News From the Nest, October 20

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

If you’re looking for another variation on a Christmas stocking, this Knit Christmas Stocking Pattern uses the broken-rib stitch for added texture. It features a soft faux fur cuff that’s absolutely divine. Using chunky yarn and the Magic Loop technique, you can finish one of these stockings in a day. The pattern includes a full-length video showing every step, including the Magic Loop and Kitchener Stitch. Sara noted in her review, “Nice pattern and fast, which I enjoy…Fun pattern, thank you, video was very helpful!”

The Tiny Trails Baby Blanket is an easy knit pattern that uses simple garter stitches and slip stitches to create a darling design. If you’re looking for a baby blanket that doesn’t require much attention, this may be it. The garter stitch makes a blanket with some loft for an extra cushy finish, while the slip stitches form tiny trails throughout for a bit of interest. The pattern is finished with an applied i-cord for a clean, simple look and includes both instructions and a video for those who are new to knitting.

You can crochet a bookmark in just thirty minutes with your favorite embroidery floss colors. This sweet pattern brings a touch of nature and whimsy to your reading routine with its beautiful floral design. The pattern is ideal for crocheters of all levels, and you can quickly create a whole garden of colorful bookmarks perfect for gift-giving. Three skeins of embroidery floss for one bookmark will cost you less than $3, making this an economical and thoughtful gift for your favorite bibliophile.

A Few Fun Finds

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• Raise your hand if your Christmas Tree topper ALWAYS seems a bit wobbly and crooked! 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️ This little gadget is GENIUS!
• We played a really FUN game last night. Similar to Apples to Apples, but with the funniest awkward family photos and famous movie lines.
• It was just a matter of time, first my mom, then my daughter. Now, I’ve started needlepointing! I’m working on my first canvas (a Christmas ornament) now, and this rechargeable neck lamp is an LIFE EYE saver. And what a great gift for someone who seems to have everything!
• OK, it’s hard to get excited about nail trimmers, but I’m just gonna say that everyone in my family is getting one of these in their stocking this year. I’ve already purchased them! And not for nothing, they come in a nice little container.

From the Kitchen

Here’s my twist on the Southern classic: this Jalapeño Cheese Spread breaks all the rules by skipping the pimentos entirely. Instead, jalapeños bring a little heat to the game, while smoky Gouda and Gruyere replace the traditional cheddar for a nice change. A little spicy and a little smoky, this easy appetizer is perfect on crackers or toasted rye bread. Lori raved, “Wow, I made your Jalapeno Cheese Spread for our book club meeting yesterday and everyone loved it…Great recipe!”

Start a pot of this Authentic Bolognese Sauce mid-day and let it simmer slowly all afternoon for the most satisfying bowl of Ragù alla Bolognese come dinnertime. Meat and vegetables gently simmered with wine, broth, tomato sauce, and milk offer a depth of savory richness that’s hard to match. The best part is you’ll only need 30-40 minutes to get it on the stove, then it does its magic over 3-4 hours on the very lowest setting. It’s a hearty and filling meal that goes beyond a simple meat sauce.

Learn how to make a Sourdough Starter from scratch with this easy-to-follow guide that’s perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Made from just flour and water, a sourdough starter harnesses wild yeast and beneficial bacteria from your environment to create a natural leavening agent. The process takes about 7-14 days, with daily feedings that take less than 5 minutes. Once established, your starter can last indefinitely and opens up a world of baking possibilities, from traditional sourdough bread to pizza dough, crackers, and more.

If you’ve been feeding a sourdough starter, don’t throw away that discard. These Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers blend the earthiness of sourdough with sharp cheddar for the best homemade, cheesy, crunchy crackers. When my husband bit into these, he said, “Wow, these taste just like those Cheez-its!” But unlike store-bought crackers, you know everything in them and didn’t spend a penny using your discard. The recipe takes only ten minutes to prepare, thirty minutes of refrigeration, and fifteen minutes in the oven.

The kids have all the trick-or-treat candy, but you deserve something special, too. This Black Widow Martini, complete with cherry “blood” dripping down the side, is delightfully dreadful. Made with homemade cherry syrup, vodka, and lime juice, you can make it deep red or add a few drops of food coloring to turn it black. For an extra spooky effect, add a small piece of dry ice to create a smoking and bubbling effect. It’s the perfect Halloween cocktail that’s as fun to make and photograph as it is to drink.

This Hearty Beef Soup is full of rich flavor that’s often lacking when using just beef broth. Searing the stew meat and beef shanks ups the flavor and heartiness, while dried porcini mushrooms give it the earthiness you want in a bowl of beef soup. Made in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, this nourishing soup is perfect for cool fall days. Serve it with a salad and the Savory Quick Bread mentioned below for a complete meal.

Whether you need a quick loaf for tonight’s pot of soup or are putting together food gifts, this Savory Quick Bread fills both needs ideally. Flavored with herbs and cheese, this bread incorporates beer into the leavening process, resulting in a yeasty bread flavor without the need for kneading or rising time. You can easily mix just the dry ingredients, put them in a jar with a tag, and give the gift of homemade bread. Our favorite herbs are fresh chives or rosemary, paired with sharp cheddar cheese.

From the Arts+ Crafts Studio

Create a beautiful Nailhead Trim Burlap Bulletin Board just in time for the Christmas season. As you’re addressing and sending out your own holiday cards, this project gives you a stylish place to display all the cards you’ve sent over the years. It’s a bit of a pictorial measuring stick to show how your family has changed over the years. The rustic charm of burlap combined with elegant decorative nailhead trim creates a display that’s worthy of those precious photos and greetings. The burlap costs just $3, and the project is easier than you might think. Keep it up year-round as an annual snapshot of how families have grown over the years.

In the Home

Transform an old cabinet into a functional DIY Bar Cabinet with just a few simple updates. Whether you choose a buffet, china cabinet, or corner curio like the one inherited from grandparents, adding peel-and-stick wallpaper, adjusting shelves, and incorporating wine racks and glassware holders can create your own personal watering hole. The best part is personalizing it with items you already own, making it uniquely yours without breaking the bank. Now you need to host a little cocktail party to put it to good use.