BACONIAN MEASURES -- Bacon & Caramelized Onion Brie

Bacon?  Brie?  Yes!

Why?  Why not?

It's Bacon for Pete's sake!

A few weeks ago my good pal Holly and I were crafting and kibitzing over cheese and crackers when suddenly our brie was under attack by my eldest daughter who has a habit of extracting the creamy middle from a slice of brie with vampiric speed and accuracy, leaving only a flopping shell of white rind in her wake.  This is the same child who swears off all meat, but would (if allowed) devour an entire pound of bacon in one sitting.  So, Holly and I joked that the perfect food for my daughter would be a dish that combines both bacon and brie.  We laughed about it momentarily, but then the gears started turning and the room went deadly quiet.  "What if...?" we pondered.  There's already bacon popcorn, bacon candy, bacon pancakes, and my favorite -- Holly's Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies (recipe HERE).  Why not a brie with bacon then?

And that is how the Bacon and Caramelized Onion brie was born.  I caramelized some onions over low heat, combined them with crispy bacon, and added the mixture to a wedge of brie.  I brought the new concoction to my in-laws' Christmas Eve celebration and it was a huge hit.

This delicious fancy brie is so easy to make and can be prepared days in advance.  I've already made one to take to share with friends for New Year's Eve.  

What is the wildest Baconized food you've ever tried?

BACON AND CARAMELIZED ONION BRIE

For a printer friendly version of this recipe, 

click the "print friendly" icon at the bottom of this post

Ingredients

1 wedge Double Creme Brie (1/2 - 3/4 pound)

1 large Sweet Onion, peeled and diced

1/3 cup cooked crumbled bacon

1/2 Tablespoon butter

Pinch of salt

Place brie in the freezer before starting the onions.  This will make it easier to cut in half.  

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter.

Add diced onion and a pinch of salt

Cook over medium heat until onion begins to brown

Cover and continue to cook over low heat for 30 minutes, checking periodically to make sure onions aren't burning.  Stir occasionally and re-cover.  

Remove lid from pan.  Onions should be a rich caramel color.  If they haven't browned enough, increase heat to medium and cook until onions have caramelized.

Remove from heat.  Transfer caramelized onions to a small bowl.

Stir crumbled bacon in to the caramelized onions to form a relish.

Remove brie from freezer and cut in half horizontally.

Spread half of the onion mixture on the bottom half of the brie.

Put the top half of the brie back on and lightly press.

Spread the remaining half of the onion mixture on the top of the brie.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy with water crackers or French Bread

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NEW YEAR'S TRADITION -- Silver Dollar Pancakes for Luck & Prosperity!

To achieve this celebratory look, you can use numeric refrigerator magnets, or print and cut out numbers from your computer.  Giving the paper numbers a quick dunk in a bowl of water will insure that the numbers stick to the pancakes (without affecting taste).  Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and remove paper numbers.

click the thumbnail above to download 

New Year stencil template

All over the world, different cultures have unique ways of celebrating the New Year and symbolizing luck, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year. I've learned that in Spain it is customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight.  I'm looking forward to sharing this custom with my friends (it's perfect for the kids and those not drinking champagne) this New Year's Eve.  In the American South, Hoppin' John, a dish made with black-eyed peas is a popular first meal of the New Year.  In this tradition, dating back to the Civil War, the peas are said to symbolize coins, and are often served with collard greens, representing cash.  As a symbol of longevity, buckwheat noodles are enjoyed by Buddhists in Japan as part of their New Year's celebration.  

Do you have a New Year's food tradition?  

I'm pleased to share with you this guest post from writer Maria Rainier with her winning idea for a new New Year's food tradition:

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If you want to try something other than a traditional black-eyed peas dish for the first meal of the New Year, try these first-meal pancakes.  Not only can you fry them in the shapes of the numbers of the New Year, they’re whole grain so you can kick off 2011 healthfully!  Seeing a little ingenuity to their first meal will get the kids excited . . . just in time to go to bed!

"New Year’s Family Flapjacks"

Ingredients

·      1 cup plus 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

·      1 cup frozen wild blueberries

·      2 cups whole wheat flour

·      1 tsp baking soda

·      ½ teaspoon salt

·      2 egg whites

·      2 cups buttermilk

·      2 tsp vanilla extract

·      2 tsp ground cinnamon

·      2 tbsp (1/4 stick) butter

Preparation

Boil 1 cup of syrup or honey and blueberries in a heavy medium saucepan until reduced to 1 cup, about 13 minutes, and then let cool.

Meanwhile, have one of the kids combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, and then another add the egg whites, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.  Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of syrup or honey and blend well.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on a skillet over medium heat.  Carefully drizzle the pancake mixture into the skillet into the shape of 2-0-1-1.  The good news is that even if you mess up, you can use a spoon to push imperfections back into place.  

