Living Greenland

Fat Quarter Shop Liberty Box 2023

Every year Fat Quarter Shop provides a Patriotic Liberty box. It always contains lovely patriotic fabric along with notions and a nice pattern. This year didn’t disappoint. Follow me as I write about the unboxing of this year’s Liberty box.

When you open the liberty box, you are greeted with a beautifully made cover card. It always has a quote or title on the front while on the back it has a coupon that can be used. Only those who purchase the box can use the coupon.

When I opened the box I discovered that there are some really cool coasters! They are really nice to look at. 2023 Liberty Box Coaster Set – Exclusive only to the Liberty Box

The next product in the box is this lovely measuring tape. It’s super cute!

Bee Vintage Tape Measure

The next product is these lovely Bohin Pins. I’m always up for more of those. They have glass heads and are 30mm (1 1/4″ long)

Bohin 80 Count Red, White & Blue Glass Head Pins

Red & Blu Cute Cuts 4.5” Square Ruler by Lori Holt for Riley Blake Designs

Apple Pie Wall hanging Pattern by Fat Quarter Shop

Exclusive to the Liberty 2023 box

Stateside Fat Quarter Bundle – Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics

This is a small fat quarter bundle however FQS has a larger Stateside Fat Quarter Bundle.

Stateside Vanilla Stars

Stateside Vanilla America

Stateside Vanilla Flag

Stateside Americana Stripes

Stateside Sky Bandana

Stateside Navy States

Stateside Navy America

Stateside Apple Red Fireworks

Stateside Apple Red Flag

I really enjoyed the box. They host specialty boxes three times a year. The Liberty Box, Halloween Box and the Xmas box. The FQS has a Facebook group called Kimberly’s Stitch Squad. Join the Facebook group and you will learn more about Fat Quarter Shop. I have made a YouTube video unboxing of this box so if you would like to watch the video to see the fabric closer up please feel free to visit me over on my Living Greenland YouTube channel. Fat Quarter Shop Unboxing

Cotton Cuts Classic Cuts

May 2023

For the last few years, I have been a subscriber of the Cotton Cuts Classic Cut box. I really enjoy what comes in my box every month. So what is a Cotton Cuts Classic box subscription?

Every Classic membership comes in a variety of fabrics with your choice of 12 fat quarters or 6 half yards. I prefer 12 fat quarters. You get to choose a pattern from their “Designer of the Month.” A collectible “CC Color Challenge” block card along with a surprise Lagniappe (“special surprise”) as a thank you. As a subscriber, we get 25% off all fabrics in the fabric shop, every day.

As a subscriber, a person has a choice of paying month to month and can choose to test it out as a one-time payment. One can choose to pay for one every other month, quarterly, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. So there are many options. Cotton Cuts approaches its subscriptions in this way so that it provides different choices to subscribers since there is no such thing as a one-size/style-fits-all.

After choosing the payment plan, then there will be a short survey to see what a person would like to have in their box and what they aren’t interested in having. So a subscriber can make some decisions on what they would like to find in their box.

One of the reasons I’ve been a subscriber for so long is that Cotton Cuts provides subscriptions worldwide at a reasonable price and shipping rate. They have an exceptional customer service team so when something goes wrong relating to shipping, they are there to make it right. They have been consistent all these years and I love their upbeat, kind attitude and their willingness to do whatever it takes to make it right.

Every month when I open my box, the first thing I see is purple tissue wrapped around what is inside of the box with their lovely Cotton Cuts logo sticker. So what will I find under the tissue for this month? Let’s open it and see.

So laying on top of the fabric box are cards that come inside our boxes every month. The first card always has a positive quote on the front side and on the back side it shows a listing of what fabrics lines are in the box along with some information at the bottom such as sharing what you create from the fabric that is inside the box. Use the tag #CottonCutsCreates on social media. Every week Cotton Cuts selects a lucky member to receive a prize. I love how Cotton Cuts engages its subscribers. There is always a chance to win something.

The next card shares the “Designer of the Month.” Lots of great information about the designer as well as where to find the designer on social media.

On the backside of the card is quilt patterns created by the “Designer of the Month.” As a subscriber, we get to pick one pattern and use the code provided to be downloaded for free. Another perk that Cotton Cuts provides for their subscribers.

Cotton Cuts Designer of the Month Quilt patterns

The next card shows the Cotton Cuts Block of the month with the needed measurements to create the block. If you make the block you can use it as one entry into the Cotton Cuts color challenge. Use the tag #CCColorChallenge and post on social media for a chance to win a prize.

