Friday, May 29, 2009

Felt Play Food

I was lurking blogs and found some darling felt food. I decided that I wanted to try to make some too for Jake and I to pretend with together. So far, sugar cookies, glazed donuts, bacon and eggs are done. I am going to making a bologne sandwich with chips next. So fun.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Michelle-style Baked Macaroni

On Sunday, I sat down to the computer to figure out what I could make with limited ingredients. I hadn't been grocery shopping and needed to find a recipe that I could spice up regular pasta with. This recipe was originally American-style Baked Ziti. I didn't have Ziti so I substituted macaroni. I also substituted Parmigiano with Parmesan, Italian flavored bread crumbs for plain, fresh tomatoes with canned, etc. If I were to make this again I would double the white sauce recipe because I thought the pasta was a little dry after baking it in the oven. I would also shorten the bake time from 30 to 15 minutes.
Michelle-style Baked Macaroni

1 box (1lb) Elbow pasta
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 1/2 cups milk
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 c Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 c bread crumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
dried basil

Cook elbow pasta as directed; drain and set aside
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, salt, pepper and oregano; cook 1 minute or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk. Cook 2-3 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine bread crumbs and olive oil in a small bowl and set aside.
Stir together pasta, white sauce, chopped can of tomatoes, cheese in a large bowl. Place pasta mixture in a baking dish; sprinkle with bread crumbs and dried basil.
Bake for 15 minutes.

If interested in the original recipe:
http://www.barillaus.com/recipes/Americanstyle_Baked_Ziti.aspx

Friday, May 22, 2009

2nd Attempt

So, I gathered more fabric remnants and made a 2nd diaper wipe carrier. This one is slightly different - quilted top, squared flap, thinner fusible fleece and I finished the edges differently. Overall, I'm enjoying just being creative. It's fun to see something and make it from scratch. Now, I just need to finish a zillion other projects that I started and never finished. I sometimes lose interest in something I'm working on and never return. Anyone else like that?

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Diaper and Wipes Carrier

Without fail Jake always needs a diaper change during Sacrament meeting at church. Dan usually takes Jake out and has been carrying a diaper and wipes with him for everyone to see what he's going to do. So, I decided to make a diaper and wipes sack. I've seen several versions on Etsy and I decided to make one myself. This is what I ended up with. Not bad for my first attempt.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Notebook Holder

Our next door neighbor girl turns 10 tomorrow. She loves to write songs so I made her a place to put her notebook and pen. Her favorite color is yellow. Is this a lame gift?

Monday, May 4, 2009

Green Chili Pork


Green Chili Pork

1 lb. Pork Loin
1/2 Onion - finely diced
7 oz. Can diced green chilies
1/2 c. water
1 Tbsp Jalapenos - finely diced
Salt and Pepper

Place water, pork loin, finely diced onion, green chilies, and jalapenos in crock pot. Cook low for 6 hours. Shred pork when done. Great filling for tacos, enchiladas, burritos or tamales.

We'll be using this for our Cinco De Mayo tacos tomorrow night.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

All Rolled Up Cinnamon French Toast


All Rolled Up Cinnamon French Toast
Make Candice's White Bread With A Twist - sliced
Eggs
Milk
Cinnamon
Sugar and Cinnamon Mixture
Beat eggs with milk and lots of cinnamon in a shallow dish. Coat sliced bread on both sides with egg mixture. Place 2-3 Tbsp butter and several spoonfuls of the cinnamon and sugar mixture in a frying pan. Mix and let caramelize. Place coated bread in hot frying pan and fry until golden brown on both sides.
ps. I will write down exact measurements next time I make this.

Candice's White Bread Recipe With A Twist


Candice's White Bread Recipe With A Twist
Makes 2 Loaves

2 cups hot water
4 tsp yeast
6 tbsp butter
1/2 c sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
5-6 cups flour, add more flour as needed

Combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until bubbly. Add salt, butter, cinnamon and flour. Knead for 10 minutes or until it cleans the sides of the bowl. Cover and let rise 1 hour. Divide dough into two. Roll out each piece of dough onto lightly floured surface in a large rectangle. Spread each dough piece with 1Tbsp butter and sprinkle with 3-4 Tbsp sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon. Beginning at one short edge of rectangle roll up dough. Place dough in greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.