Brownie Pudding

Recipe from the following web site: ezrapoundcake.com

Adapted from Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics”

Serves 6

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for buttering the dish
• 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup good cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean
• 1 tablespoon framboise liqueur, optional
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly butter a 2-quart (9 by 12 by 2-inch) oval baking dish. Melt the butter, and set aside to cool.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high speed for 5 to 10 minutes, until very thick and light yellow. Meanwhile, sift the cocoa powder and flour together, and set aside.

3. When the egg and sugar mixture is ready, reduce the speed to low and add the vanilla seeds, framboise (if using) and the cocoa powder and flour mixture. Slowly pour in the cooled butter, and mix again just until combined.

4. Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared dish, and place it in a larger baking pan. Add enough of the hottest tap water to the pan to come halfway up the side of the dish; bake for 1 hour. The center will appear very under-baked; this dessert is between a brownie and a pudding.

5. Allow to cool and serve with vanilla ice cream.

I am a Happy Camper ;)

I know your all going what in the world Santa???

Well I am quite pleased with myself. I went to bed last night thinking .... When you wake up tomorrow you have to start on your Christmas Gifts.... I decided before I went to sleep .. what I was going to sew today... I was able to get three of several Christmas Presents made!!! Yeah!!! That's a start ... on the things I want to take with me to CA when I go. You ask what did you make??? Well I sewed three lovely aprons... I can't show them too you... sorry my family sometimes visit my blog.. I would hate for them to see them. Your thinking to yourself .. silly girl .. they know what they are getting!!! I know I know...if they read this post they will know what they are getting from me. I say that's ok they won't know what they look like ;) I was also thinking about making wonky potholders to match.. maybe a baked potato bad too :)
Then I have to figure out what to make my Niece.. she is such a sweet girl.. she is in those horrible teen years. I am sort of stumped on what to make her.. I thought about making her a groovy purse.. but I gave her a handcrafted purse last year for Christmas. I was thinking of making her an awesome book cover.. one the size that will fit those Mead Composition notebooks. Or maybe I could find a sketch pad that would be a handy size for her. She likes to doodle ;)Then I just might throw in a fun back pack :) I know what I am going to sew for my Nephew.. he is the Artist.. I am going to make him a Portfolio bag... with a pencil case on the outside. :) He will love that. I am going to make a couple of other things for my mom.. but I can't tell here.. I know she will be peeking at the blog now and then.. I really don't want to spoil that special surprise for her ;) I am really at a loss as to what to make my granny that is in the care home.. I know she would like anything that I make her. I will also if time allows make matching tea/drink wallets and zipper pouches for them. I always like to throw in the smaller fun stuff :) I might even make an owl or two:) I have several more to sew for.. if you have any suggestions.. I would love them.. I have the following people to sew for:
Granny
Aunt
Brother
Brother in law
Nephew in law
Uncle
So if anyone has some amazing ideas send them my way.. I would so much appreciate it ;)

A new member to the Family :)

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of AuntPittyPat's Annie family: she has flown all the way here to the USA from Australia!! I am so excited to show her to all of you........... So without further delay.....
Here she is.........

AGNITHA

Isn't she adorable... I received Agnitha.... from Naomi who by the way has named her this very fun name :) Isn't she just adorable. I also love the handcrafted tote bag that came with her. I have to tell you this bag is fabulous.. it has jumping frogs on it!!! I was so excited about getting her up here on the blog .. I didn't think to press the bag. I know I am going to have to beg Naomi for a pattern copy of this fantastic bag, provided she has a pattern for them :) As you all know my family in CA are huge Green People.. its recycle this and its recycle that!!! So I think these style of wonderful tote bags would be awesome gifts for the girls.. these clever little bags fold up and make a nice tidy little wallet looking thing.. what a wonderful way to store them in a purse or glove box... I love them .. Thank you Naomi for such a fun PVT swap :)

