| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Sep 20 2006 : 2:01:25 PM
I have started thinking about it, though I haven't nailed anything down yet.
So far, I've pretty much decided that the women on my list may get a pair of fuzzy feet (www.knitty.com and then search the archives for the free pattern)- wonderful knitted then felted booties. I can make each pair for a cost of about $3.
For my daughters, I think I will make some doll clothes. Each one of them has a my twinn doll (not my purchase, mind you) and the clothes are pretty expensive, but the patterns aren't. I found a great doll clothing pattern site www.morrissey.com - loads of different doll size clothing patterns.
I think I'm going to frame the map of Washington state Husband Dear and I used for our anniversary trip this year, along with a picture of us in the same frame.
That's all I've got right now.
How about you?
Kim in NC |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Nov 19 2006 : 4:28:34 PM
Georgann,
So nice to hear from you, and so glad that soon you can leave your job and go on to something else because I really miss you being here.
Also wanted to thankyou again for the lovely gifts, I show them to everyone who comes over to visit.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
| Aunt George |
Posted - Nov 19 2006 : 3:35:37 PM
I am making: Crocheted gemstone necklaces. Sterling silver/gemstone earrings and bracelets, some doll clothes, two calico elephants, a puppet show/theater and puppets and a few aprons of course!!!
I am also trying to join an afghan for Warm-Up America. I have until mid January to get that done though.
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/
Thanks for checking out my apron musings! |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Nov 17 2006 : 09:59:41 AM
WOW never heard of cake in a jar...NEAT!
"... to thine ownself be true." |
| CutiePatootieFarmgirl |
Posted - Nov 16 2006 : 7:12:42 PM
I think I'm going to make my sister and cousin (who is also my best friend) towels out of flour sack towels. But I'm going to personalize them by painting her initial in her favorite color and then embroidering around the edges. Wish me luck! I've never actually embroidered before.
I'm also making my youth group kids little felt mice where a candy cane makes the tail. |
| serenity1652 |
Posted - Nov 10 2006 : 1:17:00 PM
This is a great topic.
I am making gift baskets for all of my family and friends. In them there are crocheted wash cloths, homemade candles (made by my kids), home made pumkin bread, sachet closet hangers (the kids helped make also), sock snowmen and a few other homemade Christmas ornaments. I buy all of my childrens things...or they buy it as I just purchase them a few things and then give them a VISA gift card to purchase the rest themselves...they are teenagers. I love the jar cake idea, will make them instead of pumkin bread next year.
"May all of your farm girl dreams come true...as mine has"
http://shallowcreekfarm.blogspot.com/ |
| blueroses |
Posted - Nov 10 2006 : 11:55:51 AM
Thank you. I am such a curious thing. I think I might try to make some.
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Nov 09 2006 : 08:42:06 AM
Actually they slide out pretty easily. They are not a "dry" cake. At least not the spice ones I used to make. They were very most. However, we baked them with the lids on them. (you would hear them popping as they baked! lol The first time it scared my mom to death!) I am not sure it that made a vacuum effect or what, but they were never really stuck to the edges of the jar they were just a hair away from the edge, and they wereso moist if you just put them upside down and kind of shook it would eventually come out, just like say um a can of refried beans or dog food (sorry to use that as a example, but it's all I could think of), you know you shake it till some air gets at the b ottom then shoop it all comes out in one piece. |
| Libbie |
Posted - Nov 08 2006 : 8:53:10 PM
I think I'll include instructions for getting them out along with the cakes - AND a fork!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 08 2006 : 8:23:40 PM
If you use wide mouth jars and just run either a knife or thin metal spatula (like you would spread frosting with) around the inside of the jar they just slide right out and you can cut them into rounds. ORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR....if you want to be like my 26 year old son you just get a fork and eat it right out of the jar..heehee
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Libbie |
Posted - Nov 08 2006 : 8:17:57 PM
Ya know, Debbie, I didn't even THINK of that. How DO you get them out????
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| blueroses |
Posted - Nov 08 2006 : 10:20:47 AM
Okay - here's the stupid question - how do you get the cakes out of the jars??? I tried not to ask, but I just had to.....
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| bramble |
Posted - Nov 07 2006 : 9:34:51 PM
Anne- I learned to make the boxes from my Mom! There wasn't anything she didn't think to try to make herself and she passed alot of that on to me! I still have a few of her boxes that I treasure too. Your wedding cake boxes sound beautiful, would they fit under one of those glass domes they use for dolls? That might be a nice way to display them so they won't get dusty!
