Toad Hollow

Greek Lemon Ricotta Cheese Cake

2012-01-12T15:44:00.000-05:00

Something I've been wanting to make ever since I tried a delicious slice of Lemon Ricotta Cheese Cake at a great local Italian Restaurant two weeks ago. Will certainly give you my taste test...

~*~

Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake

3 lbs ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter for the pan
1 teaspoon sugar for the pan, plus 1 1/2 cups sugar
6 large eggs
1 cup Greek Yogurt
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
juice from the fresh lemon
TOPPING, optional:

1 pint whipping cream
1 cup crushed pineapple
Fresh berries for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 10 inch springform pan, coat with 1 tsp sugar. Beat ricotta at slow speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in remaining sugar. Blend in yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla. Pour mixture in pan and smooth out top.

To prepare the pan for “water bath” baking, create a waterproof seal on the bottom by wrapping bottom and sides of pan in heavy-duty WIDE aluminum foil. Place cheesecake pan in another larger pan filled with water within an inch of the top.

Cover loosely with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil, continue baking until top is golden and center jiggles, total baking time about 90 minutes.

Remove cake from oven but keep in the water bath; cool to room temperature. Remove pan from water, remove foil from pan and cool on a rack. Cool, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

To serve with topping: whip cream until stiff, spread on top of cheesecake. Garnish with fresh berries. Serves 8 to 10.

Taken from "Worth The Whisk"

China head Antique or Reproduction

2011-02-16T13:24:00.017-05:00

I adore this China head doll, she is what they call pink tinted due to the soft pink skin tone. Her clothing has the appearance of vintage antique, lots of hand stitching, fading, and made with fabrics no longer available except on the secondary market. Her boots are flat (a tad unusual) and her lovely dress, that may have been pink, is a swiss dot fabric with lovely delicate details. Her hair, I believe, is similar to what is called, "waterfall."

Click on photos to enlarge

Nonetheless she is a beauty in the world of China Head dolls, and I would love to think she is a true Antique but there are concerns that point to no.

The main concern is her crazing, which is said not to be indicative of the original antique dolls to be made in the late 1800's and early 1900's. China head dolls of this time period were made with such excellent quality in the manufacturing of the porcelain, it would be quite rare to see. But then she does have that little dark spot called, "peppering." (small black specks embedded in the glaze, it is dust that settled on them during the final firing process.)

I love her all the same, she's so perty

China Head Dolls

2011-02-09T22:42:00.008-05:00

Visiting my local antique shop last week, I came home with the sweet little China head doll (not so little) below. I never thought I would be such a fan of these lovely dolls, but I am. Although they seem very similar, what makes these dolls so unique, to me, is the lovely individual styles of clothing, hair, and believe it or not the lovely delicately lace lined undergarments which include a chemise, petticoat, & pantaloons. A china doll is a doll made partially or wholly out of glazed porcelain. The name comes from china being used to refer to the material porcelain. The term china doll is sometimes used to refer to any porcelain or bisque doll, but more specifically it describes only glazed dolls.

China Head Dolls

2011-02-09T17:28:00.007-05:00

A china head doll consists of a glazed porcelain head with painted molded hair and a body made of cloth or leather. They range in size from more than 30" tall to as tiny as and inch. Produced in Germany, approximately between 1840 and 1940. What's fun in collecting and identifying these sweet dolls is by their contemporary hairstyles: sausage curls, ribbons, headbands, Dolly Madison, flat top, high brow, low brow, covered wagon, and the list goes on.

Both dolls are what would be called a low brow China Head Doll.

Shopping to Recycle Olde Beauties

2011-01-22T13:26:00.012-05:00

Shopping at thrift stores is always such a blessing to me. The joy of running around with my SIL, brother and niece is a fun day out for all of us. Truly, you never know what you might find, and here are some Victorian beauties.

The two Victorian pieces may well have been a child's Christening Bonnet and Bib. A gorgeous piece of Victorian Lace (that was snipped from a piece of clothing) is just a small reminder of the beautiful work of years gone bye. A wonderful olde book (Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm), and two adorable salt wells. My day was complete with joy!

