Roald Dahl showcase




Tomorrow evening on Facebook is the Yarnification showcase. The theme is "Roald Dahl" (great theme!) I have two submissions and there are so many fibre or fibre related items to choose from. Hope you can make it!



Twisted Ink on Society 6

I thought I'd share a few of my husband's work currently available at Society 6. The designs look awesome and they often have free shipping to Australia (like right now!)


Tote bag


Mug


Framed print


Throw pillow


iPhone case

These are just a few of the designs and products available on the Twisted Ink Society 6 page, why not pop over and have a look, you might find something you love :)

Apple walnut bread


Here is the 2nd recipe from my recently inspired brain :)


Makes 2 large loaves.

150grams wholemeal flour
850grams white bread flour
3 teaspoons instant dry yeast
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons butter
300ml milk
1 teaspoon molasses
350ml warm water
1 apple, peeled and chopped finely
100g chopped walnuts

Heat milk, butter and molasses until butter has just melted.
Place all dry ingredients into mixer with dough hook attached. (Yes, you can make by hand, just mix with wooden spoon at this point).

Start the mixer on low and gradually pour in the milk mixture, followed by the warm water. Allow to mix for 5 minutes, then add apple and walnuts. Mix for a further 5 minutes on low. (Or by hand until well mixed, then knead for at least 5 minutes). The mixture is very moist.

Make an oil spot on your bench (any veg oil is fine) and tip the dough onto it. Oil the inside of the bowl and place the dough back in, cover with oiled plastic wrap. Allow to rise for an hour.

Tip the dough back onto the oiled bench and cut in half with a sharp knife. Don't knead or attempt to press the air out. Gather the dough at the top of each piece so that it become circular or oval shape. Turn upside down onto a baking tray lined with baking paper (so that the smooth side is now facing up). Repeat with other loaf. Re-cover with the plastic wrap.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees (C) while the loaves sit for 20 minutes.
Slash loaves with a sharp knife (if desired).
Bake for 5 minutes at 250, then turn down to 220 degrees (C) for a further 30 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack. Delicious warm with butter and cold with home made jam :)

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you use my recipe and suggestions for improvements are also welcome. 
Would you like my recipes to be printable? Let me know, then I'll find out how to get the print option thingy!



Opportunity

I saw a video the other day that gladdened my heart. When I see homeschool graduates becoming successful (and by success I mean following their dreams and passions) I feel happy and at peace with what we're doing with our kids.

In the video, Jon talks about being able to take advantage of opportunities in a way that wouldn't have been possible if he had been sitting in a school room. Homeschooling freed him to be able to follow his passion. I love that. 


I've realised, particularly recently how blessed our children are to have such a unique opportunity. So many people think that homeschooled kids are missing out and that is so far from the truth. 


Our almost 14 year old son loves photography (among his many other interests). There are very few photo opportunities where we live, so I am committed to travelling to picturesque places to boost his inspiration. Yesterday we went to these beautiful botanical gardens (during school hours of course) in freezing cold and drizzly weather. We had the whole place to ourselves.


He got to try out things he has been learning about, like how to photograph moving water.


While the girls played forest pixies inside a massive redwood.

He is also currently doing cooking classes with Jamie's Ministry of Food - once again, during school hours.  This is indulging and encouraging his interest in cooking.

There is so much to learn, love and do in this wonderful life we've been given!

Here is the link to the video:






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