tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15447532153904671392024-03-05T16:28:00.948-08:00Devil's WorkshopAn exploration of forgotten arts and lost causes.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-385644695752912222012-04-29T12:48:00.002-07:002012-04-29T12:48:34.407-07:00Handmade Baby Shower DecorationInspired by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Home-Repurpose-Materials-Treasures/dp/1590305957">The Handmade Home,</a> I decided to make a name banner as a decoration for a friend's baby shower. It didn't require many materials, and is something that can be reused as a permanent decoration in the child's room or for future birthday parties, etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wrZIrSC3VWRjPKCPVJhXq12IyHQEvtUs4v-5Ig5UiO9MpksNgtZ8aYjtpkd1j4yCuBodNr-YGl1sEjYvzDr4-zG9JOKbVW2OS4d9UTnkC8EsVaM8fwxhOieKltgk2AE78snu17jK_oM/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wrZIrSC3VWRjPKCPVJhXq12IyHQEvtUs4v-5Ig5UiO9MpksNgtZ8aYjtpkd1j4yCuBodNr-YGl1sEjYvzDr4-zG9JOKbVW2OS4d9UTnkC8EsVaM8fwxhOieKltgk2AE78snu17jK_oM/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It got a little wrinkled in transit between Milwaukee and Chicago, but was fun to make.<br />
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<b>Supplies: </b><br />
-Burlap (1/2 yard should be fine depending on length of name) or other background fabric<br />
-4 fat quarters in at least 2 complimentary fabrics (I used 4 different fabrics in shades of orange and green), possibly more depending on length of name<br />
-twine<br />
-needles, matching thread<br />
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<b>Directions: </b><br />
Cut the burlap squares to the desired size. Hand-draw or trace letters on fabric. I did two copies of each letter, one larger than the other, so each letter would be outlined. Cut out letters and applique or sew to burlap. String the banner together with twine or string. Enjoy!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-18572329162460096062011-02-21T10:20:00.000-08:002011-02-20T23:25:30.719-08:00Valentine's Cold Process Soap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog0rPJqRdw4HPScZS5v9Yct_JFskWWtHZ08ba43Ty5xe7ufeOzquKFhp6hLe9gRlY2z1jc0Ffe95P_fpA5kUfmS4gpnpH_3vn0fIzOH0WCWhr8uHmxBkJV4_0OBPAAC6sWpI5K9uTDRc/s1600/soap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog0rPJqRdw4HPScZS5v9Yct_JFskWWtHZ08ba43Ty5xe7ufeOzquKFhp6hLe9gRlY2z1jc0Ffe95P_fpA5kUfmS4gpnpH_3vn0fIzOH0WCWhr8uHmxBkJV4_0OBPAAC6sWpI5K9uTDRc/s320/soap.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575655789037158642" /></a><div>This soap used a blend of olive oil (55%), coconut oil (31%) and cocoa butter (14%). I added rhassoul clay (about 1 tablespoon per pound of oil) and a blend of lemon, peppermint and lavender essential oils and a bit of rosemary oleoresin. I used a heart-shaped silicone mold. It smells very nice, but it will need to cure for a few weeks before I can test it out. This is my first batch of soap since moving to California so I'm feeling a bit rusty. I'm looking forward to trying it!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-38385465165168746522011-02-18T00:08:00.000-08:002011-02-18T00:18:07.882-08:00Meet Huntington<div>On Christmas Eve 2010 Tom and I adopted a kitten from our local vet, <a href="http://www.tlcvet.com/">TLC in South Pasadena</a>. They sometimes have kittens available that staff members have fostered or when shelters have an overflow. We met each of the five kittens they had at the time, and decided to adopt a 6-month old cream tabby male. Because his fur is the color of sand on a California beach, we decided to name him Huntington, largely after Huntington Beach (where all the surfers hang out) but also because when we first met him he was on Huntington Drive. We often shorten his name to Hunter.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see he made himself quite at home.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A8O4xPP0_t492yVkbal3fPRHNrtyH2h5MZzVNDnGnQtGQVMjE2eIPLEI5Im91Wm88uZxVAEegBrpOuqzHD-DqrZ6Zuj_F7t-3kg80VXEaBZAwHfIkBVJKEz9MVkxOoCR22mL9l3j8mU/s1600/hunter+blog.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A8O4xPP0_t492yVkbal3fPRHNrtyH2h5MZzVNDnGnQtGQVMjE2eIPLEI5Im91Wm88uZxVAEegBrpOuqzHD-DqrZ6Zuj_F7t-3kg80VXEaBZAwHfIkBVJKEz9MVkxOoCR22mL9l3j8mU/s320/hunter+blog.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574939089159860626" /></a><br /><div>Because we already had a nearly 5-year-old cat, Rusty, at home, we did a very slow introduction over the course of several weeks. Rusty had been getting lonely as the only cat in the house (up until a few months before Hunter's adoption, we were a three-cat household). Although he doesn't always appreciate Hunter's energy level, Rusty's mood has generally improved since getting another feline companion. Here are a few photos of the two of them together.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEife4yjcSW4SSk40bFXzB1Q3JWRXuxAiWoVVjUqLFrAGk-EbG8OEVVhyphenhyphenA92_GODxIvgTJaP9lhOFrVl2XjgJ-f_Fuh-k5mHtqe_RJTb4_8a3zI_eXHV5H1LNNaVfUkDYqY_KX7PmKavo8E/s1600/boys.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEife4yjcSW4SSk40bFXzB1Q3JWRXuxAiWoVVjUqLFrAGk-EbG8OEVVhyphenhyphenA92_GODxIvgTJaP9lhOFrVl2XjgJ-f_Fuh-k5mHtqe_RJTb4_8a3zI_eXHV5H1LNNaVfUkDYqY_KX7PmKavo8E/s320/boys.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574938787425200770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JyWm2Cw7YC_lvJdZ4Wf57p4_YPoMca7LHHKOqOVCweVPBf236KJqdB0IfLqDPxXwoMREUczMumeQV6f1zWiFZzXxE74IRw_DLAYYGDP4Nyf3dkTLUhzJTlckrcLa2mmSPRRmFMgBJfY/s1600/2+cats.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JyWm2Cw7YC_lvJdZ4Wf57p4_YPoMca7LHHKOqOVCweVPBf236KJqdB0IfLqDPxXwoMREUczMumeQV6f1zWiFZzXxE74IRw_DLAYYGDP4Nyf3dkTLUhzJTlckrcLa2mmSPRRmFMgBJfY/s320/2+cats.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574938692335518370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HNJQ2BVQtwIocZE4RhbcZzEdaZwnD63TzckLrWeeuajsmNuXecFXNg_bOjBbm4c19L-iWrP2CL8D06GBCoaacT8iFKp4tezcSw4YELflcjOQIbXkD5AIVUCchMHVz89_RHe3HZu8Vxc/s1600/two+cats.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HNJQ2BVQtwIocZE4RhbcZzEdaZwnD63TzckLrWeeuajsmNuXecFXNg_bOjBbm4c19L-iWrP2CL8D06GBCoaacT8iFKp4tezcSw4YELflcjOQIbXkD5AIVUCchMHVz89_RHe3HZu8Vxc/s320/two+cats.