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Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

South Dakota Magazine Recap

It is time once again for an update of my recent submissions online at South Dakota Magazine.  I have been contributing articles and recipes to their website every couple of weeks for just over a year and have really enjoyed the process.

Some of these recipes may have already appeared On My Plate, but they are tried and true favorites that have really fit into my menus (and I hope yours).

In November, one second grader was spot on when he told me that I would be hungry later because I didn't finish my lunch. If I would have been feasting on an Open-Faced Hot Chicken Sandwich with Mushroom Gravy, nobody would have had to told me twice to clean my plate.

South Dakota Public Radio noticed another story I shared in November about holiday letters. The accompanying recipe for Green Salad with Pomegranate and Mandarin highlights the juicy bits unlike some seasonal greetings.

December brought a revival of a classic craft that while great as Christmas ornaments could be adjusted to any holiday with the proper cookie cutter shape. Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments smell so good that they shouldn't be limited to just the Christmas tree.

Garlic and Lemon Salad Dressing is my stand-by for quick salads and has helped me keep off the 10 pounds that I lost during my tonsillectomy. Tip: It is also a great marinade for chicken.

For about two seconds, I considered brewing my own beer from my Christmas tree, but instead used a really flavorful ale to make Beer Brined Pork Chops with Onions.

I gave my endorsement to silly food holidays and celebrations with Brownie Cherry Cheesecake. It really is a party in your mouth.

My most recent South Dakota Magazine submission promotes the great works of Dakota Dachshund Rescue. Our family expanded with the adoption of two more little wiener dogs, and our waist lines are expanding with Deviled Chili Cheese Dogs.

As I look ahead at recipes and ideas for future articles, I wonder what you would like to see? Have a local delicacy that you think deserves to be shared state-wide? Add your suggestions in the comments, and I will see what I can do.


Monday, December 12, 2011

Have Yourself a Crafty Little Christmas!

I don't craft.
But, I did.
Baking cookies annoys me.
And, this craft is much like baking cookies.
I don't know what is going on.
Maybe, it is Christmas spirit. Ho! Ho! Ho!

CINNAMON-APPLESAUCE ORNAMENTS
Combine equal parts ground cinnamon and applesauce together. 
I used my Kitchenaid mixer, but if I would have done it by hand, I could have counted it as an upper body workout...at least for my stirring arm.
Roll the dough out to about 1/4" thinkness, or so. 
You may need to dust the surface with a little additional cinnamon to keep the dough from sticking while rolling.
Use a cookie cutter of your choice (I have made these at Valentine's using a heart-shaped cutter.) to cut ornaments from the dough.
With a straw, cut a hole in the ornament for hanging ribbon.
Arrange ornaments on parchment (or Silpat) lined cookie sheets and bake at 200 degrees for 2-4 hours (time will depend on thickness of the dough).
Rotate cookie sheets (turning front to back and switching racks in the oven) every hour or so.
Alternatively, arrange ornaments on parchment or wax paper and allow to dry at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
Thread lengths of ribbon (I just used curling ribbon, but silk or satin ribbon is pretty.) through the pre-cut hole and tie as hanger.
Hang ornaments on your tree; use as give tags (puff paint or a metallic marker work well to write on the dried cinnamon and applesauce); attach to a platter of goodies; hang in your car as a festive, seasonal air-freshener.
I have given some as little "thinking of you gifts" and hung most on the skinny tree that is tucked between my pantry and the basement door in my kitchen.
They are a fragrant addition to the mostly kitchen-themed decor.
Are you having a Crafty Little Christmas? What are you making?
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