Firewater Friday - Spiced Rum Float

This is a grown-up spin on the classic ice cream soda float.  Tasty and fun . . . win, win.

Spiced Rum Float

2 Shots Spiced Rum
2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
12 Oz Cola

Pour cola into a large mug or glass. 

Add the rum.

Top with ice cream and enjoy.

Crochet Mouse Cat Toy

Crochet Mouse Cat Toy


This slightly more advance than my  but still very easy.  Gauge and tension is not important. The pattern is worked in continuous rounds, there is no joining or turning unless specified.

This pattern doesn't use a whole lot of yarn. You should be able to get by with scraps left over from larger projects. It about 60 minutes to complete - I'm a more experienced, thus faster, crocheter so it only takes me about 30 minutes.

You will need 

Crochet Hook - Size F (3.5 - 4MM)
Worsted Weight Yarn
Fiberfill 
Catnip
Contrasting scraps of yarn for eyes and nose.

Note:  you can substitute dryer lint for fiberfill as a stuffer.   

Mouse Body

Ch 2

Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in first ch. Place marker in first stitch for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.

Rnd 2: (2dc in first dc, dc in next dc) repeat all around - 9dc

Rnd 3: (2dc in first dc, dc in next 2 dc’s) repeat all around - 12dc

Rnd 4: dc in each dc all around

Rnd 5: (2dc in first dc, dc in next 3 dc’s) repeat all around - 16dc

Rnd 6: dc in each dc all around

Rnd 7: (2dc in first dc, dc in next 4dc’s) repeat all around - 18dc

Rnd 8: (2dc in first dc, dc in next 5 dc’s) repeat all around - 21dc

Rnd 9: dc in each dc all around

Rnd 10: (2dc in first dc, dc in nect 6dc’s) repeat all around - 24dc

Rnd 11: dc in each dc all around

Rnd 12: (dc dec, dc in next 4dc’s) repeat all around - 20dc

Rnd 13: (dc dec, dc in nect 3dc’s) repeat all around - 16dc

Rnd 14: (dc dec, dc in next 2dc’s) repeat all around - 12dc

Begin stuffing firmly with dried catnip and fiberfill.

Rnd 15: (dc dec, dc in next dc) repeat all around - 8dc 

Rnd 16: dc dec all around - 4dc

Fasten off

Decreasing a double crochet stitch (dc dec) – insert hook, yarn over, pull through (2 loops on hook), insert hook into next stitch, yarn   over and pull through (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Tail


In the center of the mouse butt - the wider end - insert the crochet hook, loop and pull through yarn.  Crochet a chain to whatever length you like.  Fasten off.  

Attach a bell to the end if you're feeling fancy.



Ears (Make 2)

Ch 2 leaving a 3 inch tail
Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in first ch.
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around - 12 sc.

Fasten off leaving a 3 inch tail.
Pull the center tail through a stitch or two from the outer tail.  Pulling to tighten the center.

Select a spot on the head to place the ears.  Insert the crochet hook through a stitch near the top and pull a tail through.  Then insert the crochet hook through a stitch near the top along the side and pull the other tail through.  Note that there is a front and back to the ears so make sure they're facing the right direction.  Tie the tails into a sturdy knot behind the ear and pull loose threads through. 

There's your mouse! 





Face (optional)

I was using psychodelic yarn so I skipped the eyes and nose.  But you can do them using the same technique I used in my Chubby Mouse Cat Toy (pictured right).  Select a location for the eyes and nose.  Insert the crochet hook through a stitch, loop the scrap of yarn and pull through.  Fasten off and pull loose ends through either side of the eyes and nose. 





ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES

beg = begin(s)(ning) 
ch(s) = chain(s)
rep = repeat(s)(ing) 
rnd(s) = round(s)
st(s) = stitch(es)
Sl st – Slip Stitch
Dc = double crochet

Dc Dec = double crochet decrease stitch 

Printable Pattern

Chubby Mouse Cat Toy

Chubby Mouse Cat Toy

This is a great project for beginners because exact gauge is not particularly important.  The pattern is worked in continuous rounds, there is no joining or turning unless specified.

This pattern doesn't use a whole lot of yarn.  You should be able to get by with scraps left over from larger projects.    It about 60 minutes to complete - I'm a more experienced, thus faster, crocheter so it only takes me about 30 minutes.  

