Hi there! I am pleased to say that the body is still in one piece after last weekends tramping expedition over the Tongariro Crossing. This one is ticked off (ie I don’t need to do it again!) However it was amazing scenery and interesting to see a side of the New Zealand tourist experience that I hadn’t seen before, and sharing some very special and remote parts of the central north island with hundreds and hundreds of people from all around the world all on the same day.

There has been lots of interest in the BeBe Bold classes with Jane MacDonald from Australia 21-23 April (the details are on the class page of the website). This is a fabulous opportunity to learn from someone who is an expert in all aspects of Japanese stitching and textiles, so if you are keen to join us make sure you book in soon to avoid disappointment. You can book for one, two or three classes (with a 10% discount on the class fee if you book all three).

https://www.anniesquilts.co.nz/cms/classes.html

If you are looking for a little Japanese stitching project to whet your appetite, I have just finished these stars which you could hang up for Christmas, or anytime. You could also stuff them with some lavender or add essential oils if you wish. These come in a kit with the pre-printed fabric, thread, backing fabric and cord to make eight stars for just $19.90.

Last year we were fortunate to have Katrina Hadjimichael (Australia) to teach for us for a second time, and I am pleased to say that she has now agreed for Annie's CQS and Patchwork Passion to distribute her patterns for sale in New Zealand. At this stage we have her very popular Specs and Spikes pattern ($49.00) and other titles are available on request.

For most people Tuesday will be a holiday for Waitangi Day, but if you feel like coming for a drive Annie's will be open all day. It is also the "Multi Cultural Bite", one of Ashburton's premiere events on the calendar showcases the ethnic diversity of our community through food, dance and music.

https://www.facebook.com/Multi-Cultural-Bite-Ashburton-337148116301002/

Onto the recipe...this is delicious, but probably better reserved as a treat or for special occasions!

Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie

• 150g chopped butter
• 300g good quality dark chocolate
• 3 eggs
• 215g caster sugar
• 225 g plain flour
• 65 g sour cream
• 250 g pkt cream cheese (at room temperature)

Preheat the oven to 180C and grease a 20 cm cake pan.

Combine the butter and chocolate in a bowl and warm over a pot of hot water on low heat. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is smooth. Cool.

Whisk two eggs in a small bowl and add the eggs along with 140 g of the sugar to the chocolate mixture and stir. Add the flour and sour cream and stir until well combined.

Beat the cream cheese and the remaining sugar in a bowl until smooth. Add the remaining egg and beat until just combined.

Spoon the chocolate and cream cheese mixtures alternately in to the cake pan and then swirl with a knife or a skewer to create a marble effect. Bake for approx 30 mins.

Take care and happy stitching,

Rachel