Photo by Chris Tindall
Fourth Quarter 2006 : October
Fr o m T h e Pat c h
at C ou nt r y V i l l a g e
“Mid pleasures and palaces Though we may roam Be it ever so humble, There’s no place like home.” John Howard Payne (1791-1852), from his play “Clari.”
Harvest yoyo pillow Fall Products Galore! A Hawaiian Legend 5 Great Recipes Introducing The New Patch! Essay Contest! Crochet a Pumpkin!
Fall has arrived! T h e W e e d P a t c h’ s Q u a r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r
Fr o m T h e Pat c h
October 2006
T h e W e e d P a t c h’ s Q u a r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r
N e w s fr o m T h e Pat c h
The Big Expansion, Completed: If you haven’t yet been in to see the “new” store, you’re in for a treat! We’re twice the size, and the comments that we keep getting tell us that you all are LOVING the newly expanded Weed Patch!
If knocking out a wall and doubling our floor space wasn’t enough, we’ve expanded out back onto the patio, too! We’ll have a variety of seasonal products rotate through outside, from potted plants to garden and spring and everything in between! There’s a bench and a waterfall out there, too - so that the guys can hang out while all you ladies shop! Come by and check us out! Expanded Hours: We also have new hours which we hope will make it easier for you to visit. We’ve added hours on Sunday - we’re now open 10am until 6pm. And Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we’re now open from 10am until 8pm! Sunday - Wednesday: 10am - 6pm Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm So MUCH new product: As promised, we’ve really been putting a lot of effort into bringing in lots of new product, as well as stocking more of our regular merchandise. Our furniture selection is growing, and soon we’ll be adding the ability to custom order a very wide selection of furniture pieces. We’ve added quilted throws to our product lineup, and boy-oh-boy are they popular! Fall is here! That’s right - our fall merchandise is now out for you to enjoy. With kids going back to school, the weather changing, and the leaves turning colors, fall is in the air. Come experience all of the exciting products for this year’s fall season - from garlands to candles, pumpkin items, signs and art, and so many cool little things, we KNOW you’ll find something that will make your fall special. About This Issue of From The Patch: As you read through this issue of From The Patch, you will notice a lot of information about other shops. Many of these shops are new to Country Village, or have been significantly remodeled and revamped over the last couple of months. We encourage you to visit the other shops here at Country Village on
The Weed Patch
Helping Make Your House a Home Country Village 814 238th St SE, Suite A Bothell, WA 98021 (425) 481 - 5995 theweedpatchstore.com Sun- Wed : 10am - 6pm Thurs - Sat : 10am - 8pm
In This Issue
News from The Patch Invitation: Halloween Celebration! Craft: Crochet Pumpkin Craft: Harvest Yo-Yo Pillow Article: Welcome to The Weed Patch Article: What I LOVE About Fall Article: Hawaii’s Madame Pepe Article: Introducing Don & Esther Contest: What Makes Your House a Home? Contest: Pumpkin Carving Contest! Plant Spotlight: Mums Product: Gourds, Squash, Pumpkins Product: Pumpkin Placecard Holders Product: Fall Garlands Product: Wire Pumpkin Centerpiece Product: Fall Signs Product: Fall Figurines Product: Black Cat Wagon Recipe: Ham, Leek & 3-Cheese Quiche Recipe: Wild Mushroom Soup Recipe: Mom’s Rhubarb Pie Recipe: Mom’s Salsa Recipe: Simple Hot Mulled Spiced Cider Insert: Pumpkin Recipe Contest Introducing Shops: Ante Nani’s Ohana Koffee Korner The “New” Country Blend Country Cottage Wine Merchants Jewelry Resource & Supply O’Mally & Potter’s Pacific Nights Peach Tree Bakery Advertisers: Country Cottage Wine Merchants The Pet Place Toys That Teach
Product Spotlight : Gourds, Squash, and Mini-Pumpkins!
It’s definitely fall at The Weed Patch, and we’ve got the gourds to prove it! Come in and see our back patio, full of fall floral as well as colorful gourds, squash, and minipumpkins! These make fantastic fall house decorations, table centerpieces, and craft project pieces! The colors are fantastic, and the price is - as always at The Weed Patch - just right!
