The Granny Square Heart Garland / crochet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8LbtpZENOU

Delicious Cheater Chili

https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/soup/chili/delicious-cheater-chili.html

Crochet Microwave Bowl Cozy

This cozy will fit many different size bowls. My Pyrex bowl is 6 1/4" in diameter and just about 2" deep. Materials*** You're going to need some cotton worsted weight yarn (#4). IT MUST BE 100% COTTON YARN!!! And you'll find that information on the yarn label in different places. Please read the entire lable. If it's 100% cotton, you will be able to use it in the microwave with your bowl. Just be very careful when you're using it in the microwave. Keep an eye on it but don't ever get too close to a microwave door. A lot of people will put their bowl in the microwave and then just move their hot bowl to their bowl cozy after their dish has been warmed up. That is a bad idea. Put the bowl in the cozy and then mivrowave the cozy and bowl together. One skein of cotton worsted weight yarn will be enough for this project. I use Peaches and Cream or Crafters Closet, 120 yards/2.5 ounces. I did have a little left over. You're also going to need a hook: an H or 8, which is a 5 millimeter hook or an I or 9 which is a 5.5 millimeter hook. **Getting started.** We're going to start with a slip knot on your hook. Your project will be worked in rounds/spirals from the center out. ***Round 1*** Start with 2 chains and on one the hook. Make 8 single crochets in the second chain from the hook. ***Do not join the ends of rounds with a slip stitch.*** You will need 8 single crochets in Round 1. (8sc) You need to keep track of the end and the beginning of your rounds/spirals. What I like to do is use a scrap of contrasting color yarn as a stitch marker that is about 10 inches long or longer. Place it between the last stitch of round one and the first stitch of round one so you can tell when you have gotten to the end of the round/spiral. This marker will move up and be added each round and stay in all of the rounds until the project is finished. ***Round 2*** You are going to increase in each sc stitch around. You are going to work 2 single crochet in each sc stitch starting with the first SC of the first round. You are going to be doubling the number of stitches that you have in Round 1. So you are going to change 8 single crochet into 16 in the second round. (16 sc) That way you can keep the bottom of the bowl cozy perfectly flat. Take your scrap of yarn and pull it to the back of the second round between the first and last stitches in the second round, leaving it in the first round too. Between the last and first stitch of the first of every round is going to be your marker scrap yarn. ***Round 3*** We are increasing (2 sc) in that first stitch (the first stitch of round 2). But the next stitch will not be an increase. It will just have one single crochet worked in it. You will repeat that all the way around with 2 single crochet in the next stitch and one single crochet in the following stitch. Count your stitches at the end of every round. You will have 24 single crochet stiches for this round. (24) Remember to move the stitch marker scrap betwen the last and first stitches of each round. Make sure the marker stays in all previous rounds. ****Round 4**** Start with 2 single crochet in the next single crochet (the first st of round 3). You will then work one single crochet in each of the next 2 single crochets. At the end of Round 4 you will have 32 single crochet stitches. (32) Move up your stitch marker yarn and start Round 5. *****Round 5***** Round 5 is simple because it is single crochet in each stitch around. Make a SC in the first stitch of round 4 then every stitch around to the last stitch of round 4. At the end of Round 5 you will still have 32 SC stitches. (32) *Gauge check* You will want to lay the work flat and check our gauge/diameter measurement. Rounds 1 through 5 should be about 3" in diameter. Slightly smaller than that is okay. You don't want it to be really loose/bigger than 3". Because if this is loose/big, then you'll have a bunch of holes where your fingers might go through and get burnt. So it's better to be a little bit tight/small than loose/big. So make sure that your stitches are not too loose on this project. Now you are ready to drape the stitch marker scrap across round 5 and start Round 6. ******Round 6****** Round 6 is another increase round. You start with 2 single crochet in the next single crochet again (the first stitch in round 5). You are starting with another increase. And then you are going to do a single crochet in each of the next 3 single crochets. And that's what you will repeat all around. At the end of Round 6 you will have 40 single crochet. (40) Mov up that marker. ****Round 7***** Round 7 is the same as Round 5. Starting with the first stitch in round 6 make a single crochet. You are going to single crochet in each single crochet around. When you finish Round 7 you still have 40 single crochets because this round was worked even/no increase. (40) Move up the marker. **Round 8** Start with 2 single crochet in the first single crochet of round 7. Tht is your first increase of this round. Then you are going to single crochet in each of the next 4 sc. You are going to repeat that all the way around: 2 single crochets in the next single crochet and single crochet in each of the next 4. You will have 48 single crochet in round 8 when you finish. (48) Move up the marker. ***Round 9*** Round 9 is worked evenly/no increase. Work a SC in the first sc of row 8. Then you single crochet in each single crochet around. (48 sc) ***Round 10****** ***Now we're going to change up our increases starting in Round 10. Take a look at our bowl cozy. And you can see it starts with a nice round circle at the bottom, but then it needs to start getting 4 sides and 4 corners. You are only going to be doing 4 increases in each round. And those increases will be 3 single crochets instead of 2. So to start round 10 you will place 3 sc in the first sc of round 9. And then you will single crochet in each of the next 11 single crochet stitches. Then repeat the 3 single crochet and one sc in the next 11 sc to the marker. At the end of Round 10 you will have 56 single crochet. (56 sc) You have started your 4 corners and sides. Do not move up the marker yet. ***Round 11***** **Round 11 is going to move the marker over one to the left.