Cook the pancakes until cooked through, less than 2 minutes per side (although this varies per number).  You might want to put at least two skillets on the stove so that some numbers don’t get cold while others are waiting to be cooked.

Serve pancakes with blueberry syrup and, if desired, dried fruits and nuts.

Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at The Online Degree Blog, where recently she's been researching music degrees and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

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Holiday Tidings -- Nutcracker Suite Inspired Mixed Media Christmas Card

For our family Christmas card this year I created a mixed-media collage using bits of vintage paper, ephemera, and vintage images printed from the computer.  The Nutcracker is "played" by my youngest daughter (who fancies herself a bit of a tomboy).  The body of the "Nutcracker" is from an old French paper doll set. "Clara" is "played" by my eldest daughter.  Her body was made from a copy of a photograph of my paternal grandmother when she was a child.  After completing the collage, I scanned it in to my computer and uploaded it to an online service that printed the image on personalized postcards.  The postcards were a no-brainer, since they were unique, cost-effective, and a greener option than our usual Christmas cards, since they use less paper and don't require envelopes.

To all of the wonderful people who've made my year special by being a part of the positive vibes and creative sharing here at Rook No. 17, I wish you the warmest and happiest of holidays.  

I'm taking a few days off from the blogosphere to enjoy some time with my husband and daughters, and am determined to spend as much time in my new fuzzy slippers as is possible.

Here's to you enjoying your greatest joys and comforts just the same.  

Yours,
 Jenn

GLITTERED FLOWERS TUTORIAL AND GUEST POST FROM 504 MAIN

You've perhaps heard it mentioned that I have a particular weakness for glittery things.  It is, in part, what inspired the name of my blog (black birds have a natural attraction to shiny objects).  So, each time I visit my friend Holly's place and my eyes catch sight of one of the incredible glittered flowers she's fashioned out of simple wood pieces, I go into a sort of glitter induced trance.  

Recently, Holly added some of her magnificent jewel-toned creations to her Christmas tree, and I nearly went catatonic from the glitter euphoria.  Fortunately she was able to lull me back to reality with the promise of brie and some of her homemade spinach dip.  But I digress...

I'm truly honored to count Holly, the amazing gal behind 504 Main, not only as a great friend and ally in the blogosphere, but as a real-life friend as well.  I was thrilled when she agreed to share her Glittering Flowers tutorial here at Rook No. 17.  

Without further ado, I give you Holly:

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Wooo-whooo! I am so happy to be visiting Rook No. 17!!!! Jenn is a true and fabulous friend...and crafty genius...in real life and blog life and she has asked me to share one of my all-time favorite creations!

So, before I continue on, I am Holly from 504 Main. I cook, craft, and chat about all sorts of things over there.  have a crazy mixed up eclectic style and I love to make beautiful things out of the unexpected (and the expected too!).

 I pretty much love plate joining biscuits and

the unexpected and unusual items you can create with them.

(you get 'em at the hardware store)

You can bet your sweet patootie there will be more

projects using these biscuits soon!

Glittering Flowers

Click {HERE} for a pdf  
Supplies

* P.K. Glitz Glitter in desired colors (or any glitter, but finer glitters and glass glitter give a great sparkle)
* Gorilla Wood Glue
* Plate Joining Biscuits
* 1” wood discs (or old buttons or anything flat) 
* Paint brush
* Paint (Optional – this can be done w/o paint or you can paint each biscuit for a base – spray paint works quickly and well)
* “Centers” for flowers – beads, buttons {shank works extremely well}, gems – your choice.
* (Optional) felt and floral wire

DIY IT!
1. Each flower takes 5 petals (biscuits) and one disc (you can use just about any round, flat item for the center. I have used button and brass key tags too).If you are going to use these as ornaments, you should decide how you want to hang them now. Skip to step 9 to see your options. If you choose option C, you need to pre-drill a small hole now.*

2. Paint Gorilla Wood Glue all over the top and sides of each biscuit. {OPTIONAL: prior to glittering, you may chose to paint the entire biscuit - and wood disc a similar color to the glitter color}. For ornaments I glittered both sides of my flower.

3. Douse each petal in the desired color of P.K. Glitz glitter. Use a coffee filter to catch the excess glitter - so easy to slide the excess back into the jar!

4. Set aside and let dry.
5. When dry, take one 1” disc and paint glue all over the top.

6. Lay your petals out on top of the disc – only the tips will be on the disc and glued to it. Once these set, I like to drop a drop of glue into the center – it spread and solidifies the hold. Let dry.