Thanks for posting the recipes Amanda, I'm going to give it a try.
with a happy heart |
| Libbie |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 10:00:22 PM
These sound wonderful! I'll be trying them out this holiday season, too - thanks!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| LauraH |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 5:43:54 PM
THank you soo much Amanda! I will try them out asap!
LauraH |
| kitchensqueen |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 5:39:55 PM
Here are some of the jar cake recipes I have (I found them all on a website called Recipe Cottage):
Applesauce Cake in Jars
2/3 c shortening
2 2/3 c granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 c applesauce
2/3 c water
3 1/3 c all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 ts baking powder
2 ts baking soda
1 1/2 ts salt
1 ts ground cinnamon
2 ts ground cloves
2/3 c nuts; chopped, optional
Sterilize 8 (12 oz Ball Quilted Crystal - #14400-81400) canning
jars, lids and rings by boiling for 10 minutes. Remove the jars
and allow to air-dry and cool. Leave the lids and rings in the
hot water until ready to use. Once the jars are cool enough to
handle, grease them (use a pastry brush) with shortening (DO NOT
use Pam or Baker's Secret); set aside. Cream together the shortening
and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is
light and fluffy. Add the applesauce and water; set aside. In
another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda,
salt, cinnamon and cloves. Blend dry ingredients into the applesauce
mixture. Fold in the nuts. Pour batter into the jars, filling them
about 1/2 full. Place jars onto a cookie sheet or they'll fall
over. Bake in a preheated 325-degree oven for 35-40 minutes or
until a pick inserted deep into the center of each cake comes out
clean. Remove jars from the oven, one-at-a-time (use HEAVY-DUTY
MITTS, the jars ARE HOT!); place a lid, then a ring on top and
screw down tightly.
Place jars onto your counter top to cool. You'll know when the jars
have sealed, you'll hear a "plinking" sound. If you missed the
sound, test them by pressing down on the lids once the jars have
cooled--they shouldn't move at all.
Store jars in a cool, dry place. They should keep for about a year.
I've only been able to keep them for a few weeks, they don't last
that long around here. They're wonderful for last minute gifts,
especially for single friends.
Gingerbread Baked in a Jar
2 1/4 c all-purpose flour
3/4 c granulated sugar
1 ts baking soda
1/2 ts baking powder
1/4 ts salt
2 ts ground ginger
1 ts ground cinnamon
1/2 ts ground cloves
3/4 c margarine, softened
3/4 c water
1/2 c molasses
Preheat oven to 325-degrees (NO higher).
Sterilize 5 (12 oz) Ball Quilted Crystal (#14400-81400) jam/jelly
canning jars, lids and rings by boiling them for 15 minutes. Remove
the jars from the water and allow them to air-dry on your counter
top; leave the lids and rings in the hot water until you're ready
to use them.
Once the jars are cool enough to handle, use a pastry brush to
grease them with shortening (DO NOT use butter, margarine, PAM or
Baker's Secret); set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder,
salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Stir in margarine, water and
molasses until well blended. Divide batter among the 5 jars (they
should be about 1/2 full). Place jars onto a cookie sheet or they'll
tip over.
Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for 35 minutes or until cake
tester inserted in center comes out clean. Move the jars around in
the oven while they're baking, so they'll bake evenly.
Have your HOT lids ready. Using HEAVY-DUTY MITTS (the jars ARE
HOT!) Take one jar at a time from the oven and place a lid on, then
the ring. Tightly screw on lids--do it FAST because the lid gets
REAL hot! Allow jars to cool on your countertop.
Pumpkin Bread in a Jar (with variations)
2/3 c shortening
2 2/3 c sugar
4 eggs
2 c canned pumpkin (or 1 of variation items)
2/3 c water
3 1/3 c flour
1/2 t baking powder
2 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1 t ground cloves or nutmeg
1 1/2 t salt
2/3 c nuts
Cream shortening and sugar. Beat eggs, pumpkin, and water. Sift
together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices. Add to
pumpkin mixture. Stir in nuts. Pour mixture into greased wide
mouth pint jars filling 1/2 full. Bake at 325 degrees F for 45
minutes. When done, remove 1 jar at a time and wipe sealing edge
with paper towel or very clean cloth and screw cap on tightly.
The heat will vacuum seal the jar and the bread will keep for up
to one year. Makes 8 pints
Variations
2 c shredded apples
2 c shredded carrots
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 bag whole ground fresh cranberries
2 c mashed bananas
2 c fresh peaches
1 3/4 c applesauce plus 1/4 c pineapple
2 c shredded zucchini
1 3/4 c applesauce plus 1/4 c raisins
2 c applesauce
1 3/4 c banana plus 1/4 c orange marmalade
1 c shredded apple plus 1 c shredded carrot
1 3/4 c banana plus 1/4 c pineapple
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com |
| suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Nov 05 2006 : 1:08:20 PM
Very interesting to read about the cakes in a jar. I figured the heat from the oven was enough to make a seal. I have read and used canning in the oven methods for jellies and jams. I assumed it was equivalent to these.
