Getting my shabby chic on

i have been looking for an old armoire or something similar to do a DIY project for a fold-up sewing table and finally found what I was looking for…and at a great price. Plus the purchase helps our local animal shelter! A win-win all around!

It is still in the making- we set the wood to get a “look” at the height and distance out and to decide do I want the corners a bit rounded, do I want to stain and then finish the table or just put a finish on it or paint it? So many decisions! HA!

And this is the season for my Lenten Roses to bloom. They are “putting on the dog” I am here to tell you!  I need to remember to gather the seeds, too!

AND the “allium gigantium” (look that pic up-a beautiful big Pom Pom of a flower) bulb I brought back from that great farmer’s market we found in South Bend, Indiana, during our travels is doing quite well here in the south!  i can’t wait to see it bloom. And I hope the bulb multiplies like it is supposed to.

Speaking of food, what is your favorite breakfast/brunch item to consume?  I am always looking for good early morning recipes!  I will be experiencing with a savory scone recipe so stand by! It’s coming!

Cooking with vanilla

i just got back from a vanilla run….literally.  We made our way down to Mexico to pick up some of the best vanilla for baking.  I brought some back. I had a list of folks to bring it back to.  If you were on that list I will be getting it to you soon as I have been under the weather since before, during, and after this little trip. Needless to say that cruise wasn’t the “fun ship” for me!  We did enjoy most of it, though.

 

I am am one of those bakers who does think that the brand of vanilla makes a world of difference in the flavor of the baked goods.  Therefore, I try and get the best I can find locally.   What are your opinions of vanilla for your baking? Us bakers would like to know!

 

also, I haven’t heard from CINDY of ELZAAN who won a quilt kit (Elzaan won Quilt Kit 3 and Cindy won (Quilt kit 6) – if I don’t hear from y’all by Friday I will select another person interested in those kits.

 

A new recipe coming soon, I promise! I just got to get to feeling better! Getting old isn’t for sissies!

Repost of quilt winners

for those who won a quilt kit, don’t forget to let me know how to get your kit to you! Since I won’t be mailing these to y’all until next week you have plenty of time to let me know- if I don’t hear from you by next Monday I will pick someone else- as I said before I am cleaning out! Yippee!

So……

Margaret

Cassie Appleton

susan Lambert

Matt Strange

Cindy

please contact me at bdingler@elmore.rr.com with instructions!

I have heard from Elian, thanks Elian! I have emailed you the info!

have a “soggy in the south” kind of week!☂️☔️

Here comes your quilt kits!

Man what a rain!  And what a morning with sirens, Tornado watches, warnings, and more rains.  I pray everyone down here in the South made it through the weather just fine and no one had to “swim” away from home!

I have the names for the quilt kits – if you forget which ones you get, just go back to the post and see – I have given them out in the order they are posted and labeled.  If you were interested in more than one, your name went under all the kits you commented about so you would have had a chance for any you mentioned!

Quilt lkit #1- Margaret

Quilt kit # 2- Cassie

Quilt kit # 3- Elzaan

Quilt kit  #4-Susan Lambert

Quilt kit #5 – Matt Strange

Quilt Kit #6 – Cindy

 

I will try and email everyone so they know they have won and to get an address for you.  Don’t forget I will be out of pocket next week so it will be Jan. 30th before I get these in the mail to each of you!

 

Thanks again.  And thanks again Karen for letting me mention it on your quilting blog!

 

All About Quilts

If you are looking for a recipe, look another day.  Since I only have one blog, i will use this for recipes, travel, and my quilting treasures.

Today, I am hoping to reach some quilters, as I have been cleaning out some of my quilting stuff, and I use that term loosely.  We quilters seem to “stash” our stash and keep on stashing! I know I did when I was working so I would have plenty to work on when I retired.  And boys howdy, do I ever!  I have four plastic boxes, or totes, with “WIP’s” going or fixing to get started.  That’s nothing new for us quilters.  We never, NEVER, have just one project going.

I have one on the quilting frame, two in the process of being hand quilted, one that is being hand pieced (no hurry on this as it goes traveling with us) and a top that needs to be pin based for machine quilting.  And that is how us quilters roll!  Never a dull moment. It was such a nice day yesterday I sat on the patio and quilted –

But I did need to get some stuff I knew I would never get to, or have lost interest in completing, off the shelves and see if someone had an interest in, and if not, that’s ok, too. I have a wonderful animal shelter they can be donated to if no one shows interest.

I also have quilt books I need to go through – that’s next.  And I have some fabric I know I won’t use that I need to get out of the quilt closet.  That’s next.

So here goes….If you are interested in any of these, just leave a comment and say which one (i.e., quilt one, quilt two, etc.) you like or would like.  If there are a couple that caught your eye, you can list that.  I plan on making a list and putting the names under the quilt and picking a name from that list for each quilt package. Easiest way to do it so be sure and list if you have an interest in more than one.

QUILT ONE: Finished size I think it said 38×45- includes backing in package – a Christmas design – comes with a panel – can keep whole as panel, has a piece that can be used as border – real cute – and fabric for corner stars – all you need is thread and batting.

QUILT TWO – 62×84 – has all fabric to make the log cabin aanels and cabin borders – includes the fabric panels for center log cabins and large blocks  – and for the borders – I don’t think this has the backing included – I don’t remember that it did.

QUILT THREE – 20×26 – a wall hanging or a cute table top – again a Christmas theme –

QUILT FOUR – 48×64 – this is a raggedy log cabin – you only need your batting and thread on this one since it self backs – great colors – and no binding!

So if you are interested, just leave a comment and say which ones you are interested in – I will pick recipients Saturday, January 21st but won’t get these in the mail until Monday January 30th.  That will give me plenty of time to get addresses and get everything to the post office!

 

Thanks everyone! And Thanks Karen for the shoutout!

Apple Tart

I have been wanting to make one of these.  An Apple Tart.  Basically an Apple pie with one crust and no pan.   Just put the crust rolled out on your pan, fill the center with thinly sliced apples that have been tossed with lemon zest, (which I didn’t have so it was left out), cinnamon, brown sugar, a pinch of salt.  Fold the crust rustic like up around the edges and bake.  Sure smelled great!   And I used Splenda Brown Sugar!  I did learn that next time I will add a tablespoon or two of flour to the sugar/cinnamon mix before tossing with the apples so that all that self-made juice stays “in” the crust and doesn’t seep out of the crust!

Here’s the tart all ready to go in the oven.  Brush the outside with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar and bake!

Here’s the finished product!   Can’t wait to cut this and have a slice.  Eat hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature.   So easy.   And so rustic looking.  Love the look.

And here’s my recipe:   Feel free to jazz it up all you want.   Add some craisins, or regular raisins to the apples if you so desire:

Apple Tart

1 pie crust

6 granny smith apples (I used the small ones) peeled, and sliced thin (If the large granny smith I would probably use only 4-and you can use any kind you want)

1/2 cup brown sugar (can use Splenda Brown Sugar or regular light brown sugar)

1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon (depends on your tastes)

pinch of salt

lemon zest (or orange zest)

1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water added for egg wash

sugar or sanding sugar to sprinkle on outside crust

(feel free to add some raisins in with the apples if you are so inclined)

Heat oven to 400 degrees.   On a baking sheet, line with parchment paper.  Peel, core and slice apples -add to bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon,k pinch of salt, and zest if using zest.  Mix well to coat.  (and if you are using flour add a tablespoon or two to the bowl and mix at same time-this will help to hold the juices in the crust).

Pile apples in center of crust, leaving about 2 inches to fold up around apples.  Fold crust up around the edge and pleat as you go.   Brush outside of crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.  cover top with a tent of foil (this helps to form a “lid” for the pie to help it cook the apples).

Bake pie for 30 min at 400 degrees.  Reduce oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30 more minutes and then take the aluminum foil tent off and bake for another 10 minutes to brown crust and take out of oven.

And then enjoy!!!

 

 

These birdies will be happy

Because #4…Margaret will be feeding them all winter long in her new bird feeder made by J & S Creature Comforts- (and since I am not sure about loading the pic on this mobile device I won’t but I have it in case anyone needs it!)

Congrats Margaret and I will get this to you as soon as I head back toward town!

Everybody get ready to share a favorite recipe from their Thanksgiving eats!  And have a safe, happy and blessed Thanksgiving.  Remember to pay it forward and help someone less fortunate!  Do an “act of kindness” anonymously!

Gobble Gobble

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!   It seems it came quick this year or maybe its because I am now retired and home.  I am just as busy retired as I was working!  And that’s a good thing because it sure is a lot more fun doing the things I now do!

Have you pulled those pumpkin pie and pecan pie recipes out yet?   What about mom’s dressing recipe?  Will you be the one roasting the turkey or taking a side dish “over the river and through the woods?”  Or are you traveling this Thanksgiving holiday?

Whatever your plans, I pray for a safe, happy and family-filled Thanksgiving for each and every one of you!

And while we are feeding the whole family that includes all the aunts, uncles, cousins, and those twice removed, let’s not forget about those less fortunate and remember to donate a meal or get a bag of food to donate or even donate time to help feed those in need.  And if you think about it, drop off a bag of dog and/or cat food by your local humane shelter.

 

AND lest we forget our feathered friends!  We buy bird seed by the 100 lb bag!    See this bird feeder?   It can be yours to help keep your little flittery friends fed this winter!

The lid flips up to add bird seed and and the shield will slip out if needed for some easy clean up!

If you want a chance to win this hand made bird feeder leave a comment below and let us know what you will be doing your Thanksgiving holiday!

 

A winner will be selected Friday and posted and birdhouse will be sent out next week!   I pray that all will have a safe and happy Thanksgiving for all of you and for your family and friends!

 

GRITS-So Southern

You will want to make these…and soon!  These are great for tailgating, for Thanksgiving, for brunch, for holiday mornings, or for just about any morning!  Easy to make, put in refrigerator the night before, bake the next morning, throw what toppings you want on them and chow down!  There won’t be any left, I can assure you.

 

Loaded Grits Cakes

6 cups chicken broth (can use fat free – I do)

1 ½ cups quick cooking grits (not instant, though)

1 cup shredded sharp (or extra sharp for a little extra flavor- or some smoked gouda would also be good)

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

½ to 1 Tsp salt (or to taste – got to salt those grits!

½ tsp ground pepper (or to taste)

½ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)

A pinch of cayenne pepper (or to taste)

2 Tbsp melted butter

 

For Garnish after cooked cakes are baked:  Sour cream, shredded cheese, cooked crumbled bacon (or your choice of toppings)

 

1. Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large saucepan, bring broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to a boil over medium high heat. Stir in grits, stirring constantly, and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes stirring frequently to prevent lumps.  Stir in parsley when done.   Pour into 13×9 pan and let cool slightly.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Unmold grits onto a large cutting board and cut into 2 dozen squares.

All cut up and ready for the oven!

4.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

5.  Brush a large rimmed baking sheet with melted butter. Place grits squares on pan.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Brush tops of cakes with more melted butter and turn over and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on both sides.

Nice and all golden Brown and just waiting for toppings!

6.  Garnish with toppings of choice and serve.

I added cheese on all of them, then added bacon on some, sausage on some, and left some plain, sprinkled chopped green onions on all of them, and dusted with a bit of parsley to make them look pretty!   And they went over quite well at Sunday School!

 

And winners, your cookbooks will be mailed tomorrow (Thursday).  Hubby has had some eye surgeries the past two weeks (one each week) and I haven’t been getting out much other than taking him back and forth to the eye doctor!  I will mail tomorrow!  Thanks for understanding!  Have a great weekend!  Cooler weather is on its way.  Well, a little cooler, anyway.

Look who won!

I won’t the suspense drag on….

Random.org drew as first winner…

 

#5 – Betty – congrats Betty!

 

and the second winner of this beautiful cookbook is

 

#4 – Madalyn L!  Congrats Madalyn – I hope you both find many recipes in this book that will please both you and your families!  I will get these off to y’all next week!  Happy baking and hope your team wins if they are playing this weekend!

 

Go Trojans!

Go Hawks!

Go Tide!

Go Tigers!

Go Irish! (yes, I do, root for Notre Dame! What can I say, I like the movie, Rudy!)

And yes, for the kiddos that are Vols fans, I will even say Go Vols!  Now I shall go wash my mouth out with soap! teeheehee