Jewelry Resource & Supply
Country Cottage Wines
Jewelry Resource & Supply is the premier supply source for local jewelers, metal workers, local colleges, hobbyists, and professional artisans. With a wealth of supplies and specialty tools at his fingertips owner Jon Tindall is able to provide whatever is needed to get a job done right. If it’s information you’re after, Jon is definitely the man to talk to. His passion to help others learn “the trade” has led him to build a full workshop and resource center into his store, which he uses for classes and reference on everything from metals work to stone setting. As a jeweler himself, Jon has been featured in multiple newspapers since he was 16. He has been a featured artist at the Mill Creek Arts Alive annual art show in which he has participated for several years. Jon truly understands metal work and jewelry design. His customers love his lighthearted attitude and his vast knowledge - as well as his insatiable appetite to learn more about his craft. Jewelry Resource & Supply is located in Fremont on the corner of Leary and Greenwood Avenue. Jon’s outstanding customer service and friendliness have earned him a reputation second to none. If you or someone you know is interested in making jewelry or doing metal work - whether just getting into it or a seasoned pro - be sure to tell them about Jewelry Resource & Supply in Seattle. Visit Jon online at jewelryresourcesupply.com or call (206) 632-7005 for hours and directions. Mention that you heard of him here in our newsletter! www.jewelryresourcesupply.com (206) 632-7005 Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 2pm - 5pm Closed Mondays
Rudy & Betty run Country Cottage Wine Merchants in Country Village. Friendly and with a ready laugh, customers are welcomed as long standing friends and are made to feel at home the moment they enter the store. Add to that a fantastic wine selection, free wine tastings (Friday 4pm - 8pm & Saturday 2pm - 5pm), and expertise in all the wines they stock, and you have a combination that just can’t be beat! They specialize in Washington state wines but select all of their wines based on taste scores, winery relationships, and the ability to find wines that fit the desires of their customers. Equally important is their ability to describe them in such a way that customers know what the wine will taste like before they actually buy it. Finding your individual tastes to maximize quality and value are what they do best! www.c ountr yc ottagewines.com (425) 481 - 5444
W e l c o m e t o T h e W e e d Pat c h By Chris Tindall
When we purchased the store on September 9, 2005 we had a vision of what The Weed Patch could become. We have worked very hard since then to turn The Patch into a store that our customers would fall in love with. We have strived to bring in products that you, our customers, have requested. We made it our goal to become your source for products and information to “Help You Make Your House a Home.” We are excited to invite you to come experience The Weed Patch – again! We expanded our space to almost double the size, added more products than we can count including furniture, art, treenware, more candles, calendars, mugs, cards and stationary, garden items, incredible flowers and plants, food items…. You have to experience it to believe it! In addition to the expanded space, we also added a covered, enclosed back patio which will house seasonal products – from plants and herbs to gourds and pumpkins to fresh evergreen wreaths and garlands, as well as garden decorations and more! We built a pond and a waterfall, and added lighting and benches for you (or your husbands!) to sit and relax and enjoy each other’s company. So come on by and see the new space. Know that you are welcome by the warm smile and friendly hello you receive when you walk in the door. Chat with our staff, explore the store, and get advice about “How to Make Your House a Home.”
Welcome to The Weed Patch. Product Spotlight : Fall Signs
F a l l h a s a r r i ve d at T h e W e e d Pat c h ! Come experience Fall at The Weed Patch! We’ve started putting out all our fall and Halloween items - and they’re already selling faster than we can put them out. It’s going to be a FUN Fall and Holiday Season this year! Come in and see all the new product today!
With our expansion comes lots of new product - including art and signs. We’ve greatly expanded the amount of art and signs that we have in the store - come in and browse all the new products!
Peach Tree Bakery
Product Spotlight : Fall Garlands
By Guest Author
Add to a perfect day of shopping at Country Village – a spot of tea or one of our afternoon tea lunches at the Peach Tree. The Peach Tree Bakery and Tea Room features our own recipes and we make them and bake them on site. Home baked pastries, lunch, gifts and over 50 kinds of loose-leaf teas. Pastry Chef Kristine, educated at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, New York, has combined her love of baking, tea and gardens into a lovely shop for the tea and sweet lover alike. A favorite – High Tea is served Tuesday through Sunday 11:30 – 2:30, along with 4 other afternoon teas. Gourmet sandwiches and grilled sandwiches are served 11:30 – 3:00. Deserts and tea from 3:00 – 4:00. Order one of Chef Kristine’s decadent cakes for a special occasion. We make it on site with the freshest and finest ingredients available. Our tea selection includes over 50 types of tea from 3 different blenders – Metropolitan of Ontario, Canada, Dethlefsen-Balk of Germany and Market Spice of Seattle. These teas may be enjoyed in the shop, to go, or purchased by the bag. Many of our gifts are hand created or decorated for us from our tea pots and cups, to our feathery hats, to our tea cozies. In addition fine bone china from England and Germany, fine porcelain from Poland, Czech and other countries are available. You will find almost everything that you could need to serve a fine afternoon tea. Peach Tree Bakery & Tea Room The Only Tea Room in Country Village - in back by the “Frog Fountain” 425-483-2005
Fr e q ue nt B u y er Pro gra m We would like to remind everyone about our Frequent Buyer Program, which makes it easy to earn credit for your purchases, and to benefit from those purchases! Don’t forget to ask for credit on your purchase the next time you’re in, and start earning a big discount!
