Thursday, July 30, 2009
Garden Fresh Green Beans
There is nothing like green beans fresh from the garden. That fresh bean taste just can't be found in anything canned or frozen. I like them so much that I eat quite a few straight from the vine while picking.
I can many of the beans we pick, but we often make a whole meal out of them. My favorite way to prepare fresh garden beans is to simply I fry little bacon with onion, then added a little water, and the green beans. Let it all simmer for awhile until the beans are tender. Sometimes I will just throw it all in the crock pot on low for the day. Then add a little salt and pepper. Cubed potatoes are a nice addition to this dish. Most of the time this bean dish becomes an entire meal with the addition of some homemade cornbread. It is quick, easy, and oh so delicious! In fact, this may be dinner tonight.
Now, back to the canning.
P.S. Don't forget that Saturday is the First. Please join us for Firsts on the First, and share something new you have tried recently!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Milk Jug Bird House
Items Needed
clean milk jug
wooden trowel
utility knife
nail
hammer
twine
cardboard circle about the size of a soda can or cup
pencil or pen
permanent markers, paint, stickers, or any other water proof decorations
- Make the loop to hang your bird house. Make two holes in the milk jug lid with the hammer and nail. Knot one end of the twine and thread through the bottom of the lid. Leave enough twine to make a loop by threading the twine through the other hole and knot to secure.
- Create a door to the house. Trace the cardboard circle on one side of the jug and cut out with the utility knife.
- Make the perch for the birds. Drive a nail in the sides of the milk jug and slide the trowel inside and through to the other side. If your trowel is to large to fit in the hole you may need to use the utility knife to make the hole large enough to slide the trowel through.
- Add the finishing touches. Screw the lid on the jug and decorate with permanent markers, paint, foam stickers, etc. Add some bird seed to the bottom, hang and watch the birds find their new home.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Carnival #126 - Summer's Bounty
July is almost over, and that means a bounty of summer produce to enjoy. Whether you grow your own or buy your fresh produce, there is nothing quite as good as that fresh from the garden taste of summer. This week's carnival features ways to use and preserve that summer goodness.
The Bounty of Summer
Uncanny presents Cherry Jelly posted at Adventures in My Freezer. Isn't that jelly just a beautiful?!
We planted rhubarb this year. It didn't make it. The next two recipes make me think I need to try again! Cricket presents Rhubarb Pudding Cake posted at Smiling Country Ranch.
Squawkfox presents Dessert Recipes: Fresh Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Apples posted at Squawkfox.
CindyS presents Bread and Butter Pickles posted at Small Homestead. Check out her neat tip for keeping pickles crisp. I plan to try it today!
Caren presents Sprouting Basics - Mung Beans posted at The Prudent Pantry. A wonderful way to enjoy fresh produce year round.
Other Delicious Items
Katie presents Recipe Connection: Sausage Spinach Pasta Toss posted at Kitchen Stewardship. And as Katie states this would be fabulous using fresh garden tomatoes.
Make it from Scratch presents Banana Strudel Muffins posted at Make It From Scratch.
Annette Berlin presents Fried Tortilla Dipping Sticks posted at Craft Stew. I love this idea!
Mama Bear presents How To Make A Lattice Top Crust posted at Gotta Little Space. It is a very simple way to make a pie look fancy!
Katie presents Yummy Panini's posted at OC Mom's Activity Guide. Thanks to this post I am watching for a George Foreman grill on the cheap.
Alex presents Lime Key Pie Recipe posted at Home Life Weekly. This looks like a perfectly refreshing dessert for summer.
How To
Carrie presents Wall Art out of Postcards and Scrapbook Paper posted at It's Frugal Being Green. I love this simple and cheap way to decorate.
Abi presents Happy Dance!!! posted at lighter side. What to do when you've scorched your favorite pan.
00FF00 presents Start a Crafty Box posted at ooffoo. This is a fabulous how to especially for us non crafty moms who have children who love to craft.
RecycleCindy presents Crocheted Baby Thongs posted at My Recycled Bags.com. So stinkin' adorable. Cindy always has such great projects!
