Breakfast Treat?

I have a girl who eats sauerkraut for breakfast. Yep, you read that correctly. I knew you wouldn't believe me if I didn't photograph my epicure as she prepared to devour her after-breakfast treat. She'd eat it every day if I let her.

Guess who else has learned to love it??

Afghan of Many Colors

On a chilly November morning, nothing is quite as cozy as a warm fire and a bright, cheerful afghan. This is the afghan that Grandmama made me for Christmas. Of course, I told her exactly what I wanted! So, she gave it to me a little early, so we can enjoy it all winter long. Thank you, Grandmama!

"I like it much better up here!"

If you haven't already, please submit a name for my snowman quilt and take a chance at winning him next Friday!

Stay warm!
Love,
Laura Lee

Christmas Give-Away!

'Tis the season for another give-away!

I love Christmas. I really do. I'm not the type who leaves my decorations up all year. Nor do I start putting them up before Thanksgiving. Just as soon as Thanksgiving is over, however, I enjoy turning my home into a winter wonderland. And since Thanksgiving is a mere 9 days away, I decided I better get this Christmas give-away ball rolling.

While dreaming of a white Christmas, I dreamed up this cheerful snowman, using scraps from my Christmas quilt project. Snowmen are my chosen holiday motif for the kitchen and family room. And as much as I like him, I thought maybe he'd like to come to your house instead and bring to you a little bit of Laura Lee Christmas cheer. Problem is, he doesn't have a name. And he definitely needs a name.


Just for fun, this give-away will be a little different. Here is where you come in. Please suggest a name for this affable fellow, either by posting a comment to the blog or by emailing me. I'll keep track of who submitted what name, but will only let my impartial judge see the name suggestions. (I haven't yet decided who my impartial judge will be. Obviously it won't be me, or anyone else I know who reads this blog.) Whoever suggests the winning name will win! The winner will be chosen the day after Thanksgiving, when the Christmas holiday season begins in earnest.

"I need a name, please!"

There are two names that I will definitely veto: Frosty and Snowy. Sorry folks, but we're going for something a little more creative than that.

Additionally, I would like to send a handmade snowman Christmas ornament to each person who enters. So, if I don't know you personally, I'll need your mailing address for that. You can email me at:

laurat1962@yahoo.com

edited to add: I'm afraid the above address may not be working. Please try this one:

edited AGAIN to add: So sorry guys. I had com instead of net!!!! I heard this one was bouncing and couldn't figure out why. PLEASE try again!

thomastemple at bellsouth dot net

Obviously, type it the "normal" way.

Let the name game begin!

Love,
Laura Lee

Road Trip

Today we're heading to Atlantic Beach, NC to spend a few days with Grandmama and Granddaddy at their time share. Some years we have had warm weather at this time in November. That doesn't appear to be the case this year. It is a chilly 31 degrees this morning.

Brrrrrrrrrr!

We're going to miss someone terribly. No doggies allowed....

"Please can I come? Pretty please? With sugar on top?"

Be good, Bella. You make Brad behave, you hear?

Love,
Laura Lee

Vegetable Chowder

When the weather turns cool, I start thinking about soup. Actually, I make soup year round, but there is nothing like soup for supper this time of year.

One of my favorite cookbooks is the Moosewood Cookbook, by Mollie Katzen. All the recipes are vegetarian, and they are all delicious. One day, when I'm rich and famous and can afford a personal chef, this is the cookbook I want used primarily to prepare my meals. Every time I start thinking, "I need to start eating better," this is the book I reach for. I feel healthier just thumbing through its hand-lettered pages. She draws you in with her whimsical illustrations and interesting descriptions of the dishes. I've never made anything from this cookbook that I didn't like!



This recipe for Vegetable Chowder called to me and I couldn't resist. All day I've been dreaming of a hot bowl of this chowder served with a thick slice of homemade bread.

Vegetable Chowder

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 6 (yes) cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 2 medium stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups chopped cauliflower
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cups corn (frozen is fine)
• lots of fresh black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 quart milk, heated
  

Melt the butter in a kettle or Dutch oven. Add onion, half the garlic, salt, thyme, and basil. Saute' over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add potato, celery, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Saute' another 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and corn, plus lots of black pepper. Saute' another 8-10 minutes.

Add water, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, or until everything is tender.

Stir in hot milk and remaining garlic. Remove from heat until about 10 minutes before serving time, then heat gently.

The basic ingredients

The family will know dinner is started when they smell the onions and garlic!

This is looking really colorful!

The mushrooms....now we're talking.....

More color. The kids are going to love this!

Moosewood Magic. Soup's on!

More, please!

14 Months + Iraq -1 Family= 2 Long

Cason, Daniel, and Reagan waiting for their daddy....

Yea!! Daddy's home!

Rochelle and boys dressed in red and blue.

Doug, boys and a soda in Hawaii!
What a place to come home to!

Welcome home, big brother!
We praise God you're home safe and sound!
See you all at Christmas!

Love,
Laura Lee

Pointy Kitty

Little Miss Pointy Kitty is checking out the flowers on the coffee table. I created her as a friend for Alyssah. I found the pattern at WeeWonderfuls.

Miss Pointy Kitty and I hope you have a super, fabulous, terrific Thursday.

Love,
Laura Lee