Rag Quilt Christmas Tree Skirt

This might just be my favorite project from the Christmas season. I love the way this tree skirt turned out. I adapted the original pattern with the thought that it would be easier. As it turns out, this was not the case. It probably would have been easier to just bind with bias tape, but I do adore the rag quilt edges. I also did not bother to add buttons or loops to secure the back, because I don't see the need for this. The skirt isn't twirling around about the house, nor does the wind periodically bluster indoors (we all know how naught the wind can be with skirts!). So I just finished the edges but otherwise left the slit be.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

xoxo,

Martha's Mediterranean Stew With Polenta

I made this last night for dinner and it was DELICIOUS!
Thank you Martha, once again, for a fast and yummy meal.

Serves 4

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 plum tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons chopped pitted Kalamata olives (about 5)
• 1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Creamy Polenta, for serving

Directions

1. Season chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, and cook, turning occasionally, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low; add remaining teaspoon oil to skillet. Add garlic, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chickpeas and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes; cook over medium heat until starting to break down, 3 to 4 minutes. Add olives, vinegar, and chicken along with any accumulated juices to pan; toss until warmed through, about 1 minute. Stir in parsley. Serve over polenta.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

I've always loved a good hummus. I remember my husband making a quick trip to the store after a mighty craving during pregnancy. When I learned what hummus was made of, I realized that this is something that can be easily whipped up at home and just tweak to your liking. This recipe was inspired by this. With just a few changes we've enjoyed something that we just can't get enough of.

1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red peppers (with a splash or two of the juice)
3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 1/2- 3 tablespoons tahini paste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (We're sissies here so we go with 1/4)
Salt to taste

Throw all the ingredients into an electric mixture and mix until smooth. let refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with parsley,some sprigs of lettuce (it was all I had), or nothing at all and serve with your favorite cracker or vegetable.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut butter and chocolate are a favorite (and dangerous) combination here in my house. We. Love. Them. Together. I mean we love them even when they're apart, but especially together. They're a match made in heaven and that's exactly what you'll experience when you taste these bad boys. I promise. Completely moist and scrumptiously good. Oh, and you don't need to feel too bad about all the calories. Think about all the protein in the peanut butter, and the nutrient rich oats in there. That's what I do!

Me Mum's Delicious PB Chocolate Chip Bars

Wet Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 TBSP vanilla
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup peanut butter

Dry Ingredients
¼ TBSP baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups flour
2 Cups Oats

8 oz pkg semi-sweet choc chips

Mix butter, sugars, eggs, peanut butter, vanilla, salt, flour and oats, add choc chips last; pour into greased and floured pan. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes. You can stop right here and let them cool a bit and just eat them as is - these bars are good naked. But, if you want more chocolaty goodness, sprinkle top with chocolate chips immediately after removing pan from oven, let the chips melt a bit and spread. Cut into squares or long skinny bars.

Grab a TALL glass of milk or a bowl of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Our Very First Post - Featuring an APRON of course!

Alright! I'm tying on the apron strings and going for it. We need to start somewhere, and why not start with an apron pattern? I came across this pattern last November over at The Tin Thimble on Etsy, and snatched it up immediately. My grandmother had an apron very much like this one when I was little:



I love the simplicity and practicality of this design. I've already sewn one for a Christmas present, and have two more half-way done. One of which is actually for my grandmother! I'll post some pictures of them both (VERY different fabrics) when they're finished.

Now I just need to sew one for myself!