wearing handmade wednesday: sunshine monster!

"Well, some go this way, and some go that way. But as for me, myself, personally, I prefer the short-cut."

isn't this "cheshire hat" from SunshineMonster cute?!?  erica normally makes these in pink and purple stripes just like the colours of the cheshire cat from disney's version of "alice in wonderland", but me having to be take my short-cut...  i requested mine to be made in my beloved black and white stripes!

there are a lot of other cute and quirky hats in her shop, along with purses, some mad doorknob covers and other fun accessories.  personally, i love her bacon scarf which i featured in one of my "friday fuzzies" posts.  so go check out her shop and bring a little sunshine to your wednesday. =)

back to eating!

well, not exactly.  i've been cooking and baking up a storm but haven't had time to post these recipes!  this dish is one that started as a costly recipe, and has evolved into a more simple, much cheaper, and much tastier recipe.  we like to enjoy this with a flavorful side salad and homemade bread.  NOM!!

sausage stuffed pork chops

4 thick cut pork chops
1/4 cup garlic & herb flavored bread crumbs, plus about 1 cup, divided
1/2 lb, bulk italian sausage, chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
2 cloves of garlic, minced
salt & pepper to taste
2 tbs. olive oil
1 egg, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups finely chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup butter
1 cup dry white wine
1-1/2 cups chicken broth

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  with a knife, slice a pocket in the side of each chop.  in a bowl combine the 1/4 cup bread crumbs, sausage, mozzarella, garlic, salt and pepper.  stuff each chop with this mixture.
2. dredge each chop in flour, then dip in egg, then roll in the rest of the breadcrumbs to bread them.
3. heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.  when the oil is hot, place them in the pan and fry about 3 minutes per side.  when done, place them in a roasting pan.
4. add the onions, butter, white wine and chicken broth to the skillet.  cook over medium heat for about 7 minutes, stirring constantly.  add this mixture to the roasting pan with the pork chops and bake for 45 minutes.  drizzle the chops with roasting pan juices for serving.

makes 4 servings.  enjoy! =)

♠ ♠ ♠

download a printable copy of this recipe at...
http://www.oncupcakemoon.com/recipes/sausagestuffedporkchops.pdf

wearing handmade wednesday: ms christa!

it's almost halloween, and how perfect is this hair accessory for the holiday (and beyond, in my case!) made by the fabulous MsChrista?!  it's a black rose with skeleton hands peeking out from underneath, but she has many other colours and designs available for purchase in her shop.  christa usually makes these on combs but she also offers them on a french barrette, as i picked.  i've worn this several times since i received it and i love it!  i use it as a great alternative to wearing a ponytail - and with wicked style! =)

ccccccccccrrrrr-ash!

i've been really busy lately due to work, but also due to my computer having some big problems over the last 2 weeks.  i officially lost my hard drive yesterday... it's not that big of a deal since i have a current backup.  but i have to spend a lot of time rebuilding my computer this weekend.  this is why there haven't been new recipes or friday fuzzies recently.  next week i hope to be back on track, and will be doubling up since i have many things to share!

happy weekend! =)

wearing handmade wednesday: zen and coffee designs!

it's another edition of "wearing handmade wednesday", and coincidentally pili chose the same handmade shop to feature (click here for her post)!  we both love zenandcoffee's fabulous fingerless gloves!

i picked up this boot camp design of wren's to go with the military trend that is big in fall fashion this year.  i prefer mine a little shorter than her original listing so she made them custom for me.  they are well made, fit great, and i'm so happy it's getting a little cooler out so i can finally use them to accessorize my outfits! 

wren has nearly 200 designs in her etsy shop so she's got something for just about everyone.  i know i've got my eye on a couple of them.  i'm sure pili does too! =)

soup is good and easy food

the one thing i do welcome as far as colder weather goes is soup!!  i love to make one pot meals and this is another recipe that my sister gave me which i altered.  even though we are siblings we definitely have different tastes, so tweaking it here and there made this soup one that is well loved in my house.  it's also one that could easily go vegetarian without the sausage or the chicken stock, and is super easy to make!