One sure way to make your house look and feel like a home this fall is to use our colorful fall garlands to bulk up your decor. With so many styles to choose from, there’s something for every home this fall. Hang them around your doorways, use them to add interest to table centerpieces, bulk up your mantle display... garlands are a versitle, colorful way to make your house feel like a home!
Product Spotlight : Pumpkin Placecard Holders
These pumpkin placecard holders are SO cool! Your guests will love these fun, colorful little pumpkins and your table will look fantastic, too.
The bright little pumpkins feature different faces and a bright green “stem” that’s curled just enough to hold a placecard or handwritten message. Get a set today, and start your holidays off right!
W h y I Lo v e T h e F a l l By Chris Tindall
As we enter my favorite time of year I am always amazed at how I feel. The crisp, clean air is invigorating, and as I deeply breathe it in I feel a rush of emotions and energy. An overwhelming, unceasing desire for life in the country fills my mind and soul. Awe at all the colors exploding around me everywhere I look overtakes me. Refreshment courses through my veins, seemingly carried on the wind itself. The smell of wood burning, fresh rain, damp dirt, fields, and forests fills my nostrils. Fall is the time for cozy evenings together, for curling up and reading a good book, for playing games or having deep conversation late into the night, and for just sitting and watching the weather. It is a time for making memories and living life. It’s also a time for bundling up and going out for the kind of fun that only fall can bring. Wandering through a pumpkin patch, getting lost in a corn maze ... it’s a time for cold faces, warm drinks, and traipsing through the mud without a care in the world. I love fall because it inspires me creatively and personally like nothing else can. It brings a myriad of memories, and the promises of more to come. I love fall.
V i si t u s o n l in e at ww w.t h e we e dpatc h s t o re.c o m! Product Spotlight :
Cute, unique, fun . . . these words describe this Black Cat Wagon piece perfectly. Fill the wagon with fall floral for an attention-grabbing centerpiece, or with candy for a “squeal-of-delight” inducing effect from the kids - of all ages - in your home!
Toys That Teach Toys That Teach has baby toys, Thomas the Tank Engine wood trains, Playmobil, dolls, games, puzzles, craft kits, curriculum books, science kits, and more. Specializing in “Toys That Teach”, we carry many unique and hard to find toys that are sure to delight your children for hours while teaching them valuable lessons about how things work. Our fun, friendly, and knowledgeable staff look forward to helping you choose the perfect toy for your children, or for a gift. Stop by today and experience the difference of Toys That Teach! Looking for something specific? Call us at 425-481-2577.
Essay Contest for our Newsletter! We’d like to hear from you! Each newsletter will now feature a question relating to homemaking, gardening, celebrating, the seasons, and any other aspect of simple country living that we can think of. The winning letter will receive a $25 gift certificate to The Weed Patch. For this quarter’s newsletter, we’d like to know:
“what makes your house a home?” Send us a note with your most creative ideas and best tips, and you could be published in the next newsletter. Send in your answers to our question along with your name, address, phone number or email address to: 814 238th St. SE Suite A Bothell, WA 98021.
Deadline for submitting an entry: October 31, 2006 Enteries must be original and will be judged on creativity, quality, practicality, and originality. Content may be edited for style, length, and clarity. No purchase necessary. Winner will be announced in our December Newsletter.
E-Mail :: newsletter@theweedpatchstore.com
A n t e N a n i ’ s O h a n a K o f fe e K o r n e r By Chris Tindall
There’s a new coffee shop in Country Village, and we would be remiss if we didn’t introduce you to the new options available to you. Wiliama and Lynn Aven, who also own Ante Nani’s ‘Lil Grass Shack, have opened a new coffee shop where Coffee Thyme used to be. They’re also taking over the space “next door” and will be combining the two shops into one fantastic experience. Boasting an expanded product line as well as both traditional and unique food and drinks, this is one shop not to miss on your visit to The Village! Come meet your friends at Ante Nani’s Ohana Koffee Korner and get a “Hawaiian Style” drink - from latte’s and mochas to Kona Coffee to the ultimately refreshing fresh berry smoothies (our favorite is Mango with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream). Enjoy fresh, frozen “Pineapple on a Stick”, freshly cut fruit, and on Thursday evenings enjoy a feast prepared by “Uncle Wiliama.” Relax inside or out, depending on the weather and your mood. Get to know Uncle Wiliama and Ante Lynn and you’ll keep coming back for more! The Koffee Korner is a fantastic way to introduce your friends to Country Village, and is a great place to meet for a drink before you come over to The Weed Patch to shop to your heart’s content! While you’re enjoying your drink browse through Ante Nani’s unique Hawaiian products. From CD’s to clothing, fresh Lei’s to jewelry, Anti Nani’s is the perfect place to find a gift that says “Aloha!” this holiday season.
Product Spotlight : Fall Figurines
Co nt est Wi nners!
