Chili Powder

from http://southernfood.about.com/od/seasoningrecipes/r/bl30420j.htm

Makes ~2.3T  Reminder 16T to 1c
2t cumin
2t garlic powder
1t paprika
1t oregano
1t cayenne (I use significantly less)

When I need Chili powder and don't need 2T  I add in these ratios.. and normally only a pinch of cayenne.

Ketchup

From http://allrecipes.com/recipe/in-a-pinch-ketchup/  Made with a few modification for our house.  I have not made this ketchup recipe yet.

Make 1 1/2c
2c tomato sauce
2T white or cider vinegar
1/3 sugar
2t molasses
1t garlic powder
1t onion powder
1t salt
dash of nutmeg, clove,  & cinnamon or 1/4 allspice
1/4 water (optional)

Mix together over low heat; simmer to desired consistency.  If water is added it might be 45min-1hr.

BBQ Sauce

Going to give this BBQ sauce recipe a try http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Big-Als-KC-Bar-B-Q-Sauce/

Here is the Ketchup recipe I used in place http://allrecipes.com/recipe/in-a-pinch-ketchup/

Make 6c (we will see)
4c tomato sauce
1 1/3c red wine or cider vinegar
1 1/2c sugar
2/3c molasses
1/2c water
4t hickory liquid smoke
1/2T garlic powder
1/2T onion powder
1t paprika
1/4t chili powder 
1/4t cinnamon
1/4t cayenne
dash nutmeg
dash cloves

Add above to a heave bottom pan, simmer 30min or until desired thickness.  Cool and transfer to BBQ sauce bottle and store in frig.

On reviewer made up extra and canned in pint jars in a hot water bath.

Ranch Dressing

Here is recipe from http://allrecipes.com/recipe/dry-ranch-style-seasoning-for-dip-or-dressing/  Or my suggestion to make 1c.  It has been modified to what I think it should be.

3/4c sour cream or plain yougert
1/4c milk or less
1t parsley
1/2t salt
1/2t onion powder
1/2t garlic powder
1/4t dill weed
1//4t pepper
1/8t thyme

Mix all above into jar, seal and shake.  Can store in refrigerator for 1 week.

-----
Here is a dry mix for ranch dressing http://mylampisfull.blogspot.com/2013/06/out-of-bottle-ranch-dressing.html

Ranch dry mix:
2/3c Dried Parsley
5t Garlic powder
5T minced onion or 5t onion powder
3t dried basil (optional)
1/2t pepper
1t salt

Store in container

To make Ranch Dressing, add 2-3t of mix to (how much??) sour cream and thin with milk to desired consistency.

DcCh2Sc Dishcloth Pattern

I made my first dishcloth.  I really like how it turned out.  I followed a pattern from http://www.crochetnmore.com/dishcloth.htm

MATERIALS
Hook Size G ( think I used F)
Yarn Sugar'n Cream Stripes, #21143 Country Stripes
Stitches Used: ch, sc, dc
Difficulty: easy
--------
Row1: Ch40, (dc, ch2, sc) in 4th ch from hook. *sk next 3 chs, (2dc, ch2, sc) in next ch. Rep from * across.

Row2-18: Ch2, turn. (Dc, ch2, sc) in next ch2 sp. (2dc, ch2, sc) in each rem ch2 sp.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

LittleBits

I have been review Christmas presents for the girls and came across LittleBits.  I had been getting emails and advertisement on it for awhile but didn't really understand what they were so I kind of just ignored it.  Well I researched them yesterday and they look like the will take the place of Snap Circuits for us.  I think I want to get the deluxe kit plus the USB power and vibration motor.  It is pretty pricey and that is why I am hesitating.

Here is how each of the kits are broken down.  I wish they had this chart on their website www.littlebits.cc.

