Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Homemade Cherry Cheesecake

My homemade cheesecake has become a favorite at our family gatherings, so for Christmas dinner I had to make it.  Thought I would share. 

First, the crust.  Two cups of graham cracker crumbs, 4 tbsp sugar.  Then melt 1/2 cup margarine, mix together.



Put in large dish, and flatten.

Next step, prepare 2 packages of dream whip as per package directions.


Mix.

Put in a separate bowl until you do next step.

Next step, is to take 2 pkgs of cream cheese and mix with 2 cups of icing sugar until smooth.


When smooth, add the dream whip, and mix together.  Scrapping sides of bowl if needed.

When done it is nice and smooth.  It doesn't take very long to mix together.
  
Add to crust.

Spread evenly.  I wrapped mine and froze it until the weekend.  I bought a can of cherry pie filling and a can of blueberry pie filling and will do half and half.  You don't put the filling on top until you are ready to serve.  Can't wait!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

More Homemade Christmas Cards

I had so much fun doing the first 6 Christmas cards, I decided to make more.  It took some time, with a few mishaps, like my cutter giving up on me, so my husband took notice I couldn't cut a straight line no matter what I did.  I like to rush through things, haha, maybe I should slow down.  Anyway here are the next set of cards.  And the pictures are ones that I have taken myself.

I figured the Hollyberry would be the perfect bush for card pictures.  So I went to my moms and had a little photo session.

This is up the road from where we live, where we like to walk.

I picked this color background because it brought out the orange in the sun.  Got some stickers at the famous Dollarama, and the ribbon was already on hand.

See being a pack rat pays off, I also found this ribbon in my scrap box.

I thought this one didn't need a background, it was pretty on its own.

This is up in the woods near our home.

My moms flower came in handy.

And the last one for now, I had to give in and send some store bought ones, or I would still be at it next week!  But I loved it and had fun doing it.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Card Making

Well, this is my first attempt at card making.  I get so many compliments on my pictures, I thought I would do something with them.  Even though my first attempt I only picked one picture and went with it.  I found 6 gold cards and envelopes at the dollar store.  So there is a whole $1, then I got 6 pics done online at Walmart, they were only $1.20.  Had to get a glue stick $1.  The scraps of paper are things I already had here.  I didn't even have to use the gel pens or sticky things, but I will use them somewhere.  So don't over judge.  My cutter was not working properly for me and I can't cut a straight line!  Anyway thought I would share.  It was actually fun.  Now who to give them to and I think I need to make more!

So this is where I started

I was so happy to find these cards for such a low price!

Now after I cut the picture and background to fit card, it was glue time.

There they are mounted.

Then add to card.  That was great glue, but you had to get it right the first time.

So I added corners to spunk it up.

My supervisor.

I am not a good writer, so oh yah love a printer

And just cut them in strips and glued them in, now how easy is that!


The second one I used a striped paper for the background.

Then I found a shiny piece of green, I wish I had more of that one.


Oh now I found some fancy scissors.

Next I used a pink piece and gave the snow a pink hue.

Next a white piece that reminded me of snow. I also added a bow.

And there they are.  I am somewhat proud of my first try.  Fun indeed.
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Homemade Scallop Potatoes

Well my last thing for the day before I go to my grandsons Christmas concert is to make a homemade scallop potato.  So I thought I would share, and with citrus dill haddock and farmers carrots on the side.  I got my potatoes from a local farmer, and they can't be beat for flavour.  So here goes.

Okay, first get 6 medium potatoes, and grease your casserole dish.

Planning ahead and having everything ready is a good thing.  I dice the potatoes and set them aside in cold water.

Very simple ingredients,  In dish add 3 Tbsp flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper.

1/4 cup onion, I love this little black & decker chopper my son gave me for little jobs.

Heat 3 Tbsp margarine, I used Becel salt free.

Over medium heat, add onion and cook 2 minutes.

After 2 minutes add the flour mixture and quickly stir in.

Looks like this.

Take off burner, add 2 1/2 cups milk, stir in and place back on burner and stir constantly until it comes to a boil, still on meduim heat.  This step takes time but thickens as it is cooking.  When it comes to a boil, boil and stir for 1 minute.

Take your milk off of burner, drain your potatoes and put in casserole.

Pour milk mixture over top, make sure it covers the potatoes.

Cook covered 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then remove cover and continue to cook for 60 to 70 minutes until done.

Next I decided to try this, I got it free with my fish purchase.  I didn't make the rice only wanted the seasoning.

Just press your fish in the crumbs and transfer to foil lined pre-sprayed pan.

Cook 350 degrees for 8 to 15 minutes.  I cook mine the longest time.

Dinner is served, how satisfying.  Happy cooking everyone.