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574938573204890738" /></a><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-35241417040531294352011-02-14T17:36:00.001-08:002011-02-14T17:40:30.962-08:00Daffodils in February<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnCGKICFZL5GY3BEE3Yzk_8r6bIvnvIgnxLRFYsspxogrdLkQIzQc2setwuxq0eYQ4xo9zxUhmNWI80BdhDQ76To33jHkID7IsTMUXUj6zm-QTtV5gCQMCZT7GvekNUDoWVzpaqA0-ic/s1600/daff2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnCGKICFZL5GY3BEE3Yzk_8r6bIvnvIgnxLRFYsspxogrdLkQIzQc2setwuxq0eYQ4xo9zxUhmNWI80BdhDQ76To33jHkID7IsTMUXUj6zm-QTtV5gCQMCZT7GvekNUDoWVzpaqA0-ic/s320/daff2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573724569944659794" /></a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHx0MxyMIRgUJkuXDtV-0b95g5pcDLFaoN3gZlGI-XOPaQ4wq47peAbtayBOMtL8rSAdyT4oxcnQ4TvX8CO9okilXKt7s6j5gQ3wcXUauMdXY9f-rOEvtzfx80YYs095f8dllrE9zXWE/s1600/daff1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHx0MxyMIRgUJkuXDtV-0b95g5pcDLFaoN3gZlGI-XOPaQ4wq47peAbtayBOMtL8rSAdyT4oxcnQ4TvX8CO9okilXKt7s6j5gQ3wcXUauMdXY9f-rOEvtzfx80YYs095f8dllrE9zXWE/s320/daff1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573724478977738786" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKHgZJQjOT_uQsklJazOsJMeGK5a3grZu66FJWJM2bY7m3jp3gnRXqRnSSfjH3P2VLnC8EW-ECKQrePScH4l-nysMer0Fs3rzNB3-fp_xdVHDrH4JGQm-4RiXTmKWfrRiIurOvirlhhc/s320/daff3.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These lovely daffodils actually started blooming in our Los Angeles yard in January, but I just got around to taking photos the other day. As a native Midwesterner, it is hard for me to grasp daffodils blooming this early in the year!</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-73199317640095501742010-12-09T12:18:00.000-08:002010-12-09T12:18:38.527-08:00Handcrafted Christmas: Seashell Ornament<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgL9ZDfl3ZL_P4W2vXfi2D1WepmPLjamQRKgkf0Dqmtp7AeExaUNZ-jBYwU8uPRns0FVNsuKBMwhAFt58TcH4vhvymw_dWZTAhB37izKKG9tH6cW5Y6YX44xxuhceYFbjjRpHcjK6RZo/s1600/seashell+ornament.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgL9ZDfl3ZL_P4W2vXfi2D1WepmPLjamQRKgkf0Dqmtp7AeExaUNZ-jBYwU8uPRns0FVNsuKBMwhAFt58TcH4vhvymw_dWZTAhB37izKKG9tH6cW5Y6YX44xxuhceYFbjjRpHcjK6RZo/s200/seashell+ornament.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548779398595118546" /></a>This ornament was a snap to make. I made it for my step-sister who grew up on an island in Florida. I think it looks pretty and is a nice reminder of a special place. This would also be a nice ornament to commemorate a beach vacation.<br /><br /><b>Supplies:</b><br />-glass ornament ($3.99/4, not on sale at JoAnns)<br />-two strands of souvenir seashell necklaces<br />-ribbon<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><div>Take the lid off the ornament, insert the seashell strands. Replace lid, hang a ribbon on top.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-27729250440382015752010-12-05T22:25:00.001-08:002010-12-07T18:23:30.419-08:00Fall Leaves Kirigami<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6juysA5RSH46PiaoZ0Ija6tNNzS-aVbA8Ay1xyDBlejONOG_tSoJkYWn3nH3oEzm6HueBE2oO_TW5DsgG0nPhKLDDl7_aeRdfyRk99LJvDbOfi-7-hChl0euArzXo2nvXPxXkHLsDgw/s1600/kiragami2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6juysA5RSH46PiaoZ0Ija6tNNzS-aVbA8Ay1xyDBlejONOG_tSoJkYWn3nH3oEzm6HueBE2oO_TW5DsgG0nPhKLDDl7_aeRdfyRk99LJvDbOfi-7-hChl0euArzXo2nvXPxXkHLsDgw/s200/kiragami2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548130682499623490" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">When I saw the beautiful <a href="http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2010/09/craft-kirigami-fall-decorations.html">fall leaves kirigami</a> at <a href="http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/">Zakka Life</a> I had to give it a try. There are four templates available for download and easy instructions to follow. Although I had never heard of kirigami before, it was very similar to making paper snowflake decorations.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>For the project I used 12x12 scrapbooking paper that I cut down to the suggested size. I enjoyed the project, and had I found it earlier in the fall, I would have enjoyed making enough of them to decorate our windows or string a garland. Its a project I might return to next year. It definitely helps to have a sharp but small pair of paper scissors on hand for cutting the angles of the leaves. </div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-89277368620515607592010-12-04T18:35:00.000-08:002010-12-04T20:00:50.242-08:00How to Send Plant Cuttings by Mail<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5fASpkU1JafxAURlmIvcdGyuxfPTi7V-vJhk2L4atTahAF-iwtQPe3D0ZCxsDnhd8AHEFBcciHyrtWgQcL_XNy-Dx80JvZAWmU9jxX5Cg-KBNdwEZCejjnyGJGNEmThMXHcWIGTeHls/s1600/wj1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5fASpkU1JafxAURlmIvcdGyuxfPTi7V-vJhk2L4atTahAF-iwtQPe3D0ZCxsDnhd8AHEFBcciHyrtWgQcL_XNy-Dx80JvZAWmU9jxX5Cg-KBNdwEZCejjnyGJGNEmThMXHcWIGTeHls/s200/wj1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547026228822321746" /></a></div>My mother has a very green thumb. Each year she takes cuttings from one of her wandering jew plants and plants them in the front garden. By the end of the summer, they have gone gangbusters.<div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66OIpbHS4P8Sh1qYGRCp01NucD609mPV4-NpgrKO6SOss8JeVi0qhijXoE6k7OVV-n4GT9MXHWKKSfEmo0LfWI78y3VTPUdIxrHwbdae4TZER9NS9su9bqBrK1N4DvRCQDOVGChff9eg/s200/wj2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since my mom lives near Chicago, any plants left out after the first frost die off. My mom is always able to grow enough plants indoors to start over outside in the spring, but when possible we like to make cuttings to share with others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My mother-in-law in New York had been on the hunt for this variety of plant for several months without success. So I decided to send her some cuttings in the mail to transplant.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First, I took the garden clippers and cut some clippings. I wanted to make them reasonably long (sometimes below the first set of leaves) but not too long to fit into a small USPS Priority Mail box.