News from the Nest, October 21

Speaking of worlds colliding…this White Bean and Cabbage Soup is not only easy on the budget with very simple ingredients but also very tasty! I enjoy its simplicity, but aside from that, this is a starter recipe that you can add to or substitute to make it your own. I’ve included some ideas to get you thinking.

With just two months until Christmas day, it’s an excellent time to start knitting stockings. We have two free Christmas Stocking patterns for you to consider.

• This Christmas Stocking Knit Pattern works up so quickly that you can easily start and finish one in a day. It uses the Magic Loop for the body of the stocking. Videos showing the Magic Loop, the Kitchener Stitch, and Heel and Toe Shaping will help you successfully knit a stocking.

• This Christmas stocking pattern is just a slight variation on a theme in that it uses the broken-rib stitch for a little bit of a pattern and Sirdar Alpine for a soft and lovely faux fur cuff. Not only is the full printable PDF pattern available for free, but a full-length video shows all the steps for this Christmas Stocking Knitting Pattern.

I don’t know about you, but potholders often make it on my ‘stocking stuffer gift ideas’ list for my family. Crocheting the thermal stitch on these potholders is a little time-consuming, so get started early if you want to gift them for the holidays.

• As the weather cools and the days become shorter, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty soup to soothe the soul. That’s where this Crock Pot Pea Soup with Ham comes into play—a classic dish that combines simplicity with heartwarming flavors.

• This recipe for Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough is my most popular Pinterest post for the year thus far, which is quite something considering I published it in May of this year! Give it a whirl if you want a delicious use for your sourdough discard!

• This recipe for flavorful and creamy hummus can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. A smoky and spicy walnut topping makes this hummus appetizer even more delicious!

• Use your recently made hummus to fill wraps. Hummus Wraps are easy, quick, healthy, and economical lunch and light dinner options that can also be vegetarian and gluten-free, depending on the wrap used.

• Chai-spiced pumpkin donuts with chai glaze are the perfect breakfast, dessert or snack treat for the fall. These baked donuts will quickly become your family’s favorite donut recipe — fall or any season 

• And don’t forget the doggos! Pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, wheat germ, coconut oil, and egg combine for a healthy and yummy Pumpkin Treat for our four-legged loves. This post also discusses grain substitutions and dehydrating treats, so they last longer.

• Homemade seed paper has many applications. Use it to make place markers for your Thanksgiving table or note cards. Once you have made it, you’ll use it often.

• A terrarium is a great way to nourish your green thumb during the winter months. You can get a little dirt under your nails and revel in the satisfaction of watching something grow. Consider someone on your gift list who would love to receive a terrarium as a unique gift this holiday. This post shares instructions for making a terrarium, materials, and recommended plants. It also offers tips for terrarium maintenance.

• These DIY indoor pot feet keep your pots off your good furniture, reducing the risk of water damage.

• Depending on where you live, you might be getting ready to sow your onion seeds. This post shares the top 10 onion companion plants and how their interactions help your garden thrive. We’ll also cover the vegetables, herbs, and flowers you should keep away from your onions to prevent stunting growth and spreading diseases.

• Turning a corner cabinet into this bar cabinet was one of my favorite projects! You can make your own Bar Cabinet from just about any cabinet. In this post, I’ll share how I turned my grandparent’s corner cabinet into a functional bar cabinet.