Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette

Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette

Courtesy of Cooking Light

This one was shared at a family gathering. I've made it many times and every time its come together easily.

We choose to broil this, rather than grill.  We also did not garnish it with basil and we made double (even triple) vinaigrette for extra yum factor.

1 1/2 pounds asparagus spears, trimmed 

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

Cooking spray 

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

2 teaspoons capers, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup small basil leaves

 

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Place asparagus in a shallow dish. Add 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt, tossing well to coat. Place asparagus on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning after 2 minutes.

3. Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, vinegar, and next 3 ingredients (through garlic); stir with a whisk. Slowly pour remaining 2 tablespoons oil into vinegar mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in capers. Arrange asparagus on a serving platter; drizzle with vinaigrette, and sprinkle with basil.

 

More completions 2014/2015

More completions for 2014/2015

A gift for my Pops. The pattern is called Canasta from Monique Dillard's book "Traditional Fat Quarter Quilts. I called it "Playing Canasta in San Diego" because of fond memories of learning to play the card game from my Pops. 

 

 

The fabric was bought at Rosies Calico Cupboard and reminded me of San Diego.

 

 

 

Every year, Bonnie Hunter over at Quiltville hosts a free mystery every year.  She is a wonderful designer and offers so much to our quilting community.  Last year's mystery had its beginning from Bonnie's visit to Mackinac Island and a visit to the Grand Hotel. 

This is my Grand Illusion -

 

This quilt was way out of my comfort level but as I did with Celtic Solstice, I learned a lot. Even with the picture, I learned a lot ... we aren't perfect as I now see an incorrect turn on one of the pieces. Its there to help me smile.

Completed Tops 2014/2015

Here are my completed tops in 2014/2015

 

This one was made out of the scraps leftover from Celtic Solstice. It was only 3' x 3' and was made to act as a curtain for our office bookcase.  It has minimal quilting and needs to come back to me so that I can "play" on my new Sweet 16 mid arm.

 

 

This one was my first attempt at paper piecing.  After the first wheel the others went very quickly.  I'm glad that this is only pinned at the moment.  I need to use black batting and then it will be ready to hang in my office.

 

 

 

 

More to come ...

 

Celtic Solstice Finale

Finale - Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt 2013

Whew, what an exciting time this mystery has been. I'm not quite finished but I'm loving the way this is coming out.

I've just finished the blocks. Haven't put them together yet.  And I discovered that I don't have enough of one of the fabrics to finish the last 5 "Birthday Girl" blocks ... 

I've been spending all this time making this quilt on my 'new' featherweight that I got for my combined Anniversary, Christmas and Birthday all in one week celebration.

I'm one lucky girl!!

She sews like a dream.  Her birthday is 1957 and her stencils are all intact.

My grateful thanks to Bonnie for putting this mystery together. Its been wonderful!!

Hop on back to Bonnie's Finale for more!

Updated ...

This was completed and gifted to my mother late last year.  It was quilted at my local LQS and it just came out so wonderful, I know I'll make another one.

 The quilting below was on a soft gray flannel backing.

Celtic Solstice Part 4

Part 4 - Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice Mystery Quilt 2013

This is my first Mystery Quilt and I'm really excited about how its turning out.

I'm a bit late to the game of posting progress reports, so this is Part 1 - 3. Part 4 will have to wait till we get back from vacation as Santa hasn't realized I want a featherweight yet ... LOL

I've learned so much, from the tri-rec's to the chevrons and Inklingo's way for the HST's! I am having to hand piece the final seam on the pinwheels, but with the other hand piecing I've been doing, I'm much more sure of myself.

Hop on back to Bonnie's Part 4 for more!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year!!

Inklingo

My Project On The Road

This is all about Inklingo. Its what got me started back on my sewing kick after becoming an "empty nester". I was surfing the internet one day just doing the typical drooling over quilt pictures and ran across Linda Franz. Its like a light bulb went off ... I just had to do it!

I've been working on this project for a month of so, venturing into my first ever hand piecing since sitting on my grandmother's lap. I've got all the pieces cut out and I can't rave enough about how much her site has helped my enthusiasm.

I first got her FREE patterns available to give it a try. From there, I saw a pattern I just fell in love with (typical story for me!). I, of course, didn't have any fabric ... don't cough ... so I purchased this scrumptious blue and yellow print, absolutely made for one another!

So while the DH drives the 5 hours to our vacation get away, I'm going to be happily stitching away. 

My Own Blue Heaven

My Own Blue Heaven

When I first stumbled upon Quiltville and did the obvious search for free patterns, I ran across this wonderful quilt that Bonnie Hunter called "My Blue Heaven". 

My Blue Heaven by Bonnie K. Hunter

I went to our local shop and started grabbing up fat quarters. I'm not one with a large stash and this was the first time I'd even ventured into buying more fat quarters that weren't just black and white (my standard purchase on travel to places that have quilt shops).

So here is my selection, and I just can't wait!!!

 

Updated ...

 

And here is the finished quilt.  I reached out to Bonnie for ideas about the inside border and she helped me select the red ... I'm going to use it also in the binding when I get to that point ... another one on my list to finish.