Give & never give up. Do & never be done. For success
is not an end but a way & passion does not come, it is
generated from within...
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Chocolate-coffee with cream
Give a pinch of sweetness and warmth to those cold winter days with this luscious coffee and chocolate drink
Ingredients
(makes 4 servings)
* 200 ml warm filter coffee
* 70 gr. cacao powder
* 300 ml milk
* 100 gr. sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon self raising flour
* 1 cinnammon stick
* orange peel
* 200 ml whipping cream (refrigerated)
* 50 gr. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (grated)
* 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar
Instructions
In a medium saucepan whisk together the milk, cinnammon stick and orange peel.
Bring to a boil over low heat until milk has just begun to tremble.
Let milk cool for 6 minutes and then drain.
In a seperate saucepan whisk together the sugar, flour and cacao powder and add the drained milk to it.
Stir on low heat for 15 minutes.
Add the warm filter coffee and boil on low heat or 2 minutes.
Beat the whipping cream until it forms stiff peeks.
Add the confectioner's sugar while beating and then the chocolate (grated)
Divide into 4 cups and top with cream.
Ingredients
(makes 4 servings)
* 200 ml warm filter coffee
* 70 gr. cacao powder
* 300 ml milk
* 100 gr. sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon self raising flour
* 1 cinnammon stick
* orange peel
* 200 ml whipping cream (refrigerated)
* 50 gr. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (grated)
* 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar
Instructions
In a medium saucepan whisk together the milk, cinnammon stick and orange peel.
Bring to a boil over low heat until milk has just begun to tremble.
Let milk cool for 6 minutes and then drain.
In a seperate saucepan whisk together the sugar, flour and cacao powder and add the drained milk to it.
Stir on low heat for 15 minutes.
Add the warm filter coffee and boil on low heat or 2 minutes.
Beat the whipping cream until it forms stiff peeks.
Add the confectioner's sugar while beating and then the chocolate (grated)
Divide into 4 cups and top with cream.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Paper sailboat decoration made using wine cork
In the greek islands the sailboat is used as a christmas decoration.
This lovely sailboat was made from my son's kindergarten teacher.
I absolutely love the cork material she used on it.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Christmas scented dessert
Ingredients
(makes 4 servings)
* * * * * *
-12 ladyfingers (Ladyfingers are light and sweet sponge cakes roughly shaped like a large finger. They are called savoiardi in Italian (meaning "fromSavoy")
- 30ml orange liquor
- 250 gr. dried fruits ( apricots, plums, raisins) in big chunks
- 300 gr. light cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
- 3 tablespoons crushed roasted almonds
- 3 tablespoons orange marmelade
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 pieces cardammon
- 1 cinammon stick
Instructions
* * * * * * * *
Heat the marmelade with 3 tablespoons water and add the cloves, cardammon and cinammon. Add dried fruits and leave to soften for 1 or 2 hours. Remove the spices. Beat the light cream with the confectioner's sugar. Cover the bottom of a bowl with half of the ladyfingers soaked in the liquor. Drain the dried fruits and place on ladyfingers. Break the rest of the ladyfingers into chunky pieces and drizzle with the syrup from the dried fuits. Place them in the bowl on top of the dried fuits and top with the cream mixture. Drizzle with the crushed almonds.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
NOTE OF THANKS to repubblica.it
Vorrei ringraziare il republicca.it rivista italiana per ricordare meei miei lavori sul loro sito e vi ringrazio peolpe italiano per aver visitato il mio sito. Sono molto appassionato di Italia, perché la famiglia di mio marito è italiano. Se vedi qualcosa che ti piace e volete contattarmi potete farlo attraverso la pubblicazione sul mio blog o contattarmi tramite craftluxuries.etsy.com. Chi acquista dal mio negozio Etsy sta sostenendo la mia famiglia composta da 2giovani ragazzi che sta attraversando momenti difficilieconomico. Ho cose tanto per spedire, cercheremo di fare del mio meglio al distacco, poiché più che posso e dare al mondotutto quello che posso dal mio mondo dei mestieri artigianali, ricette, tutorial e altro ancora.
