Here in Northern Idaho we have officially received our first snowfall. It was met with great excitement in our house. We do enjoy winter, and I think it is such a beautiful season (of course I know my dear mom will disagree). In my opinion though, it just adds to all of the blessedness of this time of year when we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.
With everyone's attention turning to gift buying, I thought that maybe I would rattle off a few more gift ideas that might be of help to someone.
For someone living in a cold climate:
A hat, gloves, scarf, hot chocolate mix, and a cute mug all packed in a hat box.
For someone that likes to bake:
A cookbook, new dishtowels, an apron, and some new wooden spoons.
For someone on the go:
A Starbucks gift card, travel mug, and a warm pair of gloves.
For anyone:
A new address book, note cards, fun pens, and a book of stamps.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
The Day After
In my opinion, the day after Thanksgiving is a wonderful day. The big feast is over, but there is an abundance of leftovers to enjoy throughout the day. But besides the food, there is something just "warm" about today. After spending so much time with preparations, there is not much to do but to just sit back and take it easy. I don't take in any of the big sales at the stores. I would much rather spend my day visiting with my family, watching a movie, getting out my sewing, listening to Christmas music (the day after Thanksgiving is always my first official day of enjoying this pleasure), and maybe even taking a nap. So all-in-all, another day of giving thanks for my many, many blessings.
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving
A very Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17
Pillowcases
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. That means that many of us will be very busy today with our various preparations. But when Friday rolls around, and you are taking it easy and enjoying the leftovers, your attention just might turn back to thinking of possible gift ideas for family and friends. If you like to sew, you might even find some free time to sit down in front of the sewing machine. Here is a quick and easy project that makes for a great gift. Pillowcases don't take too much fabric, they are quick to make, and with so many fabric choices out there, they turn out pretty cute. Team them up with a new pillow, and someone will be in for a great surprise.
Fabric needed for a pillowcase to fit a standard size pillow:
2/3 yd. of main fabric
1/3 yd. of secondary fabric
1/8 yd. of trim fabric
Cut the main fabric 24" x 42"
Cut the secondary fabric 12" x 42"
Cut the trim fabric 2-1/2" x 42"
Fold the trim fabric in half the length and press.
Fold the secondary fabric in half the length and press.
Stitch the unfinished edge of the trim piece to the unfinished edge of the secondary fabric. And then stitch to the main fabric. Stitch the bottom and side of the pillowcase, and that's all there is to it.
Fabric needed for a pillowcase to fit a standard size pillow:
2/3 yd. of main fabric
1/3 yd. of secondary fabric
1/8 yd. of trim fabric
Cut the main fabric 24" x 42"
Cut the secondary fabric 12" x 42"
Cut the trim fabric 2-1/2" x 42"
Fold the trim fabric in half the length and press.
Fold the secondary fabric in half the length and press.
Stitch the unfinished edge of the trim piece to the unfinished edge of the secondary fabric. And then stitch to the main fabric. Stitch the bottom and side of the pillowcase, and that's all there is to it.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Making Plans
I think I would be safe to say that most of us are busy making plans for the upcoming holiday. Whether they be menu planning, travel plans, or planning which guests will be invited over, plans are being made none-the-less. Most of the time our plans are carried out pretty close to how we had hoped that they would be. But occasionally, God intervenes and shows us that He has other plans for us at a particular time. I think it is important that while we are making our plans, we keep in mind that just in case God diverts our plans onto another course, that we keep in step trusting Him entirely for where He is leading us, and being ever thankful that He is at the helm.
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thanksgiving Reminders
Thanksgiving Day is getting closer by the minute. Dividing up your preparations amongst the next few days will cut down on last minute tasks and frustrations. My big task for today is to remember to take the turkey out of the freezer, and place it in the refrigerator so that it will be thawed and ready to go on Thursday. Today I will also decide which table linens to use, and iron them if necessary. And don't forget to make sure you have plenty of dish soap, laundry soap, toilet paper, paper napkins, paper towels, etc. on hand. You don't want to come to the realization on Thanksgiving morning that you do not have enough dish soap to get you through the day, and running to the store is the last thing you want to do. And yes, I speak from experience. I even had to ask one of my guests once if they would mind bringing dish soap with them when they came to my house for dinner. Fortunately, the request was made of my wonderful father and mother-in-law, and of course they were more than happy to help me out.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Banana Apple Bread
A few days ago, I mentioned the banana apple bread recipe that I really wanted to bake from The Sweet Melissa Baking Book. I just happened to have all of the ingredients, and so I gave it a try.
This bread baked up so beautifully, and was delicious!! The apples really made it moist, and the spices used gave it a most wonderful flavor. I am now definitely sold on the idea of buying this cookbook. Try this recipe out, and see what you think.
A great gift idea would be to give someone who likes to bake, a copy of this cookbook. If you wanted to go another step, you could also include some of this homemade bread on a pretty plate, or in a loaf pan, so that they could make some of their own bread; because after they have eaten the loaf you have baked for them, they will definitely want more.
Mom's Banana Apple Bread
For the apples:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 Granny Smith (I actually used winesap) apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the banana bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups very ripe mashed bananas (2 to 3)
Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 350 deg. F. Lightly butter and flour a 1-1/2 quart loaf pan.
