Brooklyn tweed love

Back in October Denise asked us on her blog if we would like a simple scarf to keep us warm this winter. I signed up for the giveaway right away and loved the idea of having a scarf made by her on the other side of the Atlantic. She would pick one reader and the lucky reader could choose the colour from Brooklyn Tweed’s palette and let her know which one was our favourite.

My two favourite colours from the palette was “homemade jam” and “soot”, and since I love surprises I asked her to choose which of the two if I happened to be the lucky winner.

Well, I was! I was the lucky winner! And two weeks ago a soft envelope arrived at the post office. Inside was this beautiful soot - grey - Brooklyn Tweed - made by Denise - scarf. I have worn it since as it has the perfect length, is warn and accents my brown feather filled winter jacket.

It truly feels special that someone I only know through blogland has made this scarf for me. I love my gift. Thank you very much Denise!

Together with the scarf she had put an extra surprise for me, a cotton bag from the Kinokuniya bookstore in San Francisco! Either she was on a lucky struck (or me depending on how you see it) or she knows me better than I thought. I love the Kinokuniya bookstores. Back in 2008 when we visited San Francisco that was one of the few places that we (I) had planned to visit before we travelled. I spent three hours in the bookstore, and only left because my poor husbands patience could not be stretched an inch more and neither could my swollen pregnant feet.

I love my gifts.

ski weekend at Norefjell

Do you want to come along for a weekend at a ski resort with us? Perhaps it can make amends for my unannounced absence these last two weeks.

Mr. Yonder’s company sponsored a couple’s weekend for their employees and we enjoyed every single minute of it. It was our first grown ups only weekend since Astrid was born. We will not wait another two years before we do this again.

We enjoyed our time here so much that we have decided to go back some time soon. If you come long with us you can choose between cross country skiing, slalom or snow boarding.

If you are not into skiing you can take a dip in the pool, visit the Finnish sauna, take a day at the SPA or try climbing the wall that goes all the way from the bottom floor through the lobby and continues upward.

What about diving into these comfortable couches after a long day with activities?

And then order a steaming warm coffee or hot chocolate and perhaps a piece of this tempting apple cake with crème Brule and whipped cream? Anyone?

By the way, when was the last time you went on a ski trip or had a couple’s weekend with your hubby? I think we have to improve at that here in Yonder.

stacks of blue merino

I was busy before Christmas making gifts. Because I didn’t want to spoil anyone’s surprise I couldn’t share with you all the makings. But now I can.

These were hats and necks warmers I made for the kids of my oldest cousin MJ who lives in Madrid. They have had an unusual cold winter there this year and I thought this would come in handy.

For the hat I used this pattern from Drops with a few alterations.

The neck warmer pattern was inspired by Jennifers Neighborly. I love to knit from top to bottom. I don't know why but for some reason it is more fun. I'll share the neck warmer pattern in a later post.

Edited: Ravelry link here

pickled herring

I thought “everyone” had long breakfasts no matter what part of the blog reading world you were from. And that perhaps what was different would be what was on the table. So I am surprised by your surprise on how different it is. It makes me want to ask you: How is a Sunday breakfast at your place?

I love long lasting breakfasts so if last post was an inspiration to you then my mission is done.

Sometimes the food is important; other times the company & conversation. And once in a while the best part is the silence. Long breakfasts’ lets you live in the moment. They let you meditate. Breathe and ponder. Something good always comes out of a long breakfast.

The recipe I use when making pickled herring is written below, in case you want to add some norwegianess to you breakfast table. It is very simple and easy and everyone brave enough can make and eat it. If you like fish and you like pickled food this should be right up your street.

I usually make small amounts because there are only three of us. And I like my pickled herring to be “fresh” (as fresh as pickled food can get) and firm.

 


 
Preparations:
Soak the herring filets in water for 1-2 hours, cut them in 1.5 cm strips.

Slice the onion into thin rings or half rings.

In a pan mix the vinegar, sugar, water, and spices heat the pan gently but do not
let it boil, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool off.

In a jar layer the sliced herring and onion and pour the cold vinegar marinade.

You can also find a more spiced up recipe here

On the table

To Lucy and everyone else that wants to know what is in every jar and bowl. I’m imagining you sitting across the table asking me and giving it a go to taste. Some of the things you already know what is but perhaps with other names. Other things might be new to you depending on what part of the world you are from.

The jar that says “syltet agurk” contains pickled sliced cucumbers. Sweet and sour at the same time.

The jar that says “tomatsild” contains cured herring in tomato sauce. This is typically eaten during Christmas. Some make it with tomato sauce; other makes it with mustard sauce. My favourite is the simplest cured herring recipes of them all: pickled herring. I’ll share the how to do’s later on so you can try it out yourself. It is not for a picky kind of person, more so for the kitchen adventurer.

The small plastic “bag” that says “majones” contains mayonnaise. You cut a small piece of one corner, squeeze the bag in the middle and then depending on how big or small you made the corner a big or small line of mayonnaise can be squeezed over you choice of bread and spread. My favourite Sunday mayonnaise combo is a slice of bread, boiled sliced egg, caviar, and thin lines of mayo on top.

The bowl that says “hjemmlaget syltetøy” contains homemade strawberry jam. It is simply made with strawberries and sugar and tastes delicious. Just as if summer is visiting for a short and intense mouthful. And if you have some Brie at hand and put that on a slice of freshly made bread and then a spoonful of the jam. Well what can I say…Yummy!

Let's dig in!

Edited: Dorte, this could actually be either one breakfast, brunch or lunch. Or all three, depending on how early you get up in the morning and how long you sit at the table.

Welcome 2011

Christmas has been cleaned out of our living room. Gone is the red and green, the advent star in our window, and the Christmas tree.

A new year lies ahead of us. Like a table full of ingredients for us to choose. New possibilities, new highs and new lows, new experiences that reminds us that we are alive. I love it!

Happy new year dear friends!