Wedding Blouse

I'm done with Laura's Epic Wedding outfit!  I ended up using Simplicity 5226--which you might notice is a dress, not a top.  I simply extended the bottom seven-ish inches.  (I made a slight A-line with the side seams so that I'd have room for her tummy and hip line)

The pattern was a good one, I can do a ton of different things with it.

I added the pin-tucks and then cut my pattern pieces over the top of them.  I navigated some unknown territory on this one and went to bed last night trying to imagine what they could possibly mean when they were describing how the collar attached to the neck.  In the end, I just trusted the picture and forged ahead.

I like how it's close to the body, not to futz-y and yet, has enough detail to be interesting.

Outdoor Wedding Skirt

I was laboring under a mighty rage today--intemperate--and like the Chinese I harnessed that power for the collective good.

China's Fury

I ran up this skirt for the Epic Wedding.  The fabric was a beast just looking for a reason to pucker and fray.  I didn't use a pattern (which wasn't a problem but I still have yet to do beautiful button holes with my machine) so it's a  basic gathered skirt tucked into a three inch waistband with a covered button finish. I used the finished edge for the hem and another band at the waist.  I made it just below the knee because Laura is not 6 anymore.

Front

 I like the simple and dramatic effect.  A sharp white blouse will make this. I'm thinking of doing something with pin-tucks down the front and a short cap-length kimono sleeve.

Back (I ended up loosening the buttons after taking this picture as my measurements were somewhat off, but I like how it bells out gently at the hip).

Menu Help

Hey all!  I am helping the Wedding Coordinator, aka Debbie, plan meals for the pre and post wedding party that will be eating at the venue, aka Deb's house.  I started writing things down but then thought I should poll the extended familia to see what some likes/dislikes, requests/definitely don't make and suggestions w/recipes.

We will be very budget conscience.  Also think along the lines of meals for about 20+.  It will be August so we need lighter food that won't weigh us down during our post wedding boogie.

I will also entertain suggestions for the wedding buffet.  I already have some ideas and have run a few of them across the Wedding Coordinator.  Don't be hurt if I don't use your "special" jello salad with chickpeas and toast points: I am trying to fit in those items that taste good together, are non-wilting and will do well at room temperature (except for the protein).

There are no prizes but maybe I can get you a first serving if you contribute.

                                                      This pic has nothing to do with this post.

Quick Quiche

I love quiche.  Jim thinks quiche is for girls.  Really?  I haven't made one in a long time and when I mentioned it to Jim he said, "I'll pick up Chinese.".  Dork.  I made it anyway AND made him have a piece before ordering Chinese.  Guess what? He didn't order Chinese.  True story.  So, here is the quiche that changed my husband's mind.

Smoke Ham Quiche

2 cups smoked ham cut into bite size pieces (I used left overs from a meal with my in-laws)
4 medium sized red potatoes cut into small bite sized pieces
1 1/2 cups broccoli flowerettes cut into bit sized pieces (see a trend here?)
1/2 cup leeks cut into slices and then cut in half (green onions will work but leeks are milder)
2 cups  Swiss Cheese grated
4 large eggs whisked
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 pastry crust (I cheated and used a Pillsbury crust I had in the freezer.)

Preheat oven to 450'.  Place crust in 9" pie pan, trim edge to top of pan.  Prick bottom of crust and cover in foil.  Place in oven for 5 minutes. Remove foil and cook crust until almost done about 5 to 7 minutes.  Remove from oven.

Turn oven down to 350'. 

Whisk eggs in large bowl.  Add cream and milk, mix thoroughly.  Add salt and pepper, mix thoroughly.  Add cheese and stir. 

Place potatoes in a microwave safe bowl and add 1 Tbl of water to bowl, cover loosely.  Microwave for 2 minutes.  Place broccoli and leeks on top of potatoes and cover again.  Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.  Drain if necessary. Stir in ham pieces.  Place in the pie crust.

Pour egg and milk mixture over vegetables.  Stir lightly to spread the cheese around the pie crust.

Place pie pan on cookie sheet (this tends to go over the sides).  Bake for 50 - 60 minutes until middle is firm.  NOTE:  It may seem a little runny in the middle but it is just the cheese.  Once it cools for 5 -10 minutes it will firm up nicely.

Parmasen Zucchini Chips

Tylor and Lauren went nuts for these.  No dipping sauce required.

1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 baby zucchini slice 1/4 inch thick
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Place milk in a pie pan.  Place flour, salt and pepper in a pie pan.  Place egg and water mixture in pie pan.  Place bread crumbs and parmesan cheese mixed together in pie pan.  Heat oil in frying pan on medium high heat.  Dip zucchini chips in each pie pan and then place in oil.  Cook about 1 to 2 minutes each side until golden brown.  Drain on a paper towel before serving.  Best warm.

Maple Bars (Chocolate too!)

Note:  Pic is from original blog site www.djsfavoriterecipes.blogspot.com

as is the recipe.

I found baked donut perfection yesterday.  Nirvana achieved.  Don't change a thing .. I mean it.  I'll know...

Bars

1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup shortening
4 Tablespoons granulated sugar (divided 3 tbls and 1 tbls)
 2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup lukewarm water
2 envelopes yeast (4 1/2 tsp)
2 large eggs, beaten
4 3/4 cups flour (plus more if dough is sticky)

In a medium saucepan scald milk (bring to almost a boil with bubbles forming at edge of pan); add shortening, 3 tablespoons sugar, salt and cinnamon.  Stir to combine and set aside to cool to lukewarm.

In a large bowl mix yeast and lukewarm water.  Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir lightly.  Let sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble and become foamy.  Add eggs to yeast and stir to combine.   Stir in the lukewarm milk mixture until well combined.  Gradually add in the flour.  Add more flour until dough is no longer sticky.  Knead for 3 to 5 minutes.  Turn dough into a greased bowl.  Let it raise for about an hour or until double in size.

Punch down and roll out into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.  Cut into rectangles about 5"x 2". Should make about 2 dozen.  Place on greased baking sheet(s).  Let raise for 30 minutes.

Turn on oven to 425'.  Bake the bars for 7 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown.  Remove from pan and place on wire rack to cool for 5 minutes before frosting.

Making icing while the bars are baking (I made both at the same time: it wasn't difficult.)

Maple Icing

1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp maple flavoring

In a small sauce pan mix butter and brown sugar and milk.  Bring to a boil on medium heat.  Simmer for 3 minutes, stir occassionally.  Remove from heat and cool for 15 minutes (IMPORTANT - Don't skip cooling!)  Add maple flavoring and powdered sugar.  Whisk until smooth.  Spread liberally on bars.  Icing will set in about 15 minutes.

Chocolate Icing (not as sweet) (from Alton Brown 2004)

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate - chopped coarsely
2 cups powdered sugar

Combine butter, milk, corn syrup and vanilla in medium sauce pan and heat over medium heat until butter is melted.  Decrease heat to low, add the chocolate and whisk until melted.  Take off heat and add the powdered sugar whisking until smooth.  Drizzle over bars until coated thoroughly.  Glaze will set in about 30 minutes ... if they last that long.

PicMonkey

Am I the only one who misses Picnik?  I ran across a program today - PicMonkey. It's remarkable similar to (without being identical) Picnik.  It's free right now, but I expect that won't last forever (at least not for the 'premium' bits).  Here's a sample of two pictures I tarted up - in less time than it would have taken on Picnik.

I used the "Daguerreotype" effect.

Cropped and then used the "Urbane" effect.

Better yet, you can add stickers and text!

Have fun.