You will need 

Crochet Hook - Size D (3-3.25MM)
DK / Sport Weight Yarn
Fiberfill 
Catnip
Contrasting scraps of yarn for eyes and nose.

Note:  you can substitute dryer lint for fiberfill as a stuffer.  

Mouse Body

Ch 2
Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in first ch. Place marker in first stitch for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around - 12 sc.
Rnd 3: (*2 sc in next st, sc in next st), rep from * around - 18 sc.
Rnd 4: (*2 sc in next st, sc in each of next 2 sts), rep from * around - 24 sts.
Rnds 5-11: Sc in each sc around. 
Rnd 12: (*Sc2tog, sc in each of next 2 sts), rep from * around - 18 sts. 



Begin stuffing firmly with dried catnip and fiberfill.



Rnd 13: (*Sc2tog, sc in next st), rep from * around - 12 sts.
Rnd 14: Sc2tog around.
Fasten off.

Pull loose threads through into the body with the crochet hook.  Be careful not to pull stuffing out.

NOTE: sc2tog (sc decrease) Insert hook into st and draw up a loop. Insert hook into next st and draw up a loop. Yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook.

Tail

Determine which end of the body you want to be the bottom and which will be the head.  Near the base of the bottom select to stitch, insert the crochet hook through the stitch.  Loop and pull through yarn and crochet a chain to whatever length you like.  Fasten off.  

Attach a bell to the end if you're feeling fancy.






Ears (Make 2)


Ch 2 leaving a 3 inch tail
Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in first ch.
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around - 12 sc.

Fasten off leaving a 3 inch tail.
Pull the center tail through a stitch or two from the outer tail.  Pulling to tighten the center.

The tails will be used to attach the ears to the mouse body.







Finishing

Keeping the tail location in mind, select a spot on the head to place the ears.  Insert the crochet hook through a stitch near the top and pull a tail through.  Then insert the crochet hook through a stitch near the top along the side and pull the other tail through.  Note that there is a front and back to the ears so make sure they're facing the right direction.  Tie the tails into a sturdy knot behind the ear and pull loose threads through. 


Select a location for the eyes and nose.  Insert the crochet hook through a stitch, loop the scrap of yarn and pull through.  Fasten off and pull loose ends through either side of the eyes and nose.

There's your mouse! 

ABBREVIATIONS / REFERENCES

beg = begin(s)(ning) 
ch(s) = chain(s)
rep = repeat(s)(ing) 
rnd(s) = round(s)
sc = single crochet 
st(s) = stitch(es)
sc2tog (sc decrease) 

Printable Pattern

Firewater Friday - Cherry Infused Bourbon

Cherry Infused Bourbon

Start with ripe, fresh cherries.  Figure a quarter a pound of cherries for an 8-ounce jar.

You will need an airtight container.  Canning jars work well for this.

Pit the cherries, capturing as much of the cherry juice as possible in the jar as you can.

Fill a quarter of the jar with the pitted cherries.  Fill the rest of the jar with your favorite bourbon or whiskey.


Cover the jar tightly with plastic wrap and then a lid - this ensures air tightness.

Leave the container at room temperature for at least a month.  Lightly shake the jar every couple of days.

After a month, taste the bourbon.  If you want more cherry flavor let it sit a week or two more.  

If you like a sweeter flavor, add a small amount of sugar to the liquor.  Figure approximately 1 tablespoon per cup.  Start with less because you can always add more.

Strain your macerated bourbon in to a suitable container or bottle for storage. Use as a mixer for cocktails calling for bourbon or whiskey.  Or serve straight up or on the rocks to fully appreciate the goodness you've created.

Keep the cherries for garnishing cocktails or as a topping for ice cream or simply for your nibbling pleasure.

And your name is . . . ?

I have a terrible remembering names.  I'm not talking about just casual  acquaintances but people I work with fairly regularly.  It's not like I completely forget the name, though.  I can picture it in my mind and I can pick the name off a list if I see it.  I just can't seem to get it from my brain to my mouth.  

When I'm talking to someone directly and I can't remember their name I can usually get around it by calling them sir or ma'am or some other such thing.  But, that doesn't always work out.

