Friday, December 18, 2009

500 cookies? Pizzelles

Holidays are about traditions and family heritage. Making cookies is has been a Christmas tradition as long as I can remember. But when you marry you combine traditions with your spouse and come up with your own traditions. My husband's mother always make these Italian cookies called pizzelles. No he's not Italian but the doctor who his mother worked for was so she picked up this tradition and added it to there family's traditions and we have too.



Makes 150 pizzelles
6 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla or anise extract (pure)
3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups sugar

1. Beat the eggs until smooth. Add the oil and vanilla or anise extract. Onto the mixture, sift the flour and baking powder. Add the sugar and blend vigorously all of these dry ingredients into the egg mixture until smooth. The mixture will be sticky and stiff. Test by dropping the mixture from a small teaspoon or demi-tasse spoon. As needed, add a few tablespoons of water so that the mix drops conveniently as a ribbon in two to three seconds. If the mix is too thin, add a few tablespoons of flour.

2. Set the Color Control Dial of the Pizzelle Pro® to about 3 - 3 1/2 and bake using the red/green light cycle for timing. Alternatively, bake for approximately 45 seconds, open the lid briefly to examine the color, and bake longer as desired to create a darker/browner surface. The baking time can be shortened slightly by increasing the Color Control Dial reading about 1/2 unit.


Please note that when we make the recipe we mix the eggs, oil and sugar and vanilla beat together. In a separate bowl mix the flour and baking powder together and slowly add to liquid mixture a cup at a time. It is best made and easiest if you have bread dough beaters as just a regular mixter you can burn out quickly because the dough gets really hard to mix.

I personally start with a quadrupled batch of dough to begin our cookies, my family only likes the vanilla ones so that is all we make. We had tried anise, almond, and lemon, which are good but vanilla is the best. It takes me by myself 4 hours to make this cookies, I find it makes about 250 cookies. I use my pizzelle press which only makes 2 cookies at a time and my daughter uses my mother-in-laws press as she is no longer able to make them. When I have help it only takes 2 hours to make these cookies.

This year we made 2 quadrupled batches of 500 cookies. We use them to eat and give away as presents. Everyone loves these cookies and look forward to them every year. You just can't eat one.


For your pleasure I have included the history.

History of Pizzelle Traditions
It is generally believed that pizzelles were originated in a middle region of Italy in ancient times to mark an annual celebration. Initially baked over an open fire with relatively simple but effective irons, the early pizzelles often were proudly embossed with the family crest or some hint of the village of origin.

Over time it became tradition to use pizzelles to celebrate any holiday or festive occasion, but inevitably there were pizzelles for everyone at Christmas and Easter. The modern patterns found on these delicious waffle cookies most commonly are floral on one side and a woven basket-like pattern on the other.

The recent increased popularity of pizzelles is the result of greater recognition of their delicious versatility. For example, pizzelles, when still hot, can be formed into cylinders, cones and mini-baskets that can hold a wide variety of delicious fillings for festive occasions. The range of taste experiences that can be created with fillings of formed pizzelles is virtually endless.

Monday, December 14, 2009

It's Beginning to Look like Christmas

I'm finally getting around to posting my holiday decorations. It took me forever to finish it all, even with it all being less than normal. Too much pretties to put out and then take down so this year I decorated sparingly but it still looks good if I say so myself. I started Thanksgiving weekend and finished it about a week afterwards but then I would add touch ups as the days went by.


Main tree in the living room


Fireplace in the living room


Dinning table decor



Buffet decor, if you haven't already noticed I love the Victorian look.


Patriotic tree in the family room



Nut crackers on the entertainment center. The family room is decorated in things my husband loves and my room is the rest of the house. hehe. Well at least I gave him a room. We did share the office but I just recently took it totally over too. I had to have a place for my business.

.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Top 5 Tuesday Treasures

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured here and to check out the other shops great items.



