| Author |
Stitching & Crafting Room:  What is your favorite handmade gift?  |
|
Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 07:23:23 AM
|
Connie, I found this Spruce Tip Jelly recipe for you. You also could use Fir tips.
Spruce Tip Jelly
Pick about 6 cups of spruce tips selecting only the smallest, less open ones in the early spring. Rinse in cold water. Chopping them gives them more flavor than leaving them whole.
Cover the tips with water and simmer for 10 minutes. Let stand overnight, strain with cheesecloth.
7 cups prepared spruce tip juice
1 cup lemon juice
2 packages MCP pectin
10 cups sugar
1/4 tsp. butter (optional)
Mix juice with lemon juice and pectin, stir until dissolved.
Bring to a full rolling boil for 2 minutes (or jelly test). Add butter to control foaming and pour into jars and seal.
Serve on your favorite breads or heat and serve on pancakes. Or just spoon it out of the jar. But don't get caught
Have fun. MB
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
 |
|
|
Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 07:49:12 AM
|
Grace, can you share the Martha Stewart cracker recipe sometime? I would enjoy trying that with some of the cream cheese spreads I "doctor" for gifts with our sun dried tomatoes and herbs from my herb garden. The homemade crackers would be perfect!
Thanks.
Jami
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
|
|
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 09:14:57 AM
|
oh, gosh, that spruce tip jelly sounds amazing, thanks for sharing!
I always give homemde, but rarely get it - same as you Bonne!
this year, my ex is getting nice printed photos of all of our pets, and a few photo frames. My sister will also get nice printed photos of her son. (my boyfriend is a photographer). last year we gave my mom a printed framed photo of her beloved doggies -she loved it!
I do alot of jams, jellies, and knitted gifts - usually scarves, socks, or felted slippers. This year, for a few select people, I'm doing some herbal tincures and teas, custom-made. For example, 2 of my very good friends suffer from allergies, so I'm making them tinture to help with that. One has trouble sleeping, so he'll get a "sleepytime" tea and tincture.
Cordials are super fun too - and WAY easy! I've got lots of batches brewing - a rum/lime concoction, a lemonbalm/strawberry one, black raspberry, peach.....I'd better be ordering bottles, I've got to to get them bottled up pretty soon! |
|
|
|
eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 10:06:38 AM
|
| thank you mary beth! if i can get my behind in gear in the early spring i am ognna try that recipe!i think i might use the kind of pectin you dotn need sugar in and use a bit less ssugar. i ahve been doing that with alot of my jams and jellys and they are great (if i may say so myself!) peace connie in alaska |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 10:20:14 AM
|
Corinne, I wished we all could get together to share our goodies, what treats we would have. Love you painted ornaments - I have painted sheep this year on some - each person who is getting one is getting a sheep that they where fond of or in the case of my sons had raised. I have spun a little yarn of each animal to tie in a bow on the top of the ornament.
Ann what a wonderful way to end the day - something of your grandmothers - you are so lucky. I have two aprons that I am going to do embroidery on and maybe matching potholders. Great idea Ann....
Mary Beth, thanks for finding a recipe - I purchased 10 more jars last night just in case I get snowed in again for a month I can make bread and smear tons of great jelly all over it. Now they are not all for me but just in case...
Diana - love the snow glob idea - I think I might make "Gnome Globes" I purchased a great gnome stamp and I could stamp that on shrink art, have a forest inside and the little gnomes would be the focal point - THANKS - got my brain thinking on that one.
Maggie the cordials sounds wonderful - would you share the recipes?? As long as it is not a trade secret. I also love the tenture idea - last year I made for those folks who had expecting goats I made my herbal mix for laction along with my grain bits that I give as a treat every once and a while for my goats. I also tucked in a farm watching certificate that they could redeem when needed - like a three day weekend or special shopping or show trip out of town. It is hard to find knowledgable folks - so I thought that would be a good gift.
Jami, I will go dig out the cracker recipe and post it later - I love your doctoring! Great personal touches like that add so much.
