Semolina Sage Dumplings with Brown Butter

Oh man.  I want more of these just thinking about this recipe!  These are so tasty and so simple to make!  This recipe will give you dense dumplings with a crispy edge.

For 8 dumplings, you will need:

• 5 tablespoons semolina flour
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 leaves of fresh sage
• Parmesan cheese to taste

Combine all of your ingredients in a bowl and stir together until it forms a dough.  If you want fluffier dumplings, combine the wet ingredients first, then whisk the flour in.

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted.  Then, drop your dough by the spoonful into the pan.  Cook for two minutes on each side.  Remove the dumplings from the pan and set onto a paper towel.  Tent with foil.

Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the pan along with the sage leaves.  Swirl until the butter is browned and the sage is crispy.

Serve the dumplings in a shallow bowl, topped with brown butter, sage, and parmesan.

Enjoy!!

Saturday Snapshot: Ice Crystals III

DIY Scalloped Jewelry Dish

This is a simple little DIY that is a pretty way to dress up your dresser.  Ever since John and I got these mini tart tins for a wedding gift, I have wanted to use one to make a scalloped dish.  Well, over three years later, I finally got around to it!

You will need:

• 1 mini tart pan
• 1 small package of Sculpey or other polymer clay

First, it is very important to massage and knead your clay until it is very soft and pliable.  This will keep it from cracking in the oven and will help it mold to the pan.

Next, roll the clay into a ball and then roll out into a thin, flat pancake.

Place the clay into the pan, making sure the base is completely covered.  Remove any excess clay from the rim of the pan.

Then, smooth and press the clay to ensure an even layer around the edges, pinching any extra off the top.

Finally, bake in the pan for 12 minutes at 275 degrees.  Allow it to cool completely, then gently remove it from the pan.

Totally doable!  I think this would make a cute little gift.  It would be extra special if you pressed a piece of lace into the clay to add a pretty texture before baking.

Artichoke and Bell Pepper Pizza with Feta

Yum!  I really love making pizzas for meals.  They're so quick and easy, especially if you use a store bought crust!  And  the possible combinations are nearly endless.

For this pizza, you will need:

• 1 store bought crust 
• Small amount tomato paste or sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Small can of artichoke hearts, halved
• 2-3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Preheat the oven according to the crust directions.  Then, place your crust on a pizza pan and smooth as small amount of pizza sauce or tomato paste evenly across the crust.  Sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese.

Arrange the bell peppers around the crust like petals on a flower.  Place the artichoke hearts intermittently throughout.  Sprinkle feta on top.

Bake 12-14 minutes, slice, serve, enjoy!

What are your favorite pizza toppings?  Let me know in the comments!

Saturday Snapshot: Tree Arch

Life Lately

1) Donuts!  And lots of sweets, as usual
2) and 4) We've been working out a bunch lately!  I got a new medicine ball that has really changed up my workouts, and we also got a hangboard, which is great training for rock climbing.
4) Of course, I've been hanging out with this sweetheart too!

1) Valentine's Day started with a delicious living room picnic
2-4) and it continued with a terrific fire, marshmallow toasting, and delicious s'mores (we made them with fudge graham crackers!)
5) and 6) The beautiful bouquet John gave me.  I love flowers!

February has been a great month!  And I'm looking forward to next month even more- it's my birthday month!  I've got lots of DIYs, recipes, and fun birthday ideas lined up to share with you all :)  What have you been up to this month?

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Champagne Bud Vase

I had a vase of spider mums that were a little past their prime.  One lone flower, however, looked like it could be saved if I trimmed the stem down far enough.  If I did this, though, the flower wouldn't fit into the vase anymore. So, I decided to get creative and pop it in a champagne flute!  I also used a small shot glass when one of the carnations in my Valentine's bouquet broke off.

What sorts of things around the house do you use creatively?