Stash Buster Blanket

I started this project last year - and I actually finished it just a few months later. Right before we moved to Namibia. However, as with any big move, it takes a while to adjust to new surroundings, finding jobs, a place to live ... and the list goes on. But after almost a year in Namibia, it is now time to start blogging - and crocheting - and baking - again. 

This is my first stash buster blanket - and the most colorful blanket I have ever made. And I have to say, I absolutely love the look of the blanket. It is definitely not the last time that I attempt to make a 'stash buster' blanket. There were many times where I didn't particularly like the look of one of the granny squares (I tried my best to make completely random color choices when making the different squares) - but once all the colorful granny squares were crocheted together, it completely changed the look of the squares and the blanket itself - and I love the way it looks.

Cinnamon rolls

I love cinnamon - and I especially love cinnamon rolls. These ones are definitely on my top ten list of recipes I use the most. They are very easy to make, always turn out great - and depending on the occasion you can opt for different icings - from the quick and easy 'icing sugar and water' one to the deliciously decadent (but actually still quick and easy) 'cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla pods' one. Melted chocolate and chopped, roasted nuts on top are also an option :)

Homemade buns

I have very fond childhood memories of these buns that my mom always used to make. It is a white bun that is light and fluffy, - and with a lovely hint of cardamom. I know to some it might sound odd adding cardamom to bread - I do think it is a Scandinavian tradition to flavour a lot of bread and pastries with cardamom - but I promise you, you have nothing to worry about. It is not an overwhelming spice, by any means - at least not in the quantities added here - and if you are still not sure, then you can always start out just adding a bit and see how you like it :) Or leave it out completely - I won't mind :)

Blanket For My Mom

This is the first blanket I ever crocheted. And interestingly, also the only blanket I've ever made that's just one color. This was solely due to the fact that I had no clue how to change color. But that being said, I do like that it is all in white. It is made of double crochet stitches throughout - the first stitch I learned - and it is crocheted using a 4 mm hook. The yarn is a wool blend from Ice Yarns - it has since been discontinued - but it is a warm white with a light shimmer in the yarn. I gave the blanket to my mom for her birthday and she still uses it :)

Homemade Caramels

It's only recently that I've started making homemade caramels (and other sweets that 'require' a sugar thermometer). It's always seemed a bit daunting to me having to know the different stages of a boiling syrup - and also using a sugar thermometer - which I've never owned, until a few months ago. But then I discovered that you don't actually need to be an expert on boiling sugar and water to make caramels, - and you really don't need a sugar thermometer either. And that makes everything a whole lot easier :) I have tried making these caramels using a sugar thermometer, but I never get the temperature stated in various recipes - unless I let the mixture boil for so long that it burns - so now I use time and color of the caramel as indicators instead - and so far it hasn't failed me.