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlY0CThHmUc6TkWEoVixiSSB79bspqBnzqO_p7tfUttuyjELyXJ-Kct45yiDmWMrqDMJMYuzHgbtrqM6X8r4zte1O2awTrKX5fyPSQyGMUzeo2d1-006QOOJN83BbLDxCDFD_yzALWf4/s200/cutting+2.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Then I soaked some paper towels in water and wrapped a soaking wet paper towel around each stem. I then put each stem + paper towel combo in a small plastic baggie (not a ziplock, because I figured they'd need some oxygen).</div><div><br /></div><div>I then packed them up and shipped them off to upstate New York! I made sure to give each of the ladies at the post office a clipping as well.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQLOFbUwxEAlT9Mfiff8jrj9021tRpRGw_90w21uRIWvNGDDcvTqVc__NkzHkKOLSp4EtvF9nu6mGICZ4ZDN79GCNUHZQgHGMn8SX7dTEe2wzqQpli-FZXu-bEj5dfTs4dnGDzS__T3c/s200/cutting.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They arrived a few days later generally no worse for wear. My mother-in-law repotted and watered them and they have held up nicely.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdcOMOTDQrpSrvNY7mc-zyjhb_2rFaRiRv1rw9E-XWXbcCwJb-bVCbaiinOf6iF3czVdSptjxgisoqV9RfypRhy-E3yBj9ip4pVexVOxzmJd5uIbYKdwW2R_pw0-Dd8vZAxwt8mK6QlI/s200/cutting3.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few caveats: some states, like California, may have rules against importing cuttings. Also, I sent this during fall when the weather wasn't too hot in any of the states it traveled through, and luckily none of the states had freezing temperatures, but take the weather into consideration before you put plants in the mail. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photo credit: Final photo courtesy of Margo Downes.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-34217663652238409662010-11-28T21:22:00.000-08:002010-11-28T21:32:26.065-08:00Patch Display Idea--Hat Decoration<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQrcP56jzQQHKxj7OQc5KLrpQxWTHmKPJ8q89-CvTraoixGDZU5G8seO-ITlbPQz_qlUJr103drx-qbs_ubHLGMn1i-dMa9ZHyqAL9vkvdEd5eMjwNk9Aw6HGFaY6TU3EnrGm8IjtQWM/s1600/hat2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQrcP56jzQQHKxj7OQc5KLrpQxWTHmKPJ8q89-CvTraoixGDZU5G8seO-ITlbPQz_qlUJr103drx-qbs_ubHLGMn1i-dMa9ZHyqAL9vkvdEd5eMjwNk9Aw6HGFaY6TU3EnrGm8IjtQWM/s320/hat2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544839530593231650" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love collecting decorative patches. They're one of my favorite items to buy as a souvenir when traveling because they are colorful, inexpensive, and don't take up much room in a suitcase. The hardest part for me is deciding how to display my patches.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the most common ways to display patches is by affixing them to items such as hats or backpacks. My stepfather had a very old patch with the name of his favorite hangout on it. It originally was on a black hat but the hat wore out a long time ago. When he visited me in the spring, he got a new black hat, and we transferred the patch using fabric glue.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, after about 6 months, the patch started falling off of the hat. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7kxOgBPIB24/TPM6rWI4koI/AAAAAAAAEW0/0qc1gGml8D4/s320/hat1.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This time I took black embroidery thread and an embroidery needle and sewed the patch to the hat. While you can still see some of the embroidery thread, I think it blends pretty well, and it will be much more secure than it was before.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What is your favorite way to display patches?</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-70086853935559091102010-08-25T18:39:00.000-07:002010-08-25T18:50:00.329-07:00Update and Introducing Allergic GourmetIts been very quiet here at the Devil's Workshop over the last year. I've had a number of life changes--including getting married, relocating across country, searching for work in a new location, and others. One of the major changes was being diagnosed with a number of food allergies. This information has been fantastic because I am no longer sick on a daily basis. It has been difficult, however, to transition from a vegetarian diet to one that is free of all dairy, gluten/wheat, soy, legumes, and most nuts. I've started recording my allergy-safe recipes in a new blog,<a href="http://allergicgourmet.blogspot.com/"> The Allergic Gourmet</a>, hopeful that they will be helpful to others in similar situations. <div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, I hope to get back to updating Devil's Workshop soon with a refocused emphasis on non-food related topics including crafting and gardening. I've got some fantastic posts in the works. I hope to see you at <a href="http://allergicgourmet.blogspot.com/">The Allergic Gourmet</a> and look forward to our continued conversations here!</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-15477399755980764022009-10-06T01:35:00.001-07:002009-10-06T01:53:07.961-07:00How To Warm Corn Tortillas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuOBSGJ1onvJIIYLr-lYOvV651hUS4jEgYpSW2qwn3I0-TP8fBfVMIW0_mTniBLWyQchzJ8ruY0wXjoPanNVR_omk-Ve-zT25SAYsyBjTNOynq6Qio8KWm3I3wbxZCuwlNKpGXCMl_VM/s1600-h/Tortillera_en_Guatemala.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuOBSGJ1onvJIIYLr-lYOvV651hUS4jEgYpSW2qwn3I0-TP8fBfVMIW0_mTniBLWyQchzJ8ruY0wXjoPanNVR_omk-Ve-zT25SAYsyBjTNOynq6Qio8KWm3I3wbxZCuwlNKpGXCMl_VM/s320/Tortillera_en_Guatemala.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389407006917101666" border="0" /></a><br />This summer I made it my quest to find a decent packaged corn tortilla. We tried a number of different brands with varying ingredients, and all of them were disappointing. No matter how fresh the package indicated they were, all of them had a rubbery texture, and many of them crumbled in half when folded for a taco.<br /><br />Then, my husband suggested we try warming the tortillas. It was as if lighting had struck--I don't know why we hadn't thought of this before!<br /><br />There are a number of ways you can warm corn tortillas--here are a few in the order of my preference:<br /><br />1.) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Heating in a cast iron skillet. </span>I've had great success with this, and its simple and not very messy. I warm the skillet with a bit of olive oil, and heat each side of the tortilla for 30 seconds - 1 minute depending on how warm it feels and how crispy I want them. As each tortilla is heated, I place them in a stack on a plate, wrapped individually in paper towels to keep the heat in. The paper towels also absorb any excess oil. If you have a tortilla warmer (typically a round burnt-orange plastic container like those seen at restaurants), you can use that as well.<br /><br />This method greatly improved the taste and texture of the tortillas and they did not fall apart when folded for tacos.<br /><br />2.) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steaming.</span> This is <a href="http://www.fronterakitchens.com/">Chef Rick Bayless</a>' preferred method, and seems like it would be better if you have to heat a large number of tortillas at a time (say, for more than 2 people). Bayless describes the method <a href="http://www.fronterakitchens.com/cooking/techniques/reheat_tortilla.html">here</a>.<br /><br />3.) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Toaster Oven. </span>This method is nice if you're warming tortillas for just one person or if you like your tortillas extra crispy.<br /><br />4.) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Microwave.</span> Some cooks like to wrap their tortillas in damp paper towels and then microwave. I have not tried this method but in a pinch I'm sure it would be better than a straight-from-the-fridge tortilla.<br /><br />In conclusion, if you love corn tortillas but haven't had success with them at home, give warming them a try!<br /><br />Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gringologue/">Gringologue</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-27924639273417329462009-08-25T10:00:00.000-07:002009-08-25T09:25:04.670-07:00Delicious, Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm9NCy0uyXUdNNLW6JIxe57dXCDSBm9yv9AAASNBXkvJ_2EeuAJ5eQQAcQAJfojv0l56qpH3alMReplH4bXURe3h_doPrp-nljFxh6ZrU7kevHaWCKf2IYrGIXfNESsJfXQraQKDJH-w/s1600-h/salsa.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm9NCy0uyXUdNNLW6JIxe57dXCDSBm9yv9AAASNBXkvJ_2EeuAJ5eQQAcQAJfojv0l56qpH3alMReplH4bXURe3h_doPrp-nljFxh6ZrU7kevHaWCKf2IYrGIXfNESsJfXQraQKDJH-w/s1600-h/salsa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm9NCy0uyXUdNNLW6JIxe57dXCDSBm9yv9AAASNBXkvJ_2EeuAJ5eQQAcQAJfojv0l56qpH3alMReplH4bXURe3h_doPrp-nljFxh6ZrU7kevHaWCKf2IYrGIXfNESsJfXQraQKDJH-w/s320/salsa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368139662612690402" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mango Salsa w/Avocado<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a great weeknight recipe when you want something healthy, cheap, delicious and easy. If you're like me you have most of the ingredients on hand anyways.<br /></div><br />Ingredients:<br />(serves 2-3, can be doubled to serve more)<br /><br />Beans:<ul><li>1 can black beans, drained (or can use prepared dry beans)</li><li>1 poblano pepper, diced</li><li>1 small red chile, diced</li><li>1-2 tsp cumin</li><li>dash of cayenne pepper</li><li>dash of paprika</li><li>1 tsp ancho chile powder</li><li>fresh or dried cilantro, if desired<br /></li></ul>Salsa:<br /><ul><li>2 roma tomatoes, diced</li><li>1 mango, diced</li><li>spritz of lime juice</li><li>diced onion, if desired<br /></li></ul>Serve with:<ul><li>avocado wedges</li><li>rice or tortillas</li></ul>Directions: (If you are serving the beans with rice, start the rice first). While the rice is cooking: Mix drained beans with spices and diced peppers. Mash the beans to desired consistency with a potato masher. Heat in a skillet over medium heat. Serve over rice or with tortillas. Enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFbf134UHmhtM6m56bpcq5uKexycPHH1p__ErFHS2Dh1HCnUM1aS9DSMK3rV7qTlgYbknr0-XKVMSWjYgKIfm-1BYJ4cfrTCggB38-zAbC9qdyH1WIYt5-6Do6PzA5VV_xzP0zeKNJgM/s1600-h/black+beans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFbf134UHmhtM6m56bpcq5uKexycPHH1p__ErFHS2Dh1HCnUM1aS9DSMK3rV7qTlgYbknr0-XKVMSWjYgKIfm-1BYJ4cfrTCggB38-zAbC9qdyH1WIYt5-6Do6PzA5VV_xzP0zeKNJgM/s320/black+beans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368139351419655634" border="0" /> </a><br />Black beans in the pan.<br /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-34059740244454068642009-08-09T16:31:00.001-07:002009-08-18T19:30:14.341-07:00Recipe Review--Pioneer Woman's Stuffed Mushrooms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIgCftfvvPBQ91vNJrO9BD2uYjufHbaHVMSPfJ_kzUflebibQFVXVTvzukeIQokFlMjuQkoT-za66JBa9FhxvuUwmJiDWKFaya5BYPjIlERA6y16tQNXXfTtdhqUq4GdBIq6W_5dJyNw/s1600-h/mushrooms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIgCftfvvPBQ91vNJrO9BD2uYjufHbaHVMSPfJ_kzUflebibQFVXVTvzukeIQokFlMjuQkoT-za66JBa9FhxvuUwmJiDWKFaya5BYPjIlERA6y16tQNXXfTtdhqUq4GdBIq6W_5dJyNw/s320/mushrooms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368138608878228642" border="0" /></a><br />Even though I'm not generally a mushroom fan, the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Pioneer Woman'</a>s<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/appetizers-and-snacks/stuffed-mushrooms-baby/?print=1"> Stuffed Mushroom's, Baby</a> recipe called to me. They were quick and easy to make. We didn't have sausage, so I seasoned some carne de soya (dehydrated soy protein crumbles sold at our local grocery, Casa del Pueblo) with fennel and other sausage-like flavors. I enjoyed them, which says something considering I'm not a mushroom fan. My husband enjoyed them as well and finished all the leftovers. They're a bit much for two people, but would make an excellent appetizer for a party or other event. I could see them being a big hit with guys watching football games, for example. Overall, a fantastic recipe.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-23028738921692585242009-07-20T18:00:00.000-07:002009-07-20T18:00:00.268-07:00Recipe Review: Gobi Matar Masala<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAmhVlmClbSfljFo0qgmQ6prTyEaPAPUJi2DEueofhmGKVmwRtijvnzRv_zNp1IPZH-pKMLCPz8-y8zBkuQv5F0an72V6sH58Q8HIp44Af8eTn93ri8CxK4vvapM26VjL1J8Q0sF5pP0/s1600-h/Cauliflower.