Thinking ahead....for a change

Good for you! Great idea to think ahead and have the perfect gift in mind. Now just don't forget where you put them after you finish them so early!!!

Try "Philomena Durcan". I just googled with that and came up with her website. She has several books out on Celtic designs in quilting. And does use the fusible bias, I believe. Great books. Sounds like a wonderful idea for gifts.

Pati, > I have begun pondering Christmas gifts. The thread looking for Celtic Knot

My goodness, Val, what a wonderful idea. And clever you getting some fabric that will absolutely match plus giving you a hunk for reference if you need to hunt more to blend or accent. Yes. Good, good for you. There are a number of clever (and not so clever) ways to do the Celtic designs with bias. I've used the premade fusible. That worked fine. You can also use a fusible thread in your bobbin for the first run of stitching. Or an edible glue stick. Or tiny silk pins. The only method I tried and did not like was using a twin needle for stitching down the bias. That sounded good but Celtic has so many, many starts and endings that it was a pain. If you don't find the book you're hoping for, let me know. I think there are a couple here. Somewhere. Polly

Actually my son is the cook, DDIL is the ever faithful helper and dishwasher..... Easter brunch was only about 3-4 hours late so things are improving! LOL

I adore the 'other MIL'.....we were sitting on the couch and I quietly wondered to her how late brunch would be......she leaned over and says...."not to worry, I have crackers in my purse." *snort* Too funny, she and I get along very well!

Val

*snort* is right! That's hilarious! I think I'd like her too!

Well, yeah, one does that here too .... but not necessarily with mom/dad and son/dd visits. That's fambly after all. PAT .... with a great cheese ball recipe ... in Virginia

Now, Pat. You know we won't let you get away with a hit and run like that. Please produce the great cheese ball recipe with all possible variations that you've tried. Mine always turn out rather 'ho-hum' or a bit much. Assuming of course, that your cheese ball doesn't call for chocolate. Polly

"Pat in Virginia" Well, yeah, one does that here too .... but not necessarily with mom/dad and

GOTCHA ... and I love it!!

The first recipe is the one that I used for two events last month. Both groups really liked this. For one group, I served as a cheese ball, for the other, I served in a tub as a spread. This is my favorite!

BEEFY CHEESE BALL

2 packages cream cheese, 8 oz. each, softened (I use the Philadelphia Neufeuchal) 1 bunch green onions, chopped 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 small jar dried beef, chopped (maybe 2 oz.)

Combine all ingredients. Roll in chopped nuts or chopped parsley. Serve with crackers or whatever your heart desires. Can be frozen.

Next recipe is one I've not made in ages, but remember it is good, and will serve some vegetarians.

PINEAPPLE CHEESE BALL

1 package cream cheese, 8 oz., softened 1/2 small can crushed pineapple packed in juice, WELL DRAINED 1/8 tsp. minced green pepper 1 Tbsp. minced onion 2 tsp. seasoned salt 1 cup chopped pecans, divided

Reserve 1/2 cup nuts. Combine remaining ingredients. Shape into ball & chill over night. Roll in reserved nuts. (Note: I am not sure what is the measure of a small can. Use common sense!)

So, when is the party? Can I bring some wine?

PAT in VA/USA

GOTCHA ... and I love it!!

The first recipe is the one that I used for two events last month. Both groups really liked this. For one group, I served as a cheese ball, for the other, I served in a tub as a spread. This is my favorite!

BEEFY CHEESE BALL

2 packages cream cheese, 8 oz. each, softened (I use the Philadelphia Neufeuchal) 1 bunch green onions, chopped 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 small jar dried beef, chopped (maybe 2 oz.)

Combine all ingredients. Roll in chopped nuts or chopped parsley. Serve with crackers or whatever your heart desires. Can be frozen.

Next recipe is one I've not made in ages, but remember it is good, and will serve some vegetarians.

PINEAPPLE CHEESE BALL

1 package cream cheese, 8 oz., softened 1/2 small can crushed pineapple packed in juice, WELL DRAINED 1/8 tsp. minced green pepper 1 Tbsp. minced onion 2 tsp. seasoned salt 1 cup chopped pecans, divided

Reserve 1/2 cup nuts. Combine remaining ingredients. Shape into ball & chill over night. Roll in reserved nuts. (Note: I am not sure what is the measure of a small can. Use common sense!)

So, when is the party? Can I bring some wine?

PAT in VA/USA

Hating to be such a pain in the neck, but could you give a guess as to the measure of 'one bunch' of green onions? And, while I'm being a nuisance, do you mean green tops as well as the white bulb bottom part? On behalf of those of us who need adult supervision, thank you kindly. Polly

Well, Miss Polly, since I need adult supervision for most activity, you will have to take everything with a grain of salt. First of all, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the grocers seem to be packaging the green onions in progressively smaller bunches every year! So, I guess about as much around as a large banana (?) or maybe 7-8 onions. I've heard people exclaim "Goodness! I NEVER use the green tops!!" as if it were a felony! However, I tend to include the tops when I use green onions, but I do a taste first ..... if it is too bitter near the end, cut the tops closer to the white. Clear as mud?

PAT

Got it. Thank you, Pat. I didn't know until recently that you didn't have to toss the white bulb part out. Our grandmothers, who were wonderful cooks, always sent them to the hawgs. Neither of the grannies was much on cute garnishing but they did deep fry the green onion tops and it was just incredible. Mmmmm. Polly

"Pat in Virginia" Well, Miss Polly, since I need adult supervision for most activity, you will

The fried macaroni and cheese was a bit much !!!!!! Did you see her deep fry that?