Sunday, March 14, 2010

Feasting

There has been a cool breeze blowing our way the last couple of days and after so many months of stifling heat in the kitchen preventing me from frantic baking 'sessions' (have I told you how much I LOVE to cook?), this morning's low temperatures lured me back to my wooden spoons without any hesitation!
I began with Buttermilk Scones,  Lemon Coconut Slice, and Chocolate Cake...
....then baked the first of two loaves of Blossom's favourite bread, "Carrot & Sultana". (I forgot to add yeast to the first loaf so the birds were crowded around my back garden this afternoon picking over the heavy brick!) Fortunately the second loaf was perfect for human consumption.
To balance all this sweetness I cooked up a batch of my Spicy Chick Pea Patties, all ready to shallow fry for tomorrow's dinner. 
 ~~~~~
 Hubby is off to Cairns tomorrow for a one day conference to hear Steve Biddulph speak on teaching boys, and that means he'll be leaving home at 4am and not arriving back till after 10pm. He'll drive to Townsville before catching the flight to Cairns, then do the return trip. 
With a Category 5 cyclone heading our way and due to hit on Wednesday I'm more than a little nervous about his travelling to and from this conference. Can't wait till he gets home!

While he is away I'll continue in the autumn cleaning of the house. I love the autumn clean, don't you? I like changing over the bright summer colours to things more calming and nurturing to the soul as it winds down after a hot summer. Even though it's still hot here in the tropics there is definitely a drop in the nighttime temperature as last night we were able to sleep with the windows open and no air-conditioning - it was really revitalising! 

On the sewing front I have finished my gorgeous quilt,  one that I have had in my head for ages and finally drew up and then stitched. All those French General fabrics whispered 'autumn' as I sat and stitched down the final binding at 4am this morning. It was very special to sit in the cool quiet of the pre-dawn and finish my quilt as I spoke to God of my cares.
~~~~~

What are you making for the March 5" Charm Square Challenge?
Have you considered entering your Baseco Bag in the draw?? It takes 65 x 2 1/2" charm squares to make one Baseco Bag - the challenge this month is to use no more than 20 x 5" squares, but remember, one 5" square can but cut into four 2 1/2" squares!!

If you have made something for the challenge please put your photo onto our Challenge Flick Group HERE instead of emailing it to me. This blesses me as it allows me to spend less time at the computer and more time where I need to be. :-)
Every item you make for the Challenge gives you 1 entry into the giveaway draw on April 1st. Make 4 items and you have 4 entries!
This is what the winner will receive...
 ...some lovelies from *that* shop!

God bless you all!
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

11 comments:

Dawn said...

Jenny your "Autumn quilt looks gorgeous... the little peek is such a tease..Lol..... Oh your DH will love Steve Biddulph.. fabulous guy who has an amazing insight ... I read his book when my boys were little... Yummy looking scones,slice and cake... morning tea at your place tomorrow... he he....glad it has been a wee bit cooler up there.
Hugs Sweetness.
Dawn x x x

Abby and Stephanie said...

It's still "odd" to hear you speak of Autumn when we're just heading into Spring. My favorite season is the inbetweens--when you need no a/c and no heat and the windows are open. I can't wait. Lots of yumminess in your house. Wishing you all safety and hoping the bad storm veers in another direction. *that* shop has amazing pretties. :o)

Maggey and Jim said...

Wow, that seems so strange as we are looking so forward to spring..It has been gloomy rainy here the last few days.Love the quilt and the fabric is so rich,,I love baking too and have done way too much this winter but Mr.Couple and Mom really appreciated it. Have a wonderful week and will keep hubby in our prayers.
Hugs,
Maggey

Allie said...

Geez Jenny now I'm hungry again. All your yummies look wonderful!
I sure hope that storm doesn't head your way. Cool breezes, yes, but no hurricanes!!! I pray hubby will be blessed.
Your quilt is so, so pretty, dear one!

Sandy said...

What wonderful looking sweet goodies...wish I liked to cook that much! ;o)
ps. Our temperatures are starting to rise and get warmer...yeah!

Wendy said...

All your baking has made me hungry. Could you share your recipe for the scones and the chickpea patties. I would love to try them.

Theresa said...

All your baking looks delicious Jenny...I've not heard of a carrot and sultana loaf before and would love the recipe if you get a spare minute sometime. Hope your hubby keeps safe on his long trip. Your quilt looks gorgeous - I've been using Rouenneries this weekend to make the Baseco bag...does the bag count for the challenge even if you've had to add other fabric to the charm squares?
Wishing you a very happy Mothers' Day from the UK :)

Vicki ♥ said...

You cooked up a lovely lot of yummies Jen and it reminded me of when my kids were little of all the cakes and slices and such that I would cook up for them each week. Your quilt is pretty and its nice having quiet time to yourself. We are getting cool weather here at nights but days are warm but not hot so are beaut.
So....morning tea at your place today? hugs Vicki xoxoxox

Joy said...

Oh it's a sure sign we've had cooler weather too ... I've been doing a bit of baking myself ;o). The fam are loving it :o)!!! Yours all looks delish ... and so does the sneaky peek of your Autumn quilt!!!
Hope all goes well for Mark, fingers and toes crossed for a safe trip :o).
Love n hugs,
Joy :o)

Anonymous said...

Would love it if you would share your recipe for the spicy chick pea burgers. Kristy in Ohio

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is beautiful and your food is so yummy looking!
Our seasons are reversed.heheh.e.I can't wait for some heat!!