** The reason why is because you want your corners going evenly up the sides. You don't want them curving to the side. You can see in the flat bottom that the marker has made a curve to the right. You want to stop that curve here. **You make a sc in the first sc of round 10. It is the first of the 3 in the corner space. ***This stitch will NOT count in your round stitch count.*** And then you are going to move your *****marker***** between this stitch and the next stitch. And the next stitch is the 2nd (center) single crochet in that row 10 corner. Round 11 is going to start with the single crochet in the center single crochet of the 3 in the corner space. Now you can continue with Round 11 and single crochet in each single crochet around. This round will not increase/worked even. At the end of Round 11 you will still have 56 single crochet because this round was worked even. (56) Move yor marker to fit between the 56th sc of row 11 and the next st (first st of row 11). ***Round 12**** You are going to place 3 single crochets in the next single crochet (first sc of row 11) making your corner. This is the first increase for this round. Then you are going to single crochet in each of the next 13 single crochet. This is 2 single crochet more than Round 10 between the corners. And this is what you are going to repeat for this round. You are going to work 3 single crochet in the next single crochet and single crochet in the next 13, 4 times around. At the end of Round 12 and the new stitch count now is 64 single crochet. (64sc) ****Do not move your stitch marker yet.**** **Round 13** Round 13 is a repeat of Round 11, which was a single crochet in the next single crochet. *And then move your stitch ***marker*** over so that you will be having your increases line up in the center of your 3 single crochet. But this is not an increase round. This is another work even round. You want a single crochet in each single crochet around. So you should have the same number of single crochet as Round 12. (64) Move up your marker. ***Round 14*** The cozy should be cupping up quite a bit now and that is what it should do. This increase will start out the same way as the other increase rounds. You are going to work 3 single crochet in the next single crochet. Then you are going to place a single crochet in the next 15 single crochets. You will repeat 3 sc in the next sc and then on sc in the next 15 sc around to the marker. You are at the end of Round 14 nd the stitch count is now 72 single crochet. (72sc) Do not move the marker yet. **Round 15** Round 15 is going to be another repeat of Round 11. Single crochet in the next single crochet and move your stitch **marker** after that one. You are going to work even in this round/no increases. A sc in each sc. At the end of Round 15 you will still have the same number of sc stitches as Round 14. (74) Move up the marker. **Round 16** Round 16 is another increase round. You are going to start it like the other increase rounds and work 3 single crochet in the next single crochet for your corner. Then you are going to single crochet in the next 17 single crochet. You will repeat that all the way around to the marker. Do not move the marker yet. **Round 17 ** Round 17 is a repeat of Round 11. Place a single crochet in the next single crochet and then move the **marker**. Then single crochet in each single crochet around. A total round of 80 single crochet. (80 sc) Move the marker. ***Round 18*** Round 18 is going to be an increase round. Start with 3 single crochets in the next single crochet for your corner. Then you are going to single crochet in the next 19 single crochets. That is your repeat all the way around to the marker. You will have 88 single crochet. (88sc) Do not move up your marker yet. **Round 19*** Round 19 will be another repeat of Round 11. You do our first single crochet in the first sc. Then you move your marker. You will work a sc in each st around. Even around in Round 19, no increases. At the end you will have 88 single crochet. (88 sc) Move up your marker. **Round 20** Round 20 is another increase round. You are going to start with 3 single crochet in the first sc. then you are going to place a single crochet in each of the next 21 single crochets. You are going to repeat that around to the marker for a total of (96 sc) Do not move your marker yet. **Round 21** Round 21 is another repeat of Round 11. You will single crochet in the next single crochet. Then move the stitch marker over. Then single crochet in each single crochet around to the marker (96 sc) The cozy is finished except for the edging. Do not cut the yarn. **edging** ***Slip Stitch and Invisible Join** Slip stitch in each stitch around. Do not make these slip stitches too tight. Ris makes a simple finished edge. Join with a slip stitch. Leave a long end and pull that yarn out thru the slip stitch. Cut your yarn. Thread the yarn into a tapestry needle. Then go through the beginning of the 2nd stitch to the left and from behind the top 2 loops (the v). (You are going to mimic the look of the top of the edge stitches.) Pull the needle and yarn under that "v" and then go back into the last "v" slip stitch to the right and pull it thru there. The stitch you just made with the needle and yarn will look just like all the slip stitches. Weave in your end across the back side into several stitches. Then go back in the direction you just came for a few stitches. Pull the needle off of the yarn. Give the cozy a few tugs near the yarn end. Trim the yarn end close to the cozy. Pull out your yarn stitch marker. The cozy is finished. You can use your bowl cozy to put your bowl in the microwave. Pick it up by the corners and keep your hands from getting burned on the hot bowl when removing it from the microwave. Measuring from one corner diagonally across to the other corner the cozy should be arond 12 inches in diameter. It should fit most 6 to 8 inch bowls easily.

