Pine Cones Galore

Last fall I collected a box of these small pine cones.  Projects of winter decor danced in my head.

I try to have seasonal wreaths vs. holiday wreaths, with the exception of Christmas.  The pine cone wreath will be perfect for the remainder of this winter season on the front door.

The below zero temperatures and the blustery conditions in NY make for a snuggle up by the fireplace with a steamy cup of coffee and craft day to start using some of the pine cones galore collection I have for a wreath.  Most of the wreaths I create start with a wire frame.  This one is no different.  I layered pine cones on the frame.
Pine Cones Galore.

Simple and Rustic Pine Cone Wreath

Next up, I embellished a frame.  Think I might spray this frame with Looking Glass Spray Paint.  

I like the rustic, natural pine cones and think the mirror Looking Glass Spray paint would enhance the ice and cold of the winter decor feeling.  What do you think?

Ice Candles

"Ice, Ice Baby!"  We experienced an ice storm to end all ice storms in New York.  We topped that with snow and blizzards.  Then came the January Thaw for the cherry on top, ice jams and all the havoc they bring with their arrival.  Which brings me to this post...Ice Candles!

Start with empty and clean milk or juice cartons.

Poke a hole in bottom of carton.  Punch through with wood skewer if needed.

Thread a candle wick through a secure on bottom of carton.  Center wick and hold in place with pencil.

I use 100% soy flake wax.  I love the easy soap and water clean up, no soot and I can melt flakes in my microwave.  Cool down to about 110 degrees before adding essential scent oils.

Fill your cartons with ice.  I crushed mine and broke up the bigger cubes.  Pour hot wax into each carton.  Allow to set up 24 hours.  Keep cartons in a water catching pan or sink undisturbed.  After 24 hours remove carton and drain water from ice candle.

The ice candle will drain water for a few hours. I kept this one in a saucer to keep water drainage from damaging surfaces.

Ice candles have their own unique charm.  Like snowflakes, no two are alike.

Garlic Rosemary Baked Fries

As requested, the recipe for Garlic Rosemary Baked Fries mentioned in the post for homemade Onion Hamburger Rolls from a couple of days ago. I don't have measurements, rather a procedure.  First wash and cut thick fries from Yukon Gold potatoes.  Put them in a bowl with water and salt enough to cover the fries and allow to soak for a couple of hours.  Drain and pat dry.  Put fries into large zip lock back with a small amount of canola oil, garlic powder and fresh chopped rosemary.  Close the bag and shake to distribute oil mixture on to fries, allow to set and absorb in the bag until 30-45 minutes prior to dinner time.

 Spread fries single layer on baking sheet.  Bake @400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes until golden.

I love Garlic Rosemary Baked Fries!



Onion Hamburger Rolls

Smokehouse Burger dinner tonight.  Smokehouse burgers for our household is a ground sirloin burger sitting pretty on a homemade Onion Hamburger Roll, topped with crisp bacon and onion rings.  Condiments of lettuce, tomato, with a swipe of mayo on the roll and splash of barbecue sauce over the onion rings before melting cheddar cheese on top completes the Smokehouse Burger. Side that with Garlic Rosemary Baked Fries.  But before you dig in, it all starts with the homemade 

Onion Hamburger Roll.

 Ingredients:

1/4 cup water

3/4 cup milk

1 egg

2 Tablespoons canola oil

4-5 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons sugar

1 package yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

Directions:

Combine yeast, 1 cup of flour, salt and sugar in mixing bowl.  Heat water and milk to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and add to mixing bowl along with the oil.  Beat on low speed a couple of minutes, add egg and beat one more minute.  With dough hook or by hand stir in remaining flour slowly to make a firm dough.  Turn out on floured board and knead until smooth.  Put dough into greased bowl and turn to grease top of dough.  Cover and let rise until doubled.  Take from bowl and punch down.  Divide into 6 balls and place on greased sheet.  Flatten dough balls into approximately 4" disks.

Allow dough disks to rise until doubled.  Brush with butter and top with dried onion flakes.

Bake at 400 degrees Farenheit for 11-13 minutes until done.

The kitchen Onion Hamburger Roll aroma is fantastic as they bake...is it dinner time yet?  Mmmmm...

Bucket List 2014

The confetti has been swept away and the clock ticks on with the New Year 2014.  In the past, I focused on One Word resolutions.  This year I am adding a Bucket List 2014 to my One Word.  This is my post last year for the One Word Resolution-One Word.

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