To make the apples:
Preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and brown sugar and heat until bubbling. Add the apples and cinnamon and saute until golden and tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
To make the banana bread:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and vanilla.
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the orange juice mixture, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl after each flour addition. Stir in the mashed bananas until combined. Then stir in the reserved apples.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes before unmolding onto the rack to cool further.
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. The banana bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze well wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 weeks. Defrost still wrapped at room temperature.
This bread baked up so beautifully, and was delicious!! The apples really made it moist, and the spices used gave it a most wonderful flavor. I am now definitely sold on the idea of buying this cookbook. Try this recipe out, and see what you think.
A great gift idea would be to give someone who likes to bake, a copy of this cookbook. If you wanted to go another step, you could also include some of this homemade bread on a pretty plate, or in a loaf pan, so that they could make some of their own bread; because after they have eaten the loaf you have baked for them, they will definitely want more.
Mom's Banana Apple Bread
For the apples:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 Granny Smith (I actually used winesap) apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the banana bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups very ripe mashed bananas (2 to 3)
Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 350 deg. F. Lightly butter and flour a 1-1/2 quart loaf pan.
To make the apples:
Preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and brown sugar and heat until bubbling. Add the apples and cinnamon and saute until golden and tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
To make the banana bread:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and vanilla.
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the orange juice mixture, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl after each flour addition. Stir in the mashed bananas until combined. Then stir in the reserved apples.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes before unmolding onto the rack to cool further.
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. The banana bread keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze well wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 weeks. Defrost still wrapped at room temperature.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Vintage Potholders
I came across a red and white vintage crocheted potholder one time while looking through some linens in a vendor's booth at a quilt show. I liked it so much that I decided I needed to collect some more. Whenever I am at a thrift shop or a yard sale, I always look to see if there are others that I would like to add to my small, but growing collection. Once again I am drawn to the cheerful color of red. One of my daughters actually made the one in the middle on the bottom row. It is in the shape of a little dress. She made it simply by looking at another vintage potholder that she has, and whipped this out for me. She is very talented that way. I typically need a pattern to walk me step by step through the entire process.
Here is a close-up of a cute flower on one of them.
I grew up in a home where my mother, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers all spent a great deal of time crocheting. I learned to appreciate all of the hard work that goes into making such wonderful treasures.
Here is a close-up of a cute flower on one of them.
I grew up in a home where my mother, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers all spent a great deal of time crocheting. I learned to appreciate all of the hard work that goes into making such wonderful treasures.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Hot Chocolate and Brownies
It seems like there are a large number of recipes for hot chocolate mixes around; but I will go ahead and post mine just to add yet one more to the many choices. If you are going to give this as a gift, there are many creative ways you can package it to make it fun. You can put the mix in a large jar with cute fabric tied around the lid with ribbon or string. There are a great deal of tins to choose from this time of year that you could also use. A baggie full of the mix placed into a fabric bag that you have made also makes a nice presentation. You can present the mix on its own, or combine it with a mug or a set of mugs. Throw in a bag of marshmallows and some chocolate covered spoons just to make it even more complete. Another possibility is to purchase a cute set of mugs and matching snack plates. Add a hot chocolate mix and a brownie mix with a suggestion that the recipient throw a little chocolate party on some cold, wintry afternoon. I can just picture it now .... it is snowing outside, the wind is blowing, the kids are bored, and you call them to the kitchen with a table set with fun dishes each with their own brownie and a cup of steaming hot chocolate with marshmallows on top and a chocolate spoon for stirring. I would think that would bring some smiles to some faces around the table.
Hot Chocolate Mix
1 (25.6-oz.) pkg. instant nonfat dry milk (10-2/3 cups)
1 (6-oz.) jar powdered non-dairy creamer
2 cups powdered sugar
1 (16-oz.) can instant chocolate drink mix
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Put in a large airtight container. Label. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months. Makes about 17 cups of mix.
To use the mix when making hot chocolate, add 3 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix to 1 cup of hot water. Stir to dissolve.
(Please note: This recipe makes for a very light chocolate drink. For a stronger chocolate flavor, try this recipe).
Hot Chocolate Mix
1 (25.6-oz.) pkg. instant nonfat dry milk (10-2/3 cups)
1 (6-oz.) jar powdered non-dairy creamer
2 cups powdered sugar
1 (16-oz.) can instant chocolate drink mix
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Put in a large airtight container. Label. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months. Makes about 17 cups of mix.
To use the mix when making hot chocolate, add 3 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix to 1 cup of hot water. Stir to dissolve.
(Please note: This recipe makes for a very light chocolate drink. For a stronger chocolate flavor, try this recipe).
