I'M BACK.....IN THE KITCHEN!

I haven't felt inspired lately to do much baking or crafting. When I turned 40 in May I decided that I would count the pages I scrapbooked this year. As the kids started school I decided that I would start doing more of the things I wanted to do in the kitchen. Here's the first one! I've seen these mini pies on a few blogs before and really wanted to make them (I also want to make the pies in a jar - maybe that's next)

I had the excuse (and push) to make these for church. I discovered that my linzer cookie cutter set is the EXACT size of the top of my mini muffin pan......who knew?!? I have six cut outs and can't wait to use the cutter on future baking projects!
They're so perfect and cute! I can't stand it!!!!

I also made mini apple pies. I had the heart cut outs from the cherry and my mom suggested three hearts for the pies. (she also provided the supplies for the baked treats and all the work in assembling the apple pies! Thanks!!!!) I sprinkled cinnamon sugar on the tops before baking. It was pretty simple (as simple as this could be) since we used refrigerated pie crust and canned pie filling. I filled them a little more than 1/2 full and baked them for 12-14 minutes at 375. Check them after 10 minutes, if the crust is getting too brown, cover loosely with foil. I didn't have to do that, but I did turn my muffin tin around after 10 minutes (the back of my oven is much hotter than the front)
Here's how they turned out!

Apple or Cherry?

OR BOTH!

YUM!

I've gotten away from cooking lately and my family has had way too much take out. I've been making menus, looking through the grocery ads and starting to get back into a routine. This week was an abitious menu and I would have been fine if I didn't get sick. My cooking schedule was off! Tony did cook what we had just not the same menu I put together.
Problem: ingredients in the fridge that need to be used.
Solution: A wonderful potato hash with an egg, over-easy on top!
It was so delicious!!! I warmed a grill pan with a little olive oil and added a chopped green onion. Then a small baked potato (from dinner on Sunday) diced and an entire container of sliced mushrooms. I seasoned it with kosher salt, white pepper and a little sprinkling of red pepper flakes. Two handfuls of baby spinach was added at the end and just until it wilted. I orginally wanted to add a poached egg on top. But since I was new to poaching, my first attempt didn't work and I wasn't patient to practice again. Besides, my breakfast was almost ready. I quickly cooked the egg over easy and placed it on top. Again, can I tell you how delicious it was!!!!! The bonus: it wasn't in my planned menu! I love that when I'm cooking more and more, even my impromptu meals are GOOD!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I was so excited to decorate these empty crystal light containers. After much procrastination:

Here they are ready for Valentine gift giving!

I love the tops of them.....cute punched out paper with a huge heart brad.

Special Thanks to my brother, Jean-Jacques....he saved these containers for me!

Just be forewarned, they hold A LOT of candy!!!!! It took over a medium bag of M&M's to fill ONE container! I opted for hershey's nuggets and mini reese's pb cups - and only filled them about 2/3's full. Next time, I'll be filling them with the appropriate sized cookies (homemade of course)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

KAZAN'S SKETCH #45

My first post for 2 Sketches 4 You (2S4Y)! I saw all the beautiful examples with their ribbons and bling. I did intend to go that direction, but my life with all boys won out! My second son will be using this card for a birthday party on Saturday.

I especially love the barbed wire edge on the card!
It was the first circle card I've made....thanks Kazan for getting me out of my comfort zone!

MOJO MADNESS #124

My 2nd Mojo post! (still working on procrastination!) I think I'll give this to my Mita....she'll turn 96 the day before Valentine's. I love the gem stones and the border punch I used.

Thanks Mojo for the ideas!

NO TIME TO CRAFT......APPARENTLY!

I always have grand intentions of being able to craft....especially during the kids break from school. Then my kids get home and we're even busier!!! Here are a few cards that I'm putting together for a little project (that I thought would be done for Christmas....oh well) I love this Christmas card, but I haven't been able to make those stinkin' leaves stick!!!!! I think I've given up on the card. That doesn't mean I still couldn't photograph it.....it really is cute!

A simple fall colored Thank You card.
A simple Halloween card......do we have a theme - SIMPLE!

Flowers and Paisley

Since the kids are in school, maybe I can get back to business!