So now you know my weakness and passion. As for me, I love to give these wonderful pieces from the days gone by, a new home. Or... sometimes pass them on to someone else to treasure.

Most thrift shoppes are run by hospitals, adoption centers, womens causes as in battered women, and churches. So it's a win win in so many ways. Hope you get out and visit your local thrift shoppes for some interesting treasures.

Antique Shoppe Treasures

2011-01-12T22:32:00.007-05:00

Even after all the Christmas goodies have been tucked away, I still managed to come home after visiting one of my favorite antique shoppes with some old Christmas treasures. These few items were found thrown in the bottom of an old box and were very neglected just hoping to come home with me. These very sweet and tattered old Christmas decorations reminded me of when I was a child. The little Santa still has silver tinsel wrapped around him. Nothing expensive just warm and simple treasures from days gone bye.

Dried Cranberries in Everything even Chicken Salad

2010-10-26T20:47:00.005-04:00

Do you like dried cranberries? I enjoy their tartness in breads, cakes, cookies, nut mixtures, muffins, stuffing, and especially scones. Try this simple and quick recipe: left over roasted chicken, lots of celery, dried cranberries, cumin, mayonnaise, salt & pepper to taste. It's just yummy!

They have many benefits, cranberries have an anti-adhesion quality that keeps certain bacteria from sticking to cells in the urinary tract, the mouth and stomach. They reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections. And if you've ever experienced that little slice of life you'll appreciate adding these great little treats to your cooking.

Ongoing research continues to suggest that cranberries may offer a natural defense against atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of cardiovascular disease.

Pumpkin Martini

2010-10-15T17:04:00.001-04:00

While sitting in one of our favorite restaurants the other day, I watched the bartender making such an interesting and fun drink for the fall, it went something like this:

•1/2 oz. Sylk Cream Liqueur
•2 oz. vanilla vodka
•1/2 oz. pumpkin liqueur or pumpkin spice syrup
•1 tsp. whipped cream

Combine the Sylk Cream Liqueur and vanilla vodka in an ice-filled shaker and shake well. Add the pumpkin liqueur and shake again. Strain and serve in a chilled martini glass that was dipped first in honey then smashed graham cracker crumbs. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a shake of cinnamon and there you have it, enjoy!

Summer's End

2010-09-23T17:36:00.005-04:00

Now that summer is over officially, I'm sad to see the outdoor dining come to a close. There is nothing more refreshing and enjoyable than sitting outside, ordering a few appetizers, a cold glass of wine or beer, and taking in the views.

Living in the south eastern part of the state you'll find there are many eateries along the water that are reasonable and good. Visited by so many of the locals...you'll always find someone you know. Seagulls flying overhead, boats docking for lunch, and local musicians setting up their band will be missed until another season. Boo whoooooooo!!!

Antiquing in PT Pleasant with Miss Teri

2010-06-24T11:03:00.000-04:00

I've not had such a fun day in quite some time, well it's always fun to spend a little money in my book. My good friend skipped work and we took off for a little antiquing in Point Pleasant. The small shore town has quite a variety of really fine stores and it was really difficult to hold ourselves back. I found some really sad (but so cool) dolls that need some TLC and were just crying out to me. Each one found it's way into my arms. I made sure to hide them, I mean place them, among my other dolls before hubby returned home from work.

For a change of pace we ventured into a boutique with some beautiful handmade jewelry that my friend Teri could not come home without, the most exquisite, blue green and iridescent drop earrings...I've ever seen.

Then we headed for a relaxing ice chai tea and some soft soothing music to rest our weary footsies after such a truly hard and rewarding days work.

So today I'm off to Philly with my brother and SIL Mo, and maybe we'll hit the Union Market, I sure hope so.

Queen Anne Challenge

2010-06-20T23:06:00.000-04:00

What? Make a Queen Anne inspired Doll, any size.

When: Dolls to be finished and photographed by September 1st and posted to a specified thread.