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAmhVlmClbSfljFo0qgmQ6prTyEaPAPUJi2DEueofhmGKVmwRtijvnzRv_zNp1IPZH-pKMLCPz8-y8zBkuQv5F0an72V6sH58Q8HIp44Af8eTn93ri8CxK4vvapM26VjL1J8Q0sF5pP0/s320/Cauliflower.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360661761849787154" border="0" /></a><br />Last week I tried this recipe for <a href="http://veganyumyum.com/2007/05/gobi-matar-masala/">Gobi Matar Masala</a> from <a href="http://veganyumyum.com/">Vegan Yum Yum</a>. Gobi Matar Masala is a type of Indian dish with cauliflower, tomatoes and spice. It was inexpensive and relatively easy to follow, but ultimately wasn't very exciting. I don't think I'd make it again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pluses: </span><br /><ul><li>If you have all the ingredients on hand, you can get dinner on the table relatively quickly.<br /></li><li>It is nutritious and inexpensive.</li><li>The recipe is not difficult to follow.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Minuses:<br /></span><ul><li>The finished product isn't bad, but its not exceptionally tasty either. I much prefer <a href="http://devilsworkshopcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/01/aloo-gobi.html">aloo gobi. </a></li><li>The recipe requires a number of spices that novices to Indian cooking may not have on hand (although if you enjoy Indian food, they are worth picking up!).</li><li>No real protein source, so may leave you craving something more. Could be OK if served with a hearty grain and a big salad.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>If it sounds good to you, give it a try! I'll stick with aloo gobi when I get a craving for Indian style cauliflower.<br /></li></ul>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-53201054347286562232009-07-16T12:07:00.001-07:002009-07-16T13:58:47.531-07:00Patty's Favorite Red Beans and Rice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8wvertWAQbEL4pVaAgg5RP-YC-G4v88hPxX0Nyw5Dcs2Q3v2axui2UBacqsaWzITYeWRtKYccJCVXPsSv76NCEtreN9cU1-_sc67m9rLaKg0rwFpN0viEN8ecr_kI6nDVUVacZUBSbE/s1600-h/800px-Red_beans.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8wvertWAQbEL4pVaAgg5RP-YC-G4v88hPxX0Nyw5Dcs2Q3v2axui2UBacqsaWzITYeWRtKYccJCVXPsSv76NCEtreN9cU1-_sc67m9rLaKg0rwFpN0viEN8ecr_kI6nDVUVacZUBSbE/s320/800px-Red_beans.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359163396970289778" border="0" /></a>Earlier this week I made red beans and rice for my Aunt Patty. I knew they'd be safe for her gluten-free diet, but I did not know that they were one of her favorite foods and something she makes nearly every week. She said that our beans were the best, and "better than Popeyes."<br /><br />I started with <a href="http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2006/02/real-louisiana-red-beans-and-rice.html">this recipe</a> from <a href="http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/">Fat Free Vegan Kitchen</a> and made a few modifications. Here is the recipe I followed:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients: </span><br /><ul><li>1 pound dry red kidney beans</li><li>1 green pepper (chopped)</li><li>3 bay leaves</li><li>2 tsp thyme</li><li>1 tsp oregano</li><li>1-2 tbs freeze dried chopped shallots (fresh are OK too, or can sub onions and/or garlic)<br /></li><li>dash of cayenne pepper</li><li>2 small red chiles (chopped, seeded)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions: </span><br />Prepare the beans (either by soaking overnight or by boiling for one minute and then soaking for at least an hour; drain and rinse the beans when done soaking). Put beans in a pot and cover with an additional 2 inches of water, add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer on low for 2-4 hours or longer as needed/desired. Remove bay leaves. If desired, use a stick blender to puree the beans in the pot to a smoother consistency. Serve over rice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Optional condiments: </span><br /><ul><li>fresh cilantro</li><li>chopped red onion</li><li>tabasco</li><li>salt</li><li>pepper</li><li>chopped fresh tomato</li></ul>Notes: I really liked the addition of the fresh cilantro. This went really well with a side of <a href="http://devilsworkshopcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/07/recipe-review-spanish-slaw-mary-ann.html">homemade vegan/g.f. coleslaw</a>.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-23463477170057254052009-07-09T11:09:00.000-07:002009-07-09T11:15:09.831-07:00Easy Gourmet Trick--Balsamic Vinegar Reduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-gAZpod_iC4Nav0Vvasq3wyRTs4rBiPuHE0EFHemQy-c9HsOtUy-lVES1Uf38XWtZeMjFWTOwdQLwUlB08z8Nqu42W1OafEOnNjf-m9yZXxsw4zelT_RZ154jpF1OI8YUpShj-MdTOs/s1600-h/balsamic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-gAZpod_iC4Nav0Vvasq3wyRTs4rBiPuHE0EFHemQy-c9HsOtUy-lVES1Uf38XWtZeMjFWTOwdQLwUlB08z8Nqu42W1OafEOnNjf-m9yZXxsw4zelT_RZ154jpF1OI8YUpShj-MdTOs/s320/balsamic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356524327384696546" border="0" /></a>One of my favorite, easy gourmet tricks is to make balsamic vinegar reduction. Its quick, cheap, fun and can really make a difference in your meals. The first time I had balsamic vinegar reduction was served over pumpkin ravioli. Since then, I've used it on roasted root vegetables, and I suspect it would be delicious anywhere you would consider using regular balsamic vinegar (on strawberries, over salad, with avocado, etc.).<br /><br />To make it, pour some balsamic vinegar into a pot (aim for about twice as much the final volume you would like in syrup), then heat over a medium flame, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar is reduced to a syrup consistency. This doesn't take very long. Some people suggest various additions (brown sugar, salt, butter) as desired, but I like the syrup as-is. <br /><br />Have you tried making balsamic vinegar reduction before? If so, do you have any tips or favorite variations?Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-35794261661509991102009-07-02T07:48:00.000-07:002009-07-02T08:04:01.026-07:00Easy Rhubarb Raspberry Pie Recipe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK6PHMz56ZoVstsh8I2Qev6-wYyJuDi9cYWVXIkIdinGBcc7PA44HtwfGelkPbkQSXIH7o_LpQGtfJS8XT4HXPtrw5Vsg0hZhE9_AikAM1KubF4wJhvkYtV4Rqzbao4baRY9ddl6nMxc/s1600-h/01-rhubarb_stalks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK6PHMz56ZoVstsh8I2Qev6-wYyJuDi9cYWVXIkIdinGBcc7PA44HtwfGelkPbkQSXIH7o_LpQGtfJS8XT4HXPtrw5Vsg0hZhE9_AikAM1KubF4wJhvkYtV4Rqzbao4baRY9ddl6nMxc/s320/01-rhubarb_stalks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353876306555418066" border="0" /></a><br />I adore rhubarb, and buy it at the Farmer's Market just about every week during its short season. To be sure we have some when its not in season, I like to marinate clean chopped rhubarb in a bit of sugar and keep it in tupperware in the freezer. <br /><br />This week, I made a delicious, relatively healthy raspberry rhubarb pie with a homemade graham cracker crust. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pie: </span><br />-1 small package raspberries, rinsed<br />-1 bunch rhubarb, rinsed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces<br />-1/4 cup white sugar (or more as desired)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Crust:</span><br />-approx. 8 oz graham crackers, crushed<br />-2 tbps butter (or more as desired)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span><br />To make the crust, I first crushed the graham crackers using the same method that I rely on for <a href="http://devilsworkshopcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-make-dirt-cake.html">Ardelle's Dirt Cake</a>: I place a few graham crackers at a time into a sealed ziplock bag, and smash them either with my hands or a tool such as a rubber mallet. Then, lightly grease the pie dish and arrange the graham cracker crumbles. Melt the butter and drizzle over the graham cracker crust (you may need to mix the crust a little with your fingers to even out the butter distribution). <br /><br />Then I simply mixed the raspberries, rhubarb and sugar and let them marinate in the fridge for a few hours. I didn't use a lot of sugar, because the berries are sweet and I like the tart tang of rhubarb--but you may prefer more sugar. While the berries/rhubarb were marinating, I also let the crust chill.<br /><br />Finally, preheat the oven to 375 and bake for 40 mins or so (depending on your oven) until the rhubarb is soft. Enjoy!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-69918728265050177832009-06-30T14:25:00.000-07:002009-06-30T14:29:53.035-07:00Recipe Review: Vegetarian MeatloafMy husband recently made <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonlightbaker/238085341/">this vegetarian meatloaf recipe</a> posted by Flickr's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/moonlightbaker/">Moonlightbaker</a>. It was fabulous. The only modifications he made were using only 1 kind of veggie crumbles (Boca, I think, whatever our grocer had on hand), and omitting the onion. The green peppers added a really nice flavor/texture, and the glaze on top was outstanding. The leftovers were really terrific as well. Even my omni husband enjoyed it! Definitely a recipe to make again.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-79648473135750208692009-04-30T17:40:00.000-07:002009-04-30T17:40:00.978-07:00How to Make a Dirt CakeDirt cakes were a fixture at just about every birthday party or other celebration my sister and I had growing up. They were hugely popular with us and with our cousins. My grandma, <a href="http://devilsworkshopcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/04/in-memory-of-ardelle.html">Ardelle</a>, would make them using the recipe below (in her own handwriting).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVedbYQMDjybF1XSDmPKyuJqS7OvbcXN_K9RhRJyPJnAZ2t3spDCHEZVPcC_v77bn1McpEwyui-s6hsLqZfRPsQca5xdLNDjfe3ZoHg2gPn3aJWZKtyw-DwSiTuaD4Ie5SKF-o_D4YVI8/s1600-h/dirtcake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVedbYQMDjybF1XSDmPKyuJqS7OvbcXN_K9RhRJyPJnAZ2t3spDCHEZVPcC_v77bn1McpEwyui-s6hsLqZfRPsQca5xdLNDjfe3ZoHg2gPn3aJWZKtyw-DwSiTuaD4Ie5SKF-o_D4YVI8/s320/dirtcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329916112471043842" border="0" /></a>Recently, I inherited the planter and spade that were dedicated solely to dirt cake. Since my wedding shower was in spring and had a gardening theme (my mother filled about 25 planters with cuttings from her plants as favors!), I decided to try my hand at making a dirt cake to bring to the party.<br /><br />I have to admit that I didn't follow Ardelle's recipe to the letter. For example, her recipe called for an entire stick of butter and I only used about a tablespoon. I used one package of vanilla pudding and one package of banana because its what my partner brought home from the store--this did give the cake a slight banana flavor but people seemed to really like it. I omitted the Cool Whip (which mysteriously appears in the directions but not the ingredients list) entirely. Also, instead of smashing the Oreos between two sheets of wax paper, I sealed them in a large ziplock bag (a few handfuls at a time) before attacking them with the rolling pin. <br /><br />Here is the final result:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKAfWHpFLsk4KZCfZx8ZhTW3ioDM8UIjomI_sI58bhvgPx3hhkRDkLIyjdiW6SdErFECUv6PTFcJr0_LZUqU5QQswVPAoJ6TWUo4v0w3_4OiPc0hJRjibDlgVV3ZneTQ1Rc70cKKNNwI/s1600-h/dirtcake.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKAfWHpFLsk4KZCfZx8ZhTW3ioDM8UIjomI_sI58bhvgPx3hhkRDkLIyjdiW6SdErFECUv6PTFcJr0_LZUqU5QQswVPAoJ6TWUo4v0w3_4OiPc0hJRjibDlgVV3ZneTQ1Rc70cKKNNwI/s320/dirtcake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329906911803446114" border="0" /></a><br />Complete with gardening spade and flower, exactly as Ardelle would have served it. Although I didn't add any gummy worms, which she liked to do.<br /><br />While there weren't any children in attendance at the shower, the dirt cake was a universal hit with the guests, and was more popular than any of the other desserts we had. Leftovers, if you have any, hold up well in the fridge for a few days, although you may need to transfer them to a smaller container. <br /><br />Enjoy, and if you give this recipe a whirl, let me know what you think of it!