"Borrowed" Ideas

In the weeks before Christmas I went to several craft shows. While I saw a lot of neat things, I kept having the same thought, "I could make that!" So instead of just talking about it, I actually did try out some of the things. Candles and gift tags. Both were fun to make.

The Candles were a based on ones I saw that were made from vintage tiny planters and egg nog mugs. I found these containers in my cupboards, and were able to personalize the gifts I gave. The candle making itself was actually pretty easy. I used 100% soy wax, and some scented oils I had at home. I need to tweak the scenting process for the next go around.
The gift tags were also personalized. Just with a little wrapping paper, glue and a typewriter, these tags were a nice addition to the gifts.

Comeback

I've decided to really give this blogging thing a try. I have decided recently that there is a whole world of bloggers out there with some really cool ideas. (Yes, I know that I'm a bit late on this one) I would like to throw some of my ideas and projects I'm working on out there into this world too. Both to share what I'm up to and to get ideas from other people. I'm interested in all types of things. Food, sewing, knitting, and random crafting. The posts in the past were about food, but I'm going to be adding the other crafts I've been working on too. So here goes...

If last year was the year of the weddings, then this year is the year of the babies. For my friend Chasse last year I made burping blankets. They were a really easy and cute gift to make. I found a very cute fabric at the local fabric store "Bolt" here in portland and used a soft flannel on the other side. I'm planning on making more of these for my two friends having babies next spring.

a healthier paula

This morning I tried my hand at banana muffins. I noticed the bananas I had on my counter were on their last leg, and I need to do move quickly. I looked at a few recipes that I have used in the past for banana bread, but thought I would try something new. I found a Paula Deen recipe for Banana Coffee Muffins on the food network's website. I read a few reviews, and their suggestions on how to make it healthier. I combined a few different tips and came up with a super tasty and moist muffin.
I used 1c. oats and 1/2 flour instead of solely flour, and used both kahlua and brewed coffee rather than just coffee. I also used less sugar and butter, but they turned out awesome. Definitely recommend the recipe (with the changes I made:)

original recipe: www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/michaels-banana-coffee-muffins-recipe/index.html

A better chip

Last night I tried my hand at Potato Chips. Though it may have been the wrong night to have the oven going for hours on end, maybe next time I will pick a day when it is not 95 degrees outside:)
I found a simple enough sounding recipe for a baked potato chip. I used both red and yukon gold potatoes. To get them thin enough I tried a couple of different methods out including two different types of mandolins. In the end I found that it was easiest to use the attachment on the cuisinart to cut thin & even slices. I placed the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment and baked at 300 for about 50mins. It was a little difficult to make sure they didn't burn and all turned out cripsy enough. I sprinked them with salt and pepper before I baked them. I have tried a few...and they are a definite success!

the goods

The cobbler
The Jam
Original State:)

The plan

Alright, the plan for this blog is to follow my attempt to make, bake, pickle, and cure all of the food that I possible can. It is part in an attempt to try out new recipes, and also to try to know exactly what is in my food. There are a few exceptions that I am going to make, including beer and booze (though I will try to infuse my own). Since I live in a small apartment I will be buying my fruits, vegetables, and meats, but I am going to try to only get them at the farmer's market (when available).

First try:
After a trip to Sauvie Island last week to pick over 5lbs. of raspberries, I made jam and a cobbler. The jam recipes was the easier I had ever seen. All you do is take 1c. of raspberries and 1c. of sugar and place each in an baking dish. Spread them out and bake at 350 for about 20 mins. Take them out of the oven and pour the sugar on top of the raspberries. They make a sort of mini-explosion and melt into a beautiful jam. Put that into a jar, cool and enjoy. (I got this recipe from Nigella Lawson's cookbook) The cobbler recipe was from "The Martha Stewart Cookbook."