It's very frustrating stumbling around in my brain for a name and not being able to get it out.

Last night I had a dream about being at work.  I was showing the son of a co-worker around the manufacturing plant and introducing him to people.  I was introducing him to a general manager who asked who this boy's father was.  I could see his face in my mind and the name was on the tip of my tongue but I just couldn't get it out.  Strangely enough, the kid wasn't forthcoming either.  The GM got so frustrated by my inability to come with a name that he totally lost it.  He started screaming at me.

"YOU'VE WORKED HER FOR NEARLY FOUR YEARS AND YOU DON'T KNOW THE NAME OF YOUR CO-WORKERS?  WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU??"  

His rant went on like that until the dream faded away.  

So, what is the matter with me??  

I've read articles that say it's because I'm not interested in or motivated to remember names.  Or that I'm just not paying attention.  

Okay, that makes sense only if it's when I forget a name right after or soon after I've been introduced to a person.  And I admit, I have a problem remembering people's names even right after I've met them.  Maybe it is because I'm distracted.  

Or perhaps it is a self fulfilling prophecy - because I believe I can't remember names then I won't be able to.

What doesn't make sense is when I know people, work with people and interact with people on a regular basis.  Why in the heck can't I remember those people's names?

I read a couple articles that said that because my brain is being bombarded with information - news, media, books, games - that something has got to give.  So, I guess for me it's names?


Another article said that our brains are not conditioned to remember spoken words.  From our youngest years we've been pushed to learned through books and written words.  Great, so my brain is atrophied.  Wonderful.


Maybe it's stress, or fatigue?  Maybe I've simply got too much going on in my life.  Or, maybe I really don't give a crap.  

So, then I read something else written by a person who seems to have the exact same problem I have.  One of the things she discovered was that if you don't exercise regularly then your brain doesn't process glucose effectively and then you tend to forget stuff. So because I'm fat I can't remember names, now?  She goes on to say that perhaps its because my brains is aging.  Great, so now I'm old and fat.  Lovely.

Whatever.  To sum it up if I can't recall your name it's because I'm disinterested, unmotivated, miseducated, tired, stressed out, too busy, old and fat.  

What's your name again?  Can you spell that for me?  Your name is Al?  Oh. Silly me.  

Chicken Sandwich with Mozzarella and Roasted Red Pepper

This is one of my favorite sandwiches at the pub that hubby and I go to for date night each week.  Mine is like theirs, except on steroids!  

You can use jarred commercial red peppers but I recommend taking the time to make these roasted red peppers with garlic that I made!  They make quite a difference! 

Chicken Sandwich with Mozzarella and Roasted Red Pepper 


1/4 Cup Olive Oil
4 Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves
1 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1 Egg, Beaten
4 Kaiser Rolls
4 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
4 1/2" Thick Slices Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
1 Cup Roasted Red Sweet Peppers 


Thinly slice the chicken breasts into cutlets, you should get about 3 to a breast.  Dip each cutlet in egg and then dredge in breadcrumbs to coat. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Slice the rolls in half.  Dip the bottom half of the roll into a plate with balsamic vinegar poured into it.

Place two of the cutlets on the bottom half of roll.  



Top that with a slice of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of roasted peppers. 

Cover with top of roll and serve.

Makes four sandwiches.

Strawberry Short Cheese Cake

This is a recipe of my own invention.  What's not to like?  Fresh strawberries in their own syrup, cheesecake filling,  fluffy biscuit and whipped cream.  

Strawberry Short Cheese Cake


1 Pound fresh strawberries
1/4 cup raw sugar
2 cups whipped heavy cream
8 Oz. Cream Cheese, Softened  
3-4 Tbsp Powdered Sugar  
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Recipe Biscuits

Wash the strawberries in cold water and cut the top off of the strawberry.   Slice the strawberries and toss them with the sugar. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.  Set aside.


















Split a cooled biscuit and smear 1/2 of the biscuit with a spoonful of cheese cake filling.  Top with a spoonful of strawberries.

Place the other half of the biscuit on top of the strawberries. Smear with a spoonful of cheese cake filling.  Top with a spoonful of strawberries, drizzle with a little strawberry syrup and cover with the whipped cream.

