Sewing: Siggy Swap

I covet signature block quilts, especially antique signature block quilts.  I makes me want to find out all I can about why the quilt was made and the people who made the quilt.

I'm lucky, as I have two signature block quilts in my studio...one from the 1900's and one I made that has over 400 signatures with participants from all over the world.

And I want another...one bright and beautiful with signature blocks from all my friends.

A few little details to get you thinking about it....

Fabrics:     Quilt Shop quality fabrics only
    Background: Solid white (Kona White or equilvalent)
      Not gray or cream or offwhite
      No White-on-Whites or prints of any type
   Corners: Modern prints or solids

Block:
  Rachel Griffith from ps I quilt has a great siggy block tutorial:
   http://www.psiquilt.com/2010/01/siggy-block-tutorial.html
 These blocks are really easy to make and go together super quick! They're also a great stashbuster.

Quantity:
The number of required blocks will depend on how many decide to participate.  I'm also asking that you make and send one extra block as a donation for a charity quilt.
  So if we have 32 people sign up, you'll make 33 blocks.
  If we have 58 people sign up, you'll make 59 blocks.
And don't worry!  This swap is limited to 100 swappers, so the maximum blocks you will need to complete will be 101 blocks.

Submission Date: SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

Participation Deadline: Signups close when we reach 100 participants or August 9th, 2013...whichever comes first.

Interested?  We'll be communicating through a Flicker group...so please send me an e-mail with your name, e-mail, and Flickr ID to participate. My e-mail is toni@lifeinapinkbunnysuit.com.

Besides sending me an e-mail, would you please leave a comment below?  We all want to know whose playing along....

Recipe: Chicken Parmigiana ala Martha Stewart (Maybe?)

Great Fast Food from the Kitchens of Martha Stewart

I blog a lot of recipes, but do you know why?

Because I have friends and family that don't cook...and when they do cook, they call me to ask how to create a recipe or ask me where I found the recipe.

It's just easier to have things I've enjoyed and shared in one central location that's accessible to all...even if they're in Southern California, Indiana, or Georgia.

So tonight you're getting my version of Chicken Parmigiana based on Martha Stewart's recipe....
  and yeah, I'll admit it....I love Martha Stewart's recipes.

This is one of my favorite go-to recipes because it's quick to make (30 minutes total) and good food for everyone.  Just add a side salad and you're good to go!

I just changed it up a bit...almond meal instead of bread crumbs, and buffalo mozzarella instead of the regular cow's milk mozzarella...because by doing so, it doesn't kill my stomach.

Chicken Parmigiana
Ingredients
3/4 cup Almond Meal (or bread crumbs)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breast Halves
1 large Egg, lightly beaten
1 jar Spaghetti Sauce (your favorite)
1/4 cup Olive Oil (preferably garlic)
6 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, Fresh
  Cut into 1/4 inch slices

Process
1. Heat your broiler....and remember to have your fire extinguisher close-by just in case.
2. Combine the Almond Meal and Parmesan Cheese in a shallow bowl.  Lightly season both sides of your Chicken Breast with salt and pepper.  Dip the chicken in the beaten Egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture making sure both sides are totally covered.
3. Spray a 10-by-15 inch baking dish with a non-stick spray.  Spread your Spaghetti Sauce into the bottom of your baking dish.
4. Heat your Olive Oil in a large non-stick over medium-high heat.  Place your Chicken in the skillet and cook until golden, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the browned Chicken to the baking dish using a spatula to place them on top of the Spaghetti Sauce. Top each piece of Chicken with a slice of the Mozzarella Cheese.
6. Broil about 4 inches from your heat source about 5-8 minutes, making sure your sauce is hot and the cheese is melted and slightly golden in spots.