"I'll have a 'P' please, Bob...."

Let me explain; it is rather amusing...

This morning, I sat at the computer with the leftovers from last night - Cheesy mash and peas. We had it with fish, but I love it just as much on it‘s own. Anyhoo, I digress.
As I sat shovelling said banquet into my face, I caught sight of the black frayed ends of my jumper sleeve through the bottom of the Tupperware container. Believing this to be a spider in my food, I screamed and threw the container up in the air, diving out of my chair and down onto my bum.
Classic. I knew the moment the food left my hand what I had really seen, but by then it was too late; the wheels were in motion... and so too was I. I’ve laughed considerably since, and though it worth sharing; especially when my mate Steve and I decided that I’d “Peed on my keyboard”...

The offending "SpiderSleeve"

The 20 Minute Easy Newborn Hat

The best bit about a project for me, is getting to the end. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy the creative process, I most certainly do; I just find that the most rewarding part for me is holding up the finished piece :)
This pattern is a simple hat for newborn babies that makes a great gift and only takes 20 minutes from start to finish, so it’s ideal; especially if it’s a last minute thing!

Hook Size: 5mm
Yarn Size: DK

Abbreviations:
ch - chain
dc - double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
sp - space

Start by chaining 4 and join with a sl-st to form a ring.
R1: ch3 (this counts as your first dc of this round, same applies for all future rounds), 9dc into ring, join with a sl st (Join all future rows this way). - 10
R2: ch3, dc in same sp, 2dc in each sp to end - 20
R3: ch3, 2dc in next, *1dc, 2dc in next* to end - 30
R4: ch3, 1dc in next, 2dc in next sp, *1dc in each of the next 2 sp, 2dc in next* to end - 40
R5-12: ch3, dc all sp to end.

Tie off and weave in ends.

EASY PEASY!!

Handmade Chilli Necklets :)

These are my latest creation after a request for a unisex chilli necklet. A classy single glass chilli, either on it's own or paired with a shiny metal or Swarovski crystal bead; hung on a crocheted chilli green cotton cord. The perfect gift for the chilli-head in your life!! £10 :)

Payment to be made via paypal to chilekat@live.co.uk (remember to include your address).

Chilekat’s Smoked Haddock & Chorizo rice!

Last Saturday, I returned to the Upton Cheyney chilli festival and once again, it was a storming success!(Though I ducked out of the eating contest this year....)
While I was there I met Becky, giving out tasters of a splendid Garlic & Herb chorizo, by 'The Bath Pig' http://www.thebathpig.com/
The flavour was intense and lovely; I wanted to make it into a meal with ingredients that would compliment rather than take away from or clash with it; so I came up with this little beauty. The chilliheads amongst you will notice I've not added any heat! I wanted to keep it quite subtle to keep the flavour of the chorizo as the main event. If you want to add some, by all means go ahead!

Ingredients

200g Basmati rice
2 smoked haddock fillets
100g Chorizo
Vegetable stock cube
1 bay leaf
A good splash of milk
1 onion, diced
600ml water
Salt & pepper

Method

1. In a medium saucepan, dissolve a vegetable stock cube in 600ml of water.
Add the rice and simmer until the rice has cooked and absorbed the stock - add a little water if it dries out before being completely cooked.

2. Dice the onion and cut the chorizo into small, half-moon slices.

3. Place the fish in a small pan with the bay leaf. Pour in just enough milk to cover the fish. Bring to a simmer and cook gently until the fish flakes.

3. Remove the fish from the pan, flake with a fork, and set aside. Discard the milk and the bay leaf.

4. Splash some olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion and the chorizo pieces. Fry for a minute or two, then add the cooked rice, and the fish.

5. Season with plenty of salt and pepper.

6. Shovel into your face and enjoy the magic. ;-)

Kat x