News From the Nest, October 12

New on the Blog

Several months ago, I received an email from Jana asking me if I had a pattern for the ‘viral wool felted sailor slippers.’ I didn’t know what she was talking about so I went to the Googler and decided then and there, ‘we need to make these!’ So, do thank Jana if you’ve been wanting to make felted slippers for yourself or to gift! They truly make fantastic, welcome, and just charming gifts. Check out the pattern here!

Table of Contents

Recipes from the Kitchen

These Parmesan Cheese Crisps need only grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of seasoning to become savory, crunchy, gluten-free snacks. Reader Patti-Ann gave them five stars and called them “Quick, easy and a great appetizer with a hummus dip.” I like mine plain or with a smear of cream cheese, and they’re a handy topper or accompaniment for any of this week’s soups or chilis.

Fall finally feels like soup season, and this Hearty Beef Soup is a family favorite. Searing the meat and adding dried mushrooms gives it a deep richness that is unmatched in most beef soups. Reader Chellie made it after their first snow and said it was the perfect warm-up. I can’t face soup in the summer humidity, so I’m happy to have this pot back on the stove, and, of course, it tastes even better the next day.

A volunteer squash sprouted in our compost bin and gave us more than we could eat, which is how Butternut Squash Chili with Black Beans was born. Chipotle brings the smoke, a touch of cocoa adds depth, and it’s so hearty you won’t miss the meat. It freezes well too, so go ahead and make a big pot.

Roasted garlic is the secret behind Cheesy Potato Soup, turning sweet and mellow before it joins sharp cheddar and crispy bacon. It’s made from everyday staples, so it’s easy on the grocery budget, and the garlic can be roasted days ahead. Leftovers reheat nicely for lunch, and a pot of soup simmering on the stove always makes the house feel like home.

Wondering what to do with that jar of apple butter? Apple Butter Oatmeal Bars tuck it between a brown sugar oat crust and a crumbly streusel for a not-too-sweet treat that tastes just like autumn. Reader Barb made them with apple butter from her uncle, and both Tulsi and Debbie gave them five stars. No apple butter on hand? We’ve got you covered with this Apple Butter recipe.

French madeleines have a reputation for being fussy, but Spiced Madeleines with Optional Maple Glaze takes the guesswork out, along with plus tips for success. Dip them in maple glaze or enjoy them plain with tea or coffee. A flop of a Christmas cookie day taught me to check my baking powder every year, and the post includes an easy test.

Want fall flavor without frying? Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes put pumpkin pie spice in both the batter and the sugar coating, so the flavor comes through twice. Mix the batter the night before and you’ll have warm donut holes ready for brunch with hardly any morning fuss. Pair them with our Apple Spice Donut Holes for a fall or Thanksgiving spread.

Need a homemade gift that feels festive? Pear Jam with Dried Cranberries and Ginger is a beginner-friendly canning project that needs no pectin or fancy ingredients. Cranberries, ginger, and cinnamon give it a holiday glow, and it’s wonderful on crusty bread. I’m convinced almost everyone loves homemade jam, and my very informal survey of raised hands backs me up.

Our four-legged friends deserve something homemade too, and 3-Ingredient Dog Treats are made with oats, natural peanut butter, and whatever soft fruit or vegetable you have on hand. They’re a smart way to use up ripe bananas, and pumpkin works beautifully too. Reader Cathy says her two Labs give her the side-eye when she offers store-bought treats. Just double-check that your peanut butter has no xylitol.

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

I made this chunky knit blanket while binge-watching a show during a winter storm, and I finished it in a single day. Those oversized needles give you instant gratification and a dramatic throw to show for it.

Ready to try lace but a little nervous? The Honeysuckle Knit Lace Shawl is a gentle introduction that starts from a tiny cast on and fans out into a wide wrap with a generous fringe. The lace repeat is short, so it clicks quickly, and the silky bamboo yarn drapes beautifully. I picked up my yarn through store pickup, which is a huge time-saver.

Our guide to resizing any knit blanket, throw, dishcloth, or towel walks you through the simple math, and it works on the chunky throw above. Readers have asked great questions, like how to stretch a chunky blanket pattern to use one extra skein, and the answers are waiting in the comments.

This Waffle Stitch Knit Dishcloth sat on my to-do list for far too long, and it came together quickly once I finally cast on. Plain knit and purl stitches make a cozy texture that lies flat and looks good from either side. It’s a perfect step beyond stockinette for newer knitters, and a stack tied up with bath salts or a homemade balm makes a lovely gift.

From the Arts + Crafts Studio

I spotted flat rope coasters in an upstate New York shop and thought, “I bet I can make that!” Our Turk’s Head Knot Coasters and Trivets are the result, and a printable diagram and a video mean you don’t need any special knotting skills. This post has many helpful and positive comments! Carol says they look like they came from a high-end shop, and Cassandra finds the repetitive knotting a calming way to practice patience.

Looking for a handmade gift that doesn’t scream “DIY”? This Macrame Wire Votive Holder swraps a plain glass votive in sparkly beaded wire, perfect for a Christmas mantel or a shimmery dining table. Beginners can learn the square knot with written steps, illustrations, and a video. I hadn’t done macrame in ages, and I’m so glad I acted on this idea.

In the House + Home

This article on Eco-Friendly Products and Ideas for a Sustainable Kitchen is full of simple swaps like silicone lids instead of plastic wrap, cloth napkins instead of paper, and cast iron instead of nonstick. My mom was my role model as she used cloth napkins and skipped paper towels years before it was eco-fashionable.

In the Garden

Fall planters tend to fizzle fast, but this post on Fall Container Garden Ideas and Tips shows how to keep yours looking good. Mums only bloom for a few weeks, so we pair them with plants that carry the show later. There are five planter designs to copy. I collect container ideas like others collect recipes, snapping photos of planters I love and recreating them at home.

Onions take up little space, and Onion Companion Plants shows which herbs, flowers, and vegetables make the best neighbors, since the wrong ones can stunt growth. Their scent helps deter several pests, and radishes planted at the end of the row mark where the onions are hiding. It’s a handy read for planning this fall or next year’s beds as the garden winds down.

Raised beds are a game changer for poor soil, and they’re kinder to your back and knees. Vegetables for Raised Bed Gardens covers the pros and cons, which crops thrive, seasonal planting, and bed materials. Our untreated pine beds at our old house lasted only a handful of years, so we chose Corten steel at our current home. I recently planted arugula, kale, broccolini, and beans for a fall garden.