Monday, November 17, 2008
My Notebook
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, it is important to stay organized in order to keep things running smoothly, and to keep from becoming exhausted with all of the preparations that are needed. There are many Christmas organizing ideas out there, but for me they tend to be time consuming in themselves. I have put together a notebook of my own keeping in line with what I need to do to stay on top of things. My notebook basically revolves around all of the food that needs preparing. I don't include topics like decorating and gift buying because that just seems to happen on its own. For the past couple of years I have begun buying my Christmas cards in October and addressing the envelopes before Thanksgiving at a gradual pace, so that doesn't need to be included in my notebook. It just basically comes down to making up menus, creating grocery shopping lists, and scheduling out what to make when. I am a creature of habit, and make the same foods each year. After a few years of recreating everything, I decided to keep a record of the things we ate and things that I needed to buy. So my notebook is divided up into sections for different holidays throughout the year. I have the menu printed up on one page, followed by a page with my complete grocery list. I have absolutely everything I need on the grocery list just to make sure I don't inadvertently forget something like pepper. Before I go shopping I make a copy of the grocery list, cross off all of the things that I already have, and am ready to head to the store. This in itself saves so much time. After the grocery list page in the notebook, I have a page for each recipe that I will be preparing. Having the recipes all together in one place also saves time by not having to go search for specific recipes that you have no idea where you put them last year. Lastly, I have a page with the seven days prior to the specific holiday listed, and next to each of those days I have scheduled some sort of food preparation activity. Dividing up all of the tasks between the days prior to the holiday cuts down tremendously on last minute preparations. And that's my notebook. This saves me countless hours each year of trying to think what we should have, making up new shopping lists, and deciding what to make when. Just to make it fun, I have also typed up my recipes on cute paper and keep them in plastic sleeves so that the recipes don't get spilled on and torn. There are some spills though that just can't be avoided. I am actually in the process of putting my recipes in a new notebook, because a while back my daughter accidentally dropped an entire bottle of pancake syrup of which a good portion landed right on my notebook. The pages were so sticky, it was impossible to clean up. Thankfully though everything was stored on my computer so it is just a matter of printing them all out once again.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Brownie Mix
Everyone seems to love brownies. I wonder though how many people actually make their brownies from scratch vs. buying a boxed mix in the store. I've never compared the price difference, but I can guess that it is much cheaper to make your own mix at home. I found this recipe for a brownie mix in a publication entitled "The Baking Sheet". It is put out by the King Arthur Flour company in Vermont. One of my sisters told me about this company quite a few years ago, and I have been a fan ever since. In 2004 we took a trip back east, and one of the stops I wanted to make was visiting their facility. It was a perfect place to visit, and lived up to my expectations entirely. They even had a large parking lot where we could park our trailer so my boys could keep entertained while my girls and I got to spend as much time as we wanted in the store.
Back to the gift idea though ... A pretty dish with some freshly baked brownies on it, along with a jar of this brownie mix and the recipes would be a great gift for someone. Or even just a cute tin with the mix in it would also be a cute idea. The nice thing about this mix recipe, is that it gives directions for making it in four different pan sizes, which makes it perfect for a small or large family.
Brownie Mix
4 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3 3/4 cups Dutch-process cocoa
6 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Place all of the ingredients into the bowl of a 5-quart mixer fitted with a paddle. Mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Yield: 12 cups
Mix directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 deg.. Melt butter and stir into the mix. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring until evenly moistened. Stir in the vanilla and any nuts or chips you choose. Spoon into your greased pan and bake for the time indicated.
9 x 5 - inch loaf pan (toaster oven)
1 1/2 cups brownie mix
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 medium or 1 1/2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup each nuts and chips
Bake for 22 to 24 minutes
9-inch square pan
3 cups brownie mix
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup each nuts and chips
Bake for 24 to 26 minutes
9 x 13-inch pan
4 1/4 cups brownie mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup each nuts and chips
Bake for 23 to 25 minutes
13 x 18-inch half-sheet pan
7 cups brownie mix
7 large eggs
1 3/4 cups unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups each nuts and chips
Bake for 27 to 29 minutes
Back to the gift idea though ... A pretty dish with some freshly baked brownies on it, along with a jar of this brownie mix and the recipes would be a great gift for someone. Or even just a cute tin with the mix in it would also be a cute idea. The nice thing about this mix recipe, is that it gives directions for making it in four different pan sizes, which makes it perfect for a small or large family.
Brownie Mix
4 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3 3/4 cups Dutch-process cocoa
6 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Place all of the ingredients into the bowl of a 5-quart mixer fitted with a paddle. Mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Yield: 12 cups
Mix directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 deg.. Melt butter and stir into the mix. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring until evenly moistened. Stir in the vanilla and any nuts or chips you choose. Spoon into your greased pan and bake for the time indicated.
9 x 5 - inch loaf pan (toaster oven)
1 1/2 cups brownie mix
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 medium or 1 1/2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup each nuts and chips
Bake for 22 to 24 minutes
9-inch square pan
3 cups brownie mix
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup each nuts and chips
Bake for 24 to 26 minutes
9 x 13-inch pan
4 1/4 cups brownie mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup each nuts and chips
Bake for 23 to 25 minutes
13 x 18-inch half-sheet pan
7 cups brownie mix
7 large eggs
1 3/4 cups unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups each nuts and chips
Bake for 27 to 29 minutes
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Turkeys
As we approach Thanksgiving Day, grocery stores generally put their frozen turkeys on sale. Currently in our local Safeway store, they are selling turkeys that are over 16 pounds for 27 cents a pound. Think about that for a minute ..... 27 cents a pound! Each year I really look forward to this time of year because it is when I stock up on turkeys for the year. I usually will buy 6. I cook one for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas. The others I will cook throughout the year saving the meat to use in any recipe that calls for cooked chicken. I typically measure out approximately 4 cups of meat and freeze it in quart size baggies. The baggies take up much less space in the freezer than the turkeys themselves, and they are so convenient to grab when needed. It never ceases to amaze me that I can get a huge turkey for around $6.00, and that $6.00 covers the main ingredient in numerous meals for my family.
