Monday, November 23, 2009

3D39 Challenge - Yummy Gifts to Give


Friendship Soup

½ c. dried split green peas
1/3 c. beef bouillon granules
¼ c. medium pearl barley
½ c. dried lentils
¼ c. minced dried onion
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
½ c. uncooked long grain rice
½ c. uncooked small pasta
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1 lb. ground beef
3 qts. water
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes undrained
1 sm. onion, chopped
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In a 1 qt. jar, layer first 7 ingredients in the order listed. Wrap pasta in plastic and add to jar. Seal tightly. Store up to 3 months in a cool, dry place.

To Prepare Soup:
Remove pasta from jar and set aside. In a dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, drain. Add water, tomatoes and soup mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Stir in pasta, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta, peas, barley and lentils are tender. Makes 4 quarts/16 servings.

Monday, October 26, 2009

3D35 Challenge - Elegant Envelopes


Turn an ordinary envelope into a lovely little gift package with the focal point being a sweet floral embellishment made out of paper towels!!! Yes, paper towels! A little Glimmer Mist and some hand tearing is all it takes to create these charming flowers. My envelope samples are 6x6 which can be easily re-worked for any size envelope.
As far as the envelope goes, simply cover the flap with a rectangle layer and then add interesting rows of pattern paper, lace trims, punched borders, etc. The body of the envie is just a larger cut panel. The ribbon acts as a slider and holds the flap closed.
Think about this same idea for handled bags and gift boxes! They'll love the packaging so much, they won't want to open the gift!
Be sure to tag your photos 3d35 for the album.