DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

   This recipe comes form www.studiodiy.com .  These looked very nice and festive! Ingredients 200g almond flour 200g powdered sugar 80g egg whites 80g egg whites 200g regular sugar 80 ml water 1 vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped out 2-3 drops of peppermint extract Red food coloring (optional) Crushed Candy Canes (optional, for finishing) Directions Heat oven to 355F Separate egg whites ensuring there is absolutely no egg yolk. You may set the egg whites aside for 2-3 days in a refrigerator to “age”. Measure out egg whites into two small containers with 80g in each. Measure out almond flour and powdered sugar; add to food processer or spice grinder and pulse. Once the sugar and almond flour is a fine texture, sift 2 times; add the vanilla seed scrapings, peppermint extract, and 80g of egg white, set aside. Cook sugar with water in a pot over medium heat with candy thermometer. Gently swirl the water and sugar a few times so i...

   This was found at www.craftzine.com .  This would make a nice centerpiece at your next party or get together. How-To: Chocolate Bowl

Killorglin     For communities like Killorglin to survive against the often overpowering commercial pressures imposed by their larger, urbanised neighbours it takes an inherent, deep seated tenacity. To say that the industrial and economic success of the town came about as a result of being ably represented politically, at the right time - is true - but only part of the overall picture. This train of thought displays an ignorance of how these market towns, strategically set down at cross-roads, not only survive against fierce odds but indeed thrive. A cursory glance at the history of any such town will reveal the growing pains and battle scars endured by generations to get us to where we are today.     Rivers played a huge role in the establishment of trade centres and in Killorglin's case the Laune with its link and proximity to the well sheltered Castlemaine Harbour must have presented a very attractive location to the first travellers - commer...

   This recipe comes from www.changingmydestiny.wordpress.com .  I know many of you have asked me for an apple butter recipe, and here is a truely, tastey one.  Good luck and don't go overboard on the butta! I used this easy recipe from Cake Student because I had everything on hand and it worked out beautifully. I used a little more water than the recipe called for, and I did add slightly more brown sugar and spices. By slightly more, I mean rounded teaspoons instead of being specific with my measurements. I mean can a few extra pinches of brown sugar really hurt? Crock Pot Apple Butter (Makes a little more than 1 pint) 1 dozen apples, peeled, cored, cubed 1/2 Cup Water 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon All Spice Step 1: Peel, Core, and Chop a dozen apples. I used apples from our trip to the Apple Orchard . I’m no apple expert, but these apples were more dense than the apples I typically buy in the grocery store. The flav...

   This great idea was found at www.unexpectedelegance.com .  A very cool idea that could be used on many different things and ways.  Good luck and may creativity strike you! Wax Paper Transfer Tutorial   I have been playing around with a lot of mediums lately, one being iron on transfers. I had bought some the other day, but they are pretty expensive if you only make one item per sheet. So I thought I would try an alternative. The only thing I had around was wax paper, so I gave it a try and it worked GREAT!             I am betting that I’m not the first person to try this, but if you have never tried it, here are a few things I took away from trial and error. I used an old wooden pizza peel, wax paper, an inkjet printer and a credit card.                 I found that if you wet the wood a little, it would make the transfer darker. Just make sure it’s not too wet, then the ink will ...

The throbbing beat of traditional drums will be heard across Okinawa beginning tomorrow, a dance celebration of Obon that fills the air with excitement and happiness amidst prayers for good health and a good harvest. Okinawa City is hosting what many bill as the largest Eisa festival on the island, the 53rd Island-wide Eisa Festival on a three-day run beginning tomorrow. The festival takes place at Koza Athletic Park and Track and Field Stadium, starting with a parade Friday at 7 p.m. The parade winds its way through Mutsumiga Oka Park, Koza Music Town and along Gate 2 Street.     Eisa , in Okinawan ceremonial dance using drums, was originally performed to welcome and console the souls of one’s ancestors during the Summer ‘Bon’ season, but has evolved into community celebrations. Eisa festivals are a photographer’s dream, with the steady beat of various drums leading dances to multiple dynamic moves, while the colorful and exotic costumes get spectators caug...