Winner #1 Liberian girl painting by Sabbio Cinnamon Tree
Shop: sabbio.etsy.com


Winner #2 Merry Christmas Cards by The Art of Joy
Shop: TheArtOfJoy.etsy.com
Blog: stuff.joycharde.com


Winner #3 Royal blue vintage necklace by Noell Desiree
Shop: noelldesiree.etsy.com


Winner #4 Coffee Pot Christmas Cards by Coffee Pot People
Shop: CoffeePotPeople.etsy.com
Blog: coffee-pot-people.blogspot.com


Winner #5 Sandwich Buddie Bag Firefighters by The Green Haven
Shop: TheGreenHaven.etsy.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip




Ingredients2 pkgs frozen chopped spinach
1 jar Alfredo sauce
1 can chopped or sliced artichokes
1 8 oz pkg fine shredded Italian blend cheese
1 table spoon minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix together all ingredients but half of the cheese in a oven safe bowl or pan.
Place in oven and bake for about 20 minutes cover with remaining cheese & bake till melted and slightly golden.

This was a good recipe but not as good as the one's eaten in the restaurants. I will look for another to try later. Bon Appetit!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Human Trafficking in America?


Slavery isn’t over; the reality is, nearly 150 years after the abolition of slavery in the United States, human trafficking remains a booming industry around the world. Because this is happening in America and no longer just in other countries its time we Americans wake up and look into ways we can help make people more aware and help those caught up in this terrible crime against humanity.

At the End of Slavery is filmed on location in India, Cambodia, and the Philippines with undercover footage from the front-lines of rescue efforts and first-person testimony of those freed from illegal slavery. The filmmakers hope to expose the atrocious issues of modern-slavery by making the compelling argument that with their success in finding and rescuing victims, and prosecuting those responsible, there can be a viable end to slave trade.

While this film focuses specifically on the slave industry in Asia, human trafficking is happening all around the world – even in the U.S. Also, sex tourism is on the rise; in a recent case, three U.S. citizens were arrested after traveling to Asia to have sex with child prostitutes.

Here is the trailer to "At the End of Slavery"


Much of this information was taken from the Causecast website.

Here are were you can go to help.

This video will be shown locally on December 3rd at LifeChurch.tv at 7pm and will be presented by OSU International Justice Mission

Tuesday's Top 5 Treasures

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured here and to check out the other shops great items.




Winner #1 Memories scrapbook by Memories by Fionchadd
Shop: MemoriesByFionchadd.etsy.com


Winner #2 Panther Glass Cat Bead Charm Pendant by Beaded Tail
Shop: BeadedTail.etsy.com


Winner #3 Christmas Tin Full of Peppermint Bark by Heavenly Sweets
Shop: 1972baker.etsy.com



Winner #4 Set of 6 Jingle Bell Ornaments by Scrappin Stars
Shop: scrappinstars.etsy.com



Winner: #5 Boho Bag- Camo Chic by Pioneersis
Shop: pioneersis.etsy.com

Monday, November 30, 2009

Cyber Monday Sale!




Still time to get in that Cyber Monday sale! Heart & Sow Designs wants to make your holiday shopping easier and hassle free by giving you a great sale all right from your home, no need to leave your house just log onto your computer and save money!

20% off all items. Promotion code: Holiday 09

My Artfire shop: heartandsowdesigns.artfire.com
My Ecrater shop: heartandsowdesigns.ecrater.com
My Etsy shop: heartandsowdesigns.etsy.com

Thinking of you and helping you with your Christmas or Hanukkah shopping is what Heart & Sow Designs is all about. From my heart to yours I hope you have a very happy and joyous Holiday Season! Many blessings to you all!

Easy Cheese Ball



Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions
1.In a medium size bowl, mash cream cheese. Mix dressing mix and Cheddar cheese into the cream cheese. Shape the mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the chopped nuts. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve. Yum!

This is very tasty. The only change I made in this recipe was the nuts. I used crushed walnuts. Very good, everyone liked it.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Top 5 Treasures

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured here and to check out the other shops great items.


