Tea cup

Find a cute tea cup with a matching saucer and place a small bag of cookies inside with an ornament and wrap it up with tissue paper tied at the top or shrink wrap.    Could put flavor tea bags in it too. 

Tender Popovers

3 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Beat eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until light yellow.  Add milk, continue beating for one minute.  Stir in remaining ingredients pour batter into greased muffin tins.  Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes reduce temperature to 350 without opening oven door and continue baking 25 to 30 minutes or until golden.  Insert knife into each popover to allow steam to escape. 

Makes 1 dozen

Spicy Pickle Slices

2 32 oz. jars dill pickle slices drained
4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 gloves garlic, peeled
3 1 pint jars and lids

Combine pickles, sugar, pepper sauce and red pepper flakes in a large bowl mixing well.  Cover and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours stirring occasionally.  Spoon mixture into jars.  Add a garlic clove to each.  Put lids on and refrigerate one week before giving or eating.

Makes 3 pints.

One of top favorite Christmas decorations

 

My grandparents gave us this at our first Christmas when we were married, which would of been 1980.  You turn it and it plays Jingle Bells.

Christmas Ornament

I received this in an ornament swap in '04.  I have it hanging in my computer/craft room.

Brazil Nut Cookies

1 cup butter softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped Brazil nuts
1/2 cup flaked coconut
In large bowl cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time beating well. Beat in vanilla. Combine the  flour baking soda and salt then gradually add to creamed mixture.  Stir in nuts and coconut.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 3" apart onto ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until bottom of cookies are lightly browned.  Remove to wire racks. 

Yield 4 1/2 dozen

Cheesy Cabbage Bake

1 head cabbage shredded
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/4 cup milk warmed
salt and pepper to taste
10 slices American cheese
1 sleeve round buttery crackers, crushed

Place cabbage in a large saucepan cover with water.  Boil for about 10 minutes or until tender and drain.  Melt butter in a small saucepan stir in flour cooking till a paste forms and bubbles.  About 2 minutes then add milk stirring as sauce thickens bringing to a boil.  Add salt and pepper.  reduce heat and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.  Coat a 13x9 pan with spray then add a layer of sauce, cheese and cabbage.  Repeat layer.  cover pan with foil and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  Top with crushed crackers then bake uncovered for 5 more minutes.

Serves 8-10

Christmas Ornament

Using plastic lids from containers cut out your shape, paint and put in a picture.

Sunday Activity

Allen and I put up 56 2 cup bags of Freezer Corn.  Cooked for 5 minutes with the salt, water, sugar and butter.  We love it.  Allen did all the husking, cleaning, cutting off and bagging.  I cooked it and helped bag.

Teigan

These are some pictures from her stay last Saturday night and last night.  She is getting so big now.  Was 6 months on Friday.  She holds her bottle, sits up, got a sippy cup out, and she gets on all 4 then keeps knees and head up and will go down on her elbows and move.  She doesn't like to smile when you have the camera in hand and will also shut her eyes.  No camera she has a heart melting smile.  Hit a rummage sale after work yesterday and she got a few toys.  The horse was dirty and $1 but cleaned up real nice.  Got a few clothes.  Wagon full of legos for $3 and the lego table has the bins full of legos and was $5.

4-Berry Spread

This is an old recipe I got several years ago.  People seem to like it.  Nice to give as a gift.

1 cup blackberries
1 cup blueberries
1 1/2 cup strawberries hulled
1 1/2 cup raspberries
1 3/4 oz. box powdered fruit pectin
7 cups sugar
7  1/2 pin canning jars with lids

Crush berries in a heavy stockpot, stir in pectin.  Bring to a boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar and return to a full boil.  Boil for 1 minute stirring constantly.  Remove from heat skim off foam.  Pour mixture into hot jars leaving 1/4" space at the top, then tighten lids.  Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. 

Makes 7 pints

Memories

Holidays are a time for remembering.  If you have any old quilts or your kids baby blankets, use them for a tree skirt.  Especially if you don't have a real tree.  It will bring back memories seeing it there for the holidays.

