Winter Catch Up yes, it is now May)

Since I am inside avoiding humidity, I thought I would post a few of my Pinterest inspired projects from early January (and late December).

First up: Mini Apple Pies

I made a traditional Apple Pie filling, but made sure to chop the apples very small. I used a roll out crust because it is just easier for me to work with then homemade dough.Then I used a small biscuit cutter to cut out circles. I placed each piece of dough inside a small muffin cup pan (without muffin cup liners). I then used the rest of the pie crust (dough) to create little stars for the top. I used a mini star cookie cutter. You could use any type of cookie cutter. They were a huge hit at Christmas! Super yummy! I will make them again for our Memorial Day party.

Second in line: Peppermint, S'more Mini Desserts

Ingredients: graham cracker crumbs, butter, chocolate mousse mix (follow boxed directions), marshmallow fluff, chocolate bar (to create chocolate shavings), and mini candy-canes.

How'd I do it? I mixed graham cracker crumbs with a tiny bit of butter and placed them at the bottom of the mini dish (which you can buy at Bed Bath and Beyond for a great price-they even come with little spoons). Then I made the mousse mix and put it on top. I chilled both for about 15 minutes. After the dessert was chilled, I put some marshmallow fluff on top. Then I made chocolate shavings (cheese grater + chocolate bar) and placed an adorable mini candy cane. So yummy! Make sure you serve cold!

 Third Up: Smore Cookie Bars - this one I found on Pinterest and tried it exactly as prescribed, but tweaked it a bit. See the below link for the original recipe. The only thing I changed is the amount of chocolate. I am a chocolate lover, so I added an extra candy bar (or two. . . ). :) I brought them to a recent couples dinner party and they were a big hit! Not one cookie left! I highly recommend. :)

http://www.lovintheoven.com/2008/12/day-11-smores-cookie-bars.html

Fourth Project: Tray for remotes, drinks, etc

All over Pinterest are pictures of trays. Trays made from picture frames, trays made from plates, so on and so on. I wanted to make a tray out of a picture frame, but wasn't there yet (and really didn't know where I would put it). Instead, I bought an inexpensive tray from JoAnn Fabrics and picked out some scrapbook paper which resembled a vintage map. I cut it out and then decoupaged it to the tray. It turned out pretty well, but I used glossy decoupage glue and should have used matte.

Coaster Crazy

My latest project: stamped coasters. When I first started making coasters I only bought ink that was made for coasters and wouldn't run. That was fine,but it was a lot more expensive than "regular ink" and I had limited color choices. I figured out I could use any type of stamped ink, as long as I baked the coasters in the oven for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. It worked! I poured water over the coasters and they didn't run or smudge. Woo hoo!!!

For this project you will need:

- 4x4 tile (I use tumbled stone- you can find it at Lowes or Home Depot. It isn't expensive at all.)

- Your choice of stamps

- Your choice of ink


Tip: wash and dry the tumbled stone before stamping. They tend to carry a lot of dust. :)

Salt and Sweet

This weekend's treat: Pretzel, Peanut Butter Treats. . yum

I got the recipe from the below blog (and from Pinterest). The one thing I changed was the chocolate. I used half a bag of milk chocolate and half semi-sweet. They were rich, but super yummy. The salt, peanut butter and chocolate combo = pure deliciousness. My husband and I devoured them over the weekend. I will be making them for girl's night in a couple weeks!

http://twotinykitchens.com/2011/02/23/peanut-butter-pretzel-bites/