31 July 2012

Thing I made: Zucchini banana bread with chocolate chips and toasted walnuts

I think this is literally one of the best things I have ever baked!

I used the recipe found here, but I made a few adjustments and it has turned out wonderfully:

I halved, yes HALVED, the oil, egg, and sugar.

1. Instead of 2/3 cup of oil, I used just over 1/3

2. Instead of two eggs, I used one

3. Instead of 1 cup of sugar, I used 1/2 cup of brown sugar

4. I also used only a handful of mini chocolate chips - I like having the bits of chocolate in there, but I find chocolate chips can be very overpowering. I probably used between 1/8 and 1/4 cup of mini chips and I think that's plenty, though chocolate lovers out there might want to add the full 1/2 cup!

The result is still beautifully moist and delicious - I honestly can't imagine it being any more moist with the extra egg and oil, it's quite lovely as is. This could be easily adapted for use as a cake or cupcakes with a glaze or cream cheese icing - it is THAT good!

Happy baking!

19 July 2012

Things I made: 2 bracelets, 3 earrings

I was called in to work today. After work I promptly went to the bead store and spent my entire day's pay on jewelry supplies!

 

Black opaque shimmer drop beads with silver spacers and purple on silver (the second gives you a better idea of how the black looks in the light)

Pink glass cube bead with sterling silver chain link on sterling silver ear wires

"Play" bracelet and earring set - on silver chain links with yellow cat's eye bead and periwinkle blue accents

 

Leather wrapped bracelet - double wrap. Coral colour Czech crystal beads with silver spacers on brown leather with shell button closure (for Tam!)

17 July 2012

Once upon a time my friend Alana came over to make things. This is what happened!

Earrings by me with copper chain links, wire, and coloured pearl

Matching bracelet - Copper chain links, wire, and coloured pearls. Clasp made by hand. (Yes, that is my social work textbook I've used as a background).

 

Bell flower earrings by Alana. This is her first ever attempt at making jewelry!

 Brass, copper, and silver basket flowers with matching wire findings and Jasper beads.

15 July 2012

Things I made: earrings, ring, and bracelet (okay I made the bracelet a while ago but never posted it at the time).

Leather wrapped bracelet - white Czech crystal beads with purple leather and decorated button

Earrings with gold wire, Czech crystal beads, and brass spacers 

Turqouise wire-wrapped ring in silver (for Tam)

Turquoise earrings (for Tam)

 

Earrings with coloured glass beads and silver wire

12 July 2012

Thing I made: fabric covered Toms

Ok, so this is very exciting, and I have wanted to do this for a while. My lovely grey Toms were developing a hole in the toe, and I needed new work shoes anyways, so I replaced them and then had shoes to play with!

It isn't the most professional job in the world, and I will make a few changes if I ever do this again, but I still think these are the coolest shoes I now own!

Supplies:

Old Toms shoes

Fabric (I used two contrasting patterns, you could use more or less! While I bought half a metre of each fabric, I didn't use even close to that of either)

The pattern from this blog

Liquid Stitch (found at Michael's)

Happy feet!

BAM! POW! I'm going to The Dark Knight Rises in (Adam West) style!

10 July 2012

Things I...baked: Peanut butter banana chocolate chip cookies, blueberry lemon muffins, raw cookies. ...Actually, I guess technically I didn't bake the raw cookies. Anyways...

PB banana chocolate chip cookies (vegan)

These are some of my favourite things to make. Everything in here is good for you! And a great way to use up bananas.

3 large overripe bananas (I usually use frozen)

1/2 to 1 c peanut butter

3 tbsp flavourless

1 tsp vanilla

2 c rolled oats

1/3 c shredded coconut

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 c mini chocolate chips

In a large bowl, mash bananas and combine with peanut butter, oil, vanilla.

Miz dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then add to banana mixture and mix well. Add chocolate chips.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper and drop cookies by spoonfuls. Bake at 350F for 12-14 minutes (until golden).

Blueberry lemon muffins - recipe here.

The verdict is still out on these - 15 minutes was definitely not enough time in the oven, it was probably closer to 30 minutes. They are also quite dense. Not sure how to fix these.

Raw cookies (raw vegan)

I started making these for a friend who eats a raw vegan diet, but they are so delicious that they are somewhat of a staple for treats in my house. They are sweetened with raisins/dates so they are fairly healthy and very easy to make.

1 c raisins (or dates)

3/4 c cashews (or other nuts)

1/4 c raw cacao nibs

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or ground cloves (a generous shake or three of each - for flavour)

Shredded coconut (for rolling)

Add raisins, cashews, cacao nibs and spices together in a food processor and blend until "dough" starts to clump together.

Roll into balls and coat in coconut.

That's it! I generally keep them in the fridge - they will last longer, but it also helps to hold the cookie together.