Zoo and Ladybug Quilt

I have been going through my photos on my computer and it is bring back wonderful memories. I have not made too many quilts in my life time, but I made some for some great nieces. Below are a couple of the quilts that I have made. I am in no way a good quilter, but I enjoyed doing the embroidery work. My next quilts won't be done for some time and will be reserved for grandchildren.

Shown above is the zoo quilt

The ladybug quilt.

Special Custom BBQ Aprons

I really thought that I had posted these pictures. I was asked if I could make 40 Holstein cow aprons. The company also wanted to have their new logo stitched on the pockets. After several conversations back and forth, the aprons were finished. Wow! I looked at my records and I can't believe that this was done back in 2013.

When I think back, I have had a lot of custom orders from customers. 

The gorgeous apron shown above just shouts Spring!

The above apron was made for a cook off competition. The other apron is shown towards the bottom of this post. I am always happy to make aprons for your special events.

 Another perfect spring apron for a happy customer

 The above aprons were made for the two wonderful women who prepared the food for my mother-in-law's 90th birthday party celebration.

 Tea anyone? This turned out so sweet.

The above apron was done for a cook off competition. 

The above apron, if I ever made again, would have to be modified from the original pattern. This apron was done for a apron swap. I really like the way that it came out.

Tomato Basil Soup

I don't remember where I got this recipe, otherwise I would give them credit.

Tomato Basil Soup

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 - 14 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes

1 - 14 oz. can of whole tomatoes

2 cups of stock (chicken or vegetable)

1 tsp of sea salt

1 tsp of sugar

1/2 tsp of fresh ground black pepper

1/4 cup of heavy cream

3 tablespoons of fresh basil, julienned

parmesan cheese

In a saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil on medium heat for 1 minute - being careful not to burn the garlic.  Add the crushed tomatoes.  Add the whole tomatoes one at a time, squeezing them into the pan to break them up.  Add the juice from the whole tomatoes, as well.  Add chicken stock, salt, pepper and sugar.  Cook the soup on medium at a simmer for 10 minutes.  

To finish, reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and basil.  

I ran out of fresh basil, so I used dried basil. I also didn't have cream, so I used plain almond milk. Since I have used the plain almond milk in soups, I thought that I would try it. I also chose to use the vegetable broth.The soup was delicious. Sorry, that I didn't take any pictures. 

New Hostess Aprons at countrynmore.com

These beautiful hostess aprons, combine vintage lace, gorgeous floral fabrics, and pretty eyelet trim. Each one is unique. You won't find anything quite like it anywhere. Below are some of the latest aprons that we have listed on the website. Please be sure to check them out.

Gorgeous teacups on a pink background.

Gorgeous pink roses on a pretty blue background.

 Vintage rose floral.

This apron is so dainty with the lavender roses .

Strawberry Waffles

I am so glad that it is strawberry season. Can't wait for all of the other delicious fruits to come into season. Meanwhile, I will enjoy my fresh strawberries from the local farmers' market. This morning, I made more Belgium waffles as a request from my husband. When strawberries are in season, I like to put vanilla yogurt and strawberries on my waffles. It is like having a dessert for breakfast.

So yummy, so good.

Delicious Brownies

Our family has been eating healthier and it has had a huge impact on our lives. It is rare that we will eat anything with sugar. If we do choose to use sugar, we decrease the amount called for in the recipe. Most people will think that eating a vegan dish is dull and boring and that it lacks taste. You can still eat healthy and enjoy something sweet.

When we went to a party, we chose to make chocolate brownies. I personally enjoy something made with chocolate and this surely fit the bill. We had increase the amounts, so that we could bake it in a larger baking dish. Originally, the recipe called for 1 1/2 c. sugar, which made these brownies extra sweet. I haven't eliminated the sugar all together yet, but probably will in the future. The agave really adds a lot of sweetness, as well as the chocolate chips. These brownies were a big success.

