bouffe e bambini: March 2011

The Handmade Hog Linky Party and Chocolate Ganache, Mint Pudding with Crushed Oreo and Fresh Mint

Please join me and link up ANYTHING handmade or homemade. I would love to see recipes, DIY projects, party planning, and craft projects of all kinds!!!

And if you didn't make anything this week, no worries, link up an old favorite!!!

There are no rules! Feel free to grab the Handmade Hog button and place it in your post or on your sidebar but it is absolutely NOT required!! EVERYONE is welcome to participate!!! This is just supposed to be a fun way to share your ideas and pick up some new ones !!

So, please join me! LINK UP!!! I can't wait to see what you have in store!!!

Chocolate Ganache and Mint Pudding with Crushed Oreo and Fresh Mint!

These have got to be the cutest darn things I have ever seen. Don't they look like little seedlings? The original idea and recipe can be found {HERE} and is Martha Stewart's of course!

These came out delicious. The crunchy oreo cookie crumbles on top go great with the smooth creamy chocolate pudding! I love this recipe. Plus, could these be any cuter? seriously! I can't wait to make these again!

A Week In My World

I hate it when I don't have nice photos to share but it just isn't feasible these days so I give you a week in iPhone photos.

Look how big my little cherubs are getting.

I sent these pictures of Ginger to my husband while he was at work the other day and his response was,

"We made a little angel"

So glad I married that man!

Brown Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese Crust

This was probably one the best pies I've ever eaten! It is extremely flavorful, rich, and decadent. The combination of the rich, sweet apples and the sharp cheddar cheese is divine!!!

I first heard mention of this pie on Rachel Hollis' blog {My Chic Life} and could not wait to try it! She took a cooking lesson at the bakery {Cake Monkey} and this what she made. By the way, Rachel's blog is amazing and inspirational, plus she is celebrity wedding planner! Hello. Awesome. You should go check her out for sure.

As soon I heard the words apple pie and cheddar cheese crust I immediately knew this was a pie for me and why the heck hadn't I thought of that myself and years ago.

Well, anyway I could not wait to get started. You can find the original post and recipe {HERE}

The recipe calls for Apple Cider Jelly which you can't just find at any old store. I had asked Rachel about it and she gave me the name of the company to purchase it or she suggested you could use an apple cider syrup and cook it down a bit to get the same effect but I wanted this pie ti be perfect so I decided to order 4 jars of it. The name of the company is Woods Cider Mill and you can find their website {HERE}.

The cheddar cheese crust that so intrigued me is top secret so I was left to my own devices to come up with one. This is what I did. This recipe will yield 2 pie crusts, enough for one double crust pie.

ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup vegetable shorting (chilled)

1 teaspoon salt

about 1/2-1 cup cold water

1 cup finely grated aged, sharp, white cheddar

Recipe:

In a large bowl mix flour and salt. Now cut in vegetable shortening and mix with a pastry cutter until chunky. Mix in finely grated cheese and begin adding water very slowly while mixing. As soon as it comes together divide it into 2 even sections, make a ball and wrap with plastic wrap. Now refrigerate at least 30 minuets.

Once you are ready to use you can form into discs and roll out with a rolling pin on a floured surface.

Pretty much the most amazing apple pie ever! Just sayin'

Handmade Gift Guide

Happy Sunday Friends.In my quest to support the handmade market place I give you yet another wonderful gift guide featuring nothing but handmade. Enjoy.......
These gorgeous muslin produce bags from Yellow Bird

This amazing reeses pieces bark from Nicole's Homemade treats

This gorgeous sleeping owls blanket from lillybelle Designs

This gorgeous Eve clutch from beso handbags

This adorable onesie/leg warmer set from B:Mod Designs

These gorgeous earrings from Annali's Jewelry

These adorable baby shoes from KathyDee's Cozy Toes

This gorgeous caplet from Happiknits

One of these mongramed hair bow holders from Caroline G.

This newborn hammock from Creative Dragonfly

This gorgeous embellished T from Evy's Tree

Saturday Snapshot

I'm loving Yellow Songbird's Link up party so I'm linking up {HERE} again.

This is Me graduating from Nursing School! It was a very big day for me. Any of you who are also nurses know nursing school is a SERIOUS accomplishment. It was probably the most dedicated years of my life as I gave up everything else to just focus on nursing. I even joked on that day that I was going to wear a toe tag with my high heels because nursing school literally almost killed me! Ha. Ha. It really was tough but I am pleased to announce not only did I survive but I graduated with honors!!
This is my best nursing school buddie Anna! We are still good friends today.

ellembee Embellished Garment GIVEAWAY

I am over the moon excited about this giveaway!!!

I have been coveting the clothes at ellembee for a long time and today I am so delighted to announce that shop owner Lisa is giving away any piece of clothing in her shop $40 and under.

Her clothes are soft, cute, comfy, AND affordable!! What's not to love?

Perfect for dressing up, dressing down, yoga or a girl's lunch. As a mom these clothes are my dream come true; Super cute, super comfortable, and super affordable!!

It doesn't get any better

Take a peek at some of these gorgeous things...........EVERYTHING pictured here is $40 or under!

S*W*O*O*N

Here is a little bit more about shop owner Lisa,

"Hello! My name is Lisa and I live in Michigan with my mom and 3 kitties. Awesome, I know. I was recently laid off from my job as a bedding designer in California, and now I'm finally taking the plunge and starting my own clothing company. I truly love what I'm doing and I hope you'll love my designs too! Please convo me with any questions, I am here to help! I also do wholesale orders, so please convo me if this is something you may be interested in."