I Needed My Wellies

I woke up this morning at 5:45 a.m. and started making scones at 6. That's right! Today was the big day--The Irish Fair and baking contest in Saint Paul.


I've been working on two scone recipes the last couple weeks (read about them here and here). I decided to go ahead and enter both. We arrived around 10:00 a.m., walked to the pavilion in the park, left the scones to be judged and went out to enjoy the fair.

One of the best parts of the fair was being able to sit down and work a loom. After just a few moments passing the yarn through (I don't know the official term for that particular action) and helping to create a scarf, I was hooked. I see myself joining the Weavers Guild sometime in the future. :o)

We walked around (it was a bit muddy, hence the need for wellies), ate some fish 'n' chips and enjoyed the music. Eventually, we returned to pick up the scones and find out the results. And guess what?

First Place!

I couldn't believe it. Jonathan saw the ribbon before me and said, "Honey, you got first place."

To which I replied, "Shut up. Whatever."

I thought he was joking, turns out he wasn't.

I'm smiling. A lot.

The winning scone had apricots and crystallized ginger in it. I will post the recipe soon. I still haven't written it down or settled on all the measurements.

I kind of want to scream for joy! :o)

Another Super Scone Idea

I'm working on another scone recipe. The new recipe contains darker, richer flavors. I'm still tinkering with the summer fruit one as well. I'm thinking of entering two totally different recipes.

Along with the fruity one, I will post this new recipe soon. :o)

Before Baking . . .





After Baking . . .

Hug Your Local Farmer

It's a hopeful sight to see more and more farmers' markets and co-ops popping up and thriving. If you don't already, I encourage you to seek out one yourself. What will you get?

Fresher food.
Better Taste.
Heirlooms.
Maybe even a new friend.

And the knowledge that you're directly supporting those individuals who grow what sustains you.

Scones And Butterflies

In a couple weeks the Irish Fair of Minnesota will be taking place in Saint Paul.

Most people know that I've always had a soft spot for all things Irish. Someday, I want to actually travel to Ireland. Jonathan and I would probably rent a couple of bicycles and ride around looking for wool, faeries and pubs. Anyone want to put on their Wellies and go with us? All are welcome.

Naturally, we plan to attend the Fair! It looks like fun with lots of events and it's free, so how can you beat that?

One of the events is a baking contest. You either have to make scones or soda bread. With a wee bit of nudging from Jonathan, I decided it'd be fun to enter some scones. Last night, I started working on a recipe.


They're sweet scones instead of savory. I'm trying out some summer fruits as well as some other ingredients. The ones I made last night are close to what I want, but the recipe still needs to be tweaked. I'm also testing a sweet glaze for them (that's why they're so shiny).


When I finish working on the scones, I'll post the recipe here.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Now on to the the butterflies!

Actually it was just one butterfly.

One very cooperative butterfly.

Early this evening we went on a walk along the Mississippi (they have great walking and biking trails along the river). While we walked, I saw a butterfly sitting on a leaf. Now most butterflies can't be bothered with photo-ops and other such nonsense. They're far too busy collecting nectar and what not. This butterfly, however, seemed to have had his fill of the sugary liquid, because he simply laid there and let me take his photo.


He stuck around for a bit and then fluttered off, apparently bored with the photo shoot. *sigh* It really is difficult to find good talent these days. ;o)

Story Circles

This speech by Elif Shafak discusses, among other things, story as a form of stepping outside of our cultural comfort zones and seeking the unknown.

Serenity

Enjoy your day.

Projects of Yesteryear

I finally finished the blanket and pair of socks I started last year. Both are quick knits, really. I swear. It's just I stuffed these projects away and didn't work on them for a very looooong time.

I won't go into too much detail since I did that in November. I'm just going to post some pictures of the finished projects for your enjoyment.

Here's the blanket...

I wish you could really see the sparkles, because they are my favorite part of the blanket.
Just use your imagination. :0)

And here are the socks...

I heart Noro!!