Kristl Pelz: January 2012 Archives

Vickie, our Quilting Maven and I have written reviews of both styles on the Sidewinder bobbin winder tools from Simplicity. Here are our findings.

Kristl:

 I resisted buying the Sidewider Bobbin Winder for over a year. I thought, ''my machine winds bobbins, what's the big deal.'' At $39.98, it didn't seem unreasonable, but to quote my favorite Food TV personality, ''it's a unitasker.'' Then the deluxe model came out at about $100. I thought that there must be something to this bobbin winder, so I got the basic one when we had a notions sale. Well, it's one of the best tools I have ever bought for sewing. Winding a bobbin to replace the one that's about to run out while you are sewing is really fabulous. It helps me keep moving through my project without stopping for anything. I have used it on bobbins for Brother, Janome and Elna machines, and it works on all of them. If you are a ''Power Sewer'' or like to work on many projects at a time, this little ''unitasker'' is worth the space it takes in your sewing area.

Vickie:

A few years ago, the Sidewinder Portable Bobbin Winder appeared. At the time, I thought to myself who's going to buy that? Soon after I bought it and it has been one of the best buys I have ever made. Now I'm ready to embrace the newest model- the Simplicity Deluxe Portable Bobbin Winder. It accommodates almost any sewing machine brand.  Its interchangeable thread spindles will accommodate different size thread spools and thread weights. Added to that is the ability to store several bobbins. On top of all this flexibility, it is usable with longarm quilting machines. Now I know that most of us do not own a longarm, but if you do you know that the cost of a bobbin winder that would work with your longarm only is about $100.00. It would not have the flexibility of working with other sewing machines. This is already scheduled to be my birthday present this year. I can hardly wait!

I know, I know. You just got through eating all that party food. You just made your New Year's resolutions and they definitely did not include chocolate truffles. I completely understand. That's why I am giving you this recipe in the spirit of giving, not eating.

You probably have someone in your life that you have fond or loving feelings for. You probably like to do nice things for them. You know, Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away. I am just trying to help you get a jump on planning the nice things you will do for the loved ones in your life. I will have to draw the line at recommending these for your Pet Loved Ones. I have always heard chocolate is not good for them. Maybe we can find a treat for them for you to make

So, here's my Simple Chocolate Truffle Recipe:

8 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate cut into small pieces (I like Ghirardelli 65% cacao or higher)

1/2 cup of heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cocoa for rolling the truffle in

Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Heat the heavy cream to a simmer. Pour the cream over the chocolate and slowly stir them together until the chocolate has melted. Wisk in the vanilla. Let the mixture cool for about an hour. I have a small ice cream scoop, but you can use a spoon to scoop balls of chocolate. Place the balls on to a parchment lined baking pan. If you are using a spoon, take another spoon to lift the ball off the first spoon. With cool hands, roll the scooped balls of chocolate around to make a nicer ball shape. Roll them in cocoa powder to create the truffle-like look. Serve at room temperature, but store them in the fridge for up to a week.

If you make truffles, let me know what your favorite flavor additions are. I always love a good recipe deviation!