I've Been Avoiding You

It was an act of mercy.  With the closing of the government I really did not want to subject anyone with my constant rants about all the numb nuts in Washington.  Sad thing is that until they pass a budget we will have more of the same. 

Let us move on to ....... cast iron!  I am ashamed as a cast iron enthusiast that the one thing I have yet to make in a cast iron skillet is a Dutch Baby.  How could I have not made a giant pancake in my 12" skillet?  I did remedy that last weekend or else I would have had to turn in all my cast iron or let it go to rust. 

Cinnamon Sugar Dutch Baby

2-½ Tablespoons Cold Butter, Diced, Divided Use

⅓ cups Sugar

2 teaspoons Cinnamon

⅔ cups Flour

⅔ cups Milk

4 whole Eggs

2 Tablespoons Butter, Melted

Preheat oven to 450 F.
Place one tablespoon butter in a 9-12 inch cast iron skillet or 9 inch pie plate. Place in the oven for 5 minutes.
Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set the bowl aside.
Put the flour, milk, eggs and 1 1/2 tablespoons of remaining cold butter in a blender. Blend until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the blender and blend for about 30 seconds more.
Remove the skillet or pan from the oven and swirl the butter all around. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the cinnamon sugar mixture and then pour the batter into the skillet. Place in the oven at 450 F for 20 minutes. DO NOT OPEN the oven during this first 20 minutes! After 20 minutes turn the oven down to 350 F and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the edges begin to brown.
Remove from oven and let it cool for 3-5 minutes. Brush or drizzle with the melted butter, then cover in more cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.

The kids loved it and said it reminded them of French toast.

In between political rants and regardless of furlough and shutdowns I brought this home:

 

  I know, I know, I shouldn't have.  I couldn't help it though, she was $20.  This is an old Kenmore model 158.120 or 12.   It is a basic 1965 straight stitch with reverse.  It was never used and didn't work.  After a good oiling, hence the newspaper, she purrs.  I just couldn't leave her there sitting unappreciated, she is a heavy duty machine but sews nice on thinner material as well.  The woman I bought the machine from said she had a manual typewriter she will look for and to stop by Friday to see if she has it out, yay!