Yummy for the Tummy! edited for ingredient

I've been writing about HEALTH AWARENESS on my other two blogs.

Watering Wells of Hope

My Breast Cancer Journey and current findings of Hypothyroidism...

This is the day

...

I wanted to take this time here on my Creative Heart blog to share some recipes that are FUN and CREATIVE and HEALTHY!

I felt like a "CHEF" making this wonderful tasting dish. I hope it looks as yummy to you in this photo as it truly is.

I hope you enjoy making this quick easy dish. I served this with a nice tossed salad and Italian dipping bread. Olive oil on a plate sprinkled with cracked peppercorn.

My husband was impressed!!! A little candlelight and VOILA...the PERFECT MEAL!

Serves 4; 1 1/2 cup per serving. "Italian Toss"

4 ounces dried penne pasta or bowtie pasta will work...Be CREATIVE!
3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered)
6 Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped ( you can buy these in a jar or at the Deli)
2 TBL. Basil (I used dried)
8 Ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins. Cut into thin strips or bite size pieces.
1/2 Medium RED bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 small Zucchini, cut length wise into eighths, then cut crosswise into 2 inch pieces
1/4 Medium onion, cut into 1/2 inch wedges
1 Med garlic clove, minced (or I sometimes use minced garlic in the jar)
1 1/2 TB Capers or to your liking. They can be tart.
1/4 tsp salt
1 TBL Olive Oil..extra virgin best
2 ounces Fat Free or low fat FETA crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
(if you do not like Feta..try grated Parmesan)but believe me the Feta makes it soooo good!


I usually lay out all my ingredients and cut up all veggies before starting.

Prepare the pasta using the package directions...Save 1/4 cup water from pasta.


In small bowl stir tomatoes, olives, basil and capers. Set aside.
Capers look like tiny little olives and have a pickle taste...add ZING to your dish!

I now add capers to my green tossed salad from time to time.

I coated my chicken first with Italian bread crumbs (nothing added just dip chicken in crumbs) then I sauteed in the olive oil til a nice and golden brown. Transfer to plate. (the recipe doesn't use bread crumbs)

Place Red pepper, zucchini, garlic and onion in same pan as chicken was sauteed...and cook until tender, crisp.

Add chicken pieces and reserved water from pasta. (add water after a little at a time so not too watered down)

I placed all my ingredients in one large glass bowl and topped with Feta.

ENJOY!!!!

Work in Progress

I ADORE this Quilt pattern and fabric!!!

It is what is known in Quilting lingo...as a QUILT TOP...and a WIP (work in progress) or UFO (unfinished object---don't like this phrase!!)

I'm in the process of "Quilting" ...I would have liked to have done this one by HAND, but my health issues at the moment don't allow me. Thus...OUTLINE stitching. I haven't decided on the border "Quilting" ..so if anyone has suggestions...say on!!!

In my admiration of this lovely top...my SWEET friend..making this for herself..decided to send it to ME! What a treasure! The friendship and the Quilt top.





I had even sent her some of the fabrics in the top!! Amazed at how she put them ALL in this...Says a lot for her EYE for COLOR! A MUST in Quilting..you have to have that one or two fabric "POP" to catch your eyes..and give them also a rest in the overall viewing of a Quilt.

(hey I really do know SOMETHING about the art of Quilting!!!)

I have other projects in the making as I am able...always a SOCK MONKEY!

(You can read of my health updates and prayer needs at my other blogs)

THANK YOU FRIENDS for following my blog and the encouragement it gives to keep CREATING FROM THE HEART!!

Blessings to you..
HOPE

Mini Bag TUTORIAL

For those who requested the tutorial...I hope these instructions are clear for you! ENJOY!!

Supplies needed...Sewing machine...fabric...PELLON...thread...zipper.
(note on fabric..do not use flimsy fabric!!) 100% Cotton is ideal.


Cut your fabric to your own desired size...making TWO squares...make sure the ZIPPER is longer in length. I'll explain as we go.

After cutting your TWO SQUARES...cut PELLON the same SIZE and iron onto the WRONG SIDE of EACH square of fabric. This makes the fabric nice and stiff. Iron with a pressing cloth over your fabric to prevent sticking. You can use another piece of fabric, or a small washcloth.






Once ironed take ONE SQUARE and fold down TOP EDGE of fabric 1/4" and press...then place one side of ZIPPER under fabric as shown and sew close to edge. Now do the other side and it should look like the photo on the right.

Once this is done OPEN THE ZIPPER half way! Important so you can turn it inside out once sewn!!




NOW...you are going to sew all around the bag...as shown...OVER the ZIPPER (I sew back over this area twice for strength). The zipper should be sticking out...you will be cutting this part off! Yeppers..you can actually cut the zipper and it'll still work!!! CUT OFF the Zipper ends near fabric edge.



NEXT...IRON the seams open as shown and lay the SEAM flat so that you have the point as shown laying on the bed of your sewing machine (as in photo)...sew across...this makes the bottom of the bag corner squared. (notice I use the edge of my plate as a guide)



Your bag should look like this...(sorry for the messy seams...I made this in a hurry to see if I could do it quickly for one of my craft classes)PROOF..it is QUICK!



Turn inside out...and the bottom should look like this...



...VOILA.....FINISHED ZIPPERED BAG!!!

(please let me know if you have need further help...or let me know if yours was a success!!)

HOPE