Hi everyone,
I very much second Mary Ellen’s thoughts about Seminar and really, really hope all of you will get involved – first in looking and suggesting classes for Pat Sloan to teach at the next seminar, and then in anything else when time comes! Same goes for any local teachers and classes – let me know what you would like to see and who would you like us to invite (either by commenting here or sending me an email, phone call…etc.)

But TODAY, here is some fun for you all that includes BOTH, out past teacher, Beth Ferrier and the next one – Pat Sloan: Beth is a guest on Pat’s radio show and you can see all the info HERE! Hope some of you will see this in time to tune-in and listen!

OK, so while I am on this coffee break, let me share few other finds with you: this is “after-Houston” time in quilting world (Houston being the place for the famous Quilt Market, where all the newest quilt-related products debut for our creative pleasures!), and lots of blogs that I follow have “Houston reports” and such things – great place to hear about new stuff in quilting! Through Frieda Anderson’s blog, I found something really cool: THE BIG LOOK ! So for any of us needing a bit of help with tiny details, or just a bit easier job for our eyes, this could be the perfect product! Also, check other neat stuff that Frieda liked at Houston, on her blog.

While in virtual Houston Market visit, look at the booth of one of the biggest fabric manufacturers, MODA! I just love the look of those paint stirring sticks “dipped” in fabric!! (third photo down) I might just have to play with those…well, maybe in another life, but hey, one can dream!

Dream…until you “wake-up” and it is holidays time!!

Time to be thankful, cook, eat and be with family and friends! Well, don’t you think we should do these things ANY time of the year? Specially be thankful…but OK, let’s not get philosophical here.  Back to cooking – I always like to try something new at this time…to possibly add to the -tried-and-true-never-to-change traditional family menu. Do you? Anyway, saw this last night and had to save it -what do you think?

Turkey cheese ball! It just brought a smile, so here is the recipe:

TURKEY CHEESE BALL

Ingredients
2 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese
6 ounces deli smoked turkey, finely chopped

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

DECORATIONS:
3 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons 2% milk
Brown, orange and yellow paste food coloring
6 large oval crackers
1 large sweet red pepper
1 small yellow summer squash
1 cup pecan halves
Assorted crackers

Directions
In a small bowl, beat the first six ingredients until combined. Shape into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
In another small bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Divide among four small bowls. With food coloring, tint one bowl brown, one dark orange and one light orange (using yellow and orange); leave one bowl plain.
Transfer each mixture to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of each bag.
For turkey tail feathers, decorate the top halves of large oval crackers with tinted cream cheese.
Using the red pepper, form the turkey head, neck and wattle. For beak, cut a small triangle from summer squash; attach with cream cheese. Add eyes, using brown and plain cream cheese. Insert pecan halves and decorated crackers into cheese ball. Serve with assorted crackers. Yield: 1 cheese ball (3 cups).

I just might try that, to add to some always-repeated family traditions! Speaking of those family traditions – one of them in my family is becoming this really nice PEAR CAKE that I tried some years before and my husband just fell in love with.  The link will take you to one of the old posts on my blog, that has the recipe  – so from my family to yours, ENJOY and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Marija