The White House

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Oh, Yum!

You've been to those Italian restaurants that put some olive oil on a plate with some bread...love that. But it is so easy to make your own and make it even better.

My friend Laura Sue turned me on to some dipping from a restaurant...oh my, it was so good. But, I don't live near that restaurant so I had to make my own version.

Do you want it? Okay, let's give it a try together.

M's Dipping Oil

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup olive oil

2 TBSP balsamic vinegar

1 TBSP oregano

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp basil

1 tsp sun dried tomato spice (or 1 TBSP sun dried tomatoes, minced)

1/4 sprig of fresh rosemary
1 handful of freshly grated Romano cheese
2 tsp chili flakes, optional

Combine all and let sit over night. But I know you'll want to try it the same day.

It will be good the same day too. But even better the next day.

This doesn't make a ton, but unless you are having a big party,

you'll never go thru it before it goes bad.

Now if you are as good as my friend Katya, you'll make your own bread to go with it.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Show and Tell

I have 2 show and tells...and it is only January 9th.

Here is the finished One Block Wonder.

It is a baby size top.

I will do another one later this year.

This time using a fabric that I think will work even better.

Next up: The Very Pink Versailles Quilt

I love this fabric.

I think it is even better in person.

Both will be sent to the quilter as soon as she gets back from vacation.

Next up: a table cloth for my hurkin' huge dinning room table.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

I usually do NOT make resolutions...I'm sure you know why. But this year, my plan is to work on unfinished projects or Quilts In Progress. First up: a One Block Wonder. I started this quilt with Chelsey and Carol. Of course, Chelsey has finished her OBW. I'm not sure how Carol is progressing. But mine will be ready for the quilter soon. Here is a quick look at my layout.

And this was the yardage.

I hope to also post more this year. Every project deserves a post, don't ya think?

Happy New Year !

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Pumpkins

I love pumpkins. I love pumpkin bread, pumpkin roll with that

yummy cream cheese filling.

But I don't like pumpkin pie.

Funny, huh?

Since I don't have canned pumpkin on the grocery store shelves here,

I have to make my own. It is super easy, once you figure out your pressure cooker.

Yikes, I know.

But really they are so much nicer now then they were years ago.

Here is how I do it.

I buy big pieces of pumpkin at the veggie market or grocery store.

I do go all out and save the pumpkin seeds and toast them.

I remove the skin and put the pieces in the pressure cooker.

Add about 1.5 - 2 cups water.

Cover and bring to pressure.... pssssssssss.... Reduce heat and cook for 12 minutes if you are at sea level. But here in Bogota, I cook it for 18 minutes.

Then I cool the pressure cooker under cool running water.

Remove the lid and there you go, the pumpkin is cooked.