Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Bruschetta


One of my favorite things about warm weather is fresh veggies. I'm currently working on my veggie garden for the 3rd year and my herb garden for 7th year. (I've had the herb garden longer since I always had them at our condo in potters.) 

One of my favorite fresh recipes to make is bruschetta. I love the fresh tomatoes and herbs soaked in olive oil topped with some yummy mozzarella that melts all over the baguette...I'm starting to get hungry again! So let's jump in.

Here's what you'll need:

Your Favorite fresh tomatoes (I'm using vine tomatoes they looked the best in the store)
Crusty Baguette
Mozzarella
Olive Oil
Salt 
Pepper
Italian Seasoning (store bought or your own blend)
Garlic Powder (or minced garlic)


First up dice up the tomatoes.


Next is your seasonings.  A little salt. A couple of turns of the pepper. A heaping dash of Italian seasoning. And a little sprinkle of the garlic powder. (I'm using the powder today because I have a friend with a garlic allergy coming over but she can eat the powdered form.)


Drizzle with a lot of olive oil. Then stir it all together.


Next slice your baguette however thick or thin you like it. I prefer my baguette to be crispy so I slice them thin.


Spread your baguette slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil and bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes to get them nice and crispy.


Then add your tomatoes and mozzarella on top of the baguette and place back in the oven for another 10 minutes so they come out really crispy. Cut that time short if you prefer.



Serve while they are still hot. 


Tomatoes, herbs, cheese, and bread! It doesn't get much better than this!


All that baking made the baguettes nice and golden on the bottom.


This are a perfect appetizer or little snack. Tonight we ate it as an appetizer for my Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken aka Chicken Balls. (A post for another day!)

Hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Finally!!! I have a Silhouette Cameo!!!!!!


I don't know if you can tell from all the exclamation points in the title but I am really excited about getting my Silhouette Cameo!


I have been longing for this machine for well over a year and a half thanks to Jen at I Heart Organizing. She uses the Cameo in so many amazing ways to organize and label things. I knew that I would get a lot of use out of it. I have even tried to win it on every single giveaway I could find...but alas...giveaways are not my friend. I never win. Now if it were a physical competition...I don't lose...ever!


But it's not an easy thing to hand over $299 for a machine to craft with. But I did find a nice bundle on Amazon that came with all kinds of extra goodies for $269. I also got the vinyl and heat transfer starter kits to go with the Cameo.

Since I got my Cameo I think that there has maybe been 2 days total that I haven't used it. I'm obsessed. My list of to vinyl items is huge! I'm currently trying to organize all my options and plans!


My first project...a monogram for my laptop! 


I no longer have hand written paper taped to the trash and recycling cans!


I helped a friend with some gifts for a Monogramed themed Bridal Shower.


Can't leave out any of my volleyball girls. 


Lots of drink ware has been monogramed for friends and family.


I love these tags I'm able to make for all the items I sell. 


And these adorable ones for my custom orders!




The kids can no longer steal my Camelbak since it is labeled.


Can't forget about the heat transfer. One tank with some hometown love and one with current town love. And of course a v-neck with another monogram! 




The possibilities are endless with the Silhouette. I can't wait to share some more stuff soon!

What is your go to item for crafting or organizing?