Sunday Scripture...

John 14:26-27

 

I Promised Recipes Today...

 

I promised I'd share more recipes today, so here they are... 

 

EASY MAPLE NUT FUDGE

 

3 cups white chocolate chips

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp maple extract

1-1/4 c chopped nuts

pinch of sea salt *

            1. Spray an 8" x 8" pan with non-stick spray. I just lined my pan with parchment paper.
            2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
            3. Remove from heat. Stir in maple extract and nuts. (I used pecans or hickory nuts  in mine,

                but use whatever you like. I bet cashews would be tasty, too!)
            4. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle with more nuts and a pinch of sea salt (if desired)

                and gently press into the fudge.
            5. Refrigerate for at least two hours. Lift parchment with fudge out of pan and cut into desired size.

Enjoy! 

 

HOMEMADE BROWNIE MIX 

                        Ingredients:

                        3 c flour

                        6 c sugar

                        2 c unsweetened cocoa powder

                        2 t. sea salt

                        2 t. baking powder

                        Directions:

                        Preheat oven to 350º F. and grease an 8" x 8" or 9" x 9" baking pan.

 

                        Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in a cool, dark location

                        (pantry).

                        To Make Brownies:

                        In a large bowl, mix 2 1/4 c. brownie mix with 1/2 c melted butter, 2 eggs and 1 tsp of 

                        vanilla extract. Mix until batter is smooth. You can add chips, peanut butter or nuts at this

                        point, if you'd like.

                        Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-30 minutes (depending on your oven),

                        or until toothpick comes out clean.

 

    Enjoy! 

 

 

BULK MUFFIN MIX

 

4 1/2 c. a/p flour

2 1/4 c. granulated sugar

2 Tbsp. baking powder

3/4 t. salt

 

Mix well and store in an airtight container.

 

When you're ready to make muffins, measure 2-1/2 c. mix, 1/3 c. melted butter or oil, 3/4 c. milk, 1 egg, and 1-1/2 c. of your favorite berries. Blend all ingredients together and spoon into greased muffin tins 

(or muffin papers). Bake at 375º for 25 minutes or until fully baked and lightly browned. Enjoy!!

If you want to package the brownie mix in individual batches like I did (2 1/4 cup of mix per jar), 

click on my original blog post for the link to the jars I used. Just click HERE to go to that post.

 

 

LIKE "JIFFY" CORNBREAD MIX

 

For each batch of cornbread mix:

2/3 c. a/p flour

1/2 c. yellow cornmeal

3 Tbsp granulated sugar

1 Tbsp baking powder

 

Mix together and store in pint size jars in a cool, dry place.

 

If you're making cornbread or corn muffins, add:

2 Tbsp oil, 1/3 c. milk and 1 egg

Blend until just mixed. Don't overmix.

Bake at 350º until golden brown and toothpick comes clean.

Enjoy!

 

 

HOT COCOA MIX

1 20 oz box of Instant Milk

1 2# box of Nestles Quick Mix

1 16 oz. jar of Coffee Creamer 

2 1/2 c. Powdered Sugar

1 - 1/2 c. Hershey's Unsweetened Cocoa

Mix well and store in an airtight container.

Note: I always add about a cup more coffee creamer to make it creamier.

To make cocoa, boil hot water (or milk) and add 3 heaping tablespoons per mug.

I packaged my gifts into wide mouth quart size jars, adding mini marshmallows 

either into the mix or on top of it once I had the mix in the jars.

                   

 

 

Herb Cheese Spread

 Yield: about  1 1/2 c. spread

(This tastes almost identical to Alouette™ Herb Cheese Spread)

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. butter, softened

1-1/2 Tbsp. milk

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. ground savory

1/8 tsp ground oregano

1/8 tsp dried dill weed

1/8 tsp. dried basil leaves

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

 

                            In a small gowl, beat all ingredients with an electric mixer until well blended. 

                            Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Can add a bit more to make it 

                            creamier, or let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften.

                            Serve with crackers, vegetables, or even over hot pasta.

Enjoy!

                    

On the left are the goldfish crackers I made. I'm not going to share the recipe for those at this time, because I'm not happy with the texture after a day or so. They're not very crispy at all, so I'm going to play with the technique a bit before I share (or write off the recipe).

