Christmas Cheer

 I finished two Christmas quilt tops this morning for DD#1 and #3, since DD#2 isn't married yet she will be getting a minky quilt for Christmas. DD#2 loves the ones her sisters received for their BD this year so it should be a hit if I picked out the right fabric!! Ha

 Each DD's family members names are embroidered on the Christmas quilts, lots of room for more names if their families grow in the future!! Fingers crossed.

 The embroidery machine is working it's magic making quilt labels for all the quilts that will be given as gifts this year. Three done 2 more to go.

 On today's To Do list is working up this fabric for two Christmas gifts.

I can't share the finished project as I know the ladies who will receive this sometimes follow this blog but here is a sneak peek. The goal is to give them something to use after the holiday's for the long winter ahead.

Busy as a beaver today trying to get more of our Christmas handmade gifts ready to wrap. Once I finish some sewing work it will be on to lots of quilting. I have 2 quilts waiting in the wings to be quilted. Now that the DD's Christmas tops are complete they will be next in line. Hope to have many quilts hanging on the line in the next week. I thought about making DD#2 minky quilt this week but decided to hold off until after Thanksgiving. With family coming in next week I don't want to spend days cleaning up after all that fuzz!!!

Tonight the DD's and I will be spending the evening at the Southern Christmas show. This will be the first year we will not be taking the grands along but I have to agree with the DD's that having the little ones in the HUGE crowds is a real pain. Times they are a changing. Lots and lots of walking on concrete floors seeing all the sights tonight but smelling all that strudel, spiced nuts and Christmas cheer should be worth it. Hope my feet will agree!! Ha

On to the meatless recipe for today but before that I am sure you have noticed all the meals are thus far soups. There is a reason for that madness. First off with the cool or in some cases cold weather here to stay soup is a wonderful way to end the day. With the busy season in full swing for the head of the household (Mom) throwing everything in a pot free's up time we all need for other things on the to d list. Just dress it up with your favorite bread or desert and your family won't realize they are going meatless. The other reason is we try really hard to eat in season. That means I try and buy produce that is in season locally, much of what we grow ourself or buy from local farmers. Once you get use to eating fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and such the store bought stuff is just nasty to us.  I make the soup below from dehydrated or canned foods preserved from the summer. The only thing I have to buy is Pasta, olive oil, and bullion cubes, can't get much cheaper than that!! Ha

Minestrone Soup

2 TBS olive oil

2 Garlic cloves chopped

1 Onion diced

2 Cups potatoes diced

1/2 Cup celery diced

1 Cup zucchini sliced

1 Cup summer squash sliced

1 Cup carrots sliced

1 Can green beans

1 Can white beans

2 Cups shredded cabbage

1 Large can crushed tomato's

5 cups chicken broth

2 Chicken bullion cubes

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp basil

1 tsp pepper

salt to taste

Add 1/2 to 1 pound of small shell pasta the last 20 minutes of cook time

I have to add polish sausage to 1/2 the pot for the big boys, we girls love the veggies and pasta only

This is a really technical recipe so pay attention!!

Throw everything into a stock pot

Bring to a boil, then simmer for a couple of hours covered until all veggies are tender. The longer it sets the better it is

Add the pasta at the end, if you don't have enough liquid add a cup or so more of chicken stock/broth.

This makes a BIG old pot!