The worst part about being sick...

is when you are too sick to knit! In my case, I was too sick to even entertain the idea of picking up my needles! Luckily, that part of this cold I'm getting over only lasted 3 days. But then there is all the catching up from when you slept all day, ignoring everything else!

The happy, happy news is that I did finally get to knit on Saturday, finishing a couple of quick gift knits. My Silky Malabrigo Tudora, v 3.0

A Malabrigo Seleccion Privada Calorimetry, modeled by Lil' Emp who decided he prefers it around his neck. Funny, the Malabrigo Loafers I made him were 'scratchy' yet he wore this around his neck for a good 30 minutes-1 hour with no mention of discomfort!

And on Sunday, I got to spend knitting time with great knitting pals Nartian, IrishGirlie and Cupcakefaerie! I was negligent in getting pics of our eatting-er, I mean knitting-get-together, but IrishGirlie did a great job photo documenting on her blog!

And speaking of photo documenting, I snagged this from her blog since she wanted me to post it with the recipe. This is so mega-easy and so yummy! I present to you...

Caprini Crostini (Goat Cheese Crostini)*
makes 15-20 crostini

Ingredients:
3 oz. of Caprini cheese or any soft, white, spreadable cheese (Philadelphia, Neufchatel or lowfat yogurt cheeses are good ones)
2 large cloves garlic
2 red hot peppers (the tiny ones)
a large sprig of parsley
3 Tbsp. olive oil
a pinch or two of salt**

Finely mince the garlic, parsley and red peppers. Place in a s mall bowl and add 3
Tablespoons of olive oil and salt to taste. Place the cheese in this oil and let sit for about 20 minutes. Spread on baguette rounds and serve.

*published in my sister's "Cortona in Your Kitchen...a little bit of Italy for my friends far away." recipe gift book she gave us in 1991. This recipe is characteristic of typical antipasti made in the region in Italy where she lives.

**OOOPS! IrishGirlie-I think I put black pepper in mine but the recipe doesn't call for it afterall!

Since Cupcakefaerie was willing to allow us to invade her place (and I instigated it, evading hostessing duty), I had to make some Cupcakefaerie-worthy cupcakes, so this is what I came up with...(and the reason for a 'quick and easy' appetizer, cuz this is what I spent my time working on...)

Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate-almond filling; a splash of ganache over the top with a toasted sliced almond for decoration

And born of the sage knitterly advice and opinions offered during our time together, the decision was made to cast on a Seaweed Cowl...

Seaweed Cowl CO with Malabrigo Seleccion Privada, colorway "Y"
Yes, it is further along; I have knit about 12 rounds, or about 2"

Lastly, there is nothing like the temptation that comes from reading about a new Etsy discovery (Butterflygirldesigns.etsy.com). Thanks to Rocky, I now am the proud owner of a new spindle...

My new spindle is in the front-it has a carved agate whorl! And the Bosworth spindle behind it is filled with the wool/mohair roving-my first BMFA roving purchase-which is getting so close to being completely spun and plied!

I must think I have money this month or something!