Quilter's Choice......Mom

There is no limit to what a mother can accomplish.  Righteous women have changed the course of history and will continue to do so. ~ Julie B. Beck


     My friend , Dana and I went to the HMQS quilt show held in Salt Lake City at the South Towne Expo Center.  The theme this year was "Quilter's Symphony".  We saw rows and rows of beautiful quilts.  It will be very difficult to choose just a few to show here; but I'll give it a try. 

     I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day.  I can't even begin to say what an amazing person my mother is.  I am eternally indebted to her for her love and patience and diligence and many prayers in raising me and my brother and sisters.  There is no more noble calling in life than that of mother.  No career or degree will be more important than being a mother in the eternal scheme of things.  I'm so glad that I had a mother that knew this and sacrificed her time and talents for my behalf.  Thanks, Mom!


     Following tradition, our loved ones met at our house for dinner today and each family group brought a dish to share.  It was a nice, laid-back day.  We had Baked Salmon, Mango Cashew Rice, Strawberry Spinach Salad, and Caesar Salad.  For dessert we had one of my favorites, Chocolate Éclair Dessert.  It's easy enough for the kids to make and tastes soooo good.

 

Mango Cashew Rice

2 Tbsp. butter                                                  ½ tsp. salt

1 cup celery, diced                                          1 tsp. dried parsley

1 cup onion, diced                                           ½ tsp. turmeric

2 cloves garlic, diced                                      ¼ tsp. cumin or curry

1 cup jasmine rice                                           ¼ cup dried mango, diced

2 cups chicken both                             ½ cup cashews, coarsely chopped

                                                                                                      Pepper to taste

     Melt butter in medium saucepan.  Saute’ celery, onion and garlic until soft.  Add rice and cook 2 more minutes.  Add chicken broth and seasonings.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Add dried mangos and cashews.  Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.  Fluff with a fork before serving.  Makes about 6 servings.

Chocolate Eclair Dessert

2 individual packages graham crackers

2 (3 oz.) packages instant vanilla pudding ( I used one white chocolate and one vanilla)

3 cups milk

1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (I use 1 cup whipping cream, whipped)

1 (16 oz.) package prepared chocolate frosting (I use the fudge chocolate kind)

Line the bottom of a 9x13” pan with graham crackers.  In a bowl, combine pudding mix and milk.  Stir well with a whisk.  Stir whipped topping into pudding mixture.  Spread the mixture over the graham cracker layer.  Top with another layer of graham crackers.  Microwave frosting for 15 to 20 seconds (Make sure you remove all of the foil lid first) and stir to make easier to spread.  Frost with the chocolate frosting and chill for 3 hours or until serving.
 

 

     This time I have chosen two books that are typically children's books but are also books that I love.  They are books that have mothers that play an important role in the plots.  One is called Shiloh, about a boy and his dog.  The other is called Sarah, Plain and Tall, about a mail-order bride who grows to love the children she cares for.  Both books would be stories that children would love to have their mothers read to them during the summer months.