QBOTMC News - Trading Post Block, HST's and Pork Steaks with Apple Mash
Published: Tue, 01/09/18
We hope you've had a good week. Oh my goodness - we're a third of the way through
January already and I'm still getting myself organised!!
It doesn't help that (and I hate to say it), but the kids only have 3 weeks left of their
long summer holidays, and I'm going to miss having them here with me. OK - so
working around 'holiday mode' is not always productive, but it's all gone so fast this
year, and we've been doing all sorts of fun things together.
Miss nearly 12 is starting High School this year too, and that's going to be a big change
for all of us. I' dbe willing to bet she will be much better at the organising-yourself-to-
do-your-own-homework-in-time-for-your-next-class gig than her brother was/is,
but we'll see...
Is it bad to admit now that his Year 8 maths homework was past me? I did advanced
maths through school too, but looking at what he was doing last year was like trying to
decipher some kind of numerical foreign language. I guess what they say is true -
"Use it, or lose it"...
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This week's block is something I can do! The Trading Post Block is a geometric pieced
block that looks quite lovely when you play around with the colours a little bit too.
Please click the link below to download this week's block.
http://www.onlinequiltmagazine.com/members/content/f/id/590/
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And this info is always handy to have -
To make a half-square triangle unit:
1. Decide on the measurement of your finished squares in the piece you are making. Once you
have that measurement, add 7/8". For example, if the finished square = 2½˝, the cut size of your
fabric squares should be 3-3/8˝. (For the math challenged, you convert the 2½ to 2-4/8ths,
add 7/8s, and that gives you 3-3/8ths.) Cut your squares to this larger measurement.
2. Choose two squares you want to piece together to make a half-square triangle unit. Draw a
diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong side of the lighter of the two squares.
Place the squares right sides together.
3. Sew a ¼" seam on each side of the marked line. Cut the fabric apart on the marked line to
create two half-square triangle units. They should now measure your finished size.
4. Open and press to the dark side. (Ha! We just saw the latest Star Wars Movie, and this just
seems appropriate this week.)
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Crumbed pork steaks with apple mash
Ingredients
1 tablespoon basil pesto
50g/1.3/4oz butter, softened
700g/1.5lb potatoes, peeled, roughly chopped
300g/10.5oz Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, roughly chopped
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup plain flour
1 egg
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
8 (500g/1lb total) pork sizzle steaks
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
300g/10.5oz green beans, trimmed
Zest of 1 lemon
Method
Step 1
Combine pesto and butter in a small bowl. Set aside until required.
Step 2
Place potato and apple in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water. Bring to the boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-high. Boil for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Return to pan. Mash
until smooth. Add milk. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Cover to keep warm.
Step 3
Place the flour on a plate. Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water in a shallow bowl. Place breadcrumbs
on a plate. Working with 1 steak at a time, coat in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture,
then coat in breadcrumbs, pressing to secure. Place on a plate.
Step 4
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook steaks for 2 minutes each side or until
golden and just cooked through. Transfer to paper towel to drain.
Step 5
Meanwhile, cook beans in a saucepan of boiling water for 1 minute or until bright green and just
tender. Drain well. Toss with lemon zest. Season. Serve steak with mash, beans and pesto butter.
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Until Next Week - Happy Quilting!
Regards,
Jody & Annette