Thank you for joining us for the carnival this week. Next week it will be hosted by Frills in the Hills. Submit your posts via the Blog Carnival form.
Also, join us for Firsts on the First this Saturday. I will be sharing a new canning recipe I plan to try this week. Have you tried something new this month? Share your post with us on Saturday!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Mini Magnetic Corkboard
I've been needing a corkboard in my kitchen for some time now. Everytime I venture into the office supply aisle in the stores, which is often and you women know what I mean, I get into a debate with myself over the corkboards. What size do I need? Where will I put it? Will anyone besides me even use the thing?
Then, one day I was sloooooowly making my way through our local craft store (I just can't rush through the craft store, you know), and I spotted the most adroable 4-packs of cork coasters and it hit me! I can make a mini corkboard, see if anyone uses it and make more if they do! We could each have our own mini corkboard!!!
Oh the joyful thoughts of my kiddos leaving me loving notes on my corkboard! Okay, maybe not exactly, but I can dream can't I? Anyways, the board turned out so very cute and it was really easy to make!
Materials needed:
2 cork coasters
Tacky glue
Ribbon (optional)
Paint or paint pens (optional)
Magnets
Directions:
Begin by smearing a thin layer of tacky glue on one side of each coaster. Put the two sides together like a sandwich and press down on them for a good 30 to 45 seconds to get the glue to grip. Wipe any excess glue that squishes out with a damp cloth. Place a book or something else flat and heavy on top while the glue dries.
Allow the board to dry about an hour before decorating. I decorated mine with paint on the front and I glued a ribbon scrap around the edges for a pretty touch. I'm sure you can think of many more ways to decorate these up.
Allow your paint and glue to dry about 6 hours before attaching the magnets of your choice to the back. I used peel and stick business card magnets and trimmed them to fit the back.
Stick your push-pins in and you're all set!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Guest Post - How to make a hot plate
So I had this idea to make flat marbles into a hot plate.. But Mark (my beloved) said that he thought someone had already done that! I dared not look!! So to me, this is as original as can be :P
Here we go..
- A base for your hot plate. I used a rectangular piece of wood. (I would have used a circular shape if I had one.)
- Paper and Pens. I decided to draw my own designs. You can of course use paper with a pattern on it ready for you to cut.
- A circle hole punch the size of the flat base of the marbles. Or scissors will do the job.
- Glue. Use a silicon based glue, as this is great for using on glass.
- Flat Glass Marble. I used 48. (I also unintentionally ordered clear glass marbles that have an iridescent look to them. This wasn't my plan, but it kind of looks good anyway - so just make sure you get what you want)
If you decide to draw your designs, make sure you make a few extra for mistakes you might make.
I decided to do a Paris love theme.. about a year ago, my husband proposed to me in Paris on the Arch de Triumph.. oh sweet memories!
2. Glue the paper circles to the marbles...
I experimented with a few different ways for the gluing process, and found it was easier to put a dab of glue on the paper and press the marble down on top. This way you can see where the glue is spreading and push the glue where it needs to go.
3. Prepare the Base...
You don't have to paint the base, but I thought a red would compliment the red highlights I made in my images.
Once the paint has dried, simply glue the marbles in place!!
And...
Voila!!
Alternatives...
(obviously hadn't put the marbles on yet!)
This was made using small wooden buttons. I actually really like this one! And over time you might get nice brown burn marks on the tops of the buttons for a loving used effect.
So there we have it! Try it yourself. It's a great craft to do with a friend, and one that you will be able to use most days!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
Or the Easiest Birthday Cake I've ever Made.
This "recipe" may not quite be made from scratch, but every busy mom needs a few easy cheats once in awhile. And when your son asks for something so incredibly easy for his birthday cake, this busy mom is happy to oblige.
This cake is so easy, and is really quite delicious. If you can find ice cream sandwiches on sale, like we did, it is also pretty economical to make.
