November Notes

"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting."~Elizabeth Bibesco

     This is the barn block of the month quilt that I have worked on this past year through the Quilt, Etc. quilt shop in Sandy, Utah.  We got to work on a regular block each month and as a bonus we got to work on a barn block.  Then at the end of 12 months we got to put the blocks together and design our own quilt.  I am happy with how my quilt turned out.

 

     This is a fast, easy dish that can be made in 25 minutes.  This recipe is adapted from a recipe from budgetbytes.com.

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

1 Tbsp. olive oil                                               ½ tsp. salt

1 small onion, diced                                        1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced                                   2 oz. cream cheese

1 (15 oz. ) can diced or crushed tomatoes     ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ tsp. dried oregano                                       ½ lb. penne pasta or pasta of choice

½ tsp. dried basil                                            2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach

Pepper to taste

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to pack directions until tender.  Drain in colander.

Meanwhile cook onion and garlic in large skillet in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.  Stir in the tomato sauce.  Cut the cream cheese in small pieces and whisk into the tomato mixture until cheese is melted.  Whisk in parmesan cheese gradually until melted.  Add the fresh spinach and gently stir into the sauce until it has wilted, 3-5 minutes.  Add the pasta and stir until well-coated with the creamy tomato sauce.  Serve warm.  Makes 4 servings.

 

Breadsticks

1 1/8 cup water                                               1 Tbsp. yeast

3 cups flour                                                     3 Tbsp. melted butter

1 Tbsp. sugar                                                  seasoning salt

2 Tbsp. powdered milk                                    garlic powder

1 tsp. salt                                                        parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp. butter                                                  grated cheese

Add first seven ingredients in a bread machine.  Select dough setting.  When dough is ready roll out on an 11x15” baking pan that has been coated with cooking spray.  Using a pizza cutter, cut dough in 1 inch strips.  Brush with melted butter.  Sprinkle with seasoning salt and garlic powder.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and grated cheese.  Let rise about 30 minutes.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.

 

 

     I loved reading this book by Gloria Whelan.  Homeless Bird is about a girl in India who is married and widowed at a young age.  Because she learns to read and becomes proficient at the skill of embroidering she is able to overcome many hardships and find happiness in her life.