These pumpkin-headed The staff here at The Weed Patch would like to thank figurines are just everyone for participating in our various contests, and wonderful. And they’re would like to introduce you to our contest winners! just a few of MANY that we have in the store this Rosehip Guessing Contest: Jackie LeFrancois was the excited winner, with a guess of 1119 rosehips. The actual year! count - 1118! Jackie won a $100 gift certificate to spend at her leisure! Be sure to keep an eye out at The Weed Patch for your next chances to win fantastic prizes, take advantage of special offers, and get great deals on things to help you make your house a home!
Co mi ng S o o n... Refer- a- Frie nd !
Keep an eye on your mailbox, as soon you’ll be getting information about our brand new Refer-a-Friend program! Structured so that both you and your friends can earn discounts and win prizes, we know you’ll love telling your friends about The Weed Patch and all the fun, wonderful things going on here!
A H a w a i i a n Le g e n d : : M a d a m P e l e By L ynn Aven of Ante Nani’s Ohana Koffee Korner
The Islands of Hawai’i are a magical, mystical place full of beauty, and awe. Many people from all over the world have taken a trip or vacation to the Hawaiian Islands. While there, they picked up some lava rock, or colored sand or beautiful sea shells to take home with them without knowing about the Legend of Madam Pele. Tales abound regarding Madam Pele, the Volcano Goddess, and the suffering she may inflict on a person who takes the land that she has created for the Hawaiian people. Superstition, you might think? Visitors from the four corners of the earth, of all races, creeds and religions have come to Hawai’i, taken lava rocks, sand, or shells as souvenirs, only to return home and weird things and instances of bad luck starts happening to them. The United States Postal Service set up a P.O Box for people to return the lava rocks and the return of their good luck. In Hawaii, the well-known tale of Pele, fire goddess of Hawaiian volcanoes, relates how Pele searched for a home from island to island. Pele is said to appear at the beginning of each volcanic eruption, and many residents of Hawaii claim they have seen an old woman prior to the event. In many variations of the story, Madam Pele is a revengeful goddess who takes care of her friends but destroys enemies. Hawaiian lore claims that the volcano is sort of the summer condo of the goddess Pele, and the lava flows are one of her ways of fooling around. Pele is very proprietary about her volcano--taking a rock from Kilauea as a souvenir is a big no-no, and bad luck is said to follow the offender until the stolen rock is returned to Madam Pele along with a bottle of gin and / or, a ti leaf, with a letter of apology and a of story of how their lives changed for the worse (which is why the park receives rocks and booze from anonymous sources year-round). Once the piece of Hawai’i has returned to Madam Pele, the offender’s good fortune returns! This is just one story of the history and mythology of the Hawaiian Islands. From Hilo to Hanalei, legends and myths abound regarding these magical islands. For “a little bit of paradise” in the Pacific Northwest, visit ANTE NANI’S LIL GRASS SHACK in the Country Village in Bothell to learn more, talk story, and shop for exotic items from the islands.
Ante Nani’s Ohana Koffee Korner Country Village 735 238th St SE Bothell, Wa. 98021 425-483-2017
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Rainbow Moon Attn: Lava Rock Return P.O. Box 699, Volcano, HI 96785
Country Blend New Store at Country Village? NO! Country Blend is not a new store! However, over the past two weeks you may have seen a lot of activity going on to make it look like a new store. Chong Fowler, the owner of Country Blend, decided that after 19 years of serving all of her faithful customers in the Puget Sound area and beyond it was time to give her store a facelift for her customers to enjoy. So, she enlisted her husband and son and did just that. A new paint job, new wood floor, new moldings, new desk, new fixtures and, most important of all, new merchandise and “Voila” a new store. Chong started Country Blend 19 years ago because many of her friends were asking for her to make her unique floral arrangements for them. Although the floral arrangements are still an important part of the business, she has expanded into fashion purses, wallets, jewelry, and accessories such as scarves, Red Hat Society merchandise and a variety of knick-knacks for the home. Whether you are one of Chong’s faithful regular customers or a new friend, Chong invites you to stop by and see the “NEW” old store as she gets ready to begin her 20th year in the business.