The Kitty Litter Bites were simple this time. I put about 2 c. of quick Quaker Oatmeal into a food processor and ground it into a flour consistency. Then I mixed that with enough unsweetened applesauce for the mixture to hold together. I added a little more oatmeal just to give them more texture. Drop by small spoonfuls onto parchment paper and bake at 300º until crispy brown, but not burned. If they're too moist, they'll mold in the container. You want to make sure they're completely dry when you take them out of the oven. The dogs will love them! 

Hope you'll add these recipes to your arsenal for year round gift-giving occasions. I made the brownie, muffin, and cornbread mixed to stock my own pantry, too, rather than buy prepackaged mixes with all the "extra" additives. Fresher always tastes better, and I don't have to run out to the store when I want to make those things.  

Whew! That was a lot. I hope you'll try a recipe or two and let me know what you think. See you again tomorrow.

Number Thirty Nine...

 

Every year for one day, I can (figuratively) don my wedding gown to commemorate our wedding anniversary. We looked so young! Actually I had just turned thirty and Handsome would turn 41 the following week.

We were married in the home we bought the year before, and after exchanging our vows, we took photographs and then went to the other side of town to share a meal with the twenty eight people who had been at the ceremony. 

 

About an hour later, the jazz band we hired came in and set up to entertain us and two hundred fifty of our dear friends and family. We had a ball, and we were the very last two people to leave the venue, having said goodnight to each of our guests as they left. It was a party that still brings smiles to our faces all these years later.

 

Two days later, we boarded a plane for two weeks' honeymoon in Grand Cayman, British West Indies. It was a perfect getaway, but about ten days in, we were missing our Labrador (Morgan 1), and Handsome's boys. At the end of our two weeks, we came home, tan and rested - ready to begin our life together as husband and wife. 

 

For better or worse; in sickness and in health; in sadness and joy...we have kept our word to be together through it all. My dress hasn't fit me for a long time, but Handsome has been the best decision I ever made. He's my perfect fit. We really are soul mates.

We're looking forward to a special dinner tonight, and we'll revisit some sweet, old memories as we make new ones. I'm so glad you're here to share in our celebration.

Tuesdays (ahem) Thursday With Tag - Yes. I'm Still Here...

 

 

Well, there you are!

 

Terribly sorry I wasn't here on Tuesday. Take it up with the "boss of the blog" when you get a chance. She forgot to turn on the computer so I could put up my post on my day. She actually startled the dickens out of me when she came runnin' into the livin' room all apologetic and all for just plum forgetin' me. Nice. Real nice.

 

She goes about her daily business, occasionally stoppin' to pet me or some tiny show of affection, but when it comes to rememberin' the big stuff - well, a guy has to wonder where she keeps her head sometimes. Don't worry. I'm not gonna make you guess.

 

She did tell me that she's gonna make another appointment for me to see Miss Joy for a heavy groomin'. This weather has my coat all screwed up. I mean, just look how blurry I am in these pictures. That's not camera movement. That's the lens havin' a hard time knowin' where to focus! Mom's no fan of Corgi shavin', but she said I look like a sheep overdue for a shearin'. Yikes! Bald is definitely on my agenda.

 

We all had a nice Christmas together, and Mom even gave us my favorite Kitty Litter Bites again. She's gonna have to make another batch for our other dogs, (Grandson's dog) Hudson and (Granddaughters' dog) Lulu. The three of us here are enjoyin' the heck out of 'em. 

Mom was gone for quite a while yesterday, 'cuz she spent the day paintin', but the nice part was that when she got back home, we all piled into Dad's truck and went for dinner. The paintin' pooped her out, so she didn't even want to think about cookin'.

We didn't mind either, I mean - truck ride! There are usually a few leftover schnibbles for snacks for us, too, which is bonus.

So anyway, I don't have any news or anythin', but I really just wanted to say goodbye before the end of the year. Next time we see each other, it will be a new year! 2024 is just around the corner. Are ya ready for it? We are!!!

I'll see you again next Tuesday. 'til then... 

Smooches!

Today I Paint...

I spoke with our carpenter yesterday and he told me that our cabinets are built and the doors have arrived! That means it's time for me to paint. He knew we'd be painting these cabinets, so he choose his wood accordingly (no oak or maple will be harmed in this process).

I've chosen "London" All-In-One Paint, which is a gray-green from Heirloom Traditions. This is the same color I chose for our cabinets in the main kitchen. This paint is awesome, and really stands up to daily use. If you're interested in checking out all their available colors and products, you can click on their company name above. (I'm not getting any compensation for mentioning or linking to them.)

