QBOTMC News - Sweet Gum Block, Tip and Healthy Orange Chocolate Truffles

Published: Tue, 02/20/18


We hope it's been another good week for you this week.  It's still summer here, and boy
has it been a hot one!  I love summer usually, but I've had enough, and am looking forward
to the cooler days of autumn.

Even my sewing machine has been finding it hot!  OK, so it is overdue for a service, but it
REALLY didn't like sewing with heavier weight glow in the dark thread to finish Miss 12's
now-quite-late Birthday Harry Potter quilt, so guess who is having to now sew it by hand? 
'Cause snuggling up under a big quilt while hand-sewing is always fun on super hot (no
airconditioning) days!!!  I must love her!!!

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This week's block makes me feel cool anyway.  The Sweet Gum block is another pieced
tree block, but I really love the effect when you rotate a few together in a quilt design.

Please click the link below to download this block.

http://www.onlinequiltmagazine.com/members/content/f/id/610/

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You've probably heard this before, but it's such a great idea, that it's worth a reminder.

A handy hint for those who enjoy quilting or stitching by hand (normally, yes!)-
 
Thread a whole packet of needles onto your spool of thread-- one right after the other, then
knot the end. All of your needles will stay on the spool. As you need one, pull one needle with
the length of thread needed and cut and tie another knot on the thread still attached to the spool.
You will get fewer knots and tangles in your thread and will not have to stop for a while to
thread a needle.

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And just in case you're trying to be 'good'...

Healthy Chocolate Orange Truffles

Ingredients

    2 tablespoons black chia seeds
    60ml (1/4 cup) fresh orange juice
    85g (1/2 cup) dry-roasted almonds, plus extra 1 tablespoon finely chopped
    2 teaspoons finely grated orange rind
    200g /7oz medjool dates, pitted, coarsely chopped
    45g (1/2 cup) desiccated /finely shredded coconut
    2 tablespoons cacao powder
    150g /1/3lb dark chocolate (85% cocoa), chopped


Method

Step 1
    
Combine chia seeds and orange juice in a small bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to soak.
    
Step 2
    
Process the almonds in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add the chia mixture, orange
rind, date, coconut and cacao powder and process until evenly combined. Roll level tablespoonfuls
of the mixture into balls.
    
Step 3
    
Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of
simmering water until melted. Place 1 ball in the chocolate and use a fork to roll the ball around
until coated evenly. Use the fork to transfer truffle to prepared tray, draining off excess chocolate
over bowl (use another fork to gently push the truffle onto the tray).
    
Step 4
    
Repeat with remaining balls. Sprinkle with the extra almond. Set aside to set. If it’s warm,
place in the fridge to set. Keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in a cool place.

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Enjoy!

Until Next Week - Happy Quilting!

Regards,

Jody & Annette