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Saturday, June 11, 2011

Shirts and Veggie Tales

I've been working on these shirt quilt blocks for what seems forever.  I really, really, really don't like working on paper, but I love the results.  (For those of you who don't know what I mean, you sew the strips onto a paper printed with the lines that gives you the pattern.)  Ever since Bonnie Hunter offered this pattern made with shirts (she called hers Virginia Bound), I just knew I had to make it with K's outgrown shirts from over the years.  That's a lot of shirts, to be sure - he's gone from 240 lbs to 99 lbs (now 155 lbs).  This particular quilt is 65" X 72" and will go to one of our favorite doctors at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Monico.  She is so thoughtful and keeps in touch with us even if it isn't concerning his medical issues.
Shirt Tales for Dr. Monico
I love the yin and yang look of secondary and tertiary patterns
Adding feather quilting makes it less "masculine", I think
I've been on Weight Watcher's since the end of February, and I am loving it.  When I was on the program before, I lost 80 lbs, but it was so hard, and even more difficult to maintain!  Now, the newest points systems is a piece of cake, so to speak.  I don't feel deprived and even K is eating healthier now with the addition of more vegetables and fruit to our main meals.  I try something new each week - either a new recipe or a different food I haven't eaten before, or I've eaten before and didn't like.  Most have been winners, and there's been a few "wouldn't fix that again" meals, but so far nothing that we wouldn't finish eating.

This week's grand experiment was with kohlrabi.  I'd had it before, raw, and I just didn't like it.  It seemed really sharp and bitter at the same time.  When I went to my favorite garden vendor, Pendleton's in Lawrence, KS, she convinced me that I should try it again - HER way.  So some came home with me.
Weird looking veggie, isn't it?
She told me to clean the leaves, and remove all the hard veins.  Peel the bulbs and slice them very thin.
Cleaned leaves and unpeeled bulbs
One tablespoon of oil and the leaves and the bulb slices go into a baggie and cover them all with the oil.
Olive oil, leaves and 1/4" slices of bulb
Bake on parchment paper, not overlapping each other,  in a 375 degree oven.
Baked leaves with kosher salt
Oh yes, I forgot to mention I also brought home fresh beets and they got roasted too.
Baked kohlrabi chips and beets
Um yum! The leaves are just "OK", and would be good as a garnish on soup perhaps, but I am not that crazy about them. They are still just a bit bitter for my taste. But, the kohlrabi chips are fantastic! Surprisingly, they are just a little sweet. I added kosher salt, McCormick's Pinch of Herbs (garlic and herb) and some garlic salt with parsley before baking. Next time, I'll skip the leaves, and put the oven up to 425 degrees and I think they will crisp better. Either way, they are a winner at our house.

Oh, and yes, I just know I am going to hit my 25 pound weight loss target this week. Still a lot to go, but inch pebbles make for mile stones.

Now, off to get the binding on Dr. Monico's quilt and finish up a "secret" Round Robin quilt border before Monday. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and we'll be off to have a taco picnic with our neighbors down the street. What's not to like about today? Quilting, good foods and good neighbors too!

8 comments:

powersthatbeequilting said...

Love the quilt. I'd do that with Gene's shirts but all of his are white or blue - wouldn't get a great pattern.

I'll have to try the kohlrabi chips. I'm trying to eat healthier, too. Haven't lost any weight but hope summer exercise will help. Congrats on 25!

Debbie said...

WTG on the weight loss, Sharon! Those kohlrabi chips look interesting.

Anonymous said...

Those chips do look tempting. And congrats on your weight loss. AND that quilt and the quilting you choose are great. I have the papers cut and marked and that's all. I need to get to that quilt soon. Thanks for sharing.
cindy

Janet O. said...

I absolutely love your shirt tails quilt! And congrats on the weight loss.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh the quilt for Dr Monico is wonderful! Mmmm, those beets look good!

bingo~bonnie said...

you are right - the results are awesome!!! love your quilting on it too. :)

And way to go about trying new foods... I wish I did more of that, but I'm afraid I grew up to be like my dad - tasting with my eyes. :/

Love from Texas! ~bonnie

Randy D. said...

I LOVE the quilting on the shirt quilt, Sharon!! Who did the quilting? It's fabulous with your blocks!

www.somewhereinstitches.blogspot.com said...

I loved the new ww program then became less mobile.I liked what you said about trying a new recipe. Maybe this will spur me on again and a 1.oo sign on now for a short time. Love your blog !!!!Debbie kelly
http://somewhereinstitches.blogspot.com