Blueberry Pie (and Crust)

Blueberry Pie... so yummy! It is especially good with vanilla ice cream. This was the desert I brought to my families Christmas dinner. It was so popular that I decided to post it on my blog. J

Pie Crust (use a mixer to combine ingredients) makes enough for one 9" crust. Double if you want a top crust for your pie

   1/4 cup cold water

   1/2 cup butter (or shortening)

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

Mix at lowest speed until the dough begins to stick together (15-30 seconds). Shape into a firm ball. Flatten and smooth edges. Roll out on a well flowered surface until its 1/8th of an inch in thickness. Place the pastry into the pie plate; trim the sides and flute the edge or use a fork to press down the edges. (if you are adding a top crust wait to flute/press the edges until you have added your filling)

**Flute the edge by pressing the dough with your forefinger against a wedge made with finger and thumb of your other hand.**

It is now time to get the filling ready. 

1 lbs fresh blueberries

1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

2 tbsp. cornstarch

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour ingredients pie crust...(add top pie crust if desired. You will now flute/press the edges at this point) Bake for 45min at 350°; until the crust is light brown.

Now call up some friends, pull out the ice cream and enjoy this tasty treat! J

Blueberry Pie... so yummy! It is especially good with vanilla ice cream. This was the desert I brought to my families Christmas dinner. It was so popular that I decided to post it on my blog. J

Pie Crust (use a mixer to combine ingredients) makes enough for one 9" crust. Double if you want a top crust for your pie

   1/4 cup cold water

   1/2 cup butter (or shortening)

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

Mix at lowest speed until the dough begins to stick together (15-30 seconds). Shape into a firm ball. Flatten and smooth edges. Roll out on a well flowered surface until its 1/8th of an inch in thickness. Place the pastry into the pie plate; trim the sides and flute the edge or use a fork to press down the edges. (if you are adding a top crust wait to flute/press the edges until you have added your filling)

**Flute the edge by pressing the dough with your forefinger against a wedge made with finger and thumb of your other hand.**

It is now time to get the filling ready. 

1 lbs fresh blueberries

1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

2 tbsp. cornstarch

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour ingredients pie crust...(add top pie crust if desired. You will now flute/press the edges at this point) Bake for 45min at 350°; until the crust is light brown.

Now call up some friends, pull out the ice cream and enjoy this tasty treat! J

1st overseas purchase!

This week marked a very momentous moment in the history of B.u.d.. Last Saturday I received an order going out to the UK! I was quite excited over this development... so much so that it made it onto my Facebook wall. There was a little concern as whether or not the Post Office would be open on Christmas Eve (the only day I could mail it till after Christmas). With a quick search on Google, and a hop, skip and a jump down to my local Post Office we got the package sent off. I am so thankful for our postal workers here in Canada. They work so hard... especially during the Holidays. =) 

Christmas was so much fun with the kids this time. It’s been a while since my Hubby and I have really enjoyed Christmas morning… But the excitement that came from my son with each gift was priceless. It makes me excited for next year!  However, now that most of our Christmas festivities are over I'm going to be taking a bit of a break on my sewing (for a short time). It was such a crazy rush before the Holidays that I think its time to have some R&R with the kiddos. Maybe even play with them in the crazy amount of snow we just got last night. I don’t know what is in store… but I’m sure we will have fun with whatever it is. =)

Until next time...

BJ 

This week marked a very momentous moment in the history of B.u.d.. Last Saturday I received an order going out to the UK! I was quite excited over this development... so much so that it made it onto my Facebook wall. There was a little concern as whether or not the Post Office would be open on Christmas Eve (the only day I could mail it till after Christmas). With a quick search on Google, and a hop, skip and a jump down to my local Post Office we got the package sent off. I am so thankful for our postal workers here in Canada. They work so hard... especially during the Holidays. =) 

Christmas was so much fun with the kids this time. It’s been a while since my Hubby and I have really enjoyed Christmas morning… But the excitement that came from my son with each gift was priceless. It makes me excited for next year!  However, now that most of our Christmas festivities are over I'm going to be taking a bit of a break on my sewing (for a short time). It was such a crazy rush before the Holidays that I think its time to have some R&R with the kiddos. Maybe even play with them in the crazy amount of snow we just got last night. I don’t know what is in store… but I’m sure we will have fun with whatever it is. =)

Until next time...

BJ 

New Listings

Spent the day updating the B.u.d. shop. Four new backpacks are now online and for sale! I still have a few more listings to touch up and post, but they will have to wait until tomorrow. My day has been so busy. We recently purchased a new-to-us van. So my day has been busy running around town making sure all the papers were in order for us to switch the ownership over. Crazy stuff... (especially with my kids in tow...)
Now without further ado photos of the new product. Check out the shop for more details.