You need:
14 ice cream sandwiches
1 large tub of whipped cream
12 crushed Oreos
In a 9x13 pan make a single layer of ice cream cakes to cover the bottom of the pan. I cut one in half to fill the pan.
Spread half the tub of whipped cream on top of the ice cream cakes. Make a second layer of ice cream cakes on top of the whipped cream. Cover with remaining whipped cream, and sprinkle Oreos on top. Put in the freezer to refreeze. To make cutting easier, remove from freezer twenty minutes before serving.
Thanks to Deena for this great idea!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Carnival #125
Zucchini Strudel
This is a fabulous recipe. Not that I'm biased toward this recipe or anything. *wink*
Plarn Backpack
Another fabulously creative and useful creation from Cindy!
Sour Cherry Ketchup
Sounds interesting and delicious!
Next week the carnival will be right here! Please submit your made from scratch posts via the Blog Carnival form!
Banana Strudel Muffins
I apologize for the delayed post. Hubby had back surgery last week PLUS my two step sons are in town from Indiana so it's been a very busy week! This is a simple and tasty recipe using ingredients you're likely to have on hand. With four boys and a recovering husband in the house, simple and tasty are the keys to my sanity!
Muffin Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Self Rising Flour
3 Mashed Bananas
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 Egg Lightly Beaten
1/3 cup Melted Butter
Strudel Topping Ingredients
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
2 tbs Self Rising Flour
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1 tbs Butter or Margarine
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 and line muffin pan with muffin cups or grease with cooking spray.
- Sift sugar and flour together.
- Mix egg and mashed bananas till all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Fill each muffin cup about half way with batter.
- Make Strudel Topping by combining all dry ingredients then cutting in butter till crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping generously over muffin batter.
- Bake 18-20 minutes till toothpick comes out clean.
Jenn's Tips: To mash banana without the mess, squeeze the banana with the skin on till mushy (peel will start to break away) then, squeeze mushed banana from peel directly into dry ingredients. Modify recipe to make loaves or use a bundt pan (be sure to sprinkle topping in bundt first since it will be inverted when done).
Read Jenn's other recipe and craft ideas at Frugal Front Porch.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sponge Ball Toy
(Sorry this post is so late! We had to celebrate a special little niece's birthday today! Happy Birthday, Audrey!)
This easy and fun toy is a quick make-it-yourself project. I have to confess that I got the idea straight from the latest issue of Family Fun Magazine, but once you see them, you'll know why we just had to try them out.Thursday, July 16, 2009
When the Jam Doesn't Set
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Carnival #124
Monday, July 13, 2009
Campfire Delight
Don't have any campfire plans this summer? You can still make these in your oven at home. They take very little time to prepare and are just as tasty as if there were made on the open fire.
assorted berries (rasberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc)
oats
puffed rice cereal
chocolate chips
marshmallows
grill grate or baking pan (optional)
Here's how to make it!
I use more berries, oats, and rice cereal than chocolate chips and marshmallows to make it slightly healthier. Layer berries, chocolate chips, oats, rice cereal, and marshmallows on top of a piece of foil large enough to wrap into a packet. Carefully place foil packets on a skillet, grill grate, etc and put onto your fire. (The skillet or grill grate isn't necessary but makes it easier to remove from the fire.) Cook for 5 minutes and allow to cool slightly before opening berry packets. Everything should be melted and bubbly good and better for you than those tasty s'mores!
What other campfire treats will you make this summer?
Find other recipe and craft ideas at Frugal Front Porch.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Hillbilly Lemonade
One of the simplest pleasures of summer is a tall glass of cold, sweet lemonade. If you enjoy the taste of homemade lemonade, but don't have the time to make it, here is a great recipe we got in West Virginia last year. I guess it's more of a tip than a recipe, but you can make that call.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Stuffed Zucchini
If you would happen to have a few zucchini that hide from you until they are enormous, like the one pictured below, the absolute best way to use them is to make Zucchini Strudel. I will be making some very soon.
We will be enjoying the zucchini harvest while we can. Any other suggestions for new ways to fix this prolific vegetable?