Homemade Extracts

This is a great way to make homemade extracts for baking.  They also make great gifts and people will be very impressed by all the time they (think) you have spent.  They are really easy and can be done in less time than a SpongeBob episode!  The following instructions are for orange and vanilla extracts but you can also make lemon, cinnamon and more.

Here what you need.

2 Vanilla Beans
1 Orange
Vodka
Glass bottles that seal

Vanilla Extract:
Slice the beans in half length wise, place them in the bottle, pour in 2/3 cup of Vodka for every two beans.  Close the bottle.  Store in a cool, dark place shake once a day.  After two weeks remove the beans. Done!

Orange Extract:
Peel or grate the orange peel from the orange. (Do not get the white part).  Add the peel to the bottle, pour in 2/3 Vodka for each orange.  Close bottle.  Store in a cool dark place & shake once a day. After two weeks remove the peel.  Done!

Told you it was easy.

I doubled the recipe so they would look nice in the bottles.

Oh That Kitchen Drawer...

We all have one full of spatulas, spoons, graters and every kitchen tool known to man.  The one you need (usually in hurry because something is about to burn) is no where to be found.  Having the things you use most often separated from everything else can help.  I found this white jar in my attic, added some ribbon bought at an after Christmas sale and sticker.  For less than a dollar I am almost organized.

Mamma's Easy Shrimp Dip

This is a super easy shrimp dip that is so addicting and it is an original recipe from Mamma's kitchen...

You will need:
30 - 40 large cooked shrimp (buy frozen pre-cooked and defrost)
Medium Jar of Marinated Artichokes
1 Lemon (you will only use the juice)
1 block softened cream cheese (you can use reduced fat and no will ever know)
2 Cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese (fine shredded melts the best)
1/4  - 1/3 tsp Garlic Powder (depends on your love of garlic)
Red pepper flakes - to Taste
Salt & Pepper - to taste
Fresh Parsley (Optional - just for garnish)

Chop shrimp and artichokes and place in mixing bowl.  Add juice of one lemon.  Mix in all other ingredients except Parsley.  Put in flat baking or pie dish.  Bake at 300 degrees F for 45 minutes or until brown.  Garnish with whole or chopped parsley and serve hot.

This could also be made in a crock pot and kept warm through out a party or event.  For crock pot add small amount of heavy cream to keep it moist and easy to dip.

After Christmas Sales = Year Long Savings

When shopping after-Christmas sales look for items that are not season specific.  For example solid colored serving pieces, various ribbons, papers and more.  Here are some recent finds that were purchased for 75% off and can be used all year long.

Solid colors make these usable year around
These little dutch ovens are great for
individual pot pies and deserts.

Red and white bags are great for valentine gifts
for school friends, teams or co-workers.

Here we go with the first post of a new blog.  Very exciting and a little intimidating   With so many great things to share I don't know where to begin.  I will start with this; the intention of this blog is to bring motivation to find the best way to accomplish the little things in life so we can focus on the other little things that matter.

My original motivation is in this story.  Our children decorated our tree themselves this year.  They only broke 4 ornaments, that I know of, I didn't miss a one.  I am so happy to have sacrificed those ornaments for the memories they made in exchange.