Applesauce

Sorry, for posting the weekend recipe so late but it is worth the wait if you like applesauce.  Plus, this applesauce has no added sugar and I also I am sharing a mix-in option.  Since everyone knows what applesauce looks like I am not going to share a photo of mine. Also, one more good thing about this recipe is that it freezes wonderful. I make a few of these big batches throughout fall and freeze it in mason jars. It is snack in the middle of winter when it is hard to find tasty apples.

Ingredients:
3/4 peck apples ( I used purplicious and zester organic apples the cider mill offers)
3 c. water
1 - 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:
1. Peel, core and cut apple in large chunks. Place in a large stockpot.
2. Add water and cinnamon. Add 1 tsp. of cinnamon if you just want a cinnamon hint.
3. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes or until the apples are mushy.
4. With a stick blender or a blender, puree the sauce to your desired consistency.

Mix-ins:
Add 1 lb. (or 2 lb. if you want to do the whole pot of applesauce) of cooked strawberries to half of the sauce before pureeing. Now, you have a yummy strawberry applesauce.

Pie Time

   I have decided to start sharing some of my recipes here every Saturday. The reason behind branching out from the paper crafts posts is because I also have the love of cooking/baking. It is something I do everyday and find it just as relaxing as sitting in my studio playing with pretty papers.
 I figure today's one would be perfect for this holiday weekend. It is a mixed berry pie with a nice bright citrus note that makes this pie pop even more. Like all my pies, this is packed with tons of fruit and hardly any sugar. Plus, cleanup is fast, that is always a good thing.

Ingredients for crust:
1 c. flour
1/3 c. cold butter
pinch of salt
1 - 3 Tbsp. cold water

Directions:
1. In a food processor pulse flour, salt and butter until the mixture has a coarse consistency.
2. While the processor is running add a tablespoon water at a time. Add enough water to form a dough.
3. Chill while you prepare the filling.

Ingredients for pie filling:
2 lb. strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 c. blueberries
3 Tbsp. flour
2 Tbsp. sugar, divided
1 organic lemon, zested and juice

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
2. On a lightly floured surface roll dough out large enough to fit into a 9 inch glass pie plate.
3. In a large bowl, mix berries, flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, lemon zest and juice.
4. Pour filling into crust top with the remaining sugar.
5. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes. Until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden.

Homemade Air Freshener Timeless Twine Style

Today, I am going to show you my latest project. It is a pretty homemade air freshener that is decorated with twine and washi tape.

I love to collect empty glass spice jars. I love that they can hold small things, make great vases and now air fresheners.  I added the grey twine around the top to hold the tulle and green twine pom-pom in place and I also glued it in between the tape.

You could fill it with potpourri or do like I did and fill it with baking soda and essential oil.

 

Thanks for dropping by and I hope I inspired you to dress up some glass items with twine.

Don't forget about our May challenge that is going on now. Also, check out our shop for our newest and trendy neon glittered clothespin.