Un sentito ringraziamento e Buone Feste!
I would like to thank the Italian journal republicca.it for mentioning me and my works on their site and thank you italian peolpe for visiting my site. I'm really fond of Italy because my husband's family is Italian. If you see something you like and would like to contact me you can do it through posting on my blog or contacting me through craftluxuries.etsy.com. Anyone buying from my etsy shop is supporting my family of 2 young boys who is going through difficult economical times. I have so much things to post, will try to do my best at posting as much as I can and give to the world all I can from my world of handmade crafts, recipes, tutorials and more.
Warm thanks and Happy Holidays!
Un sentito ringraziamento e Buone Feste!
I would like to thank the Italian journal republicca.it for mentioning me and my works on their site and thank you italian peolpe for visiting my site. I'm really fond of Italy because my husband's family is Italian. If you see something you like and would like to contact me you can do it through posting on my blog or contacting me through craftluxuries.etsy.com. Anyone buying from my etsy shop is supporting my family of 2 young boys who is going through difficult economical times. I have so much things to post, will try to do my best at posting as much as I can and give to the world all I can from my world of handmade crafts, recipes, tutorials and more.
Warm thanks and Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Lush rag wreaths, great for christmas decor!
Today I fell upon these beautiful rag wreaths made by Lushwreathworks. They are truly a worthy addition to your christmas decor, used for indoors or outdoors.
Lushwreathworks by Jenny Doughty
Friday, December 9, 2011
How to make felt out of wool knits
First of all you need wool yarn. It doesnt have to be 100% wool but but it should be at least 70%.
Through this procedure your knitted wool will shrink so it's best that you measure the piece before and after using a sample piece so you know how much the shrinkage will be.
Whatever yarn size you use your needles should be 2 sizes higher than the size you would normally use. Don't worry if your design comes out baggy, in the end it will shrink enough t olook perfect and all imperfections will disappear.
WASHING MACHINE METHOD
This is the easiest method for shrinking wool knits. The temperature needed depends on the yarn you will be using. Basically you should use 85 degree temperature, not higher, or else your knit may loose its color. So pop your creation in the washing machine and let it do its work. If in the end the shrinkage isn't the desired one , you can put it in the washing machine again and repeat the same procedure until it looks like real felt.
BY HAND
I f you are a beginner and not sure about the washing machine method you can do it by hand. Fill a big pot will boiled water, put on a pair of gloves, add detergent soap and soak your knit. Leave it for a a while and then rub it together, as if you were washing it, for about 10 minutes, let it rest and rub it again. When it has shrunk to the desired size rinse it with cold water.
---------------------------------------------------------
When it comes to felting, you don't have to limit yourself to pure wool. Alpaca, camel, yak, cashmere, mohair and angora all have great felting potential. But because every yarn felts differently, it is important that you knit and felt a generous swatch to understand how a particular yarn will behave. Try blending blends of these fibers with nonfelting fibers - silk, Tencel, rayon, or soy - for an inspiring adventure. Swatch and wash to discover the possibilities.
There is no magical formula when it comes to the shrinking factor of a felted project. Therefore, it's always a good idea to take the time to knit and wash the swatch. Every yarn felts differently - even colors of the same yarn can have very different results. Small projects are best handfelted.
* Be careful not to let the inside of a project fuse together. Check the progress periodically and never underestimate how quickly an item can go from floppy o felted.
* When felting in the washing machine, place the project in a lingerie bag or pillowcase to reduce the amount of fiber that can escape and clog the machine or attach to the next load of laundry.
* Keep in mind that what appears to be a felting disaster may in fact be a wonderful opportunity.
Melomakarona - festive nut filled cookie delicasy - the classic greek recipe
Melomakarona is a traditional festive greek recipe mostly done on holidays like christmas or easter. They are similar to cookies and have a nut filling and glazed with honey syrup and nuts. Without the syrup you have a delicious cookie that is great for kids.
