The Chef Nutcracker: Cooking Up a Little Gratitude

November is a month full of gratitude.

I keep a personal gratitude journal to remind me of all the things in my life I have to be thankful for. It helps me keep my spirits high — especially as the weather turns colder.

One thing that often makes the list is food.
First, that I have enough of it.
Second, that I get to enjoy really good food.

Over the years, I’ve learned to cook and bake from so many wonderful people: my mom, her Greek neighbor (Kathy Petalas), her Italian neighbor (Linda Sgro), a French chef (Pierre Wolfe), a Croatian chef (Željko Neven Bremec), and others who’ve inspired my kitchen adventures.

Wherever we travel, I always want to sample the local cuisine. There’s just one rule — don’t tell me what I’m eating until after I’ve tried it! I’m much braver that way. 😅

🍽️ Cooking Up a Pattern

Since I love to bake and cook (mostly what I’ve learned from others), I was thrilled when Carolina chose this month’s Quilt Block Mania theme: Dinner!

I immediately thought of all the amazing chefs I’ve met — or who have prepared incredible food for me — and decided to dedicate this month’s block to them.

🪡 This Month’s Free Block: The Chef Nutcracker

My gratitude shows in the November edition!

This block features all the essentials:

• the classic double-breasted tunic

• the traditional toque (chef’s hat)

• the confident pose of authority

💡 Want to add a little BAM (thank you, Emeril)? Try these embellishments:

• Use snaps or beads for buttons

• Add a little cotton under the toque to make it puff (think trapunto!)

• Embellish with your favorite foods — a tiny pie, a cookie, or even a turkey leg!

Whether you add this to your growing quilt of nutcrackers, gift it to your favorite chef, or hang it in your kitchen, I hope you’ll share it.

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More Fall-Themed Blocks from the QBM Designers

This month’s QBM designers are bringing lots of delicious fun like hot dogs, turkey and pie!

🧩 Piece them together into a quilt that celebrates a fabulous fall.

Plate full of Love by Carolina Moore
Dinner Plate by Crafty Staci
Honey Butter Quilt Block by Ashli Montgomery
Mashed potatoes by Scrapdash
Ballpark Dinne
Warm Glow by QuiltFabrication
Dresden Turkey by Inquiring Quilter
Milk Bottle by Memory Barn Studio
Woven Hearts by Sarah Marcina
Texas Barbecue by Emerald Falls Quilts
Vase of Flowers by Due North Handmade
Dinner Themed Quilt Blocks
Pumpkin Pie Slice by Appliques Quilts and More

🧵 Catch Up on the Full Nutcracker Series

If you’re new here — welcome! Each month, I release a new Nutcracker block as part of this year’s block of the month series.

Want the full nutty crew?
🛒 You can find the past blocks here in the shop.

💬 Let’s Chat!

What is your favorite type of food? And have you learned to cook it??

Happy Quilting!