Wednesday, May 18, 2011

May Apples


The May Apple was once called the witches umbrella and thought to be used as a poison. The English version of this plant has much lore told of it, being called Manroot (mandrake) believed to be alive and its screams when pulled from the ground would render a man insane. The Mayapple is also known as: Devil's Apple, Hog-apple, Indian Apple, American Mandrake, American May Apple, Racoonberry, Wild Lemon




SQUISHIES


My quilted bag swap arrived today - feeling so international - my first squishie from Austria. Lovely Sabine sent me this gorgeous bag with all the extras. It is nice to get other country's magazines, but alas to read it! The little pattern for making pillows with charms - now that is a weekend project must.

And this treasure trove, also arrived today. Thank you Pauline (PhoenixHeirlooms). My swap mate for the Once Upon A Season - Australian Swap. I love the apple core block, but so bad at curves so this is a treasure. And it is a reminder of the farms past orchards. And again magazines from her country UK - my SIL just had to borrow the one for the recipes! Thank you again Pauline.

PROGRESS & PLAY


Since it peeks from under the squishie photos - this a UFO in progress of completion - hopefully by this weekend. Hand quilting, buttons to be added, beading to be done, dimensional flowers, and maybe some charms.


My playful project from the 'color list' is in lots of blocks and rows. It is going to be a puzzle to put together - looks a bit like a puzzle! Another weekend finish - I hope. Yes my Thursday thru Monday is a lot about finishes, if you notice on my posts. And a week end of constant rain - I might just get done.

MAY FOR ME



Have you been getting some ME time? Did you enjoy the updates from bloggers about the Spring Market? Hmmm - like me, did you take advantage of all the fabric sales to clear out for the new lines to come in? I was bad!!!! But when fabric is $1.50-$3.00 a yard - ya gotta!!


Maple-glazed Pork with Apples

Ingredients
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup bread crumbs
4 pork loin cutlets (about 1 pound)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup apple cider
2 medium Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples, each cored and cut into 16 wedges

Instructions
In a small bowl, stir together the maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Place the bread crumbs in a large ziplock bag, add the pork, then seal the bag and shake it to coat the cutlets.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook it for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Add the cider and apple wedges. Bring the cider to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes or until the pork is done. Stir in the maple syrup mixture and cook the pork for 5 minutes more or until the pan sauces are thick and syrupy.
Serve with mashed potato and choice of vegetable.


These were the next pieced blocks for Tonya's May for Me Mystery quilt along. Aren't they pretty? I can't wait to put all the pieces together. The Punctuations fabric line I am using with this project is working up so sweetly.



There are lot's of 'all most done' projects all over right now. My hopes are to get many finishes with this rainy weather that is going to be with us for the next 4-5 days. Once that sun comes out, lots of mowing and cleaning flower beds for planting. So hopefully - if you can stand it - lots of photos of finishes on Monday.




Mayapple, daffodil, hyacinth, lily,
and by the front porch steps
every billowing shade of purple
and lavender lilac,
my mother's favorite flower,
sweet breath drifting through
the open windows:
perfume of memory - of spring.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

16 comments:

Quiet Quilter said...

Always enjoy all the things that are going on at your place..Thanks for the reminder about the yard work, as if I couldn't remember just by looking out the window..

Wilma Lee said...

Well, May is winding down already!!! Love your windmill blocks. mine aren't quite so bold, as the bundle I used was subdued colors, but it will still look nice.

Sue Daurio said...

what a lovely applique quilt. I can't wait to see the finished product. I was looking at all your gifts and thinking "yes, but what is under all that? It looks so pretty" I was delighted when you gave us a sneak peak!

I'm definitely going to try the pork and apples this weekend, thanks for sharing!!

Linda said...

thank you for the facts about May Apples. I don't think we have them around here.
I love the WIP! Beautiful colors and fun design!

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

So many wonderful things in your post today!
Thanks for the info on the May Apple - never heard a plant scream but I know it would immediately make me insane if I did.
You received a couple of wonderful squishies - so full of all types of goodies.
Your UFO with the buttons and little little lady bug is adorable.
Your recipe sounds delicious!!
And your 'playful project' looks like lots of fun.
Enjoy your weekend of sewing. Hopefully the sun will be out for you next week!

beth said...

I love those May for me mystery blocks. That will be a great quilt!

JudyCinNC said...

Wonderful post - so many things happening - and your gifties are wonderful. Judy C

Kris said...

Good morning, Sharon!! Wow, what fun international gifts!! I love getting fun packages in the mail too!! Your applique quilt is wonderful!!! Hope to see it in its full doneness!! and the pork chops look fabulous!! I'm sending you some sunny from southern Utah!! Kris

StitchinByTheLake said...

Goodness Sharon what great gifts! And the magazine from Austria will be fun even if you just look at the pictures. :) The recipe sounds wonderful. I'll put it in my try-this file. blessings, marlene

Q said...

I've been thoroughly enjoying the quilt market posts! A little bit budget conscious at the moment, for sales, but will be back shopping soon enough.

I love the mystery quilt along blocks they look really fun!

Have a lovely May Day!

Shannon said...

Oh what a sweet bag. I love the buttons. Well I guess with the magazine at least you have the internet that you can use to translate the words if you need to. Google translater is wonderful. The applecore quilt is so cool. Those mags look fun.

Sheila said...

Love the many rich, dark colors in the apple core project! Very nice. Intriguing puzzle pieces hanging from your mantel. Sweet bag. Good to see you are still in birthday month mode :) Hope you get to see some sunshine this weekend.

Girltwin64 said...

Hi Sharon, I am so sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I really thought no one ever reads mine. WEll you proved me wrong and I thank you for visiting. I know I love to visit yours. I don;t always post but know I lurk alot! Hugs, Ellen

Cheryll said...

The bag from Sabine is lovely.. and all her goodies are great... and so is Paulines with her extras.
WOW you did well last week with deliveries! EnJoY ! :)

Anonymous said...

Love all the bits and pieces you share, Sharon. Thanks. Always look forward to reading your posts. Love the apple core block. Maybe one day, eh?

Miss Hillbilly said...

I am going to have to tell Seth about that May Apple plant. He'll love the history of it.
And the recipe sounds so yummy. I love apple recipes. Jerry accidentally bought a bag of apples last night even though we bought one just before our trip. I guess I am making this recipe soon :)