C r a ft s : : H a r ve s t Yo Yo P i l l o w By Janene Tindall
Materials: 3 squares of bleached muslin fabric, measuring 14”x14” 1 circle each of 9 cotton print fabrics, measuring 4” in diameter (for yoyos) 1 rectangle each of 4 cotton print fabrics, measuring 3 ¼ x 14” (for front) 2 rectangles of 1 cotton print fabric, one measuring 8 ¼” x 14” and the other measuring 11 ¼” x 14” (for backing) Polyester fiberfill Matching sewing thread Pumpkin orange embroidery floss (I used DMC brand #921) Embroidery hoop, embroidery needle, pins, sewing machine, fabric scissors or rotary cutting blade and mat Preparation: I chose 9 coordinating cotton fabric prints (most were soft flannels) for the yoyos, 3 different prints in 3 different harvest colors. Then, I chose 4 of those fabrics to use as the border pieces, and 1 to use as the backing piece. Wash, dry, and iron your fabrics before cutting. If you choose patterns with stripes or plaids, be sure to cut the plaid or stripe straight. Instructions: 1. Make the inner pillow: Pin 2 of the 14” x 14” pieces of muslin fabric together and machine stitch using a 5/8” seam allowance. When turning corners, use two diagonal stitches so that the finished pillow has nice points when turned. Leave an opening approximately 4” long. Clip the corners to reduce bulk, then turn and stuff fairly full with fiberfill. Hand or machine stitch opening closed. 2. Make the yoyos: With a threaded embroidery needle, knot one end, and begin to stitch your nine yoyos. Folding ¼” of the edge over (right side over onto wrong side), run a fairly loose running stitch all around the rim of the circle. When you Components of the pillow together. reach the end, gently pull the thread so the fabric gathers. Secure thread with a few stitches. 3. Make the pillow front: Lay one of the 3 ¼” x 14” strips of fabric face down on top of the remaining muslin square, 2 ¾” from the edge. Stitch together, using a ¼” seam allowance, stopping about 4-5” from the end. Turn so right side of strip is facing up, and press well. Repeat with the remaining strips, overlapping one end of the strip you just stitched down (see photo), but instead stitch all the way to the end. When working with the last strip, flip the end of the first strip up, and proceed with • Press frequently to get nice crisp stitching the last strip down. Fold the first strip down completing the last overlap, edges and straight lines and carefully machine stitch the remaining ¼” allowance. • Be sure your patterns are lined up straight when cutting stripes or 4. Attach the yoyos: Pin one yoyo in the middle of the muslin square on the pillow front. Arrange and pin the remaining yoyos. Place your work in an embroidery plaids, or you’ll end up with your lines running catawampus on your hoop, thread embroidery needle with two strands of the pumpkin colored floss, and whipstitch the yoyos to the muslin, using small stitches spaced evenly around finished pillow • For nice pillow points: place your the circumference. thumb inside corner before turning, 5. Make the pillow back: Fold and press ¼” seam (right side over onto wrong side) use index finger to fold the seam twice on one 14” edge of each back piece. Machine stitch as close to the raw edge as allowance into a point. Holding the possible. Make an additional 2” fold (again, right side down over onto wrong side) point with your finger, turn corner on the larger piece and machine stitch a ¼” seam along the folded edge. inside out. 6. Assemble the pillow: Place pillow top right side up, and position the larger back piece right side down on top, with the folded and stitched edge (from the previous step) toward the middle, not along the edge. Place the smaller backing piece right side down on the opposite side of the front pieces, so that the folded • Harvest print fabrics, DMC floss and stitched edge overlaps that of the other backing piece. Pin along the edges and – Keepsake Cottage Fabrics (in stitch together using a ½” seam allowance, crossing the corners with 2 stitches as Country Village) with the inside pillow. • Muslin fabric – any fabric store 7. Finishing: Clip the corners and turn right side out, using your fingertips to turn • Fiberfill, thread, rotary cutter & the corners so they make nice points. Give the pillow one last pressing, then insert mat – Joann Fabrics the inside pillow. Finished size: 13” x 13”
Tips:
Resources:
T h e W e e d P a t c h’ s M o n t h l y Re c i p e S h e e t
We l c o m e f a l l w i t h t h e s e f a n t a s t i c r e c i p e s ! R e c i p e : H a m , Le e k , & 3 - C h e e s e Q u i c h e
As found on Epicurious.com : Gourmet April 2006 :: Adapted from Bistro Jeant y, Yountville, CA 1 round of refrigerated pie dough for a 9-inch pie (from a 15-oz package; not a preshaped frozen pie shell) 3/4 lb leeks (about 3 medium; white and pale green parts only) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 lb thinly sliced smoked ham 3 oz Gruyère, coarsely grated (1 cup) 3 oz Italian Fontina, coarsely grated (1 cup) 3 oz whole-milk mozzarella, coarsely grated (1 cup)
3 large eggs 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 3/4 cups crème fraîche (from two 8-oz containers) Special equipment: a 9-inch pie plate (4-cup capacity)
Prebake pie dough in pie plate according to package instructions, then remove from oven and reduce temperature to 350°F. Meanwhile, halve leeks lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces, then wash well in a bowl of cold water, agitating leeks. Lift out and drain leeks in a colander and pat dry. Melt butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat and cook leeks, stirring occasionally, until very tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Line warm pie shell with sliced ham, overlapping layers as necessary to cover bottom and side of pie shell completely. Toss cheeses together and sprinkle evenly into pie shell (do not pack cheese), then spread leeks evenly on top of cheese. Whisk together eggs, nutmeg, and pepper until combined well, then whisk in crème fraîche until smooth. Carefully pour half of custard on top of pie filling, gently moving cheese with a spoon to help custard disperse evenly. Slowly add remaining custard in same manner. Cover pie loosely with foil, gently folding edges over crust (keep foil from touching top of cheese mixture) and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake until center of filling is puffed and set (center will be slightly wobbly but not liquid), about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. Cool on a rack at least 20 to 30 minutes before serving (filling will continue to set as it cools). Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 8 main-course servings. Cooks’ note:
Quiche can be made 3 days ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, wrapped in plastic wrap. Reheat quiche (uncovered) in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
Re c i p e : Fr e s h W i l d M u s h r o o m S o u p
By: Bon Appétit November 2005 :: L ynn Brown, Houston, TX as found on epicurious.com 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter 2 cups finely chopped onions 6 ounces crimini (baby bella) mushrooms, chopped 6 ounces fresh oyster mushrooms, chopped 6 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 3 tablespoons brandy 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 4 cups beef broth
Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add all mushrooms and thyme; sauté until mushrooms begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Add brandy; stir 30 seconds, then mix in flour. Slowly stir in broth; bring soup to boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls. Makes 4 servings.
