Catholic Family Vignettes

The boots are dry. So are the coats, hats, snowpants, etc.

Dad used the plow blade to create a "snow mountain" after he came in around 8:00 p.m. -- that's 16 hours of plowing. He left this morning at 3:00 a.m. to salt. The forecast tonight? Another 2 to 3 inches. You'd think the children would all be clamoring to go out right now. You'd think they would be anxious to convert that "mountain" into a "mansion"...

So---where are the children? Not outside! The current temperature:

"0"--ZERO!

Good St. Nick left them a couple projects to distract them...at least until the temperature goes up:






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I love cold weather. Seriously. Snowy, drizzly, frosty and frigid. I tend to be "craftier" during the cold weather months. Knitting especially suits me at this time...cuddly balls of yarn, fluffy garments cascading from working needles and endless inspiration!

Knitting for others is such a pleasure...thoughts and prayers are worked into each item, no matter how small. Each item is as unique as its soon-to-be owner. I tend to "knit on the fly," altering the pattern to suit my knitting style or the recipient's taste.

What's in the workbasket, now?

Working on a pair of fingerless gloves in alpaca.



The boys attended an alpaca fiber show with our dear friend, Mr. Tom Ryan. They were quite taken by the sweet creatures and brought home the delicious, heathery gray yarn that is on the needles.

Two lovely capelets for my sweet granddaughters. My two youngest daughters received these same capelets for Easter and wear them constantly...real princess capes, they call them!


Crowns! I love this pattern. I made eight of these last year. Super quick to knit and definitely a one-of-a-kind stocking stuffer. I stitch on rhinestone buttons and pearls, and knit flat rather than in the round. Much easier to adjust the size, should it stretch.


My favorite hat "recipe." I've knit at least six of these. Very flattering and a quick knit.


Mittens. Mittens, mittens, mittens. My "little kittens" are always losing their mittens...

These weekend the girls and I will finish our St. Lucy Crowns and dolls (patterned after these).
The boys will be searching the woods for greenery for the Advent wreath and to deck the mantle. What fun!

Are you crafting yet? What's in your basket? I'd love to know! Read more!

Looking for a great craft idea for the Feast of St. Lucy? While the feast is still a little way off, here is an adorable idea from As Cozy As Spring. My little girls love this particular feast day and will be delighted to don such lovely wreaths!

While you're at it, here's a recipe for Lussekatter also called St. Lucy's Buns.

St. Lucy's day marks the opening of the Christmas season in Sweden. Lussekatter are their delicious saffron buns made in any number of figures: cats, "s" shapes, or figure eights.

* 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
* 8 ounces (1 cup) milk
* 1 tablespoon yeast
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 4 ounces (1 stick) butter
* 5 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 beaten egg white for egg wash




METHOD

Using a mortar and pestle, pound saffron threads to break down strands.

In a small saucepan, heat milk to lukewarm.

Mix yeast with 1/4 cup milk and 1 tablespoon sugar. Set aside.

On low heat, melt butter in saucepan with milk. Add crushed saffron. Let cool.

In large bowl, mix together flour salt and remaining sugar.

Stir yeast into cooled milk mixture. Mix into dry ingredients, beating to mix well. Add beaten eggs. Knead in bowl for 5 - 7 minutes. Turn onto floured board and knead another 7 - 8 minutes.

Put dough in lightly greased bowl, turn to coat all sides, cover and put in warm, draft-free place to rise for about 1 hour.

When dough has risen, knead lightly to push out air and divide into small pieces (about 10 - 12). Using the hands, roll each small piece into a strip about 8 - 10 inches long. Shape each strip into an 'S' or a figure 8. Place on lightly buttered cookie sheets.

Cover with clean cloth and let rise again until double in bulk, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

When dough has risen, brush lightly with egg white. Bake in preheated 375° F oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool on wire rack.

Yield: 10 - 12 buns

recipe from www.inmamaskitchen.com


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