Stormy Sunday

The snow actually started last night. It was falling so quietly and pretty. But by the time I woke up this morning the wind was blowing a gale and the snow was piling up! I believe we were forecasted to get 30cm of the white stuff and I believe from what I see outside we definetely got that. It finally stopped snowing just after lunch but the wind has continued.

This was the perfect day to hibernate at home and get started on quilting the Double Irish Chain quilt. I started the free motion quilting around 2:30 this afternoon. I stopped for about an hour to get supper on, to eat, then clean up and get back to it again. I think I have about 7 blocks quilted with a nice celtic knot design. This is also the first time in a long time I am quilting without using invisible thread! I am feeling more confident with each block I make and my stitches are improving. I'm so excited!

I love using the pre-stamped designs. You just sew on the lines following the arrows. Then just tear away the paper


I think I have 24 of these to quilt in all.


I like quilting on the dining room table as I can spread out the quilt better, not to mention be able to watch a movie in the living room at the same time


The results of my first stitched Celtic Knot. Not too shabby! :)


I also realized that I haven't posted a recipe to my blog since before Christmas. This morning I decided to make myself and Trevor some homemade Belgian Waffles!! I took out the waffle maker and hunted through my recipe books for a nice topping. This is what I made! They were sooo yummy! I want to share the recipe with you all! Every now and then it is fun to make something a little more different for breakfast than the usual bacon and eggs! I found the topping recipe from a free recipe book called "Inspired" that a local grocery Store, Sobeys, hands out every season. This one came from the Fall 2008 book. I have made a few recipes from this booklet and we have loved them all!

Let me know if try these out!

Homemade Belgian Waffles with Warm Carmamelized Apples


Waffle Recipe
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 3/4 cups milk
1 Tbsp brown sugar
4 Tsp baking powder
1/4 Tsp salt

Heat the waffle baker. In a medium bowl beat eggs with a wire whisk until fluffy. Beat in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour abou 2/3 cup of batter onto center of hot waffle baker. Bake about 5 minutes or until done. Remove waffles carefully.

Will make approximately 10 waffles (freeze any waffles you don't use right away)

Caramelized Apples (Seving for 2)

3 Spartan or Northern Spy apples, peeled and cored
2 Tbsp salted butter
3 Tbsp 100% Pure Maple Syrup
1/2 Tsp cornstarch
1 cup apple juice
1/4 cup brandy (optional) or additional apple juice
1/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries
4 Waffles
1/4 cup whipped cream, 35% (optional)

Chop one apple and thickly slice remaining two into wedges. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Spread apples evenly in skillet and brown on one side. Flip apples over and drizzle with 1 Tbsp maple syrup. Reduce heat to medium and sauté until apples are browned but not scorched, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and reserve.

Stir cornstarch into apple juice, brandy (if using) and remaining maple syrup; pour into skillet, add cranberries. Increase het to high. Boil mixture until thickened and glossy, about 5 minutes. Return apples and heat through, tossing to coat.

Place 2 waffles to a serving plate and top with apple mixture and whipped cream!

YUM!!!!

Well I am going to get going. I want to try and get a couple more celtic knot blocks completed before the end of the night!

Quiltingly Yours
Andrea