Homemade Christmas: Treat Tin

Since this Christmas was going to be a homemade Christmas for me, I decided to give my friends a tin full of goodies! I filled it with a hot chocolate jar, chocolate covered pretzel rods (previous posts), and three different types of cookies. I went with stained glass, sugar and chocolate chip cookies. I also put a few tea bags in the tin. The only thing I would have added was a little jar of honey for the tea. I couldn't find a jar small enough but if you can find a small jar of honey that would be a cute detail for the tin. The combinations are endless as to what you can put in your tin. Just make sure you fill it!

Homemade Christmas: Stained Glass Cookies

It's officially 3:07a.m. and I've baked 3 different types of cookies but the cutest by far are the stained glass cookies. These get more points for looks than taste, but they're definitely worth it! They will make you look like an advanced baker. Mine are kinda wobbly but it's also 3a.m.! You can even put a small hole in them and make ornaments out of them. I used star cookie cutters but you can use any shape, as long as you have a smaller cookie cutter to use for the center.

1 cup sugar
2 sticks butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
Assorted brightly colored, hard candies
1 (2 to 3-inch) star cookie cutter
Special Equipment: 1 small triangle cookie cutter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the sugar and butter until smooth. Add the egg and the vanilla extract.

Mix in the flour.

Remove the dough from the mixer and press into a rectangular shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Remove from the refrigerator and cut dough into 1/3. Roll out dough, 1 piece at a time to a 3/16-inch thickness.

Cut out as many large stars as possible. Repeat with all of the dough.

Cut a small triangle out of each the arms on each star.

Place the hard candy, by color, into small plastic bags. Place a towel over the bags and crush the candy with a meat mallet.

Place all of the cookies on parchment lined sheet pans. In each of the triangle holes, fill with different colors of crushed hard candy.

Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown, and the candy has melted.


Tips:
*Jolly Ranchers really keep the taste and color...I used LifeSavers last year and the color wasn't so clear and the melted candy tasted like cough syrup:(
*Cut the center once you've already put the cookie on an ALUMINUM FOIL OR PARCHMENT COVERED cookie sheet. Use a toothpick to remove the dough in the center.

Homemade Christmas: Hot Chocolate Jars

For a cute stocking stuffer or small gift for a friend, this is really fun and easy. You can buy little glass jars at all the craft stores for about $1.00. Use one packet of instant hot chocolate and a few mini marshmallows. On the little card I wrote the instructions on how to make the cup of hot chocolate. You could use a Christmas tag to write the instructions also. Tie a ribbon around the jar or stick a bow on top and you're done!
This is a good idea to keep on hand because there are many different routes you can go with it. You could give someone a collection of flavors or use a bigger jar, filled with cocoa powder, sugar, and jumbo marshmallows. You could also make it a summertime gift by using lemonade or sweet tea mix:)

Hmmm....Steampunk

So as a frequent Etsy user I see different "steampunk" items and artwork. It's kinda neat and I was thinking about doing a steampunk collection. First I had to find out what steampunk is:

The steampunk look reflects the Victorian and early Edwardian eras (roughly 1801-1910 — check out examples on The Frick Collection Web site). Corsets, gowns, frock coats and top hats are accompanied by goggles, ancillary wings, compasses and DIY accessories. Much like the extraordinary world of literature, steampunkers accept that everyday items can perform unconventional tasks. For example, a pocket watch would double as a time machine, or a compass could navigate you through the stars.

I also noticed this growing trend when my friend Redner Salonga (www.facebook.com/redner.salonga photography) did a steampunk photo shoot (awweesoommee!!!) So maybe I'll try it. I've been researching the materials on Esty. So far I'm thinking about just buying a lot of parts and pieces and seeing what I can do. Amy Stevens Originals has them for starting at $9.00. I already have my spring and summer themes planned but maybe steampunk Fall'10? hmmm...

Homemade Christmas: Chocolate Pretzel Rods

Since I love to make everything of course I'm making my Christmas gifts! The first easy gift idea is chocolate covered pretzel rods. They so tasty and so easy to make. As a low budget gift, you can find a bag of pretzel rods at the Dollar Store. The only other things you need are different chocolates and sprinkles. You can also use chopped nuts to add texture and flavor. Make sure you dry them upright to avoid smudging the chocolate. That's why mine are in cups. Be creative with the packaging....that's half the fun of Christmas! Use pretty ribbons to close the bag and handle with care. JoAnn has bags made for the pretzels and molds with different shapes. These are perfect if you have a lot of friends and a little budget:) I made them for my bosses and professors!

Pics from Vegas

Ok so I had to add a few:)

Headbands!

Sorry for not posting anything for 2weeks....I went to LAS VEGAS! and Thanksgiving and finals AND my internship!! I have been suuuuper busy.

Now. On to headbands...

I purchased metal headbands and wrapped them in 1/4 in. ribbon. Start wrapping from the bottom of the first one. Once you've finished the first headband, stack the 2nd headband and wrap the ends together. This is an easy way to make a double headband. You can always save material and just make one. Attach rhinestones or a big bow!

Be creative!