Rosh Hashanah-Rugelach time for a sweet new year.

Rosh Hashanah is Rugelach time.  My daughter Ashley and I have have been baking them together for years.  I originally adapted a few different recipes many years ago, trying to replicate my Grandma Lena's recipe.  I do not remember eating them, however my father had described them for me and they sounded delicious.  I have yet to find a bakery or store bought rugelach that taste as good as these.  They are especially delicious fresh out of the oven, ok maybe let them cool for 5 minutes.  You will probably want to make a few batches as they go quickly and can be addicting.  They are a bit labor intensive but worth it.

 What does this have to do with scrapbooking you ask?  Well at the Somerset scrapbook expo I bought a page kit and I plan to use some of our baking pictures for the pages since they are about home baking.

Caren’s Rugelach

For the dough

2 C flour

2 sticks unsalted butter (or earth balance for pareve/vegan)

8 oz cream cheese (or 1 tub Tofutti cream cheese)

¼ tsp salt

2 TBS sugar

Cream butter and cream cheese until soft, smooth and well blended, the kitchen aid is great for this.  Add salt and sugar, mix again, add flour and mix until it starts to form a ball, Don’t over mix though.  Divide into 3 pieces, shape into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least an hour, overnight is fine.  Only take out the dough you are ready to work with.

For the filling (divided in 3)

¾ C brown sugar

¾ C chopped pecans

Approx. 3 tsp cinnamon (I don’t measure, I just sprinkle)

3 TBLS melted butter

Preheat oven to 350

Roll 1 piece of dough on floured board to about an 8” circle. Brush with melted butter.  Sprinkle ¼ C brown sugar, ¼ C chopped pecans, 1 tsp cinnamon on top.  Cut into 16 wedges, I use a pizza cutter. Cut in quarters, cut each quarter in quarters.

Roll up from the outer edge.  Place on parchment lined baking sheet with tip down.  They well spread so leave space.  I get all 16 on one cookie sheet.  Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.  I use my convection oven for this.  Cool on rack and repeat

For chocolate filling, Use about  1/8 cup brown sugar and about ¼ C chocolate chips for each batch.

Wishing all who celebrate a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Sweet New Year!

Caren

Grandfather and Grandson-a very special relationship.

Back in the summer CTMH had a special offer for a wall canvas WOTG.  I decided to try it and used pictures of my son and my father from many years ago.  My father and my son had a very special connection and unfortunately my dad passed away in February 2002 when my son was 7 1/2.  The larger picture is the last picture we have of dad taken at his 75th birthday celebration in November 2001.  My son has Asperger's and even though he had some issues my father never saw anything but his beloved only grandson.  He truly looked at the positive which always made me happy.  My father was one of the kindest men I have ever known.  He was a caretaker and took care of whoever in the family needed it.  My son Jordan really likes this wall hanging and said "I wish I had more time with him." The last time we saw dad smile was when he was in ICU on a respirator shortly before he passed, and we said "Dad Jordan is here, give him a smile" and he did. When my father passed away and I came home after just finding out (It was expected at that time) my "special-needs" son said to me "Mom if you miss grandpa just look at me because I look like him and he still lives right here in me" and he points to his heart.  I get teary to this day thinking about that moment.

 

The smaller picture was taken was Jordan was around 3.  We are so fortunate that my parents loved to spend time with my children and were always willing to babysit when I needed them.  They liked to do things with them and on this day my parents took him to see and ride a train, I think in Flemington, NJ.  

The kit came with the chipboard and a stamp set as well as the canvas and bling.  I stamped the letters and sentiments on the chipboard that it came with.  Unfortunately this kit is no longer available although if you really want one email me and I might be able to find one for you.

I really love this and have it hanging in my craft area.  Dad was also a painter so I am hoping to get some inspiration from him.  His birthday is coming up.  He would be turning 87 on November 1.  Love and miss you Dad

Caren.

Special Needs mini-album

Ok will it has been forever since I posted, but I have finally finished grad school, got my MSN and added the initials PMHCNS-BC to my signature.  I hope I will have more time now to craft. I am working at a special needs camp for Autistic youth this summer (my 5th year).  I love these kids and can relate to the parents.  I thought it would be nice for the parents to have a little mini scrapbook with some camp pictures of their kids.  The new CTMH Artbooking Cricut cartridge arrived just in time.  I made 19 of them.  The counselors are amazing with these kids and they have done a fabulous job putting them together. 

I can't show the insides since they have pictures in them. I used retired paper packs as I donated all the materials.  As I look through these books, tears come to my eyes at the beautiful pictures and stories that are there.  For the parents receiving them I believe it is a priceless gift.

As the parent of a special needs child as well as a typical child their are many things we miss and many milestones that pass our children by.  To see the good times, smiles and activities that the kids were involved in is a special joy that we don't always experience.  Many of these children are not able to express to their parents what they do all day and we wonder about it.

The many hours that I spent cutting these out was worth it to me and I am sure that it will be a super special treat for these parents.  I know that I would have loved something like this made by someone that works with my son.

Til next time,

Caren

Finally did some new Studio J layouts.

I love studio J.  When I don't have much time to scrap I can do a pretty quickie layout and get something done.  Here is what I have been working on this week.
Convention 2011

 My 50th Birthday and 10 years breast cancer survivor anniversary.

The title of this says it all.  I am so happy.  We are planning an August wedding.

I hope to get some more layouts done soon.

Caren

too long since i've posted.

I am in graduate school so I haven't even thought of posting in months, although I can't believe it has been 9 months since I posted.  I didn't even post the fun stuff I made at convention.  I will post some of my newest studio J layouts soon.  I promise.

Caren

Photo cube

 I made this adorable photo cube at CTMH leadershare at the end of April.  It is so cute and easy to make.  It makes a great gift, perfect for your childs teacher.  Ask me how to set up a workshop with your friends and earn free products at the same time.

Caren

Celebrate national scrapbook month

National Scrapbooking Month Time is running out so hurry!

 
                              May 2011 Constant Campaign

We are celebrating National Scrapbooking Month in May with a fabulous promotion! During May, when you or your customers place a minimum order of $50 US / $55 CAN for any Close To My Heart products*, you can grab an exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit for just $15/$16.50—that’s more than half off the retail value of the kit! Woo-hoo! You can also purchase the kit outright for $34.95/$38.95 with or without a minimum purchase. It’s a charming kit you and your customers are sure to love. It features two fully embellished layouts, each with their own unique personality, a D-size stamp set, and an instruction guide to step you through the creation process. As part of our promotion, we’re also offering new Consultants who join Close To My Heart in May one FREE You & Me scrapbooking kit plus 50% off their New Consultant Kit! It's an incredible value just for May!

*Products or memberships purchased on a Studio J^® website do not count toward a qualifying purchase.

This is an awesome time to join my team with ctmh and get an amazing discount on your New Consultant Kit

Contact me ASAP as the promo ends May 31, 2011.

Enjoy the long weekend

Caren