And while we are talking turkeys, here is a possible gift idea. If you know someone who is newly married or someone just starting out on their own, why not buy a roasting pan and put a turkey baster, box of stuffing, a can of cranberry sauce, can of pumpkin, and your favorite holiday recipes inside of it. You could even include a gift certificate to a grocery store so that they can buy their holiday turkey.
And while we are talking turkeys, here is a possible gift idea. If you know someone who is newly married or someone just starting out on their own, why not buy a roasting pan and put a turkey baster, box of stuffing, a can of cranberry sauce, can of pumpkin, and your favorite holiday recipes inside of it. You could even include a gift certificate to a grocery store so that they can buy their holiday turkey.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Hooray for Christmas
I know that many of you read my sister-in-law's blog, Femina. That means that you have most likely already read her recent post. But just in case you haven't, I encourage you to stop by her blog and read what she has to say about Christmas. It's great!
Freezing Bananas
I have recently been reading through a cookbook that my daughters checked out at the library. It is entitled, "The Sweet Melissa Baking Book". This is an awesome cookbook. In fact I have decided that it is one that I will need to purchase some day to add to my collection. I plan on making a recipe out of it this weekend. It is called "Mom's Banana Apple Bread". It sounds like such a good idea to combine the apples and bananas in a quick bread. At the end of the recipe, the author gives a wonderful tip that I have never thought of before. She says that if your bananas turn black before you are ready to bake with them, you can peel them, puree them, and store them in an airtight plastic container in your freezer. Apparently the bananas will keep a very long time, and just need to be defrosted before using them. This is great news for me because I typically make plans to make banana bread, but then the bananas go bad before I get a chance to actually make the bread. I really don't like having to throw the bananas out, but now I don't have to. In fact the other day I did freeze some. I didn't puree them though, I just mashed them up with a fork like I normally would when I bake with them. And having a store of frozen mashed bananas in my freezer means I can make banana bread at a moment's notice instead of buying bananas and waiting for them to soften up.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Gift Ideas
When I was in junior high and high school, my only source of income was from babysitting. At that time the going rate for babysitting was 50 cents an hour. So it would take me quite some time to save any significant amount of money. When gift giving time came around, I needed to be creative with my gifts to make my money stretch as far as it could. One year I bought my mom a pizza pan and a box of pizza mix to go with it. Another year I spent my lunch hours typing up all of her recipes. I presented them to her for Christmas in a new wooden recipe box that I had placed strawberry decals on. One year everyone received decoupage pictures; and another year, they all got string-art pictures. It makes me chuckle now to think of some of the things that I made, but my heart was in the right place, and everyone was always very gracious in their receiving of the gift, and even hung the string-art pictures on their wall.
I have always liked making gifts, and putting together gift-basket types of gifts, so I thought that in the next couple of weeks I would try and share some gift ideas just in case it might be helpful to anyone trying to think of that perfect something. I will spare you the decoupage and string-art ideas though. Actually one of the string-art pictures still remains. It belonged to my mom and dad, and bless their hearts, they kept it hanging on their living room wall for quite some time. When my mom moved out of their house, and needed to scale down, I somehow ended up with the string-art picture. It currently hangs out in our garage, and literally, whenever I see it, it makes me smile.
Just to get us going, I thought I would expand on the above pizza idea. If you know someone who likes pizza, you could buy a pizza pan, a pizza cutter, a jar of pizza sauce, and place the dry ingredients of your favorite pizza crust in a cute jar along with your favorite pizza recipe or recipes. If you wanted to spend a little more, you could even include a pizza stone. Of course any variation of this gift would work depending on your budget.
And one important note to make as this gift giving time approaches us ... we should go into it with a joyful mindset. Guard yourself against frustrations or just giving someone something to simply cross it off of your list. You are giving them a "gift". Give it out of love and with a thankful heart to God that He has been so gracious to provide you with the means to give to others.
I have always liked making gifts, and putting together gift-basket types of gifts, so I thought that in the next couple of weeks I would try and share some gift ideas just in case it might be helpful to anyone trying to think of that perfect something. I will spare you the decoupage and string-art ideas though. Actually one of the string-art pictures still remains. It belonged to my mom and dad, and bless their hearts, they kept it hanging on their living room wall for quite some time. When my mom moved out of their house, and needed to scale down, I somehow ended up with the string-art picture. It currently hangs out in our garage, and literally, whenever I see it, it makes me smile.