I knew I would get wonderful ideas from you talented ladies - keep them coming - I think we are all looking for new gifts that will keep us out of the stores and out of debt. Handmade is best..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 11:11:31 AM
|
Grace, i have loads of jams and jellies and would trade you for fiber....if you're interested. ;)
And no, the cordials are not a secret! they're SO easy, and the recipe is so adaptable! Here is my basic formula. Use fresh fruit of your choice -I've tried cherries, fresh peaches, strawberries, black and red raspberries, as well as herbs, spices (black pepper!), tea (chai tea is amazing). Place in a jar - i usually use a pint or quart mason jar, depending on how much I want to make. Cover with alcohol of your choice. I have used vodka, brandy, or rum, depending on the fruit or herb I've used. Then you let them sit. Six weeks is the minimum. i do believe they get mellower the longer they sit. So if you have patience, up to six months is good. Then you strain out the booze, discard (or eat!) the fruit, and mix the infused booze with simple syrup. I've made simple syrup from honey, white sugar, and raw sugar, and they all taste a little different - so just let your taste be your guide. I usually mix the booze in a 1 to 1 ratio with simple syrup, but again, it depends. if it's something sweet, like a cherry cordial, i might use a little extra simple syrup. if it's something hot and spicy, like the black pepper vodka I made to put in bloody marys, I don't add any. Bottle, enjoy!
There's a great recipe for "apple pie hooch" that is delciious this time of year. I modified the recipe from one i found online - my recipe can be found here at my blog http://girlwithasword.blogspot.com/2008/10/yesterday-i-learned-to-sew-french-seam.html - and there is a link to the original recipe there as well. :) |
|
|
|
Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 11:47:23 AM
|
I highly recommend swapping with Maggie. I've done it many times, starting with the soap forum swaps, and have always been thrilled with her unique goodies.
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
|
|
|
|
Tammy Claxton
True Blue Farmgirl
1559 Posts
Tammy
Glen Burnie
Maryland
USA
1559 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 12:13:28 PM
|
My favorite handmade gifts are the ones that my children have made me over the years. I've saved every one too. I always look forward to their special school crafts around the holidays.
My favorite handmade gifts to give are either something I've crocheted or a pretty decoupaged box to hold little treasures in.
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/
http://bigdogmom130.etsy.com |
|
|
|
Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 12:37:22 PM
|
Sipping on a small cherry cordial sitting on the porch in the old rocker in this beautiful fall weather really sounds good to me right now. (and I don't drink but I read all of the Ann of Green Gables books and that was my favorite story.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 4:18:30 PM
|
I am doing the happy dance - my other package arrived today of You Guessed it - JELLIES - from another wonderful lady on Etsy. I selected the Rose, Pomagrante, Drunk Peach and one that sounded so interesting Dr Pepper Jelly - it is a old recipe created by the Dr Pepper Drink Company in Texas. Both of my sons and I love Dr. Pepper so I that they would get a kick out of this one. How many make the hot Dr. Pepper drink with the lemon and orange slices - that was one I would make for the boys while others drank Hot Toddy's...
Maggie thank you so much for sharing your recipe and I will be going to your site to write it down.. Sounds like something wonderful that I might just have to make. Now that I am up to my eyeball in jelly I was wondering Maggie do you by any chance make a Tomato Jelly? If so let me know I would trade for that long lost taste.. Email me and we can talk about what wonders you make and what fiber you would be looking for.
O.K. still hunting for the cracker recipe - not sure but I think I did that thing where I lent a cookbook out and it has not made it's way home. I will make a phone call tonight when I know my friend is home and see if she still has my book. It is a real simple one that you can Doctor many ways - I love that because it adds your personal touch.
Keep those thoughts flowing - how many days till Christmas???
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
EmmJay
True Blue Farmgirl
352 Posts
Mary Jane
Amherst
Nova Scotia
Canada
352 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 5:47:02 PM
|
Sorry about the delay....but Grace (and any others that wish), here is the recipes for Apple Wine (Green) and Lady Ashburn Pickles (Sort of like Mustard - but better)
Apple Wine
14-16 Apples oor 1 gal. juice
1 lb sugar
1 1/2 tsp Acid blend
1/2 tbspn pectic enzyme
1/4 tsp tannin
1 tsp nutrient
1 campden, crush
1 pkg champ yeast (wine yeast)
Later: 1 tsp anti-oxident
Method:
Only apples that are sound (firm, ripe)and free of rot and worm should be used.
Wash and sort out apples. Since a better wine comes by fermenting on the juice (without pulp)it is recommended that the juice be pressed from the apples.