Materials? Use the Materials of Your Choice - wood, cloth, paperclay, whatever you want to use.

Who? Anyone in this group can join in the fun!

Pattern? Use the pattern of your choice. Someone asked if they could use my free Izannah inspired pattern as a base, and you're welcome to do that.

Prize? All names will be drawn into a hat. The winning name will receive a membership in my fall Izannah Walker Workshop OR if you are in the class you will receive the Izannah Walker Workshop Boys' Clothing Pattern.

Just click on the MAIDA LOGO to the left and you will be directed to Dixie's wonderful Doll group. Is so much fun to try something new so come on over and join us.

Izannah Walker inspired Doll as taught by Dixie

2010-04-07T14:42:00.000-04:00

I have so enjoyed the experience of working with Dixie Sargent Redmond, in her first class ever offered, on the making of a historically correct Izannah Walker Doll. Dixie has devoted countless hours in research for this class, and is an inspiration in every sense of the word. The class is fun, informative, and has students from every walk of life.

I have not only learned from Dixie, but from the students themselves...who have given so much of their time, and personal experiences with their own doll making.

This Izannah Walker Class and Site is a labor of love for Izannah Walker doll lovers everywhere. So as Dixie says, "Brew a cup of tea and enjoy!" Enter Here. Treat yourself to a wonderful experience and sign up for her Fall Class now.

Easter bunnies at Kindred Sisters Gathering Post

2010-03-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

Why don't you take a break from your busy schedule and take a little trip to our, Kindred Sisters Gathering Post Shoppe, for a fun Spring shopping experience. We have bunnies, primitive dolls, quilts tops, cross stitching and many, many, more lovely primitive items you won't want to miss out on. The one thing I can tell you, is, you will not find nicer handmade items for the selling prices you find there. We are very committed to bringing you handmades at an affordable price, at KSGP, so stop on in.

Donate to Haiti and receive FREE

2010-01-21T15:27:00.000-05:00

“God still loves the world and He sends you and me to be His love and His compassion to the poor.” Mother Teresa.

I believe God has blessed this great country beyond words. There are times we struggle with our every day living and our very own existence is a struggle. Life is cyclical with its many ups and downs, good and bad, highs and low, but, all in all...I believe we've been given one of the best opportunities in this world to do good.

Our government may not always represent us in a way we may have wished, and sometimes it seems to stumble, but I do believe our hearts are in the place of caring, wanting to help, wanting justice, and above all to do good.

We don't have to be part of the status quo, ashamed & possibly ridiculed for what we believe, we can step out of our comfort zone and do what our hearts lead us to do.

One of our KSGP Sisters, Annie of Glitter Your World, has decided to give a $50.00 gift certificate for you to spend in her lovely ETSY Shoppe. All you have to do is simply go to Paypal, make a $10.00 donation to Haiti, and send me an e-mail with your receipt. *Read below for details.

Also, I would like to offer my special Valentine Hearts as part of this giveaway in hopes that your heart will be moved to do this. So along with Annie's $50.00 store shopping credit and my special hearts, would you consider a donation for this cause?

I would like to mention that I know many at this time would love to contribute, and for many reasons are not able to, God knows your heart...so please a kind prayer can move mountains and we thank you all the same. May God bless you and your families.

*In about 3-4 weeks she will pull 2 winners, one for my special hearts and one for her wonderful $50.00 shopping offer.

St Valentine's Day Angel Art Doll

2010-01-11T11:35:00.000-05:00

This is Cordelia, Latin for heart, and I do think she will steal your heart away. She is a clay head and shoulder doll over cloth. I really love working with this medium it is my absolute favorite.

Because these dolls are so time consuming I am only able to make about 6 a year. She stands approximately 16 inches tall, her dress is a beautiful red toile with a wraparound vintage apron.

Cordelia has been stained to give her that time worn look famous with primitive dolls, added vintage buttons and a vintage brass stand.

