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Holidays:  What are you making for Christmas presents?  |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 25 2006 : 12:08:42 PM
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I making each of the kids a warm winter quilt, the boys with tractors, the lil man trains and my daughter I have yet to decide. I'm also going to make them all some flannel pj's and homemade candy. I will probably buy each one just one toy, or maybe come up with an idea of one to make. I picked up a couple of new board games over the summer at a yard sale too. I love reading everyone's ideas.
Sarah |
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Mari-dahlia
True Blue Farmgirl
269 Posts
Marianne
Hoosick Falls
New York
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2006 : 04:26:53 AM
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Jenny,
I made, I think it was yours, lemon curd from the recipe posted on the site last fall. It was a big hit in everyones basket.
I am making candle holders this year. I found a bunch of large table legs and have had them rolling around in the back of the pickup all summer. I will varnish them and make a beeswax pariffin candle for the top. I think I will roll the candle in those tiny glass beads that you add to paint.
Last year I took old windows, on the small side, and glued those florist glass stones on them in a pattern with flowers etc. Then you fill in with broken glass pieces and grout. It is a less talented persons way of doing stained glass.
Marianne |
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vintagechica
True Blue Farmgirl
438 Posts
Eren
Poolville
TX
USA
438 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2006 : 05:40:59 AM
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Holy cow you ladies are a wealth of information! I love all of these ideas. I need to get my behind in gear and get out my list. Thank you so much for the gentle nudge.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Oct 26 2006 : 8:35:57 PM
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I have put honey in jars from our farm, made jams and jellies, salsa, mincemeat, etc. will be including some bread mixes, and will be giving each person/family a basket with these goodies in it with something personal tucked in for each person.
Oh and I almost forgot I am including a MJF Farmgirls cookbook from the kitchen thread!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
Edited by - brightmeadow on Oct 26 2006 8:38:01 PM |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2006 : 08:39:10 AM
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I'm giving jar cakes (applesauce, gingerbread and pumpkin) and I'm also making some pre-stamped fold and mail stationary.
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2006 : 09:19:27 AM
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I love those jar cakes!! Stationary is such a wonderful idea too!! I love when I get stationary. IF I do pre stamped I am more likely to get letters too, right???
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 |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2006 : 4:45:42 PM
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I admit, I do pre-stamped so I get some of that stationary back. :-) I'm giving some to my sister, who has an infant at home, so I know it's the only way she'll have time to get a letter out to me!
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2006 : 5:15:45 PM
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I'll probably make some dry scones mixes in bags with labels and the recipe...and some homemade candy/fudge.
and a nice sized matted family photo for each family.
Tea towels for the gals.
and a few other handmade things here and there.
I'll probably make my two twin sisters a special t shirt each.
I also have made glycerin soaps in orange scent with ylang ylang.
My own special take on "orange blossom" scented.
And each family will also get a matted hummingbird image.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2006 : 05:04:19 AM
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I sat here and listed out all the ideas from this message. There are some really wonderful things to make and do. I think crafting, baking and packaging together is the best part of the holidays.
This year I am hoping to complete "Kitchen Baskets" for my two SILS and MIL that live close by. I bought the small pie plate from Longaberger when they were on sale in July. I am going to make aprons for each of them and fill also with a tea towel, potholder and mixes. I think adding the MJF cookbook issue would be a great addition. Thanks for the tip.
I made three rag quilts for gifts. Two go to my long time penpals and one to my church Secret Sister.
I want to complete flannel pj's for the kids and hubby. He still wears a pair I made almost 10 years ago. 
There are some really great ideas here. I hope I have time to work on some of them. I usually make cookies and I have jams done from the summer. I put these in with honey for our neighbors (hubby has bees). I have not done jar cakes in a few years and may try them again.
We always make an ornament for our tree and to send to all my brothers and sisters and their families. This year it will be snowmen, either from pompoms (homemadde) or fabric circles and yoyos. (Sunshine, we are feeling pretty inspired by yoyo making.  )
Thanks for all the ideas, ladies.
Country girl in NE PA |
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LauraH
True Blue Farmgirl
305 Posts
Laura
North Creek
New York
USA
305 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2006 : 5:35:21 PM
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To all the teachers, teachers aides, library staff,bus drivers,& all relative tins of assorted cookies. For My in laws a friend takes wildlife pictures & has them framed, I "traded" one of a wood duck..Jars of jams are always great gifts, I also make peanut brittle in tins to sell for christmas gifts, but they are great for last minute gifts since the brittle is good for 2-3 months.
Amanda what is a jar cake do you have a recipe you would share??
Thanks in advance
LauraH |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2006 : 5:56:51 PM
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Jar cakes are simply cakes baked in mason jars, and what makes them special is they have a shelf life of about 6 months. I have recipes for several different kinds-- applesauce, pumpkin, gingerbread, zucchini and chocolate. Which recipe would you like, or is everyone interested in me posting all of them?
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com |
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LauraH
True Blue Farmgirl
305 Posts
Laura
North Creek
New York
USA
305 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2006 : 6:03:35 PM
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Really 6 months!! not refrigerated? I would love all the recipes if you had the time to post them..
thanks!
LauraH |
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summerbreeze
True Blue Farmgirl
277 Posts
Laura
WA
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - Nov 01 2006 : 8:55:40 PM
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I would love any of your jar cake recipes you want to share. It is not something I have ever made before. Sounds yummy!
Last holiday season I did something that was a big hit and I plan to do it again this year. From the second week in November until the week before Christmas I had a standing hen party. Everyone was invited to drop in any time after 4:00 pm every Monday night, everyone brought a pot luck item. My kitchen was open and everyone used that time to get ready for Christmas. Some women brought there sewing machine, some women used my oven to bake or make candy, address holiday cards, wrap gifts. It was great fun.
Laura
You only live once,if you do it right once is enough. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
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BlueApple
True Blue Farmgirl
430 Posts
Julia
Oregon
USA
430 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 05:09:39 AM
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Amanda, I would love those recipes..please post them! Sounds like a fun and unique gift to give.
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
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TNfarmgirl
Farmgirl in Training
30 Posts
Joni
Sparta
TN
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 05:11:59 AM
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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.
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 05:51:56 AM
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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 |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 06:07:50 AM
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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 |
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BlueApple
True Blue Farmgirl
430 Posts
Julia
Oregon
USA
430 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 06:55:19 AM
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Bramble, where do you get your hat boxes?
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
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katie-ell
True Blue Farmgirl
1818 Posts
Katie
Illinois
1818 Posts |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 09:41:51 AM
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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 |
Edited by - bramble on Nov 02 2006 09:53:27 AM |
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BlueApple
True Blue Farmgirl
430 Posts
Julia
Oregon
USA
430 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2006 : 04:59:13 AM
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They are beautiful, Bramble...I would love to learn how to make them! Oh so many crafts...so little time! LOL
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl
1054 Posts
Anne
Portland
Or
USA
1054 Posts |
Posted - Nov 03 2006 : 06:51:00 AM
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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
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2006 : 1:08:20 PM
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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 |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 5:39:55 PM
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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 |
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Holidays: What are you making for Christmas presents? |
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What are you making for Christmas presents?
