Tuesday, August 16, 2011

New Reusable Bag Sizes - ON SALE NOW

Think about how much money you spend on Ziploc bags each month. Then think about all those bags sitting in a mound in a landfill for years... and years. 

On a happier note {!}, Kasey Sews is now offering a 4-pack of reusable bags including a sweet little "treats" bag measuring 3"x4.5", due to popular demand.

"Girl" 4-Pack
And to celebrate school coming back in session, the 4-packs are on sale for $20.40!

"Boy" 4-Pack
But think about it... It's not just the kids that use the plastic Ziploc bags {although these do make great bday gifts for the young ones - at least, their parents will appreciate them}. We ALL use them. So get some for yourself {and a friend} as well.


A new little detail is that each bag now includes a little tag that lets you know about it's "former life": a doll's dress, a pair of pants, drapes, skirt. Isn't re-using great?

We use ours every day... I love them!


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Fruit Crisp, Any Time

I looooove this Fruit Crisp recipe. {It's another one I did for Arts in the Kitchen}. It's super versatile and can be used with any fruit - fresh or frozen. And the topping can be frozen too, so now you can bust out an awesome dessert when last-minute guests show up for a fun evening together, or any time you'd like!


The recipe also uses a butter substitute (Earth Balance) to avoid saturated fat, whole wheat flour & multigrain oats to help you get in your whole grain goodness, ground flax for omega-3 fatty acid love, and agave nectar to lessen the sugar content. Not to mention all the great things that come in fruit.

With this particular crisp my kids and I picked fresh blackberries {"moras" en espanol} from an over-flowing bush on our usual walk. It's our favorite time of year!



Hard to keep some for the crisp!



Enough about us. The recipe...

Filling:
3-5 cups of seasonal fruit cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup agave nectar (optional: depends on sweetness of fruit)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional: use your judgement with which fruit you choose)
¼ tsp kosher salt
(if using apples: 1 ½ ground cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg)

Topping:
½ cup Earth Balance Buttery Spread (more if needed to get “sticky”)
¾ cup light brown sugar
¼ tsp kosher salt
2/3 cup whole wheat flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour)
1 cup multigrain oats (rye, barley, oats, wheat) or rolled oats
¼ cup ground flax (store out of light, air-tight, in freezer)

Directions:
1) Preheat over to 350 F.
2) Combine the filling ingredients in a baking dish and mix well. Set aside.
3) Bring Buttery Spread to room temp and mix in brown sugar and salt.
4) Add the flour, oats, and ground flax just until incorporated.
5) Crumble over the fruit filling. It should resemble floury cookie dough. If not, add more Buttery Spread. Don’t overwork.
6) Bake until golden brown on top: 40-45min.

Notes:
Topping can be made earlier and stored in the fridge (3 days) or freezer. Bring to room temp and crumble when ready to bake. Do not store filling and topping together.

Buon Appetito!

Farewell Birdies

A new friend is leaving town, but in good company. Alongside her she brings three little tweeters to keep her company.


But only temporarily - They are a gift for a friend in her new destination.




Many well wishes to you, Jen. Please keep me in the loop on your wedding & new job details!