Cheese Fondue

This is one of the things I do for New Year's Eve.  Fondue is really easy and fun for everyone.  And . . . who doesn't like cheese!

Cheese Fondue


1/2 Pound Imported Jarlsburg Cheese, Shredded
1/2 Pound Gruyere Cheese, Shredded
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 Garlic Clove, Peeled
1 Cup Dry White Wine
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Cherry Brandy, Such As Kirsch
1/2 Teaspoon Dry Mustard
Pinch Nutmeg


In a small bowl, coat the cheeses with cornstarch and set aside. Rub the inside of the ceramic fondue pot with the garlic, then discard.

Over medium heat, add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir the cheese into the simmering liquid. Melting the cheese gradually encourages a smooth fondue. Once smooth, stir in cherry brandy, mustard and nutmeg.

Arrange an assortment of bite-sized dipping foods around fondue pot. Serve with chunks of French and pumpernickel breads. Some other suggestions are Granny Smith apples and blanched vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and asparagus. Spear with fondue forks or wooden skewers, dip, swirl and enjoy!

Roasted Red Peppers with Garlic

These roasted peppers are better than any I've had.  They're super flavorful and mouthwatering good!

Roasted Red Peppers with Garlic

6 Large Red Bell Peppers

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

6 Large Garlic Cloves, Thinly Sliced Crosswise

1/4 Cup Sherry Wine Vinegar

2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss peppers with 1/4 cup olive oil in bowl. Transfer peppers to large rimmed baking sheet. Roast peppers until partially charred, rotating every 10 minutes, about 30 minutes.

Transfer peppers to reserved bowl; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Cool 15 minutes. 




Peel and seed peppers over bowl. Cut each pepper lengthwise into 6 strips. 

Transfer pepper strips to heavy large skillet. Strain liquid from bowl into skillet. 

Add garlic, vinegar, and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil to skillet. 

Simmer over medium heat until liquid becomes syrupy, stirring frequently, about 25 minutes.

Keep at room temperature if serving within a few hours.  Otherwise transfer to a container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Use in a salad, on a sandwich or alone as a side dish.

Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes


4-6 Medium Sized Russet Potatoes
1-2 Cloves, Garlic - Peeled And Minced
Salt And Fresh Pepper
A Pinch Of Nutmeg  
1 1/2 Cups, Half And Half 
1/4 Cup Butter - Cut Into Bits
6 Tbsp Flour
8 Ounces Cheddar Cheese, Cut Into Rough Slices

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Lightly butter a 9x12 baking dish and sprinkle minced garlic over the bottom.

Slice the potatoes 1/8" to 1/4" thick.  Place a layer in the baking dish.  I usually peel and slice as I go so I only use the potatoes I need.

















Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a small amount of nutmeg. Top with 1/3 of butter & cheese, sprinkle with 2 Tbsp flour - distribute over surface as evenly as possible.

Continue layering as such.  You will have about 3 layers of potatoes. Drizzle over the half and half - it should barely cover the potatoes.

Place baking dish on a cookie sheet lined with foil to collect any spillage if potatoes boil over.

Bake in the middle of the preheated oven for about 1 1/2 hours, until potatoes are tender. Time will vary depending on thickness of potato slices.  Allow to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Firewater Friday - Bacon and Eggs Cocktail

Bacon and eggs . . . it's not just for breakfast anymore.  And you don't necessarily have to chew it either.  

Don't worry, no one is going to force you to swallow fried eggs and crispy bacon without the benefit of using your choppers first.  Nor are they going to throw your breakfast in a blender and liquefy it into odd savory smoothy.

No, but you can drink your bacon in eggs . . . in a cocktail!  This recipe uses bacon infused bourbon (I infuse my own: Method 1, Method 2) and Advocaat which is a Brandy and Egg Liqueur (good in coffee, too).

Bacon and Eggs Cocktail

1 Part Bacon Infused Bourbon
1 Part Advocaat Liqueur

Pour bourbon and Advocaat into an ice filled cocktail shaker.  

Shake, shake, shake.  

Strain into a cocktail glass or serve over the rocks.

Garnish with a strip of bacon, if desired.

I received an award! The Literary Paw!