Cordelis is listed beginning January 10th, on: EBAY

St Valentine's Day Delights

2010-01-03T06:26:00.000-05:00

This beautiful Valentine's Sewing Keep has been sold but there are many more that you will just love by Sara.
Hello my friends, I think we all need a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. That's why we at: KSGP have begun our St Valentine's Day Offerings for you, starting this month.

St Valentine's Day is truly one of my most favorite holidays...it's a day filled with memories, love, childhood dreams, flowers, candy, and romantic evenings.

When I was in grade school, I can vividly remember this special day would be spent passing out all those adorable little Valentine's Day cards, and receiving them from friends and secret admirers. It was a day filled with happiness, candies, fond memories, and childhood friends.

Today I hope you have fond memories of simple days, simple delights, and kind friendships.

I have posted above a beautiful offering from my dear friend Sara at Sweet Magnolias Farm which invokes in me those sweet memories. You may visit her shop by entering: HERE

Winter's Snowflakes & Winter Solstice

2009-12-21T12:36:00.001-05:00

I am always very aware of the shortening of days beginning with the Summer Solstice in June, and it's leading up to the Winter Solstice, which takes place today the 21st of December. Today is considered to be the darkest day of the year and our descent into the cold months of Winter.

With Christmas approaching several days following the Winter Solstice, it's a constant reminder in my life...that there is a hope and promise of light, in a world that seems to be descending into a man made darkness.

Iron skillet melt your butter...Apple Cake!

2009-11-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

If you would like some tried and true wonderful recipes from our girls at KSGP you need to stop on over at our Kindred Sister's Kitchen, hosted by Kimberly of The Artful Attic. This is one recipe that is so easy and delicious that you will not be sorry...a stove top apple cake! Just a hint: butter, sugar, more butter, more sugar, sour cream, and...you'll need to find the rest all by yourself, have fun.

A visit to a friends blog ended up...FaLLiNG in LoVe

2009-10-23T14:39:00.000-04:00

Lolly and her Lolly pop, she is a sweety! I just love Cindi's work and you can take a peak right here on her blog: {The Pixie's Thimble}. She is such a wonderful and creative artist making some of the most special dolls you'll find anywhere. All hand made from top to bottom!

It's an Antique, Primitive & Natural Autumn/Fall Celebration!

2009-09-27T13:54:00.000-04:00

You don't even know how excited we are to be celebrating our new look and upcoming opening on October 1st, so I'll tell you!

We have made several changes for you to look forward to: we are updating our shoppes on a continual basis for your shopping pleasure, we are being very selective and recruiting some wonderful new talented artists, we are offering many new items that are truly unique, that you will enjoy for many years to come.

What we want you to be able to do is have a one stop shopping experience...offering you the best quality hand mades, antiques, & natural supplies items you will find.

So be sure to visit us at Kindred Sisters Gathering Post Shoppes

New Jersey Tomatoes

2009-09-17T15:57:00.000-04:00

Well if you've never had a Jersey tomato you don't know what you're missing. I guess it's in the soil, water, and high taxes...but there is something about a homegrown tomato that will leave you wanting for next year to roll around quickly.

Did you ever have a BLT, grilled cheese and tomato, or mozzarella, basil & tomato on semolina bread with olive oil??? I hope you were never deprived of these simple yet awesome sandwiches. When we were growing up in the mid 60's my mom would cut out the center of the tomato and fill it with Hellmann's Mayonnaise. At that time, most families were not thinking about "healthy" as in today's standards.

Unfortunately, our season is coming to a close, but one thing for sure the red baseballs that they sell in the supermarket just won't do, I'll pass and wait for next seasons harvest.

Here's a post about our small town in southern NJ. Even though NJ is the most densely populated state in the United States, you can still find that small town flavor here. Take a Look

Team Obama Funds Oil Drilling Project in Brazil... Nixes Offshore Drilling In US

2009-09-01T19:00:00.001-04:00

I want you to take a look at: YourEnergyOpinion.com

Already this year democrats banned offshore drilling, scrapped oil and gas leases in Utah and opened the 111th Congress by introducing a bill to permanently prohibit drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
But, Team Obama is going to lend billions of dollars to Brazil to finance exploration of its huge offshore oil field discovery.

