farmhouse monster cookies...

A cookie without flour...but packed with so much goodness, you'll never miss it!
Oh-so simple to whip up, filled with all our favorites, and the recipe makes 4 dozen,
so there's plenty to share (and still have some for our cookie jar!)

These are pretty much perfect in my book!

3 eggs

1-1/4 c. brown sugar, packed

1 c. sugar

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. vanilla extract

12-oz. jar creamy or chunky peanut butter

1/2 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. chocolate-coated candies

1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 c. raisins

1/4 c. peanut butter chips

2 t. baking soda

4-1/2 c. old-fashioned oats

Blend eggs and sugars together until creamy. Add salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter; blend well. Stir in chocolate candies, chocolate chips,  raisins, and peanut butter chips. Blend in baking soda and oats; mix well.

Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto a parchment-lined or no-stick baking sheet, placing dough about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from baking sheet. Makes approximately 4 dozen.

Now, I will admit I tossed in a few extra chocolate candies and chocolate chips, but it seems you can't go wrong with this recipe. Don't like raisins? Leave them out, or maybe substitute sweetened, dried cranberries or even butterscotch chips.

Whatever you decide to use, they won't last long...I promise!

Now...will you laugh if I tell you I'm enjoying these cookies with a glass of icy cold goat's milk?

I'm just testing the waters...wondering if our family will like it, and if dairy goats should be

on my wish list!

Come on...look at that face!

photo credit: Homestead Revival

chicken apron...finally complete!

Why yes, it did take me quite some time to stitch up my chicken apron...

Days turned into weeks...

Weeks turned into months...

                

Holidays came and went...

Need I say more? Time flies!

And so, here she is...

Next on the agenda is
turning these adorable flour sacks into aprons!

If I want them in time to welcome spring,
I'd better begin stitching now!

Happy Friday!

stitching up some love!

There's still time to stitch some handmade gifts for Valentine's Day...these will be ready in no time!

This sweet garland was a gift from Little Man's teacher...she's so thoughtful! Strips of felt become hearts with a simple straight stitch across one end. Then, by turning it inside out and stitching the other end, a heart appears. Slipped on a length of thread along with fluffy pompoms and cheery ribbon, the garland makes for a heartfelt greeting across a door, mantel, or as a runner down the center of a table. Thanks a bunch, Mrs. N!

I made the heart pockets years ago when I was first learning to blanket-stitch (so don't look too closely!)
I cut out felt hearts, then blanket-stitched around the edges...being sure to leave the top open. After adding a bit of chenille rick-rack, vintage buttons, and a few hand-stitched X's and O's, they were ready. Each year they're filled with a variety of favorite candy for the kids, and of course my hubby.

Even old scraps can be turned into something special. Small pieces of a worn quilt become a gift that's sure to be handed down. Cut the fabric into hearts, stitch along the edges, leaving room to stuff the heart with batting, then stitch closed and sew a button in the center.

There's a snow coming, and temps will be quite chilly this weekend, so it's a perfect time to celebrate
Home, Sweet, Home. Let's bring back the days when lovely Valentine memories were made from paper,
lace, crayons, glue, and imagination!

potato hearts...

Okay, these just made me smile...

and I couldn't resist sharing our heart-shaped potatoes found at the bottom of the vegetable bin. 

Why yes...I do think I'll serve them on Valentine's Day!