Monday, October 27, 2008

Orange Orange

Whew, where to start?... In September I was able to host an engagement luncheon for my friend's daughter, who is getting married in November. Fall colors set the mood for decorations, which were minimal, but effective. I gathered orange berries off those real prickly bushes, and holly leaves, placed them in canning jars with water. I tied vintage ribbon around the neck and placed a votive candle on the surface of the water. We lite those and set them around the house. For the menu, I made a Teriayki Chicken Salad, Breadsticks and Cupcakes. For the salad just pull out a large platter and start layering all the ingredients, serve the dressing on the side. Use tongs when dishing up, it is a great way to do salad and makes a pretty presentation. It was simple, but fun. We didn't play any silly games, (mostly because I don't care for them) but had a couple of question activities that were funny and helped us get to know the future groom better. I had a fun door prize thing too!

The quilty pumpkins here are from two different quilts by quilter extrodanaire, Karen McCarter. Aren't pumpkins so fun and festive?









I won free fabric from Quilt Taffy, and of course while giving my address to Corrie on the phone, I scanned their charm square packs and purchased a few of those goodies on the spot! Thanks Corrie and Des. You two are great!























A new season means it's time to send college girls and husbands a goodie package. I was able to sew up these two placemats and napkins and ship them off to Phoenix. It was amazing, I sent them from my post office here in Idaho at 5:10 p.m. on a Thursday~~Phoenix girl received the package before noon on Saturday!!! awesome ~ good thing too because there were homemade cookies in it! I used Sandi Henderson and Dana Fishbien fabrics. Now, before Utah college girl reads this and wonders why I didn't send her a package, I must explain the sweating bullets and anxious stomach I was experiencing while browsing the quilt store for fabrics for her ~ I just couldn't settle on anything that I thought she'd like! I need to have her pick out the fabrics, 'cause what if they didn't like their placemats!? Hopefully, when we get together next, we'll have time to haunt the quilting store.
My son found this cute little bird just hanging out on our lawn! After poking and prodding it to no avail, he took it over to the neighbors, set it down and off it flew!

Lastly~Orange Chicken

mmm the guys love it~try it if you are interested....


Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup ketchup

3 cups sugar

1/8 cup orange juice concentrate (optional)

1 t. salt

Simmer this until sugar dissolves.
Use 6-8 chicken breasts. Cut up in small pieces, about 2X3 inch.
Beat 2 eggs into a shallow dish, add a little milk.
Combine 1 1/2 cups corn starch and 3-4 t. garlic powder on a large plate.
Dip chicken into egg mixture, then into corn starch mixture. Brown in oil on both sides. Place in a 9x13 pan. Pour sauce over. Bake at 350 for almost an hour covered, then bake for 25 more minutes, uncovered. Serve over hot rice.


Orange you glad you came?...

Take Care.~~

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very festive. I'm having knitting club at my house on Tuesday, you have given me a couple of ideas. Oh boy, yummy fabric.

Kathi Thompson said...

I'm definitely trying the Orange Chicken for the family. Also I love your cute placemats. What a fun gift! You're a great mom.

Karen said...

Love the quilted pumpkins and the Orange Chicken Salad is one I'm going to be trying soon. When you mentioned the placemats, the light bulb came on...some of those will be added to my gift giving list...Thanks!

Nedra said...

So many great ideas in this blog. I almost don't know where to start. You sound like such a good mom to ship things off to your children. I'm trying the ornage chicken right away.

Nanette Merrill said...

Diane, you don't post much but when you do it's fabulous. Love all this, the fabric, recipe and to hear what you are up to. Now I'm sorry but I have to do something.

You've been BOOOO'd.

Go to as many friends as you want and tell them they've been "B00-ed." Have them link back to your blog to pick up their Halloween Treat (picture) and tell them to Boo their friends. Then put the picture in your side bar so everyone knows that you've already been "boo-ed "and to send the picture to someone else. Have a great Halloween everyone.

Nancy said...

Thanks mom for the place mats. And as I'm sure you can tell I've put them to good use. Have you decided what to do with the Amy Butler charms yet?

em's scrapbag said...

Quilty pumpkins are deffinately a favorite of mine. Your placemat and napkins are so cute.

jacquie said...

that tablerunner looks wonderful on your table! thanks for the recipe...i think my family would love that. and the fabric...i would love that!

Kathi Thompson said...

love it

Anonymous said...

yeah, so what about those placemats?

Nedra said...

You've been tagged Diane! See my latest post

Corrie said...

I was just reading & reading & there I am! Thanks

You know, Lynnelle? She must be in your stake. She's awesome -- we had a great time. (Disneyland) I got more of the Livin Large books finally, need to go plan what I'm going to make. Your projects are darling.

Corrie said...

I was just reading & reading & there I am! Thanks

You know, Lynnelle? She must be in your stake. She's awesome -- we had a great time. (Disneyland) I got more of the Livin Large books finally, need to go plan what I'm going to make. Your projects are darling.