Glue 8 to 10 cinnamon sticks together and tie a festive bow ribbon around the middle.  Embellish the ribbon with greenery and berries.  Attach a green or red ribbon for a hanger.  Can be an ornament or tie onto a gift as alittle extra.

Apple-Spice Simmering Potpourri

I love to have potpourri simmering on the stove for the holidays.  I have misplaced my favorite one but I do like this one too.

1 apple
1 orange
4 cinnamon sticks
4 bay leaves
8 whole cloves
Cut orange and apple into 1/4" slices.  Add half of all ingredients to 2 to 3 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer.  Refresh aroma by adding water and remaining ingredients as needed.


To present as a gift wrap each ingredient in plastic wrap or tulle.   Place all ingredients in a gift box lined with tissue paper or tuck inside a fabric bag made with holiday print.  Tie on a gift tag with instructions.

Tangy Beef Brisket

This is a different take on a brisket.  Nice once in awhile for a change.

3 to 4 lb brisket trimmed
8 oz bottle Catalina dressing
12 oz bottle chili sauce
Place brisket in a large baking pan.  Mix together dressing and chili sauce then pour over the brisket.  Cover and bake at 350 for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Serves 4 to 6

Pinecones

I use pinecones in a lot of decorating for the holidays.  I have several big ones.  We put them in old glass pickle jars and run strings of white lights thru out, in an old wagon my parents made from wooden coke crates putting lights and ornaments thru out.  Along my buffet, window ledges.

Have a friend who puts them in her tree.

Sweet Potatoe Delight

A lady on one of the boards I go to had this posted a few years and I wanted to share with all.



Aunt Judy's Sweet Potatoe DelightDon't ask me what catagory to put this in or if it's dessert or a side dish; this belongs in a catagory of it's own, it's rich, sweet and decadent....but it is still sweet potatoes, so just make it and enjoy is like I do.
Ingredients: 1 & 1/2- Pkgs Ritz Cracker/Crushed
2- Sticks Butter
1- 8 ounce Cream Cheese/Soft
1 &1/2-Cup Sugar
1- 8 ounce Cool Whip
3- Cups Mashed Sweet Potatoes
1- Tsp. Vanilla
Instructions: Combine crackers with one stick melted butter and press into bottom a casserole dish; bake for approx. 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven - to make a crust. Let cool completely. Now cream together 1 stick butter with cream cheese, mix well before adding 3/4 cup of sugar, after blending well fold in Whip Cream. Spread over crust. Mix 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes with 3/4 cup of sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until well blended. Spread over cream cheese. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
Topping: Toast 3/4 cup of crushed pecans with 1/2 cup of shredded coconut in 1 Tbl. of butter in a sauce pan on top of stove with 2 Tbl. brown sugar. This will make a nice crunchy praline topping for your sweet potatoes. Topping is optional, but the praline is my favorite, Aunt Judy just uses pecans and I have also topped it with a thin layer of Cool Whip.


http://belles-everydaymoments.blogspot.com
.com

Iron on Felt Ornaments

Instructions can be found here:

http://so-sew-easy.com/easy-felt-Christmas-tree-ornaments/

Crunchy Peanut Butter Pie

30 butter cookies crushed
1/4 cup butter melted
2 tablespoons water
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup butter softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 cup frozen whipped topping thawed
Optional: chopped nuts

Combine butter cookies, melted butter and water, press into the bottom of a 9" deep dish pie pan.
Blend peanut butter and cream cheese together until smooth, add butter.  Mix in sugar and almond extract blending well.  Fold in whipped topping spread into pie crust.  Sprinkle with nuts if desired.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. 