On the backside of the card is a coloring template. Color it and then share it on social media with the tag #CCColorChallenge for a chance to win a prize. By sharing the coloring card and by making the block there are two entries for winning a prize. Cotton Cuts loves seeing what everyone creates from their block of the month.

Cotton Cuts Classic Box fat quarter bundle

This is the surprise hidden under the cards. Let’s get started on having a good look at the fabric. I will share links to the photos so that you can find them in the Cotton Cuts fabric shop. Two of the fat quarters won’t have a link since I can’t find them in the fabric shop.

Northcott Fabrics – On the Wild Side by Sonora Sunset Batik

Curio by Melody Miller Perfume Agave

Moda Fabrics – Simply Delightful by Sherri & Chelsi Poolside

Moda Fabrics – Simply Delightful by Sherri & Chelsi

Northcott Fabrics – On the Wild Side by Sonora Sunset Dark Teal Batik

Curio Natural Goldfish

Simply Delightful Off-White Petal

Simply Delightful Off White Stripe

Simply Delightful Off White & Geranium Orange Peel

Moda Fabrics – Simply Delightful by Sherri & Chelsi Buttercup

Northcott Fabrics – On the Wild Side by Sonora Sunset Burnt Orange

Northcott Fabrics – On the Wild Side by Sonora Sunset Wild Orange

I really enjoy being surprised when I open the box. If you are interested in subscribing to Cotton Cuts Classic Box, follow the link. I also created an unboxing video showing the fabrics up close with great lighting. To watch the video go to Quilting while Living Greenland – (Cotton Cuts Classic Box & Stitch It) Unboxing

Tips & Tools for Quilt Piecing

This blog is about tips and tools that can help newbies just starting out with quilt piecing and those veterans who might not have ever tried. I created this blog because of the Virtual Quilters Guild who challenged us to create and do tasks that are on a bingo card. I have had a lot of fun playing the game. Today I will share different little tools that quilters use to keep that 1/4” seam allowance true to their sewing. Some use them and others don’t use anything. They visually see it and sew it!

When I first started learning to piece quilt blocks I was sewing on an inexpensive Singer Sewing machine. It didn’t have any fancy pressure feet, and at the time I didn’t know I would probably need at least one for piecing to improve sewing that 1/4” seam allowance. I watched a few YouTube videos, and when I was in the United States visiting my kids, I had the opportunity to go to a Fresno Quilt show where I sat through a small seminar about different types of tools the speaker uses and recommends for new quilters.

One of the tools the speaker recommended was a roll of washy tape that had the markings for the 1/4” seem marked on it. The tape is called Diagonal Seam Tape by Clue Clue Sew. I bought mine from Fat Quarter Shop and whenever I need to get more that is where I order it from since I live in Greenland and can’t buy anything like this there.

What you do is take a rule and line up that 1/4” line in line with the sewing machine needle. When you sew you use the tape guide to line the fabric edge up with the tape and run through the machine.

The Second tool recommended is Sewing Edge Reusable Vinyl Stop By Quilt with Marci Baker. This little tool is awesome because you can remove it and reuse it multiple times. I have been using one piece and removed it so many times to change my bobbin for over a year or longer before it finally needed replacement. It doesn’t leave that sticky residue like stickers do. This product can also be purchased from Fat Quarter Shop. I used this parallel to my sewing machine foot.

What I did was use a ruler to line up that 1/4” line and put down the “Sewing Edge” tape right against where the 1/4” lines up with the needle. I used this along with the Diagonal seam tape in tandem with each other.

The above two products saved my life during that time of sewing on my little singer. It helped keep me grounded while sewing the seam allowance. I really like that both products don’t leave a residue on the machine as well.

When my “Heart Light” bought me a Janome 6700P it came with all kinds of pressure feet! It is amazing how many came with it. One of the feet that it came with is the 1/4” piecing quilt! That had me excited! I use the foot for everything I piece that needs a 1/4” seam allowance except for when I’m paper piecing. It can’t be used for that.

The Janome has a setting where when the 1/4” is put on the shank, the machine knows which one is on it and then all I have to do is press a number to set the machine to a 1/4” seam allowance. Whoever created the foot along with programming the machine to do this is a genius! I still wanted to use the Sewing edge and the diagonal seam tape but at some point, I stopped using both of them. My skill set has improved so much that I no longer need a helping hand. I recommend this foot to anyone whose machine will accept one.

Another nifty gadget Magnetic Seam Guide can be used to make the seam allowance more accurate. The built-in magnet is strong enough to stay in place while sewing.

