November 2006 Archives

I figured it was about time I added a real pie to the Recipes category. This pie graced our Thanksgiving table as a twist on the traditional pecan pie. It's one of a few actual "family recipes" I have. It is my Grandmother's, and my Mom told me she received it on a handwritten card before her wedding when she e-mailed the recipe to me shortly before my own wedding.

This crustless pie is not like your typical pecan pie, more of a softened macaroon and oh so good. Even the Boy who does not care for sweets loves this and had two pieces (a first for any dessert I believe). As with any recipe calling for nuts, it benefits greatly by toasting them first. Simple instructions for that are also given below.

Grandma's Completely Different Crunchy Pecan Pie

• 3 egg whites, large


• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder


• 1 cup granulated sugar


• 12 squares graham crackers, finely ground


• 1 cup toasted pecans*, chopped fine


• 1 teaspoon vanilla


• Whipped Cream (below)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat egg whites until very fluffy. Mix in baking powder. Very slowly add sugar while mixer beats (will become thick and heavy).

With rubber spatula, fold in cracker crumbs (you can roller crackers in a plastic bag to make fine crumbs and reserve a little for garnish). Fold in nuts and vanilla.

Pour into greased 8" or 9" round pie pan and bake for 30 minutes. Do not under-bake, will puff up and then settle and crack. (photo of baked pie here) Place a clean bowl and mixer beaters in freezer to chill for Whipped Cream.

Cool completely then the night before or early morning, seal to edge with Whipped Cream. Decorate with fine graham cracker crumbs. This is even better the longer it sits with the whipped cream on it to soften it all the way through. Enjoy!

Whipped Cream
Add 1 cup (1/2 pint) heavy cream, chilled, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to chilled bowl. Beat on low speed until small bubbles form, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and continue beating until beaters leave a trails, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to high and continue beating until cream is smooth, thick, and nearly doubled in volume, about 20-30 seconds.

*Toasting Pecans
Preheat oven to 300°F. Spread pecans evenly on a baking sheet and bake 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until pecans are fragrant and lightly browned. Undercook slightly as pecans will continue to cook after they are removed from oven. Cool completely.

Yes, it's just a swatch.

Not much knitting to actually show unfortunately, but I'm looking forward to this upcoming project. This swatch is for Medrith Glover's clever Circumnavigated Cardigan. If you have not heard of this, it's worth checking out. It is a completely seamless cardigan including worked in pockets. I do love interesting construction and this is an extremely versatile "pattern". It's more along the lines of Elizabeth Zimmerman's percentage method. It is more structured however, and therefore offers a little more help the EZ's more vague think-for-your-self style, so a nice middle ground. The cardigan is this year's group project for the Dallas Hand Knitter's Guild and should be interesting to see all the many variations. I'm planning to size mine down a little, adding some waist shaping, changing borders and adding a few horizontal stripes in black.

The yarn is KnitPicks good ol' Wool of the Andes and I love this color - Black Cherry. I'm really sold on their new heathered colors; they add such a depth to the color and have picked up a ball in Arctic Pool as well for a new sweater design.

In other news, have you seen the new holiday postage stamps? There's a little blurb on the bottom of the link. Seems even the USPS has caught on to the resurgence of knitting. I imagine there will be many a hand knit gift stamped with these.

Evoke the style of the 1920's with this felted cloche hat. Knit in the round, this piece uses short row shaping to form an asymmetrical brim. A clever variation of a double knit technique produces the contrasting welted band. Additional photos available here and here.



The instant download rundown -after payment via Paypal you will be given a link to download the pattern. This link will also be emailed to you and will expire in 48 hours. For any questions about the pattern or whole download process please feel free to email me at- jen@pieknits.com

Pattern: Stella Cloche Felted Hat
1920's inspred hat with an asymmetrical brim and welted band.
Gauge: 12 sts and 15 rows = 4" in St st.
Size: One size (felt to desired size)
Needle size: US size 11/8 mm
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky (85% Wool, 15% Mohair; 125yds/114m per 113g skein Main Color(MC): M80 Blue Blood Red; 2 skeins; Contrast Color(CC): M05 Onyx; 1 skein
Skill level: Beginner or Advanced Beginner (optional short rows, double knit)
Price: $3.75
Format: PDF instant download

We are moved in! With the added excellent timing of my parents coming to visit, we were able to pack and move everything last weekend, yeay! Now the longer process of figuring out where the heck everything's "place" is going to be. That is much more fun though. :) So we got everything unloaded, just started to get things unpacked and I promptly became sick. I don't know how sick the proverbial dog supposedly gets, but I was apparently sicker than that. Not. cool. (Insert musing about some karmic balance going on here) So I still have not gotten a chance to use this however. Waaah!

I'm on the mend now and woefully behind emails and blogs, so I apologize if you have not heard from me yet!
It's going to be busy month, I just found out that a pattern of mine was accepted for the Spring issue of Knitter's and is due this month too! I'm really excited about this one, it is a garment and one I've been wanting to do for a long time. Now I just need to figure out a way to knit in that tub...

Mmmm, more pie! New pattern over at MagKnits.com

Dad's Blueberry Pie

Let it not be said that I fail to deliver (albeit a bit poorly lighted).

The costume, including the Stella hat, and me attempting to pose

I like this accidental one as it shows off the flapper fringe on the bottom of the dress

This one is a little clearer at least. I think we may need a tripod though.

Moreover, what's that fabulous door I'm standing in front of? Why it's the entryway to our new house! (that makes it fabulous in my mind) Yep, closed on it yesterday. So did we grab a pumpkin and candy and head over for Trick or Treating you ask? Damn straight we did!