Ingredients:
1 kilo flour
1/2 kilo olive oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
grated peel of 1 orange
1 small cup of cogniac or brandy
1 cup of crumbled walnuts (don't crumble them too much so they can be chunky)
1 teaspoon grated cinammon and 1 teaspoon grated clove
For the syrup:
1 cup of fine honey
1 cup of sugar
3/4 cups of water
Instructions:
Beat the olive oil and sugar.
In the meanwhile mix the flour with the baking soda in a seperate bowl.
In another bowl pour in the olive oil and sugar mixture and mix in the cogniac, orange juice, orange peel, cinammon, clove and the flour gradually until you have a soft dough. Don't use all the flour if you think the dough will become too hard, the dough should be soft and not sticky. If it's too hard add some olive oil.
Form small oval shapes, fill with a whole or crumbled walnuts and place on a cookie sheet on a large pan and bake on 170 celcius for 20 to 30 minutes.
Let them cool before pouring the syrup on them.
For the syrup bring to boil the sugar, honey and water.
While it is still warm dip the cookies in the syrup one by one for as long as you wish depending on how syrupy you want them to be. Personally I prefer them less syrupy because they are more crunchy.
Drizzle with crushed walnuts and you are ready!
Ingredients:
1 kilo flour
1/2 kilo olive oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
grated peel of 1 orange
1 small cup of cogniac or brandy
1 cup of crumbled walnuts (don't crumble them too much so they can be chunky)
1 teaspoon grated cinammon and 1 teaspoon grated clove
For the syrup:
1 cup of fine honey
1 cup of sugar
3/4 cups of water
Instructions:
Beat the olive oil and sugar.
In the meanwhile mix the flour with the baking soda in a seperate bowl.
In another bowl pour in the olive oil and sugar mixture and mix in the cogniac, orange juice, orange peel, cinammon, clove and the flour gradually until you have a soft dough. Don't use all the flour if you think the dough will become too hard, the dough should be soft and not sticky. If it's too hard add some olive oil.
Form small oval shapes, fill with a whole or crumbled walnuts and place on a cookie sheet on a large pan and bake on 170 celcius for 20 to 30 minutes.
Let them cool before pouring the syrup on them.
For the syrup bring to boil the sugar, honey and water.
While it is still warm dip the cookies in the syrup one by one for as long as you wish depending on how syrupy you want them to be. Personally I prefer them less syrupy because they are more crunchy.
Drizzle with crushed walnuts and you are ready!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wine cork crafts - jewelry
Amazing recycled jewelry made from a simple material - wine corks!
2. Wine Cork Necklace, Flower, Antique Silver
3. Lavender Flowers Wine Cork Earrings
6. Wine cork bracelet - the royal wedding - recycled and sustainably handmade by uncorked
Handmade Swarovski pearl necklace choker in mauve, cream and pink
I made this necklace for a special friend of mine who is getting married this week but you can also buy it from my etsy shop.
A great sparkly jewelry piece to wear during the christmas holidays!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/88105396/swarovski-crystal-ribbon-necklacehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/88105396/swarovski-and-pearl-necklace-christmas
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Introducing Dave Robertson - leather supplier and owner of online etsy shop "oneway52"
It's been quite a while since I last posted anything on my blog and the reason is.. well...too much household chores and mommy business.
Today I'd like to introduce to you a great seller I discovered on Etsy's online marketplace.
Dave Robertson of Morristown Tennessee. Supplier of quality top grain leather at affordable prices. In his shop you will find cowhide, baby calf, lambskin or pigskin leather in a variety of beautiful colors, embossed leather with beautiful designs, suede, nubuck, distressed leather, reptile, gator or ostrich printed leather, veggie tanned and tooling leather ,leather remnants, tapestry panels and more. You can even have them personalize your hand crafted items with your logo by hot foil stamping or embossing. Numerous colors of hot stamp foils are available.
To visit Dave's shop just go to http://www.oneway52.etsy.com/
You can find the majority of their items listed on their website, http://www.morethanleather.com/.
