Bacon

I love love love bacon. I am allergic to the nitrates in bacon and even that doesn't stop me from consuming more then my fair share of magical food. It's wonderful. Since I love Bacon so much I knew I had to make some has a started my Felt Food extravagonza.

All you do is cut two pieces of dark brown felt into a bacony shape (Ive seen it done with red as well... but I like the brown) Then glue some white onto one of the browns for the fat. (I used scraps from the egg whites) then blanket stitch the two browns together. Voila! Bacon!

Now Im off to story time and bed hopefully since I feel miserable! I was hoping to be a crafting machine this weekend but this sore throat and achy muscles is killing me! hopefully tomorrow is better and I can let my creative side out!

A New Discovery

Tonight we had my good friend and a wonderful photographer, Kim Hawkings take some family pictures for us. She took us to a place I never knew existed and I have spent the majority of my life in Calgary. Just outside the city limits there is a place called Ann & Sandy Conservation. Its just a wildlife preserve. We didn't get very far in down the path since we have little Jaxon who hates the outdoors and pricklies in the grass. But from what I saw it was a beautiful area. I dont know if Id called it a hike but a good walk. I'd like to go back and do some exploring! There is an honor system, they ask for a $2 per person donation. No one is there to make sure you donate but come on lets all make sure we help places like this out!
  Jaxon was hungry and tired so I have to give a shout out to Kim for doing the pictures. Im glad I know how talented Kim is because Im sure despite the lack of pictures Jaxon allowed her to take and his grumpy attitude, that she still got some wonderful shots! I cant wait to see them!

Eggs

I was trying to wait to post this until I had the bacon done... but I just couldnt wait any longer... I think they are just too darn cute! I have made felt eggs! Sunny Side Up!

I think they are good enough to eat!  I love making them because they are just so easy to make.

1) Cut two egg whites out of white fabric

2) Cut 1 circle out of yellow (yolk)

3) use a glue gun to attach the yolk to one of the whites leaving a little space for stuffing the yolk

4) Put a small amount of stuff in the yolk and then use the gluee gun to seal the rest of the yolk

5) Blanket stitch the two whites together..

Done and Done!

I must say I have fallen in love with this blanket stitch!

A Tastey new Side

AHHHH bacon and green onions... is there anything better???
I found this recipe in a martha Stewart book (fresh fast food) its pretty yummy and really simple to make

Cook bacon in a pan... remove from pan and then add 2-3 cups frozen corn to the pan with the bacon grease. Saute the corn until warm through (about 5 minutes) Meanwhile cut up 4 (ok 5) strips of bacon and 3 green onions. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes (it really depends on how spicy you like things as to how much you add... I used about 1/2 Tbsp) Then turn off the heat but leave the pan on the cooling burner. Add bacon and green onion. stir to combine and serve. Its so Good! Forget a side, Id eat a whole plate of just this!

Back to Cards

I have come to realize that I have way too many hobbies! The last few weeks I have been consumed with making felt food and reading the host. But today I got alot done. I returned to my cards. I had forgotten how much I love to paper craft. I am currently working on 3 year of cards kits as christmas gifts. So I know its not christmas, but I figured the kits need variety so this is what I was inspired to make today. I love making cards!
But I have had a busy day today... I guess Im onto my manic stage again. So keep watching because in the coming days I will post a couple new recipes, an updated project list, a few quotes and even some more felt food. Im super excited to share all my adventures!

5 Cheese Baked Ziti

One of my favorite restaurants is the Olive Garden. I dont get to go often because its way up in the north and I live in the south of Calgary. One of my favorite dishes is their 5 cheese Baked Ziti... and I finally found a great copy cat of that recipe! I make it all the time now! (and I will admit that its not always 5 cheese... sometimes I will be missing a cheese or two and then I just double up on the cheeses I do have...)
5 Cheese Baked Ziti

Ziti Sauce
4 Cups Tomato sauce (your favorite pasta sauce!)
2 Cups Alfredo Sauce
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
3 Tbsp Fontina cheese, shredded
1 tsp garlic powder

Ziti Topping
3 cups Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
3 Tbsp Romano Cheese, grated
3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp garlic, chopped
3 Tbsp veg. oil
3 Tbsp Parlsey, chopped

1 lb dried Ziti
1 cup Mozzarella cheese

Prepare ziti sauce; Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in fridge until ready to use
Prepare Topping; Combine all ingredients until well combined
To make entire dish; preheat oven to 350. Spray a 13x9 bakign dish with non stick spray. Prepare the pasta according to pkg. pour 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom of the pan. Once the pasta cooks, drain it and add the remaining sauce to the pasta. Stir to combine. Pour into prepared pan. Top with mozzarella cheese and then the ziti topping. bake for 30-40 minutes (until bubbly and golden brown)

this makes lots... serves like 8!

Weekly menu

This weeks menu isnt so much about the mains but about the sides. I dont know what happened but I have really focused on trying new sides lately... so hopefully it pays off!
Monday - Leftovers (Sunday is our normal left over day but we had a BBQ with friends instead... so now we have tons of food)
Tuesday - Smokies with a bacon sauted corn
Wednesdy - Chinese Chicken salad
Thursday - Breakfast hash
Friday - chicken with an Almond Rice pilaf
Saturday - BBQ Burgers
Saunday - Leftover!
   Well Im off to get into my jammies... I dont know what is wrong Im just so tired lately!