Making Collars for Kittens

Today I made some DIY collars.  These are just to look pretty in the cage, to capture some interest and get adopted faster.  In theory, I'll be getting these back before the kit leaves for their new home but I know how that goes so I'm making a lot.
I've been trying ribbons around their necks and hot gluing bows and store-bought ribbon flowers to the collars but that's not my best work.  Today is better!

 First, I have a lifetime of ribbon already.  I'm old and I've been sewing since high school.  I've got surplus ribbon, no problem.  Those curls?  Ain't that great?  I discovered that last week and just finally got around to trying it this morning!

Making Curly Ribbon

roll the ribbon on to a dowel, secure with clothespins, into the oven at 275F for 25 minutes

 Then I just sewed them together

 Had the sequined elastic already, knew I'd need it one day

 And there it is on a kitten!

Made some extras and will have to get out there and top off on supplies!  Guess what I've found?
Fold over elastic!
Apparently, it's used for headbands and hair scrunchies.  I found some at JoAnn Fabric.  Very little for too much money.  I hear Micheal's sells it.  It's also, of course, online.

Here's some with ruffles:

Kitten update:  Zydeco and Confetti have been adopted! 



Dress us YOUR kitten with glow in the dark nail caps!

Kitten Names-Mardi Gras Name for Kittens

We have a new group of foster kittens!  Mardi Gras is March 4th this year and I'm already feeling the call of The Crescent City.  I love New Orleans!  The food is second only to Paris, France.  The city is just steeped in history, lots of old buildings still in use.

Original old hitching post

Gas lamps

Crypts, not as nice as France, but definitely very very Parisian

and voodoo!

Come meet The Mystick Crewe!

Praline is the only girl in the family

Why Confetti?

That's why.

 

and Zydeco!

I made a list of other potential names for Mardi Gras.  I might need them again!  You might have some Mardi Gras themed kittens coming your way next!  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

 

Rex
Acadia
Cajun
Beignet
Pierre LeBeau

Marie LeChat
Boudreaux
Jazzy
Bayou
Jambalaya
Mambo
carnival
Mardi gras
Nola
Beauregard

Another thing I love about New Orleans?  I love beignets!  And I love mine more than I love Cafe du Monde.  Why?  Ok, people don't like to talk about it but, look, it's a very old city.  It's built all up, no space for modern conveniences.  Between the drunks on Bourbon Street and the dumpsters practically on the sidewalk, Cafe du Monde pretty much smells like vomit.  Not a great thing to eat at an outdoor cafe that smells of puke.  We stood gagging in the looooooong line (I got a pressed penny too), got our beignets in a bag full of sugar, and started walking.  The only way to eat them is away from the smell!  They wash the streets with pleasant smelling soap every morning but sorry, it still reeks.  So make beignets at home, they're dead easy!  The secret to deep frying is get your oil to about 375F.  Too low, it's greasy, too high it burns on the outside, raw on the inside.  They use cottonseed oil at Cafe du Monde, change it every week.  You want to get there while the oil is seasoned though so check when they change the oil.  Same with your own, the first, I'd say 3 batches will not be as good as the 4th.

MAKE THIS DOUGH THE NIGHT BEFORE SERVING!

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 C warm water (100 to 115 degrees F)
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 C evaporated milk
• 7 C all-purpose flour
• 1/4 C butter
• Oil for deep frying
• Powdered Sugar for dusting (or burying, depending on taste) AND my secret ingredient-pinch of nutmeg!

I always proof my yeast, meaning I mix it, the warm water, and the sugar, and then wait 5 minutes.  If it rises, it's all good.  If not, I know that pack of yeast is dead and I can toss it and not waste any other ingredients.   Used to be, old timey yeast HAD to be proofed to work.  We've had active dry yeast for how many years now in the store?  I don't think you can even buy the old stuff anymore.  FYI--I hear it makes a better tasting bread.  If you can find the old style yeast, try it, but proof it first. 
Mix this all together, cover in a BIG bowl (it's going to double or more) then put it in the refrigerator until morning.  I've kept it up to a week because this recipe makes 3-4 dozen.  Even if it starts to ferment, ain't nuthin' wrong with sourdough beignets! 

The next morning, heat your oil then start rolling out dough on a lightly floured board 1/8-inch thick. Cut the rolled out dough into strips 2 to 3-inches wide, then cut again in the opposite direction and at an angle, making diamond shapes.  Drop them into the hot oil.  Turn them when they're golden, drop into paper bag with powdered sugar and a touch of nutmeg or a big bowl and shake powdered sugar and nutmeg over top.  For me, the nutmeg makes this recipe.  Taste it both ways, serve it how you like it.  

Is it Paleo?  NO!  

Does it make me sick?  Yes! 

Even in New Orleans?  Yes!  I had to run for the hotel and I barely made it.

But is it worth it?  OH HELL YES!