White Chocolate-Peanut Butter Crunch

8 (2 oz) vanilla bark coating squares
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups dry-roasted peanuts

Microwave bark coating in a large glass bowl at HIGH 2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Stir in marchmallows, cereal, and peanuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let stand 15 minutes or until firm. Store in airtight containers.
Yield 1 3/4 lb

Special Santa Globe

This globe was my grandmas and I was given it when she passed away. I leave it out year round. She was a woman who loved Christmas too.

CUTE fabric giveaway

Such cute fabric up for a give away!



At http://lovelylittlehandmades.blogspot.com

Santa Ornament

I received this ornament in a swap also. I LOVE it. It is painted on canvas.

Roasted Cauliflower

2 heads cauliflower cut into flowerets
2 red onions quartered
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

toss cauliflower with other ingredients in a large bowl, spread evenly in a large roasting pan. Cover and bake at 425, stirring occasionally. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden.
Makes 8-10 servings.

CIJ Giveaway has a couple more days

Under my July 1st posting.

Santa Ornament

I purchased it at a craft show. I think I ran across the pattern somewhere and printed it! (that too, would be somewhere)

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (9.7 ounce) box bittersweet chocolate melted and cooled
3 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate melted and cooked
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese on medium high speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add melted chocolates, beating until combined. Gradually add powder sugar beating until smooth. Add vanilla, beating until combined. Use frosting immediately.

Nativity Ornament

I purchased this in a craft store. Would love to find the pattern.

Salsa

My friend gave me this recipe 3 or 4 years ago and we made some last night. Seemed to have good taste but it is juicy. Will do more and drain off some juice I guess. We got 11 1/2 pints. Will be good for chili, with the juice.

10 lbs Tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
3 bell peppers
4 jalapenos
4 medium onions
3/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons pickling salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1/2 cup sugar
Mix and boil 3/4 hour. Use egg beater or hand mixer to break up tomatoes better. Put into jars and boil 15 minutes.
For hot salsa use 4 bell peppers
6 jalapenos
can add some chilies

Tex-Mix add black beans drained and sweet corn.


She had a note to wear gloves for peppers. I put mine in a chopper.

Will really try it tonight and see if we want to do more for Christmas gifts or just to use here.

Satin Slipper Pie

I have not tried this yet.

20 marshmallows
1/2 cup milk
6 1.55 ounce milk chocolate candy bars
1 cup whipping cream
9" pie crust baked
Garnish: toasted almonds

Combine marshmallows, milk and chocolate in a saucepan, heat until melted. Set aside to cool. Whip cream until stiff peaks form, fold into mixture. Pour into pie crust chill, chill until firm. Garnish with toasted almonds.
Serves 6 to 8.

Snowman ornament

Received this ornament in a HGTV snowman ornament swap, few years back. Great painting done by Tammy.

My favorite

There was 7 babies, one died and then one got ran over so down to 5. I think Jaymee has 2 given away. I love this one but I am not keeping any. We will stay have 4. Might get rid of one of them so will have 3. 12 at the moment but they several are given away. Waiting for people to get back from vacations to deliver.

I love the markings on this one. There is one that is all black with white feet and alittle white on face. All have blue eyes.

Can enlarge.

Don't you love hummers

Since Saturday we have been getting about 10 hummers at the feeder at once. Of course trying to snap a picture they were going to 2 other feeders besides this one. We were getting 5 at a time for most the summer.

Baby Jesus

I purchased this ornament at a craft show several years back.

Congo Bars

1 cup margarine, melted
2 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups self rising flour
12 ounce package semi sweet chocolate chips

Mix margarine and brown sugar together, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Slowly stir in flour and chocolate chips. Spread into a greased 13X9 baking pan. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes, cool completely before cutting into bars. Makes 2 dozen.

Slipcovers

The gray thing is a weight thingy we use at work so work doesn't fly around and the other cover had seen better days so I brought it home cut it open, DH rewrapped it with new plastic and then duct tape and I got 3 seasonal covers made.(summer, fall and Halloween) Still have more to go.

Alittle pampering

My last activity before bed last night.

My Sunday Afternoon Spent Doing.....

Allen picked about 7 1/2 gallons of green beans and we got 30 pints and 3 quarts. Had one pint break in the canner.

Criss Cross Coaster Instructions are at......