1. Put the juice into primary fermentor: immediately add the crushed campden tablets and pectic enzyme to prevent browning and help clearing. Stir in all other ingredients except yeast. Cover primary.
2. After 24 hours, add yeast, and cover primary.
3. Stir daily, check specific gravity. When liquid reached specific gravity of 1.040 (3-5 days) syphon wine off sediment into glass jug secondary. Attach air lock.
4. When ferment is complete (specific gravity 1.000, about 3 weeks) syphon off sediment into clean glass secondary. Reattach air lock.
5. Syphon off sediment again in 2 months and again (if necessary) until wine is clear before bottling.
Add anti-oxident at time of bottling.
Lady Ashburn (I eat these like gravy on potatoes)
6 large cucumbers
1/4 cup salt
Peel and dice up cucumbers
Add salt and cover with water.....let sit overnight
In bowl,
2 cups sugar
3 tbspn flour
1 tbspn dry mustard
1 tbspn tumeric
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp mustard seed
1 pint vinegar
Drain cucumber pieces, but do not rinse
Add dry ingrediants and cook for one hour....
Bottle and enjoy.....
Yes, they are that easy, the reason I love them. 
There is a wine supply store here, that you can buy all the ingredients or you can use a kit, that these are included in as well. The kits only take one month to complete.
"Thank GOD I'm a country girl"
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/EmmJay07/ |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 6:18:08 PM
|
Oh Mary Jane - THANKS - I have written those down and placed them in the recipe box - I think that the Apple Wine is a perfect gift for a friend of mine who makes honey wine. The Lady Ashburn would be something my youngest son would love - I will have to check if my oldest son has any cuck's left from his garden. When I go to the health food store I will check there too. Sounds very interesting - love trying new things. I thank you again for sharing - I will also be checking in you photobucket as soon as I get the rest of my silk on Etsy. Wow I am really starting to get excited to get going on Christmas.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
Suzan
True Blue Farmgirl
659 Posts
suzanne
duncannon
pa
USA
659 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 06:09:52 AM
|
| The Honey Wine sounds interesting too. Does anyone have a recipe for this? |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 07:11:47 AM
|
I sure don't - a friend of my makes it and it is his business secret... I sure do enjoy it and an thankful that he has such wonderful hives that I purchase all of my honey from them and give it also as gifts. Need to support the little guy or gal.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4738 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4738 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 08:01:03 AM
|
My handmade apron from my "Windy Pines" cousin, Michele. I love it and wear it all the time. I also love the doilies, preserves, and hand tapped maple syrup Michele has given me too. Sadly, I'm not talented enough to make anything for her, so I give her store bought gifts. I am racking my brain about what I can make that would be nice enough for her.
Dawn in IL |
|
|
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 09:06:48 AM
|
| Grace, I do indeed to tomato preserves, HOWEVER, this year we had a near-failure of tomato crops - of all things - here in central Iowa, due to really bad flooding in ths spring. I didn't even get to can salsa!! *grump* Normally, a tomato shortage is NOT a problem!!! I have caramel apple butter, brandied apple butter, a sort of "herbeed garden harvest" jam with plums, elderberries, grapes, sage and thyme....I have white peaches and grape juice in my freezer to turn into jam when I have a bit more time. :) |
|
|
|
Homespun Livin
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Brenda
Louisiana
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 5:42:50 PM
|
Maggie,
Would you mind sharing your recipe for Caramel Apple Butter? It sounds so delicious, I am drooling here.
"Love one another." |
|
|
|
EmmJay
True Blue Farmgirl
352 Posts
Mary Jane
Amherst
Nova Scotia
Canada
352 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 5:51:25 PM
|
Ladies, I am so very sorry....
In the orginal post I forgot the onions.
Here is the recipe again with the onions.
Lady Ashburn (I eat these like gravy on potatoes)
6 large cucumbers
2 quarts diced onions
1/4 cup salt
Peel and dice up cucumbers
Add salt and cover with water.....let sit overnight
In bowl,
2 cups sugar
3 tbspn flour
1 tbspn dry mustard
1 tbspn tumeric
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp mustard seed
1 pint vinegar
Drain cucumber pieces, but do not rinse
Add dry ingrediants and cook for one hour....
Bottle and enjoy.....
Yes, they are that easy, the reason I love them.