Just to get us going, I thought I would expand on the above pizza idea. If you know someone who likes pizza, you could buy a pizza pan, a pizza cutter, a jar of pizza sauce, and place the dry ingredients of your favorite pizza crust in a cute jar along with your favorite pizza recipe or recipes. If you wanted to spend a little more, you could even include a pizza stone. Of course any variation of this gift would work depending on your budget.
And one important note to make as this gift giving time approaches us ... we should go into it with a joyful mindset. Guard yourself against frustrations or just giving someone something to simply cross it off of your list. You are giving them a "gift". Give it out of love and with a thankful heart to God that He has been so gracious to provide you with the means to give to others.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Dishtowels
Dishtowels are obviously a necessity. They are something that are used so frequently that they do need replacing every now and then. I think they make a perfect gift because no matter whom the recipient might be, they can typically always use a new dishtowel. Personally, I love to get new dishtowels. To place a new dishtowel in my kitchen just seems to make everything look new and chipper.
My dishtowels are categorized into three separate piles. I have the oldest ones that look so pitiful they are only used basically as rags when a bad spill happens or some such event that I really don't mind if the towels should get stained. Then I have my middle-of-the-road towels. They are still good for all intents and purposes, they just aren't as bright and cheerful as they once were. And then I have my good dishtowels. This is made up of my current favorite towels. Their colors are still bright and new looking. In the mornings when I decide which towel to set out for the day, I always reach for this pile first. Sometimes I just take whichever towel is on top; and other days I actually take a moment and decide which one I would like to set out. Recently, when a couple of my good towels made their way to the middle-of-the-road towel pile, I decided to get a couple of new ones. I went with red -- it just seemed the most cheerful at the time.
My dishtowels are categorized into three separate piles. I have the oldest ones that look so pitiful they are only used basically as rags when a bad spill happens or some such event that I really don't mind if the towels should get stained. Then I have my middle-of-the-road towels. They are still good for all intents and purposes, they just aren't as bright and cheerful as they once were. And then I have my good dishtowels. This is made up of my current favorite towels. Their colors are still bright and new looking. In the mornings when I decide which towel to set out for the day, I always reach for this pile first. Sometimes I just take whichever towel is on top; and other days I actually take a moment and decide which one I would like to set out. Recently, when a couple of my good towels made their way to the middle-of-the-road towel pile, I decided to get a couple of new ones. I went with red -- it just seemed the most cheerful at the time.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Apple Pie #3
Over the weekend I tried out another new apple pie recipe. This one intrigued me because of the orange juice used in it. My family thought it was great. The orange juice and nutmeg gave it a very good flavor. It was very juicy though, and I thought that next time I would add some more flour for thickening. And then it dawned on me that the recipe calls for a lattice crust; however, I just used a regular crust on top. In hindsight, I think next time I will use a lattice top crust because that would perhaps allow for the orange juice mixture to evaporate more and thicken up on its own.
This recipe comes from the "Ladies' Home Journal 100 Great Pie & Pastry Recipes" cookbook. I really enjoy looking through this cookbook. There is a recipe in it for a chocolate peanut butter ice cream pie that has 720 calories per slice! Wow - that's a lot!! But it looks so delicious that I plan on making it some day.
Apple Pie #3
Pastry for a two crust pie
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
8 cups Winesap or Rome Beauty apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Preheat oven to 400 deg. F.
For the filling, combine the sugar, orange juice, butter, flour, and nutmeg in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and butter is melted.
Roll out the bottom crust for your pie and place it in your pie plate. Spoon the sliced apples into the pastry. Pour the sugar-orange mixture over the apples.
Prepare a lattice crust with your remaining pastry, and arrange on the top of your pie.
Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 deg. F. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes more or until the apples are tender. Cool pie completely on a wire rack or serve warm.
Enjoy!!
This recipe comes from the "Ladies' Home Journal 100 Great Pie & Pastry Recipes" cookbook. I really enjoy looking through this cookbook. There is a recipe in it for a chocolate peanut butter ice cream pie that has 720 calories per slice! Wow - that's a lot!! But it looks so delicious that I plan on making it some day.
Apple Pie #3
Pastry for a two crust pie
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
8 cups Winesap or Rome Beauty apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Preheat oven to 400 deg. F.
For the filling, combine the sugar, orange juice, butter, flour, and nutmeg in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and butter is melted.
Roll out the bottom crust for your pie and place it in your pie plate. Spoon the sliced apples into the pastry. Pour the sugar-orange mixture over the apples.
Prepare a lattice crust with your remaining pastry, and arrange on the top of your pie.
Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 deg. F. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes more or until the apples are tender. Cool pie completely on a wire rack or serve warm.
Enjoy!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Burp Cloths
I had a request to share how I made the burp cloths in a previous post. I don't have step-by-step pictures to make it an official tutorial, but I will do my best to give you some simple instructions.
1. I used flannel which I pre-washed and dried. You can of course make the burp cloth any size that you would like.
2. I cut the front of mine into a rectangle that was 9 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches. At this point I added the embroidery. You could also applique or add no embellishment at all. Just make sure that your embellishment will be able to withstand multiple washings.
3. Cut strips of flannel 1 1/2 inches wide and sew them to the sides of the front piece, and then to the top and bottom.
4. Cut another piece of flannel the size of the top that now includes the small border strips.
5. Place the pieces right sides together and stitch all around with a 1/4 inch seam allowance leaving a small area open for turning.