So many new things, so little time...
V i s i t T h e W e e d Pat c h t o d ay & m a k e y o u r h o u s e a h o m e !
T h e W e e d P a t c h’ s M o n t h l y Re c i p e S h e e t
MORE Fabulous Fall Recipes!!! Re c i p e : M o m ’ s R h u b a r b C a k e By: Esther Cunningham
2 cups diced rhubarb 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp soda 1 cup sour milk or buttermilk pinch of salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla 2 cup flour 1 egg 1/2 cup shortening 1-1/4 cup granulated sugar (sour milk = 1 cup milk & 1-1/3 tsp vinegar) Mix rhubarb and 1/2 cup granulated sugar & let stand until batter is mixed. Cream egg, shortening, and 1-1/4 cup sugar. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk. Add vanilla. Add rhubarb mixture. Bake approximately 35 minutes in 9x13 pan at 350 F. Serve plain or with ice cream or whipped cream.
[1.5 cups chopped cranberries can be substituted for rhubarb depending on the season.]
Re c i p e : M o m ’ s S a l s a By: Esther Cunningham
Cook all ingredients until thick - simmer on low (barely boiling) approximately one hour; stir occassionaly so it doesn’t stick. Pour into pint jars and seal jars. Process in water bath for 25 minutes. (Place jars in canner and process for 25 minutes - or just eat fresh!) Makes about 7 pints. 4 qts tomatoes 3 cups cider vinegar 4 tsp salt 7 jalepeno peppers, minced 3-4 cloves garlic
1 onion, diced 1 green pepper, diced Remember: FRESH is BETTER!
Re c i p e : S i m p l e , A m a z i n g H o t M u l l e d S p i c e d C i d e r By: Chris Tindall
This cider may be incredibly simple to make, but it’s guaranteed 2 Gallons Apple Juice. 1 Pack Crown Mulling Spices to make your house smell like fall and the holidays and the taste is Cider, available at The Patch. absolutely fantastic! Pour juice into pot on stove. Add cider mix (available at The Weed Patch). Heat until desired temperature is reached. Sip and enjoy over fantastic conversation with friends and family in front of a roaring fire.
C r a ft s : : C r o c h et P u m p k i n By Janene Tindall
Level: Beginner-friendly Time to complete: 5-7 hours, depending on how fast you stitch Approximate Finished Size: 21.5” diameter, 7” from base to top of stem Materials: Abbreviations: 1 skein Monteza Classic Elite llama/wool blend yarn in pumpkin orange (I used #3885), Chain = ch or similar bulky wool yarn Hook = hk 1 ball Crystal Palace Kid Merino yarn in brown (I used #4673), or similar mohair/wool/ Stitch = sl st nylon blend yarn in complimentary color Slip Stitch = sl 1 skein Monteza Classic Elite llama/wool blend yarn in olive green or brown, or similar Single Crochet = sc bulky wool yarn for the stem Half Double Crochet = hdc Size H/8 crochet hook Double Crochet = dc Large eye needle Fiberfill for stuffing Optional: Dark green wool felt, olive green pipe cleaners, small orange button with 4 holes This project uses only one stitch, the single crochet (sc) for the entire pumpkin, working in rounds, making it a doable project for beginners. The stem incorporates a few half-double (hdc) and double (dc) crochet stitches, but once you get the basic stitches down, the rest is a breeze. For instructions on basic crochet stitches, check out any crochet book from the library, ask a friend or relative to show you, or go to our website www.theweedpatchstore.com. Instructions: For the pumpkin (using the orange wool and brown mohair yarns together): Foundation and Round 1: ch 2, then 6sc in 2nd ch from hk. Place marker by placing a stray length of yarn of a different color in the last stitch you did, so you know where the round ends. Round 2: 2 sc in ea st around (12 sts total). Move marker to last stitch (continue moving with each round) Round 3: [1 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (18 sts) Round 4: [2 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (24 sts) Round 5: [3 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (30 sts) Round 6: [4 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (36 sts) Round 7: [5 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (42 sts) Round 8: [6 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (48 sts) Round 9: [7 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (54 sts) Round 10: [8 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (60 sts) Round 11: [9 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (66 sts) Round 12: [10 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (72 sts) Round 13: [11 sc, 2sc in next st] repeat around (78 sts) Rounds 14 – 27: sc in each st around (78 sts each time) Round 28: [12 sc, skip next st] repeat around (72 sts) Round 29: [11 sc, skip next st] repeat around (66 sts) Round 30: [10 sc, skip next st] repeat around (60 sts) At this point, stuff the pumpkin with fiberfill (not too stuffed!), and continue adding bits of stuffing as you complete the closing rounds. Round 31: Round 32: Round 33: Round 34: Round 35: Round 36: Round 37: Round 38:
