I planned to put the slow cooker on with chicken pieces and potatoes for dinner but our, local Superstore had small, fresh turkeys (about 5 kg) on sale at a better price ($5.49/kg) than the chickens were. Friends were coming over to enjoy dinner with us; turkey and trimmings became the new menu. I was not ready to make a turkey today though so there was not time enough to prepare stuffing.
What I did do however was to rub the bird inside and out with "herbes de Provence", stuff the cavity with a quartered apple, some stalks of celery and dried cranberries. I poured a half cup of cider into the cavity and let it roast, covered for a few hours (with a bit of basting). It was absolutely wonderful. Garlic & Pepper mashed potatoes (skins in), turnip, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, an amazing gravy using the juices from the roasted bird and my signature cranberry sauce*. I also put together an apple crisp for dessert.
Lyla stayed for a sewing night. She worked on a new quilt while I checked off quite a few projects.
Firstly I made my 2 bags for our annual good-will project. The Tuesday Night Bag Ladies collect toiletries over a few month time period. We sew up toiletries bags; then fill them with shampoo, conditioners, moisturizers, special soaps, tooth brush, tooth paste, dental floss. These are donated to a local women's shelter. This year will likely net about a dozen filled bags.
I hemmed my Sweetie's jogging pants. It sounds easy but they were lined and had a zipper and plackets at the cuff end, which needed a 2 inch hem.
I worked on rebinding Cara's beautiful ruched lap quilt. She dyed the cotton fabric and 100% wool for the raw edge binding herself.
Next I could finally choose a quilting project to work on. It has been so long since I could just choose something to do that I did not back myself into with a commitment.
Amy Butler "Belle" for the Cara or the Red & Purple quilt for Melissa? ??????????????????
Well, to help Cara have a lap quilt to snuggle under when Dave has his warm hand-dyed one that Cara made him, and because all those prints are too much fun, Lyla convinced me to do Amy Butler. The fabrics needed washing first; so into the washing machine they went and on to another project I went.
Here are the Amy Butler prints all freshly cleaned and folded. Ready for cutting.
I pulled out a stack of sampler blocks that were prepared 2 years ago. A few of the PP blocks still had the paper in place.. I figured I could pull out the bits, press and square these up. I think I need to put sashing (deep-red) between these blocks but I do have it here and ready to cut..
And the highlight of the week: The Remembrance Poppy Quilt from Pam Bono
Aren't these fabulous prints. The reds are amazing.
All this and it still was Saturday. There was still time to watch some SNL.
*LINDA'S Signature Cranberry Sauce
- 1 bag of fresh cranberries, rinsed
- 3/4 to 1 cup of white sugar (to taste)
- 1 orange (be sure to wash the peel)
- 1" piece of cinnamon stick
- Place the cranberries in a medium sauce pan.
- Zest the orange rind, placing about 1 teaspoon of fresh zest in the saucepan with the cranberries and the cinnamon stick. Add the sugar.
- Cut the orange in half and juice both halves. Add water as needed so that the liquid totals 1 cup. Pour this into the saucepan with the cranberries.
- Stir till well mixed. Cover the saucepan and heat till it starts to bubble, watch carefully as it can overboil and burn instantly. Turn the heat to low and let the Cranberry Sauce simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Be careful to remove the piece of cinnamon stick before you serve the sauce.
- Let cool and serve. This keeps nicely in the fridge (in a clean, closed container) for a few weeks - if the jar is not emptied before then. This is also amazing as a condiment for a simple macaroni and cheddar cheese side dish.
double yay!
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