FO: socks for Theo

My mom and I always co-knit a pair of socks when the family goes on vacation. I do the "twiddly bits" (heels, toes, and bind-off) while she knits the boring stretches in between.

Details here (Rav link). The yarn is S. R. Kerzer On Your Toes 4-Ply with Aloe Vera in the "Weekend Print" colorway.

These were meant to fit my 7-year-old but I forgot how loosely my mother knits... this comfortably fit a woman with size 7 feet! However, my son loves the colors, so I've packed these away until his feet get a bit bigger.

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Everyday Things that Make You Happy

I forgot to post this on Tuesday!

1) The smell of jasmine tea in the morning
2) Sunlight on the back deck
3) A double-hug from my sons
4) The smell of fresh basil
5) Cheddar or smoked gouda on a triscuit
6) Fresh corn on the cob
7) Finishing a crafting project
8) Petting the neighbor's dog
9) Watching the local chipmunk family scavenge for food in the driveway and backyard
10) When my husband cooks

Using up zucchini: garlic zucchini soup

Another winner in the zucchini consumption wars: this Garlic Zucchini Soup, which is creamy without any cream and garlicky without being overwhelming. We think it's best at room temperature after sitting overnight to blend the flavors, but it's also quite good hot or cold.

New recipe count: 24

And still another new recipe: Israeli chopped salad

It was a busy night. Yes, I made three new recipes for dinner and all of them were big hits with the hubby.

This last one is an improvisation based upon David Lebovitz's recent post about Israeli salads. I used green cabbage, corn off the cob (microwaved 4 minutes), basil, toasted pine nuts, cucumber, jicama, radishes, and cauliflower. I dressed it with a little salt and pepper, a good glug of olive oil, and a sprinkling of rice wine vinegar.

New recipe count: 23

New recipe: Zucchini Feta Mint Pancakes

At the suggestion of my old college bud Judy, I used up a medium-large zucchini by turning it into Zucchini Feta Mint Pancakes, recipe from the original Moosewood Cookbook but I'm linking to a food blogger's version so you don't have to locate a cookbook that came out in 1977.

Folks, WE HAVE A WINNER!

Holy cow, these were delicious. Not super-easy, since I had to grate and salt the zucchini, but totally worth the effort.

BTW, my copy of the Moosewood Cookbook was clearly purchased at a used bookstore (the price is still pencilled inside the cover) but has been much treasured by me over the years: it was a gift from Judy and her roommates, Liz and Karla, for my birthday during junior year of college. This was back when we were all poor as church mice, so chipping in on a used cookbook was totally OK for present-giving.

New recipe count: 22

New recipe: marinated mozzarella appetizer

I love to read Lottie and Doof but I've only cooked a couple of his recipes. This will have to change, because I just made his marinated mozzarella appetizer and it was DIVINE. I had half an avocado going begging so I diced it and added it also.

New recipe count: 21

Ten on Tuesday: 10 things that are your favorite color

My favorite color is green, and I am in the middle of changing computers so I fear no pictures will accompany this post.

1) Mint leaves.
2) Basil leaves. Wait, am I repeating myself?
3) Broccoli
4) Artichokes
5) Green beans. Duh.
6) Granny Smith apples, just before I slice them into an apple pie... woops, now I'm drooling.
7) My toothbrush.
8) My favorite shirt for work. (Oxford no-iron with pin stripes in pale green, from Lands End.)
9) Most of the last dozen mittens I've made.
10) My favorite tea