tortellini soup

2 tbs. olive oil
1-2 large sweet yellow onions, diced
2-4 cloves garlic, minced (depends on your taste)
32 oz. carton vegetable stock (2 for vegetarian)
32 oz. carton chicken stock
28 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
8 oz. package dried cheese tortellini
1 lb. bulk italian sausage (optional)
4 cups spinach, chopped
1 tbs. fresh basil, chopped
1 tbs. fresh oregano, chopped
shredded mozzarella for top (optional)

1. add oil to dutch oven.  heat on medium heat and sautee onion and garlic.
2. add in stock and diced tomatoes.  bring to a boil.  throw in tortellini and cook to time required on the package.  while boiling, drop in sausage in small chunks.
3. once tortellini is cooked, reduce heat to low.  add in chopped spinach, basil and oregano.  let simmer about 10 minutes.  top with mozzarella cheese before serving.  serving suggestion: serve with a crusty bread.

makes about 8 servings.  enjoy! =)

♠ ♠ ♠

download a printable copy of this recipe at...
http://www.oncupcakemoon.com/recipes/tortellinisoup.pdf

friday fuzzies: saturday edition

[fri'dā fuz'ēz] n. handmade finds of pure cuteness to make fridays even better

every friday i will share with you something or things that i found which meet the following criteria:
1. it's cute
2. it's handmade
and most of all,
3. i covet it

ok, this time being late wasn't my fault.  i was trying to do my post yesterday and blogger was down and not allowing me to do it...  but enough of that - this week's theme is witches!

let's start with one darn cute 5x7 witch print by keitosan of millie and her cat, tofu...

halloween cupcake with witch hat amigurumi crochet by beachbunny...  you know i always try to find a cupcake with my weekly theme, and this is it!

tres brujas t-shirt by pendientuda...  3 cute witches you can wear - and choose your colour of t-shirt to have them printed on!

crazy ol witch resin necklace by Lunaricsales...  she may be crazy but she's awfully cute!

calypso witch of the crystal rose by HeartshapedCreations...  i love the story behind this figurine.  you'll have to visit the listing to read it!

and i can't do a post about witches without a cauldron.  trouble trouble soil and bubble soap by WashableArt is a perfect way to end this. =)

wearing handmade wednesday: indiscretion!

my dear friend pili has inspired me to partake in "wearing handmade wednesday"!  i have some handmade clothing items, lots of jewelry and many other accessories so i know i will have a lot to share in weeks to come.

my inaugural post is about a handmade top.  the design was inspired by a movie favourite of mine - tim burton's "alice in wonderland".  i found a downright wicked dress in mara's etsy shop, Indiscretion, which i fell in love with.  however, i don't wear dresses too often and the dress listed was not my size so i asked her if she'd make me just the top part in the same design.  she did, and i LURVE it!!! now go check out this listing because if you love it as much as i do, you can have one too! =)

let's pretend it's saturday

i know i said i'd post the 2nd recipe on saturday and that didn't happen.  why?  well, i rarely measure things when cooking. when i make a recipe to photo & post on here i have to make sure i measure things properly.  then i did a big deep cleaning of my house saturday morning and misplaced all my notes on my stew!  i finally found them, filed with the electric bill of all things.  so let's pretend it's saturday and i'm posting this on time, ok? ;) 

southwestern beef stew

1 tbs vegetable oil
1 lb sirloin strip steak(s) cut into bite sized pieces (you can use stew meat too)
salt
4 ripe medium tomatoes, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
2 jalapeño peppers, minced
1 white onion, finely diced
2 cloves of garlic, mined
1 14 oz. can of beef broth
1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (or more, depending on your taste)
1-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbs cornstarch
1/4 cup water