7. Attach center – gems, pearl, crystals, buttons – it all depends on the look you want. Shank buttons work really well, as the shank sets in the glue.
ALTERNATIVE: I have not tried this yet, but depending on your desired application, you can also apply the petals directly to some felt - that is or can be cut around the shapes.
8. Once completely dry – NOTE: THESE FLOWERS ARE STILL FRAGILE EVEN WHEN DRY – you can cut some floral wire and attach it to the back using the glue – cut a small piece of felt to sandwich the wire. (You may need to touch up in some areas)
9. To make them an ornament, either:
A. Put a generous dollop of hot glue on the back of the disk and settle an ornament hook right into it (the very easy method)
B. Do the same as A, but add a circle of felt to cover the hot glue/ornament from behind.
*C. Drill a small hole in one of the petals and string a ribbon or desired hanger through it.

Use the flowers to decorate wreaths, baskets, branches. They are gorgeous glittering goodness - perfect for Fall!

Don't you just L-O-V-E the SCREEN WREATH?

 It is still one of my favorites!

Read all about it {HERE} and get a link to a pdf tutorial.

Thanks Jenn for letting me visit!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Snowman S'more Bar Kit in a Jar -- An Easy, Last Minute Gift Project for the whole Family

There hasn't been a lot of time for cookie baking or candy making this year at our house.  Still, the girls wanted to continue the tradition of making homemade gifts for their friends, and I found the perfect project from Loralee at No Fuss Fabulous, by doing a Christmas twist on her Bunny Brownies.

These adorable S'more Bar kits can be put together in just minutes and are fun for the kids to make.  I'm looking forward to keeping one to bake up and sample with the girls.

Here's what you need to make 6 kits:

6 1-Quart Canning Jars

4 12.60 oz. bags holiday M&M candies

4 packages Peeps Snowmen

2 boxes (6 sleeves) Graham Crackers

2 cups light brown sugar

Snowman S'more Kit Labels (optional) -- FREE download below

Snowman S'more Kit Instruction Labels (optional) -- FREE download below

To assemble a jar:

Pour in 1 1/4 cups M&Ms

Insert one group of Snowmen on top of M&Ms (The Snowmen are packaged 3 to a group)

Complete the circle with another trio of Snowmen

Using a large funnel, pour 1/3 cup brown sugar into the ring formed by the snowmen.  Tamp down lightly with a spoon or the bottom of a spice bottle.  

Reduce 1 sleeve of graham crackers to crumbs.

Pour crumbs into a ziploc sandwich bag.  Press air from bag and seal.  

Insert crumb bag into jar, with one of the pointed, bottom ends going first.  

Screw the lid on the jar.

Decorate jar as you wish, and be sure to include the instructions:  

Step 1:  Empty contents of jar in a large bowl and cut Snowmen into bite sized pieces.
Step 2:  Melt 1/2 cup butter; add 1 teaspoon vanilla.  Pour over the dry ingredients, mixing well.
Step 3:  Pat into a greased 9" square pan.
Step 4:  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.  Cool and cut into bars.

Here's a download for the labels

Snowman S'More Bar Labels

And here's a download for the instruction labels

Snowman S'More Bar Instruction Label

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CRANBERRY UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE -- A PERFECT CHRISTMAS DESSERT

I've been trying to manage my time a little better lately, and as a result I had the opportunity this past week to visit the blogs of some of the creative and talented people out there.  

I was thrilled to have come across a post by Lisa at "The Pursuit of Happiness" where she shared her recipe for Cranberry Upside-down Cake (adapted from a Cooking Light).  We were having dinner with friends on Sunday, and the festive cake sounded like just the perfect sweet treat to bring. I got an extra surprise when my husband offered to do the baking!  He doubled the recipe and baked it in a 12" round cake pan lined with parchment.  

It came out beautifully.  The cranberries glistened like ruby-red Christmas baubles.  The cake was absolutely delicious!  Because we doubled the recipe, each family was able to take some cake home for the next day.  My husband and I enjoyed ours with our coffee in the morning.

Whether you're looking for an easy and elegant cake for a holiday dessert, or for a little something sweet for brunch, this is a recipe that I highly recommend.  To get the recipe, visit HERE.  Enjoy!

Charitable Gift Giving with a Fanciful Twist -- Glittered Gift Box Tutorial

During these tough economic times, many of us have come to the realization that "less is more" and that "we already have enough stuff".  When it comes to holiday gift-giving, what does one get for the person who "doesn't really need anything"?  Charitable donations are one of my favorite ways to honor a person who already has a lot of stuff, by helping another person who has nothing.  

There are so many incredible, worthy charities to choose from, and it's easier than ever to make donations quickly and securely online.   Many charitable organizations have certificates that you can print online to share with the honoree.

But, if you're looking for a little something EXTRA -- a way to add some sparkle and magic to the gift of charity, then I have a whimsical and (believe it or not) EASY project for you!