Spent the day updating the B.u.d. shop. Four new backpacks are now online and for sale! I still have a few more listings to touch up and post, but they will have to wait until tomorrow. My day has been so busy. We recently purchased a new-to-us van. So my day has been busy running around town making sure all the papers were in order for us to switch the ownership over. Crazy stuff... (especially with my kids in tow...)
Now without further ado photos of the new product. Check out the shop for more details.

Cookie exchange

My Neighbor is so awesome! She organized a cookie exchange this past Sunday; it was so great! I'm a bit of a sucker for cookies... and so when she invited me I was pretty excited about it. There were 7 of us involved, therefore 7 doz. cookies to make. I ended up choosing my hubby's favorite... Peanut Butter cookies! Yum!

Saturday came and we were planning to hang out at my parents so I decided to bring my baking stuff with me. I think I ended up making 12 doz. or so cookies!  It didn't help that as soon as a batch of cookies came out of the oven my family were right there eating them. After packing what I needed for the cookie exchange there were still plenty of cookies left to share. Most stayed at my parents, and the rest were given to friends.

My hubby and I had a fun time sampling all the cookies while the kids were in bed last night. And this morning, my son and daughter have already devoured about a dozen cookies...

Now, I wish I could share all the cookie recipes that were used for the cookie exchange, sadly though, I can only share mine. :D

The best Peanut Butter cookies ever (according to my Hubby)

1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

   3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

   1/2 cup butter

    3   tablespoons milk

    1   tablespoon vanilla

    1   egg

1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour

   3/4 teaspoon baking soda

   3/4 teaspoon salt

• Heat oven to 375°F. 
• Combine brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed (of electric mixer) until well blended. Add egg and beat until well blended.
• Combine flour, baking soda, and salt add to creamed mixture at low speed. Mix until blended.
• Drop tablespoonfuls of dough about 3 inches apart on to ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly in a crisscross pattern with a fork.
• Bake at 375°F for 7-8 minutes or until set and just beginning to brown. Do not over bake. Let them stay on cookie sheet for 2 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Let them cool on the rack completely before putting them in a container…(otherwise they will stick together)

Recipe found in the "Old Fashioned Cookies" cookbook

My Neighbor is so awesome! She organized a cookie exchange this past Sunday; it was so great! I'm a bit of a sucker for cookies... and so when she invited me I was pretty excited about it. There were 7 of us involved, therefore 7 doz. cookies to make. I ended up choosing my hubby's favorite... Peanut Butter cookies! Yum!

Saturday came and we were planning to hang out at my parents so I decided to bring my baking stuff with me. I think I ended up making 12 doz. or so cookies!  It didn't help that as soon as a batch of cookies came out of the oven my family were right there eating them. After packing what I needed for the cookie exchange there were still plenty of cookies left to share. Most stayed at my parents, and the rest were given to friends.

My hubby and I had a fun time sampling all the cookies while the kids were in bed last night. And this morning, my son and daughter have already devoured about a dozen cookies...

Now, I wish I could share all the cookie recipes that were used for the cookie exchange, sadly though, I can only share mine. :D

The best Peanut Butter cookies ever (according to my Hubby)

1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

   3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

   1/2 cup butter

    3   tablespoons milk

    1   tablespoon vanilla

    1   egg

1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour

   3/4 teaspoon baking soda

   3/4 teaspoon salt

• Heat oven to 375°F. 
• Combine brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed (of electric mixer) until well blended. Add egg and beat until well blended.
• Combine flour, baking soda, and salt add to creamed mixture at low speed. Mix until blended.
• Drop tablespoonfuls of dough about 3 inches apart on to ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly in a crisscross pattern with a fork.
• Bake at 375°F for 7-8 minutes or until set and just beginning to brown. Do not over bake. Let them stay on cookie sheet for 2 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. Let them cool on the rack completely before putting them in a container…(otherwise they will stick together)

Recipe found in the "Old Fashioned Cookies" cookbook

Christmas orders

Christmas is coming and this little elf has been busy whipping up orders in time for the big day. I've had 6 backpack orders, 2 hats, and 1 crayon case. Oh, and an extra last minute order for two more backpacks. :) It's been interesting figuring out how to juggle family and work. I'm finding that my oldest is asking for more snuggle time (not that I can really complain about that) and my yongest is finding more ways she can get into trouble (little toddlers can be so good at that). Life in this house can be exciting.
Now since I am celebrating that most of my orders have been finished (and shipped out), I thought I'd share with you a few pictures of my favorite completed orders.

