Adventures with winter greens

Has anyone else ever eaten escarole? Or for that matter savoy cabbage?

They go together with a few other ingredients to make Winter Minestrone. It is a delicious savory soup.

Steve and I changed the recipe just a bit. We used vegetable broth instead of water and we couldn't find ditalini pasta, so we ended up with elbow instead. I also shortened the cooking time on everything, so the soup was ready in about an hour.

Try the soup, you'll love it!

Re-Treating Myself

I'm just back from treating myself to a weekend at a quilting retreat at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. It is a beautiful setting for sewing, looking out on the Root River Valley.

I went with Cheri, Amy and Judy. Can you imagine a better group to spend the weekend with?

I was able to get a few things done. I made Triple Treat and Secondhand Strips Quilt from Happy Hour book by Atkinson Designs.

I also made Steve a Valentine's Day tote to go with his other seasonal bags.

I already can't wait for the next retreat.

Tisket Tasket

Nathan now has flowered baskets. Aren't they great!? Colorful and lots of fun.

I posted a picture of bundle of 30's fabrics for a Scrap Basket quilt. I think the 30's fabrics suit the basket pattern.

The quilt was fun to make. You all should give it a try!

Quilter's Block

It is true. As you can see I have quilter's block. The most challenging part of a One-Block Wonder quilt is laying out your blocks. I only got started and got completely overwhelmed. I might have to call in the cavalry.

This also means that I didn't make my goal of finishing my native arts One-Block Wonder this month. I did finished the bindings on three quilts, my Flaming 9-Patches, my Mystery Weekend #42 quilt, Forever Friends and my Bargellographix quilt.

I've also made lots of progress on my 30's Scrap Basket quilt. I've got my blocks made and I'm working on the sashing and borders.

So my goal for next month is to finish the top on my Scrap Basket quilt, continue to layout my One-Block Wonder quilt and put binding on my Merry-Go-Round quilt.

Wish me luck!

Hot off the Stove

I'm sure you all love being invited to dinner, or to at least a peek, each time Steve and I cook.

If you notice, this time I took the picture while steam was still coming off the food. I hope your mouth waters a little.

Tonight Steve and I broiled salmon, seasoned with Mural of Flavor from Penzeys Spices. It is perfect on fish.

We also made Wild Rice with Butternut Squash, Leeks, and Corn as a side. It was delicious!

Can you guess which plate is Steve's?

Lucky Number 13!

Since the start of Scrap Tamers in September, I have finished 13 projects. The binding on my Bargellographix quilt is the lucky one.

The quilt uses fabric from the Floragraphix I line. I added an extra row of the bargello strip and an extra row of the thistle fabric.

I love this quilt and it is mine. I think it is just stunning.

Last Minute Substitution

I've decided to make a substitution on my Scrap Tamers list of 20 projects. I took off my Milky Way quilt and added a Scrap Basket quilt. It is my list, so I can do that.

Cheri and I went through my 30's reproduction fabrics and helped me put together a kit from my stash. As you can see in the picture, I'm using yellow, orange, brown, green and purple fabrics with antique white as my background.

Cheri and I are both making a Scrap Basket quilt for the Minnesota Quilters Show in June. Hopefully they will be side by side. Look for them.

Slow Cooked to Perfection!

Steve and I made some delicious soup, Cabbage Beef Soup. It hit the spot during the cold Minnesota winter.

The recipe is super easy with a short prep time. The cook time is long, but uses a slow cooker.

Give it a try, you'll love it.

Forever Friends

I've finished the binding on my Mystery Weekend #42 Quilt, Forever Friends. It is fun and bright.

The name is a nice reminder of the importance of friends. Thanks Caroline, for doing the mystery weekend with me. Thanks Cheri, for helping choose fabric.

I can't wait for the next Mystery Quilt in March.

That All Folks!

Normally I take a picture of the recipes that I make. Steve and I made two different kinds of soup this week. We ate it few different times and the only picture if got of them was the empty bowls. Yum!

Steve and I bought three turkeys during the holidays. We decided to brine the first turkey on New Year's Eve. It made the turkey moist and very flavorful.

My niece, Vanessa, gave me this turkey soup mix when I was visiting. We boiled up the turkey carcass to make some broth. Then we added what we had on hand, turnips, sweet potato, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, thyme and butter beans. With the soup mix, the soup turned out so yummy. Thanks Vanessa!

We also made Tex-Mex Turkey Soup with some of the turkey meat. It has a nice savory favor and a nice change from the usual turkey soup.