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-64059119625172806072009-04-24T09:15:00.000-07:002009-04-24T09:22:22.444-07:00In Memory of Ardelle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLz7po6WE-hH2J8zfPHuMqOZik9jFVP2wloIkB38Se9RX_qedSBKlPqQahN9sIURLohrHQSz2QhI3hBbcJgm7sfbt-yAnrvAK4Z6fu2e861gQ881cwm7jHhpCuxkel6_1DMvqCqviqIss/s1600-h/3139_71991781225_619426225_2115195_3694574_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLz7po6WE-hH2J8zfPHuMqOZik9jFVP2wloIkB38Se9RX_qedSBKlPqQahN9sIURLohrHQSz2QhI3hBbcJgm7sfbt-yAnrvAK4Z6fu2e861gQ881cwm7jHhpCuxkel6_1DMvqCqviqIss/s320/3139_71991781225_619426225_2115195_3694574_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328293271126291682" border="0" /></a><br />Its been quiet for the last few months here at Devil's Workshop Crafts as my grandmother, Ardelle, was ill from a stroke, and much of my free time was spent visiting with her. She passed away just before Easter, at the age of 89.<br /><br /><a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcm5jr38_52gfm86ngs">Here </a>is a eulogy that I wrote and read at her funeral. I think it sums up a lot about who she was and what she meant to me.<br /><br />This is a pendant I made from the photo above and wore to the wake and the funeral. I purchased the supplies from <a href="http://www.collagestuff.com/">Collage Stuff</a> if you're interested in making one of your own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-kB_Z0l5HJ0JHF1hDQdBF6km98pU627IMHw9cANM46upUttsGlsEWUDxZmCV8fxbmUcfUBSFzy_qvDzGEycQOif1Aq4cTnZ58QBxM4XCBfQmur4eshXjYto3QLED61exaWmLRsRXYPU/s1600-h/ardellependant.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-kB_Z0l5HJ0JHF1hDQdBF6km98pU627IMHw9cANM46upUttsGlsEWUDxZmCV8fxbmUcfUBSFzy_qvDzGEycQOif1Aq4cTnZ58QBxM4XCBfQmur4eshXjYto3QLED61exaWmLRsRXYPU/s320/ardellependant.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328293363641197122" border="0" /></a><br />Lastly, <a href="http://devilsworkshopcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/03/ardelles-sweet-and-sour-greenbeans.html">here </a>is a link to a recipe I posted a few month's ago for <a href="http://devilsworkshopcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/03/ardelles-sweet-and-sour-greenbeans.html">Ardelle's Sweet and Sour Green Beans.</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-51827723749783853702009-04-14T12:10:00.000-07:002009-04-14T12:23:09.876-07:00Link Love--Rainbow Swirlz GiveawaysIf you're not familiar with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=9941">Rainbow Swirlz'</a> Blog, <a href="http://rainbowswirlz.blogspot.com/">Daily Finds and Giveaways, </a>definitely check them out. Blogger/Etsy store owner Mendy highlights various Etsy store owners through interviews and fabulous giveaways. She also posts tutorials, sales and other items of interest. Through tomorrow you can <a href="http://rainbowswirlz.blogspot.com/2009/04/punkybunny300-giveaway-april-9th-15th.html">enter to win a fantastic necklace </a>from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5396834">Punky Bunny Designs, </a>and there are other contests as well. I've had the good fortune to win a beautiful<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=15140995"> throw pillow</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23039027">fun print, </a>so I definitely encourage you to join in the fun!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-81968537893844334972009-03-31T19:55:00.000-07:002009-04-01T08:46:44.777-07:00Recipe Review: Simple Dollar's Homemade Pizza<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGqDln5_tUn4thaMgaKdIST7MV7uGSR6DsxE0pYX_xMDmllH0KLYCYAPDkAQCQpR6qei1Gua-2BmfE9QJrARB-DAH6w5wWVC8NRTzhLIwJxfujvSeN7kNbDBJhwreE4vB8h6T4T29KPs/s1600-h/PIZZA.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGqDln5_tUn4thaMgaKdIST7MV7uGSR6DsxE0pYX_xMDmllH0KLYCYAPDkAQCQpR6qei1Gua-2BmfE9QJrARB-DAH6w5wWVC8NRTzhLIwJxfujvSeN7kNbDBJhwreE4vB8h6T4T29KPs/s320/PIZZA.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319184038438414578" border="0" /></a><br />When I found Trent's <a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/03/13/a-guide-to-making-inexpensive-and-delicious-homemade-pizza/">Guide to Making Inexpensive and Delicious Pizza</a> at the <a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/">Simple Dollar</a>, I had to give it a try. Trent has two young children, and since this is a recipe he makes frequently, I figured that it must really be inexpensive and delicious (as well as hopefully relatively painless).<br /><br />I am pleased to report that the guide is fantastic, and his recipe is customizable, inexpensive, delicious and easy-to-follow. So far I've made this pizza twice. Each time I've added a number of herbs such as basil, oregano and rosemary to the dough.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswFfEIY43TRT_Xf77Xh47b2W6bj-dERBwjP23w21mNe3Wl6gG2Wz0n-OAIZsfhW1QvU5nQoONxBJBVCd3Jruqi03W0Gt71rcpokNbmwXlIuDZVB50_X9GTAfxh5tguG-Dk2gkNY30ayk/s1600-h/doughball.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswFfEIY43TRT_Xf77Xh47b2W6bj-dERBwjP23w21mNe3Wl6gG2Wz0n-OAIZsfhW1QvU5nQoONxBJBVCd3Jruqi03W0Gt71rcpokNbmwXlIuDZVB50_X9GTAfxh5tguG-Dk2gkNY30ayk/s320/doughball.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319183634628910626" border="0" /></a>Overall, I thought the recipe was terrific. If you are going to use vegetables with a high water content, such as bell peppers, or frozen vegetables, its best to warm them up first in the microwave so you can drain off the water before putting them on the pizza. Also, while Trent recommended pre-baking the crust for about 6 minutes, if you prefer a crisper crust or you oven is difficult to predict, you may wish to pre-bake it a little longer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4RspbOHb-H7uQf1UEINKwdE8PSOGFV9ypl31GjgxMXHNknuuCVg4-Rd_PWd6A_quT1twsdoGXe3ch5URUID6l0w-PFYa1nf-q9wrAL5KGdhdYX0aa73iOjt4_O-NlNdRRnuvrYkIM0c/s1600-h/pizzaplate.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4RspbOHb-H7uQf1UEINKwdE8PSOGFV9ypl31GjgxMXHNknuuCVg4-Rd_PWd6A_quT1twsdoGXe3ch5URUID6l0w-PFYa1nf-q9wrAL5KGdhdYX0aa73iOjt4_O-NlNdRRnuvrYkIM0c/s320/pizzaplate.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319184179022598946" border="0" /></a><br />As you can tell from the photos, its not imperative that you get the dough rolled out perfectly symmetrically. Once you're done its fairly easy to cut into "normal" looking pieces. Enjoy!