On June 7, 2012 seven beautiful kittens were born to a mama cat who had been rescued and cared for by two caring women.  These ladies shared every moment of these adorable furballs early months via streaming video on the Internet.  Literally, millions of people from all over the world tuned in to watch and, remarkably, lasting friendships were formed.    After the kittens went on to their furever homes and the webcam stream stopped some of the viewers remained in contact via chatroom and Facebook – we call ourselves the Kitten Club.

As a Seven Kittens viewer, I was so inspired by the whole experience that I wrote a story about Noodles (the mama) and her seven babies.    I shared it with the Kitten Club. 

I received more praise than I ever expected and many emotional replies.  It was gratifying if not a little embarrassing. 

Honestly, I didn’t think the story was that good.  However, I was happy that it was so well received and that fellow Kitten Clubbers (please don’t club the kittens) enjoyed it.

In fact, my KC friends liked my story so much that they presented me the Kitten Club Literary Award – the purple paw.  I was, and still am, humbled to receive such praise from these wonderful, caring people.

The was an official ceremony and everything;  albeit a virtual one.

The following is the nomination and resulting ceremony.   The award was presented by the established Mistress of Ceremonies, the lovely and talented Maisy who is a KC paw award recipient herself for delivering dozens of hand-knit catnip mouses all over the world to KCers and non-KCers, alike.

Maisy: snuffle..... I do believe Cher has won the "literary paw".

Cher: heh

t4fish: totally!

Diane: Yes, YES!! The Literay Paw!

Maisy : Any volunteers to conduct a literary paw ceremony?

Cher: oy

t4fish: Maisy, you do this so well

Maisy P: oy

t4fish: I can’t, I'm all in tears

Maisy P: are they not all getting a bit "samey" when I do them?

t4fish: no, u'r giving each the special touch

Maisy P: wellllllllllllllllllllll​llllllllllllll if you are sure.......

Diane: I'm sure too!!!!!

Maisy P: ahhh here we all are!

Maisy P: ahem ahem

Maisy P: drumrolllllllll

Maisy P: Cher, by the power vested in me as KC master of ceremonies

t4fish: yay!

Maisy P: I hereby award you the very creative KC literary paw award

Diane: *applause*

Diane: Hurrah!!!

t4fish: *applause*

Maisy P: This award has NEVER BEFORE been presented to a KC member (past or resent) and therefore holds special powers

Maisy P: It is awarded to you for your emotion overload inducing Noodles story (sniff) AND also for your Words wit Friends achievements as you have wiped the floor with many a worthy opponent with your literary skills

Maisy P: Enjoy your paw and keep it shiny.

Maisy P: end

t4fish: *applause*

t4fish: Cher! You're the best!

Cher: wow. i am speechless.

t4fish: I can't see through the tears

t4fish: Speech!

Cher: I accept this award humbly and with great feeling. This is the bestest club EVER with the greatest people ever

Maisy P: Nice paw presentation Adi!

Maisy P: well timed

Cher: I will happily continue to mop the floor with y'all in WWF, but modestly so. And I promise to keep my lovely paw shiny.

Cher: I am thrilled and honored to accept this award

Cher: smooches all around!

t4fish: :D mop away!

t4fish: *applause*

Maisy P: *applause*

Cher: great presentation

Cher: I shared with hubby

Maisy P: awwwwwwwww

Cher: he liked YOUR speech but said mine was lame

Cher: I quote, "some literary giant YOU are"  

Maisy P: hehe

Diane: Smack him for me

t4fish: :)) nooooo it was great

t4fish: yeah, what Diane said

Cher: hehe

Cher: I told him. He may not come home tonight.

It was a wonderful ceremony.  It truly made my day!

That was the middle of December.

When I arrived home from work today there was a small package waiting for me.  Imagine my shock and pleasure when I opened it up to find a sparkly, purple paw pin inside!

Fuzzums, my kitty, graciously presented me with the award with all the authority and pawers granted her as a feline and permanent member of the Kitten Club.

Thank you to ALL of my Fellow KCers.  I love you all and I happy to be a  member of the bestest club in the whole wide world!!

The Paw awards come from The Animal Rescue Site, proceeds to provide food and care to rescued animals.

And, the mice Maisy shipped all over the world she purchased from her veterinarian.  The mice are made and donated to the office and the proceeds from the sale of the mice go to support local animal shelters.