Quilt in a Day Forums

Good Morning!

Whew! What a day we had yesterday! A good day, considering, but glad it's over. Plenty of food, even though we had about 125 people, maybe more. We have to go back today to pick up tables and chairs but otherwise, things are all cleared up and life for us is somewhat back to normal. Still have wood splitting to finish and TG but come Friday I think we'll start packing. We also have to quilt our friends' quilt - and bind it - before we leave. And if plans all work out, we leave a week from today. Plans may not work out. But that's OK. No matter if we leave a day or two later. My sis and BIL will be leaving for CO as soon as wood is split and passes are clear of snow.

CHICKIE - your Boomer is an artiste at what he does, isn't he! lol!

BECCA - Sounds like you might be coming to a peaceful place with your brother. But I know you will miss him forever. Mine was part of may almost daily life. There is a big hole, but he had been so sick for so long that I'm only happy for him now. I know where he's at and he's joyous at being there.

TINA - I'm so excited about Kevin's interview. When is it going to be? If you told us, I forgot. I almost hit our UPS driver the other day. I rolled up the garage door and started to back out and there's NEVER anyone there, but suddenly I had headlights on my bumper!! I had to slam on the brakes.

JANA - I'm not surprised Stu has an interest in driving now as he has been out on his own. OK, you're a Cali girl! Just like Malibu Barbie!

IRISH - I'm hoping you're busy and not having a bad 'go' right now. When does Terry roll in? TG hugs to you and to Jim!

Today here will be like most households. I'm going for my walk with my neighbor in 1/2 hour. Seems like forever since we walked. Then we'll have a session with the wood. Already have the living/dining room vac'd and table extended for tomorrow. This afternoon we'll be doing food prep. Not to much to do - wash brussels sprouts (I have a great recipe a friend gave me) and asparagus (for the non-sprouts eaters). Dinner will be ham and scalloped potatoes. Rolls will be Rhodes frozen - taste like homemade! My grandson is bringing pie, dressing, and cranberries. So you see, supper will be pretty easy tomorrow.

It's today I'll be worrying about. Maybe I'll make a pizza. Or a chili relleno casserole. Sis and BIL like Mexican. Maybe someone will suggest we go out. That someone might be me! I have to say after a full month of company, I am growing weary of cooking!!! My BIL is a big eater so I've been making big meals. Most leftovers aren't enough to do anything with. My hands are crying from all the dish-washing. Still glad they've been here, but it will be nice to be just us once again.

Hoope you all have a great day today and enjoy the wonderful kitchen smells across the country!

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

2# sprouts, washed and trimmed
4 oz. diced bacon
3 large shallots, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
1/2 c. Chix broth
1-1/2 c. milk
1 cup, packed, shredded Gruyere cheese (abt 6 oz.) but Swiss is cheaper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Blanch sprouts about 5 min. Drain and rinse in cold water.
Fry bacon until crisp, then add shallots. Fry till they are tender.
Drain fat but 2 Tbsp. Add butter too pan and increase t 2 Tbsp if you don't have enough bacon fat.
Sprinkle flour over butter and cook, stirring with shisk, until smooth. slowly add brother, then milk, whisking until thickened and smooth. Add 1/2 c. cheese and stir to smooth. S&P to taste.
Add sprouts to sauce and stir. spread into casserole and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 min. Or pop under broiler for few minutes if you want more brown. Let sit about 10 min before serving.

Good morning from cold but sunny, Sw. Pa....

Will have to make this a quickie, we're going to be leaving for haircuts and even though I'm not cooking tomorrow, I need some last minute things to feed 2 extra men....Terry has gone for his interview and Stephan is on his way......
It was another sleepless night and right about now, I'm just about ready to drop..I'm hoping for a quick nap as soon as we get back....

For our dinner, I have left over sauce and I'm going to throw in some peppers and onions and hot sausage for the boys....Also have a package of frozen ravoli I'll cook, add a salad and some rolls and that's it....We have ice cream but I might bake something for afters......

Happy eating.............

Eagle Update: Ft. Myers nest has an egg! It arrived yesterday afternoon about 5:00...Daddy eagle was sitting on a limb close by and as soon as Harriet called him, he jumped down in the nest and acted like any other new daddy...He stretched his head the whole way under her chest and rolled the egg out and then under him..He really takes a big part in the incubating...I swear I could see him smiling...So, in about 2-3 days, she should lay another...

