Quilts and Pies

I've been pretty busy the last few days.  If you recall I had cooking classes on Saturday and Sunday with the youngest chefs.  On Saturday I cooked with ten 3 to 5 year olds and on Sunday I cooked with 13 4 and 5 year olds.

Since my Wednesday quilt class has been going so well and I have been keeping up with homework, I had to add some stress to my quilting life.  One of my fellow students decided it was a great idea if we signed up for class this past Monday that was titled Beyond Beginners.  Of course we hadn't finished beginners yet. 

I went to class on Monday with nothing done ahead of time, remember my weekend, and of course discovered the other 3 students had cut fabric ahead of time.  I spent about an hour cutting my fabrics while the rest of the class sewed.  I did have to learn to cut fabric in squares bigger than my ruler.  I am not good with reading directions and being able to visualize the finished item in my head, my brain doesn't work like that.  Yes, quilting in addition to sewing and ironing, does require pattern reading. 

I spent several hours Tuesday sewing and studying my pattern and hoping that I was doing what I was supposed to do.  I wanted to get some work done so I could consult with the teacher in my beginning class on Wednesday.  I was about finished when the kittens woke up and decided to help me pin and lay out the pattern.  I made it and this is what I ended up with so far. 

I did it correctly!  I confirmed with my teacher yesterday.  Yesterday I also almost finshed sewing the top of the sampler quilt.  That's a good thing since that was the last day of class.  I think I can get the borders on, then I have to add batting, backing and actually quilt it.  I think there are more classes in the future.  The Beyond Beginners class was only one day, so I still have half of the top above to finish. 

My husband was disappointed when he came home from his meeting Tuesday night that I had not had time to make dessert.  I had explained to him earlier in the day that I had spent lots of time sewing and reading patterns (not strengths) so I was surprised he was surprised to see no dessert.  I had to nap after all that stress! 

I did make dessert yesterday after quilt class.  I got home, started the pie, made my dinner time line in my head, and had no time to nap.  We needed to eat early yesterday to get to Ash Wednesday services at 7 at church.  I made macaroni and cheese from Ellie Krieger's book and it was good.  After my husband said he liked it, I told him the secret ingredient  - frozen squash.

Macaroni and 4 Cheeses by Ellie Krieger

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen pureed winter squash
• 2 cups percent lowfat milk
• 4 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/3 cups)
• 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated (about 2/3 cup)
• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon powdered mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons unseasoned bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Cheddar, Jack cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper. Pour cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.
4. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.

 We went to church and then had pie when we got home.  I found the recipe on the Cooking Light board, it's not light, it got great reviews, so I had to make it.  It is good!

Snickerdoodle Pie from Better Homes and Gardens