For decades, Democrats have blocked efforts to responsibly develop this nation's energy resources, transforming vast areas of opportunity into "The No Zone."

Over the past 30 years:

Democrats have blocked the development of new sources of petroleum.
Democrats have blocked drilling in ANWR.
Democrats have blocked drilling off the coast of Florida.
Democrats have blocked drilling off of the east coast.
Democrats have blocked drilling off of the west coast.
Democrats have blocked drilling off the Alaskan coast.
Democrats have blocked building oil refineries.
Democrats have blocked clean nuclear energy production.
Democrats have blocked clean coal production.
But, they're funding projects in Brazil.

Autumn Dreams

2009-08-25T22:39:00.001-04:00

Well, I think I am ready to say the words, I'm looking forward to Autumn. September 22, is when this special and magical time of the year begins.

What I would like to do is take a trip to Maine and really find a place to settle. As much as I love New Jersey, and it's been our home for many years, it's time for us to try a new world, a more relaxed and down to earth kind of life. I'm tired of the strip malls, franchises, and traveling roads that are a never ending trail of bumper to bumper traffic. I know most of our friends and neighbors tend to head south but our hearts and desires are to head north where the air is crisp, the stores are still small and locally run, the roads are long and winding. Where the ocean hugs the cliffs and beaches along the coastline. The pine trees are proud of their scent, and the rivers and streams gently roar through the countryside.

So maybe next year will be the year that you'll see me posting from our home somewhere in the beautiful countryside of Maine. I want to learn to farm and we can, and maybe add a few chickens & roosters to roam around, maybe even a dog to sit on our porch!

I believe dreams can come true.

Alice in Wonderland 's Evil Imposter Malice

2009-08-12T21:21:00.000-04:00

I just had to put this awesome little girl up here on my blog this week. She was created by my friend Shirley, of Skellyton Art, and is called, "Malice in Wonderland." Shirley said she is an "Alice Imposter," nothing but pure evil! And yes, that is The Cheshire Cat's head on a stick! She'll be listing her on Ebay this week :D ~SOLD~

Neda-When will there be peace?

2009-06-25T08:34:00.001-04:00

How can you not watch people suffer and not wish for the Prince of Peace to come and abolish all the suffering of mankind. Such innocence and life destroyed day in day out...my heart breaks. It is our God given right to worship and be free!

Neda Agha-Soltan, a 26-year-old aspiring tour guide who was killed by gunfire Saturday during protests in Tehran over the disputed presidential election was not an activist but felt a duty to join in over the outrage of the elections. Neda was shot dead Saturday evening near the scene of clashes between pro-government militias and demonstrators who allege rampant vote fraud in the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The jittery cellphone footage of her bleeding on the street has turned "Neda" into an international symbol of the protest movement that erupted after the June 12 balloting.

Please take a moment to view this video and pray a prayer for peace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTfKVkzQntU

Do you love Pizza like I do?

2009-06-09T17:32:00.000-04:00

Living in NJ we are home to some of the best home grown vegetables in the world. We are also home to 1000's of pizza joints. Nothing quite compares to the NJ tomato or the homegrown NJ pizza. NY being a close relative but different. That's what brings me to Pete & Elda's. They have, for my tastes, one of the best pizza's in the country. Unless my friends out there can prove me wrong:D. It's so funny how water, humidity and weather play such an important role in the making of dough, bread, and pizza crust.

This place of business which is family owned for way over fifty years is just the best. The crust is cracker thin and the veggies are sliced julienne style and baked to perfection. The sauce is a recipe used for over 50 years and is in my book the best. I can't tell you where the best places to eat are but if you ask about pizza now you're in my expertise. If you ever visit this state and love pizza you will love this restaurant with the old time atmosphere and a liquor license so you can enjoy a cold beer with that pie and lots of friendly company.

Next week I'll give you my second favorite and you won't be disappointed.