If you are interested in the instructions on how to make these I was given this site last year:

http://allsorts.typepad.com/

On the November 21, 2006 post

Another ornament from a swap

I received this lovely ornament from Debbie (we have been in many swaps together). I just love it. The picture does not do it justice. She said it was recycling pieces. Wish I had some of the pieces to make some of the ornaments.

Not Your Usual Party Mix

17.5 package crispy rice cereal squares
6 ounce package goldfish-shaped crackers
12 ounce package oyster crackers
10.5 ounce package mini cheese-filled sandwich crackers
15 ounce package mini pretzel twists
16 ounce package peanuts
12 ounce bottle butter flavored popcorn oil
1 ounce package ranch style salad dressing mix

Combine cereal, crackers, pretzels, and nuts in a large mixing bowl (or try it in a brown grocery sack). Combine oil and salad dressing mix in a small bowl, toss with cracker mixture until evenly coated. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 20 servings.

Criss Cross Coasters

I saw this pattern about 9 months ago or so and finally tied one this afternoon. It was so easy and fun. I did a 6" with batting. Thinking with the big mugs of hot chocolate or soup. Would love to do some more tonight. Maybe 8" for potholders.

A couple minor things I will remember for next time. The material you put down on the bottom gets turned inside (so my lighter ended up on the bottom. One solid piece.) And the material when laid on the block gets the raw edge turned to the outside. I have one piece that I have to the inside.

That is why you have a practice run. I have a new coaster for the craft room now.

Better picture

Coaster

Here is the triangle one I received last year in a swap.

Can enlarge.

Cherry Speckles

3 egg whites
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 Tablespoons cherry gelatin mix
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Use an electric mixer to beat egg whites and salt in a glass mixing bowl until foamy, set aside. Mix gelatin and sugar together, gradually add to egg white mixture and beat until peaks form. Stir in vinegar, fold in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls close together on aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 250 degrees for 25 minutes: turn oven off and leave in oven 20 additional minutes. Makes about one pound.

Try raspberry gelatin also.

Swap ornament from the past

I have joined homemade Christmas ornament swaps since '01 or '02. I received this one from the first one I joined and I LOVE it. I would love to try it but I do not consider myself a painter.

Flea Market Find

I purchased this plate several years ago at a flea market. I love it to take treats on to work and places.

Small Treat tonight

Since I worked today and didn't make anything while off yesterday her dad got her cupcakes. He also did steak, mashed potatoes, cream corn, macaroni and cheese and asparagus for supper when he got home.

Sunday I will do her a cake.

My Baby

Today my daughter is 23!

Made a few years back

This was the first one I made and it isn't the best. The others were evener and the writing better. This gives you the ideal of it. Wooden heart, about 31/2 to 4"

Made some up for some favors.

Spaghetti Sauce Spice Blend

1/4 cup celery salt
1 T. dried basil
1 T. dried basil
1 T. dried oregano
1 T. dried parsley
1 T. garlic powder
1 T. onion salt
1 T. sugar
1 T. pepper
Mix ingredients together, place in an airtight container. Shake before using. Attach instructions. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Instructions
To make spaghetti sauce, whisk an 8 ounce can tomatoes with 1/4 cup spice blend in a saucepan, simmering for 30 minutes. Pour over an 8 ounce package prepared pasta. Serves 4



For a quick dip just stir in 1 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup mix and blend together.

Check out the giveaway at

http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/

I LOVE the material used in it.

July 20th post for her 200th post.

Our Days Seem to look like this...... BUT

then it all seems to go north or south of us and we get a small shower. At least we get alittle.

Zucchini Surprise

I just purchased a cookbook from a local community fire department and this recipe was in it. Haven't tried it yet but with the garden produce coming in, I thought it would be good to try.

sliced zucchini
sliced tomatoes
sliced onions
sliced potatoes
oregano
salt and pepper
parsley
hamburger
shredded cheese

Layer the four vegetables in baking dish. Season with oregano, salt, pepper and parsley. Put in a 350 degree oven till potatoes are done. While this is baking, brown hamburger and drain. Take dish out of oven. Top with hamburger and shredded cheese, returning to oven till cheese melts.

Pasta Christmas Tree

We made some of these several years ago and I am thinking of doing some for this year.
We spray painted the pasta with primer, then with the green paint. After they were dry we glued together and then glued on the stones. The one I received had corn kernels put on as the ornaments but I wanted some shine to them so tied the stones and star.

