Conchas

We had this really fun primary activity where we introduce the theme of the year for primary, "My Eternal Family". We "helped" the kids make a stamped family tree and then we sat around and everyone shared stories about their ancestors and we ate food from different countries. I had a good time and it looked like the kids had a good time as well. E and I brought Conchas, Mexican Sweet Bread that look like shells. They were delicious!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 teaspoons yeast 1/2 cup warm water 1/2 cup evaporated milk 3/8 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted 1 egg 4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2/3 cup white sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1.	In a large bowl, stir together the yeast and warm water. Mix in the milk, 3/8 cup sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, salt, egg and half of the flour. Gradually mix in the remaining flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Turn the dough out onto a floured counter to knead as soon as it pulls together enough.
2.	Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a large greased bowl, and turn the dough to coat. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3.	Make the topping while the dough rises. In a medium bowl, beat 2/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour until the mixture is the consistency of thick paste. Divide into two parts, and place one part in a separate bowl. Mix cinnamon into one half, and vanilla into the other half.
4.	When the dough is done rising, cut into 12 even-sized pieces. Shape into balls, and place on a greased cookie sheet, spacing about 3 inches apart. Divide each bowl of topping into 6 balls, and pat flat. Place circles of topping on top of the dough balls patting down lightly. Use a knife to cut grooves in the topping like a clam shell. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
5.	Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

find original recipe here

Snow Fun

So I got this idea from a parenting magazine. I realize some of you out there hate parenting magazines. I myself have my own issues with them generally related to the fact that reporters are often misinformed or do not have the skills necessary to pass on health information correctly. Regardless though parenting magazines are a great place to glean activities, especially Wondertime and Family Fun. This idea is totally ripped off from a parenting issue. The mother said she brought in a bucket of snow for her daughter to play with. I put our snow in the sink although I'm sure a bucket or the tub would do just fine. Then I set #1 on it. We've now done this twice and both times he loved it. It is a fun was to extend the snow fun without having to actually be outside freezing your tushie off. We even made a mini snowman with chocolate chips for eyes and his belly button (#1's idea).

Carambola - Star Fruit

There are weeks when I just feel like we just eat the same old thing over and over. So this year I decided to make a goal to pick up something new and different each time I go to the grocery store. I figure this way I can get more acquainted with the unique and hopefully that will spice up my monthly menus a little bit. Last week I brought some carambola or star fruit home. The kids loved the star shape! You just slice it and poof stars. It has a bitter sweet flavor. Is that even possible? Truthfully it reminded me of eating a flower. I thought if flowers tasted like they smelled this is what they would taste like.

Laced Trimmed Capri Leggings

On Monday I took the kids to the mall to play on the overstuffed playground they have inside. On the way back out to the car we stopped at the Children's Place and I saw the most adorable accessory for spring...laced trimmed capri leggings. The only problem...these little babies cost ten dollars or two pairs for $18. No thank you! So yesterday I went to the dollar store bought a couple of pairs of tights. Then I went to Joann's and used my 40% off coupon to buy a yard and a half of stretch lace which normally runs about 1.99 a yard. So for a little more then three dollars I made #2 three pairs of lace trimmed capris. Seeing as she loves all things girl she loves these, especially since her little feet are free to climb and run all over. What follows is how I made them.

Put the tights on your daughter and decide where you want the material to end. Keep in mind the lace will go down at least an inch or so below the cut. On the white tights I made a mark in pencil. With the pink and black ones I marked with a small pin. Take the tights off and cut one foot off. Fold over and cut the other side to match.

Now you are going to have a lovely pair of footless tights. Take your stretch lace and measure how much lace you will need to go around the circumference of the tights plus a little extra for a seam.

Cut the lace and then use that piece to cut a matching piece for the other side. Fold the lace in half and sew the edge. I used a zig zag stitch but you can use whatever you prefer. It does need to be a permanent stitch though because this part will not be sewn again.

Flip the lace circles right side out so the seems are on the inside. Then pin the lace to the leggings. I have about 1/4 of an inch overlap between leggings and lace but that is up to you. Also you have to pick where you want the lace seam to go. I put the seam on the inside of the leg because I figured it would show the least there but you could also put it on the backside.

Stitch the leggings and lace together. I used a feather stitch and it worked AWESOME! First off it actually looks like a stitch that you expect to see on lace. Secondly this part was the hardest by far. I could only work on a part of the lace at a time and had to readjust constantly so as not to sew the legging holes together. The feather stitch could be picked up and started again easily and still look great. It is possible that it would be easier to sew the lace on while still in a strip onto the leggings and then sew the edges of the lace together. In fact as I'm sitting here thinking about I think that would probably be the case but I haven't tried it so I can't say for sure. Anyway now we have a pair of bright pink, black, and white tights and they are so cute. I still have some leftover lace so if I buy some more tights I'll try attaching the lace first to the leggings and then sewing a back seam on them to see if that is easier.

Reversible Jumper

This is the reversible jumper I made for #2 with left over fabric from baby blankets. It is nice because it is warm for winter and she loves to twirl in it and sway the long skirt. Such a girl! The other side is white. What was I thinking? I'll tell you what I was thinking. I was afraid I would mess it up seeing as I made the pattern on a piece of brown paper sac using a two small jumper for the main pattern and scraps for the fabric but I think it turned out pretty good especially when you consider this is the first piece of clothing I've ever sewn. I love my new craft :) Now I just want to make one with a tiered skirt and cotton material left over from the purses. I'll let you know how it goes.

My extra towels

My towel shelf is always a disaster. For some reason those pesky towels just don't want to lie flat when folded. Finally after having to deal with the mess one too many times I figured why not roll them like all those fancy spas do. Guess what...the towels actually fit nicer. Who knew.

Easy Cherry Pie

So we got this idea out of the February Friend under Kitchen Krafts. A couple of months ago they had a experience what your pioneer forefathers did traveling from England and try hard biscuits and lime water. We did not try that one. This idea though sounded good and number one had a great time helping me prepare it.

Easy Cherry Pie

1 graham-cracker piecrust (10 inches/25 cm)
1 pint (.5 L) vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 package whipped topping (8 ounces/227 g), thawed
1 can (21 ounces/595 g) cherry pie filling

• 1. Fill the piecrust with ice cream or yogurt. Cover and freeze for 30 minutes.

• 2.In a mixing bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in whipped topping.

• 3.Spread the cream cheese mixture over the ice cream. Cover and freeze for 4 hours.

• 4.Before serving, spoon pie filling onto the pie. Cut into 8 slices and enjoy.

My First Quilt

I'm so excited I finally get to post this. My baby sister is having a baby in March. Sometime a couple of months ago she called me and asked if I thought $40 was too high a price for a baby blanket that felt like a stuffed animal. I of course said yes and promised I would make her one. So for her baby shower which was today I put together my first quilt with minky(sp) chenille on one side and flannel lined satin on the other. I've never tried to make any kind of quilted blanket or to do a turn over edge so the whole thing was rather new. When I finished though I totally loved it. For anyone who wants to try I suggest using your JoAnn's coupons to get the minky at 40% off. Heck go a few days in a row so that you can use your coupon on each piece of fabric you need cut. Then for the turn over edge just make sure to use lots of pins :) And just so you know yes the minky was pretty expensive but since it was a labor of love this blanket cost nowhere near $40.