! Sorry i didn't write down the amounts of each thing.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">White Chicken Chili</span></b></p><p>Onions, garlic (saute with olive oil)</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Add:</span></b> chicken broth, 1 jar green chili salsa, cream of chicken soup, corn, beans (white or black), sour cream, cream cheese, Rotel (optional) cheddar cheese. You could add cumin and chili powder like I've done before, but this time I didn't do that).</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Then add:</span></b> cooked chicken (I used rotisserie chicken), lime juice to taste.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Serve with (on top):</span></b> diced avocado, tortilla chips, more cheese and cilantro if desired.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4419575096636229516.post-81165414630112968212021-12-22T13:37:00.002-08:002021-12-22T13:42:45.725-08:00Newsboy Cap in Positively Crochet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD00TGyxCxQ6ewfukd-srn6CTD-3v3T6_VoRzSBp9rJRl1ZxDzc1JF3-0xCfUOZkctyDyQrK9loM1yRRVzqfliWoUaBDor5FAXoMSrCRxCYttJ32jit-3PgaAPo1vOo_jo3NIUeYoFHs4/s1204/20211103_203428.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1176" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD00TGyxCxQ6ewfukd-srn6CTD-3v3T6_VoRzSBp9rJRl1ZxDzc1JF3-0xCfUOZkctyDyQrK9loM1yRRVzqfliWoUaBDor5FAXoMSrCRxCYttJ32jit-3PgaAPo1vOo_jo3NIUeYoFHs4/w391-h400/20211103_203428.jpg" width="391" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Newsboy Cap in<br />Positively Crochet!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>
The picture of this hat in the book, Positively Crochet! shows the model wearing a belt to match. The publisher did not have room to put that pattern in the book so they asked me to put the pattern here on my blog. The pattern for the belt is <a href="http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.com/2011/02/free-crochet-pattern-circles-belt.html?m=0"><b>here</b></a>.<div><br /></div><div>I used Lion Brand Bouclé Solids yarn on this project. It is a super bulky yarn which causes the pattern to go much faster, but at the same time, it's more difficult to see the stitches and you kind of have to go by "feel". This is not as hard as it sounds and doesn't take long to get the hang of it. One reason this hat is much easier that anything else that's round or in a circle, is because there are "sets" of stitches that you work, then there's a ridge, then you do the exact same set of sts over and over all around, so you're not having to count a lot of sts around the whole circle, which is so easy to lose count somertimes, as I'm sure you know. See more info below. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="show view_core_item view_core_item--legacy core_item_content" style="background-color: white; flex-grow: 1; float: left; font-family: Inter, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 14px; margin-right: 32px; margin-top: 0px; width: 427.359px;"><h2 class="rsp_hidden" style="font-size: 1.42857rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">Newsboy Cap</h2><div class="pattern_author core_item_content__attribution" style="margin-bottom: 24px; margin-top: -10px;">by <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/designers/mary-jane-hall">Mary Jane Hall</a></div><div class="fields core_item_inner core_item_content__fields" style="float: none; margin-right: 32px; margin-top: 0px; width: 427.359px;"><fieldset style="border-color: initial; border-style: none; border-width: initial; margin: 4px 4px 2em 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="field core_item_content__field" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border-tabular-data); clear: both; line-height: var(--line-height-base); min-height: 22px; padding: 3px 3px 3px 0px;"><label class="core_item_content__label" style="color: var(--color-core-item-label); float: left; font-size: 1em; padding-right: 5px; width: 140px;">Published in</label><div class="value" style="margin-left: 155px;"><div class="source" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="true" class="inline icon_16 o-icon--booklet_alternate o-icon o-icon--xs" height="16" src="https://style-cdn.ravelrycache.com/images/assets/icons/labels/booklets.svg?v=28" style="background-color: var(--color-background); border: 0px; display: inline; height: 16px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;" title="Printed: this source is a book, magazine, or pamphlet" width="16" /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/positively-crochet">Positively Crochet!