Living

Image courtesy | The Cutting Edge of Ordinary

A tradition my mother has faithfully celebrated has been Ukrainian Christmas on the eve of January 6. The celebrated date is according to the old Gregorian calendar. I now celebrate Christmas with my husband and his family but January 6 is extra special because of my mom.
One of the dishes that was served and will always stand out is borscht. My mom is getting older and for the first time she will not be making the usual traditional meal. We will be taking her out to dinner.
I have never made borscht, thought about how my mom made hers and compared recipes online. Martha Stewart's Ukrainian borscht was the closest but on Christmas Eve, we have meatless dishes. I adapted the recipe, kept the meat and it was delicious. So I will carry on the tradition of borscht. Enjoy!

• UKRAINIAN BEET BORSCHT
  Adapted from: Martha Stewart



• INGREDIENTS


• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds short ribs (used veal)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 medium onion cut in quarters (for broth)
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 4 cups good quality beef stock or bouillon.
• 2 bay leaves
• teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional - we like a bit of heat)
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot cut into chunks
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• 1/2 pound cabbage, shredded
• 2 pounds beets, scrubbed, trimmed and coarsely shredded with a box grater
• 5 cups water
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (used whole sm can)
• 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup chopped dill - 1/4 cup left for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley for garnish
• sour cream for garnish



• TO MAKE


• ■ Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown ribs, 3 to 4 minutes per side; set aside.
• ■ Add quartered onion, bay leaves, pepper flakes, celery and carrot. Add stock and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until ribs are tender. 1 1/2 - 2 hrs.
• ■ Shred ribs, discarding fat and bones. Strain stock through a sieve, and skim off fat . (You should have 2 cups.)
• ■ Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add remaining onion and the garlic; cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add carrots; cook for 4 minutes. Add reserved stock, the cabbage, beets, water, and tomato paste. Cook for 30 minutes. Add meat and dill; cook until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes more. Stir in vinegar; garnish with dill and sour cream.

Have a great weekend!

Design Files

Image | Vintage Anchor Hocking Georgian Pressed Amber Glass

The colour of amber has fascinated me ever since I was a kid. Amber jewelry was first and then amber glass. Goodwill and garage sales were probably the first places where I saw amber glass. The colour had such a warm, delicious quality but more often than not, the glassware was a fancy dish or ash tray.
I remember being in a Value Village (was one of my favourite places for hunting until prices went shockingly high) and I saw these glasses. They were mine, love at first sight and we've been using them as wine glasses ever since.
Another design that screamed "buy me" were the Indiana "Whitehall" pattern featured in the second image. We use those as soda, beer and sometimes dessert parfaits.
There are several other interesting pieces found at flea markets that are used as serving pieces brought out mainly for parties, but the drinking glasses are enjoyed and used every day.

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In Fashion

All Images | vogue.com

Cooler Fall weather is here and thoughts run to hats and keeping the head warm without getting the dreaded hathead. The Fall 2102 fashion shows brought out a multitude of hats...BIG hats.
It would appear that Marc Jacobs did indeed have a hat fetish as evidenced in the Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs shows. Summer hats can run big with an oversized brim protecting you from the harmful rays of the sun. But then styling a show with exaggerated accessories is the name of the game when you want press and these shows certainly got lots of press.
Many other designers also chose bigger hats to dress their garments - Hermes with a fedora, Max Mara with a Greek fisherman's hat and Ralph Lauren with a cloche.
What's great about these hat styles - if you don't like the stiff version there are many knit and crochet adapted for a softer look.

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DIY

Top Image | how-to tutorial - fringed linen
Bottom Image | how-to tutorial - comic heroes

During the holiday season there are times when you would like to offer a small gift to someone and what better way than to give something that is both useful and handmade.
Coasters are the kind of gift everyone can use and appreciate. In my own home I have different ones. Not all are the same and they are certainly put to good use when there is a party or a small crowd gathers just visiting.
The coasters featured below are just a few ideas that have step-by-step tutorials and cover a variety of design interests. They make a great hostess gift with wine and are ready for gifting when the occasion arises. Good reason to make a few sets to have on hand.

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Needlecrafts

Top Knit Image | Free pattern here
Bottom Knit Image | Free pattern here

I never really had the need for fingerless gloves, preferring standard gloves. The lightbulb went on when I started texting. Of course, what was I thinking, that gloved hands could hit the correct keys. No, the fingers had to be free, so wristlets became a necessary item to make.
What's really great is the fact that they are quick to work up. A good gift idea! Not to discriminate, there are 2 free patterns for knitters and 2 free patterns for the crocheters.

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