"Thank GOD I'm a country girl"
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/EmmJay07/ |
|
|
|
deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 6:08:52 PM
|
I am soooo jealous!
I dont remember getting anything handmade for the holidays. I know I've GIVEN handmade....plenty of times-with good and bad response. But my extended family is all about the shopping experience! You gals treasure and enjoy those gifties!!
I have done homemade gifts all with a theme. One year I made soy melts for wax/tart warmers. One year i made "gourmet" coffees with chocolate stir sticks, and last year I gave out cheesecakes. i did a chocolate pumpkin, a white chocolate raspberry, basic, and a caramel apple. They were a flop, everyone looked at it like "gee.... thanks. now I gotta eat it." So this year I am not doing homemade.... they dont appreciate it anyway! LOL!!!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
Edited by - deeredawn on Nov 04 2008 6:09:39 PM |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2008 : 08:26:44 AM
|
Maggie - I so sorry to here about the tomato problem - mine got hailed out, tomato sauce on the vine. The herb garden jelly sound interesting... I love using jellys to glaze my chicken or pork. Let me know what sounds good to you.
Dawn, I am upset to hear that folks do not appreciate your love and attention you give to their gifts, maybe those folks should get a lump of coal and be done with it. Over the years I have dropped many who feel that it is all about the gifts - what is funny is now they comment they sure miss my goodie baskets - besides Christmas has become so out of hand that I just do not enjoy even going into the stores - and the people are nuts.
That reminds me I found a great supplier of organic local nuts so I think I might make some spicey mixed nuts - any one have a great recipe - I know it should go on the kitchen section - I will post there maybe.
Mary Jane I will go back and change my recipe card - glad you caught that - I would have thought I might have screwed up - onions are my love.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2008 : 3:26:12 PM
|
There is a great project where you take Xmas cards do a blanket stitch (even on the sewing machine is what I do) and then you crochet the cards together to make a box. I have also made boxes out of granny squares and then crochet them together also. Very easy projects and great so you are not using wraping paper. There is a lady on Etsy who is doing the say thing but with those plastic juicy box things (I have never drank those but they remind me of sugar water) anyway she is making purses, boxes, bags, tablrunners, you name it - same technqiue just different use what you got.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2008 : 11:46:50 AM
|
Brenda, sure, I don't mind! I don't actually use recipes, so i basically just make apple butter but leave it on the tart side, and add caramels at the end to get to the desired sweetness. It really adds a nice depth of flavor.
However, there's another "actual" recipe that i have read - I'll post it here for those that prefer to have acutual measurements to work with! Caramel Apple Butter
3 lbs cooking apples-I used Pippens, Red Winesapp and Stayman
1/2 cup water or apple juice (I use unsweetened apple juice)
2 cups white sugar-to taste depending on how sweet the apples are...I used about half in mine
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon...I added a touch extra in mine
21 caramels
Peel, core and chop apples. Add apples and water/apple juice into a large pot. Cook apples over medium high heat until just tender. Remove apples with a slotted spoon - puree using a food mill, food processor, whatever you have on hand. Discard fluid in pot.
Return puree to pot. Add the sugar stirring well. Return to medium high heat-you want mixture to bubble.
*Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently until butter is thick and has a spreadable consistency. Add the ginger, cloves and cinnamon, stirring well. Add the caramels. Turn the heat up to medium low, stirring constantly until caramels are melted. Ladle butter into clean hot jars leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal. Process in a boiling water bath canner 10 minutes.
*Using a frozen saucer place a spoonful of butter in center. If no rim of liquid forms, your butter is done.
This isnot my original recipe - it's from a lady on another forum. |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2008 : 07:18:10 AM
|
Hi Maggie
Just thought I would touch base and see if you still want to swap for a jar of your herbed fruit jelly - no pressure. Remember I have a shop on my farm so what is on Etsy is not by a long shot all that is available to you. You can email if you wish. Remember no pressure.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2008 : 09:50:29 AM
|
| HI Grace! YES YES YES i want to trade! I just wanted to check my stores to see what kinds of jellies i had made up and was going to send you a list. I keep forgetting when I am at home though! :) I will try to remember tonight! :) |
|
|
|
Stitching & Crafting Room: What is your favorite handmade gift? |
|
What is your favorite handmade gift?