The next thing I am going to share is called Clearly Perfect Angles. I have not used it but want to test-run it when doing pieces at angles. It’s made from a product that will stick to the sewing bed without leaving any residue. It’s color coded for easy use and it has 1/4” and 5/8” seam guides on it. It helps make 45° angles more accurate. This company also made a tool called the Slotted Trimmer. Both of these tools can be found on the Fat Quarter Shop page as well.

The last tool I recommend is the Add a Quarter. I have both the original one that came out along with the Plus ruler. I use both of them a low when I’m paper piecing. It’s a handy tool. Each seam should be trimmed down to a 1/4” when paper piecing. The ruler has a ridge on it so that it locks down on the same and makes trimming easy! Both of the rulers I mentioned can also be found on Fat Quarter Shop!

If I think of more little tools or tips I will add them to the bottom of this blog. I had fun coming up with a little blog about what I used when I first started out. 🙂 🙂

Cotton Cuts – Village Green – Begonia

Cotton Cuts - Village Green - Team Begonia

Clue 1

Sew rectangle D to the top of rectangle F. Then add rectangle C to the top.
Make 8.

2. Sew a small triangle A to the top right of a large triangle F. Press, then join a
small triangle A to the top left. Make 4.

3. Sew small triangle B to the top right of large triangle A. Press then join small triangle B to the top left. Make 4

4. Sew a small triangle C to the top right of a large triangle B. Press, then join a small triangle C to the top left. Make 4.

5. Join steps 2, 4, and 4 as shown.
Make 4

6. Join the Step 1 unit to the left and
right of Step 5. Make 4.
Label as Section 1.

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 1

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 2

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 3

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 4

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 5

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 6

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 7

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 8

Village Green – Team Begonia – Clue 8

To learn more about Cotton Cuts Puzzle Mystery visit my PMQ blog about how it works.

Greenland Quilter YouTube Channel

Living Greenland Kalaallit Nunaat – Land of the People

Kathryn Joelsen’s Flickr Page

Living Greenland Blog

Greenland Quilter Facebook Page

Kim Moos of Cotton Cuts

Kim Moos is the Owner and President of Cotton Cuts LLC. Founded in 2016

Seven years ago, while Kim had a full-time job, she realized she wanted something more in her life. She decided that she wanted to do something different. So she started Cotton Cuts and it has been growing since its inception. The company started out with the “Classic Cuts” box. Cotton Cuts continues to ship more products and fabric as it has grown. Kim told me that her company has exceeded her expectations. Cotton Cuts ships over 5,000 packages worldwide.

Kim and her husband Eric have been together for 22 years and have two sons, Lincoln and Dominick.

Kim started sewing when she was 8 years old. Her grandmother and mother were both sewers, so that was an influence on Kim. Kim made her first quilt when she was 13 years old.

I’m so excited to be able to share an exciting interview with Kim Moos of Cotton Cuts LLC. Cotton Cuts is an outstanding small online quilting company! Her company ships fabric and subscriptions and products worldwide. I have two different subscriptions that I currently participate in, and it has been a big blessing while living in South Greenland. Please follow the link to view Part One of my video interview with Kim Moos from my YouTube Channel “Living Greenland.”

Greenland Quilter – Cotton Cuts LLC (Kim Moos) Interview Part 1

Greenland Quilter – Cotton Cuts LLC (Kim Moos) Interview Part 2

Cotton Cuts Puzzle Mystery Quilt Along

It’s been a minute since I’ve posted any blog writing on my blog page. I’m going to rectify that by writing about a cool Quilt Along that I have been fortunate enough to participate in since 2019. I decided that I wanted to share what it’s about and how much I have enjoyed creating a quilt from mystery clues as well as building my skill set as a newbie quilt builder.

So what is a PMQ? PMQ stands for Puzzle Mystery Quilt. Every month I receive clue instructions for developing the parts of a quilt for that month. There are ten months of clues produced using pre-cut triangles, squares, and rectangles along with strips. Cotton Cuts does all the cutting of these pieces. All I have to do is follow the instructions on building the clue each month.

During month ten we receive the final instructions to take all the clues and begin to sew them together to make a quilt top. It’s a lot of fun watching the clues transform into something beautiful! Also on the tenth month, Cotton Cuts goes live to reveal the quilt. Cotton Cuts offers two different sizes for the PMQs. Cotton Cuts also offers a chance to buy extra borders for making the quilt bigger.

Small Size 48″ X 60″

Large Size 72″ X 72″

Cotton Cuts offers a spring PMQ and a fall PMQ. Both will overlap each other for a couple of months.

I will be writing a blog once a month for the newest PMQ so that I can share the process of creating a clue. It will be fun to share with you the final results. I will post all links at the end of the blog for how to become involved in becoming a detective for the PMQ.

