We made it to 52 weeks

                                                                              Week 52 ( Save $52 )

To my devoted readers:

I would like this opportunity to thank you all, who have been following my blog for the last 52 weeks... that means you would have saved an extra $1,378. Congrats!
 
As this year is ending, a New Year approaches us and may it bring you new hope, strength, and happiness.  Wishing you a prosperous 2016.

                                                                   ENJOY!

Cranberries

                                                                           Week 51 ( Save $51)

With Christmas just 5 days away, there is so much to do.  Don't stress over the little things, do what you can and everything always seem to come together at the end.

With that said and done, lets talk cranberries.

These cranberries were dropped off at my house and I really not sure what to do with them.  It's not a common staple fruit I deal with like apples and oranges.  What does one do with sweet tarty cranberries?  With a little help from my friend, we brain stormed to came up with these ideas:

1.  Baking: Toss cranberries into muffins, cookies,  cakes, scones and even pancakes.

2.  Mix cranberries into your favorite meats:  meatballs, meat loaves, and wings...why not?

3.  Take butter, cream cheese or camembert to another level by adding chopped cranberries.

4.  Add cranberries to your leafy salads, pasta or grain salads.

5.  Puree the cranberries and add it to your favorite oil dressing.

6.  Add cranberries to your favorite breakfast cereal , granola's or hot oatmeal.

7.  Add a spark of color into your favorite drink whether it be juices, soft drinks  or alcohol drinks.

8. Chopped cranberries to mayonaise to make that sandwich amazing.

9. Your favorite pie filling with cranberries to give it that extra zing.

10.  Mix Cranberries to jams and sauces

Cranberries seem to be a super fruit that is under rated and we only buy or use it during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I have a different perspective and respect for these little red berries and will be buying and using them more in my everyday cooking.  Look out for future everything cranberry blogs!

The gift of love.
The gift of peace.
The gift of happiness.
May all these be yours at Christmas.     

                                                      

Did you say Chocolate Pretzel's?

                                                                                Week 50 ( Save $50 )

Just when you thought nothing can get any better than chocolate ... this combination of salty pretzel and chocolate, takes it to another level.  They are just out of this world and delicious!  Make a batch or two today and dazzle your friends.

I love making these Holiday Chocolate covered Pretzel Rods. They are easy to make if you are just pouring one color.  Personally, I think the dark chocolate looks amazing!  Spot colors take a little more time especially with the intricate detailing. 

Supplies: Pretzel molds, 7" pretzel rods, melting chocolates, pretzel bags with ties can all be purchased from a large baking store, Michael's, online etc. 

Merkin's chocolate melts come in all colors and they are also available at larger bulk food stores.

The pretzel molds do come with an instruction sheet.  Here are my tips and instruction on making these delicious delights.


Hand wash the molds and dry thoroughly before using.

Give the clear molds a good rub and buff with paper towel every time before pouring.  The chocolate surface will unmold oh so shiny!





It's best to melt a few handful of chocolate melts in a small ramekin bowls in a pan of hot water that is 3/4 full to a simmer.  Melt the chocolates completely and stir until smooth.  Using a large pan, you can melt more than one color per ramekin.

Using a parfait spoon, spoon two spoons of the melted chocolate into dry mold. Place a pretzel rod into the mold with the chocolate.

Spoon enough chocolate to fill the remainder of the mold with the pretzel rod.

* If you are using one or more color for your molds as spot colors.  Pour carefully either by using a thin knife.  Allow the colors to dry completely before pouring the next color.  Cotton swabs are handy for cleaning accidental color drips.

Tap the mold lightly to remove any bubbles that may be trapped.

Repeat until all the molds are filled.

Place the filled molds carefully into refrigerator on a flat surface until set.  Twist the mold lightly to pop the finished pretzel rods.

How easy was that?  Now they are ready for tasting or packaging. 

It's best to package these delights quickly or they will quickly disappear.









                                                                     Enjoy!

DIY Tea Cozy

                                                                              Week 49 ( Save $49 )

Here is a easy DIY Tea Cozy project you can make for Christmas for the Tea Lover's in your life.  I tried to simplify the project for all sewing levels with the contrasting colors fabrics.  For those who are more elite with more sewing experience, you can add your twist on how you want to design and finish your cozy.   Note: Loop for the cozy topper is optional

This tea cozy will fit a 6 cup tea pot, whether it be a standard brown betty to a more modern spout tea pot.  The finished size of the cozy is approximately 10 x 14 inches. 

Materials:
 
Piece of cotton fabric for the front of the tea cozy. Enough to cut 2 pieces of the pattern folded ( I suggest 11 x 17 - times 2 or larger )

Piece of quilted fabric for inside. Enough to cut 2 pieces of the pattern folded
( I suggest 11 x 17 -  times 2 or larger )

Double wide bias tape or quilting binding ( or make from remnants of scraps )

Matching thread


Instructions:

1.  Draw a pattern using an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper. 

This pattern is only half a cozy. Place the pattern on folded fabric to cut full size or cut out two patterns and tape together to make full size pattern.

Note:  1/2 inch seam lines are included. 

>Make sure all the fabric are prewashed, dried and pressed.

2.  Pin and cut 2 fabric pieces of the cotton (fronts) and 2 quilted (inside) on folded fabric.
(The quilted fabric will insulate and keep the tea pot warm just like a little jacket) 

3.  Cut 5 inch bias tape for top loop.

Cut 29 inch x 2 inch strip for bias tape and 2 inch x 5 inch for top loop. 

>Cut only if you are making your own seam binding. Follow the Instructions to follow below for sewing.

4.  Pin 1 front fabric to 1 quilted for each (I like to hand base my pieces together)










5.  Make the loop with the bias store bought 5 inch tape by stitching on the folded raw edge
                        or
> If you are making your own seam binding for the loop, fold the 2 inch by 5 inch in half on the 2 inch side.
 
Press and fold the raw edge again and press.  Finish by sewing on the edge and you will have an 1/2 inch x 5 inch for the loop.

6.  Fold the loop in half and centre the folded loop on the front side top of the cozy.  Make sure the loop is on the finished side facing towards the bottom opening. Pin the loop and the 2 fronts together on the curvy edge.

7.  Sew 1/2 inch seams all around curvy edge and carefully over the loop on the wrong side.  Turn the cozy to the right side and press.




 

8.  Finish the bottom edge opening with your seam binding.  Pin and top stitch the trim around the base on the right side of your cozy.  Press the cozy and your done!

> If you are making your own contrasting seam binding.  Fold and press the 2 inch x 29 inch on the 1 inch side.  Pin and top stitch the trim on the bottom.  The edge will be raw but with a zigzag stitch, it will finish the edge nicely.

There you have it a simple tea pot cozy warmer that will warm someone's teapot and heart. 
  

                       I hope you enjoyed the project