One-of-a-Kind-Toffee

1 lb butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar packed
1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a heavy saucepan, combine butter and sugars. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture boils. Without stirring, boil to hard crack stage or 290 to 310 degrees on a candy thermometer; remove from heat. Pour pecans and chocolate chips into a lightly greased 13X9 pan, pour hot butter mixture on top. Allow mixture to cool completely, break into pieces before serving.
Makes 8 servings.

Santa is watching

I made this one several years ago from a preprinted panel. When kids were younger they would say "Santa Claus is Watching us"! I have made 3 others as gifts over the years. It still goes up every year.

Check out this Give Away

Over at Katherine's she is giving away a beautiful apron. Find it at:

http://goaskKatie.blogspot.com/

I have loved this for years

I have had this book forever and I love this candle display. I will save little raisin boxes, small pieces of foam etc, but never have made it.

(can enlarge)

Creole Seasoning

2/3 cup cayenne pepper
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup garlic powder
1/4 cup onion powder
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons pepper

In a bowl combine all ingredients. Store in a ziploc container for up to 6 months.

Yield: About 2 cups

Craft I am posting today is....

From the blog Little Birdie Secrets that is on my sidebar. It is under 7-19-10 postings and it is a no-sew bag. She has the tutorial up. You can use the material for a bag and when tired of it still use it for something else! The technique is called Furoshiki. (which is the Japanese technique like origami but for fabric)

Caramel Pecan Turtles

I make turtles almost every year for cookie trays but I have not tried this one


1 cup pecan halves
36 vanilla caramels
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

On a oiled baking sheet, arrange 5 pecans together to create turtle legs and head. Place one caramel in the center of each turtle. Repeat with remaining pecans and caramels. Bake at 325 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes, until caramels are soft. Remove from oven and flatten caramel centers with a spatula. Melt chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, spoon over caramel centers. Cool until set. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen

Zucchini Pineapple Bread

20 ounce can crushed pineapple drained
1 cup of vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups zucchini, grated
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Combine first 6 ingredients, mix in remaining ingredients and pour into 2 greased 9"X5" loaf pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick tests clean.
Makes 2 loaves

I made little loaves of this and banana bread and put on my cookie trays last year.
I have 2 banana bread recipes posted under recipes.

Barbie Tree

If you have odd barbie shoes, make a garland for your little girls tree. String them on waxed dental floss. Using a drill bit (1/16) to make holes. Put a couple beads in between each shoe.

At the dollar stores or rummage sales you might be able to pick some up.

Using the tiny clothespins you can hang some barbie clothes on the tree also.

Juicers on display

Any old juicer or older dishes. Set out with ornaments in them to display at the holidays.

Gift ornaments

Using:
wooden blocks
tissue paper (or wrapping paper)
ribbon or your choice

Tie and drape over limb or do singles.

A few miscellaneous hints

For coffee flavor in any chocolate recipe, dissolve a tablespoon of instant coffee granules in liquid ingredients. Then follow the rest of the instructions on the recipe.




Use a melon baller to scoop out mixture for truffles, peanut butter balls and etc.


I make very few cut out cookies but have been told that if you put the baking sheets in the fridge for 15-20 minutes then bake they bake up nicer. On parchment paper lined cookie sheets.

Peanut Butter Frosting

1 1/4 cups butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter (can use crunchy)
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
5 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add cream, beating until combined. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in vanilla.




Or the one I normally use (I know the easy way out)
1 can of vanilla frosting
3/4 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
Milk
Mix the vanilla frosting, with the peanut butter and add in very little milk to make it smooth.

Cocoa Buttercream Frosting

Good on sugar cookies

1/4 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Mix together all ingredients except the milk. Add milk, slowly until a smooth frosting consistency is reached. Makes 1 cup.

Moving This Up

Give Away for Christmas In July

I have the picture of the Cook Book that I will give on the July 1st posting. It is a copy of Gooseberry Patch Come On Over. (it has not been used)

I will hold this give away for the whole month of July. On July 31st the winner will be chosen by all the names being put in and one drawn out.

Would appreciate you posting a recipe, craft, decorating ideal, or money saving tip or tips on how you make it thru the holiday season.

OR...........

You can post any type of wedding ideals. DD getting married May 21st. Colors are orange and fuschia. Any decorating (center pieces, flowers etc), favors or anything. We have alot of ideals and think most is set but this is a way to really bring different ideals in.

The shower will be an open house type of thing.

Please spread the word about the give away.