Once these are installed, Handsome and I will decide whether or not I paint the lower cabinets all the way around the pantry. We'll see how the darker color affects the light and mood of the room first.

No time to waste today. I told him I'd be there by 10 am, and I have to take care of the barn girls and help with the doggers first. I promise I'll snap a few pictures while I'm working so I can give you a little peek at the cabinetry by Saturday. I'll see you tomorrow Friday!

OH, MY GOSH!!! I just realized that Tag didn't get his two-cents worth in this week. I'll make sure he gets to post tomorrow. Sorry, Tag. My bad. 

 

 

No Stitching for Me...

 

...at least not yesterday. About the time I was preparing to sit down and settle in with a bit of needlework, I developed an ocular migraine. They're not painful (usually), but the shimmering right in my line of vision is annoying as all get-out.

Usually, it disappears after about twenty minutes, but not this time. It went away and came back three times, so I finally said "uncle" and, following Handsome's suggestion, went to bed. By the time I got upstairs, I had an accompanying dull ache, so two Tylenol, a change of clothes and I was done for the day. My post is late, because I didn't even get that accomplished on time. Sorry. 

My day will be light duty today. I'm going to take it easy, and just concentrate on getting out our Christmas cards. If I'm up to it, I may stitch later.

 

Homemade Maple Nut Fudge

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We were on our own this year, as each of our son's families had someone sick. We opted to avoid inviting illness, so we'll gather with them when everyone is healthy again. Instead, I baked, made a few gifting goodies and watched movies with my guy. It was really nice, actually.

Homemade Brownie, Cornbread & Muffin Mixes, and Hot Cocoa Mix

•••••This post contains my affiliate links, and I may receive commissions on sales•••••

 

I purchased THESE empty plastic jars and seals to mix up homemade batches of brownies, cornbread and basic muffin mix (choose the berry of choice when mixing), as well as our homemade hot cocoa mix (link to cocoa recipe in top menu bar) with marshmallows. These are 22 oz jars, but I'm also going to get THESE 10 ounce jars for other mixes.

I also made people (homemade goldfish crackers on the left) and dog treats (my ol' standby "Kitty Litter Bites") on the right. This years' kitty litter bites only have oatmeal flour and applesauce, and the dogs all love them just the same. 

This is the label that I tie on the packages when we share them with dog friends. This year, our kid's dogs, Hudson and Lulu will again be the recipients.

 

I made a savory Garlic and Herb spread that's a dead ringer for Alouette's Garlic and Herb spread. It costs about the same as their spread, however it makes almost three times more from my recipe. Just a little light snack before dinner.

The perfect amount for two...a beef rib roast (1 rib to share), and a small gratin of potatoes, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.

I didn't forget the barn ladies, either. They got a day of cuddles and snuggles from me...along with some of their favorite treats.

I'll be tying up some loose ends today, scheduling a trip to our carpenter's to paint the pantry cabinets before he installs them next week. I'll also check in with the subs (plumber and electrician) to make sure we're on track with them, too. Lastly, I'll take another shot at stitching this afternoon. I'll share more with you tomorrow.

Happy Boxing Day!!

Merry Christmas...

 

 From Our Family To Yours,

All the best this Christmas

Donna & Handsome

Tag, Bella & Carly

(and Claudette & Crystal, too!)

Sunday Scripture...

Luke 2:8-14 (Web Image)

 

Grandson's Jammies...

 

More soft, cozy jammies. This time flannel for grandson. Handsome thinks they're outstanding. Good thing I purchased plenty to make a pair for him, too! (mum's the word)

I purchased a black, knit Henley for him to wear with these, in case he's cold or needs to be covered (dorm room). It's actually easier and less expensive than if I make it for him. I've done that it the past, but it's more frugal to purchase the tops for him now. Plus that style shirt can be worn during the day with jeans, too. It's not just suitable for pajamas.

I haven't decided whether today will be for painting cabinets or baking. I'll make a call up to our carpenter's house to see if the heat is on in his workshop so I can wield a brush. If he's not going to be home, I'll bake.

Happy Christmas Eve Weekend!

 

Sneak Peek...

 

While I can't share photos of finished Grammie's Jammies yet, I can give you a peek at two of the three fabrics I'm using. These are the sweetest, softest cottons to become the most lovely jammies. I think the young ladies will like them. What do you think?

Grandson's jammies are complete, so I'll photograph that fabric some time today to share with you, too. His are soft, warm flannel. I'm thinking I'll be making some for Handsome with the perfect-sized remainder.

