What's Cookin' Wednesday - Toasted Coconut Pound Cake!

Getting back into the groove! Here's your What's Cookin' Wednesday feature...

Toasted Coconut Pound Cake

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, divided
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted, divided
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a loaf pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl with paddle attachment, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, scraping down bowl as needed. Add vanilla, then eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down bowl. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with two 1/2-cup additions buttermilk, and beat until combined. With a rubber spatula, fold in 1 1/4 cups coconut.

Transfer batter to pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 60 minutes. Let cool in pan the remove cake from pan and let cool completely on rack.

Whisk together confectioners' sugar and remaining 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Drizzle over cake and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup coconut.

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Happy stitching and may your bobbin always be full!

What's Cookin' Wednesday - Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry over Quinoa

Now that my company is gone, I'm back to my blogging!! Today  for What's Cookin' Wednesday I'm sharing one of my many stir fry recipes. Since not everyone in my house likes quinoa, I also made steamed rice to accompany our stir fry. If you are not familiar with cooking quinoa, don't let it intimidate you. It's so easy and quick, if you and your family like it, it will soon become a staple. Quinoa, pronounced /keen:wa/, is actually cereal and not a grain, like most people think. It is extremely healthy and one of few foods that is a complete protein in itself. It's very versatile and I use it in place of rice all the time. It really picks up any flavors you add to it, since it has such a mild flavor of its own.

For today's dish, I used 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water. I usually rinse my quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and then toss it into a dry frying pan. I saute it for a good minute or two and then add boiling or hot water. I usually add my seasonings at this time. For this dish I added about 1 tsp of Mushroom Ultimate Seasoning. Once the water and seasoning are in, I stir to make sure it's evenly dispersed and then cover the pan and reduce to a simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes then fluff with a folk. Done!

Next I took the shrimp and whatever veggies I had on hand. For today's dish I used 1 medium onion, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper. I also cleaned my shrimp by taking off the tails and sprinkling with salt, just a pinch or two. I mix the salt into the shrimp and then gave them a good rinse. The salt helps to kill any bacteria that may have developed during the thawing process.

I also saute my veggies in stages since not all veggies have the same cooking time. First I cook my onions. Once they are soft I add my mushrooms, then broccoli and then peppers last. Since the shrimp just take a minute or so I add them last. During the sauteing of the veggies. I added about 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce I had on had and as things began to get to dry I added a splash or two of water. Once the shrimp are lightly pink you're done!

Enjoy!

Here's a recap of your ingredient list:

1 cup quinoa                                  2 cups water or stock
1 tsp seasoning

1 lb raw shrimp                             1 medium onion sliced thin
1 cup mushrooms sliced                2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper sliced                  1/4 or to taste teriyaki sauce













Hope you enjoy it! Happy stitching and may your bobbin always be full.

What's Cookin' Wednesday ~ Barbecued Salmon

Here's the new edition of What's Cookin' Wednesday. We are collecting recipes from our customers to compile a cookbook for the holidays. This recipe is from Joan Cassaw and is a big family favorite. Here's her recipe:

Seattle Salmon

Fillet Salmon

Sprinkle the meat side of salmon with accent salt, fresh ground pepper and garlic salt.

Cook skin side up as far away as possible from the hot barbecue fire for 7 minutes. Turn and cook another 10-15 minutes. During this latter stage baste with the sauce.

* Sauce - 1 cube butter, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, pepper, onion salt and lots of fresh parsley. (Double the sauce for a 6 pound or larger fish)

When salmon flakes easily with a fork, it's done.

Enjoy! Happy stitching and may your bobbin always be full!

Chevrons, chevrons every where!!

It seems every where I look I see chevron quilts. They can be quick and easy or a little more challenging depending on which pattern you use. In the shop there are several versions of chevron quilt patterns. Marti Michelle has a pattern and a tool, we have a little $3 card pattern and there is the one I'm doing today from the Cotton Candy book. I will be doing this in two parts, because as you all know life gets in the way our sewing and quite frankly I just didn't get it all done this week! So bear with me... Here's what I did.

First I chose this great creamy jelly roll we have in the shop, that was really the basis of my 'color scheme'. Then I found this wonderful fabric in my stash, if you come in the shop it's now sale fabric. I just love it!

