Happy New Year!

I hope that life brings sweet things (like this cute baby) to each of you in 2009! Best wishes!

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In a pinch?

I often find myself being creative with recipes...mostly due to the fact that I have found myself missing a few key ingredients from time to time. My trusty recipe binder has a small substitution chart in the front, but it's quite limited. I found this chart on Betty Crocker's website and found it quite helpful. Happy Substituting!!
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Clean slate

I love this time of year; the phase that starts post-Christmas when work is slow and there seems to be some inevitable self-evaluation. Some make New Year's resolutions, but I've never really been into that. I just like to start with a clean slate.

This year, our big project is to re-do our office. In it's current state, it's not very functional or attractive. I have big plans to segment our tiny room (9x10) into three sections: a reading corner, computer area and paperwork desk. Despite the fact that I have my gorgeous Oak Roll-top desk at our home, it's just not that functional for a modern family. It's completely incapable of housing a desktop PC, so we're working on a very small computer table/desk. I'm hoping that we can cash in on some of our wedding gift cards and cash to purchase a comfortable reading chair and possible side table. I've been checking out Craigslist for options for each, but no luck yet. Fingers crossed.

I've been checking out several photos online for inspiration. I've also been digging thru my archives of BH&G and Domino for ideas as well. Somehow, with a massive desk, I'm going to need to be creative to accommodate all of my ideas into our tiny space. Stay tuned...

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This old thing?

One of my most-genius organizational tools has been a cast-off hanging shoe bag from my college days. I didn't know what to do with it in my current closet arrangement, as I have an over-door hanging shoe bag in my bedroom closet. I felt guilty throwing it away, since it was still in great condition.

This cast off shoe bag has become incredibly helpful in our coat closet. I use it to house scarves, hats, gloves, sunglasses and umbrellas. For $5 or less, you can utilize this helpful way of housing winter accessories. Or for those of you who live in a beach-ier climate, consider sunscreen, hats, wraps, etc. It's a perfect way to kick-off your new year organizational resolutions.
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PT Happy Homemaker goes home for Christmas

My husband and I made the long journey (via automobile) to a coastal town in New Hampshire where my folks reside. I love taking part in some of our family traditions; my favorite is making placecards for Christmas Eve dinner. This has been one of my 'tasks' for many years. I've made tent cards with Christmas stickers that suit each family member; I've made cards to accompany a small chocolate or cracker; I've made red and green magazine montages covered with some gold lacquer (don't ask me where this idea originated, but it actually turned out beautiful).

This year, I decided to kick it up a notch...

These were actually very simple...a pretty pick from Michael's with some nice greenery, a cut-out star with everyone's name and some gold rope...all tied up nicely around Mom's cream colored napkins and voila! A beautiful place setting!

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Recipe Methodology

I've used a recipe box for several years. I bought mine shortly after I graduated from college. My first recipes to take up residence there were my Mom's favorite appetizers and desserts. I still use those recipes today, but the cards are covered in goo from frequent use.

I finally decided that I needed a better way to organize recipes and keep the cards clean while cooking/baking. As you know, I LOVE a bargain! I have the Hallmark Gold Crown card and love my rewards coupons. About a year ago, I received a bonanza - $12 in free Hallmark merchandise! I agonized over what to buy. I dragged my poor husband (then boyfriend) to the Hallmark at our mall and perused the latest merchandise. I finally settled on a recipe binder that came with sleeves for recipe cards, tabs for each type of recipe and pretty recipe cards; it was love at first sight! Luckily, he needed a birthday gift for me, so I gave him my rewards coupons and voila, a hand-picked gift that I loved and was nearly free!

It has been a slow process to migrate all of my favorite recipes to my new format, but I love it! My recipe cards stay clean in their sleeves and I can wipe any spills or stains clean with a damp sponge. It will never hold every recipe I've ever clipped, but for the frequently used cards, it's a dream.
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I heart punkins

I found a wonderful recipe for apple 'punkin' butter in the Cooking With Kids section in my local paper. I may not have kids, but I love collecting recipes for that day when I will and they might be interested in joining me in the kitchen. Check out this recipe - it makes a bundle, has lots of nutritional value and makes your home smell delicious! YUM!

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups cooked or canned pumpkin
1 cup apple juice
1 medium apple, peeled and grated
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (you can make your own with cinnamon, allspice, ginger and nutmeg)

Directions:

Combine pumpkin, apple juice, apple, sugar and pumpkin spice in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally. Pour into container, cover and chill. Apple butter can be stored in refrigerator for 2 months.

I love serving this with fresh biscuits or muffins. I've also divided it into smaller containers and have frozen them and defrosted without any problems. It's also a simple, easy, frugal gift for the holidays. Enjoy!

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Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work I go...

...with a clean lunch box! Yes, I bring my lunch to work. No, I do not like the stench from the daily use of my lunch box that appears every once in a while. I've tried to clean it with a sponge and a little dish soap, I've rinsed it with clean, hot water...nothing has ever worked...until now! My favorite trick for returning my lunch box to its fresh state is to soak it with 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Vinegar is one of those miracle cleaning products. It removes odors and is an awesome cleanser for any surface that doesn't hurt fabric. After I soak it for a while, I simply rinse it out and then let it thoroughly dry. Voila, clean and fresh-smelling lunch box!
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I heart Brownies

So lately I've been getting into the 'Semi-homemade' revolution. I don't think it's worthy of a show on Food Network (sorry Sandra!), but for those of us that work long days, these semi-homemade options can be a God send.

I heart brownies, but my husband loves brownies. I mean he really loves them. But seriously who doesn't love brownies? The box kind are great; in fact, I think they're better than my homemade recipe. Usually a pan lasts about 3 days in our house.

The other night I decided to jazz them up a bit. I thought I had some chocolate chips in the pantry, but no dice. I had some leftover dark chocolate Hershey's kisses from a recent baking expedition. So I chopped them up and threw them in the brownie batter. I used about 12-15 kisses and chopped them into approximately 5 chunks per kiss. 34 minutes later and Voila, some of the best brownies I've ever made! Yum! We'll see how long these last in our kitchen.
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Sometimes you feel like a nut

I love warm, spiced nuts on a chilly day! Here is one of my favorite recipes from Better Homes and Gardens. The first time I made these, I used only Pecans, but I've used different varieties of mixed nuts including the mix shown below in the recipe. The recipe is flexible so use your favorite nuts!

Ingredients
1 egg white
1 tsp. water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground coriander
3 cups almonds, peanuts, and pecans

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil; lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. In a medium bowl, beat egg white and water until frothy. Add sugar, cinnamon, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and coriander; beat until combined. Add nuts; toss to coat.
2. Spread nut mixture in even layer in pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and nuts appear dry, stirring once. Remove foil with nuts from pan; cool. Makes about 12 (1/4-cup) servings

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Fresh Berries

I've always struggled to keep fresh berries, well, fresh for very long. They usually last about 4 days after I purchase them and they either grow moldy or slimy in that time frame. They last even fewer days if I wash them immediately and keep them refrigerated. My fellow-petite buddy at work, M, gave me a fabulous idea today.

1. Wash the berries thoroughly after you return home from the store.
2. Allow the berries to dry COMPLETELY on a dish towel or paper towel (I prefer a dish towel since they're reusable).
3. Add a coffee filter to the berry container.
4. Return the berries to their container. The coffee filter will absorb any excess moisture and help maintain their freshness!

I love this trick because once the berries are prepped after purchase, they're ready for munching! It saves time and helps keep them fresher longer! I'm heading out to the grocery store after work today and will be picking up some strawberries.
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