Wednesday, December 15, 2010

In The Kitchen… and other crafty stuff!

Well, all the Christmas decorating is done around here for this year, so today I thought I’d post about what’s going on in the kitchen at our house :)

We’ve been baking of course. . . .

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Kristen and I made these cookies last week, they are a recipe for Linzer Cookies, (which I think I got from Foodnetwork) but they remind me of a ‘biscuit’ (cookie) we have in England called ‘Jammie Dodgers’ :-)

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I also tried a new almond biscotti recipe that day, but despite the nice taste, they kind of crumbled a bit so I didn’t get good slices from all of the dough. I will probably make some of my other recipe next week as I plan on putting some in a gift basket for our neighbors.

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Also in the kitchen is my ‘NEW TOY’! The Cuisinart 5 in 1 Griddler! I bought this on Amazon on Black Friday, got a great deal, originally $180, on sale for $94 with free shipping. I want to get back to grilling lean protein and having veg and salads for our meals (well after Christmas that is!) but I don’t want to go outside when it’s cold to light the grill for just two small chicken breasts or pork chops.  I think this will do the job just as well :-) And plus, it’s a Panini press too, so I’m looking forward to trying some fancy sandwiches on it (or probably just plain ole grilled cheese for J and K!).

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I tried it out for the first time this week and did some fajita chicken thighs on it. At first I had the grill fully opened and did some onions on one side, but it seemed that the side I put the chicken on (the top as seen in this picture) didn’t get as hot as the other plate? So, when the onions were cooked I moved the chicken over and closed the lid to do ‘contact grilling’. I want to try this out soon for weekend breakfast and cook bacon and eggs on it – I’ll let you know what it’s like as I use it more.

Finally, other crafty stuff…. you may not have noticed but on my right side bar (further down) I have started listing some ‘Stampin Up’ blogs. I feel in the mood for starting to make my own cards and notes again. Perhaps it’s because I received some cute ones recently from my snail mail friend? I have made Stampin Up cards before and have a few supplies I’ve bought in the past from Stamp Camps I’ve been too. They’re just sitting in a closet begging to be used, so after Christmas I think I will make a start. Not only would I like to use them a lot myself (because I aim to try and write more to family and friends) but they make sweet little gifts too.

 

This pretty card above for instance I found on this lovely blog Crafty Creations by Beth.  Have any of you used Stampin Up products before? Made your own cards?  I’m having ideas of making one of our spare bedrooms a craft room for me and getting all organized in 2011? A girl can dream.

OK, Boo is off to the groomers in a few minutes, so I must jump off here. Have a great ‘HUMP’ Day.

 

Denise

13 comments:

Jen S. said...

Hi Denise!
Those heart cookies are so darn cute--love 'em! Wish I was your neighbor so I could get some to enjoy, he he! I like to share our baked goods with neighbors as well. I think it's such a nice thing to do :)
Your new grilling machine looks pretty nice. We have a George Forman grill from years ago, but the one you have looks much nicer and fancier...that's great!
Love the idea of making your own cards. I love crafts like that, and who wouldn't like receiving one of those?! Too cute!
Have a great day!

Richella Parham said...

OF COURSE you must have a craft room--you of all people!

Your linzer cookies are beautiful--and how lovely that they remind you of Jammie Dodgers. Anything for a little taste of home, yes?

I'll be really interested in what you think of your grill. You did get a great deal on it!

Melissa Miller said...

Oh I like that grill. Nice price too! :)

Darylynn said...

The cookies look yummy- love the British name for them. You and Aussies have the coolest names for things. Enjoy your new kitchen toy- I like Cuisinart product... have many. Do you blog with Toni? She is a pro at biscotti.

Does Boo like the groomer? Kali hated it. Hope Cooper likes it better since he's so white, he's going to need grooming more often. (((Hugz)))

Kimberly said...

You'll be all set for the next snail mail swap! :)

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

I love linzer cookies too! They are delicious. And I say go ahead and make your craft room! Imagine the fun you can have!

Mikki said...

WOW!!! Love that Panini press!! How fun!!

Debbiedoos said...

Yum on those cookies. And cool little press too!
Denise you asked me about the camera, he bought me the Panasonic 18x opticle zoom. He did a lot of research and for the price it is awesome! I use picnik to make my photos fun. It is addicting though, so beware my friend, you can spend some quality time playing. Have a good night.

Anonymous said...

Yep, me too liking that grill! If we grill here in Oregon in the winter it's wet, cold, or rainy and that's no fun. I like it that your grill is a nice size.

Southern Lady said...

I would love to make my own cards. I have attended several stampin up parties and bought stamps. I just can't find time to do it! Carla

Oh Let There Be Food said...

Hey where is my biscotti Love you haven't seen you all week going through some withdrawals :)

sadie c said...

ah, homemade jammy dodgers. Scrummy.

YOu've been a busy bee. I'm just trying to scoot around and say hello, I've barely done any visits lately.

Sadie x

Melanie said...

The cookies look delicious and I have wanted a panini press for a long time. Let me know how you like it. I would love to make a lot of different grill cheeses.