~Make the promise...I did~

2009-06-02T10:59:00.001-04:00

From June 4th to July 4th, make the promise, read your labels...and anything made in China put it back, as a matter of fact, anything made in any country other than the USA...put it down! Give our own economy a boost and be proud to buy local, state, and USA made products. We are a proud people and we should not be duped into buying everything that glitters while our people suffer in this economy. This is not intended in any way to disrespect the wonderful hardworking citizens of all these countries but at this juncture we need to support our own economy. Everything in moderation and balance is the key.

You may very well have to purchase some needfuls...not a sin, but it's all about proportion. Don't eat the same meal everyday it's just not healthy. Don't let someone say to you, well you drive a foreign car, that's just a distraction. Let's move forward and make a change, it's all about percentages, what percentage of your buying is foreign?

When I first became a vegetarian, many years ago, what people would say is, do you wear leather, silk and so on. I had to learn how to come to grips with the fact that people would say or think me a hypocrite. Consequently, I did some searching in my heart, and for me, it was all about proportion. Yes, I wear leather and buy silk, but I also try to limit the amount of life I have to destroy to exist on this earth. Yes, I drive a Hyundai and a Buick, but, I will from this day forward, make a conscious effort, to only purchase items made right here in the USA, and try my best to hold fast to my beliefs.

It's true that some businesses will suffer, but only temporarily, what they learn very quickly is to sell what the consumer wants. I'd rather have 1 quality item that makes a statement then 10 made in China that just sparkle and glitter. What better gift can you give to our country and citizens, than a simple pledge, we are one of the greatest countries in the world...and I'm not too politically correct to say that.

Please feel free to pass this on to others, and as simply stated in the vintage photo above, UNITED WE STAND.

2 Chronicles 7:14 King James Bible
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Eve~~ My Little Garden Party Girl~~

2009-05-29T22:27:00.000-04:00

I finally finished up a new dollie to list on Ebay. I've not listed there in quite some time and thought I'd put my feet in the water to see if sales are doing any better. There are so many new markets available today for selling handcrafted items it's absolutley wonderful. This should be the direction we as Americans take...buying items made right here in the USA. Just think of all the positives in reinvesting in our own economy.

I was told by a friend that if 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of
foreign products, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor.

There is a movement started by the grass roots in this country to stop buying foreign products beginning June 4, and continuing it until July 4. Let's see what the results are if we all give it a try and stick together. Don't wait for the wheels of government to fix what they broke, lets work together and buy American!

Potato Salad with Ranch Sour Cream Dressing

2009-05-24T13:49:00.000-04:00

Enjoy!
2 lbs red potatoes, scrubbed and chopped or you may want to try the Yukon gold potatoes
1 T garlic, diced
1/4 C fat-free or low-fat sour cream
1/4 C mayonnaise
1 T dry ranch dressing mix
2 stalks green onion, chopped
1/8 C bacon pieces (optional)
fresh parsley (chopped)
salt and pepper

With summer around the corner, I'm one for homemade salads, nothing else will do. Two of the easiest salads to make are potato and macaroni salad. Here's a recipe that has a nice creamy dressing and is one of my fav's.

Boil potato chunks with garlic until just done. Transfer to a strainer and drain. Rinse with cool water to stop cooking; chill in refrigerator until cool.

Mix the mayonnaise and sour cream together and add the dry ranch dressing mix.

When the potatoes are cool transfer to a mixing bowl and coat with dressing mixture one or two tablespoons at a time until potatoes are just coated. Save extra dressing to add before serving. Fold in bacon (optional), green onions, salt and pepper.

Before serving I like to add the remaining dressing if necessary. Garish with bacon and some parsley.

What an architectural beauty~ French Mansard Home~

2009-05-20T22:31:00.000-04:00

Okay, this is my absolute dream house in Bangor Maine. Built in 1876 has 5 BR's ,3½ baths, 4,176 sq ft on .25 acres. The house has 3 stories it's architectural style is French Mansard with ceilings that soar; double living rooms; 2 fireplaces; elegant curved staircase; granite counters; large formal DR.