6. Trim the seam allowances, clip the corners, and press.
7. Turn the burp cloth right side out and press once again making sure that you turn the seam allowance inside the cloth where you turned it.
8. Edge stitch close to the edge around the entire cloth.
I certainly hope that this makes some sense. If anyone has a question, I am more than happy to answer it.
1. I used flannel which I pre-washed and dried. You can of course make the burp cloth any size that you would like.
2. I cut the front of mine into a rectangle that was 9 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches. At this point I added the embroidery. You could also applique or add no embellishment at all. Just make sure that your embellishment will be able to withstand multiple washings.
3. Cut strips of flannel 1 1/2 inches wide and sew them to the sides of the front piece, and then to the top and bottom.
4. Cut another piece of flannel the size of the top that now includes the small border strips.
5. Place the pieces right sides together and stitch all around with a 1/4 inch seam allowance leaving a small area open for turning.
6. Trim the seam allowances, clip the corners, and press.
7. Turn the burp cloth right side out and press once again making sure that you turn the seam allowance inside the cloth where you turned it.
8. Edge stitch close to the edge around the entire cloth.
I certainly hope that this makes some sense. If anyone has a question, I am more than happy to answer it.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Freezing Fruit Pies
Today I have designated as a "day in the kitchen" for me. I have a surplus of apples that need to be tended to, as well as pears, and the last of the zucchini from my garden. I will be making a lot of applesauce to can, and pies to put in the freezer. Freezing the fruit pies is wonderful because then we can have apple pies for several months to come. How fun is it to plan a spur-of-the-moment apple pie for dessert without having to dirty up your kitchen with all of the preparations usually necessary.
I prepare the pies in the usual manner with a bottom and top crust. If your pies are typically juicy, then you can also add an additional tablespoon of thickener when you put it together. If you are going to freeze the pie, then it is best not to cut a vent in the top of it at this time. However, any observant readers will note that I actually did cut a vent in the picture of my "Apple Pie Number 2" that I posted before I froze it. I just did it out of habit, but don't think it will really make that much of a difference when it comes right down to it. Anyway, you should wrap the pie well, label it, and pop it in the freezer. I actually just pop it directly into a large freezer bag and make sure I get all of the air out of it. 2 gallon plastic storage bags are available at the grocery store in which a pie plate will fit nicely. I also label the baggie with the baking temperature and time since I could never keep track of which recipe was used in which pie. This way I don't have to hunt down the recipe at baking time, it's all right there on the bag.
When the opportunity arises to bake your pie, preheat the oven, unwrap the pie, place it on a cookie sheet, and cut vents in the top crust. Bake the unthawed pie just adding about 15 to 20 minutes to the recommended baking time. I personally have a problem with the edges of my pies getting too brown, so I purchased a couple of round pie shields that I just set right over the edges of my pie while it bakes. You can also use foil around the edges of your pie as well.
If you don't have extra pie plates to fill and freeze, you can also prepare the filling for a pie and put the filling in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, take it out of the freezer while you make the crust, put the filling directly in the crust, and continue as your recipe directs you.
I did mention that this is to be a day in the kitchen for me. I think I had better get busy on making pies myself.
I prepare the pies in the usual manner with a bottom and top crust. If your pies are typically juicy, then you can also add an additional tablespoon of thickener when you put it together. If you are going to freeze the pie, then it is best not to cut a vent in the top of it at this time. However, any observant readers will note that I actually did cut a vent in the picture of my "Apple Pie Number 2" that I posted before I froze it. I just did it out of habit, but don't think it will really make that much of a difference when it comes right down to it. Anyway, you should wrap the pie well, label it, and pop it in the freezer. I actually just pop it directly into a large freezer bag and make sure I get all of the air out of it. 2 gallon plastic storage bags are available at the grocery store in which a pie plate will fit nicely. I also label the baggie with the baking temperature and time since I could never keep track of which recipe was used in which pie. This way I don't have to hunt down the recipe at baking time, it's all right there on the bag.
When the opportunity arises to bake your pie, preheat the oven, unwrap the pie, place it on a cookie sheet, and cut vents in the top crust. Bake the unthawed pie just adding about 15 to 20 minutes to the recommended baking time. I personally have a problem with the edges of my pies getting too brown, so I purchased a couple of round pie shields that I just set right over the edges of my pie while it bakes. You can also use foil around the edges of your pie as well.
If you don't have extra pie plates to fill and freeze, you can also prepare the filling for a pie and put the filling in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, take it out of the freezer while you make the crust, put the filling directly in the crust, and continue as your recipe directs you.
