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Category Archives: Pie’s Tips and Tricks

Did Someone say Pickles?

Posted on September 10, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

Yes, you heard right . . . Pickles!  My aunt introduced me to a cool method of making the BEST and I do mean the BEST pickles I have ever had without all the hassle of canning.  DZ Pickles is the name and easy and delish is their game!

Today I headed over to the local farmer’s market and rounded me up about 4 lbs of cucumbers and a bunch of fresh dill.  I then skinned a whole blossom of garlic (around 12 cloves) and added dried red HOT peppers (the type you get in Kung Pao).  I arranged everything in a plastic “gallonish” container, poured the DZ Pickle brine in and then topped with water.  It will need to sit on my counter for about 8 days- tightening the lid every other day or so.  

After the 8 days are up they are ready to go into the fridge and eat!  Yummo! They are crisp, spicy and flavorful! 

 Some fun news:  This past Wednesday, while I was at the zoo with a dear friend and out kiddos, we shared the Santa Barbara Zoo train and “ant hill” (an artificial hill that is covered with Astroturf that kids can slide down) with none other than Mel Gibson and his adorable little girl!  I know… regardless of all the tabloid nonsense, I love his movies and was  a tad star struck.  But being from Southern California, I see and have interacted with my share of Hollywood celebs, but he was a neat person to run into. 

I am almost done with my “big” Cricut project.  I have one more thing to do and I should be posting pictures tomorrow sometime. 

Thank you for coming and sharing a piece of life’s pickled pie today! 🙂

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Did Somebody Say Pizza!

Posted on September 2, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

Even though I set my timer, I got a little distracted with the kids and let the pizza stay in the oven a tad bit longer than I would of liked. It was still excellent

Every Friday I have been making pizza for our family dinner for the past few years.  Today, I stayed home since the kiddos are suffering from the fist cold of the season and did not get a chance to head to Trader Joe’s and get their pre-made pizza dough (super easy and cheap way to go when making home-made pizza).  I do have the Cusinart Elite 16- cup food processor that has the ability to make dough, so I decided to give making pizza dough a whirl. . . BEST IDEA EVER!

I added a little twist to a recipe I found on About.com (http://southernfood.about.com/od/yeastbreads/r/r90430rev.htm) .  I added an ingredient to the dough base that is something I find as my “go-to” ingredient.  It is a spice/herb mixture that I found at Costco a year or so ago  (which they now have discontinued! I now buy direct from the manufacture – yeah it is that good).  It is called Jonny’s Garlic Spread(http://www.johnnysfinefoods.com/Great-Caesar-Garlic-Spread-Seasoning–18oz_p_7.html) .  I use it as a base for dressings, italian sauces, rubs for meats (excellent on tri-tip) and now in pizza dough!

It was a big hit tonight, even the dog managed to sneak a piece off the counter while I was clearing the table (pizza is the only thing she will take from the counter at least she has per priorities straight).  The best part was my house smelling like a restaurant in Little Italy while the pizza was baking.  The garlic spread really added a wonderful essence via taste and smell!

It was super easy to roll out! I loved working with this dough!

Ingredients:

  • 1 envelope active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water, 110° F.
  • 1  teaspoons sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp (for rolling out) and  2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5 teaspoons of Johnny’s Garlic Spread

Preparation:

Put warm water in a cup; sprinkle yeast over water and stir in sugar; let stand for about 10 minutes, or until it begins to bubble.

Combine 2 1/4 cups flour, sugar, garlic seasoning and salt in a mixer or food processor that has the “dough” capabilities, if not you will have to go old school and mix and knead on your own ; pour in oil and yeast mixture and mix until a ball is formed.

Place in a large bowl greased with shortening or butter; turn dough over to coat the dough well.

Cover with towel and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Dough should double in bulk. Punch down the dough and shape to fit a lightly greased pizza pan which as been sprinkled lightly with cornmeal. Keep dough slightly thick around the edges. Fill with favorite filling and toppings and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes at 425°

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Stamps and Stickles are for More than Cards and Scrapping!