[9 sc, skip next st] repeat around (54 sts) [8 sc, skip next st] repeat around (48 sts) [7 sc, skip next st] repeat around (42 sts) [6 sc, skip next st] repeat around (36 sts) [5 sc, skip next st] repeat around (30 sts) [4 sc, skip next st] repeat around (24 sts) [3 sc, skip next st] repeat around (18 sts) [2 sc, skip next st] repeat around (12 sts)
Round 39: [1 sc, skip next st] repeat around (6 sts) Round 40: [1 sc, skip next st] repeat around (3 sts) Finishing: make one more sc in middle st to close the opening, clip yarn and weave in the tail. For the stem (using the green or brown wool yarn): Foundation and Round 1: ch 3 (counts as 1st hdc), 11 hdc in 3rd ch from hk (12 sts total, incl. ch 3) Round 2: sc in each st around (12 sts) Repeat round until the stem reaches desired length, approx 2 – 3”. Next round: ch 4 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in each sc around (24 sts total, incl. ch 4) Last round: 1 sl st, 1 sc, ch 5, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hk, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, sl st in next 2 sc (one pointy stem base made). Repeat around, completing 6 evenly spaced pointy stem base pieces, or alter as desired. Stuff stem with fiberfill. Putting it all together: Using a very long length of orange yarn, make three even wraps around the entire pumpkin to create the pumpkin-like grooves, threading through an orange button on the bottom if needed to keep secure. Pull yarn fairly tight so that nice deep grooves are created, and so that the yarn doesn’t slide. Using a length of the green yarn and the large eye needle, whip stitch the stem to the top of the pumpkin.
Tips:
• If desired, cut leaf shapes from dark green wool and stitch near the base of the stem. • Create tendrils by wrapping olive green pipe cleaners around a pencil and tucking into the base of the stem. • Make your stitches tight so that the stuffing doesn’t show through. • To make a smaller pumpkin, use a lighter weight yarn and a smaller crochet hook.
Resources:
• Yarn: Spin Knitters (Country Village), Main Street Yarn (Mill Creek Town Center) • Pipe cleaners, crochet hooks, fiberfill, large eye needles: any craft store like Michaels or Joann Fabrics • Wool felt: Keepsake Cottage Fabrics (Country Village), Speckled Hen (Snohomish)
1st Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest! It’s fall at The Patch, and we’re more than ready for some fall fun! So we’re holding a pumpkin carving contest, in what is sure to become a long-standing tradition here at The Weed Patch. The details are easy: Create a piece of art out of a pumpkin, bring it in to The Weed Patch by no later than Saturday October 21st 2006, and be entered to win a fantastic prize! We’ll award two grand prizes - one to OUR favorite pumpkin, and one to our CUSTOMER’S favorite pumpkin! Voting on the pumpkins will take place the entire weekend of our Halloween Party - October 27, 28, & 29 - so be sure to bring all your friends in that weekend and have them vote for your pumpkin. The winner will be contacted on Monday October 30, and will be announced in the November newsletter. We’ll be taking photos of all the enteries as they come in and putting them on our website at www.theweedpatchstore.com. There’s a limit of one entry per person, so for the most chances to win have a fun evening with your family carving pumpkins! Kids enteries (12 and under and 13 to 19) will be eligible for prizes that they’ll love too - and you parents will also get something great if your kids win!
Let the fun begin!
Pl ant Spotl i ght: Mu m s !
Chrysanthemum is a genus of about 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Amongst florists and in the floral industry, they are commonly referred to as “mums�. Chrysanthemums are just about the easiest of all of the perennials to grow. They should be planted in early spring after all danger of freezing, however they can be planted almost any time, as long as they have time to establish their root system before the hottest weather. They grow best and produce the most flowers if planted in full sunshine, and respond to plenty of food and moisture.
Intr oduc i n g D o n & Est h er Cu n n in g h am!
