Samhain

Samhain. Commonly called Halloween. The last day of the Pagan year. The time when the veil between the worlds thin. After dark, there is the possibility of tenuous contact with the Dear Departed. Such  time is celebrated in many cultures, respect paid to those gone before. Sadly, these things are feared in our own culture, due to the ridiculous stories and half-truths promulgated by those who do not understand, and do not want to.

 

 Among the many vegetables that grew madly this summer, were these pumpkins. Which I had to do something with, as we don't eat them! (Although we do eat a lot of Squashes.) I was quite pleased with how my carving turned out.

                                                            ......especially the Owl.

 

The clocks going back to British Meantime has meant the nights drawing in earlier. The leaves falling from the trees remind us that we are falling into Winter.
All of these things make me start to feel like baking again. One of Best Beloved's favourite things is Cherry Brownies. As they also look suitably dark, they are perfect for tonight's Trick or Treating. Having said that, they will probably be unaccountably missing, if anyone should knock on the door!

  Melt 190 grams of butter and 190 grams of good chocolate ( minimum 80% cocoa butter) together, gently. Weigh out 115 grams of plain flour, and add a pinch of salt. Whisk together 3 eggs with 250 grams golden caster sugar. Line a 6'' x10'' tin with baking parchment, and scatter 80 - 100 grams of dried cherries evenly over the base. Beat the egg mixture into the cooled chocolate, then carefully fold in the flour. Pour evenly into the prepared tin, and bake at 180 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. It is done when the top goes lighter and flaky. Keep an eye on it, as it is easy to overcook.  Five minutes is the difference between cooked and melting, or overcooked and dry. Allow to cool before removing from tin. Cut into 16 pieces. Yum!

Sorry!

Before I do anything else, I must apologise for my protracted absence. The last post was made just before Best Beloved and I went on holiday. The intention had been to write the next post from our rented cottage, enthusing about the location. Unfortunately, the broad-band connection lasted for thirty seconds at a time. Hopeless. Then, I slipped in Port Isaac, and broke my leg.

So, halfway through the holiday, we came home. Since then, we have had a round of Hospital appointments, lots of me sitting still with my leg elevated, and a topsy-turvy house due to the presence of our builder. We had a long-standing arrangement with Kenny, that he would come and finish our utility room, and the terrace behind the house, on our return. As he retires at Christmas, we were not going to put off the most reliable builder known to Man!

 

The enforced rest has been productive of knitting, however. I had started another Annis back in April, but only managed three rows. It is now finished. The photo below shows it being blocked.

 

Annis by Susanna Ic, in 2/3 ply Alpaca and nylon, from John Arbon. Colour- Rust.

 

Another project that has been hanging about since early May. A pair of plain socks in fivemoons Luna Plus. Vintage Herb for the body, with Pumpkin for the contrast toes and heels.

 

These saucy little wrist warmers are Mrs Beeton  by Brenda Dane. The body is in  Rowan Angora Haze, in black, with the contrast lace in Rowan Kidsilk Haze. Colour - Blood. This was a very quick project. One evening knitting the lace inserts, and two evenings knitting the rest. No sewing required! ( Other than weaving in ends! )

The one thing I needed to make, was some sort of sock, to cover the plaster cast, and keep my toes warm. Luckily, I had a skein of mohair and wool, which Alchemoonist ( of fivemoons ) had dyed from a bilious lime green to a wonderful deep beetle green.  I just cast on, and made it up as I went along. So .......  the Munster Sock!

 

And, actually, Cornwall was wonderful, despite everything.