Now all I need to do is buy a pair of boots, a good warm down comforter, a shovel, and head on up to the beautiful State of Maine. Pack up my hubby and bird and go for the big one. We are seriously thinking of moving to Maine just trying to figure out what part of the state will suite our needs. I don't think you would believe the price if I told you, I was really pleasantly surprised.

Strawberry Finger Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

2009-05-07T17:57:00.001-04:00

Here is another recipe I found on the internet that looks like a real winner for your Mother's Day gathering. It is quite easy, the author did recommended cutting back on the sugar just a tad, she thought it was a bit sweet with the topping, so that is an option.

This cake came out dense and sweet; perfect to cut up in to small pieces and eat with the fingers at a social gathering. Cream Cheese Frosting is a must so don't skimp on that.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup butter; softened
* 1 and 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 3 eggs
* 2 tsp vanilla
* 1 tsp ginger
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1 and 1/2 cups flour
* 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen strawberries
* 1 cup white chocolate; chopped
* 1/4 cup Crystalized Ginger ( I find mine in the health food store) it's so good
* 1 batch Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

Method:

* Preheat Oven to 350°
* Line a 9×13″ pan with parchment paper
* Stir together Flour, Ginger and Salt
* Cream together Sugar and Butter until Fluffy
* Gradually mix the eggs and vanilla in to the butter/sugar
* Combine the flour and egg mixture (dough will be thick)
* Gently fold the strawberries, White Chocolate, and ginger pieces in to the batter
* Spread in to the parchment lined pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and knife inserted in to center of pan comes out clean.
* Allow cake to cool completely
* Spread Frosting (if desired) on cake
* Garnish with Fresh Strawberries and drizzled white chocolate, if desired
Frosting:

~Cream Cheese Frosting~

Ingredients:

* 4 oz Cream Cheese
* 1 lb Powdered Sugar
* 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
* Milk for thinning

Method:

* Whip the Cream Cheese and Vanilla together
* Gradually Beat in Powdered Sugar
* Thin with milk if neccessary

Do you like cheescake?

2009-04-28T13:30:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited...I've lost 16lbs so far in 6 weeks, and I've decided that I'm not going to swear off of my favorite treats altogether. So with that in mind, I was skipping about on the internet, looking for a recipe that would catch my interest. Well I found it, this has to be the most wonderful cheesecakes going, so why not give it a try for Mother's Day. I've been wanting to share this recipe with you, it is certainly worth the effort and calories. So break out the spring form pan and mixer and start baking.
Ingredients:

* 2 Cups Biscotti Cookie Crumbs*
* 2 and 1/2 cups Cream Cheese; softened
* 1 cup Sour Cream
* 1 stick Butter + a little bit more for buttering the pan; softened
* 1 cup Sugar
* 1 pint Caramel Pecan Sauce or 1 cup caramel sauce + 1 cup Toasted Pecans
* 4 eggs
* 1 and 1/2 tbls Vanilla

Method:

* Preheat Oven to 250°
* On the middle rack of the oven, place a large roasting pan, half full of water
* Butter a 9″ Springform Pan
* In a small bowl, mix together butter and cookie crumbs
* Press firmly in to the bottom of the spring form pan
* Wrap the outside of the spring form pan bottom in foil
* In a large bowl; blend the Cream Cheese and sugar
* Stir in Sour Cream and Vanilla
* Mix in the eggs one at a time until combined
* Reserve 1/4 cup of the Caramel Sauce
* Spread Pecans and Caramel Sauce on top of the Cookie Crust
* Pour Cream Cheese mixture on top of the Caramel
* Drizzle remaining Caramel on top of the Cream Cheese Mixture
* Take a butter knife or spatula, and drag it through the batter to swirl the caramel through the batter
* Place pan in to the water, in the preheated oven
* Bake for 1 hour, in 250°
* Increase Heat to 350° and bake for an additional hour
* Remove Cheesecake AND water bath from Oven
* Allow Cheesecake to cool inside water bath
* Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight

*To make Biscotti Cookie Crumbs, place Biscotti Cookies in to a food processor and pulse until all large chunks have been crumbified.