Makes 8 servings

Zucchini Dressing Casserole

6 cups diced zucchini (peeled or unpeeled-your choice)
1/4 cup diced onions
3/4 stick of margarine
8 oz. pkg herb seasoned stuffing mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cream of chicken soup
1 cup grated carrots
Boil zucchini, onions and carrots for 5 minutes then drain well.  Melt margarine and mix with stuffing mix.  Mix together the sour cream and soup, fold in zucchini, onions and carrots.  Put 1/2 of the stuffing mix in a 13X9 baking dish.  Pour the zucchini mixture over the stuffing mix and top with the remaining stuffing mix.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.  Serve hot.
Makes 12-15 servings.

Fabric Scrap Bow

This is shown at:

http://www.thingsforboys.com/2012/11/fabric-scraps-for-gift-wrapping.html

Cute way to use up scraps

Felt Ornament

I just ran across these and thought it was cute and simple.

Can be found at:

http://www.thingsforboys.com/2012/11/felt-christmas-ornaments.html

Cranberry Dessert

1 1/2 teaspoon melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups washed fresh cranberries uncooked
Mix well and place in 6 greased custard cups or 8 muffin cups.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Sauce:
1 stick butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Melt butter then add other ingredients.  Boil for 3 to 4 minutes.  Keep warm over hot water.  Serve the muffins covered with sauce in small dessert bowls.  Keep extra sauce handy for those who want more.

Italian Love Cake

I was recently given this recipe and have not tried it yet.  I think it sounds good so will share.

1 box fudge marble cake mix
2 15 oz tubs ricotta cheese
3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (3 3/4 oz) pkg. instant pudding   (milk chocolate or your choice)
1 cup milk
8 oz carton whipped topping

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour a 13X9 pan.  Mix cake mix according to directions. Pour in pan.  Combine the ricotta, sugar, eggs, and vanilla mixing well.  Spoon over unbaked cake.  Bake for 1 hour and let cool.  Mix pudding with milk then fold in whipped topping.  Spread over the cake top.  Cover and store in fridge.

A Gift Box

In the past years at times for Christmas I have given boxes like these (and others) with wrapped gifts inside.  I will wrap the inside gifts separately and put the name tag on a ribbon I put around it!  Can find several items on clearance or cheaper if you are on the look out.  I have put in dishtowels, candles and lotions from Bath&Body, soxs, kitchen utensils, perfume, puzzle books, etc.

They have a box to use how they want and other useful items.

No Cook Fudge

16 oz pkg of powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 cup butter melted and cooled
Combine sugar, peanut butter, vanilla and cocoa in a mixing bow. then add butter.  Mix well spread into a buttered 8X8 dish.  Chill cut into small squares.
Makes 24 servings

Cute way for cookies as a gift

When giving sugar cookies make them in shape of ornaments, frost and put into an ornament box for the container.

Teigan met the sheep

Teigan finally got to meet the sheep.  This is a pet ewe that Jaymee raised on a bottle.  We thought it wouldn't make it but she brought it thru. So tame will follow you anywhere.  Getting pretty old.  She is 10 I am thinking.

Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches

Use horseradish on croissants for more flavor

3 lb beef roast
1 1/2 cup water
16 oz. jar pepperoncini
36 mini croissants
8 oz pkg shredded mozzarella cheese

Place beef and water in a slow cooker, cook overnight on low heat.  Shred beef and pepperoncinis with juice cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours.  When ready to serve top each croissant with beef mixture and sprinkle cheese over beef.

Makes about 3 dozen

Very good!

Snowman

Using clay pots and either ornaments painted with snowman faces or Styrofoam balls.

Decorating Ideals

Take the gourds that you used for Halloween or Thanksgiving and spray paint them metallic gold or silver.  Put them among pinecones and greenery on your mantel or in baskets and bowls.

Lucky enough to have magnolia leaves? Also spray paint them and use with pinecones, greenery, ribbon.

Childrens blocks to spell out holiday words.

Mirrors under glass lanterns with candles in them, or with glass jars filled with Christmas lights.  I sat a mirror up against the wall on a table and then have a big jar of white lights in front of it and greenery on the table.  Sofa table behind couch.

Tie tin cookie cutters with material and hang them from your kitchen cabinet handles.