Posted on August 10, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

Stampin' Up Tart and Tangy "Cherry" stamp accents on walls

The hubs and I are building a playhouse ridiculously over- the- top playhouse for our two little girls.  It has been a fun summer project and we should hopefully be done with it by next weekend – just in time for my youngest second birthday.  

The theme of the interior is a cupcake and cherry theme with a small vintage twist that meets a Pottery Barn Kids feel.  I wanted to add some character to the walls and one of the ideas I just executed was bringing my Stampin’ Up and Stickles into this project. 

Once we are done with the house, I will be sure to post the progress pics!

Thanks for stopping by for a piece of pie! 🙂

I stamped it with Stampin' Up Classic Black and then distressed it a bit by wiping with a wet wipe.Painted with craft paint.

Once the paint dried, I then applied X-mas Red and Diamonds Stickles over the areas I painted

 
 
 

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Using Vinyl as Stencils

Posted on July 20, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

I kind of came across this idea by a “forced” situation.    I originally purchased a saying to go in my stairwell via Ebay.  I had it up and all was well until about six months ago when the vinyl no longer was sticking.  Since we are wrapping up on our full remodel, I know that I put the vinyl down on new construction and paint (the vinyl was also heavy duty outdoor quality).  It should have been stuck amazingly well… too well.   I contacted the seller and that went nowhere. 

I decided to take things into my own hands and trace the outline of each letter/character myself with a pencil, peeled off the vinyl and then paint it by hand.  How hard could that be?   Famous last words . . .

It was not hard, just VERY time-consuming and a bit physically challenging since I had to have the hubs make me a platform I could use to place a ladder on so I was not reenacting any scene from Cirque du Sole while using a ladder. 

The size of the project is about 3 feet long and 18 inches wide.  It took about 5 hours to complete from start to finish (I broke it up in 1 1/2 – two-hour increments each day).  I used regular craft paint from JoAnn’s. 

The walls have a heavier “orange peel” texture to it so it made tracing and painting a bit more challenging than  if it wa a smooth wall.  I had to do some touch up with the base color of the walls, but all in all I am pretty happy on how it turned out AND  to be off the ladder in my 20 foot stairwell. 

What I am excited about is now that I have done this, I can now use my Cricut and make vinyl stencils (indoor quality does not stick as strong for easy peeling back off) and do more projects; one in particular is doing some wall designs for the playhouse we are building for my girls. . . more to come on that!

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4th of July Party on a Budget!

Posted on July 8, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

I love to throw parties and when ever I can I will, but no matter how you slice it or dice it, parties can get a little out of hand in the price department.  I just hosted a 4th of July party where I had about 20 in attendance.  I made all my decorations with mostly what I had on hand already in my craft room and shopped the ads for the food.   We kept it simple with burgers and dogs.  For cocktails I found a really good pre-made margarita mix at Costco for $11 a bottle (Kirkland brand).  A friend over asked if I had Grand Marne on hand and she added a shot of that to each “rita” and WOW were they good!

 

 

I put American Flags that I got on clearance last year in this jar and added a tag I made from my Cricut Celebrations cartridge (3 inches). Paper was from Die Cuts with A View Summer Stacker

 

Label was made from Cricut Storybook Cartridge (2 inches)

I wrapped these tin pails I had from a previous party with some patriotic material I found at Jo-Ann’s at 75% off.  I also used this same material for table runners.

I made these stars from Plantain Cricut cartridge the star is 2 .5 inches and the layer star is 2 inches.  I added little “pom-poms” to the center and attached with hot glue to 2 inch white tin pails I had from a previous party.

I made the Pom-Pom by using a method I found online.  The only thing I did do, is I layered different colored paper to get the multi-colored effect.   They were so easy to make.  I did use zip ties instead of stapling the center.  That seemed to work amazing!

For my tables I wrapped the kiddie tables in brown butcher paper and then wrapped the star garland on both ends.  I cut the table runner to fit and taped down with painters tape.

