Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Chocolate Glazed Donut Muffins

donut muffins

I don't recall exactly how I first stumbled across these beautiful creations but I do know I immediately pinned them. The version I made and pinned came from Joy the Baker's blog.

I love muffins - they're handy. I can make them ahead of time. They fit in one hand. They travel well and are pre-portioned.

I love donuts - they're yummy. But...they're no treat for the hips, so a baked version has to be better right?

I love chocolate - enough said.

So what could be better than combining all those things together?!

As with all things, I had to make a few changes...

I eliminated the nutmeg because I didn't want a nutmeg flavor to them.
I used skim milk because that's what I had on hand.
I used vanilla yogurt rather than plain because that's what they had in small sizes.
I used semi-sweet chocolate rather than unsweetened because we like our chocolate to taste really chocolatey.

Overall, easy to make and worth the time invested, though I really thought they tasted like a dense version of my vanilla cupcakes.

The chocolate glaze was perfect. I may never make icing/frosting for any cupcake ever again. The glaze was prettier and easier and yummier than any other recipe I have ever made.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Robin Hood Jacket

About a year ago I cast on the Robin Hood Jacket from Zoe Mellor's Adorable Knits for Tots.  I knit this pattern a few years ago for a friend's new baby and really enjoyed it.  I always knew I wanted one for Lil' Hoot but thought I'd make it in a larger toddler size so (hopefully) she can wear it longer.

What I didn't like about the pattern is that all the pieces are knit separately and then seamed together.  I thought I'd just go ahead and knit the fronts along with the back and leave arm holes when I got to that point.  Good idea, in theory.  It turns out I didn't leave a big enough space for the arm holes, so when I realized I couldn't fix it, I did what every frustrated knitter does...I shoved it in the closet for awhile until finally ripping it all out to start over.  By that time it was well into fall and there was no way I was going to get it finished.

So this Spring when the first trimester exhaustion peaked and all I could do at night was sit and watch tv, I cast on for a new RHJ in a much larger size.  I decided, in my tired state, I should follow the pattern to the letter.  It worked out much better...except...despite being on gauge and knitting a larger size, the sleeves seem to be a bit tight, somewhat remarkable considering my skinny child.  Blocking works wonders though and her sweater is all set for fall...almost...

As you can see, it still needs buttons.  It's not for lack of trying though, I just haven't found the right buttons yet.  I hereby publicly declare to find them, buy them and get them sewn on before fall (if it ever comes).

Robin Hood Jacket Back
Robin Hood Jacket Front

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Smocked Sundresses and an Itty Bitty Baby Dress

Boy-oh-boy am I slow in posted (and completely finishing) these dresses!

smocked sundress itty bitty baby dress

Ok, so these dresses have been done for awhile but were part of a super-secret surprise gift for a friend.  I made the Itty Bitty Baby Dress from Made By Rae for her new addition (due any day now) and a Smocked Sundress from Heather Ross for her little girl.

Of course, I couldn't stop at just one Smocked Sundress - Lil Hoot needed one too.  I did the straps differently on Lil Hoot's dress.  I knew she wouldn't stand for straps that tied at her shoulders so I made straps by encasing elastic in a fabric tube.  It's easy-on that way.  What I didn't consider is that it is also incredibly easy-off.  Lil Hoot is constantly taking the straps on/off her shoulders which allows the dress to slide on down and expose her top half - not really what you want to happen at church on Sunday.

smocked sundress front

smocked sundress back