DIY Mason Jar Projects

Mason jars have been around since the middle 1850s, and while typically used for canning, have found a unique spot in crafts, organization, and decorating.  Here are some awesome ideas from some very creative people...

In the Kitchen
One of my favorite ideas with Mason jars include using them as a gift package.  Here Relatively Reagan uses them for a cute cupcake idea, perfect for any little gift!

In the Garden
Amanda at The Hand Me Down House came up with this awesome garden idea, that not only is cheap, but extremely pretty!

In the Living Room
I've seen versions of these popping up in magazines and blogs, and it truly is pretty.

In the Washroom
This particular project from Liz Marie is so cute, and so functional.  It's definitely something I would consider for my new place, but I would make one little change.  I would place lids on the jars as the bathroom can be a place of bacteria and I like to know that what I use on my face has been protected!

In the Craftroom

Along the same line, one of the special publications of Better Homes and Gardens (which I drool over) came out with this idea that is easy to adapt for storage and organization.

It's amazing how useful a common thing can be, isn't it??

Sinfully Delicious Apple Pies for Gifts

So the other day I posted pictures of an individual apple pie that I had concocted for gifts from my students.  I promised you guys the recipe, and here it is!

Apple Pie

Crust:  
*Please note that this is Tenderflake Lard's crust recipe...
Makes 12 individual pies, both top and bottom

6 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1b. Tenderflake lard
1 tbsp vinegar
1 egg, lightly beaten
Cold Water

Place flour in large bowl.  Add tenderflake lard (I tend to cut this into squares first before adding), cutting in with pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse oatmeal.

In a one cup measuring cup, combine vinegar and beaten egg.  Add water to make one cup.  Gradually add liquid into Tenderflake mixture.  Mix.  Add only enough water to make dough stick together.

Divide dough into 6 portions.  Cut each portion in half, giving you 12 portions.  Cut in half again, now giving you 24 portions.

Roll out one portion on floured surface (flouring your rolling pin as well to prevent sticking), large enough to cover your pan.  Place in a greased 5 inch tart form pan (I use aluminum ones).  Push down so that shell is secure; trim edges.

Julie's Pie Filling (recipe for each individual pie):

1 apple, peeled, sliced into thin slices
2 tsp margarine (can be heaping if desired)
1 tbsp brown sugar
Pinch of cinnamon

Place apple slices into pie shell.  Top with margarine, sugar, and cinnamon.

Roll out a portion to completely cover pie.  Trim excess.  With fork, go along edges to secure pie top to pie base.  Cut slits in pie to allow steam to release.

Bake in preheated oven at 325 C for 35 minutes.  Let cool and enjoy!

So for just over a dollar a pie, you get an awesome gift for someone!

Homemade Grand Marnier

So, whether you're okay with it or not, Christmas is going to be soon upon us.  If you plan on making your gifts, now is the time, especially for this recipe as it needs 5 weeks to mature.

Grand Marnier

1/2 tbsp finely grated orange zest (you can get this from one orange)
1 cup orange sections (equivalent to one large orange)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup brandy

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine orange zest, orange sections, and both sugars.  Pour brandy over top.  Do not stir .  Cover.  Let stand at room temperature for 5 weeks.  Strain and pour into decanter.  Makes 2 1/3 cups.

Note:  within hours, the orange segements will rise to the top.  You don't need to worry about them going bad as the brandy preserves them.

Enjoy!

In one glance, everything you need

In a glance, how everything will look once the brandy has been added.  Any sugar above the top will settle on its own.