What to do with your wonky blocks

I had a discussion a few blogs posts back regarding wonky quilt blocks.. well I found this awesome way to use those not quite even quilt blocks. Its called a TOPSY TURVY quilt top. What an awesome way to use up those not quite square blocks, that all of us make one time or another in our sewing :)
I have provided the link to go to the tutorial on how to make this awesome quilt featured in the above photo :)
http://quiltingpassion.com/blocks/topsy.html

There was also discussion on how to cut your blocks with a rotary cutter.. Yeah.... I found on youtube an abundance of wonderful videos on how to use your rotary cutters :) I have provided the link below ;)

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rotary+cutting&search_type=&aq=f

Quick Tip to Prevent Fraying

If you prewash your fabrics by machine, you have probably suffered through the tangle of excess threads that sometimes pull away from the cut edges. Try this trick to help cut down on this problem--open the cut of fabric out flat and trip a small (1/2") triangle from each corner. Wash as usual, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised at the lack of tangled threads.

To Wash or Not to Wash?

Prewashing of quilting fabric is a subject for debate among quilters. Those in favor of prewashing do so to avoid the possibility of the excess fabric dyes running and ´bleeding´ onto a lighter piece of fabric and ruining many hours of hard work. Another reason to prewash all your fabric is to be sure that any shrinkage takes place before your blocks are cut out and sewn together.


Fans of not prewashing cite the crispness of the fabric as the top reason not to wash before piecing. If all your fabrics are washed before piecing, they will tend to shrink a little and give an old-fashioned ´puckered´ appearance.

Prewashing

When prewashing your fabric by machine, be sure to unfold the flat cuts completely. If you leave them folded as they come from the bolt, the center crease is much harder to remove by ironing.

Check Your Seams

A simple technique for accurate machine sewn seams involves a ruler and masking tape. Lower your machine´s needle at the 1/4" mark. Leave the ruler in place and place several layers of tape one on top of the other butted up against the ruler´s edge. This will leave a build up of tape that can be used to guide your pieces under the needle at just the right spot. Check the tape periodically to be sure that the mark has not shifted.

Chain Piecing

Speed up your machine quilting by using a technique called ´chain piecing.´ Match the first two pieces to be joined, stitch them together and stop the machine. Do not cut the threads. Match the next two pieces and place them under the pressure foot leaving a small gap after the first unit. Continue in this manner for as many units as you´d like. Snip apart, press, and you are ready to move on to the next step.

For more of these wonderful quilting techniques go to the following link :
http://quilting.lifetips.com/

Sunday Ha Ha :)

Red Neck Hunting Dogs!!!

Letter to Redneck Son

Dearest Son

I'm writing this slow because I know you can't read fast.

We don't live where we did when you left home.Your dad read in the newspaper that most accidents happen within 20 miles of your home, so we moved.

I won't be able to send you the address because the last
Gander family that lived here took the house numbers
when they moved so they wouldn't have to change their address.

This place is really nice.
It even has a washing machine.
I'm not sure about it.
I put a load of clothes in and pulled the chain.
We haven't seen them since.

The weather isn't bad here. It only rained twice last week; the first time for three days and the second time for four days.

Auntie Maude has sent you a pair of socks she knit, she put a third one in because she heard you have grown another foot since she last saw you.

About that coat you wanted me to send; your Uncle Billy said it would be too heavy to send in the mail with the buttons on, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.

Jimmy locked his keys in the car yesterday.
We were really worried because it took him two hours
to get me and your father out.

Your sister had a baby this morning, but I haven't found out what it is yet, so I don't know if you are an aunt or uncle. The baby looks just like your brother.

Uncle Bobby fell into a whiskey vat last week. Some men tried to pull him out but he fought them off and drowned. We had him cremated, he burned for three days.

Three of your friends went off a bridge in a pickup truck. Butch was driving. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. Your other two friends were in the back. They drowned because they couldn't get the tailgate down.

There isn't much more news at this time.
Nothing much out of the normal has happened.

