Last week my paternal grandfather and our entire family celebrated his eightieth birthday.

Dopper & Nana

We celebrated with clan members from near and far.

Our Family

Everyone brought a dish to share, as is customary for our family. This means there was enough food to feed an army.

Enjoying Auntie's Garden

You will notice that there are no photos of food. I regret this, though it wasn’t my fault. Ladybug was teething and Peanut was going without a nap, so my hands were quite full. I don’t think I ate until the dishes were being washed. So by the time I thought to take a photo, it was too late. I did get a photo of the cake.

2nd Street Bakery Chocolate Moose Cake

For the party I made a zucchini, squash and broccoli bake with mozzarella cheese as well as homemade bread sticks. I will save the bake recipe for another Friday (once I have photos), but would be happy to share the bread stick recipe!

Peanut being a scarecrow at Yankee Candle

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The recipe is entitled Divine Breadsticks by Melanie of My Kitchen Cafe and can be found here. My voice is in italics.

Ingredients:

• 1-½ cup Warm Water
• 1 Tablespoon Instant Yeast
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar
• 3-½ cups Flour
• ½ teaspoons Salt
• 3 Tablespoons Butter, For Melting In The Pan

Preparations:

Mix all ingredients (except melted butter)  and knead for three minutes. I used my mixing paddle on my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer and then switched to my bread hook for the kneading. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

Spread melted butter onto an 11×17-inch baking sheet. Roll out the breadstick dough about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick and cut into strips with a pizza cutter. Twist slightly if desired and place about 1/2-inch apart on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with garlic salt, herbs of choice (rosemary, basil, or thyme in some form and crushed finely) and Parmesan cheese. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes. About 10 minutes before you’re ready to bake heat oven to 375 degrees.

Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees until golden brown.

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I plan to try this recipe again this weekend, but this time I would like to make them into small dinner rolls. I will let you know how they turn out!

On the knitting front I finished some “seekrit” knitting. I can share one of the projects with you, as Lala has already received the package (the other will be revealed at a later time).

FoPASS August/September 2010

This is a 12″x12″ afghan square, knit from Malabrigo Worsted on size US 7. I cast on 65 stitches and alternated between stockinette and seedstitch to create the graduated squares. I hope Lala enjoys it!

SPOILER ALERT I also received the September 2010 Rockin’ Sock Club shipment…

RSC 2010 September I Pine for Ewe

I plan to knit the Meg Swanson adaptation of Elizibeth Zimmerman’s moccasin pattern, using these two colors, for DH.

The green will be the cuff, leg, top of foot and toe, while the Fall “On Tap” will be for the bottom of the foot. I think DH will enjoy these.

I hope to post the winners of the 300 post drawing this weekend. DH has been away on business and my hands have been full, to say the least!

Ladybug & Her Papa