</a></div></div></div><div class="field core_item_content__field" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border-tabular-data); clear: both; line-height: var(--line-height-base); min-height: 22px; padding: 3px 3px 3px 0px;"><label class="core_item_content__label" style="color: var(--color-core-item-label); float: left; font-size: 1em; padding-right: 5px; width: 140px;">Craft</label><div class="value" style="margin-left: 155px;">Crochet</div></div><div class="field core_item_content__field" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border-tabular-data); clear: both; line-height: var(--line-height-base); min-height: 22px; padding: 3px 3px 3px 0px;"><label class="core_item_content__label" style="color: var(--color-core-item-label); float: left; font-size: 1em; padding-right: 5px; width: 140px;">Category</label><div class="value" style="margin-left: 155px;"><div class="category"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/popular/beret-tam">Hat → Beret, Tam</a></div></div></div><div class="field core_item_content__field" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border-tabular-data); clear: both; line-height: var(--line-height-base); min-height: 22px; padding: 3px 3px 3px 0px;"><label class="core_item_content__label" style="color: var(--color-core-item-label); float: left; font-size: 1em; padding-right: 5px; width: 140px;">Published</label><div class="value" style="margin-left: 155px;">August 2007</div></div><div class="field core_item_content__field" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border-tabular-data); clear: both; line-height: var(--line-height-base); min-height: 22px; padding: 3px 3px 3px 0px;"><label class="core_item_content__label" style="color: var(--color-core-item-label); float: left; font-size: 1em; padding-right: 5px; width: 140px;">Suggested yarn</label><div class="value core_item_content__value" style="margin-left: 155px;">Lion Brand Boucle Solid</div><div class="value core_item_content__value" style="margin-left: 155px;"></div></div><div class="field core_item_content__field" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border-tabular-data); clear: both; line-height: var(--line-height-base); min-height: 22px; padding: 3px 3px 3px 0px;"><label class="core_item_content__label" style="color: var(--color-core-item-label); float: left; font-size: 1em; padding-right: 5px; width: 140px;">Yarn weight</label><div class="value" style="margin-left: 155px;">Super Bulky (5-6 wpi) <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/newsboy-cap-2#">?</a></div></div><div class="field core_item_content__field core_item_content__field--languages" id="language_field" style="border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-border-tabular-data); clear: both; line-height: var(--line-height-base); min-height: 22px; padding: 3px 3px 3px 0px;"><label class="core_item_content__label" style="color: var(--color-core-item-label); float: left; font-size: 1em; padding-right: 5px; width: 140px;">Languages</label><div class="value" style="margin-left: 155px;"><span class="core_item_content__field__language" style="display: block; padding-right: 0.5em;"><img alt="Flag of English" height="12" src="https://style-cdn.ravelrycache.com/images/assets/flags/gb.svg" style="background-color: var(--color-background); border: none; display: inline; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px;" title="Flag of English" width="16" />English<a class="with_img" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/newsboy-cap-2#" id="similar_search_link" style="background-color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 1rem; height: 17px; line-height: 17px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;"> </a></span></div></div></fieldset></div><div class="notes markdown core_item_content__text_block core_item_content__text_block--notes" style="line-height: var(--line-height-base); margin-top: 15px; max-width: 500px; overflow: hidden;"><p style="font-size: 1em; line-height: var(--line-height-base); margin-bottom: var(--line-height-base-rem) !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Even though boucle yarn makes it difficult to see the stitches, this hat is worked in such as way that makes it very easy to follow.<br style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1em;" />I found an error on round 1, so please see the corrections on my blog <a href="http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.com/2012/08/corrections-for-patterns.html">HERE</a> before making this hat. A section in parentheses was left off.</p><p style="font-size: 1em; line-height: var(--line-height-base); margin-bottom: var(--line-height-base-rem) !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">You may be like me and do not like working with boucle yarn. It seems like it would be difficult to work especially in the round with this hat. But it’s not as difficult as you may think. You do have to kind of feel the stitches, but it’s not hard to keep up with the number of stitches, because there is a space between each set of stitches that make up a pie shape. Just as the puff stitches do that with the purple newsboy cap (making it easy to count) that’s what the spaces do on the pink hat. You can’t see the spaces right now because when I was finished making it, I took yarn and wove it through the spaces, making a ridge as I was covering up the holes.</p><p style="font-size: 1em; line-height: var(--line-height-base); margin-bottom: var(--line-height-base-rem) !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Many have asked about the belt shown. The instructions for the belt are not in the book, but they are listed on my blog <a href="http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.ca/2011/02/free-crochet-pattern-circles-belt.html">HERE</a>.<br style="font-size: 1em; line-height: 1em;" />Please let me know if you have any questions.</p></div></div></div>Mary Jane Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12392267731124773647noreply@blogger.com0