A Cute lil' Fall Flower Vase

Fall is almost here and I find myself looking for easy and inexpensive ways to add a splash of Autumn color wherever I can.  This is how I settled on my fall flower vase craft.

I started with the supplies:
A candle holder from the Dollar Tree
Fall Ribbon
Adhesive - Be sure you choose one that dries clear!!
And finally, a salsa jar.  (I'm notorious for holding on to things that I might could upgrade into something decorative or usable).

1) Start by cleaning your jar and removing the label.  You can soak the jar in warm soapy water or use an oil of some type to remove most of the label.  I actually used some pledge orange oil (after soaking the jar).  This worked really well.  However, since I knew I would be wrapping the jar in ribbon I wasn't too concerned with getting it "perfectly clean."

2) Once the jar is dry measure the amount of ribbon you will need to wrap around the jar.  Cut to your desired length and on the backside of the ribbon and down the very middle, squeeze a line of adhesive from end to end then wrap the ribbon around your jar.


3) The next step is to glue the decorative jar to the candle holder.  All you have to do is line the rim of the candle holder with your adhesive and secure the jar by pressing it firmly down into the adhesive.

In the picture above you can see the adhesive has not yet dried and it leaves a "white ring" that's visible through the ribbon.  This is OK!  You will think your project is ruined but as long as the adhesive dries clear it will be fine.

Once it dries your done!  I did almost turn this into a candle holder but decided to use some left over Autumn decorations and turn into a vase instead.  But I think a pumpkin scented candle or maybe a cranberry candle for a splash of color would be nice too!

BBQ Bacon Chicken Pizza - YUM!

If you're a fan of BBQ pizzas here is a simple and EASY recipe that's quick to put together and "tastefully simple."  In a nutshell you need a pizza crust, chicken, bacon, BBQ Sauce, cheese and which ever toppings you prefer but I decided to include a more detailed list below.

Ingredients:
1) Pizza Crust
2) Non-stick cooking spray (or olive oil)
3) 1 Cup of BBQ Sauce of your choice (I prefer a good bit of sauce with mine but you could easily use     more or less BBQ Sauce.
4) 1-2lbs. of chopped chicken - depending on how much you prefer
5) 2 Cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese &/or Mozzarella Cheese
6) Pizza toppings - I used Chopped Onion & Bell Pepper (which were frozen but it didn't matter - they don't have to be cooked for this recipe)
7) Bacon, Bacon seasoning from "Tastefully Simple" - or bacon bits if that's what you have.


I used a store bought pizza crust but I'm sure any crust would work.  I find this specific crust to be a bit "sticky" or "doughy" because I prefer a thicker crusted pizza so the dough tends to be more dense.  You will definitely want some non-stick type of spray or just use some regular olive oil on your pizza pan or cookie sheet... whichever you choose to bake it on.

1) Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees.

2) Spray your baking pan GENEROUSLY with the non-stick spray and spread your pizza dough out.  What I like about this specific dough is that it doesn't have to be perfect (as you can tell from my picture below.. lol).  Pre-bake according to package directions.  For this, it was 8 minutes at 400 degrees.

3) Once your crust has pre-baked, spread your BBQ sauce all over the crust.  You do not need any pizza sauce with this recipe! I made this mistake once and (to me) it wasn't good at all!

4) Begin your toppings by spreading the chopped chicken all over the crust.  I seasoned mine with some "Tastefully Simple" seasoned salt and garlic during the cooking process but I'm sure whatever you have on hand would be delicious as well!

5)  Layer the shredded cheese and the other pizza toppings over the chicken and BBQ Sauce.

6) Add the bacon bits last or if you happen to have the Bacon, Bacon Seasoning sprinkle a generous amount over the pizza.

6) Bake according to package instructions or until the dough is done and the cheese has fully melted.

Enjoy!

Squash Fritters With Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

My husband and I decided we would try our hand at a garden this summer.  Little did we know our squash would produce in such an abundance I found myself looking for different ways to cook it when I came across this recipe and decided to give it a try.  It turned out to be delicious!  A recipe I will definitely make again next year!

You will need:

1) 2 cups of finely chopped yellow squash (or zucchini)

2) 1 egg

3) 1 Tbsp of salt

4) 1 Tbsp of pepper

5) 3/4 cup of All purpose flour

Optional "Add-Ins"- you can add them all or only one, which ever you prefer:

1) 1 cup of finely chopped onions

2) 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

3) 1/4 cup of bacon bits

The picture above is the yellow squash I used from our garden.  You can also use the zucchini squash if that's what you prefer.

I used a hand held grater and grated my yellow squash.


In a large bowl, combine squash, egg, salt, pepper and which ever "add-in" you prefer.  Once this is mixed together mix in your flour and stir well.  In a skillet, over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 inch of oil. (Tip: do NOT use high heat since these fritters can burn relatively quickly).  Allow enough time for the oil to heat.  You can test it if you want by dropping a really tiny piece of the dough mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and begins to fry your grease is ready... if it does not, give it a few more minutes to heat up.

Using a table spoon (or slightly bigger if you prefer) drop the batter into the oil.  Cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until it is golden brown.

Drain on paper towels and serve with honey mustard dipping sauce.  Or, if you prefer ranch use that instead.  In the future, I definitely plan to use a melted cheese dip as a dipping sauce.