Oye! Mondays....I should have taken my own advice from last week! I spent the day working on orders for Urban Sweetpea, attempting to get a load or two of laundry done (to no avail!) and trying to find time to get to the blog. Needless to day, I'm a day late on that one...
As I mentioned last week, the in-laws came over to brunch on Saturday morning. Much to my surprise and delight, my talented and crafty mother-in-law, Gail, presented me with these beautiful coasters that she made her very own-self:
Aren't they gorgeous?! And don't they look like the ones you see at those expensive, artsy boutiques we all love to window-shop at? Well, I did tell Gail they were going to be posted on my blog , and so she was so kind to email me the directions on how to make them....so, here they are:
Christy, If you really are going to write about the coasters there are a few steps to it. I use the rough tiles . I don't know if it works with smooth tiles or not. Rip the napkin to size rather than cutting it and then only use the top layer. Put decoupage on the tile and then carefully lay the napkin piece on it and then smooth out air bubbles by coating it again with decoupage. When this coat is dry, apply a second coat. After it has dried, over night, apply a coat of clear satin polyurethane. When dry, apply felt or cork pads to the bottom. Thanks for the brunch. Everything was great, as usual ! Gail
How simple is that? You know I'm going to be making some of these this week, just to try it out. I'd love to post any that you all make as well, so if you decide to try this great craft, email me a photo to put up post so we can all enjoy your creativity, and maybe get some more great ideas! (FYI: I have heard that you can print on tissue paper with your ink jet printer. When I come up with the method, I will post it--my guess is you could customize the coasters with your own images by using tissue paper instead of a napkin! How fun would that be??)
As for the recipes I promised, I'm posting the Biscuits and Gravy as well as a link to the Sticky Buns today, as they are both extremely simple, and are great additions to any brunch.
Christy's Biscuits and Gravy (beware, this NOT a low-fat recipe!)
1 lb Bulk Sage Sausage
1 Quart whole milk
1/4 cup all purpose flower
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Butter
1-1 1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
In a heavy, large saucepan, heat the oil and butter together over med-high heat. Add the sausage, season with about 1/2 tsp salt, and brown it completely. When the sausage is cooked, sprinkle the flour over the top and saute it with the sausage for about a minute to cook off the flavor of raw flour. Gradually whisk in the entire quart of milk until well-blended. Add another 1/2-1 Tsp salt, all the pepper and whisk to combine. Allow to come to a gentle boil and thicken. Recheck for seasoning--I like my gravy salty, so I will generally add more--add salt and pepper to taste.
Easy Sticky Buns
This recipe is from the Barefoot Contessa--one of my favorite shows on Food Network!! I give Ina complete for these fabulous buns, and I highly recommend both her show and her cookbooks--she is the epitome of a gracious hostess, and I have yet to make a recipe I didn't like! These buns come out perfect every time and are completely yummy and gooey. I leave out the raisins, though....we're not big raisin fans around here.... :)
here is the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/easy-sticky-buns-recipe/index.html
How's that for a great post....a great craft idea, two yummy recipes. Oh, almost forgot. I need to introduce the newest member of the Branham family, Phineas:
Doesn't he look like a little teddy bear?? He is the wrinkliest boy ever, and the kids are absolutely in love with him. He is adjusting very well, and expect many more pictures of Phin as he continues to grow! Take care for now, and have a great Tuesday!