I chose the Begonia colorway for the Spring PMQ. The fabric used for this colorway is all batiks. (Seaside by Artisan Batiks for Robert Kaufman Fabrics) I love batiks. I love how vibrant the colors can be not to mention it’s fun to sew as well. I will share with you the steps taken to create clue one of the PMQ along with pictures of each step.

When Cotton Cuts opens sign-ups for the PMQ Subscription, several different colorways will be available for a person to choose from. Cotton Cuts also makes available the choice to purchase an oops kit (used for replacement of mistakes made during the sewing process) as well as a thread kit and if a person wants to make their quilt even larger, extra borders are also available for purchase at the initial signing up.

I chose to purchase two oops kits along with the thread kit. So what is an oops kit? The oops kit contains a fat 1/8^th of each fabric color used in the colorway chosen. The Oops kits are very affordable as well.

When I open clue 1 of my kit I pull out the brochure that comes with the kit. Each detective should keep this brochure for the entire ten months because it has the colorway on the back with the labels of letters marking each color. This is very important. The clue cannot be followed if the color card is lost.

On the front of the brochure is the colorway sample along with the name of Spring PMQ (Village Green) and the name of the colorway (Begonia). I chose the Begonia colorway. Cotton Cuts has offered several different colorways for someone to choose from. There will be a hashtag (ex: #Team Begonia) for when each clue is finished, which can be shared online and the hashtag will add your finished clue to others who are doing the same clue.

On the second page, there are Puzzle Mystery Quilt “Tips and Tricks” along with a “Mark Your Calendar” for Fall 2023. The Fall PMQ opens for signups on May 28th with the first clue shipping out on July 2023. This will have an all-new choice of colorways as well as the beginning of a new mystery.

On page 3 there is information about missing pieces or something wrong with the clue itself, and where to go for help. Cotton Cuts Puzzle Mystery Support Cotton Cuts’ customer service is exceptional and they will do whatever they need to do to resolve the issues that could happen.

PMQ shipping dates along with providing information on where to go to become a member of the FB group are on this page. The FB group is exclusive to the PMQ detectives. Mystery Quilters There is also an email to contact a team member at Cotton Cuts. (help@cottoncuts.com)

On the back of the brochure, there is a colorway with each color labeled. The other thing that is on the back is how to become a detective for the Puzzle Mystery QAL. Cotton Cuts PMQ – How to Get Started

When I start a clue, I take the clue out of the shipping bag along with the instructions. I lay out each precut based on the color they are and then I take Alphabitties to label each block. I put them in order this way so that not only am I making sure there are no pieces missing but I”m also organizing them so that when I start to sew each piece together I don’t make a mistake while sewing them. Labeling them makes it so much easier for me.

Begonia colorway – #TeamBegonia

A gift is included in the first clue. Throughout the ten months, there might be one or two mystery gifts that are placed inside the clue. Cotton Cuts hosts games occasionally so that we all can participate and win something. 🙂 🙂

Inside the Puzzle Mystery Quilt Along is a Cotton Cuts Block of the Month card used for the CCColor Challenge. On one side there is a block with measurement directions and a good graphic of the block that will be made.

On the back of the same card is a coloring page. Color the card and then upload it to Cotton Cuts and tag it with the hashtag and then CCColorChallenge. Coloring the card and uploading it with the tag, gives a person a chance to win a prize from Cotton Cuts. If the card is colored and a block is made out of the fabric of the same block as the card, it can also be entered into the drawing. So that means two chances of winning a prize. You will enjoy seeing what others create on their cards or with fabric.

I have participated both ways and won a couple of times! It’s lots of fun sharing the coloring cards along with a sewing block. Below is an example of one of the blocks I made from the coloring card.

One other piece of advice: Make sure you join the Mystery Quilters Facebook page! By being part of the group, there are many who can help a person when they need help! Also every third Thursday, Cotton Cuts opens a Zoom meeting for PMQ Detectives. This is a great place to make new friends, to sew with all who are detectives, and also a good place to ask any questions you might have! I have made some really nice friends and I feel so blessed to have met so many nice sewers! Come sew with us, you will enjoy the comradery. Cotton Cuts has a Facebook page as well.

One other thing: Now is the time to be thinking about joining the next Cotton Cuts Puzzle Mystery QAL! Signups are on May 26th at 7:00 am CDT.

Some colorways sell out in minutes – don’t delay!

The “Small” size project will finish 48”x60” and the “Large” size project will finish 72”x72”.

Human foot prints that leave a path on mother nature

I’ve been living in South Greenland for almost four years now. It will be four years on August 15th 2015. I meant to get this blog up on Earth day however, as always I’m late with getting up my thoughts about our planet and how humans abuse her so much.