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Spreading the Patriotic Cheer One Gold Nugget at a Time

Posted on July 8, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

This 4th, I decided to move away from the traditional Red, White and Blue muffins I make and pass out to the neighbors for the 4th of July.  I found this idea on the Pink Stamper video logs and turned little take-out boxes into a patriotic treat anyone would love to grace their front door.

Supplies Needed:

Small to-go boxes ( I found these in a pack of 10 at Michael’s)

Bag of Hershey Nuggets

Scrapbook paper cut into strips 3 inches long and 1 inch wide ( I used the 4th of July themed paper from Die Cuts with a View Summer Stacker.)

Adhesive

Cricut Cartridge Celebrations (tag was 3 inches)

Cricut Cartridge Storybook (label was 2 inches)

String of stars to attach the tag to the box ( I found this on clearance at Joann’s)

Stamp was from The Pink Stamper collection

Ink was Basic Black from Stampin’ Up.

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Card Making and Cooking; When Two Perfect Worlds Collide!

Posted on June 23, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

This week is VBS for my three-year old! While volunteering in the classrooms,  I volunteered to bring a dish for one of the nights for the volunteers.  Last night was my night and I made a recipe that I more or less made up with a little help from our local Trader Joe’s. 

Since the dish would appear non- descript, I decided to make a fun “calling card” for the dish.  Apparently the dish was a huge hit, and was gobbled up in no time flat.  So if you are looking for a fun and yummy dish to take to your next potluck, here is an idea!

 

Chili Corndog Bake

Ingredients:

  • 1 Box of cornbread mix (follow the directions of the box to make)
  • 2 packages of hotdogs (16 dogs) * I used turkey dogs
  • 1 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.  You can substitute  jack cheese.  I like mine super cheesy that melts smooth and creamy so I use mozzarella.
  • 3 cans of chili with beans of your choice. * I used turkey chili with beans.
  • Diced red onions (optional)
  • Diced jalapeno for garnish (optional)

 

Directions:

  • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
  • Grease a large casserole dish or aluminum throw-away bake and serve dish with oil spray.
  • Empty contents of chili cans into the dish.
  • Cut hot dogs in threes length wise and dice into small pieces and place in dish.
  • Add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella or  jack cheese to dish.
  • Combine all ingredients and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle top with 1 1/2 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese.
  • Follow the directions on cornbread box and make cornbread in a seperate bowl.
  • Spread cornbread evenly onto chili mixture.
  • Place in oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes clean.

 

Card: 

  • Base: I cut a piece of white cardstock down to 12 inches wide and 8 inches long and scored it to fold in half (new measurements 6×4)
  • Paper: I cut down a piece of design paper from Die Cuts with a View, Summer Stacker to 6×2 2 1/2.
  • Cricut cartridges: Simply Charmed (Shadow setting on hotdog and hot dog bun and mustard set at 3 inches)
  • Cricut cartridges: Schoolbooks Plantain.  Typed in the words “chili corndog bake” at 1 inch setting.
  • Stamps: Peachy Keen Big Eyes Boy
  • Stamp Ink: Stampin’ Up Classic Black
  • Ribbon: Used some scrap I had.
  • I attached the hot dog with dimensional.

 

 

 

 

 

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Birthday Card for a Boy!

Posted on June 17, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

For some reason making cards with more of a girl theme comes easy, but when it comes to a boy I really had to get my thinking cap on.  Here is an idea that I created for an upcoming birthday boy!

The Card:

                                                                                                                                                                                                          (Click on Image to Enlarge)                               

Card: I found the pre-made plain white card in the $ bin at Michael’s.  They came in packs of six with envelopes.

Paper:  I used a piece of textured paper scrap for the solid color on the card and used additional scrap for the outfit, hair, club, and dinosaur.  For the striped piece of paper, I used Die Cuts with a View, Summer Stacker.  You can find that at Joanne’s. For the glitter #4, I used Die Cuts with a View Glitter Stacker.