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-65786229934320890912009-03-31T07:00:00.000-07:002009-03-30T13:26:22.991-07:00Veggie Side: Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGvxBfWP2foAMmt4ZMm4g__soPtBAOAR00SDlNFOBzzBmoUCFZnKYLSJmkory8UotZhdFoMZ4navJL301MY997yI6gENFHVYFiWlCBqCcDJm8Xz-bypcKL32VyeyxR9PJeFboBm8sdak/s1600-h/parboiledbrussels.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGvxBfWP2foAMmt4ZMm4g__soPtBAOAR00SDlNFOBzzBmoUCFZnKYLSJmkory8UotZhdFoMZ4navJL301MY997yI6gENFHVYFiWlCBqCcDJm8Xz-bypcKL32VyeyxR9PJeFboBm8sdak/s320/parboiledbrussels.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319074620551074322" border="0" /></a><br />This week I decided to make brussels sprouts for the first time, since I'd never tried them and I generally like related vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. To be safe, I figured that I would mix them with a vegetable I love, asparagus.<br /><br />First, I halved the sprouts and parboiled them for about 2 minutes. Then, I placed them on a baking sheet and drizzled them with olive oil, salt and pepper. I then roasted them in the toaster oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.<br /><br />While the sprouts were roasting, I washed and chopped the asparagus. I spritzed with olive oil and left to grill on our stove-top grill pan. While the asparagus was grilling, I also chopped a few cloves of garlic, which I quickly sauteed in olive oil.<br /><br />When all the veggies and garlic were done cooking, I combined in a bowl with some additional salt and pepper. I added 1/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts for protein, crunch and flavor, although you could omit these or substitute another kind of nut if you prefer.<br /><br />Although the results were definitely edible, I did prefer the asparagus pieces to the brussels sprouts pieces. If you're in the mood to turn this into a main dish instead of a side, add some whole wheat pasta and fresh chopped basil for a veggie-pesto-pasta dish.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-67677019729891800952009-03-30T13:13:00.000-07:002009-03-30T13:19:51.414-07:00Low Fat Crustless Vegetarian Skillet Quiche<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWol9hAmYUsf9qsyxqbaoRj2w7LmA193vPvmTuoW6GDf4ie22rBReaaeBtsnXOb6piAToE0S24u3FGl-Z2TM9Z8DkhYupxOJQo7psDc8av2x549r570_rQHJ2dDx3KsAhwIlx-NKwEQho/s1600-h/skilletquiche.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWol9hAmYUsf9qsyxqbaoRj2w7LmA193vPvmTuoW6GDf4ie22rBReaaeBtsnXOb6piAToE0S24u3FGl-Z2TM9Z8DkhYupxOJQo7psDc8av2x549r570_rQHJ2dDx3KsAhwIlx-NKwEQho/s320/skilletquiche.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319076677652804914" border="0" /></a><br />Ingredients:<br /><ul><li>Whatever veggies you have on hand (I used broccoli, carrots, tomatoes and red, yellow and green bell peppers).</li><li>6 eggs</li><li>Cheese if desired (I added a few pieces of pepper jack).</li></ul>Directions:<br /><br />Dice veggies and add to lightly greased skillet, saute. Turn on broiler. In a separate container, whip the eggs together (can add milk, cream, chives, salt and/or pepper if desired). Pour eggs over vegetables in skillet. Once the bottom of the eggs has set, add cheese if desired and place under broiler for a few minutes until eggs are cooked to desired consistency. Enjoy!<br /><br />Recipe pros: Quick, uses up veggies, low-fat/low carb.<br />Recipe cons: Not as fun as other skillet recipes. Would have been better with some potatoes or a crust!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-55223547140103987732009-03-21T07:10:00.000-07:002009-03-21T07:10:00.905-07:00Ardelle's Sweet and Sour GreenbeansAs a vegetarian, I've shied away from a number of my German grandmother's favorite foods and recipes. One tried-and-true recipe that I've always adored, however, is her sweet and sour greenbeans. These are a snap to make, and keep well in the fridge. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients: </span><br />-3/4 cup of white vinegar<br />-3/4 cup of water<br />-3/4 cup of sugar<br />-1 can of french cut greenbeans*, drained<br />-chopped onions, if desired<br /><br />*Note: Fresh peeled and sliced cucumbers can be substituted for the greenbeans. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions: </span><br />Combine vinegar, water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Combine with greenbeans (or cucumbers) and onions if desired. Refrigerate, serve chilled. This lasts a long time in the refrigerator and is better if made a day or two ahead of serving.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544753215390467139.post-88303124692540628202009-03-20T18:53:00.000-07:002009-03-20T18:53:01.950-07:00Recipe Review: Homemade Girl Scout Cookies: Samoas BarsRecently, <a href="http://bakingbites.com">Baking Bites</a>, a fantastic baking blog, has posted a series of recipes for making your own Girl Scout cookies. When I saw a <a href="http://http://bakingbites.com/2009/02/homemade-girl-scout-cookies-samoas-bars/">recipe for Samoas bars</a>, I had to give it a whirl. (If you prefer more authentic looking Samoas, there are <a href="http://http://bakingbites.com/2008/01/homemade-girl-scout-cookies-samoas/">instructions for that too</a>.)<br /><br />The recipe was fairly straightforward, and aside from the coconut and caramels did not require anything I wouldn't otherwise have on hand. Unwrapping each individually-wrapped caramel took a long time, and next time I would consider making my own caramel sauce. Toasting the coconut was a snap, and I was able to do it at the same time that the shortbread cookie base was baking. <br /><br />I liked that the recipe had a number of helpful reminders/tips throughout (stop and stir the chocolate frequently when melting, use parchment paper and a wire cooling rack, a ziplock with a hole in a corner can be used as a pipette, etc.) I think it would have gone more smoothly had I followed the directions more closely and waited for each stage to cool completely, but I was impatient and rushed and the cookies turned out mostly OK (a little crumbly, and not as pretty as the Baking Bites ones, but still delicious.)<br /><br />I definitely recommend this recipe for Samoas fans and will be making it again. If you've never had a Samoa, but love toasted coconut, caramel, and/or shortbread, I'd give it a whirl.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555959263287459637noreply@blogger.com0