Fingerless Glove Mania!

This time of year just shouts "Fingerless Gloves", but why should they be drab, they should be fun! I have been making these on and off for a couple of weeks and finally had a snowed in weekend to get them done...

They were fun to make, 100% Alpaca and an original design from yours trully. I played around with the edging by re-casting on the other color and it came out rather nice. Then I added an little embelishment to give it an accent...with some other projects lined up, while most people complain about the weather I look at it as down time to work on some projects!

Getting Back to Basics with Homemade Vanilla

I have begun to realize something about our foods and the things or lack of them in simple things we have in our pantries. Reading labels have been something I have begun to do. If you read the label on any store bought bottle of Vanilla you will find that they contain alcohol (for preserving) but also water. In the imitation vanilla you are getting a synthetic version of it, yuk! This bottle will cost you about $4.69 in the grocery store and it isn't even really pure!

What you will need to make your own is a large glass container. I use a large bail latch jar, some cheap bourbon whiskey, vodka or any other carrier, and some vanilla beans (I purchased mine on ebay!), small bottles (got them on line to from SpecialityBottleCo.com) and the most important thing: about 6 to 8 weeks to soak the beans for the ultimate flavor.

When soaking the beans place in a cool, out of direct light area as possible and shake almost everyday. A jar this size I put about 15 beans in it. I check mine from time to time by opening it up and smelling it, the smell is wonderful, it's pure and you know what went into it.
When ready, strain with double cheese cloth and transfer into bottles. Place a vanilla bean in the bottle. These make great gifts which I gave to my friends and family for the holidays!
Yet another way of getting Back to Basics and keeping some money in your pocket!

Happy 2012 from the Farm!

A look to the right of Coon Hollow Farm

Happy 2012 from Coon Hollow Farm!
Wishing all of you a year filled with prosperity, joy, good health and all the best life can bring.
As I look forward to the New Year and all it has to offer, to learn all I can learn, and to be the best I can be...