MOD COCHET PLANT POT COVER Pattern; Ocean Park-WA

I like color.

Two of my newer plants are still in their plastic store pots … that will be changing soon; they don't need large pots yet, but they do need colorful pot covers - so, I got busy and made this cute little crochet turquoise pot cover 😊

This pattern is very simple to work.

And, it will complement my baby spider plant, nicely 👌

Materials:  15-oz. Butter Tub, thoroughly washed & dried; Turquoise Worsted; #G aluminum hook; Tapestry needle; Scissors; Plastic Bag; Decorative trim (I used Dollar Store Dragonflies)

Terms Used:

CO = cast on

ch = chain

st = stitch

sc = single crochet

sl St = slip stitch

inc = increase 1 st

T = turn

dec = decrease 1 st

rnds = rounds

EA = each

X = number of rows to be worked

MOD COCHET PLANT POT COVER Pattern

Cover bottom ~ Row 1: With worsted & crochet hook, CO 15 sts: ch 1 & T

Row 2: Inc 1 st in the first & last sts (16 sc); ch 1 & T

Row 3: Inc 1 st in first sc, work even to last sc - inc in next sc (18 sc); ch 1 & T

Rows 4 thru 7: Sc evenly in each st across row (18 sc); ch 1 & T

Rows 8 & 9: Make 1 dec over the first 2 sc's, work even to last 2 sc's - make 1 dec over last 2 sc's; there should be 14 sc on last row worked. Ch 1 & T

Cover Sides ~ Rows 10 thru 14: Sc around the bottom base piece, increasing 1 sc in EA corner - do not ch 1 & do not turn work on either row … you will work each row now in the round; there should be 68 sc on last row worked.

Rows 15 thru 28: Work sc rows evenly, without inc's; at the end of last row, T & work 1 row of sl st along the backside of sts worked. EO

Backstitch sl sts thru back loops = BACK of work view.

Backstitch sl st = FRONT of work view.

Cut plastic bag to fit with a little overhang to tuck under pot edging as you stitch it down …

Fold overlap under & secure.

Tack dragonflies to front.

When the soil dries, I'm going to transplant this baby Spider Plant into this new pot cover -  and place it atop my bathroom cabinet.

CHICKEN-RICE CASSEROLE; Shavua Tov~Ocean Park-WA

Betsy & Independence; Ocean Park-WA

I haven't made this casserole for some time … but I've been missing it - and tonight those left-over chicken bits in the freezer from a recent chicken meal served us again, in tonight's Supper dish 👌

I liberally sprinkled paprika over the surface of this casserole before popping it into the oven, to add flavor as well as a vibrant color; I like color 😉

But Paprika, derived from dried peppers, also holds a treasure trove of health benefits in it's vibrancy: it's a good source of vitamins A and E, which support eye health and immune function. Paprika is rich in calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, all of which are important for building strong teeth, bones, and muscle. Paprika contains zinc, a mineral crucial for collagen synthesis, which can support wound healing and skin health.

Paprika also contains capsaicin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in pain management; and may help improve heart health by potentially lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Capsaicin, found in paprika, may also have a positive impact on blood pressure and blood vessel health.

The capsaicin in paprika may have anti-obesity and appetite-suppressing properties. Studies have shown that it improves fat metabolism, especially the oxidation of abdominal fat. Capsaicin may also reduce appetite and caloric intake when incorporated as part of a healthy diet.

Other compounds in paprika called xanthophylls also show the ability to reduce abdominal fat and BMI.

Incorporating paprika into your diet may help protect your skin from UV-induced skin damage.

Chicken-Rice Casserole; with leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.

CHICKEN-RICE CASSEROLE  – 6 servings (about 1 cup EA)

¼ cup Margarine, reduced-calorie * 1/3 cup Flour, all-purpose * 3/4 teaspoon Salt Substitute * 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper * 1-1/2 cups Skim Milk * 1 cup Chicken broth * 2 cups COOKED chicken, cut into bite-size pieces * 1-1/3 cups COOKED white rice (to make 1-1/3 cups of cooked rice, you'll need approximately 1/2 cup of uncooked rice & 1 cup of water) * 1/3 cup Green Bell pepper, chopped * a drop of Almond Extract * 2 TBSP Pimento, chopped * 1/2 c. Mushroom pieces, chopped * 2 tsp. Paprika

Ingredients

1) Heat oven to 350-degrees.

2) Heat margarine in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt & pepper and cook. Stirring constantly, until bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk & broth and heat to boiling – stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Move cooked rice off burner & to the side; melt margarine …

Whisk in the milk & broth - cook as directed.

3) Pour mixture into UNGREASED 2-quart casserole or square baking dish, 8 x 8 x 2 inches; sprinkle with paprika.

Casserole, oven ready.

RV Ovens are small things, & timing is everything: the casserole will be slipped into the oven as the biscuits are pulled & set on a cork hot mat; cover the biscuits with a kitchen towel to keep warm.

Bake UNCOVERED for 40 to 45 minutes … or until bubbly. Garnish with parsley if desired.

This casserole is not spicy - it's kinda bland; but my husband , who douses everything pretty liberally with black pepper, says this chicken casserole is "a repeat" 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Holland's pepper-doused portion …