Be sure to leave an e-mail addy or a way to contact you if you should win!

Christmas Touch

This container was my grandparents and I can remember it always being out at the holidays. I have it in my craft room above the window on a shelf all year round. I often think of times with my grandparents when seeing it.

Goodwill Find

Back in May I got this church at the Goodwill. I was there to drop stuff off--not bring more home! I collect churches and set them out at Christmas time. This one plays music too. I am running of room tho.

Adding to my stash

A store (Alco) over by where I work is getting rid of their fabric department. So I had to check it out. Of course over 3/4 of the material was gone before I knew about it. The folded pieces were 89 cents. I always like to have some different fabrics to choose from.

Right Rhonda? Never know what you might need.

Got this book from the library

I wasn't going to stop by the library last night, thinking I would clean this week-end inbetween a wedding, another reception and a party on Sunday and canning if more stuff is ready BUT......

Got 3 books to read, 3 movies and 3 craft books!!!! I haven't did plastic canvas in years BUT there are some cute ideals in the book for ornaments.

Peanut Buttery Chocolaty Cups

2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (16-oz) package chocolate-flavored candy coating, melted

In a medium bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs and butter, stirring well.

Spoon 1 teaspoon melted chocolate into bottom of a miniature-sized paper baking liner, let cool. Press 1 teaspoon peanut butter mixture over chocolate, pressing to edges of liner. Spoon melted chocolate over peanut butter to cover, let cool

Makes about 10 dozen chocolate cups

WD-40

Received this in an e-mail
WD-40 uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5.. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8.. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly..
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for
those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the
finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just
remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly!
Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast
slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on
riding mowers...
22.. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to
open..
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as
vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy
handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running
smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve
arthritis pain.
37. Florida's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills
and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, WD-40 protects the Statue
of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you
will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the
chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind
though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed
in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and
stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and
wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and
dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick
spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the
moisture and allow the car to start.
Fish oil is the ingredient in WD-40

Third stocking done

Got my daughters stocking done. It was fun making the 3 stockings. I had been putting it off for a few years. Cut them from one of their stockings and then just tried to wing the cuff.

Nutty Butterscotch Crunch

12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips
11 1/2 ounce package butterscotch chips
2 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
4 cups chow mein noodles

Melt together chocolate and butterscotch chips in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Remove from heat, add peanuts. Stir in noodles until well coated. Press into a buttered 13X9 baking pan. Chill until set. Cut into squares. Makes 2 dozen.


So simple and it really disappears off a cookie plate.

Wish Box

My DD purchased this box at Bath and Body a few years ago after Christmas. She told everybody to put down anything that they think they would like to receive. Big or small. Nothing in it this year yet BUT it had gotten moved and kinda hid away but I rescued it last night. :) In years past it has been useful.

Applesauce Salad

2 boxes strawberry jello
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup red hots
2 cups thick applesauce
1 cup ice water
Dissolve strawberry jello in boiling water, let set on burner on low heat. Stir in red hots, stirring until they are melted. Add in applesauce, and ice water mixing well and pour into dish or mold. Let set until firm.

Best if set overnight.

I haven't eaten this one.

Cinnamon Applesauce Salad

1 Tbsp. red hots
1 package cherry jello
1/2 cup celery
1 cup hot water
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cups nuts
Melt cinnamon candies in hot water. Pour over jello. Add applesauce. Chill until partially set. Fold in celery and nuts.

I have eaten this but never made it. Have had it with and without celery, also have had it with made with strawberry jello.

WIP (work in progress)

I printed off this snowman picture onto material. A few years ago I did sweatshirts using different pictures but I am thinking maybe a pillow from this one.

Nutty Nibble Mix

1/3 cup margarine or butter
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
3 cups bite-size corn-and-rice square cereal
1 3-ounce can chow mein noodles
1 cup peanuts
1 cup shelled raw pumpkin seeds

Mix margarine or butter, soy sauce, chiii powder, garlic powder, and red pepper in a small saucepan. Cook and stir until margarine or butter melts.
Mix cereal, chow mein noodles, peanuts and pumpkin seeds in a roasting pan. Drizzle margarine mixture over noodle mixture, toss.
Bake at 300 for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Spread on foil to cool. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 12-15 servings.

Quilt

My daughter purchased this quilt at a quilt auction on Sunday. I am not sure of what pattern it is.

Gift Bags

A few more different bags.