I will say that I make them, refrigerate them and give them all in the same week. I also advise them to be eaten right away and refrigerated until eaten if not that same day.
Country girl in NE PA |
| asnedecor |
Posted - Nov 03 2006 : 06:51:00 AM
My mom did the hatbox thing from scratch. I have a little heart she made me for valentine's day that she filled with cute little things. Also when I got married for my bridal shower she made a trio that looked like a wedding cake - they are just beautiful. I have them wrapped up right now until I find the perfect spot to put them (16 years still haven't found the right spot  ) They are just wonderful to give as gifts.
Anne in Portland
"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
|
| BlueApple |
Posted - Nov 03 2006 : 04:59:13 AM
They are beautiful, Bramble...I would love to learn how to make them! Oh so many crafts...so little time! LOL
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| bramble |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 09:41:51 AM
Julia- I make them! I have covered a premade box for someone but it's different than making the whole thing. New boxes look new, there are shapes and sizes that look old, does that make sense? Just like the old band boxes and sometimes custom shapes for fun! I will NEVER make a star again! That was not fun! My favorite is to make a tower of ovals or squares with coordinating papers and tie it up with ribbon or raffia. So many practical uses, I use my stack for jewelry.
Check out www.hannahstreasures.com/bandboxes.asp (very much like what I make!)
with a happy heart |
| katie-ell |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 08:29:04 AM
FYI, here's info about whether the cake in a jar is safe to store for a long period of time: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/uga/uga_can_breads.pdf
Mind you, I have no personal experience with this. Just passing along the info.
|
| BlueApple |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 06:55:19 AM
Bramble, where do you get your hat boxes?
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| bramble |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 06:07:50 AM
I hadn't checked this topic for a while but...WOW! You guys sure have some great ideas! I never heard of jar cake so I hope someone will please share the recipes.
Jami- You asked about the hatboxes... the bases are usually heavy duty cardboard(solid not corrugated center) or mat board. I have used foam core too for angular boxes that don't need any flex (like round and ovals do). Wood glue and that's about it! I try to find wallpaper as old as possible for period looks and usually line the boxes as well. I like tissue paper that looks like old advertisements/newsprint. It doesn't add any bulk but makes a nice interior but you could use anything that coordinates with the outside.
Happy crafting, next project!
with a happy heart |
| suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 05:51:56 AM
For those interested, Goosberry Patch had some recipes for jar cakes posted in some of their books, but I can't recall if they were the Christmas cookbooks or the gifts in a Jar issues. I will have to look it up over today.
For anyone interested, there is a small cookbook put out by Jackie Gannaway called "Cake in a Jar". It is published by Cookbook Cupboard, PO Box 50053, Austin, Texas, 78763. Phone number is 512-477-7070. You can write for a list of all her books. I know that years ago one of the catalogs, Current, carried some of her cookbooks like "Cookies in a Jar" and "Jingle Jars" etc. Here is the link for her site.
http://www.cookbookcupboard.com/
I ordered this one off a website. Try typing in Cookbook Cupboard or her name to find it. It was cheap, around $5.
These are very easy to do, quick and store well. I did refrigerate the jars before sending them off just to be sure. All recipients enjoyed them .I made the Carmel Nut Cake and Choclate Cake. You just need Wide Mouth Pint Mason Jars. It cooks right in them and you close it up with the lid and rim when it comes out of the oven. They all sealed beautifully.
One year I had a Ladies Christmas Party and we made these, some mixes in the large quart jars, cocoa mix packed in plastic icing cones and a party mix packed in tins. It was a hit with everyone. They all went home with gifts for themselves or to give away and we all worked together and had a great time.
Oh, I see the zucchini one in there. Yeah!!
Country girl in NE PA |
| TNfarmgirl |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 05:11:59 AM
I found the greatest little store that sells Period clothing and merchandise. I am going to make old fashioned bedding ticking pillows for my friends and family. I will make each one speical with some type of adornment. I am getting excited about this because I was not sure what I was going to do. Well I better get going and work on those pillows.
having a blast on the farm
joni
Painted Springs Farm
"Bought the Farm"
Living the good life in TN.
|
| BlueApple |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 05:09:39 AM
Amanda, I would love those recipes..please post them! Sounds like a fun and unique gift to give.
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