I live in a country where nature is all around us. It is so beautiful here and peaceful. Most of nature has been untouched by humans however, there are places that have been touched and continue to be touched by those who disrespect all the beauty that surrounds them. I find it sad that the generation that is ahead of me and of the same generation are not teaching the younger generations about how to take good care of the natural things that they live in. They are not being taught to respect the culture or to respect nature or any of the natural wonders that can be seen here. For some reason, the two younger generations would rather deface her than to respect her.

Between painting on rock carvings, rock faces, to throwing trash on the ground instead of placing it in the trashcan that is only a foot away from where they stand. It sickens me to see this in such a beautiful and peaceful country. This country has so many wonderful things. I have nothing but positive to say about it and even the natives that live here. But at the same time, there is a missing link in how the younger generations are being taught. It’s not bad enough that education isn’t a priority but to let kids free-range govern themselves. It’s not all the children of course. Just some of them. The ones that are free-range are children to parents who drink and do drugs to much. It’s a sad face indeed. These are the things hidden from outsiders who do not live here. People do not see things like this in world newspapers and newscast.

This country is very insulated from the outside world in so many ways. Yes most probably are aware of what is going on but it does not govern them or worry them. The ones that are hard-working work hard to provide for themselves as well as their families. They feed their families from mother nature too while putting things back the way they have found them.

I wish that some of them respected their town as much as they respect the outside part where nature lies. The three biggest issues here are alcoholism, suicide, smoking, and education. Those are the things that need to be worked on the hardest too. Of course, it takes people who actually want to do this. Another thing I wish would become a new rule is people getting their dogs spayed and neutered. The dog population has run rampant because of irresponsible pet owners.

Chicken Stock & Chicken and Rice

Chicken N Rice

Preheat the Oven to 300 degrees F. (If using a slow cooker, turn on high once all ingredients have been poured in.
Ingredients:

1 chicken 2 or 3 pounds
Coarse Roasted Garlic Seasoning
1 Shallot
1 bunch of young spring onion
1 small onion

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 cup long-grain rice
1/2 cup Risotto

Since I don’t have a slow cooker I did my initial cooking for the stock in a dutch oven in the oven at 300 Degrees Fahrenheit.

In a Dutch oven heat olive oil and butter. Rinse whole chicken inside out and then season with coarse roasted Garlic Seasoning or a seasoning of your choice.

Braise the chicken on all sides in the oil/butter till it’s a light golden brown. Remove from the Dutch oven and set aside.

While the chicken is braising, slice the onion, shallot, and the white part of the spring onion into small slices. Reserve the green part of the spring onion. Will use that later.

After removing the chicken from the pot, saute the onions and shallot till golden and tender. Pour 1 shot glass of Sherry to deglaze and capture the flavors from the chicken and vegetables.

When the fluid has evaporated, return the chicken to the pot. Pour about 8 or 9 cups of water into the pot.

Slice the green part of the spring onion and toss it into the pot.

Place in oven and slow cook for about 5 hours. Check occasionally to see if an addition of water is needed. I added 1 cup of water near the end of the cooking time.

Since I did mine in the oven, I removed 70% of the chicken stock and canned it. The rest I used for my chicken and rice.

Add 6 cups of water to a smaller pot. Pour the leftover chicken stock into the pot and bring to a gentle boil.

Remove all the chicken meat from the carcass.

Once the chicken stock comes to a boil, add 1/2 risotto rice and allow it to return to a boil, boil for about ten minutes and then add 1 cup long grain rice. Bring back to a boil. Add all the chicken meat to the pot.

Turn it down to a simmer. After about 20 minutes, the rice should be tender. The longer the cooking time, the thicker the rice will become. Do NOT over-stir while cooking. Remove from heat once chicken n rice is to the desired consistency. I removed mine while there was still plenty of fluid and left it covered at the cooler part of the stove.

Serve with steamed broccoli

Fragrant Beef/Pork Risotto Soup (One pot)

Fragrant Pork – N – Beef Risotto Soup (One Pot Meal)

Serves 4 people
Ingredients:

4 – 6 High Quality Sausages
1/2 pound Ground Round
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Butter
1 small Onion sliced
1/2 Red Bell Pepper Sliced
2 Garlic cloves smashed and minced
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp Cilantro
1/2 Cup Risotto Rice (Rinse under hot water till water runs clear in a wire colander)
900 ML Chicken Stock (Can use Vegetable Stock)
2 cans Chopped Tomatoes
1 cup frozen green beans snapped into small pieces
Coarse Roasted Garlic Herb Seasoning
1 shot glass of Sherry

Directions:

1. Split the sausage skin, squeeze out the meat, mix all of the sausage in with the ground beef. Make small meatballs.

In a sauce pan or a large dutch oven heat the oil and butter.

Brown all the meatballs on all sides and the place in a plate and keep warm. (You will have to do them in batches) I ended up having 2 batches.

While the meatballs are browning, Slice a small onion in thin slices. Slice 1/2 red bell pepper slicing in thin slices, Slice a shallot in thin slices.

Smash and mince 2 garlic cloves.

2. Add onion, shallot, and red bell pepper and saute’ till tender and lightly brown. Sprinkle a small amount of coarse roasted garlic her seasoning or a seasoning of choice over the vegetables.

Pour sherry into pan for deglazing the pan. Cook till all fluid has almost disappeared.

Add in chicken stock, risotto rice, canned tomatoes, and

spices stirring till combined. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes. Then add the meatballs back into the pan and gently stir till all are covered in the sauce. Gently simmer for another thirty or so minutes.

Add the green beans in and allow to cook a few more minutes. Keep an eye on the fluid, if the risotto starts to absorb some of the chicken stock, add more to compensate. I ended up adding another 1 1/2 cups of stock to compensate.

In the oven bake two garlic/butter french bread loaves.

Spoon soup into bowl and add thick slices of bread to eat with the dish.

NOTE: The original recipe came from a magazine called Eatwell 101 healthy recipes. Winter 2015, I modified the recipe further to fit our dietary taste. 🙂

Kathy’s Photography

Venetian Chicken Ragu

1 tbsp olive oil
8 chicken legs
2 onions finely chopped
2 garlic cloves crushed and diced
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp plain flour
250ml/9oz red wine
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
1 chicken stock cube made up to 250 ml stock
3 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked and chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp milk
pasta
parmesan grated

1.Heat the oil in a large pan, add the chicken legs and brown on all sides for about 10 minutes.

Remove to a plate and set aside.

Add the onions to the pan and cook for 5 mins until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for a further 1 min and

then stir in the cinnamon and

flour and

cook for a further minute.

Add the wine, chicken stock, tomatoes, herbs, sugar and seasoning.

Add Chicken back into pot. Bring to a simmer and then lower the heat, cover with a lid and cook for 2 hours stirring occasionally.

2. Carefully lift the legs out of the sauce and place on a plate – they will be very tender so try not to lose any meat. Pull off and discard the fat, then shred the meat with two forks and discard the bones. Add the meat back into the sauce with milk and simmer uncovered for a further 20-15mins while cooking the pasta.

3. Cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water, add the pasta to the ragu, stir to coat all the pasta in the sauce and cook for 2 min more, adding a splash of cooking liquid if it looks dry. Serve with grated parmesan if you like.

Our thoughts about this recipe.

First off I modified it a bit by adding mushrooms to it. Instead of duck I used chicken.

I think the recipe called for entirely TOO MUCH cinnamon. The spice overwhelmed the dish. We did NOT enjoy it at all. SO this recipe for us was a bomb but worth the effort in testing it as far as cookign skills are concerned.

Kathy’s photographs

Navy Bean Lentil Soup

White Beans and Lentil Soup

About 2 lbs pork rib bones
2 boneless chicken breast
1/2 bag lentils
1/2 bag white beans (Navy Beans)
Chicken Stock
1/2 sliced onion
1 sliced shallot
1/2 pound cubed bacon
1/4 pound sliced bacon
Coarse Roasted Garlic Seasoning
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp cilantro
3 tbsp white wine

Directions:

Beans and Lentils:
Remove from bags and wash. Place in cool water and cover and allow to soak over night.
Pour soaked beans into a colander and rinse thoroughly.

Risotto:
Rinse under hot water for about 2 minutes in wire strainer.

Pork Rib Bones:

Rinse under cool water, place in pot and cover with chicken stock. Cook till meat is tender. Remove from pot to cool.

Remove meat from bones.
Let pulled meat rest in a bowl while preparing more of the soup.

Chicken Breast:

Lightly pound with meat beater to flatten. Season with Coarse garlic and then coat with flour.

Place seasoned and floured chicken breast in melted hot butter/olive oil mixture (50/50)

Brown breast in butter on both sides.
Remove and place in plate until needed.

Thin slice breast when ready to add to pot.

Cubed Bacon and sliced Bacon:

Fry cubed bacon till tender.

Cut bacon in half, separate and place in hot fry pan. Fry on both sides till crispy.

Remove from fry pan. Set crispy bacon aside. Add cubed bacon to cooking stock and crushed sliced bacon into pot. Gently boil for a few minutes.