3 C. Flour

1/2 C. Sugar

3 Tsp. Baking Powder

1 1/2 C. Coco Powder

1 1/2 C. Unsweetened Applesauce

3/4 C. Agave

3/4 C. Organic Almond Milk (You can use organic soy milk as well)

3/4 C. Safflower Oil

3 Tsp. Vanilla (We use organic vanilla)

1 1/2 C. Vegan Semisweet Chocolate Chips

1 1/2 C. Chopped Walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a large baking dish with safflower oil.

Mix dry ingredients together; flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder; mix well.

In a separate bowl, mix the liquid ingredients: applesauce, agave, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix well.
Gradually add the liquid ingredients in with the dry ingredients. Then, add your cocoa and walnuts; mix well, but do not over mix.  Spread in your baking dish and bake for about 35 minutes, or until your knife comes out clean.

Merry Cranberry Freeze Recipe

I have decided to post some of my favorite recipes over the next month or so. This is a recipe that we usually make for the holidays. This recipe is so easy and it is so delicious. And of course, don't forget to wear your apron.  We have a large assortment of handmade aprons at countrynmore.

One note: I found it easier to grind the berries when they are frozen.

Merry Cranberry Freeze

1 ½ c. sugar

12 oz. cranberries, ground

12 oz. canned crushed pineapple in juice

½ c. walnuts, chopped

½ pint whipping cream

Whip cream till soft peaks form. Set aside. Mix together in bowl; crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and sugar. Fold in cranberries, and whipping cream. Pour into mold and freeze. I usually double up on the whipping cream, but I will leave that up to you.

Sorry for not having pictures. 

Homemade Soup-Low Sodium

Last year, I received a electric pressure cooker. I have made so many things, including this soup. At first, I just added ingredients without measuring. This is basically how I cook. It was so popular, that I made it again. This time, I measured. When I make it again, which will be soon, I will take pictures.

1 pkg. Organic low sodium vegetable broth

2 1/2 c. water

1 c. chopped carrots

1 c. chopped zucchini

1 c. finely chopped broccoli

1 c. dried split peas

1 c. lentils

¼ – ½ c. chopped green onion

½ tsp. Basil

½ tsp. Parsley

½ tsp. Tarragon

2 tsp Vegit mix

pinch sea salt (optional)

Place in the electric pressure cooker and cook (soup option) for 45 minutes.

Homemade Huckleberry Jam

Our oldest son purchased some Huckleberry seeds when he was on a trip to Wyoming. Well, this year the seeds were planted. It produced a nice crop of berries. We had to wait for the berries to turn a mat purple color. There are still some that are not ripe and after this batch was picked, I found out that we have quite a few more to pick.

 These berries have a month or so before they are ready to be picked.

I made a low sugar jam, since we watch our sugar intake.

Merry Christmas everyone!

New Hanging Oven Door Towels at country n more

Well, the new holiday oven door towels are up and Country N' More and there will be more on their way. Some of the hanging oven door towels, are one-of-a-kind. Every year, the oven door towels are purchased for Christmas and birthday gifts. Below are the latest additions to the on line store. We now have 45 different oven door towels to choose from. Of course, we have other themes as well.

Please be sure to check back. New oven door towels coming soon.

New Reversible Cobbler Aprons At www.countrynmore.com

Well, I have been working hard to create these lovely reversible cobbler aprons. Here are the latest aprons that were added to our on line store at countrynmore.com. We now have over 60 aprons to choose from. Perfect for wearing while working in the kitchen, outdoors, crafting, etc.

 Fall and Thanksgiving cobbler apron

 Bird and lilac apron

 Old fashioned town scene and snowman apron

 Dalmatian dog cobbler apron

 Cute cat and kitten apron with poinsettias on reverse side.

Words of encouragement pink ribbon apron

Don't Waste Broccoli Stalks

While many individuals such as myself do not care for broccoli stalks, would rather compost or throw out the stalks.  I for one have chosen a new way to use the raw broccoli stalks. I used to purchase broccoli slaw at the market, but not anymore.

Raw broccoli has nutrition that shouldn't be wasted. According to nutrition facts at nutritiondata.self.com, raw broccoli stalks a good source of Protein, Thiamin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron and Selenium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Manganese.