For this quilt you're going to sew light and dark 2 1/2 inch strips together.

Then you are going to PRESS them open. To the dark as always. If you didn't see the Moda article I shared on Facebook, it's a MUST read on the importance of PRESSING. So check it out!

After you have sewing all your strip sets together and pressed them open, you are going to sub-cut them down to 4 1/2 inch units. Once you have a pile of units it's time to have 'chevron fun'! And that's where I'm at now. Laying out my chevrons to see how I like the fabrics together. My OCD is very happy!

See you next time and you can see how it all worked out! All the fabrics used are in the shop and we also have this book in stock if you'd like to sew along. If you do PLEASE comment or share a photo! I'd love to see and hear what you're up to. Happy stitching and may your bobbin always be full!

What's Cookin' Wednesday ~ Tea Party Chicken Salad

Each third Sunday of the month we host a tea party for our Embroidery Club. This month Kathy did a red, white and blue theme and served some yummy Chicken Salad sandwiches. Here is the recipe:

Yummy Chicken Salad!

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless cooked chicken breasts (you may use canned chicken)
• 3/4 cup pecan pieces, toasted
• 2 cups red seedless grapes
• 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced  

If you cook your chicken breast, put the chicken in the fridge to chill, dice into bite-size chunks and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in pecans, grapes, celery and mayo. It's that easy. Kathy serve the chicken salad on ciabatta rolls, but any bread you like will do! Enjoy!

Happy stitching and may your bobbin always be full! 

Quickie Table Runner!

Do you like quick projects? I mean something you can get done in an evening? I am totally addicted to finishing things. So when I'm working on a large project I like to take a break every so often and work on something I can get done! This great new pattern we just got in the shop fits the bill. Just pick up a couple mini charm packs and some background fabric and you'll have a lovely runner in no time!!

Here's what I did...

The pattern is called Hopscotch. Follow the link to purchase one from us online.

I had a couple of mini charms in my stash. They are Marmalade by Moda and then I just picked up some background I liked.

If you used these charms much of your work is already done. All you have left to do is cut your background squares, triangles (to make it on point) and your borders.

Love these rotating mats for sub-cutting. Really helps make your cuts accurate, since you don't have to continually move your fabric! Once you get all your pieces cut, just start laying them out, until you get the look you'd like and sew away!

 

Once I laid my pieces the way I wanted I just began sewing strips together, pressing along the way. I can't stress enough how important PRESSING is! If you want a crisp looking top with nicely nested seams, PRESSING is a MUST!!

After sewing your strips together, just square up, add your borders and you're done! I think this took me all of 2 1/2 hours, even with a helper!!

Don't have a mini charm? Get a regular charm pack cut it into fourths and you can make two! One for you and one to share!! Click here to purchase your pattern and check out our pre-cuts online! Happy stitching and may your bobbin always be full!

What's Cookin' Wednesday... Caramel Apple Cake!

I know we are in the middle of summer and most folks are going to picnics and planning warm weather fare. However, this time of year I start thinking of the upcoming school year and the idea that autumn is just around the corner! If you have Christmas gifts to make and decorations to plan for the holidays now is the time to get sewing!! All of that gets me in the mood for autumn smells and tastes. On that note I found this recipe for Apple Cake and Caramel frosting. Even though it's a hot day, this cake is well worth it!!

Here's what we did:

Caramel Apple Cake

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup veggie oil
3 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 cups chopped apples

Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 pan. In a medium bowl mix sugar, oil and eggs together until blended; beat about 1 minute. Then stir in the remaining ingredients, except the apples. Once this batter comes together fold in the apples. Pour into a pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once the cake is cool smother it in wonderful caramel frosting!!

Caramel Frosting

1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 cups powdered sugar

In a medium sauce pan melt butter. Once butter is fully melted add the brown sugar. Bring to a boil. Cook for about 2 minutes then add the milk. Bring back to a boil. Then set aside until lukewarm and gradually add powdered sugar. Then place the the pan in a bowl of cold water and beat out the lumps until it is smooth and spreading consistency. If it's to stiff add more milk 1 teaspoon  at a time. YUM!!

 

Yum! Yum! Happy stitching, may your bobbin always be full!

Meet Stash Dasher Ginger Ott...