1. heat the oil in a dutch oven on medium high.  add in the meat and stir fry until lightly browned.  remove from pot and salt to taste.  set aside.
2. add tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic and beef broth to pot.  bring to a boil.  reduce heat to low and cover.  let cook about 20 minutes.
3. stir in zucchini, cilantro and cayenne pepper.  add back in steak.  let cook about 10 minutes.
4. prepare cornstarch by dissolving it in water.  add to pot.  cook and stir until thickened, and if needed bring heat up to medium high to thicken.

makes about 6 servings.  enjoy! =)

♠ ♠ ♠

download a printable copy of this recipe at...
http://www.oncupcakemoon.com/recipes/southwesternbeefstew.pdf

friday fuzzies: part 2

[fri'dā fuz'ēz] n. handmade finds of pure cuteness to make fridays even better

every friday i will share with you something or things that i found which meet the following criteria:
1. it's cute
2. it's handmade
and most of all,
3. i covet it

post #2 of the day - the theme is mummies!  all wrapped up halloween cuteness!

little mummy by PWdesigns... now this is a mummy i could hug!

cute mummy custom halloween tee by sugarlocks...  an adorable little mummy for your little one to wear!

hello kitty mummy necklace by missmercy...  hello kitty is cute in anything, even a mummy costume!  and if you like this get it fast - there's only 2 left!

halloween reversible tote/trick or treat bag by EMCreativeDesigns...  cute dancing purple mummies which reverse to purple circles.  perfect for use all year long!

friday fuzzies: part 1

[fri'dā fuz'ēz] n. handmade finds of pure cuteness to make fridays even better

every friday i will share with you something or things that i found which meet the following criteria:
1. it's cute
2. it's handmade
and most of all,
3. i covet it

since i missed "friday fuzzies" last week, i'm going to do 2 of them today!  this is part one with the theme of zombies! (and for those looking for the second recipe of the week, it will be posted saturday)

i cannot do a zombie post without my favouritist little zombie EVER!!!!!  zombie lovers tee by rockythezombie is available for kids of all ages (i have a tee and a tank myself!) on your choice of tee, tank or hoodie!  here's to ROCKY WORLD DOMINATION!  ;)

undying love pendant by thegraphicsshoppe...  love is forever even beyond the grave!

zombie kyle wooden kokeshi doll by licoricewits...  a super cute and shy little zombie who is really rather harmless.  he likes to nibble on ears because he's not brave enough to go for the brain.

zombie cupcake charm by baconFaced... comes with a complimentary penny sized cookie!

tor the stuffed zombie strongman by FireBongo...  he has a trick arm!  it falls off when he tries to lift his dumbbell.

OOAK needle felted zombie bunny by amberrosecreations...  walt is the first in a series of "zombie cuties".  i can't wait to see the others!

friday fuzzies

[fri'dā fuz'ēz] n. handmade finds of pure cuteness to make fridays even better

every friday i will share with you something or things that i found which meet the following criteria:
1. it's cute
2. it's handmade
and most of all,
3. i covet it

today's theme is pumpkins!  my orange kitty is my little pumpkin.  and these little pumpkin items are just as cute, well, close.

stack o' jack o' lanterns by dancesippydance...  a trio of quirky pumpkin cuteness!

halloween cameo necklace - little witch with orange pumpkins and moon by RedFenyx...  such a sweet little necklace i'd wear all halloween season

bunny needle felted toy by Fairyfolk...  a BUNNY in a pumpkin!!

cute pumpkins sock knitting bag by stuckinillinois...  a cute little sack to hold your crafty halloween projects (or halloween treats!)!  and it is lined in an orange "boo!" fabric.