Shrimp Dip

I got this one out of my MANY Gooseberry Patch cookbooks a few years back and everybody really liked it.

1 lb processed cheese
1 lb unsalted butter
1 lb mini shrimp cleaned and cooked

Heat cheese and butter in a double boiler until melted.  Add in the shrimp. Upon doing this the butter and cheese mixture will blend together.  Use crackers for dipping.

BBQ Sausage Balls

1 lb ground sausage
1 egg beaten
1/3 cup bread crumbs
Mix ingredients together and form into balls.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  This will make approximately 15 sausage balls, depending on size.  Cover with sauce.

Sauce
1/2 cup catsup
2 Tablespoons vinegar
1 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
brown sugar to taste
Mix sauce ingredients together and pour over sausage balls.  Place in a crockpot on low heat to keep warm.

Crocheted Christmas Wreath Ornament

I crocheted this ornament at lunch today and then came home and ran the ribbon in it.  I think alittle thicker ribbon would look better. 

I found the pattern at:

http://whiskersandwool.BlogSpot.com

She has crocheted snowflakes, peppermint candies, stars, presents, a cute snowman cover up for a round vase and items for other holidays.

I was thinking like with the presents, stars or any of the crocheted items you could put a picture in the circle and cover the back with felt. 

It calls for a 2" round ring and around here craft items are hard to find and didn't think to order on line so I used the o-ring from a gallon of milk.  Had read that before somewhere.

Ranch Potato Skins

4 baked potatoes, halved
1/4 cup sour cream
1 oz packet ranch dressing mix
Cheddar cheese, shredded

Scoop out potatoes and combine cooked potatoes with sour cream and dressing mix.  Fill potato skins with this mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.  Bake in a 8X8 dish for 12 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Gingerbread People

Make a garland or make each one separate for an ornament.

I have to try this!!

I purchased this ornament down around Benton, Kentucky in maybe 1990 or the first couple of yrs. of 90's.  I have since came across the instructions ( and filed them somewhere) so need to try it!

Cheesy Party Puffs

1 tube (7 1/2 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
5 pieces (5 oz) string cheese cut into fourths
3 to 4 tablespoons prepared Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
pizza sauce or ranch dressing optional
Cut each biscuit in half flatten each piece into a 2 1/2" circle.  Place a piece of cheese in the center of each.  Bring dough around cheese pinch edged to seal.  Roll in salad dressing. Dip the top of each ball in Parmesan cheese, place seam side down on greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve with pizza sauce or ranch dressing if desired.  Yield: 5 servings.

Cheesy Broccoli and Tomato Pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (19 oz) pkg. frozen cheese tortellini
1 (15 oz) can chicken broth
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and orgegano drained
1 (12 oz) package frozen broccoli florets in cheese sauce
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat. Add tortellini and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned.  Stir in broth and next 2 ingredients bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.  Stir in Parmesan.


We like this for something different once in awhile.

2 uses

This could be used for and ornament and also to put money or a gift card in.  if anybody would like the instructions please ask.  Finished size says 3 1/2" across and 6" tall. I am thinking of who on my list I could do these for.

Couple months ago!

Tropical Dip

1 can (8 ozs) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 package (3.4 ozs.) instant coconut cream pudding mix
3/4 cup cold milk
1/2 cup sour cream
Flaked coconut toasted
Assorted fresh fruit

In a blender or food processor, combine the pineapple, pudding mix, milk and sour cream.  Then cover and process for 30 seconds.  Transfer to a serving bowl cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.   Garnish with toasted coconut.  Serve with fruit.
Yield: 2 cups

Nice Wrapping

Use this to wrap a gift in and then it can also be reused as a decoration.  I have some of these wooden pieces that I purchased for one reason or another.   Now to find them.

Cat Nap

I was in sewing room with her and she fell asleep so put her on the day bed.  I was right there.  Lasted all about 20-25 minutes.  She is getting so long!  She is 5 I/2 months.