LittleBits Comparison Chart
 
 

Item	Price	Base	Premium	Deluxe	Synth	Starter*	Extend*	GeekDad*	Holiday*
Price		99	149	199	159	89	149
bargraph		x				x		x
Bend Sensor	16
branch			x				x
button		x		x		x		x
buzzer	16	x		x			x
Dc Motor	20	x		x			x		x
dimmer		x				x		x
fan	20		x				x
fork				x
inverter				x
latch				x
LED		x				x		x	x
Light sensor	14	x
Light trigger	18						x
light wire				x					x
Long LED			2				2
Motion trigger	36						x
power	8	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
PresSensor			x			x		x
pulse			x	x		x		x	x
RGB LED				x		x		x
roller switch	20		x				x
servo			x	x
slide dimmer	14		x	x			x
sound trigger			x	x
timeout				x
Toggle Switch	20						x
USB power	16						x
vib motor			x			x		x
wires		2	2	4		1	2	1	2
Random					x
MicroSequencer					x
fliter					x
mix					x
SynthSpeaker					x
Oscillators					2
Keyboard					x
envelope					x
delay					x
split					x

* retired kits, but I included them because they are still available from other the web & retailers.

Crochet Washcloth or Dishcloth

I recently recieved a crochet? dishcloth and really like the idea and feel of it although I haven't used it yet.

I want to try and figure out and to make more.  I think they would be an awesome gift for dirty Santa or to give to the teachers.

Things to find out:

• What type and size of thread?
• What size of hook?

Little Starbursts Dishcloth
Here is a pattern that I like from http://bloomingpatterns.blogspot.com/2008/04/little-starbursts-dishcloth.html


Hook size: 5.0 mm
Yarn: Worsted Weight Cotton
Gauge: Finished main body = approx. 18 cm x 18 cm

Abbreviations:
Ch: chain
Ss: slip stitch
Sc: single crochet
Dc: double crochet
YO: yarn over

Special Stitches:
Starburst: [Worked over 3 stitches] Draw up a loop in same stitch previously worked in. (Draw up a loop in next stitch) 2 times. YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

[Edit: Since so many have requested a tutorial, and I have no idea how to make one :), check out this one on youtube. They call it a "trinity stitch", but it's pretty much the same thing. I hope that helps!]


Main Body
To begin, ch 26.

Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook. Work starburst stitch. *Ch 1. Work starburst stitch.* repeat from * to * across. Sc in same ch.

Row 2-24: Ch 1. Turn. Sc in top of sc. Work starburst stitch. *Ch 1. Work starburst stitch.* repeat from * to * across. Sc in same sc.

Edging
Round 1: Ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch 1). Do not turn. Dc in same sc. Ch 1. *Skip next row. Dc in next row. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * 10 times. Dc, ch 1, dc in first unused loop of foundation chain. Ch1. +Skip next stitch. Dc in next stitch. Ch 1.+ Repeat from + to + 10 times. Dc, ch 1, dc in last chain. Ch 1. Repeat from * to * 11 times. Dc, ch 1, dc in first sc. Ch 1. Repeat from + to + 11 times. Join with ss to top of first dc.

Round 2: Ch 1. +Sc in same dc. 3sc in next ch 1 space. Sc in next dc. Work starburst stitch. *Ch. 1. Work starburst stitch.* Repeat from * to * 11 times.+ Repeat from + to + around. Join with ss to first sc.

Round 3: Ch 1. +Sc in same stitch and in next sc. 3 sc in next sc. Sc in next 2 sc. Work starburst stitch. *Ch 1. Work starburst stitch.* Repeat from * to * 11 times.+ Repeat from + to + around. Join with ss to first sc. Finish off.


Nubby Dishcloth Located at http://www.tangledyarns.ca/crochet/2009/6/11/free-crochet-pattern-nubby-dishcloth.html
 
Nubby Dishcloth by Charlotte Richardson 2009
Skill level: easy
Stitches used: chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc), treble crochet (tr).
Gauge: not important for this project.  My finished cloth is about 7 ½” square.
Materials:

• I used a 4mm/size G6 hook.
• 1 ball (1½ oz) worsted weight cotton.  I used Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Ultrasoft, Violet Veil Ombre.

Pattern:
Row 1: Ch 26.  Sc in 2^nd ch from hook and across.  (25)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn.  * Sc in first st, tr in next.  Repeat from * across, ending with sc.
Row 3: Ch 3, turn.  * Sc in tr; tr in next sc.  Repeat from * across, ending with tr.
Row 4: Ch 1, turn.  * Sc in tr; tr in next sc.  Repeat from * across, ending with a sc in top of starting ch 3 of previous row.
Rows 5 to 23: Repeat rows 3 and 4, ending with a row 3.  Do not fasten off.
Edging:  Ch 1, turn.  * Sc across to next corner; 3 sc in last st.  Repeat from * around, ending with sl st into first sc.  Fasten off and weave ends in.