So simple but so striking - these framed prints are a new addition to the master bedroom. The moon-themed graphics (a restful subject, I felt) were gathered from online sources and printed on old book pages. Black frames and white mats add a classic clean line to the artwork and contrast nicely with the delicate mottled look of the sponged walls. Now I have promised Hubby to honor his request to find a large print of a moonlit ship for another wall!
A lovely way to use old handwritten recipes has become popular on craft blogs and other sites; the item is matted and framed, then used as wall decor in a kitchen or dining room. When my mother passed away last year, one keepsake that I chose to save was her collection of recipes - two card file boxes, one wooden and the other painted metal which held more than fifty decades of cuisine. Mom was a simple cook, neither extravagant nor adventurous, but everything she made was good. Her extensive recipe collection, therefore, held lots of untried fare! I was confident that Mom's collection would reveal a multitude of interesting documents, all in her beautiful handwriting. Well how wrong I was and how disappointed - almost everything was magazine or newspaper clippings, many attached to index cards. One of the only recipes relevant to this type of project was a well-worn instruction for a cheese ball, and it really did not lend itself to framing. It was concise and no nonsense, just like Mom's cooking!
One of the only Polish meals that I remember my mother making was stuffed cabbage rolls. Although I'm uncertain whether Mom got the recipe from her Polish-born mother-in-law or from her trusty Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, I know they tasted similar to the ones I made Sunday night. Ground beef, rice, onion and spices are enveloped inside a parboiled cabbage leaf and baked in a tomato sauce flavored with brown sugar, paprika and a dash of vinegar.
Back in November, I asked my grandchildren to strike an unusual pose. Both hams, they complied with no problem and were content with my non-explanation, "No questions before Christmas!" Later I printed the photos, applied clear adhesive laminate and a twine loop. Although the project had been described as bookmarks, I used mine (yes, I made two sets!) for tree ornaments. The other set was a gift to their parents and I hope they treasure the suspended kids as much as I do!
Pop was not fond of cornbread, claiming it was always too dry. Then I found a recipe that used Jiffy Corn Bread Mix but instead of following the recipe printed on the side of the box, called for the addition of honey, shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, and a topping of Parmesan cheese. These muffins were moist and flavorful, and now Pop actually requests them occasionally! (He also loves a topping of chopped jalapenos while I prefer to savor the corny-cheesy flavor, so only half are graced with green.)