More sewing today. Coffee, then a deep breath as I'll keep my head down today to finish them up. Lazy elves. lol

This Is How We Do It...

Dogs on sheet-covered furniture; mama in her sweats with a lovely wool coverlet, reading her latest issue of Cooks Illustrated; Handsome taking a snapshot in time. Winter in Wisconsin, sans snow. 

We ran errands together, accomplishing much, including tiring me out. We got home with carry-out (lazy woman's dinner) in hand. After taking care of dogs, cats and our own rumbling tummies, my knee was done in and so was I. Nothing further accomplished for the day, but rest. Today will be a different story altogether. 

The Tree Is Up...

 

Our tree is up and decorated. I love it! This is the artificial tree I purchased the year Handsome left before Thanksgiving to make music in Florida. He was coming home for Christmas, so I wanted to decorate "over the top" for his arrival. 

I got busy, putting up lights outdoors; setting out all our vintage family pieces around the house; and decorating this 9' tree with all our cherished ornaments. He loved coming home to Christmas lights all over our property. 

The tree skirt was my first actual quilting project. I took a class at a local quilt shop (now long-gone). It turns out, I was the only student and Mom Grace was my teacher. I worked hard and made it that same day, so we call it my one day tree skirt. I fondly remember that day spent with Mom each year when I take it out to place under our tree.

I'm still working on jammies and other projects, too. I have to run to town first thing for a few bits and bobs I need at Joann's (I know. I can hardly believe it either.), and then I'll be in the studio. I guess I'll grab my morning cuppa, and then I'm off to the races. "Ladies, start your engines!" giggle See you tomorrow.

Tuesdays With Tag - Merry Christmas!...

 Hi, Everybody!

It's that time of year again. Time to don the old red bowtie and wish you all a Merry Christmas!

I know I was just a puppersnapper when this picture was taken, but it's seriously Mom's favorite, so we roll it out year after year to share with you again. I have to say I'm pretty fond of this one, too. Don't I look like a kid?

Christmas will be here before my next Tuesday post, so I figured it was as good a time as any to spread a little holiday cheer. Mom's busy gettin' presents made for the grands, and it's just a bustle of activity around here. I'm sure you're gettin' in the spirit, too, so I want to share somethin' we came across this week that's just the ticket...

I'd like to say these aren't all accurate, but they actually are. Well, except that the original #1 says "Queen", and we all know better, right? This image is a print from a shop called Lavender and Sea on Etsy. If you're so inclined, HERE'S the link to buy a copy from the shop. It's important to give credit where it's due.

I know Mom is gonna put up our Christmas card later this week, so don't feel bad that Boo and The Kid aren't pictured here. They'll be along soon.

So, consider this a big, wonderful smooch from me to you.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Sunday With Friends...

Yesterday was Linda's family's Christmas party. Adrienne and Joe were hosts and all the brothers, sisters, in-laws, kiddos, and I were in attendance. Everyone brought a dish for the buffet, and no one left hungry. One of Marie's sons played his guitar and sang, football games were on televisions in two rooms for the guys, and the ladies mostly sat in the kitchen and caught up. It was just what I needed.

Before I left, we took the annual photograph of my best friend since I first met her in 1976 (Linda); her daughter, Marie; Marie's daughter, Adrienne; and Adrienne's daughter, Belle, and then me. How I love that we're able to chronicle our friendship each year (again) since Handsome and I returned to Wisconsin. I really missed Linda, and she tells me whenever we're together how much she loves that we spend our monthly craft days (and more) together. I am, too.

It was a truly wonderful Sunday to spend with beloved friends. Thankfully, the weather cooperated for my travel - considering it's about an hour and a half each way, -and I was back home and settled in just after dark. Another Portage Christmas party on the books for now. Ho. Ho. Ho!

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 40:31

 

How We Spent Friday...

You're probably sick of seeing photos of our pantry, but there's a reason I'm sharing it again today. We're planning a small remodel in here to begin after the first of the year. 

Study this image a bit and you'll notice a sink up here on the left side. It's in a corner. There's a doorway coming into this pantry, so the wall is just a little deeper than the cabinets. The counter is the standard 33" height. Then, it steps down to 24". It was great for canning because I could lift the jars out of my electric canner a bit easier, but I have two "wants".

Number One "Want" is to have the sink in front of the window. Number Two "Want" is to have the counters all set at 39" as Handsome and I are both tall and it would be much more comfortable for us. We had done this in the home we built before moving to Florida and loved it.