If you are a crafter or designer and still havent found your source of good leather supplies this is a great place to start. Not only is Dave a fine person, he is also a loyal businessman, always ready to assist, very descriptive helpful and kind, offers excellent service and is so fast at shipping out orders.
Here are some of oneway52 leather products I picked out :
Today I'd like to introduce to you a great seller I discovered on Etsy's online marketplace.
Dave Robertson of Morristown Tennessee. Supplier of quality top grain leather at affordable prices. In his shop you will find cowhide, baby calf, lambskin or pigskin leather in a variety of beautiful colors, embossed leather with beautiful designs, suede, nubuck, distressed leather, reptile, gator or ostrich printed leather, veggie tanned and tooling leather ,leather remnants, tapestry panels and more. You can even have them personalize your hand crafted items with your logo by hot foil stamping or embossing. Numerous colors of hot stamp foils are available.
To visit Dave's shop just go to http://www.oneway52.etsy.com/
You can find the majority of their items listed on their website, http://www.morethanleather.com/.
If you are a crafter or designer and still havent found your source of good leather supplies this is a great place to start. Not only is Dave a fine person, he is also a loyal businessman, always ready to assist, very descriptive helpful and kind, offers excellent service and is so fast at shipping out orders.
Here are some of oneway52 leather products I picked out :
Monday, July 25, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
My feature on the "Christian Artists Street Team" blog of Etsy! check it out!
http://castteametsy.blogspot.com/2011/06/featured-artist-irene-of-craftluxuries.html
Enter the contest to win a special handmade brooch from my shop!
Enter the contest to win a special handmade brooch from my shop!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Irene's fluffy and yummy pound cake recipe
Pound cake - a truly king among cakes! Break your everyday monotony with this delicious cake or just have a slice with your tea or coffee.
I have baked this cake dozens of times but today I finally reached a point where I can say" this is the greatest pound cake that I have ever made in my life!" So fluffy, so yummy, wonderfully rich, moist and buttery with a lovely golden brown crust. I added a new ingredient which made it even tastier - crumbled oreo cookies! The important thing to remember when making this type of cake is to have all the ingredients at room temperature.
Ingredients
250gr. (9 ounces) butter, softened
1 1/2 cup sugar
3eggs
2 tablespoons brandy ( I used Grand Marnier liquor)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
zest of one orange
2 tablespoons baking powder
3 1/2 cups flour
crushed oreo cookies ( without creme filling)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter or spray with oil a 23 x 13 x 8 cm loaf pan. Sprinkle with flour.
In a medium bowl whisk together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one by one beating about 2 minutes after each addition to incorporte the egg and strengthen the cakes structure.
In another bowl combine the flour and baking powder.
Add the milk and orange juice and flour mixture and mix softly with a spoon.
Add the crushed oreos leaving some to sprinkle on the bottom of pan.
Srape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Bake for about 55 to 65 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
I have baked this cake dozens of times but today I finally reached a point where I can say" this is the greatest pound cake that I have ever made in my life!" So fluffy, so yummy, wonderfully rich, moist and buttery with a lovely golden brown crust. I added a new ingredient which made it even tastier - crumbled oreo cookies! The important thing to remember when making this type of cake is to have all the ingredients at room temperature.
Ingredients
250gr. (9 ounces) butter, softened
1 1/2 cup sugar
3eggs
2 tablespoons brandy ( I used Grand Marnier liquor)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
zest of one orange
2 tablespoons baking powder
3 1/2 cups flour
crushed oreo cookies ( without creme filling)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter or spray with oil a 23 x 13 x 8 cm loaf pan. Sprinkle with flour.
In a medium bowl whisk together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one by one beating about 2 minutes after each addition to incorporte the egg and strengthen the cakes structure.
In another bowl combine the flour and baking powder.
Add the milk and orange juice and flour mixture and mix softly with a spoon.
Add the crushed oreos leaving some to sprinkle on the bottom of pan.
Srape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Bake for about 55 to 65 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The healthieast and tastiest french fries ever - the oven way!