There are hundreds of varieties of Chrysanthemums, giving you the options of height, color, flower size and time of bloom, so you can pick and choose to fit your needs when you visit the nursery. In northern climates it is wise to purchase the earlier bloomers. The Weed Patch currently has Mums in stock. Come check out our back patio and pick out a Chrysanthemum to take home to your garden! Information found online at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum & http://www.thegardenhelper.com/Chrysanthemum.htm
O’Mally & Potter’s Feel Good Products Our new store opened June 3, 2006 and I would like to give a big thank you to all the folks who are shopkeepers here at Country Village, and the Village shoppers for the support you have given us our first month. We have been very well received which is confirmation to us that we are on the right track! The theme of our store is “Regain and Maintain Health and Well-Being.” The anchor products are the “Feel-Good” products that I have been making for 10 years. My interest in therapeutic quality essential oils began as a quest for pain relief from fibromyalgia. I was so disabled that I had not worked for over 6 years, and I could barely walk. My search quickly became research as I discovered that the essential oil “potions” I made fore myself gave me more pain relief than the doctor-prescribed medications (which ultimately contributed to my physical and mental distress and demise). My continuing studies of over 10 years have enabled me to develop a product line of topically applied lotions, synergies, and balms that address pain relief from such ailments as arthritis, fibromyalgia, injuries, dry skin, eczema, PMS and menopause, and more. I have sold these products wholesale and retail to stores, hospitals, massage therapists, clinics, and the general public for 8 years. Recently my website began to grow as I added more products that I felt would help those with chronic pain issues. Our warehouse was packed to the ceiling and the phone was ringing off the hood with folks wanting to visit the warehouse to see product “in person.” It became apparent that we needed a storefront – hence, our presence in this awesome little Village! We also make a body-care line of “Pamper” Products. They are “personal perfumes” and bath products created to help align and support the mind, body and spirit. Additionally, we offer True Natural Soaps (which meet “Truth in Labeling” requirements set by the Natural Ingredient Resource Center), natural facial care products, Far Infrared lamps and saunas, healing music, organic sprouting seeds, a “Mother Nature’s” gourmet sea salt bar, and yes …… healthy antioxidant chocolates! To Regain and Maintain Health and Well-Being, visit us often! We are in Suite A of the Clocktower Building. I hope to see you soon, Claudia O’Malley www.feelgoodproducts.com
(425) 788-8174
Product Spotlight : Wire Pumpkins This incredible centerpiece was one of our hottest sellers last fall. Elegant and warm, this wireframe pumpkin candle holder is and ideal display for the entire fall season. Paired with our wonderful “Cake Candles” this centerpiece smells as great as it looks. Add a beautiful fall candle ring to create a striking display that is sure to get compliments from everyone who sees it! Our Cake Candles come in multiple scent options, and - if properly burned and maintained - can last for a VERY long time. Some of the scents we have that can help make your house smell like home this fall are Cinnamon Spice, Gingerbread, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla, Cranberry, Apple Cinnamon . . . we have so many scents to choose from you’re sure to find one that you love!
Your Newsletter for October 2006! www.theweedpatchstore.com
814 238th St SE, Suite A B o t h e l l , WA 9 8 0 2 1 - 4 3 1 2
Helping Make Your House a Home
The Weed Patch
Al l E vents Are Free!
Friday October 27 Evening Wine & Spirits Host: Country Cottage Wine Merchants 6pm - 8pm Saturday October 28 Owner Janene Tindall demonstrates creative projects with mini pumpkins and gourds! 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm Sunday October 29 Pumpkin Dessert Cook Off ! Come sample incredible pumpkin desserts and vote on your favorite! Interested in entering? Call the store or visit the website for more information! 1pm - 4pm (or, while the food lasts!) Pumpkin Carving Contest Voting ALL WEEKEND!
Yo u ’ r e I nv i t e d t o o u r H a l l o w e e n Pa r t y ! I t’ s s u r e t o b e a s p o o k y we e ke n d , fu l l o f e ve nt s a n d s p e c i a l s t h at’ l l m a ke y o u s c r e a m . . . w i t h laughter and excitement!
O c to b e r 27 & 28 : 10 a m - 8 p m O c to b e r 29 : 10 a m - 6 p m Here we go again! This October we’re thrilled to announce a party weekend that you’re sure to have nightmares about missing! From eerily exciting flash sales to contests that’ll make your scalp tingle, if you miss this one you’ll cry yourself to sleep for days. Come enjoy spooky treats, fun craft demonstrations, fantastic prizes, and oh so much fun! Vote for your favorite carved pumpkin in our pumpkin carving contest. Bring friends and family, and enjoy a Halloween party for YOU! Come experience our pumpkin recipe contest - either as a contender or a taster / voter! If you’re interested in entering, please call the store or visit www.theweedpatchstore.com for more information!
H ap p y H a l l owe e n , Fr o m T h e Pat c h !