Eggplant First 2021 Monthly Color Challenge Block

We started off the new year playing along with Jen at Patterns By Jen. Eggplant leads off the monthly color parade that this year focuses on fruits and veggies. Jen also switched it up this year by offering two different sizes of the block with a 6-inch and a 12-inch. We are switching it up ourselves this year by making the block with the feature color along with a lighter/darker version of the same color. That is not our usual wheelhouse that’s for sure! Jen offers each block for free for the current month and then they are available for only $1 after the month ends.

Sponsors and Bloggers Galore

Approximately ten bloggers will be featuring the current monthly block like today’s eggplant fun. You will want to check them out not only to see their version but many will be offering a recipe related to the fruit or veggie. I adore eggplant, especially Eggplant Parmesan. YUM! There are also 11 sponsors for the first quarter and we thank each and every one of them for their sponsorship. You’ll receive an entry for each block you link with Jen at the end of January, February, and March for the first quarter. Now, let’s see our eggplant block for January!

Eggplant is a Fruit

Commonly thought of and used as a vegetable in cooking, the eggplant is actually a berry by botanical definition. Whatever you choose to call it, I love to grill it and enjoy it simply.

My mom always taught me to soak it in a brine mixture before cooking it. My method is to dissolve 2T of salt in some warm water and then add cold water and the sliced eggplant to a bowl. Let it sit and soak for around 30 minutes, then drain and blot. Next, brush one side of the slices with olive oil and a little salt or seasoning. Brush the top side with oil and add a bit of salt, and then grill about 5 minutes per side. Serve it up right from the grill while it’s hot! It makes my mouth water just thinking about it . . . plus it is a welcome sign of summer.

Eggplant Fabric Families

You’re here for the quilting aspect though, so I guess I’d better get to sharing our fabrics. As I mentioned earlier, our two-toned block calls for two different shades of purple.

The mottled fabric reminds us more closely of an eggplant so that will be our feature/pinwheel in the block. I love the different shades in the darker fabric as it really gives the block some depth and a bit of movement.

I had hoped to share our February yellow block along with the January pretty but that doesn’t seem meant to be. Sue has the fabrics pulled for me but I’ve had other projects to concentrate on. Sharing our eggplant block sounds like a better option than having it be TWO months late soon.

♥ ♥ ♥

Like/follow us on our Facebook page to see what we’re up to and to share photos of what you’re working on.  We would love to see them! I’ll also be sharing updates on Instagram.