Since I forgot to take the before picture, I found an image of broccoli stalks here. I wanted to give mention about this blog, She provides great ways to use those unwanted fruit skins, etc.

 We purchase our organic broccoli at the local farmers' market.  We prefer to get just the florets, but that isn't always an option. It doesn't matter really, because I shred the stalks in our food processor.We use the mixture of shredded carrots and broccoli stalks in soups, salads, and many other recipes.

I have been doing this for some time and I thought that I would pass this along to others.

Newly Listed Vintage Style Aprons At countrynmore.com

It is hard to believe that we had aprons that have not been listed on our website at www.countrynmore.com.  I have posted that we added some Fall reversible cobbler aprons, but now we have some vintage style aprons that are new to the website as well. Not to mention that currently, we have a sale on selected vintage style aprons.

Here are some of the newbies on the block. lol

The print on this apron is oh, so, cute.

 Retro flower apron

 Time for Fall

We now have over 50 different reversible cobbler aprons to choose from and 25 vintage style apron. Our reversible cobbler aprons are completely reversible. While some make cobbler aprons that we called lined, our cobbler aprons have two different prints. For our customers who wear a size medium, they can now find a nice selection of aprons to choose from. We still make the custom cobbler aprons as well.

Repost: How To Make A Hoop House That Glides

I thought that I would share this. This was posted on facebook. I thought that it was so cleaver: "How To Make A Hoop House That Glides."

Photo courtesy of farmshow.com

Information can be found at the link above. From the site: Harris is willing to help with information, a complete parts list or even parts ordering. If desired, he will even prepare a hoop house kit to order. I am not sure what it would cost.

New One-Of-A-Kind Fall Reversible Cobbler Apron at Country N' More

Fall is almost here and we have some lovely new reversible cobbler aprons that have just been added to our on line shop. We have just started making some new Christmas cobbler aprons as well.  Look for seasonal canning aprons to show up soon as well. It has been a busy time for us as we get ready for the upcoming holiday season. We have added new oven door towels, which make great Christmas gifts.

When you click on the apron title, you will be able to see the reverse side of the cobbler apron, plus some detailed photos. For now, we will show you the front and backs of our new Fall aprons. These one-of-a-kind aprons, are available in two sizes. The aprons that are not noted as medium or plus, are the same size that we have been making since early 2000. Country N' More has a large customer base. Customers find that not only is the quality of our aprons superb, but the aprons are gorgeous as well.
This same print was used for two different aprons.

The apron above also has the Give Thanks design on the reverse side.

This apron is so colorful and cute as can be.

Grape Jelly, Protecting Apples From Pests.

I must say that I am enjoying the jelly made from our California Rodger's Red grapes. This wild grape is a royal pain when it comes to juicing, as I mentioned in past posts. The juice is sweet and so is the sugar free jelly. This time, I tried to add a little Stevia to the jelly. There are some Stevia sweeteners that I avoid. I found that some had GMO's (genetically modified organisms) added to the sweetener. I use one that is just that-"pure Stevia," without any added ingredients. The jelly tastes like I added sugar.

I also made some batches with just the juice and pectin. Both are equally delicious, since the grapes are sweet just the way they are.

Now, my husband isn't one for eating jelly, but once he had some the homemade jelly, he is hooked.
  Here is just a portion of last year's crop

Then, there is the Cody Moth

 



The Cody moth. Here are some tips. This Cody Moth destroyed a large apple.

Yesterday, I harvested this year's apple crop. The crop this year is much smaller. If the apples didn't get eaten by the squirrels, the cody moth destroyed the others. We put up traps for the Cody moth, so there were fewer apples that were destroyed.

I also harvested our pears. As with the apples, the pears were a delight to the local squirrels. Now, that we have a beehive next to the pear tree, we once again have pears that we can actually eat. Before, I would notice that the pears were disappearing one by one. I learned about the paper bag trick,which prevented the squirrels from taking my precious pears. I had no issues with using the paper bags over the apples. We choose to be organic. Here is another useful technique for protecting those precious apples.