Thursday, December 31, 2009

Mocha Punch

Even non-coffee drinkers like this punch. The subtle coffee flavor enhances the chocolate.
Mocha Punch

Mix together in a bowl and let cool:
1/4 c. instant coffee mix
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. boiling water

Mix in a separate bowl:
1 quart milk
1/2 c. chocolate syrup (more if you like)
1 T. vanilla
Combine the two mixtures together. Put in large punch bowl and add 1/2 gallon premium vanilla ice-cream right before serving.
We like to keep the mixture in a pitcher in frig. then put in individual glasses and add ice-cream. Top with whip cream.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Lois Lowry's Crow Call

Hannahlily created this gift combination inspired by Lois Lowry's new book Crow Call for a friend who adores Lowry's books. She included the book and made gifts that related to the story: a stuffed crow, plaid shirt bookmark, and cherry pies. Everything was arranged in a pretty basket for her friend.
"This is my first-ever picture book, a true story about a day I spent with my father after he returned from World War II. The illustrations were beautifully done by artist Bagram Ibatoulline. He had a photograph of me at age 9, wearing the too-large plaid shirt that is described in the story. Looking at his pictures is like looking into a magic telescope and seeing myself as a child." - Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry has also written the Newberry Award books Number the Stars and The Giver. We are anticipating this book to receive an award also.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Au gratin Potatoes

Au gratin Potatoes
2 lbs. potatoes, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 c. butter
1 T. flour
1 t. salt
2 c. milk
2 c. (8oz.) shredded sharp cheese
Boil potatoes for 25-30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, cook & stir onion in butter over low heat until onion is tender. Add flour & stir. Add milk and 1 1/2 c. cheese. Boil & stir 1 minute.
Place potatoes in 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Pour sauce on potatoes. Cook at 375 for 1 hour or at 325 for 1 hour 20 minutes. Add the remaining cheese during the last 20 minutes.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Snowflake Box

Annastasia loves sitting and watching this tree. She was playing with the ornaments and knocked one off and broke it. Another day she was playing and knocked the whole tree over and broke more ornaments.




Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Gift of Affection Box

This is a die cut gift box. The paper was 12"x12" and needed to be pieced on the front. A piece of lace covers the area that was pieced.


The accordian ruffle is a 1 1/2" x 12" strip of stripe paper that has been fan folded at 1/4" scores. The Gift of Affection badge tops of the layers.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Monday, December 21, 2009

Hannahlily Snowman

Hannahlily was inspired to make these cute meringue snowmen after watching an old Martha Stewart show. She used her own meringue recipe, fruit roll-ups for the scarf, peppermint and melted chocolate for the hat. She hollowed out the inside and filled it with chocolate moose.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Teen Christmas Card Class

This is an envelope pouch that holds hot chocolate mix.
Library pocket card with bookmark.

Merry Christmas pin card.




Slider boxes hold candy.


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Monday, December 14, 2009

Brides Basket

Basket for a bride
Purses for bridesmaids


Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Red Dot Wedding Favors





Beautiful candy bar set up at the wedding by amazingly talented Vikki





Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Crock Pot Barbeque

This is so very easy using a crock pot. Great served with fresh rolls from a bakery. Crock Pot Barbecue
2-3 lbs. chuck roast, fat trimmed
1 diced onion
2 cloves minced garlic
2 c. ketchup
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
2 T. Dijon mustard
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 t. liquid smoke flavoring
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
Place roast in crock pot. Combine all remaining ingredients in a bowl. Pour on roast. Cook on low in crock pot for 7-8 hours, until the meat will shred easily with a fork.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Small Toile Purses


Small burgandy toile purse favors contain tea & candy.

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