I did mention that this is to be a day in the kitchen for me. I think I had better get busy on making pies myself.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Babies and Burp Cloths
Burp Cloths are a necessity. You just really need something to throw over your shoulder when you are holding a little one. When my kids were babies, I just used a cloth diaper or a small flannel receiving blanket. I guess with being busy taking care of a new baby, the thought never entered my mind to make something cute to use. Recently I made these as a baby gift:
I made them out of flannel and then added some embroidery. As long as babies need to burp on something, it might as well be fun for them to look at. We do need to come up with a more dignified name for them than "burp cloths" though, don't you think? Bleach
Bleach can be a wonderful cleaner. I use it in many ways around my house. Bleach can also be a nuisance though too -- at least for me. If I am planning on using bleach, I literally have to change my clothes into something old; because no matter how careful I try to be, one little tiny drop of bleach always manages to find itself onto someone's favorite shirt or pants. My daughters though brought to my attention a cleaning product that has alleviated some of my problems. Maybe most of you have already heard about it, but it was new to me. It is just a basic all purpose cleaner with bleach. Clorox makes one, but we are currently using WalMart's Great Value brand, and it works just as good. The WalMart brand is literally called "All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach". In fact I have been using it this morning, and as far as I can tell, I haven't ruined my clothes yet. I still just use regular liquid bleach in my washing machine when I am washing my whites. I actually find a great deal of satisfaction seeing my family wearing bright, white, clean socks; and I haven't found a powdered bleach to match the results I achieve with liquid bleach.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Apple Seeds
Seeds amaze me. I have been gardening for years, and each year God's mighty power in a little seed never ceases to amaze me. They are so little, yet they grow into a beautiful plant. I save seeds from flowers, from vegetables, and fruit. I look at all of the seeds in a single flower, and think of how many flowers that could potentially grow from just that one blossom. God's creation is amazing.
Years ago I was the leader of my daughters' Girl Scout troop. I brought apples for each of the girls to the meeting and wanted to teach them how they could start their own apple trees. They ate their apples, and planted the seeds as I had told them. When my daughters' trees started growing, it was very exciting, and the trees grew on their windowsill for a while. I don't remember what happened to their trees, but what I do remember is my son's impression of the whole process. He was only 7 at the time, and of course it was necessary that he come to the meetings with us. He would usually just play with his trucks or keep himself busy somehow during the meetings. But at this particular meeting, he must have been paying attention. When we got home he told me that he would like to plant some apple seeds. So I bought some apples, he ate one, and planted the seeds. Again, it was very exciting when his trees began growing. They grew on his windowsill for a while, but then he wanted to re-pot them. We planted them into a bucket, and the trees moved outside. They grew in the bucket for a long time, and eventually were needing to be transplanted. I gave him a corner in my garden to plant them, and as time went by they grew larger and larger. About four years ago, we transplanted one of the nicest ones into the yard. However, when we got a new puppy she chewed it in half. It is now lovingly referred to as our "apple bush". Each year in the spring I look for blossoms on his trees, and we have never seen any. We have thinned out some of the smaller trees, and there is now one very large apple tree growing in the corner of my garden. This year while I was weeding around it I noticed a very small apple laying on the ground. I looked up and could hardly believe my eyes --- there were real apples growing on the tree! Obviously I just didn't see the few blossoms that must have been growing this spring. We counted 12 apples. The other day my daughter and I picked the apples (at least the ones we could reach). I counted 18 apples growing on the tree. It has taken 13 years for this tree to bear fruit, but God was faithful nonetheless.
In case anyone is interested, it is very easy to grow your own apple tree. All you need is an apple, a small pot of dirt, and apparently about 13 years. After you eat the apple, plant the seeds in the potting soil and water it well. Place the pot in a brown paper bag and keep in a refrigerator for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, water the pot once again and place in a sunny spot. Continue to water it and it should start to peek out of the soil in a short amount of time. And don't forget to write on the outside of the bag what kind of apple it is. We didn't do that, and I have absolutely no idea what kind of apples are growing on our tree.
Years ago I was the leader of my daughters' Girl Scout troop. I brought apples for each of the girls to the meeting and wanted to teach them how they could start their own apple trees. They ate their apples, and planted the seeds as I had told them. When my daughters' trees started growing, it was very exciting, and the trees grew on their windowsill for a while. I don't remember what happened to their trees, but what I do remember is my son's impression of the whole process. He was only 7 at the time, and of course it was necessary that he come to the meetings with us. He would usually just play with his trucks or keep himself busy somehow during the meetings. But at this particular meeting, he must have been paying attention. When we got home he told me that he would like to plant some apple seeds. So I bought some apples, he ate one, and planted the seeds. Again, it was very exciting when his trees began growing. They grew on his windowsill for a while, but then he wanted to re-pot them. We planted them into a bucket, and the trees moved outside. They grew in the bucket for a long time, and eventually were needing to be transplanted. I gave him a corner in my garden to plant them, and as time went by they grew larger and larger. About four years ago, we transplanted one of the nicest ones into the yard. However, when we got a new puppy she chewed it in half. It is now lovingly referred to as our "apple bush". Each year in the spring I look for blossoms on his trees, and we have never seen any. We have thinned out some of the smaller trees, and there is now one very large apple tree growing in the corner of my garden. This year while I was weeding around it I noticed a very small apple laying on the ground. I looked up and could hardly believe my eyes --- there were real apples growing on the tree! Obviously I just didn't see the few blossoms that must have been growing this spring. We counted 12 apples. The other day my daughter and I picked the apples (at least the ones we could reach). I counted 18 apples growing on the tree. It has taken 13 years for this tree to bear fruit, but God was faithful nonetheless.