So, here's a bit of the plan...the cabinets are already custom-built by the carpenter (artist, really) who was lead carpenter on the home we built over twenty five years ago. He's retired now and lives about five minutes from us. Where the sink is now will be my baking cabinet, with an overhead that was part of the set we installed near the range in the kitchen. There will be a drawer unit where the opening is, plus part of the current drawer area, then a 36" sink base centered on the window, and a smaller 18" pull out next to that for dog food containers. The very last cabinet in the current photo (before you get to the end cabinets) will stay in place. That way we don't have to modify those original end cabinets so we can still open the doors on the uppers.

Here's a better shot of the sink corner. We also bought that great little countertop dishwasher that sits where the coffee pot is in this photo. That will go to the right of the sink in the new installation.

We went yesterday to choose a sink (stainless steel) and faucet, and then we went to look at countertops. We planned to go either with a marble-look formica or the same hickory we have in the kitchen. Then I saw a quartz counter that I fell in love with. Handsome and I are currently negotiating, as there's a significant difference in cost between the three options. I think he's drawn to hickory - and I obviously love that option, too. I'll leave our ultimate decision for the final reveal.

I've chosen to paint the base cabinets to match the gray/green cabinets in the kitchen, and the overhead will remain the fruitwood stain with no additional paint. I have a few more things to do prior to the tear out, but none of that will happen until after Christmas or New Years. Then it will be a flurry of activity to get it all done so I'm not without a sink in the kitchen for too long. Isn't this exciting?

Needless to say, I didn't get my sewing done, so I'm going to be in the studio today...and likely early next week to finish. I have a Christmas party to attend in Portage on Sunday, so there won't be any studio time. It's always a busy time of year for me! I'm working on a few other surprises for the new year. Those are going to have to wait to share but I promise it won't be long.

Yup. It Happened...

This was supposed to be a completed scissors fob froggie. You'll notice the cord I so carefully secured to this sparkly guy is nowhere to be seen. It seems in my careful attention to cutting around the backing for this one, for just one moment I lost track of that cording...and accidentally cut it.

It's a good thing you weren't in the studio with me. It might have changed your opinion of how sweet and ladylike I am (yeah, right!). You'll be happy to know I didn't actually curse, but a lot of naughty thoughts went through my head, and I may have stamped my feet. 

I'd secured the base of the cord - as well as the beautiful gold backing - so well that I would have destroyed all my goldwork if I'd tried to remove it to add a new cord. I was the true embodiment of crestfallen. 

I went to my list of future frog recipients to see if anyone else had asked for a frog just to stand in a place of prominence in a new pond, and found that there are only requests for fobs and brooches remaining, so this wee boy will be staying with me. Perhaps I'll add him to my koi pond. Perhaps I will just place him with my other goldwork creations. I haven't really decided. 

What I do know is that I'll begin a new frog to make for the person who was meant to have this one, but I won't start it until after all our Christmas projects are completed. I'd go lie down and pout, but there's no time. Lots to accomplish before I can lollygag about again. I can't wait to share the gifts I have in mind. See you tomorrow!

First Flower Of The Month Strawberry Sachet...

It's completed, and newly listed in my Etsy shop...the very first, Limited Edition Strawberry Sachet - Flower of the Month "December-Poinsettia". HERE'S the link to my shop listing.

I've decided that I'll only create three of each month to make available for purchase each month. January will be available the first week in February, and each subsequent design will be available the following month. Of course, because of the inherent nature of handcrafted, no two will be exactly alike within the months. 

This one is especially dear to my heart because 1) it's my own birth month, 2) there are a number of people dear to me who also celebrate this month, including our grandson and Goddaughter/niece, and 3) this is the month Handsome and I were married. I know I'll make an extra one of these for myself after the holidays. If you're on Facebook or Instagram, you can see a little video I shared of the actual piece. HERE'S the Instagram link. PS. Yes, I did choose the green leaves!!

Now that this one is finished, it's time for me to turn my thoughts to Grammie's Jammies. I'll be preparing the fabric for them beginning tomorrow. At least it's not last minute as I've managed to do more than a few times in the past. I'll have these done by the weekend, so I can work on a few other Christmas gifts. Those might end up being last minute. sigh

I hope you're all enjoying the holiday season...hot cocoa with marshmallows, a comfy sweater to keep you warm, twinkling lights on the tree, and someone you love to share it with. I'm heading up to the studio now, but I'll see you again tomorrow. 'Tis the season!