3 felt ornaments - miss pumpkin, clownia and frankenstein by camamiel...  this is just the pumpkin you'll get when you purchase this trio.  you will need to click the link to see how ADORABLE the other two ornaments are!!! =)

homemade pasta in homemade soup

one thing i have not attempted yet is homemade pasta.  but my man - lucky me - got himself a pasta machine.  he loves to make pasta (especially ravioli!) so when he wants to make some i am more than thrilled!  i get to sit back and relax while he makes this soup, one of his favourites.  with some freshly baked italian bread, this dish is perfect for the upcoming cool weather.

tomato and cheese ravioli soup

2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 pints of cherry tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic, minced
salt & pepper
32 oz. chicken stock
2 cups water
1 lb. fresh cheese ravioli (recipe below)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
6 scallions, chopped
1 small sweet onion, diced

1. in a dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.  stir in the tomatoes and garlic, and season with salt & pepper.  cover the pot and cook about 8 minutes.  pick up the pan and shake it occasionally during this time.
2. add the chicken stock and water, and bring to a boil.  cook for about 5 minutes. remove from heat and add in ravioli, basil, scallions and onion.  stir then let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.  serve with crusty italian bread.

makes about 6 servings.  enjoy! =)


homemade cheese ravioli

pasta dough (make according to package directions)
1/2 cup fresh ricotta
1/4 cup grated mozzarella
1/4 cup grated provalone
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tbs. chopped parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1. combine ingredients in a bowl.  place rolled (and cut into 32 2" squares if you do not use a ravioli mold) pasta dough on a lightly floured surface.  place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture into the center of each square, 1 teaspoon if using a mold.  lightly wet the edges with water with your fingertip and top with another layer of pasta dough.  press to seal the edges.

♠ ♠ ♠

download a printable copy of this recipe at...
http://www.oncupcakemoon.com/recipes/tomatoandcheeseraviolisoup.pdf

friday fuzzies

[fri'dā fuz'ēz] n. handmade finds of pure cuteness to make fridays even better

every friday i will share with you something or things that i found which meet the following criteria:
1. it's cute
2. it's handmade
and most of all,
3. i covet it

a little late, but i'm still getting it done on friday!  today's theme is ghosts.   i love the show "ghost hunters" and do believe ghosts are for real.  these though aren't spooky - just pure cuteness!

cute baby boys bib ghosts from jessii83...  i wish i knew someone with a little boy to give this to.  it's too cute!


















halloween ghost miniatures set of 3 by LennyMud...  no matter which 3 you get, they're all OOAK and simply adorable pieces for the holiday.

violette the goth ghost girl by trinlayk...  she's ready to cheerfully haunt in her frilly black dress and skull bone bow.






















haunted bookmark with spooky stained glass ghost by funktionslust...  this little ghost and kitty bookmark is so wonderfully themed for a great spooky storybook.

halloween ghouls cupcake soap by ajsweetsoap...  this soap looks good enough to eat! =)

hot off the grill

with labor day fast approaching, i thought it would be prime time to post my burger recipe.  i love burgers - between them and bacon, i don't think i could ever go vegetarian.  lately i've been hooked on these...

mushroom onion swiss burgers

2 lbs. ground chuck
1/4 cup italian style bread crumbs
1 egg
1 large sweet onion, halved and ringed
salt & pepper
3 tbs. butter
1 8-oz. package of whole button mushrooms, sliced (don't buy pre-sliced, i'll explain later)
6 thick slices swiss cheese
6 good quality hamburger buns
optional: bacon, cooked

1. in a large bowl, hand mix the meat, egg, bread crumbs, salt & pepper til well blended.  form into 6 loose balls (do NOT pack tight!).  gently flatten into 3/4" patties.  cook to your desired doneness on a grill or in a frying pan (i like mine medium, so i do 6 minutes per side on a grill).  when burgers are close to being done on the second side (about 2-3 minutes to go), cover with swiss cheese to melt.
2. while burgers are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet on medium.  add the mushrooms and the onions.  stir occasionally.  side note on the mushrooms: i have found that pre-sliced mushrooms don't soften and absorb the butter like whole mushrooms that you slice yourself will do so i recommend slicing them yourself.
3. if bacon is desired, add a few strips.  top with mushroom & onion mixture.

makes six 1/3 lb. burgers.  enjoy! =)

♠ ♠ ♠

download a printable copy of this recipe at...
http://www.oncupcakemoon.com/recipes/mushroomonionswissburgers.pdf