Friday, September 30, 2011

Cordial

Remember, I said a few days ago that I wanted to make rosella cordial from the bush growing out in our garden.  I did it.  It's actually pretty good, sort of like a fruit punch.
The color of course is what I really like - RED!!!  I had a pretty big colander full of the rosella pods or whatever.  I followed Rhonda's directions and peeled off the red leaf thingies (calyx) to make the cordial syrup.  You use a small amount (to taste) of this syrup to make the cordial.  A squeeze of lemon improves the taste, I think.  This site is talking about making jam, but you get a little more information about the plant and more pictures.  I only got one lone bottle out of that bunch, but I may make more later.  It's just interesting to try things, to see if you can actually do them, don't you think?


This morning was so nice that I worked out in the back yard for a while.  I trimmed bushes and vines and then cleaned out the chicken house and put fresh hay in the nest boxes.  (Yes, the chickens were happy.)  Bruno watched everything with great interest and kept everyone in line.  Later he got a bath, and now he is resting on "his" bed in the sewing room as I type this.  What a life!


This afternoon our son dropped by for a quick visit.  Here he's showing Mr. Muddling his latest fishing trip pictures.  Those two surely do love to go out in the boat fishing!


And this is what's on my little design wall right now.  Bonnie Hunter is another who is so generous with her patterns and expertise.  This one is called Strip Twist.

I've got most of the squares made, I think I just need two more, then I'll start sewing them all together.  If I can stop playing around with them and moving them here and there. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun things to do and see!

Hugs and kisses,

                                                              

9 comments:

Susie Swanson said...

Oh My Goodness, what a delicious looking drink and I absolutley love that quilt. I hope this comment goes through, if not I'm gonna cry. So many blogger problems..Ugh

BJ said...

The cordial looks absolutely yummy! We have had chickens a few times over the years as well, and you are making me want another go at it! Critters are such fun!

Margaret said...

Ah!~ cordial, a summer drink, roll on summer.
Now with the weather out of the way, the recipe for the cordial looks and sounds as if it is a winner , having a go is great it keeps our grey matter working, and the scrappy quilt is looking so fresh, enjoyable post.

Karen said...

I know that rosellas are the fruit from the plant and you have used this to make cordial. But I had a laugh when reading it because here our rosellas are very colourful native birds. I can't imagine making cordial with them!
I like the way your Strip Twist is looking. Should be a great quilt.

Anonymous said...

A lovely intro to a good weekend, thanks for sharing all your wonderful happenings.

Melanie said...

Love the piece you are working on. Wonderful having family close enough to drop by-- I'm jealous.

Thimbleanna said...

Another quilt Elaine!!! You're a quilt making machine. I love the colors in this one!!!

Nanette Merrill said...

love the strip twist. great project. and the cordial - hmm sounds delicious.

Oiyi said...

The cordial is such a pretty color! Makes me happy to see such a beautiful color from nature.