If you've been following us you know that each month we feature one of our Stash Dasher's and this month it's Ginger Ott. Ginger is a wonder!! Each month for our Block of the Month she brings in SEVERAL FINISHED quilts and never fails to impress. For someone who works full-time, has a home business and children I find her amazing!! Here is what Ginger has chosen to share with us this month...

For years I had several co-workers trying to get me into to quilting and I just never got the bug. We would make a quilt and raffle it off for Relay for Life, I would do the embroidery parts and make the labels.

For my first attempt at quilting I picked something hard, but I fell in love with the pattern after my first trip to the sewing expo.

I was busy making embroidery designs and didn’t realize how I could merge the two together. It started with me playing around with some blocks a friend of mine cut wrong for her project and I have been hooked since. Quilting is a great way for me to use up my test sews from the embroidery designs I make before any designs are placed on the website.

Of all my quilts I think this is one of my favorites, it was my first attempt at following a pattern I saw in a magazine.

Last year I started teaching my friends 7 year old daughter how to sew and she is hooked, we have sewing play dates and she is even a “Shop Hopper” for the last 2 years now. Mallory has made 2 rag quilt and 1 lap quilt and is now working on making a quilt with the disappearing 4 patch block.

Of all the projects and quilts I have donated this is the one, that had the biggest impact on me. In 2012 a co-worker was stuck by a car and later passed from her injuries. We had over 20 people at my house working on a quilt for her, which we gave to her husband. Quilting truly does make people come together regardless if they are crafty or not. We had people pressing seams, cutting fabric, sewing blocks together and keeping us all fed.

Stash Dash is a program that we are running to help our community of ladies use up their 'stash' and finish their projects. We began in February of this year and will be ending in December. If you'd like to join us, just contact us at the shop or by email at parklandparish@gmail.com and we can get you signed up! Also, if you're a Stash Dasher and would like to be featured, send me your story and some photos and we will share it in our upcoming posts. Happy stitching and may your bobbins always be full!

What's Cookin' Wednesday - Just Because Cookies!

I'm back!! We survived Shop Hop and out of town guests and now we are back to our regularly scheduled program! Did you know yesterday was National Sugar Cookie Day? Well in honor of that we made "Just Because Cookies! Here's what we did:

The Recipe
1 1/4 cups sugar                    
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus some for sprinkling)
1 cup  of shortening              
3/4 tsp baking powder
2 eggs                                       1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup light corn syrup            1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp vanilla

First I cream all the sugar and shortening together until it's light an fluffy. Next I add the eggs, vanilla and syrup. When this is well mixed I add my dry ingredients. I usually whisk them in a separate bowl before adding them to my wet ingredients. Once the dough is combined and able to be formed into a ball I place it into a piece of plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour.

Once the dough is well chilled I use my shaker of flour to dust my work surface and roll out the dough. Then the fun begins and we start cutting. Bake for 5 - 9 minutes, depending on size, at 375. I cool my cookies on a sheet of foil on the counter. Then decorate if you choose and eat! Enjoy!! 

For this weekly feature I'm wanting to include you guys! So if you have a favorite recipe send it to me at parklandparish@gmail.com and we'll try it out and feature it here! I can't have ALL the fun. I look forward to seeing what you guys send in. Cookies, treats, breakfast, dinner I'll take it all! So send in your recipe today! Happy stitching and may your bobbin always be full!

Shop Hop is here...

Due to the craziness of Shop Hop, I unfortunately don't have a project to share. I do have some reflections of what's been going on at the shop. Hope to see you!

Happy hopping and my your bobbin always be full!

What's Cookin' Wedneday... Chocolately Puff Pastry!

Today's 'What's Cookin' Wednesday' is a quick and easy dessert or treat you can throw together any time! Perfect for dessert or a treat with your after noon tea!

For this recipe you will need:

1 pkg of Puff Pastry
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate squares
Powdered sugar for dusting

First thaw out your puff pastry according to the box. Next roll out your dough and then slice into squares.

Next take some chocolate and place it in the middle of each square and fold and press your dough. Press well with a fork or the dough will "puff" open and not enclose your chocolate.

Place your treats on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes, or until they are 'puffed' and golden brown. Then sprinkle with powdered sugar!

Enjoy!! Happy stitching and may your bobbin always be full!!