Thursday, October 27, 2016

Taffy Apple Pizza

I have seen these fruit pizzas for a long time.  They always look so pretty and easy really.  I had never tried one until now.  There are a lot of different kinds, that use a variety of fruits and even cookie crust. I chose this one because it is seasonal.  Apples and caramel just scream fall.  Give it a try.

It is a pretty pizza.
Using a store bought cookie crust makes it very easy.
First thing is to spread the sugar cookie dough out in your pizza pan.  You could probably make it on a cookie sheet too if you wanted a square pizza.  It might be easier to cut.  Place in a preheated 350 oven.  Bake for 15-18 minutes.
Remove the cookie from the oven and let cool completely.  Maybe a couple of hours.
When it is cooled it is time to make the sauce for your pizza.  Start with 6 oz softened cream cheese.
Add 1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla.  Mix well.
Then you can add 1-2 Tablespoons milk to make the sauce more spreadable.
Now to spread the sauce over the crust.  The offset spatula works well for this.
The sauce is all spread out evenly.
Now you will want to thinly slice a Granny Smith apple.
The recipe didn't say anything about tossing the pieces in lemon juice but I did because I did not want them to turn dark.
Then lay them out on the pizza.
Take about 2 Tablespoons of salted peanuts.
Rough chop them.
Sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon.
The cinnamon adds a little color.
Sprinkle the peanuts over the apples.
Now take some ice cream caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top.
Slice it up and enjoy this pizza.

Taffy Apple Pizza Recipe

1 16.5 oz refrigerated sugar cookie dough
6 oz softened cream cheese
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 Tablespoons milk
1-2 medium green apples  thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons chopped salted peanuts
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup caramel sauce

Preheat oven to 350.  Bake the sugar cookie crust for 15-18 minutes.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Craft Day Fabric Pieces Wreath

There are several craft day post coming up.  It's that time of year when it holiday crafting season.  For either your own decorating or for gifts.  This is the directions for an easy wreath that can be made for any holiday or sports teams. This one is made with gingerbread material.

I have this hanging on the inside of my kitchen door.  Just ignore Jedi Mickey that is also on the door.  But the wreath does kind of make the Mickey.
Here are a few things you need for these wreathes.  This is a 12 inch metal wreath form.  You can find these at Walmart, Hobby Lobby and Michaels.  I have also made them with a 16 inch wreath.  It takes more material for the larger one.  The directions are for 12 or 14 inches.  I did not see any 14 inch forms.  Then you need 7 or 8 fat quarters or 1/4 yard of material.  If you are doing the larger forms you will want 9 or even 10 different patterns.
If you have a cutting mat and a rotary cutter it helps but is not the only way you can cut your strips.  I can't cut straight so using the mat and cutter were my best option.
You will want to cut 2 inch strips.  You can use smaller strips like 1 1/2 inch but 2 inches were easier for me.
They separate very easily.
All the strips are cut now.
Now they need to be cut again.  I have made some that were 7 1/2 inches long and others that are 8 inches long.  I like the 8 inches best.  So if your strips are long enough for you to cut 8 do it.
8 inches long.
Now you will want to figure out the order you want them to go in.  You can play around with the stacks to see how they flow.
Now get your form out.
Put on a football game or a movie to watch while  you make your wreath.
Pick a piece.
Fold it in half.
Slide the ends under the metal form.  I start on the inside and work all the way around.  I have done it by sections but don't enjoy doing it that way.  I think it is easier to spread out the material designs if you go all the way around.
Now put your two fingers inside the loop.
Pull the ends through the loop.
And pull tight. You will make a knot on the wire.
The move over and do another one.
Keep moving around the circle. Push them close together.
Keep on moving around.
It's beginning to take shape.
The inner ring is finished.
I flip them over to the inside to work on the second row.
Most of the time you can pick up where you left off with the stacks of strips.
Second row is finished.  Flip it over.
Finish the third row.
The fourth row.  It is finished.
Now pull them back out and fluff them a little.
This is what the underside looks like.
And then hang it.  I will show you some of my others at a later date.

Fabric Piece Wreath Supplies

12,14, or 16 inch wire wreath
7, 8, or 9 fat quarters or 1/4 yard fabric
Extras that are nice to have
cutting mat and rotary cutter
scissors