New Pink Polka Dot Apron With Ruffle-Cute As Can Be at countrynmore.com

I am totally hooked on this pattern that I came up with for a customer that I decided to take a twist on the design. I really like the way that this apron turned out. I hope that you like it as well.

The pink is lighter than depicted. Not sure why the color is just right in the software program. Oh well, it is really, really, cute. If you would like to purchase this apron, you can get it here. The ties are long enough that they can be tied in the front.

Custom Embroidered BBQ Apron With Some Flair

This is a recent custom embroidered bbq apron made for a customer of countrynmore.  I really like this font. I also like the ruffle that the customer requested. I made the straps long so that it can be tied in front.

We would be happy to create an embroidered apron for you or as a gift to someone else. This barbecue apron is a medium, with a waist size of 27 1/2 inches. The straps are nice and long (36 inches), but can be made shorter, so that they just tie in the back.

The customer ordered this as a bridal shower gift for her friend. I recently asked how the shower went and how the new bride to be liked her new apron. This is what the customer told me: The apron was a big success!  It was her favorite gift! 

  Thank you again!

Waist Apron Made From Vintage Fabric at www.countrynmore.com

I really like the way that this vintage apron turned out. We used a vintage decor fabric and tie dyed eyelet trim. The eyelet trim gives the apron an unique look. This same tie dyed trim was added to the pocket. The straps are extra wide, which when tied really stand out nicely. Depending on how you look at the apron, it takes on a whole new look. The lighting makes the apron appear to be darker than it really is. The apron is available at countrynmore.com

Custom Cobbler Apron With Embroidery

This was a recent request from a new customer. She wanted a black cotton blend fabric with her name embroidered in yellow. It is the same on both sides.  I really like the "D" It is so elegant.

Bees Play A Vital Role In Our Lives-Pesticides Kill Bees

It isn't every day that I would post something like this. We personally have a beehive and we know the benefits that bees provide. Pesticides kill bees. There is a petition that if you believe like we do, we would appreciate it if you could sign it.

From the petition:

Any day now, the White House Pollinator Health Task Force is expected to announce its federal strategy regarding the Obama administration’s plan to protect America’s endangered pollinators. For the nearly a decade, honey bees across the U.S. have experienced an alarming decline in numbers, with massive bee die-offs being reported by American honey producers and in the media.

So far, the White House task force has not focused one of the primary threats to bees and other pollinators:pesticide exposure!

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