Upcycled Vintage Doll with a 1900's Door Mechanism Stand

2009-04-09T13:46:00.000-04:00

Lily Calla
Here is my new doll that I created using vintage, primitive, and rusty items. I LoVe the upcycled part of making dolls, incorporating old rusty finds, vintage buttons, olde wooden bobbins, early 1900's pieces, that all come together to create a vintage & primitive feel.

This doll, Lily, was made in a class with the artist JoAnnA Pierotti, using a vintage rusty door mechanism from the early 1900's as a stand.

Doll Artists and Teachers ~ On-line Classes~

2009-03-11T21:39:00.000-04:00

If you love primitive/vintage style dolls, you will love the cloth and clay dolls from the classes taught by the artist Jane DesRosier.

Making dolls is my passion, and I always love to incorporate vintage finds in my doll making, scouring flea markets, church sales, thrift shops, antique stores, and estate sales. So you'll always find something really olde on my dolly's.

In an ever expanding journey of learning new and unusual mediums to work with, I have signed up for another interesting class blending mixed media art and doll making. This artist, JoAnnA Pierotti at Moss Hill Studios, has such an unusual technique, can't wait to start a new project.

My latest adventure is Sara's, our own OOAK artist from KSGP, her wonderful class on the old fashioned style of, the making of sawdust dolls, is so unique and fun why not join us.

Cloth & CLay Dollies

2009-03-08T14:29:00.002-04:00

~Spring is in the air~March 20th

2009-02-26T10:26:00.001-05:00

Here's the other Blue Bird in my life and what a treat!

2009-02-05T18:37:00.001-05:00

Well if any of you out there have ever owned a parrot, you know the love and devotion it takes, over and above any other pet you've ever had in your life. They really demand so much attention, just to keep their little brains stimulated, so it's no easy task...but very rewarding. This big guy came to us as a rescue, he was being shipped out of state, to a place where he would have been housed with very little human interaction. As a spoon fed baby, this could have killed him, he now is a happy little man and we are the unhappy ones (chuckles).

Happy little Blue Birds

2009-01-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

Aah, just look at this happy little Blue Bird enjoying the berries on my weeping cherry tree. I LoVe to plant trees and evergreens with berries...the birds just love to eat them in the winter time. And I enjoy watching them!

Toad Hollow

Greek Lemon Ricotta Cheese Cake

China head Antique or Reproduction

China Head Dolls

China Head Dolls

Shopping to Recycle Olde Beauties

Antique Shoppe Treasures

Dried Cranberries in Everything even Chicken Salad

Pumpkin Martini

Summer's End

Antiquing in PT Pleasant with Miss Teri

Queen Anne Challenge

Izannah Walker inspired Doll as taught by Dixie

Easter bunnies at Kindred Sisters Gathering Post

Donate to Haiti and receive FREE

St Valentine's Day Angel Art Doll

St Valentine's Day Delights

Winter's Snowflakes & Winter Solstice

Iron skillet melt your butter...Apple Cake!

A visit to a friends blog ended up...FaLLiNG in LoVe

It's an Antique, Primitive & Natural Autumn/Fall Celebration!

New Jersey Tomatoes

Team Obama Funds Oil Drilling Project in Brazil... Nixes Offshore Drilling In US

Autumn Dreams

Alice in Wonderland 's Evil Imposter Malice

Neda-When will there be peace?

Do you love Pizza like I do?

~*Make the promise...I did*~

Eve~*~ My Little Garden Party Girl~*~

Potato Salad with Ranch Sour Cream Dressing

What an architectural beauty~ French Mansard Home~

Strawberry Finger Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Do you like cheescake?

Upcycled Vintage Doll with a 1900's Door Mechanism Stand

Doll Artists and Teachers ~ On-line Classes~

Cloth & CLay Dollies

~Spring is in the air~March 20th

Here's the other Blue Bird in my life and what a treat!

Happy little Blue Birds

~Make the promise...I did~

Eve~~ My Little Garden Party Girl~~