Tag: #ChefErica

Blackberry Lime Mojito Scones Anyone?

Did someone say scones? Oof! With summer fast approaching I have been doing my best to be good when it comes to what I eat lately, but Chef Erica seems to have other plans for me! If you were lucky enough to catch our special episode of, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean – Kitchen Addition“ on Tuesday, you were treated to a fresh and beautiful take on this common flour-based, biscuit-like cake. As usual, Erica has managed to come up with a recipe from outside the box with her unique and delicious Blackberry Lime Mojito Scones.

I really love this recipe because even though the final product looks like something out of a magazine, they’re super quick and easy to make – not to mention you only need a few ingredients. Not only are these unique scones pretty to look at, they’re also an absolute delight for your palate. I know you’re going to want to make a batch (or three) of these for yourself, so I’ve attached the recipe. You can download a printable PDF to keep in your recipe box by following the link below!If you’re more of a visual learner you should really check out Erica’s tutorial on how to go about making these beautiful scones. She takes you through the process step-by-step from start to finish, which is super helpful if you’re new to baking or just need a little extra support. In case you didn’t get to to watch it live you can still catch the replay on my, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ YouTube channel!

Well folks, here comes the weekend again. We’re off to yet another dreary start with rain all day here today and more coming tomorrow, so I’m thinking I’ll be indoors most the time. Obviously with everything going on around here I have plenty to do to keep me busy in my sewing room until the sun decides to come out again. What are you up to? Yard work? Gardening? Stitching, I hope? Or maybe just simply laying around (you need that too sometimes)? If you’re not quite sure what to do with yourself this weekend, I have the perfect solution!

As most of you know I am always coming up with new ways to raise funds for Hogs for Heroes – a WI based nonprofit dedicated to healing the mental and physical wounds, suffered by Wisconsin Veterans during the course of active duty through the therapeutic benefits of owning and riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle. I am so proud of the fact that currently, we have raised now over $43,000 between private donations, our 2021 “American Quilter’s Stitch Along” fundraiser, and our latest online auction! That is such an awesome number!!! I want to say thank you to everyone who contributed so far, we could never have done it without you!

If you haven’t already heard, I recently came up with another idea to add to our efforts in helping Hogs for Heroes. My goal is to produce and collect as many Flag blocks as possible by June 15th, 2022, which will then be used collectively to create a future project that will generate even more funds for Hogs for Heroes!

If you would like to participate by making and donating blocks to this fundraising mission, click below for a downloadable PDF of the pattern and instructions. Please send your finished piece(s) to us no later than June 15th, 2022. We’re super excited to get started on this, so if you can get your blocks to us earlier (June 1st, 2022 would be ideal) that would be even better! So far we’ve received about 250 blocks, but we still need more! My ultimate goal is 600 so we still have a lot of work to do!

Once you’re ready to submit your donated pieces, please package and send your blocks to:

Ok everyone, now that you have your assignments for the weekend (bakery and Flag blocks!) let me see what you can do! The most flag blocks I’ve gotten from one person at a time is 8. Think you can top that? Prove it! In fact, it would be fun to give a special prize out to the person who can send in the most Flag blocks overall. Keep them coming, maybe you’ll win something for your efforts! Ahh, coming up with new challenges as we go keeps it interesting, doesn’t it? Alright! I will see you all next week for “Shop Talk with Shelley“ on Tuesday at 9AM CST. She’ll be talking about a few quilts perfect for wall décor, hot tips on cleaning and organizing your sewing room, some of her favorite current wool projects, and Memorial Day hours (we will be CLOSED!), so set your reminder – don’t miss it!

Remember to leave me a comment both here on the blog and during our LIVE shows for a chance to win a sweet prize. I’ll announce blog winners  here and LIVE winners during the broadcasts. You can also catch me LIVE every Thursday on, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ at 1PM CST! Take care everyone – and remember, always make time to…

lisabongean26 Comments

Sit & Sew Much Fun!

As many of you know, most weeks on Tuesday, The Gathering hosts what we like to call, “Sit & Stitch.“ It’s not a retreat, but more of a gathering – or, “get together” as one guest called it – where all types, ages, and ability levels of sewing enthusiasts can come together and stitch. It’s a great opportunity to socialize in a judgment-free zone, where participants are encouraged to share ideas and advice. Of course, there’s also plenty of good food, great conversation, camaraderie, and laughter to go around too!