Wrappings for the Goodies

1. A coffee filter with bread wrapped and a cut out from wrapping paper, card or a label from you with ribbon.

2.  A Pringle can decorated and filled.

 

3.  A CD protector with a cookie in it and a ribbon and embellishment on it. 

4. This box they said came with one circle on it from the container store and they cut the other circle.  Could use a box and wrap white and use ribbon for the handle.

5.  Giving homemade tea or hot chocolate mix or other drink mix.  Present in a glass with a homemade ornament on it.  Or store brought.

6.  Can't forget the good ole canning jars for giving.  Decorate their lids with felt applique, material or scarp book paper.  With the felt or material you may want to stuff it with alittle batting.

Butters

Pistachio Butter
1 cup butter softened
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon peach or apricot gelatin powder
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
In a small bowl, beat the butter, honey and gelatin powder until smooth.  Stir in pistachios.  Transfer to small airtight containers.  Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 month.
Yield: 1 1/2 cups


Cinnamon Orange Honey Butter
1/2 cup butter softened
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.  Serve immediately, storing leftovers in fridge.
Yield: 3/4 cup



Sweet Honey Almond Butter
1 cup butter softened
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
3/4 cup finely ground almonds
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
In a bowl, combine all ingredients mixing well.  Store in the refrigerator.
Yield:  2 cups


Strawberry Butter
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
In a bowl beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.  Gradually add sugar and vanilla mixing well.  Stir in strawberries.  Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.  May be stored in the refrigerator up to 1 week.  Serve with English muffins, toast, waffles or pancakes.
Yield: 2 cups


Raspberry Butter
1/2 cup butter softened
1/3 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
Dash lemon juice
In a small bowl beat all ingredients until well blended and smooth.  Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.  Bring to room temperature before serving.
Yield:  About 1/2 cup

Maple Nut Pie

Easy

2/3 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter melted and cooled
4 eggs
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup whole pecans or walnuts

Mix all ingredients together and then pour into an unbaked unprepared pie shell.  Bake at400 for 10 minutes.  Reduce oven temperature to 325 and bake additional 25 minutes until pie is set and golden brown.

What about the Fisherman On your list?

You can nicely open up a container or bag of goldfish (either put into storage bag for giving later or eat now lol) and fill it with bobbers, rubber worms, hooks, weights, lures, fishing line and maybe a gift card along in it to a favorite sporting store. Then hot glue the container shut as should be.

Could use a clear glass fish bowl, tackle box or a 5 gallon bucket to bring fish home in with a lid.

Maybe a new reel or fish basket.  Once again depends on item you are filling. Fishing magazine, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen.

Snacks could be goldfish crackers or gummy worms.

Ornaments from the CIJ Swap I Received

 Michelle

 Kim

Diedra

Jody

Jane

Jessica


The pictures do not do any of them justice!!!  They are all so pretty and such nice work.  My camera battery is needing charged and kept going off and on and the lighting sucked.  I want to than them all for joining!

Have a gardener on your Christmas List?

If you do, start watching for the clearance on gardening items or yard decorations, banners.  Can get some type of pot, watering can, and put in gloves, little shovels etc..  Dollar General will be putting their items on clearance and they have some cute little items to sit around.  In the past I have purchased children size garden tools for different adults and they really like using that size shovel for one reason or another.

I will be watching for the kids garden items for Teigan.  Probably for Easter or just to have here.

Chocolate Brittle

2 cups butter
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
12 1.05-oz milk chocolate candy bars
3 cups chopped pecans

Combine butter, sugar, and water in a dutch oven, heating until mixture gets to the hard crack stage. (300 degrees on a candy thermometer) Remove form heat and pout into 2 buttered 12" pizza pans, spreading to the edge.  Melt chocolate in a double boiler, spread over brittle and sprinkle with pecans.  let it cool then break it into pieces.  Makes approximately 4 pounds.

Felt Ornaments

Kids and Adults alike will enjoy making ornaments from felt.