Winner #1 Rose Pearl Necklace by Penrose Designs
Shop: tmpenrose.etsy.com


Winner #2 Designer Wedding Favor Box By Designer Favors
Shop: designerfavors.etsy.com


Winner #3 Santa Claus by Lewisa Glass
Shop: lewesiaglass.etsy.com


Winner #4 Camden Clutch by Pere Bags
Shop: perebags.etsy.com


Winner #5 Happy Home Address Book by Memories for Life Scrapbooks
Shop: memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com

Monday, November 23, 2009

Interviewed for Local Networking Site

I was just featured on a Local Networking Site for Stillwater Oklahoma. What an exciting day today! Here is my interview:




Gail Metcalf: Owner/Designer, Heart & Sow Designs
Products include handmade and vintage aprons, purses, baby towels, lap blankets, scarves and accessories.

View products at:
http://heartandsowdesigns.etsy.com
http://heartandsowdesigns.artfire.com
http://heartandsowdesigns.ecrater.com

Visit my blog at:
www.heartandsowdesigns.blogspot.com

Background:
I have a degree from OSU in Early Childhood Education, & Family and Consumer Sciences. I love creative projects! I have decorated cakes and made a variety of products for craft shows and family. About 3 years ago I was looking for cute aprons and had trouble finding some. I decided to make one and discovered I liked sewing aprons and family and friends loved them. My business started with aprons and I’ve added additional products over the years.

Marketing Tip:
Facebook and my blog have played a key role in helping me get the word out about my business. If you have products to sell be sure to check out etsy, artfire and ecrater.

How long have you lived in Stillwater?
Since 1981

What do you love about living in Stillwater?
Community Atmosphere, Safe place to raise a family

Where is your favorite place to go in Stillwater?
Hobby Lobby, Rib Crib and Texas Roadhouse

Hobbies:
Sewing, Crafts & Golf

Favorite Book:
Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands
Battlefield of the Mind

Favorite Move:
The Notebook & Steel Magnolias

Married:
Yes, I’ve been married for 34yrs to a wonderful husband.

Do you have children?
Yes, 2 daughters, 1 son and 8 grandkids

How can residents connect with you?
heartandsowdesigns@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/HeartandSowDesigns

Black Friday ~Cyber Monday Sale



Getting ready for the holidays is a busy time of the year. To help with the endless cost of products going up I'm offering a 25% off all items in my shops on Black Friday, November 27. Promotion Code: Black Friday

Saturday through Cyber Monday, November 28-30, 20% off all items. Promotion code: Holiday

My Artfire shop: heartandsowdesigns.artfire.com
My Ecrater shop: heartandsowdesigns.ecrater.com
My Etsy shop: heartandsowdesigns.etsy.com

Thinking of you and helping you with your Christmas or Hanukkah shopping is what Heart & Sow Designs is all about. From my heart to yours I hope you have a very happy and joyious Holiday Season! Many blessings to you all!


Thursday, November 19, 2009

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE


Ingredients
1 lb. hot sausage
3 c. frozen hash browns, thawed
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
1/2 c. chopped yellow onion
2 c. milk
3 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp. salt
12 eggs, beaten

Directions
Cook sausage until done; crumble and drain. Place hash brown in a lightly greased 13"x9"x2" baking dish; salt to taste; layer sausage, cheese, onion and green pepper. Combine eggs and milk, stirring well. Pour over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

This is the perfect breakfast meal to serve on the holidays. It can be made the night before and bake in the morning. I serve this Thanksgiving and Christmas morning. I make two for my big family. One with the vegies and one with out.
I use turkey sausage instead of pork breakfast sausage. Recipe from Cooks.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Tuesday's Top Treasures

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured here and to check out the other shops great items.


Winner #1 Vegas Nights by Simply Unique Kreations
Shop: SimplyUniqueKreation.etsy.com


Winner #2 Bible Cover - My Heart Belongs To Jesus by Carry The Word
Shop: CarryTheWord.etsy.com


Winner #3 Sterling Silver Handmade Brooch by Kaelin Design
Shop: KaelinDesign.etsy.com


Winner #4 Fabric Collage Pouch-Scottie Dog by Anrea Creates
Shop: andreacreates.etsy.com


Winner #5 Americana Chevron Crochet Afghan by Ants Accessories
shop: Ants Accessories

Friday, November 13, 2009

Wish List Feature

I just found out my snowman apron is on a wish list featured on another person's blog. Audrey's Country Crafts has featured several shops for home decorating. I'm excited that she picked my snowman apron to be featured too! Thank you Audrey!