You can customize these glittered giving boxes to complement the charity you choose.  For my gifts this year, I chose two of my favorite organizations:  Make a Wish Foundation and Soles4Souls. 

Here's a little about MAKE A WISH:  "Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish^® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities."

The Make a Wish website allows you to donate any amount online using a credit card or Paypal.  The donation is instantaneous, and what I like about their donation process is that it allows you to choose to have your donation remain local (if you so desire).  It's a great way to make a difference in your community.

Here's a little about Soles4Souls:  "Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you. The charity distributes these shoes to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away nearly 12 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 7 seconds.) The shoes have been distributed to people in over 125 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States."

For each dollar you donate to Soles4Souls, one child will receive a pair of shoes!  Incredible!  You can donate any amount, so if you're looking to make a lot of small donations for office or teacher gifts, but still make a significant impact, a $5 donation amounts to five children who won't have to go barefoot.  And just think about how far a $20, $50, $100 gift will go!  

Whimsical Gift Box ~ Glittered Shoe

Materials

--1 plastic shoe (Available at the Dollar Tree in the wedding/party favor section, 6 shoes in a pack)

--1 small box (jewelry box, papier mache craft box, etc)

--Vintage Paper and/or scrapbook paper

--Mod Podge Matte

--Paint Brush

--DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint in Antique White

--German Glass Glitter or microfine glitter (like Martha Stewart's), Silver

--Hot Glue Gun

-- Crepe Paper Streamer roll, off-white

--Clear spray glaze/sealer

-- Sole template, download for FREE here:  Sole 1 or Sole 2

-- Scroll template, download for FREE here:  Bless Your Soul Scroll

-- Certificate, download for FREE here:  Soles4Souls or Make a Wish or Blank Certificate

Here's what the plastic shoe looks like before it gets glittered

And after

Step 1:  Using a paint brush, brush Mod Podge on the exterior of the plastic shoe.  Coat with glitter.  Allow time to dry.  Repeat process for the underside of the shoe and the back of the heel (any areas that will be seen once the shoe is glued to the top of the box).  Allow time to dry.  

Step 2:  Measure sides of box and cut vintage paper to wrap all the way around.  Using a paint brush, brush Mod Podge on the sides of the box and apply vintage paper, taking particular care to make sure that the edges (top and bottom) completely adhere.  Set aside to dry.

Step 3:  Measure the top of the lid of the box and cut vintage or scrapbook paper to fit.  Using a paint brush, brush Mod Podge on the top of the box and apply paper.  Set aside to dry.

Step 4:  Using a paint brush, apply Mod Podge to the sides of the lid of the box.  Coat with glitter and shake off excess.  Allow time to dry.

Step 5:  Paint the inside of the shoe with the antique white acrylic paint.  Allow time to dry.

Step 6:   Print out the sole template to use, or use it to trace on a piece of paper of your choosing.  Cut out sole.  When paint and glitter have completely dried on the shoe, crumble a small piece of paper and stuff into the inside heel of the shoe (to give the heel of the sole a place to stick).  Brush some Mod Podge on the inside sole of the shoe.  Adhere paper sole in place.

Step 6:  Cut a 2" length of crepe paper streamer.  Cut into three separate, equal, strips (lengthwise).  Stack the lengths and fringe with scissors.  Roll into a blossom shape and attach to the shoe with hot glue.

Step 7:  Print out the "Bless Your Soul" Scroll.  TIP:   I like to print it out on antique paper, for a vintage look.  The top of a sheet of old sheet music works well for this.  Using a hot glue gun, glue shoe to the top of the box.  Put a small dab of hot glue on the reverse side of the scroll, under the "B".  Attach to box (on the left side of the shoe).  Then, quickly thread the rest of the scroll under the arch of the shoe.  Put another small dab of glue under the word "Soul" on the scroll and attach to box. 

Step 8:  Spray entire lid (sides, top, shoe, etc.) with clear glaze.  This will help keep the glitter from wearing off with time and will also give the box a slightly antiqued look.  Allow time to dry.

Step 9:  Make a charitable donation.  Download certificate.  Print.  Fill in information.  Roll and tie with a ribbon and put in box.  Tip:  You can add more whimsy to the inside of the box by sprinkling a dash of silver confetti stars or a handful of tinsel basket shred.

FOR THE BALLERINA WISH BOX:  Use the same techniques described above with the following modifications:

-- The ballerinas can be purchased at craft and cake stores and online.  Brush glue on the ballerina's tutu and tiara, and apply glitter.

-- When glittering the whole lid of the box, hot glue the ballerina on first.  Then brush entire box lid with Mod Podge.  Then glitter.

-- For this box, I printed the "My Wish Box" scroll on clear vellum.  Here's a free download with a few different versions of the scroll:  My Wish Box Scroll

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