You will need a pattern from cookie cutters or from paper.  Gingerbread-man and woman, Christmas Tree, dove, angel, snowman, star, wreath, bells, santa, candy canes or reindeer.

Cut 2 of each and stitch together using the running stitch and about 3 strands of embroidery floss.   Make a loop for hanging with the floss.
Decorate with buttons, sequins, seed pearls, beads, fancy stitches or what your choose.

Snowball Cookies

2 cups sifted powdered sugar
6 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pecans
4 cups mini marshmallows
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Put powdered sugar in a big bowl.  In another bowl mix the cereal, raisins and pecans.

In a saucepan, combine butter & marshmallows. Stirring constantly cook over medium heat til smooth.  Remove from heat and stir in extracts.  Pour marshmallow mixture over cereal mixing until all is covered.

Grease hands (butter) shape mixture into 1 1/2 to 2" balls and roll in sugar. 

Store in an airtight container.

Zippy Horseradish Sauce

3 teaspoons prepared horseradish
3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1/8 teaspoon dried dillweed
1 clove garlic minced

Mix all ingredients together refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer) for flavors to blend.


Good on French Dip sandwiches, French fries and lunchmeats.

Ways to Disguise a Gift Certificate

Hide a gift card to a music shop inside an old record album cover.  Try to find a corny cover and tape the GC to the record.


A gift card (GC) to a book store can be put inside the front cover in an antique book or a book that is of interest to the person receiving.  If giving a GC to a gardening store, place inside a gardening book.  GC to Joanns or such inside a book on sewing or quilting.


If giving a GC for clothing find the most hideous piece at Goodwill or a garage sell and stick the GC in the pocket or such.

Garden Produce---Gift giving all ready done now for some

While the garden is producing and you are putting up your canned goods, put up a few extra for family, friends, neighbors or co-workers.  They will enjoy your salsa, canned fruits, jellies, pickles, corn, green beans, relish or whatever it is you put up doing the winter and think of you while eating it.

Worse garden we have had.  Hoping our fall one is better.

Chewy Bars in a jar Mix

1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar, packed and divided
2 cups biscuit baking mix, divided

Layer ingredients in a wide mouth one quart jar in this order.  Peanut butter chips, pecans, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup biscuit baking mix, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup biscuit baking mix.  pack tightly between each layer.  Additional peanut butter chips may be added to the top if room.

Instructions:
Empty jar in to a large bowl.  Add 1/2 cup melted butter, one egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.  Stir until blended and then press into an a 8" baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden.

Makes 18 bars

Different ways to do presents

Instead of paper try:

antique hankies
color copies of kids artwork
pictures of the receiver printed on paper
handwritten letters
foil
comic pages
dish towels
pieces of fabic-fat quarters or larger- really neat ideal if you had a sewer or craft person as the receiver.  (tie or fold fabric)


Ribbon Replacements:
seam binding
rick-rack      
lace
thin boa
tree garland
small packages could use the pony tail holders
fishing line


Terrific Toppers:
little toys
hand mirror
smaller brush
hair barrettes
buttons
fishing lures/bobbers
golf tees
office supplies


  

Cherry Cobbler

1/2 cup butter melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup milk
21 ounce can cherry pie filling

Coat bottom of a 13X9 baking dish with butter, set aside.  Combine flour, sugar and baking powder together in a mixing bowl, stir in milk.  Pour into baking dish spread cherry filling over the top do not stir.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.  Makes 12 servings.

Easy Fruitcake Cookies

1 package (1 pound 2 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 container (4 ounces) red candied cherries, chopped
1 container (4 ounces) green candied cherries chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Let dough set out at room temperature 15 minutes.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a small bowl, combine flour and allspice.  Break up dough in a large bowl.  Sprinkle flour mixture over dough, stir until flour is incorporated.  Stir in cherries and walnuts.  Drop teaspoonfuls of dough 2" apart onto a greased baking sheet.  Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.  Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.  Store in an airtight container. 