February 28, 2026 / Knoxville,TN THEN/NOW/NEXT

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/then-now-next-tickets-1980681606002?mc_cid=a7d64069be

Homemade Steak'ums or Kabab

Ingredients 2 pounds 85% lean ground beef 1 large onion grated 3 garlic cloves grated ¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons cumin 2 teaspoons coriander 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper Roasted Topping for Kabab: 1 large red onion sliced into wedges 2 Roma tomatoes sliced into wedges Roasted topping for Steak'ums: 1 large onion cut into slivere 1 large bell pepper sliced into strips Instructions Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add the ground beef, grated onion, garlic, yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Divide the mixture in the bowl into four equal portions. Place one portion in the center of a sheet of parchment about 12×16. Place another parchment paper the same size on top and use your hands or a rolling pin to roll the beef mixture into a thin rectangle, the shape of the parchment paper. Starting from the long side, fold the parchment over the meat and roll it tightly until it forms a flat, compact log. Repeat with the three portions of meat. Place the parchment-wrapped logs onto the prepared baking sheet. Add the onions and tomatoes (or the onions and bell peppers) on the sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Let the logs cool just enough to handle. Unroll, break the meat apart into small chunks or thin slices, and return it to the baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes, just until lightly golden with crisp edges. For Kabab: Serve in warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and tahini sauce. For Steak'ums: Serve on soft or toasted rolls with onions, peppers and cheese.

Twice baked butternut squash

Ingredients 1 (2-pound) butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus additional leaves for garnish 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage, plus small leaves for garnish 3 cups baby spinach (3 ounces) 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened ½ teaspoon ground pepper ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese ¼ cup finely chopped toasted hazelnuts 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze Directions Preheat oven to 400°F with a rack 6 inches from broiler. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Brush cut sides of squash halves with 1 teaspoon oil; place cut-sides down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast until fork-tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet. Turn on the broiler. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons garlic and 1 teaspoon each thyme and sage; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 3 cups spinach; cook, tossing or stirring constantly, until wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 ounces cream cheese, ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and coats the spinach, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Scoop out the squash flesh, leaving a ¼-inch border, and place in a large bowl; mash with a fork or spoon until smooth. Fold the spinach mixture into the mashed squash until fully combined. Spoon into the squash shells (about 1 cup per half). Sprinkle with ½ cup Gruyère. Return the stuffed squash halves to the foil-lined baking sheet; broil until the cheese is melted and browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with ¼ cup hazelnuts and drizzle with 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze. Cut the squash halves in half to serve. Garnish with thyme and sage leaves, if desired.

Winter squash gnocchi

Ingredients 1 head of garlic, top third cut off Extra-virgin olive oil, for rubbing 1 pound baking potatoes 1 (2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch pieces 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature 1/4 cup fresh ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley Kosher salt 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1 stick unsalted butter 10 sage leaves, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings, for serving Directions Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Place racks in the lower and middle thirds of the oven. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil and roast on the bottom rack of the oven for 50 minutes. Lightly rub the potatoes with olive oil, prick them all over with a fork and bake on the lower rack for 45 minutes, until fork-tender. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Add the squash and rub with olive oil. Bake on the upper rack for about 30 minutes, stirring once, until soft. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl and mash to a paste. Peel the hot potatoes and pass them through a ricer into a large bowl. Add the hot squash to the ricer and pass it into the bowl with the potatoes. Let cool slightly. Add the egg yolks, ricotta, parsley, 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of the mashed roasted garlic (reserve any extra for another use). Stir until combined. Sprinkle on the 1 1/4 cups of flour and gently stir it in. Scrape the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth but still slightly sticky. Line a baking sheet with wax paper and dust with flour. Cut the gnocchi dough into 5 pieces and roll each piece into a 3/4-inch-thick rope. Cut the ropes into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer the gnocchi to the baking sheet. Lightly oil another baking sheet. In a large, deep skillet of simmering salted water, cook half of the gnocchi until they rise to the surface, then simmer them for 1 to 2 minutes longer, until cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi to the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining gnocchi. In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over moderate heat and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the sage and thyme and cook for 20 seconds. Add the gnocchi and cook for 1 minute, tossing gently. Season with salt and serve, passing the cheese shavings at the table.