In case anyone is interested, it is very easy to grow your own apple tree. All you need is an apple, a small pot of dirt, and apparently about 13 years. After you eat the apple, plant the seeds in the potting soil and water it well. Place the pot in a brown paper bag and keep in a refrigerator for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, water the pot once again and place in a sunny spot. Continue to water it and it should start to peek out of the soil in a short amount of time. And don't forget to write on the outside of the bag what kind of apple it is. We didn't do that, and I have absolutely no idea what kind of apples are growing on our tree.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Library
When my kids were very young, I started taking them to the library. They loved wandering up and down the aisles looking at all of the books, and bringing home their quota. I allowed each of them to bring home 10 books because that seemed the easiest way for me to keep track of all of them when they were younger. Whenever I would tell them we would be going to the library, their eyes would light up. It was always something they looked forward to. We still enjoy going to the library. I took my youngest daughter yesterday, and she brought home a bag literally filled to the brim with books. I personally always head for the cookbook shelves. I find so much enjoyment looking at and reading cookbooks. There is such a huge variety of cookbooks there that I always find something new to bring home. Another advantage is that you don't have to spend a lot of money on a cookbook that you may only make one or two recipes out of. So if you are wanting to get some new recipes, or just try some different types of foods, check out the cookbook section at your library. You will be amazed at the variety they have to offer.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Mondays
I really like Mondays. It is the start of a new week wherein I hope to get so much accomplished. I typically make out a list for the day, which of course has enough tasks on it to need two weeks to truly accomplish; but nevertheless, I continue to make out my list. I always wake up on Monday morning with new energy and hope that I will be very productive this week with all of my tasks whether they be making lesson plans, cooking, sewing, cleaning, or menu planning. But most of all I rejoice in thinking of the many blessings that I have to look forward to and be thankful for in the coming week. Isn't it wonderful that God is so faithful that we can start a week knowing for a fact that our week will be filled with His wonderful blessings.
"I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:1-3
"I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:1-3
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Rotary Cutters
When I first became interested in quilting, I was introduced to rotary cutters. I took a special class on how to use them, and actually have never hurt myself with it, which is an amazing thing in itself. I bought my cutter probably about 18 years ago, and have even managed to change the blade a few times since then. At that time there was only one model available. Now there seem to be several different brands and types on the market. Recently when I was cutting out some fabric, I thought that perhaps I might like to look into updating mine. So when I attended the Quilt Show a couple of weeks ago, this really caught my eye:
I was able to give it a try, and liked it immediately. Some of the advantages that I like are the way that you hold onto it (it seems to be much more comfortable than my old one); the easy way of opening the safety cover over the blade (you just give it a roll on your cutting mat, and it opens by itself); when changing the blade you just have to unscrew one little knob and pop the new blade one (no more wondering in what order to put back all of the extra pieces that seem to fall off on the old ones -- at least that always left me wondering); a model is made for both left and right handed people; and boy does it glide through the fabric (of course that could have a lot to do with the fact that the blade is actually sharp, in contrast to me trying to get as much mileage out of my old blades as I possibly could). There were other colors, but I favored the red one. Here is another view of it:
I was able to give it a try, and liked it immediately. Some of the advantages that I like are the way that you hold onto it (it seems to be much more comfortable than my old one); the easy way of opening the safety cover over the blade (you just give it a roll on your cutting mat, and it opens by itself); when changing the blade you just have to unscrew one little knob and pop the new blade one (no more wondering in what order to put back all of the extra pieces that seem to fall off on the old ones -- at least that always left me wondering); a model is made for both left and right handed people; and boy does it glide through the fabric (of course that could have a lot to do with the fact that the blade is actually sharp, in contrast to me trying to get as much mileage out of my old blades as I possibly could). There were other colors, but I favored the red one. Here is another view of it:
And this is how you hold it:
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Mexican Rice
The majority of the time when I make tacos or fajitas, I like to serve a Mexican style rice with them. For years I bought the little boxes of it in the grocery store; and I think every time after we had finished dinner, I knew that I needed to find a good recipe for it because the boxes were just never that great. And then about a year ago I stumbled onto the http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com website. It was here that I found the following that is now a permanent fixture in my recipe box. I have altered the recipe ever so slightly. If you want to see it in its original form from the source, you need to look for the recipe entitled "Army Man Rice".
Mexican Rice
2 T. oil
1 cup long grain white rice
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. each oregano, cumin, & garlic powder
1 T. dry onion
Dash red pepper (optional)
8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 cups water
Heat the oil in a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir until it begins to brown. Add the seasonings, tomato sauce, and water. Stir and bring to a boil. Once it begins to boil, place a cover on the pan, and reduce the heat to very low. Cook for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Mexican Rice
2 T. oil
1 cup long grain white rice
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. each oregano, cumin, & garlic powder
1 T. dry onion
Dash red pepper (optional)
8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 cups water
Heat the oil in a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir until it begins to brown. Add the seasonings, tomato sauce, and water. Stir and bring to a boil. Once it begins to boil, place a cover on the pan, and reduce the heat to very low. Cook for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
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