If we could just get healthy at our house,

....I'd have a couple things to post about. For example, I've finished DD's Valentine's quilt, got the Star in a Day top back from the quilter, made a necklace, made some earrings and have a couple recipes to share. But, DD's 3 week long (and counting) itchy viral rash, keeping her from sleeping well for 3 weeks, plus her now intense coughing, that has literally kept us up all night for the past two nights, has my head in a fog. When she doesn't feel well, she needs to sleep on me. Not beside me--ON me. Hopefully, we'll all emerge from the fog soon. Add to that a house guest for the past 2 and a half weeks. Sigh.

I'm now a Weight Watcher

I just joined Weight Watchers this week. I guess my recipes will probably transition from the Banana Phyllo Rolls, to something a little less rich. I refuse to eat bland, yucky meals all the time so I'm taking this on as a challenge on learning cooking techniques that add a lot of flavor but not a lot of calories or fat. Wish me luck!

Bright & Springy

I'm working on quilting this quilt for my daughter for Valentine's Day. It is the perfect size for her to nap under at daycare. Just looking at it makes me happy and ready for spring. Especially since we keep getting so much snow lately.

Banana Phyllo Rolls with Caramel Sabayon Sauce

Here is my interpretation and additional instructions for making this recipe. I made them last night and they were delicious. It would be a great dessert for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients
1 package phyllo dough (14" x 18"), thawed (I used #7 thick phyllo)
1/2 cup butter, melted
8 bananas
3/4 cup white chocolate, grated or mini chips
3/4 cup macadamia nuts, toasted and ground
or
3/4 cup flaked or shredded coconut
1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate

Peel bananas and cut in half both lengthwise and widthwise.

Get a damp towel to cover unused phyllo while you are working. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on work surface. Brush with butter. Bring down top short edge and bring up bottom short edge so that you fold it in thirds (diagram 1 and 2). Brush again with butter. Place one piece of banana and 1 T white chocolate and nuts or coconut (diagram 3). Fold up over banana filling once (diagram 4). Fold over long edges to seal in fillings (diagram 5). Roll up rest of phyllo around filling (diagram 6). Brush with butter and place seam side down on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake bananas in preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled rolls. Serve with Sabayon Sauce (recipe below)

Makes 16 rolls.


Caramel Sabayon Sauce
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream

In top of double boiler, over hot water, mix sugar and egg yolks. Heat until hot to touch, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Using mixer, whip at high speed until stiff and thick. Add cream and whip until fluffy.

I made mine like a loose whip cream. I've never had it before so if anyone knows if it is supposed to be more runny, let me know.

Star in a Day top finished

The stars aligned today! I had a holiday from work but my daughter still had daycare, so I ended up with a chunk of time to finish up this quilt top. The pattern is Star in a Day from Star Saavy Laps from Fats. I dropped it off to be quilted this afternoon. When it is done and bound, it will be hung on the wall in our family room.

Fabric:

• Border and center: Tranquility from Sandy Gervais by Moda
• Red: Deb Strain by Moda
• Ivory: various fat quarters
• Background: Petals & Paisleys by Possibilities for Quilting Treasures
• Backing: Serenity by Heather Mulder Petersen for Henry Glass

Vocabulary of a two year old

My daughter is two and saying the cutest things.

dingle bells=jingle bells
jamamas=pajamas
hangaber=hamburger
I carry you=pick me up and carry me
I lub you too=I love you
ABCDS=letters

Just what I've been doing lately

I love this mug my parents gave me for Christmas, especially when filled with a steaming cup of soy chai (and preferably sitting next to my sewing machine).