Sewing Sunday

This pretty apron is the "Emmeline Apron" from Montessori By Hand. I've had this green fabric for a while and was inspired by these fabric combinations to make my own. The great thing about the apron is that it is reversible - two in one!! The reverse side is a polka dot print that didn't photograph too well, but you get the basic idea.


Making the apron was appropriate since I did a bit of baking this weekend (too bad I made the apron AFTER the baking was done!!). Friday night Jeff's parents came over for dinner, and we celebrated his mom's birthday. I made these Carrot Cupcakes from the latest issue of Everyday Food (find recipe here.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I'm not a big v-day person, but that won't stop me from having some sweets. Our talented friend Erin opened up Dolce Baking Co a few months ago and Jeff picked up this little cake to have as dessert tonight. Can't wait to dig in.

Friday Favorite Thing (on Saturday!)

This week, as I was getting ready for Thanksgiving I made my grandma's recipie for cranberry relish. Growing up, grandma would always make this for me because she knew it was a favorite. After I got married, she sent me recipes for all of the things I loved that she made. This week's Friday Favorite is dedicated to Grandma G!!

Grandma's Cranberry Relish

1 package fresh cranberries (12 ounces)
2 - 3 apples (your choice, I like Braeburn)
1/4 cup crushed pineapple
1 cup sugar

Chop cranberries and apples in food processor. Combine in lage bowl with pineapple and sugar. Done!! It is best if made several hours before hand, will keep for a few days (it never lasts when I make it 'cause I eat it all up!)

Easiest. Cookies. Ever.

Mmmmm. Peanut butter cookies! My mother-in-law gave me the best recipe for peanut butter cookies. I'm serious, it couldn't be simpler:


1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Peanut Butter

1 Egg

1 tsp Vanilla

Mix ingredients until thoroughly combined. Scoop onto cookie sheet (love the scoop thingy!), use fork dipped in sugar to do criss-cross shape, bake at 325 degrees for 13 - 15 minutes. Cool and enjoy.

Christmas Dinner

I had meant to post this earlier, but things got crazy at work last week and I had to cut my vacation short to go in and deal with some issues. But, I'm off (hopefully) for the weekend and have some catching up to do.

Christmas Day my mom, stepdad, sister and her fiancee came over for dinner with my husband and I. We had a great time and everyone loved the food. The table settings were pretty simple, it looks plain in the photograps, but the placemats were a real pretty ruby red sheer fabric over a shiny satin. I got them on clearance at Pier 1 last year.

I tried to keep the cooking simple. Got a ham from the Honeybaked Ham company, so all I had to do was make sides.

Menu

Honeybaked Ham
Twice-Baked Potato Boats
Green Beans with caramelized shallots
Rolls
Chocolate Ganache Tart



Dessert was by far the best part. I got the recipe out of Every Day Food by Martha Stewart, November 2005 issue. Here's a shot of the finished product:

All in all, a good day was had!