Onion and Shallot:

Saute both in small amount of butter till both are nice and tender.

Add white wine and allow to cook till most of the wine has dissipated.

Add vegetables to stock in pot.

Directions for the rest of the soup:

Pour beans into stock and bring to boil. Add Risotto as well. Cook gently for awhile till the water starts to slightly thicken. Add the pork back into pot. Add cooked chicken breast to pot.
Crush bacon and add to pot.

Keep extra chicken stock in a cup due to the water cooking down as the beans cook just in case more water is needed.

Cook bean soup has thickened and beans are tender. (Simmer about 2 hours or more) Serve with croutons or crackers or garlic bread.

Kathy’s Flickr Photographs

Sophie’s Universe 2015 CAL Week 8

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kdojoelsen326/

Sophie’s Universe 2015 CAL Week 8

I have to say that there are parts of this assignment that were straight forward and easy to accomplish.

The Cable stitch was a little of a challenge. Mostly because I didn’t like how it would look everytime I did it. I crochet tight and because of that the cable part just wasn’t looking right so I had to loosen up my grip and let it come out the way it would come out.

One thing I am not real happy with at the moment is the fact that my puff stitches has turned out to look bad. The first set of puff stitches came out mostly okay. It’s the second row of puff stitches that has turned out to be such a nightmare.

I personally think all of them look terrible. As soon as I added those back post single crochet stitches, it ruined how they looked. I’m not clear as to if it’s because I crochet tight or if it’s something else. I refuse to rip out several rows to start it again though. It takes entirely to long for me to rip it out.

Another thing I noticed is that the long sides are not as stiff and thick as the short sides.I think that is because there is stitches open with no secondary stitching behind it or on it.

So when I stretch the work out for blocking, there is buckling at the places where it begins to stop having additional stitches behind other stitches or in front of stitches.

I had a little bit of fun with my “Heart Light” in that I volunteered him to model my Sophie’s Universe being we had an assignment to get a pic with our husbands and SU. So It was fun.

So much fun in fact that we added a Lego Bull Dozer into a photo or two because my husband is an avid Lego fan and has so many. He loves trains the best I think.

It was a good day. When we were outside it was even snowing while we were taking the pics relating to Sophie and Lego.

My happy go lucky heart light. I love him so much!

This is how the short side looks as of Week 8!

Sophie’s Universe 2015 CAL Week 8

Kathryn Joelsen’s Photographs

Pan-fried Buttermilk Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Pan-fried Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

1 1/2 cup buttermilk
12 chicken drumsticks
Coarse roasted Garlic Seasoning
1/2 cup plain flour
Thin sliced red bell pepper
Thin sliced small onion
Thin sliced shallot
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cup chicken stock
12 tbsp butter
12 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup spinach
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups broccoli florets

(Note: I used 9 drumsticks instead of 12)

Rinse drumsticks in cool water. Place in a bowl or plastic bag.

Marinade in buttermilk for at least 1/2 hour. Can marinade longer if the time is available.

Drain chicken drumsticks in colander.

Season with coarse Garlic Salt or Coarse Roasted Garlic Seasoning mix

Place flour in small plastic bag. Put 2 or 3 drumsticks in the flour and shake till covered,

remove and continue with more until all drumsticks are covered in flour.

Slice onions, bell pepper & shallot along with mushrooms (I’m lazy, I just use premium sliced mushrooms from a jar) Drain the juice if using canned mushrooms.

Add butter and olive oil to a fry pan. Heat butter and oil. Add 6 drumsticks to hot fry pan and lightly brown on one side.

Once chicken is browned on one side, turn chicken to brown other side. Make sure to brown all sides.

Remove once browned and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to rest while browning the remaining legs.

Let lightly browned chicken legs rest for a few minutes

Using the drippings and oil/butter left in pan, saute the onion, shallots, bell pepper, and mushrooms till tender. (Note: If the butter/oil mixture seems to be over brown, you could drain off most of it and add fresh butter and allow pan to heat up the butter again and then add the vegetables)

When vegetables have reached being tender, Add dry white wine, let it cook till most of the alcohol has cooked out (there should be a brown liquid with the vegetables at this stage)

and then add the chicken stock to the pan. Bring to a boil. Test for taste, add salt if needed.

Return all chicken legs to the pan, cover with a lid and cook on medium heat till meat starts pulling from the bone.

While the chicken is simmering, add 2 cups of water to a 2 quart pot. Bring to boil. Add 1 cup rice. DO NOT STIR! When water returns to boiling, turn heat down to lowest simmering setting, cover with a bamboo sheet and then the lid or use chopsticks to keep the lid slightly open. Let it cook till all water has been soaked up. Check it about 15 minutes in to see if water has left pot.