Gift Bags to make

Some easy bags to do for gift giving.

Magic Popcorn

1 3.5 package microwave popcorn or 8 cups popped popcorn

1 of the following:
Chocolate-Lover's Mix
Cheese-Tomato Mix
Easy Herb Seasoning

Prepare popcorn according to instructions. Immediately add desired flavoring mix to popcorn either in the microwave bag or a paper bag. Shaking to coat. Makes 6-8 servings.

Chocolate-Lover's Mix
Combine 1 cup milk chocolate pieces, 1/2 cup walnut pieces and 2 tablespoons instant malted milk powder or presweetened cocoa mix.

Cheese-Tomato Mix
Combine 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and half a single serving size envelope (4 teaspoons) instant tomato soup mix.

Easy Herb Seasoning
Use 1 teaspoon dry salad dressing mix such as ranch or Italian.


There are SEVERAL mixes out there, so mix some up and give with popcorn to the popcorn lovers on your gift list.

Cookie Cutter Decorations

Another ideal from Gooseberry Patch. Take cookie cutters and put decorative paper on the back side (scrapbook, wrapping whatever you like). Attach a hanger (made of rick rack or ribbon). On hanger can put jingle bells. In the photo some of the cookie cutters have ribbons with wording across them. Sorry for the blurry picture but at the time I am not sure where mine are.

Can enlarge picture.

Snow Cocoa

2 cups whipping cream
6 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 oz. package white chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Heat on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Stir well to blend.
Serves 10

Christmas Tree Ornament

I purchased this last year at the hospital bazaar.

When I do mine this year I will do a material trunk and stuff it too.

Chocolate-Raspberry Truffles

3 cups chocolate chips divided
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam

Combine 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, whipping cream and butter in a double boiler over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth. Add raspberry jam, remove from heat, and cool. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 20 minutes. Shape into 1" balls and freeze until firm.
Melt remaining 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips in a double boiler over low heat. Dip balls into melted chocolate. Place on wire racks chill until set.
Makes about 3 dozen.

I have not made these yet, but I am looking for different truffles to add to cookie trays. Thinking of doing a truffle tray.

My last 2 hooded bath towels

Blue for my nephew and purple for great niece.

With towels I used totals $8. After I had saw purchased I seen some bright towels the same size and weight and they were cheaper BUT.... With kids you have to have about the same.

Strawberries & Cream Milk Bath Mix

1 cup powdered milk
3/4 cup sea salt
1/4 teaspoon strawberry essential oil

Place milk and salt in a large bowl and mix well. Scoop out about 1/2 cup and place in a small bowl. Sprinkle oil over top of mix, stir well. Add oil mix back to large bowl continuing to mix well. Store in airtight jar.

Attach a tag with instructions.
Scoop out 1/4 cup and dissolve under running bath water.

Wooden Snowman Star

I purchased this after the holidays hoping to do some. Won't be exact but along the lines. (I hope)

Cinnamon Crunchies

4 flour tortillas
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar

Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges and place on ungreased baking sheets. Combine cinnamon and sugar, sprinkling over tortillas. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden.
Makes 32 chips

Good with fruit salsa.

Fruit Salsa

1 pint strawberries hulled and diced
1 banana diced
1 apple, cored, peeled and diced
1 kiwi peeled and diced
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 Tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine fruit in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, stir together remaining ingredients, pour over fruit, tossing well. Chill.
Serves 4

Serve with Cinnamon Crunchies

Yo Yo Snowman

I purchased this at a craft bazaar at a local hospital a few years back.

Whatever Bars

You can make these with whatever flavor you want using a different cake mix.

18 1/2 oz lemon cake mix
3/4 cup butter
1 1/4 cup chopped pecans, divided
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed

Mix together cake mix, butter and one cup pecans. Spread into a greased 9X13 pan. Blend cream cheese and brown sugar and spread over mixture, sprinkling with the 1/4 cup of remaining pecans. Bake at 350 until light golden, about 25-30 minutes.
Makes 2 to 3 dozen.

Going to try German Chocolate and Red Velvet and etc..........

One of our Hibicus this a.m.

After getting the meatballs in the oven and looking outside this a.m. I noticed how many blooms this one had on it. My dad gave me the seed many years ago and I have transplanted once or twice. I am thinking the seed he got came from my great grandparents but I could be wrong. I think of dad often when seeing the 2 plants bloom. The other is a lighter shade.