Simple Gifts: Molded Sugar Gems
When I was a little girl, I loved sugar cubes. My brother and I loved to suck on them until the sugar started to dissolve and the cubes began to cave in, and there was little left but a few…
Jeanne Williamson
Jeanne and her husband David launched My Own Labels in January of 2000. It was a spin-off of their successful graphic design firm, plus it allowed Jeanne to incorporate her love of baking, making, sewing and creating. Today David and Jeanne continue to be the heart of the operation both creatively and practically.
Squash Molasses
Last summer I added winter squash to the regular vegetables I grow in my garden. I adore the taste of it, whether it is Acorn, Delicata, Hubbard or one of the many other varieties. Maybe it’s the way my mom…
Triple Cheese Beer Spread
What a perfect spread for a St. Patrick’s Day party, because it’s excellent on crackers and goes perfectly with the beer. Actually, the beer is in it. I confess that I have to do some soul-searching before serving this spread,…
Homemade Raisins
This year for the first time ever, I made RAISINS! People have been making them for thousands of years, but still I feel like I have just invented the wheel. This is a fantastic accomplishment, and it is NOT DIFFICULT!…
Simple Gifts: Fresh Eggs
One dark and rainy winter evening I was suddenly at a loss for something to bring to our friends’ dinner party as a hostess gift. I had just collected the day’s eggs from my hens, and it was time to…
Crispie Almonds
Crispie Almonds can’t be bought. They must be made by someone you know – or made by you. How are they any more special than roasted salted almonds you buy from a store? And why do people go to the…
Homemade Cheese Sticks
My mom turned 90 last Friday, and we had a surprise party for her. Mom knew a few of the family would be there, but she did not know others were coming. She came over early, we started with a…
Simple Gifts: Savory Herb Rub for Chicken
My husband is in love with me for the savory herb rub I use on baked chicken. I know he loves me for more, but there is definitely good reason for his liking my herb-roasted chicken. Nothing adds juicy, tasty…
Tomatillo Salsa
Last year for Christmas, my daughter-in-law Ari and my son Kyle made this salsa for Christmas gifts. They loved both the making and giving of this wonderful recipe. Kyle says that Ari’s tomatillo salsa makes a meal. You can pour…
Baked Potato Herb Mix
Love your baked potato with sour cream and the works? This herb mix one-ups that. Add it to your sour cream for lots more flavor, no added calories. Easier, and better too actually, than adding the chives, salt, pepper, etc. But…
Strawberry Jam
It’s hard to beat the taste of homemade strawberry jam that’s spread on soft, fresh French bread. The sweet flavor conjures up images of summer; the porch swing keeping time with the summer breeze and bird songs. This jam is…
Reunion Mead
Family, friends, classmates, roommates, the gang. Those special people you love so well and for so long. Make a batch of mead (or take the easy road: buy your favorite wine and soak the labels off) and add custom labels…
Spa Basket
When occasions get busy, give the gift that will bring peace of mind: the spa basket. It’s a calming gift for hard-working bridesmaids, loyal sisters, and excited mothers. Create a custom-made meditation CD and list the soothing songs with a…
Simple Gifts: Crispy Cinnamon Toasts
Delicious. Simple. Fun. And something you can do together with a young friend or relative. This project automatically divides itself into two easy steps which makes it good for small children. It allows them to play for a while in…
Lemon Marmalade
Marmalade, typically made with oranges, gets an extra zing when made with Meyer lemons. This recipe makes a wonderful sweet and tart accompaniment for toast or croissants, and it can also be used as a glaze for broiled meats or…
Simple Gifts: Packaged Chocolates
It seems like this favor created itself. I had no idea what I wanted it to be, but I found an adorable product while browsing a canned food outlet – these little boxes of chocolate squares – which were very…
Homemade Coffee & Berry Liqueurs
Spring is a great time to start crafting a homemade liqueur. The bottles can age for a few months and be ready for a summer wedding, or for a few months longer and be perfect to hand out during the…
Simple Gifts: Birthday Favors
In searching for a fun party activity for Stella’s birthday, I came across lots of cool plastic goodies, and realized that plastic is something I would like to talk about first. Plastic is an important part of my life, that…
Marshmallow Kisses
Tiny babies take large amounts of love and patience. And these tiny marshmallows are the perfect thing to celebrate the arrival of such a wonderful little bundle, because they take love and patience too. Yes, it’s really great to create…
Membrillo
You may notice that this is the second quince paste recipe on the blog. My friend Barbara made the first one, and my taste buds know how wonderful her quince paste turned out. But I made some too, and packaged it…
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