Sweet Potato, Carrot and Apple Soup (Vegan/Gluten free)

My son actually requested I make us a soup today, quite unusual for him to request something healthy but progress at least.  Last week I made us a kale and watercress soup, today I did something different.

Very deep bowls so it looks like I haven't got much but there is quite a bit in there.

Ingredients

2 large carrots

1 large sweet potato

1 red onion

1 apple

2 tomatoes

1/2 tsp cumin

1 veg stock cube

A little black pepper

Boil sweet potato and carrot until softened, fry onion in a little oil, add tomatoes and apple and fry a little longer. Once the veg are cooked add to the blender with stock made from the water the veg were boiled in ( or steamed, I usually steam them it just takes a little longer). 

Add onion, tomatoes and apples to the blender along with the cumin and pepper, blitz.  This amount served three of us with bread, I had gluten free toast with mine.  It could be stretched much further but I like it quite thick so not as much water.  I also made vegan lasagne for four but I will share that some other time.

Coasters from Recycled Fabric (Handmade Gift Idea)

There never seems to be enough coasters around the house here, I like a cup of tea but I don't like putting a hot cup down on my furniture without a coaster to protect it, I often wander upstairs with a drink in my hand then have to pop it down on a book or something, not good.  Another little problem is I have lost a few due to my youngest dog thinking it is a fun game to snatch them off low tables and nibble the edges.  As a result I am a few short, however I have plenty of fabric so I thought I would make a few more.

Not sure it was a good idea to make binding from stretch denim, it is so thick I had to leave some edges hanging over then hand stitch as there was no way it could be turned under or mitred, rather more rustic looking.  So stick to nice thin cotton for that.

I am sure everyone needs these, the hard ones wear out eventually and can sometimes cost a lot for what they are.  Fabric ones can be washed, they use up those odd bits of fabric and they are quite quick and easy to make.  This also  got me thinking they would be quite nice to put in a little gift hamper for a tea loving friend, a nice cup, some coasters, good tea and some nice biscuits.  If these were presented carefully in a covered box it would be better than the overpriced hamper style gifts that will be hitting the shops soon.

First of all you can use a regular coaster that you have already to cut your squares of fabric to size, I am going to bind these around the edges so cut exactly the size you want.  I am doing three layers, one is denim, but it depends on the thickness of your fabric.

I tried to get the image from my fabric in the middle.

I used one layer of denim, two of cotton twill.

To make the binding I cut the strips as long as I needed, folded the edges towards the centre and pressed.

Then I folded it over but leave it hanging over a bit on the underside so that you have more chance of catching it when you sew.

I have two more to sew the binding on but I will be using a thinner cotton to bind those. You could make them dinner mat size with larger pieces of fabric if you wish.

Hygge For Free

Looking around at the moment I seem to be seeing the  word 'hygge'  everywhere, and I think I know the reason why.  Everyone wants to feel happy and cosy especially now as the nights are getting longer and darker.  The concept of 'hygge' if you read any of the definitions out there is a feeling of cosiness, warmth and togetherness.  Now who wouldn't want that? What is really irritating though is if you read anything in connection with it there is an advert for some company or other that can sell you something so you can have some of it in your life.

I would imagine that this word does not have its roots in consumerism which is how it is being used at the moment by the advertisers. I like the idea of embracing the season, the Scandinavian style and keeping warm but I don't like being told to rush out and buy stuff.

So if cosy is your thing you could...

• Light some candles (preferably ones you already own) they create a nice glow.
• Curl up with a blanket or throw from your cupboard. (freshly washed for the season)
• Read a book in bed, you could borrow one from the library or a friend.
• Have friends over for dinner, cook with what you have in, oven bake, hot pot or stew.
• Take a flask of your favourite hot drink, wrap up and go for a walk.
• Arrange you furniture in a new way, near the fire or heat source (do you really need new?)
• Place some twigs and evergreen foliage in jars, bring the outside in.
• Wash all your sweaters, gloves and scarves and make them accessible in your wardrobe.
• Learn to cook a new warming dish. (Try love food hate waste for ingredients you have already)
• Grab a hot water bottle, a hot drink and settle down with a film on TV or a radio show.

The images circulating with the title hygge at the moment are nice to look at, they may give you ideas and inspiration but I think gratitude is a big part of it. I don't think the idea is so much about how things look  but rather enjoying what you have.