I really look forward to these little get-togethers. It’s a nice change from all the hustle and bustle of the regular work week! The casual and easy-going atmosphere not only allows me to relax a little, but I can also take more time to talk one-on-one with people about anything they might need help on with their projects, or just about life in general!Sit & Stitch sessions are also a great time to tackle those problem-child projects that you just can’t seem to figure out. Do you have a skill set that you’d like to improve on? It’s also a great time to practice techniques or skills that you’re not the best at. There’s always someone close by who can help or give advice and perspective – myself included!If you’re feeling confident in your abilities but need some inspiration and good company, come to Sit & Stitch! Bring your stitching projects of any kind and take advantage of our huge, beautifully lit activity space. You can bring your own machine or rent one from us. Either way there’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out and get comfortable at one of the many large sewing tables – complete with power stations! Take it from me, a lot of times I’d rather work on projects at The Gathering rather than my studio at home!

One of my favorite things about Sit & Stitch sessions is the variety of projects that come through the door. I see both full-size and lap quilts, table mats, pillows, cross-stitch, pincushions, and wall-hangings… just to name a few. Each person brings something different to the table – literally! I swear I find new inspiration every single time. I love it!

It’s easy to feel like everything has already been done in the creative world, don’t you think? It’s really cool to be able to see new ideas and trends come to life first hand. It’s also neat to see different techniques being used – new and old. Check out this awesome EPP (English Paper Piecing) quilt project one of our stitchers Joann is working on…She told me she prefers the EPP technique because sitting at her machine for long hours really hurts her back and hands. Take a look at all that delicate work (this quilt is so gorgeous… I feel like we might just be seeing it in a future summer Block of the Week….hint, hint – nudge, nudge…)!!! It’s crazy to think that she hasn’t been quilting all her life like some of her friends and family. She said, “I wasn’t into it at first like the others, it took me a while. But one day we went to a new quilting store in town called SEW WHAT. I walked in there and was just in awe. I was so intrigued by what I saw that I immediately needed to know more. The lady told me to come back that next Saturday for a class and I did. The rest is history.”

This was Joann’s second time attending Sit & Stitch. She says she and her quilting friends used to meet at each other’s homes, but just like everything else COVID has changed that. It’s much harder these days to find a place where everyone can meet up and socialize with enough space, so she really appreciates our Sit & Stitch gatherings. “My biggest joy in quilting is seeing others enjoy quilting right alongside me. We need to encourage one another! I used to think I didn’t know anything about it but 23 years later I realize I know more than I ever did! I’m thrilled to be able to share what I know with others, and these get-togethers make that possible again.”

Joann and her friends love the idea so much, she recently decided to take advantage of our book five, get one free package because they know they’ll be back every week for a while. She says, “Why not? You don’t have to clean your house to get ready for guests, you don’t have to cook or find a place to send your husband for the day. It’s great!” I think Joann’s got a point. LOL!

If you want to join us for a Sit & Stitch we would love to have you! Just call Jenny at The Gathering to sign up. The phone number at The Gathering is 920-778-8031. You can also email thegathering@primitivegatherings.us. Sessions run from 9AM until 4PM. Registration fee is $25 per person for the day and includes a salad bar and homemade soup lunch prepared by Chef Erica. Mark your calendar for the dates below…

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend during the day, don’t worry! I recently decided that if I’m going to hang out at The Gathering stitching all day, why not hang out there stitching all night too!? We recently had our first, “Late Night Sit & Stitch.” These sessions run from 5PM until 10PM and include dinner prepared by Chef Erica. Registration fee is also $25 per person. Heck, if you have the time you should probably sign up for both!

Alright, I better get back to work everyone. I have a lot to do as I prepare for my YouTube LIVE broadcast, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ tomorrow at 1PM. I’ll be discussing more Valentine’s Day and Red & White quilt ideas, along with any new announcements and some other fun things as usual. Hit the link below to join me! See you then! ~Lisa

lisabongean11 Comments