Time to Cook!

I am trying this recipe I found in a Jan/Feb 1979 issue of Cuisine. Remember how great those recipes always turned out? Here is the recipe for you, I will let you know how it turns out later.

Pork & Cider Casserole

Serves 6

2 pounds lean boneless pork, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
1 qt (4 cups) cold water
2 cups apple cider or apple juice
1 can (10 3/4 oz) chicken broth
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley (I used dried)
1 bay leaf, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon lime juice

2 McIntosh apples, pared, cored, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I used mild)

1. Place pork in 6-quart Dutch oven; add cold water. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 2 minutes. Drain; discard liquid. Clean pot. Rinse meat with cold water.

2. Combine cider, broth, onion, celery, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, salt, paprika and pepper in dutch oven. Add pork. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer partially covered until meat is tender, about 1 hour.

3. Mix milk and egg yolk; stir into pork mixture. Work butter and flour together with fork on small plate; whisk into pork mixture. Cook, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in lime juice.

4. Heat oven to 350. Place pork mixture in 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Arrange apple slices in concentric circles on top. Sprinkle with cheese. bake until cheese is melted and browned, 20-35 minutes.

This turned out really well, the flavors were so good together. I think next time I make it I will put it a bottom crust.

Changes

I am feeling out of sorts this weekend. I think it is because there are some major changes coming to my life when I start working again on Monday. While I am very excited about working again after being unemployed for over a year, I am also really apprehensive; what if I don't fit in...what if the drive is too much for my old car to take...what if I don't meet the goals of the job...what if...? Yeah, you get the idea.

To make matters worse one of my BFF's just left on a cruise and will not be back until Sunday. I am so happy for her to get to go on this knitting cruise with her mom, but I really want to be able to have her available to talk to when I need some strength next week since she has become my sounding board.

Since I just turned 50, I guess I need to put on my "Big Girl Panties" and deal with it. I know I will be fine, I have the skills I need for the job, they must feel I will fit in with everyone there because I had two aggressive interviews and still got hired, my car seems to be running fine and I have always been able to work through any stresses on my own in the past.

So why do I feel like this?

I am BACK!!!

While I was away from my blog I celebrated my 50th birthday with my best buddies. I woke up to a decorated yard, there were balloons, banners and bunting all stating I was "Over the Hill" and "Turning 50". Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture to show you.

I then met up with the girls for a road trip to yarn shops. Of course I had to wear my birthday crown, because I was the birthday Princess, and a round button was pinned on my top which blinked I was "50"; thanks Cally. After we were done shopping for yarn the girls treated me to lunch at Islands. It was one of the best birthdays ever!

I worked on several bags this month. I really like the fabric on this bag.

This one reminds me of growing up in the 70's, so I had to make it.

I originally bought this fabric to make a blouse but decided it would be better as a bag.

This fabric belongs in a Dr Seuss picture, I love it!

This is going to be one of my future bags.

I love this fabric by Michael Miller.

Aren't the women gorgeous?

Here is another future bag.

I started a new shawl called the Babushka, I am using Alpaca with a Twist FINO; it is a fine fiber and a little hard to work with but I love how it is turning out. Oh...it is soooo soft!

I also started a bobbled edge scarf using Cascade 220. The cables are a nice break from working on lace.

I completed my Batkus.

I think it turned out rather well, and I enjoyed your comments about this project.

I also completed three beanies for a friend's son and his platoon who are stationed in Afghanistan and freezing. I am working on another beanie for my daughters friend who will be going to Afghanistan in January so he can stay warm.

And finally, I landed a much needed job with a Company called Jitterbug (no, not the yarn) which I will be starting on November 2nd.