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Sunday, November 11, 2012

Double Apricot Bread

Last night I was in a baking mood.  So I made some Double Apricot Bread that my hubby had asked me to make sometime.  Boy, did it smell good while baking.  And it tasted even better. :)

A few of you asked if I would share the recipe.   So here it is:

Double Apricot Bread

1 (16 oz.) can apricot halves, drained
3/4 c. flour
3/4 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 beaten eggs
1/2 c. milk
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 c. dried apricots, snipped

In blender, blend apricot halves till smooth (or puree them).  Set aside. In large bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, salt and pumpkin pie spice.  In another bowl, combine eggs, the apricot puree, milk and oil.  Add to flour mixture, stirring just till combined.  Stir in dried apricots.  Pour into 2 greased 8x4-inch loaf pans.  I used 4 small loaf pans (Pampered Chefs 4-in-1 loaf stoneware).  Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes or till toothpick, inserted near center, comes out clean.  Cool in pans 10 minutes.  Remove from pans.  Cool completely.


Pretty simple, isn't it?  One thing I didn't do (well, my hubby didn't do) . . . he didn't let the bread cool completely before slicing some to eat.  He sliced it right out of the oven and it didn't harm it one bit. :)  So if you just can't wait for the bread to cool completely, that's okay . . . the kitchen police will not come pounding on your door. lol  

Enjoy!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Chalenge #38 - Home is Where the Heart is!

This past week on CropChocolate, our challenge was "create a project which contains an image of a house or the word home or both.  For added challenge, use something found in your house - twine from garden, string from toolbox, bottle cap, pull tab from soda can, etc. This is not a requirement but just an added element."

After reading that, I knew exactly what I wanted to do . . . well, I knew that I wanted to use a stamp set I purchased a couple of years ago, but haven't had a project to use it on yet. :)  After thinking about it, I decided to do a small wallhanging. I used cardboard from a CC order box for the backing for extra support and for the extra challenge I photo-copied a page from my dictionary (w/ the definition of "home"). Then I used my "new" stamp sets that are called "layered" stamps on this . . . first you either stamp the outline, then the inside or vice versa.  Here's what I came up with:

Supplies:
CC Products:
Box from CC order
White cardstock by Carte Bella
Kraft cardstock by Carte Bella
Distress inks-Black Soot, Mustard Seed, Peeled Paint, 
Broken China, Worn Lipstick and Walnut Stain
Snake Tape
NonCC: dictionary (photocopied onto white cardstock); 
"Dwelling" and "Nature" by Studio Creative Layers Stamps (clear & foam); 
"Dark Taupe" chalk ink by Colorbox; and pop-up Glue Dots

I thought it turned out pretty cute.  What do you think?  Though this isn't a very big wall hanging, I think I'm going to put it up in my living room . . . well, actually on the post between my living room and dining room.

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Fall Wallhanging - Challenge #37

This past week on CropChocolate, our weekly challenge (Challenge #37) was to "add texture to your project is a quick and easy way to create dimension and interest . . . . by using an unusual and/or uncommon material, such as corrugated cardboard, burlap, pasty substances, or any other kind of 'rough' material."  How FUN!!!

So using Nina N's October Design Team project for inspiration, I went to work.  Here's what I came up with:


Supplies
CC Products:
"Lovely Noteables" Times and Seasons by Echo Park (green #1)
"Sweet Stripes" Times and Seasons by Echo Park (green #2)
"Happy Thoughts" Beautiful Moments by Carte Bella (yellow #1)
"Tiki Masks" Surf and Swim by Trinity (yellow #2)
"Borders" Surf and Swim by Trinity (orange)
Note to Self by Echo Park (brown)
St. Nick by Fancy Pants (red)
Summer's End ribbon by Fancy Pants
Walnut Stain distress ink
box from CC order
Snake Tape
NonCC: misc. green ribbon; script stamp; Tim Holtz "Autumn Gatherings" die; and Gesso

I think it turned out pretty good . . . though it could use a littl more of "something".  What do you think?  Anyway, right now, I have it hanging in my Dining Room.  It matches the colors of my home really well. 

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy