Longaberger Pottery. Sigh...

I am a huge fan of Longaberger. Baskets and Pottery. 

Yes, it is true. 

There is a big special TODAY. 9x13 Baking Dish for $17 (+sh/tax). 

It is only for the PINK version. 

But still, Longaberger 9x13 for $17 ? 

I do need another 9x13.

 One 9x13 just isn't enough. 

http://www.longabergerhomesteadstore.com/p-9637-pink-woven-traditions-9x13-baking-dish.aspx

What is a girl to do?

Procrastinating by Cooking and Baking.

I am supposed to be learning how to hand piece. 

And it seems that I really don't want to learn it today. 

So instead, I made soup and savory scones. 

But not just soup and scones. 

Delicious Broccoli Soup and delicious Bacon-Cheddar-Scallion/Chive Scones. 

Delish.

Broccoli Soup

4 TBSP butter

1/4 lb of bacon

16 oz broccoli, frozen or fresh

1 carrot, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 green onions, chopped

1 tsp thyme

1/4 cup dry white wine

4 (14.5 oz) canned chicken broth, but homemade would be even better

1/4 or 1/2 lb of extra sharp white cheddar cheese, cubed

2 cups milk

1 TBSP garlic powder

In a stockpot, melt butter and cook bacon until crispy. 

Remove bacon - crumble reserve for topping for soup. 

Add onion, carrot, garlic. Cook until softened. 

Deglaze with white wine.  Add broccoli. Cook 2 minutes. 

Add chicken broth. Simmer 15 min or until broccoli is tender. 

Remove from heat. Puree in blender, in batches. 

(If you have a emulsion stick/hand blender, you can use it right in the stock pot.) 

Return soup to stockpot and simmer. Add milk, cheese and garlic powder.  

Simmer about 20 minutes. Done. 

You can add that bacon from earlier, if you haven't munched it already.

Here is the link for those awesome savory scones. I love King Arthur Flour.

Now, go have a rainy day. Or have friends over for lunch and some hand stitching.

I'm Back

Took a long break from blogging. 

Guess, I didn't have much to say.

 But I did get a quilt top sewn.

It is the first completed top in the Girlfriend Challenge. 

We picked a pattern and we had to only use fabrics from our stash. 

No purchasing allowed! 

It isn't a big quilt, just a small lap sized quilt.

I am happy with the results.

What is up next ? 

I have a scrappy quilt in pieces on my sewing table. 

Years ago my sewing group did a flying geese tutorial and swap. 

I have had over 200 geese waiting for something to become. 

Over the weekend I started the scrappy project. 

Pictures to come, I promise.

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.

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.

2011 Resolutions

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 !

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.

Then the cooked pumpkin pieces go into the food processor.

And I give it a whirl.

And it comes out like this!

I pack it in Zippys and freeze it until I'm ready to make pumpkin cake or pumpkin butter.

My Pumpkin Butter turned out sooo good. I'll have to post that recipe next.

Until then, check out some different pumpkins. Longaberger Pumpkins!

Available today only. Starting in just 45 minutes. Go to my website to order.

www.longaberger.com/mariawhite