Your Favorite Aunt,

Mom

Question from the beginning quilter here :)

I know sometimes when you sew a quilt block no matter how hard you try it comes out wonky. What are some of the ways they can be saved?
Do you do some of the following???
Do you cut them into smaller blocks?
Do you make an uneven border around them?
Do you just scrap them?
Do you use them like they are?
If you use them like they are do you make an uneven border?
What are some suggestions on how to fix uneven blocks!! I know I can certainly sew uneven blocks as a beginner :( Which I'm sure that might be the case in my blocks. I look at others and see every point is perfect and lined up evenly ... some of mine are off a tad. I think its because when I rotary cut .... I don't get the ruler set at the same place on the cutting line. Which puts me off just a tad. That really comes into play when your trying to sew everything together ... Its funny my first few blocks of each set are off a tad.. then as I sew along they become more and more even. Yes I do use the pin the seams and sew method.. but for some reason I always get off a tad..... So I figure its just a matter of time before all my blocks are even all the time ;) If I keep sewing blocks that is ;) One never realizes how much that little smidgen of extra fabric will throw off your even blocks.

'One Giant Leap' 40 Years Later

The photo is of Buzz Aldrin Saluting the US Flag

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy said, "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth." On July 20, 1969, the goal was achieved when Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module pilot Buzz Aldrin landed on the lunar surface. Can you believe this historic voyage happened 40 years ago today????
I remember the night/day that they landed on the moon. I stayed the night at the neighbors. Her grandchildren came over and we played Canasta and Hearts all night long. We drank RC Cola and ate Butterscotch hard candies. I can still remember like it was yesterday... when they said that Neil and Buzz was walking on the moon we ran outside and looked up at the sky and yelled throw us down a moon rock. We will be rich when we get older if you do that for us :) Oh the fun we had that night. If you were one of the lucky ones to be a part of that history making event.. I am sure you know right where you were when they walked on that huge beautiful moon ;) What happened to the days that we would sit on the edge of our seats to watch the Space Ships take off and land. I don't know about you but I am still in awe of the Space program. Its so full of wonder and excitement. I try to keep up with all of the Shuttle take offs and landings. There has been so many things that has been gained from the Space program. I am sure we will continue to benefit from it.
I am so lucky I live near the City of Hutchinson Ks it has an awesome display of Space memorabilia. They are known the world over for the finest collection of artifacts pertaining to space. I haven't visited it in a few years. When Grandmother Peachy was able to came and visit.. we always made a trip there. She would tell me such interesting stories of how travel evolved from horse and Buggy. She knows all about those things...bless her sweetness.. she is now 99 years and 6 months old ;)

NASA Spin offs

CAT Scans
MRI's
Kidney dialysis machines
Heart defibrillator technology
Remote Robotic Surgery
Micro wave receivers used for breast cancer treatment
cordless tools
light weight breathing machines for firefighters
the list goes on and on..
SPACE IS A GOOD THING!!

Sewing a lot today in Ta Town

Hello ladies .. APP has been sewing up a storm.. really its storming out right now. We are under a tornado warning until 2 am. Lots of thunder, lightning, wind and huge rain drops are falling. I am so happy I got three of my swaps done today. A Pvt Annie swap is completed and it is going to be on its way to Australia tomorrow. My little Nekid Doll done and wrapped to ship out tomorrow too. Lastly I have wrapped up my book for a PVT book swap that I joined in :) I have been working on my final set of disappearing 9 patch blocks. I have sad news to report we are getting a few of our swappers dropping out. Having said that we might not get 40 total blocks :( I will divide the ones that we do get with all the participants. Life is always changing... our intentions are good.. but life throws that old curve ball when we least expect it..... then we have to bunt. So ladies please don't be upset if you don't get 40 different blocks. I know the ones that you are going to get are amazing :) I love each and everyone of them. Speaking of blocks.. I really do need to get with it on the remaining Spooktacular Halloween blocks. I just need to do the 9 patch blocks and I will be done with that swap too :) Yeah!!! I have been having lots of fun sewing these quilt blocks... now I wonder how long it will take me to quilt them??? Things that make you go HUMMMMMMMMMM :) ~~~~~ One final word.. I have to tell you about my dear friend Ronda.. she has really done a wonderful job of making little blankets for Craft Hope. She and some other wonderful women made 42 baby blankets.. that is amazing. THANK YOU RONDA... for your wonderful acts of kindness :) I have to bow my head in shame.. I didn't even get one made.... I really wasn't up to a lot this month. Mostly I have been lazy. I haven't been my usual self.. when its stormy out.. my ole Arthur really gives me fits then add on the pain from the Accident and I am a mess. So I feel bad about not participating since I encouraged you to help. Maybe next time. I seems like there isn't much turn around time to make things unless that's all you do. I wish it was a work at your own pace sort of thing. I wonder if they would just take regular donations that are made from the heart??? I would be interested to know if you were able to help ;) Please let us know.. Thanks to everyone that helped out. ~~~~~

Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:
~ inspires you
~ makes you smile and laugh
~ or maybe gives amazing information
~ a great read
~ has an amazing design
~ and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!

The rules of this award are:
* Put the logo on your blog or post.
* Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!
* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

Thank you Faerie Wysperer for this fabulous award ;) You are such a dear heart.. always jumping to help out when ever I need a favor or an Angel .. Your my inspiration :)

I have notice over that last few months that I have gotten a lot more followers. Thank you... to all of you that visit here. I hope to keep you inspired and entertained ;)

Well its time for me to name 5 people for this award.. This maybe hard as a lot of people are now going to award free blogs. I know its a lot of time to post these sweet thoughtful gifts so I am still going to play along. If you don't get an award from me.. please don't be hurt. I try to spread them around as I get them. All of you women are wonderful ;)

Ok here are my choices:

1. Turtle Trax.... Here is one gal that can Quilt!! I love going to her blog and seeing what she has created. She has been a bit distracted of late with the move and not getting her new car.. but those unfortunate events were also very interesting to read. Patience of a Saint!!

2. Viv on a Whim... I am always awed by the resilience of Viv.. she has had a few hardships this year and she is still sharing her wonderful creations and lovely projects with all of us. If you have not been to her blog... run check it out fantastically fun :)

3. Airmansmom... This wonder person knows who she is... she doesn't have a blog. Ronda posts comments on my blog often. I have to tell all of you about her. She is one the most loving and giving person that I know of. She is always sewing blankets, dolls and what ever else that is needed for her Charity work. Ronda has been very instrumental in helping me with my up coming swap in Sept :) Thank you Ronda for everything you have done for me to help in my adventures of sewing. Your a true treasure of a friend ;)

4. Maria... This is another wonderful treasure in my life... Maria is always the first one to jump on board when I need an Angel. Not only does Maria have a big heart she is an excellent seamstress. I am always lucky to draw her as a partner on any swap :) Thank you my friend :)

5. Casarth-Baren I have to tell you I have just found this wonderful web site. I am so amazed at this woman's work. LOL I can't understand a darn thing she is saying .. but I do love what she creates :) I have requested she put up a translator button so I can also enjoy her blog more ;)

Last but not least:

6. Brenda at Lillie Maes.. I have to say this is one of the trues inspirations there is when it comes to Annie Dolls.. I love visiting her blog and seeing all of the wonderful creations that she has designed. Brenda is also a very dear heart, kind, and sweet and very giving ;) Thank you for considering me a friend :)

The award said blogs.. but I feel there are some very wonderful women out there that need to get a few kudos that don't have a blogs. Thank you..... for all of your warm comments and fun creative projects that you share with all of us.. mostly thank you so much for considering my blog to be good ;) Its always a struggle for me to find just the right thing to post. :) I am glad you like what I choose :) Once again Ms. S... thank you for the award I am honored!!!

Aunt Pitty Pat's Can YOU SEE ME NOW???

I just love posting photos where you have to find the creatures :)