Harvest Punch

I made this punch for last weekend's open house.  It was tasty and easy to make! 

photo credit

Harvest Punch

2 - 32 oz. bottles apple juice (I used frozen concentrate)

2 - 32 oz. bottles cranberry juice (I used frozen cranberry pomegranate concentrate)

3 cups orange juice

2 - 2 liters ginger ale

Combine ingredients, chill, and enjoy!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

The open house was a huge success!  Thanks so much to all of you who made it out to our old homestead!  I enjoyed visiting with everyone!  If you couldn't make it out feel free to visit my etsy shop HERE and do some Christmas shopping there.  If you are local and can pick up your order email it to me and I'll take care of you.

 One of the newest lovelies added to the shop.  Find it HERE.

I needed a last minute treat to serve at the open house so I googled "pumpkin cheesecake cake mix".  I wanted something easy. I tweaked it a bit (don't I always?!). It certainly was easy!  It was yummy, too!  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Crust
1 package cake mix (yellow or white)
1 egg
1 T. butter (melted)
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (see below)

Mix the ingredients and press into the bottom of a greased 9x13 cake pan.

Cheesecake
1 8 oz. package cream cheese (softened)
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
2 eggs
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. salt
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk (try one of my two DIY recipes HERE)

Beat the cream cheese until fluffy.  Mix in pumpkin, eggs, pie spice, salt and sweetened condensed milk.  Pour over crust and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes.  Chill; cut into bars.  Store covered in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 1/2 T. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Mix together and store in a container.  (Makes 7 tsp.)

You're Invited!

For the first time ever I am having an open house for my craft business!  I am super excited and nervous all at the same time!  Our house has been buzzing with excitement this week!  The kiddos, my hubby, and my mom have all been busy helping me get things in order for this wonderful event! 

I would like to invite each and every one of you to attend!

This Saturday, October 20th 1:00-4:00!

If you are near the Fort Wayne area please shoot me an email HERE and I will get directions to you!


Here's a little sneaky peek of a sample of what we'll have to offer (along with their Etsy links so you can take a peek and/or order if you're out of town) ...

I will have samples of all of my wooden signs (made to order)...

I will, of course, have lots of goat milk soaps (various gift baskets available as well!) ...

 
And ... new to my shop today ... Names of God Christmas Tree Garland!

What's not shown are various sewn items and hand crafted ornaments made by myself and my children. Spiced chai and caramel corn will be available to sample and purchase (along with other homemade treats to much on while shopping!).  We'll also have some decorated Christmas trees, decorated wreaths and more!

Christmas and Winter Wonderland Celebration!

I belong to a group of crafters known as Old Farmhouse Gathering!  There is a wonderful Christmas celebration going on right now in which I have a lovely from my Etsy shop to give away!  Head on over to OFG for more details!

Grandma's Banana Bread

My Mother-In-Law makes some yummy banana bread!  I've had this recipe for quite a while and I just keep forgetting to post it.  I made some this morning and the kids loved it!  I thought I'd share it with you!

photo credit

Grandma's Banana Bread

2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 egg (beaten)
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup milk
1 cup mashed banana (about two)
1 teaspoon vanilla

In my Kitchen Aid stand mixer I mash up the bananas and then mix in egg, oil, sugar, vanilla, and milk.  Carefully pour in flour.  Mix just until blended.  Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 40-50 minutes (50 is what I usually end up baking it for).  Enjoy!