The first thing that comes to mind when you think heat wave is "let's bake something in a 475 degree oven," right?
I didn't think so.
After a tough first day back at work on Tuesday (emergency data recovery anyone?), Jon was in serious need of some food for the soul. I found this recipe for soft pretzels on Tuesday night, so Jon and I made a batch of pretzels to try. The recipe involves a few steps and lots of time waiting in between, but it's not too difficult if you lose your perfectionist tendencies when it comes to shaping the pretzels.
I think we'll definitely be making these again. It's another excuse for us to try out fancy mustard and we're always game for that. And next time we'll get course salt for the top.
Along with the pretzels, I also made a batch of these Spelt Walnut Dark Chocolate Chip cookies found on the blog, Food Loves Writing. These cookies are so delicious. They are thick and chewy and and the sprinkle of sea salt on top gave them just the right amount of kick.
I have been devouring the food websites Foodgawker (via Knitter in the Kitchen) and TasteSpotting. These sites show gorgeous photos of food and you click on the link to read the recipe and see more pictures (they even have a crafting companion site, Craftgawker).
And because I didn't get hot enough baking in 95 degree weather, I've been torturing myself by knitting the yoke of my Icelandic Sweater. It's so addicting to work each row of the colorwork pattern (and our basement is fairly cool in the summer), so I can deal with the temperature as long as the wool doesn't touch my arms or legs.
I have about 15 more rows to go before I get to steek this thing and turn it into a cardigan...I will keep you posted on how cutting my knitting project in half goes.
Those pretzels look great! Your sweater is turning out so nice as well, although the thought of cutting it has me nervous! Good Luck!
Posted by: Stephanie | 10 July 2010 at 08:33 AM
Ugh, your post made me sweat just reading it! Just kidding, but I really am not much of a knitter in the summer. I just don't like knitting when I am hot. Your pretzels look SO yummy!!
Posted by: Trisha | 10 July 2010 at 10:32 AM
I've been meaning to try to make pretzels. It's been so cool here, maybe I should try it soon.
Posted by: MichelleB | 10 July 2010 at 11:08 AM
oh thanks for the links! I've been checking out Smitten Kitchen and looking for more food blogs....want to start baking some more!
Posted by: Amber | 10 July 2010 at 02:14 PM
Oh goodness I can't knit in this weather! Looking at yarn makes me sweat lol But I can still bake... go figure. Those pretzels and cookies look so yum!
Posted by: Audrie | 10 July 2010 at 02:56 PM
Well the pretzels look absolutely delicious - but golly, cooking and knitting during this weather?????? The sweater is lovely, you are so brave to knit in the heat!
Posted by: Allie | 10 July 2010 at 06:36 PM
I love the sweater. I can hardly bring myself to cut handwork by others (thing vintage linens etc.) let alone my own. All the best for the next step in the cardigan.
Posted by: Amy Seven-Stitches | 10 July 2010 at 07:36 PM
I await your steeking results with great anticipation - I've heard of it but never some across someone bold enough to try... Good luck!!
Posted by: CitricSugar | 10 July 2010 at 09:56 PM
So happy you tried the spelt walnut dark chocolate cookies, even in the heat wave, ha! I have to say, I could bake cookies anytime, any day, in any season. That's how much I love them. And especially that recipe. : )
Posted by: shannalee | 10 July 2010 at 11:35 PM
I so love soft pretzels, and yours look amazing! how sweet of you to find the recipe for your husband! loving that sweater. your stitching looks perfect! stay in the basement...:)
Posted by: kristyn | 11 July 2010 at 08:07 AM
You make me want to try knitting again (I'm horrible -- everything is too tight)...the sweater will be absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Beth | 11 July 2010 at 09:41 AM
yumm yumm!! i too just went through some weird urge to bake up a storm in the midst of the heat wave... sometimes you just need some baked goods!
your sweater is absolutely beautiful, i love that deep dark charcoal grey.
Posted by: melissa | 11 July 2010 at 02:01 PM
The pretzels and cookies look amazing!
Your sweater is coming along beautifully!
Posted by: caitlyn | 11 July 2010 at 10:39 PM
Your pretzels look so good. I'm hoping cooler temps this week will motivate me in the kitchen -- I really haven't been too inspired lately. It's much easier to retreat to the cool basement.
Posted by: Jodi | 12 July 2010 at 05:37 AM
Never attempted making pretzels but I can only dream of how delicious yours are.
Posted by: lucy | 12 July 2010 at 10:30 AM
I LOVE the pretzels, my true weakness. I love all the links, thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: jenn | 12 July 2010 at 04:00 PM
Beautiful sweater! I'm sure you will do fine with the steek, I've seen Norwegian women do it without a problem. Good luck!
Posted by: wienerdoglove | 12 July 2010 at 09:09 PM
My mouth is watering at the sight of your pretzels! I've always wanted to make my own...I wonder if they'd be good in a gluten-free variety...hmmm...
thanks for the links!
Posted by: erica | 13 July 2010 at 09:37 AM
both the sweater and preztels looks awesome. Can't wait to see the finished sweater. I've wanted to knit that sweater for a while now, too.
Posted by: flora | 13 July 2010 at 04:33 PM
Thumbs up for a beautiful in-progress sweater!
Posted by: Yarny Days | 21 July 2010 at 10:15 AM
your pretzels and cookies look delicious!
Posted by: Nichole | 24 July 2010 at 08:47 AM