Christmas is coming and this little elf has been busy whipping up orders in time for the big day. I've had 6 backpack orders, 2 hats, and 1 crayon case. Oh, and an extra last minute order for two more backpacks. :) It's been interesting figuring out how to juggle family and work. I'm finding that my oldest is asking for more snuggle time (not that I can really complain about that) and my yongest is finding more ways she can get into trouble (little toddlers can be so good at that). Life in this house can be exciting.
Now since I am celebrating that most of my orders have been finished (and shipped out), I thought I'd share with you a few pictures of my favorite completed orders.

Sewing Party

Have you ever thought of having a crafting party with your friends? There are few of these happening these days. I.e. card making parties,scrap booking parties, even Pinterest parties. A few weeks ago my sister-in-law came up with the idea to have a sewing party/class and asked me to teach it. So with a bit of scepticism I agreed to it.

The sewing night turned out great! It was a small group yet loads of fun! My sister-in-law, Becki, did an amazing job hosting... coffee, goodies, girly chit chat, then top it off with sewing and that my dear friends is the perfect recipe for a good night (at least for me that is). The project for that evening was the Toddler backpack (pattern found here). I wouldn't normally recommend it as a first time project... but the ladies in the group were pretty adamant about it. Everyone did such a good job on their bags. I'm so proud of them and all their hard work they put into the bags. Below are a few pictures of their bags... :)

Have you ever thought of having a crafting party with your friends? There are few of these happening these days. I.e. card making parties,scrap booking parties, even Pinterest parties. A few weeks ago my sister-in-law came up with the idea to have a sewing party/class and asked me to teach it. So with a bit of scepticism I agreed to it.

The sewing night turned out great! It was a small group yet loads of fun! My sister-in-law, Becki, did an amazing job hosting... coffee, goodies, girly chit chat, then top it off with sewing and that my dear friends is the perfect recipe for a good night (at least for me that is). The project for that evening was the Toddler backpack (pattern found here). I wouldn't normally recommend it as a first time project... but the ladies in the group were pretty adamant about it. Everyone did such a good job on their bags. I'm so proud of them and all their hard work they put into the bags. Below are a few pictures of their bags... :)

Cozy and warm

Old man winter is on his way. Here in Southern Ontario we've had a few snow falls but nothing significant. However, enough of a chill for me to get out my knitting needles and my crochet hook. This is my favorite pass time in the winter. The whole concept of being able to create a whole garment out of a single strand of string is absolutely amazing!  Hats, scarves, slippers... the list is endless of things to make! Below are just a couple hats I've whipped up so far...  

Old man winter is on his way. Here in Southern Ontario we've had a few snow falls but nothing significant. However, enough of a chill for me to get out my knitting needles and my crochet hook. This is my favorite pass time in the winter. The whole concept of being able to create a whole garment out of a single strand of string is absolutely amazing!  Hats, scarves, slippers... the list is endless of things to make! Below are just a couple hats I've whipped up so far...  

Oma's Bread (BJ style)

Getting new recipes is always fun. I usually find that the best recipes are ones that have been handed down and passed around. Therefore, I'm excited for this new section to my blog. I'll be sharing recipes that have been tried, tested, and perfected from my family.

Oma's Bread (BJ style) -makes 1 loaf. 
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup oil
1/8 cup honey(or maple syrup)
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp quick rise yeast
2 cups All Purpose flour
2 cups Brown flour

Note: I use a Kitchen Aid mixer in this recipe, if you dont have a mixer you can combine the ingredients in a bowl with a wooden spoon (seems to work the best)

• Combine all ingredients in a mixer along with the first two cups of flour. Then switch to dough hook and add the last two cups of flour. Kneed/mix till all the flour is combined.
• Next turn on to floured surface and kneed dough into a ball. Put the bowl you used to mix the ingredients over it and let it rise covered for an hour. 
• When its done rising, roll out the dough, fold it (for great shaped loaves check out this Tutorial), then place it in a greased bread pan. place in oven at 170 *F and let it rise for another 30min.
• Raise your oven temperature to 350 *F and bake for 23min. NOTE: don't take the bread out of the oven while the temperature is rising.

Note: this recipe works well in a bread machine as well. Put it on a setting that has two rise cycles, and a light crust.

Now you will have a nice lovely loaf of fresh bread. It can be so tempting to just dig in right away... but its best to wait 15-20 min before doing so. Its a lot easier to cut it then. :) Enjoy!

Getting new recipes is always fun. I usually find that the best recipes are ones that have been handed down and passed around. Therefore, I'm excited for this new section to my blog. I'll be sharing recipes that have been tried, tested, and perfected from my family.