Hello everyone,We are so smoked in this AM? It was here yesterday.Now this big one has burned 30,000 acres.Its unreal.

Maryz Yes You can be told at anytime to evacuate.Yesterday 3 places had to leave.
This is my first sibling since I was five yrs old to be nearing the end.Other two went fast.
It is hard but he has suffered for quite a long time.Coughed since last Dec.He left home for Dr visit & will not return.But he's been making preps for a long time.He will be in my Heart always just like me other two siblings.

Glad your day went well.And happy you will get a break.Know cooking gets old fast.Especially if you have a big eater.

Irish Sure praying Terry gets the job.Happy they can be with you.Hope you get a nap.
Those eagles are fascinating.

Maryz I'll pass on Brussel Sprouts.The only green I don't care for.

HAPPY THANKGIVINGS to all.Sure AM thankful for each of you.You help make my day better.And give me chuckles.Hugs to all. Becca

Good Morning Everyone!
I think I am back to eating! Tonight's dinner will be pasta and meat sauce unless I am able to get an invitation to go out to dinner with my DH. Really depends on what time he gets home from work.

Maryz - I know you are glad yesterday is behind you. It must be nice to have your sister there, although it is more work.

Irish - I will say a few prayers Terry does well on the interview and a job offer comes along soon.

Becca - Saying a prayer for your brother and for you not needing to evacuate.

I am wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. My DH and I are cooking dinner and staying home. Hope all of you enjoy family and have a wonderful time.

Carol

Mary, I hope you get to go out to eat and get a break, tomorrow will be cooking cooking cooking again.
Kevin already had his interview with UPS and just waiting and last night the DOT called him and he has an interview there Wednesday. Even though it isn't as much as the UPS job me and Frankie think he would like it better, he'll get to operate equipment and do a wide rangeof things and has tons of room for advancement. Frankie says he's glad he doesn't have to make a decision like that again. ... he did 25 years ago when he went to work for the City. I'm just going that Kevin gets something this time.
We finished cleaning this morning and I'm doing some of the food now and my pies
I think we're having burgers on the grill tonight so there's no fuss no mess. We ended up not having them last night.
If I don't make it here tomorrow I just want to tell you all: Happy Thanksgiving to you all and enjoy your day no matter what your doing. Hugs to you all!
Tina

Good late evening! My sister-in-law rolled in at noon, and I haven’t had a chance to get back here.

I made pizzas for dinner—one veggie and one pepperoni with a thicker crust (for DH). I tried a crust made with beer, and it was delicious. It was from the King Arthur Flour website.

Today I made pico de cranberry (my name for it)—a spicy jalapeno, onion, lime and cranberry relish. I really like it, but I may be the only one. I also made regular cranberry sauce using fresh cranberries and have a can of the plain (no berry) jelly sauce. Fixed a plate of pickles and olives to take and made noodles. I’ll cook them in the morning and make my dressing. I have the celery and onions chopped. I love dressing with a crispy crust on it… none of that soft stuffing for me! I hope to have leftovers to eat with the cranberry pico. I could make a meal of the dressing and cranberries… forget everything else as far as I’m concerned. I know, I’m crazy!

Mary—I like your recipe for Brussells sprouts au gratin. I’m the only one who eats them around here. I usually just put butter and a few drops of balsamic vinegar on mine. I think all veggies are wonderful in a cheese sauce. Bacon makes everything better—just like butter!

Mary—hope you had a lovely, relaxing evening!!! You certainly earned and deserve it!!!

Tina—the DOT probably has a good retirement… I don’t know what UPS has. I hope Kevin gets to pick his employment! I didn’t make as much with the state as I might have in a private job, but I do have a decent retirement income.

Carol—good to hear from you and you are back to eating! ‘Tis the season!!! Pasta is always good!

Becca—I keep you in my prayers for safety! I’m glad you are at peace with your brother. After years of suffering, you want them to be free of pain.

Irish—Hoping for wonderful news for Terry!!! An egg! Your eagle family description is just so sweet!!! I’m smiling!

I’m going to take this opportunity to tell you all Happy Thanksgiving. We’ll be at DS1’s, and I’ll be on doggie duty with Choc and Maggie while DS3 is at work. I’m thankful for all of you, My Friends!