It’s a cloudy Friday and I find myself wanting to cast on these beautiful colors right now, to add a little color to my day. But … I can’t. This is my June Camp Loopy project, with a June 1 start date! I might have to stash-dive and start a pair of bright colored socks in the meantime.
I’m making my second Shindig of the year. After making the first, I knew I’d make a second one. The pattern is fun to knit and remarkably quick, given the fact that it uses more than one skein of yarn. After I picked my Wollmeise Blend colors (see below), I realized they are just a different version of my original colors (see below). Blue and Burgundy vs. Royal Blue and Fuchsia. At least I’m consistent. 🙂 I looked on Ravelry and saw that a couple of people had added a third color into the stripes, so I added in that green Grunfink. We’ll see how that all goes in June!
Today I wanted to share two recipes that I have long loved. I think I first made this when we were newly married. It is a great addition to a salad meal, or to a breakfast or brunch.
Date Nut Bread
1 cup boiling water
1 Tbl. butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
pinch of salt
1 cup cut-up dates
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix boiling water and dates, and set aside to cool.
In a separate bowl, beat butter, egg and sugar.
Add baking soda to the cooled water/date mixture. Combine with other mixture.
Gradually add in nuts, flour, salt and vanilla. Mix but don’t beat.
Bake in a large loaf pan lined with wax paper. 350 degrees for 1 hour (or 35 minutes if using two smaller loaf pans.)
Apple-Date Spread
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup finely chopped and peeled tart apples
1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
3/4 cup finely chopped dates
Soften cream cheese with milk and cream. (Mix by hand – not in a mixer.)
Stir in remaining ingredients.
Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Good served on nut breads or crackers.
I hope you all have a great weekend! We’ll be back on Monday with a new indie dyer for you. (Hey – that’s the yarn I need for a bright and lively pair of socks. Forget the stash!)
Sheri thankfulforcoloroncloudygraydays
P.S. Speaking of color – did you catch yesterday’s Fabric Update? This might be my most favorite fabric collection ever. Ombres, dots, and beautiful colors. I love it!
How long do you bake the loaf?
I added that – 350 degrees for 1 hour!
I love date nut bread with cream cheese. As a college student I would buy it as a treat at the Chock full of Nuts Coffee shop. Now I’ll have to make some. Thanks for the recipe.
I didn’t know about cream cheese as a date nut bread spread until I started making these recipes. Glad it brings back good memories for you, Robin!
OMG…major overload…love your colors and really really love the recipes! Perfect timing for my God-Daughter’s visit!
They’re bright, aren’t they, Syd! I go back and forth between thinking they are too bright, and then thinking a big bright pop of color is just what everyone needs in the wintertime. 🙂 Have a fun visit with your God-Daughter!