Audrey's blog for more shops featured: Audrey's Country Crafts

Red Snowman apron

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe


Ingredients
2 cups low-fat ricotta cheese
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling)
1/2 cup sugar-free maple syrup
5 tablespoons Splenda granular, sugar substitute
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup vanilla protein powder
1 reduced fat graham cracker crust
1 cup Cool Whip Free (fat free, sugar free)

Directions

1. preheat oven to 400f degrees.
2. in large bowl combine ricotta cheese, pumpkin, maple syrup, splenda, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and protein powder. mix well.
3. pour mixture into pie shell and smooth out with spoon or spatula
4. bake for 30 to 40 minutes until filling is set.
5. let cool for 15 minutes. Refrigerate for a least 2 hours before serving.
6. serve with a tbsp of the cool whip and enjoy!


This recipe is a high protein recipe that the whole family loves from Eating for Life cookbook. My family loves this and only my daughter knows its healthy. My husband who hates cheesecake loves this recipe.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Honoring our Veterans!



On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.
--By Joanna Fuchs

My Personal Heros:


My husband, Vietnam Veteran



My Son, Iraq Veteran


My Son-in-law, Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran

My father was a Korean Veteran and father-in-law was WWII veteran, and 4 nephews actively serving in the armed forces.

Our Current Heros!


Remember All our service men and women are heros!

Veteran's Day Sale

I'm offering 20% off these items in honor of Veteran's Day!



Patriotic Apron




Camo Apron

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tuesday's Top 5 Treasures!

Today's Top 5 treasures found are listed below. If you would like to have your shop featured here on my blog you will need to pick your favorite and list it in the comments along with your shop address. You may also include your blog address if you have one. The next 5 items and shops will be picked randomly from the "Raffle King." Next posting of Top 5 will be next Tuesday! All comments are welcomed but please note that unless your shop is opened you can not be considered as a contestant. Also all shops must have viable items for sale.

Be sure to invite your friends to be featured on here and to check out the other shops great items.


Winner #1 Patch, the Dog by Mountainside Crochet
Shop: MountainsideCrochet.etsy.com



Winner #2 Aqua Quartz, Pearl, & Silver Necklace by Beadded Details
Shop: BeadedDetails.etsy.com



Winner #3 Soldier Bear by Wigglysee Crochet Toys
Shop: wigglysee.etsy.com


Winner #4 Our Story Photo Album by Paper On Parade
Shop: PaperOnParade.etsy.com



Winner #5 Mifflin Man Hat by Eca Echo
Shop: EcaEcho.etsy.com

Monday, November 9, 2009

French Maid Apron


Be the cutiest hostess at your next party. Or plan your intmiate dinner with your love one. But what ever you do you will sure be the hit in this cute little apron!

This French Maid apron is my own personal creation, and my own pattern. It's an original design!

The apron is black cotton fabric, with a little white cotton apron all trimmed with 100% nylon sparkle Organza with irridescent edge. Neckties are black and waist ties are white.

Bib: 13" wide
skirt: 38" wide
neck ties: 25.5"
waist ties: 27.5"

Machine wash cool, tumble dry low

One size fits most

Hanukkah Holiday Apron


This bib style apron the perfect holiday apron! Cute hanukkah and holiday themed. Whether you use it for cooking, hostessing or cleaning your home, you will sure find plenty of uses for this apron.

Made from 100% cotton has a blue background, with various shades of blue. It has a large wrap around pockets which include 3 pocket slots. It includes in this print
Chanukah gelt, menorah, dreidel, star of David, and beautiful designs. Trimmed with royal blue bias tape.

One size fits most.

Length: 27"
width: 26"
side ties: 34"
neck ties: 23"
bib width: 10"

Machine wash and dry, cool setting