Yield: about 41/2 dozen cookies

CIJ Day #5

I ran across this tutorial today for a mug rug.  Actually can be used for a couple different things.  I might just have to try it.  It is by Jenny from Missouri Star Quilting.

http://land.missouriquiltco.com/periwinkle-mug-rug/

Orange Tangerine Wine

I have not tried this but heard it was good

1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 bottle (1.5 liters) dry white wine
1/2 cup frozen orange-tangerine juice concentrate thawed
1/2 cup orange flavored liqueur

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.  Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.  In a 1 gallon container, combine wine, juice concentrate, liqueur, and sugar mixture.  Stir until well blended.  Pour into gift bottles with corks.  Store in refrigerator. Serve chilled.

Yield: about 9 cups wine

CIJ Day #4

 

Using any size of round box you can paint a snowman on it and add a scrap piece of material for a scarf. Or possibly fix with a real scarf to add another gift.  I included the instructions for it but you can easily paint your own face.

A.M. Project

 

Today we can wear jeans with either red/white/blue or a shirt with our logo.  I didn't have a 4th of July shirt and didn't make it shopping like I thought I might last night so made this.  Glad the infinity scarf is such a fast project!

Gift Basket

This would be such a cute way to give cookies, candies, bath items or any other gifts.  Soxs, gift cards, CDS.  Then could be used to hold Christmas cards, pine cones or little favors for visistors during the season.

Fruit & Toasted Nut Clusters

16 ounces white candy coating, chopped
1 package (11 1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips
3 cups chopped pecans toasted
1 package (6 ounces) sweetened dried cranberries, chopped

In a heavy large saucepan, combine candy coating and chocolate chips.  Stirring constantly, melt chocolate over low heat.  Remove from heat; stir in pecans and cranberries.  Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets lined with waxed paper.  Let stand at room temperature until firm.  Store  in a single layer in an airtight container in a cool place.

Yield: about 6 dozen candies

CIJ Day2

Instant Ranch Potato Soup

4 cups potato flakes
2 cups nonfat milk powder
1/4 cup chicken bouillon granules
1 package (o.4 ounce) ranch-style salad dressing mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; stir until well blended. Store in an airtight container.  Give with serving instructions.

Yield 6 1/4 cups of mix

To serve: Place 1/2 cup soup mix in a soup bowl or mug.  Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until smooth.  Let soup stand 1 to 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

CIJ Day2

Reverse Decoupage Ornaments

For each ornament you will need a 3" dia. clear plastic ball ornament, small foam brushes, decoupage medium, Christmas motifs cut or torn from tissue paper or paper napkins, white acrylic paint, 1/8" wide satin ribbon, and a hot glue gun.

1.) Separate ball halves

2.) Use foam brush to apply decoupage medium to inside of each ornament half; place paper motif right side down in medium.  Use foam brush to smooth motif in place: allow to dry.

3.) Paint inside of each ornament half white; allow to dry.

4.) Resemble ornament.  Attach hanger and put a bow on the tab.

CIJ (Christmas In July) Day 1

 

 

 

 

Nice gift for the office

 

 

Chocolate Cinnamon Stirrers

 

2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon-flavored oil (used for candy making)

24 4 inch long cinnamon sticks

In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips over low heat.  Remove from heat and stir in flavored oil.  Dip 2/3 of each cinnamon stick into melted chocolate.  Place on a waxed paper lined baking sheet.  chill about 30 minutes or chocolate hardens. 

Use cinnamon sticks to stir hot coffee or hot chocolate.  Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

 

Yield: 24 stirrers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snowy Basket

 

You will need a stencil brush, textured snow medium, twig basket (we used a 3 1/2" dia. basket), 43/4" x 8" clear cellophane bag, 18" of 1" wide satin ribbon, hot glue gun and an artificial holly sprig.

 

1.) Use stencil brush to apply snow medium along rim of basket: allow to dry.

2.) Place gift in bag. Tie ribbon into a bow around top of bag.  Glue holly to knot of bow.

3.) Place in basket

 

 

I think I would use a washed out tin can and find twigs to glue onto the can.