Oma's Bread (BJ style) -makes 1 loaf. 
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup oil
1/8 cup honey(or maple syrup)
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp quick rise yeast
2 cups All Purpose flour
2 cups Brown flour

Note: I use a Kitchen Aid mixer in this recipe, if you dont have a mixer you can combine the ingredients in a bowl with a wooden spoon (seems to work the best)

• Combine all ingredients in a mixer along with the first two cups of flour. Then switch to dough hook and add the last two cups of flour. Kneed/mix till all the flour is combined.
• Next turn on to floured surface and kneed dough into a ball. Put the bowl you used to mix the ingredients over it and let it rise covered for an hour. 
• When its done rising, roll out the dough, fold it (for great shaped loaves check out this Tutorial), then place it in a greased bread pan. place in oven at 170 *F and let it rise for another 30min.
• Raise your oven temperature to 350 *F and bake for 23min. NOTE: don't take the bread out of the oven while the temperature is rising.

Note: this recipe works well in a bread machine as well. Put it on a setting that has two rise cycles, and a light crust.

Now you will have a nice lovely loaf of fresh bread. It can be so tempting to just dig in right away... but its best to wait 15-20 min before doing so. Its a lot easier to cut it then. :) Enjoy!

Testing the online market

Last year, after bringing a few of my bags to mom2mom sales, I figured it was time to show my face on the Online Market. Etsy turned the obvious choice for me. Its very low cost was great for my budget, and its a good established site known for its hand made products. Therefore people are more willing to pay a price that is fair for the work we artists put into our products. I have been finding out that shoppers that come to craft shows, bazaars, and mom2mom sales are constantly comparing my prices to that of big box stores. In my prices I only charge for my time because if I were to include the materials it would be outrageous. It is a bit frustrating but that makes me even more thankful for Etsy's site.
Here are some bags that have sold so far:

 Another popular item that has been selling even better than these back packs are something I call Soother Tags. They have many names... soother holder; pacifier clip... just to name a few. Surprisingly I found a strong market for them on eBay. Particularly in the spring time. I don't know why but for some odd reason lots of babies are born in the spring thus making me $$$! Yaya! These are pretty easy to make and I can whip a bunch up in no time at all. Maybe one of these days I'll post a tutorial for them. :)

Until the next post,
BJ

Last year, after bringing a few of my bags to mom2mom sales, I figured it was time to show my face on the Online Market. Etsy turned the obvious choice for me. Its very low cost was great for my budget, and its a good established site known for its hand made products. Therefore people are more willing to pay a price that is fair for the work we artists put into our products. I have been finding out that shoppers that come to craft shows, bazaars, and mom2mom sales are constantly comparing my prices to that of big box stores. In my prices I only charge for my time because if I were to include the materials it would be outrageous. It is a bit frustrating but that makes me even more thankful for Etsy's site.
Here are some bags that have sold so far:

 Another popular item that has been selling even better than these back packs are something I call Soother Tags. They have many names... soother holder; pacifier clip... just to name a few. Surprisingly I found a strong market for them on eBay. Particularly in the spring time. I don't know why but for some odd reason lots of babies are born in the spring thus making me $$$! Yaya! These are pretty easy to make and I can whip a bunch up in no time at all. Maybe one of these days I'll post a tutorial for them. :)

Until the next post,
BJ

The beginning of B.u.d.

Of all the things I didn't really think of doing--Blogging. A good friend of mine and the creator of Quick German Recipes mentioned that I really should start blogging all the fun things I create. I've always liked showing off my creations and I love it even more when my friends blog about them. So why not try it out right? 

Now you may be asking yourself..."what kind of things does this lady make?" Well almost anything I'd have to say. But my biggest passion is sewing. Especially ever since I discovered the made-by-rae patterns. One day I stumbled over her site while I was looking for ideas for a toddler backpack for my son. It was such a simple pattern. His first bag turned out so nicely that I decided to make one for my niece as well. Since making those two bags a year ago I have had quite a few orders for custom made bags. I find it so much fun making things for people. Below is a picture of the bags that started it all... 

Until the next post,

BJ

Of all the things I didn't really think of doing--Blogging. A good friend of mine and the creator of Quick German Recipes mentioned that I really should start blogging all the fun things I create. I've always liked showing off my creations and I love it even more when my friends blog about them. So why not try it out right? 

Now you may be asking yourself..."what kind of things does this lady make?" Well almost anything I'd have to say. But my biggest passion is sewing. Especially ever since I discovered the made-by-rae patterns. One day I stumbled over her site while I was looking for ideas for a toddler backpack for my son. It was such a simple pattern. His first bag turned out so nicely that I decided to make one for my niece as well. Since making those two bags a year ago I have had quite a few orders for custom made bags. I find it so much fun making things for people. Below is a picture of the bags that started it all... 

Until the next post,

BJ