Amazing Muffin Cups from Johnsonville

Here is a quick and easy way to make ahead a hot breakfast. These freeze well and microwave like a dream!

12 links of Johnsonville original breakfast sausage (or a mixture of sausage, bacon, chopped ham)
6 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
3 cups frozen country-style hash brown potatoes, thawed
3 tbsp. butter, melted
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 cup fresh chives or green onion

Cook sausage according to package directions. Cool slightly and cut into 1/2" coins. Set aside. In a bowl, combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper; set aside.

In another bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Divide evenly into a greased, 12-cup muffin pan. Press mixture onto side and bottom of muffin cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Do not over cook! Remove from the oven; divide the sausage pieces evenly into muffin cups.

Spoon egg mixture evenly into muffin cups. Sprinkle with chives and onion. Return to oven to make 13-15 minutes or until set. Serves 12.

Area 3 Meeting 9.24.15 Hosted by Cross Country Quilters of Bethel

We certainly enjoyed a triple header today--beautiful weather, fantastic food and our favorite quilting friends! The ladies of CCQ, concerned that their isolated location might not bring a lot of quilters to this meeting were delighted to have 57 chapter members and one guest attend this event.

Our meeting started with the always bubbly Betsy Cannan of Maine Modern Quilters. Her clear and concise explanation of what is a modern quilt, how they came about and what the modern movement means to the traditional quilter spoke to all of us.

The word "modern" usually means stark and cold--void of personality. This myth, however, is crushed after viewing many of the sample quilts, wall hangings and small projects made by her and fellow MMQ members. Once thought as only the use of solids with lots of quilting in the open spaces, now many colorful prints are added with a neutral background color make the colors pop as they seemingly "float" on the fabric. This style of quilt lends abundant quilting--using your imagination to so-call "fill in the blanks." I'm sure many quilters left the lecture with not only a better understanding of the word modern, but also how this theme can fit into their own personal style of quilt making.

Also shared with us was a special quilt, labeled "Honor The Brave" made by Donna Gillis of Bethel. Donna made this quilt for those who would like to recognize those who served their country and allowed those who would like to add a message in the many pockets. She also had individual pockets for all the wars/conflicts in the past. After her program there were not many dry eyes left in the room.

On the same theme, the quilt blocks made will be donated towards a quilt for "Quilts of Valor". I have taken them home and will put together a top. Stand by for more pictures later!

We had a break for lunch and time to visit...

And, of course, time for show and tell...

Lisa Small, a member of Country Square Quilters likes to make things that ring true to her last name-SMALL! 

This completed hexie is a bit larger than a quarter! Can't wait to see your completed KING size quilt, Lisa! ;)

Again, many thanks to the ladies of CCQ for all their hard work and lovely goodies!

Fall Pumpkin Squares

1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup vegetable oil (or half oil and half applesauce)
1 (15 ounce) can of pumpkin (OR 2 cups of fresh pureed pumpkin)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9" × 13" inch baking pan.

Combine the first six ingredients. Then, add oil, pumpkin, and eggs. Whisk until the batter is evenly blended. Pour the batter into pan. Smooth the top.

Bake for about 30 minutes. Let cool. Cut into squares.

You can embellish with frosting, a dusting of powder sugar or add some chopped nuts into the batter.

Quilting Tip of the Week 9.24.15

You can get in your exercise and sewing at the same time by moving your ironing board away from your sewing machine.

Make a practice of getting up to press your seams as you sew. This will get your blood flowing and your non-sewing muscles a chance to stretch!

Keepsake Contest

Let’s play another game! Grab your Keepsake Quilt catalog or check their website for all the answers! 

Email me your answers to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com

You have until midnight EST, Saturday, October 3^rd to reply. I have the final decision on all answers. Tip—read the questions carefully!

The person with the most correct answers win and in case of a tie, your name will go into a hat and a winner will be drawn. You get a choice of a $10 gift card from Joann, Hobby Lobby or Quiltessentials. 

Okay, let’s play!

1.  This tread cone adaptor has a funny name. 

2.  This quilt batting comes in a “girly” color. 

3.  These Christmas Tree Kits use what size fabric strips?

4.  This male designer has a folk-art style.  

5.  Bali offers several 10” square batik collections in green. What are the names of the two green collections?  

6.  These scissors cut either right or left handed-what are their names? 

7.  These pins have a special sweetness—what are they? 

8.  What is the name of these bobbin friends? 

9.  This two kits show lots of shoes—what is the name of the quilt collection? 

10. This quilt pattern would pair nicely with a martini—what is the name of the pattern?