There's nothing quite like the taste of deep fried french fries but as you must know, fried foods are quite unhealthy for everyone, not just those trying to loose weight.
I would like to share with you some tips on making the most delicious and healthiest french fries. Not by frying them but boiling and baking them.
1. First of all cut your potatoes into strips trying to maintain a uniform thickness (not too thin and not to thick). The quantity is up to you.
2. Boil them for 5 minutes in water just so that they moisten a bit (not too much).
3. In the meantime take an oven tray or casserole dish big enough to spread them out evenly, spread some oil in it so that the bottom is all covered and place in the oven on medium temperature. This way the oil will be heated when its time to throw in the potatoes.
4. When the 5 minutes of boiling are up drain the potatoes and sprinkle with salt. Any other herb of your choice like paprika oregano or cumin would also be fine. Toss to evenly coat.
5. Place potatoes in tray and mix to distribute oil evenly.
6. Bake on high temperature for at least half an hour or until crispy with a slight brownish color.
Let them cool a bit and watch them disappear! They are tastier to eat while they are still warm so dont let them cool out too much.
You will be amazed. They turn out to be so crisp on the outside and so moist on the inside. And also they are so much healthier than fried potatoes! Children just love them.
Bon appetite!
If you have tried this method leave a comment and tell me what you think!
I would like to share with you some tips on making the most delicious and healthiest french fries. Not by frying them but boiling and baking them.
1. First of all cut your potatoes into strips trying to maintain a uniform thickness (not too thin and not to thick). The quantity is up to you.
2. Boil them for 5 minutes in water just so that they moisten a bit (not too much).
3. In the meantime take an oven tray or casserole dish big enough to spread them out evenly, spread some oil in it so that the bottom is all covered and place in the oven on medium temperature. This way the oil will be heated when its time to throw in the potatoes.
4. When the 5 minutes of boiling are up drain the potatoes and sprinkle with salt. Any other herb of your choice like paprika oregano or cumin would also be fine. Toss to evenly coat.
5. Place potatoes in tray and mix to distribute oil evenly.
6. Bake on high temperature for at least half an hour or until crispy with a slight brownish color.
Let them cool a bit and watch them disappear! They are tastier to eat while they are still warm so dont let them cool out too much.
You will be amazed. They turn out to be so crisp on the outside and so moist on the inside. And also they are so much healthier than fried potatoes! Children just love them.
Bon appetite!
If you have tried this method leave a comment and tell me what you think!
New craftluxuries Etsy shop listing - Four color combination beaded stretch ring
A four color combination stunning bead weaved stretch ring featuring cornelian aventurine white and coral beads.
This a one size fit all due to the stretchy band and is very comfortable to wear.
Click here to view details and buy.
New craftluxuries Etsy shop listing - Four color combination beaded stretch ring
A four color combination stunning bead weaved stretch ring featuring cornelian aventurine white and coral beads.
This a one size fit all due to the stretchy band and is very comfortable to wear.
Click here to view details and buy.
New craftluxuries Etsy shop listing - Bird brooch necklace
This adorable little handmade brooch features a gold heart, diamond shapes and sparkly bronze and basalto green swirls on a turquoise bird.
A one of a kind handmade piece.
It measures 6cm wide and 3cm tall (2 1/2 inches wide and 1,20 inches tall)
Silver brooch pin is attached to the back.
Wear it as a brooch or a necklace.
Pin it on your blazer, jacket, jean pants, hair accessory, purse or handbag.
You can also add flower or feather embelishments for a fancier look!
Great as a gift or a keepsake piece to brighten one's day!
A one of a kind handmade piece.
It measures 6cm wide and 3cm tall (2 1/2 inches wide and 1,20 inches tall)
Silver brooch pin is attached to the back.
Wear it as a brooch or a necklace.
Pin it on your blazer, jacket, jean pants, hair accessory, purse or handbag.
You can also add flower or feather embelishments for a fancier look!
Great as a gift or a keepsake piece to brighten one's day!
Click here to view details and buy.
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