In mean time, steam the broccoli.

Feeds 4 people.

Kathryn Joelsen’s photographs

Joelsen’s Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Joelsen’s Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

2 whole tenderloin’s
1/2 small red bell pepper
1/2 small onion
1 shallot
3 small cloves garlic
1 cup of fresh or thawed frozen spinach
2 tbsp chopped parsley
olive oil
slicked mushrooms
1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
1/2 cup havarti cheese grated
1/4 pound of thin sliced bacon

Directions

Turn oven on to 375 Degrees F or 190 Degrees C. (preheat at least fifteen minutes)

Butterfly slice pork tenderloins. Place each one in a plastic bag and use a meat beater to pound it till it’s thin in nature but not to thin. The meat needs to hold up to being rolled. Rinse both and then turn each one onto a cutting board so that outside if meat is facing down and inside of meat is facing up. Season inside of meat with coarse roasted season. (I used Weber Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning) Any will do from the store. Set aside

In a small frypan pour olive oil till it just covers the pan and put on medium high heat.

Chop 1/2 small onion in small pieces

Chop 1 small shallot in small pieces.

Slice and dice 1/2 small red bell pepper

Take 3 small closes, remove skin, smash and then finely shop garlic.

Add the shallot, onion, and bell peppers into the oil once the oil is hot enough. Season with coarse ground roasted seasonings. Saute’ till tender. Drain and place cooked vegetables in a small bowl and set aside. Take the drained oil and set aside, may need that later possibly.

Fry bacon till crisp. Drain on paper towels. Pour bacon grease out or store in tight jar for later use in other cooked entreas.

Pour the olive oil back into fry pan and saute’ the sliced mushrooms. (season with coarse roasted seasoning)

Wash the spinach in a collander and then chop in small pieces.

Chop parsley and put in small bowl and set aside.

Shred both cheeses and mix together in a bowl and set aside.

In a medium sized bowl, pour the already cooked vegetables,

spinach, chopped up bacon, sliced mushrooms, mix together.

Take and spoon equal amounts of mixture onto each tenderloin.

Spread cheese over the top of each mixture.

Season with coarse roasted seasoning. Take cooking string and put around tenderloin after it is rolled. Make sure to fasten snuggly.

Season outside of both tenderloins and place in long baking dish. Take any remainder of olive oil and cheese and lightly spread all over the top of both tenderloins.

Place in oven and cook 1 hour – 1.15 hours till tender. Don’t over cook or it will dry the meat on outside. Serve with rice and steamed vegetable of choice.

Take the juices and pieces and use it to make a tasty sauce to pour over it or just spoon the juices on top of the roast after it has been sliced.

Northern Atlantic Flounder with Northern Atlantic Shrimp, Steamed Broccoli & Corn with Fluffy Long Grain Rice

Northern Atlantic Flounder with Northern Atlantic Shrimp, Steamed Broccoli & Corn with Fluffy Long Grain Rice

1 Kilo Northern Atlantic Flounder deboned and filleted
1/3 Kilo Northern Atlantic Shrimp
butter
coarse garlic
finely chopped parsley
1/4 cup corn meal
1/4 cup flour
Broccoli florets
Corn
1 cup Long grain rice
3 Tbsp Dry White wine

Directions:

Flounder:
Remove head, tail, fins, internal organs from flounder, gently filet meat from each side of the bone.
There should be 4 nice size filets. Rinse in cold water, drain the water, lightly season fish with coarse garlic/parsley.

Mix flour and cornmeal inside a plastic bag. Place one filet at a time in the bag and shake to coat fish meat. Set aside.

Melt butter in fry pan on medium high. Let butter get nice and hot and place two filets at a time in the fry pan. Fry in butter till golden brown and then flip to do the same to the other side. Should be done after 3/4 minutes of cooking. The meat should flake away when checked with a fork.

Shrimp

Peel the shell and head of the shrimp. Rinse in cold water.

Melt butter till hot un medium high, add coarse garlic and parsley.
Add shrimp into the fry pan. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, add dry white wine and cook for just a few seconds. Turn off heat.

Rice
Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Pour in rice. DO NOT STIR! Place a lid on pot however use a chopstick to hold the lid slightly open. Turn down to simmer setting and let simmer till liquid is done. Turn off heat once it’s done and remove chopstick so that pot is completely closed.

Broccoli & Corn
Place corn and broccoli in a steamer and place over boiling water. Steam for five to seven minutes. Remove from heat.

Have fun and enjoy the food!

Kathryn Joelsen’s Photographs