Ribbon: I used some ribbon I got through the ABC catalogue about 4 years ago.

Cricut Cartridges: Paper Dolls (Cave Boy setting) and Sweet Treats (for the # 4). 

Stamps:  For the face of the cave boy’s face,  I used Peachy Keen stamps (Big Eyes).  For the “Birthday Fun”, I used  The Pink Stamper, Simply Sweet Occasions.

For ink, I used Stampin’ Up Classic Black.

* I used the My Pink Stamper Faux Chipboard concept (which I love) for the # 4!

* For the 3-D look, I used dimensional under the cave boy and the dino.

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“Domestic Engineering” Creature Comforts Challenge 101: Cast Iron Ceramic Cookware

Posted on May 19, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

Being a “home chef” or at least that is what Martha Stewart would call me, I find that there are essential tools of the trade that are not only a staple, but a MUST have to help set me up for success in mastering recipes.

Today I will be focusing on dutch ovens and ceramic coated iron cookware.  If I had the lucky “money tree” growing in my backyard, I would own every piece there is out there.  Currently, I have collected 3 pieces;  a stock pot, a casserole dish and a small souffle/ roasting pot.  All three are from different manufactures and even one of the pieces I got after my grandmother passed away that she used for 50 years!

 

Calphalon - Got at Bed, Bath and Beyond with 20% off coupon

 

Passed down from my Grandmother - Made in Belgium

 

Mario Batali - Got off of EBAY brand new!

 

What do I love about these pieces of cookware?  

  •  They cook, bake and roast evenly. 
  • They go from stove to oven to fridge in one meal preparation, making clean-up and storage much more time friendly.
  • They hold temperature amazingly!
  • They are durable for my rough AND VERY heavy hand in the kitchen
  • They clean with ease.
  • They don’t need to be treated like traditional iron cookware.
  • The hold their appearance even for decades!

Yes, they can be expensive, but they can make a good “wish list” idea for those special occasions. You can also work coupons at Bed, Bath and Beyond, hit the sales at Williams Sonoma or even find good buys on EBAY.  That is where I found my big stock pot.  I got it on EBAY for a STEAL!  It was $65 with free shipping brand new!

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Life’s Crafting A Gift that Will Keep them Using Their Heads!

Posted on May 19, 2011 by apieceoflifespie

 

Bow Storage Wall Hanging

 

I have two little girls, so in my house, so you can only imagine that I am over run with bows  – LOTS OF BOWS!  I had a dear friend give me one of my most prized possessions in the hair department when it comes to my girls.  It was a bow holder made out of a picture frame.  She made it at a “Girl’s Night Out” crafting event and gave it to me as a gift. 

I figured out how to make it myself and I now too have been making them for girlfriends as gifts.  They are a great birthday gift for the toddler that has everything in the scope of toys and clothes or for a babysitter.  Just add a few bows and maybe even a homemade tutu or one that you can pick up at Costco and you have a gift fit for any princess.

The whole thing costs about $7 dollars to make if you do it right.  I get the picture frame at Michael’s and use the 40% coupon you can find online each week.  I head to a fabric store and pick out  cute scrap pieces they sale (which are the perfect size for this project.)  As for the ribbon I am always on the look out for the $1 spools and I just stock up and I coordinate my scrap material finds to the ribbon I have on hand.

Supplies Needed:

  • Scissors
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Assorted Ribbon – You will want to have 5 rows.
  • Material size 12×12
  • Picture Frame that can hold a matted 8×10 picture

 

Instructions:

First you place the glass on the material face down and wrap the material around the glass securing it as you would with tape with hot glue.

Then cut and arrange ribbon using a layering effect  on at least one of the rows.

Wrap and secure the ribbon around the now covered glass  with hot glue. Make sure it is  moderately tight where there  is enough give to be able to clip a bow to it.

Place the finish insert back into the frame.

 

Add a hanging bow to the back clasp

Completion!

 

The whole project took about 20-30 minutes to do depending on how settled I was on the ribbon choices.

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