Easy Strawberry Gifts for Friends | Our Trip to the Strawberry Patch

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8YLrwafoyP9TmDenSRPDJ661K-uwJADZW5H3NgY_rAgHCHe9iM-okD3Hx48ruDO7wvl6NG1WOo86NWT1m1YQTcjGnUMYGJmdFZw2X3aDil1wafLEaRFJrBb6Ri0wOjBiFypm1BEiR-mN/s1600/strawberry-favors.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8YLrwafoyP9TmDenSRPDJ661K-uwJADZW5H3NgY_rAgHCHe9iM-okD3Hx48ruDO7wvl6NG1WOo86NWT1m1YQTcjGnUMYGJmdFZw2X3aDil1wafLEaRFJrBb6Ri0wOjBiFypm1BEiR-mN/s1600/strawberry-favors.png" width="374" /></a></div> Our entire family spent this weekend back at home in Lexington for my Mom's birthday.  On Saturday night we had a Shrimp Boil for her friends, and Sunday we got up for an early morning impromptu trip to the strawberry patch.<br /><br />There is nothing quite like 'real' fresh strawberries from the field.  I've gone on and on about 'real' strawberries in the past - see <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-day-in-strawberry-patch-with-emma.html">here</a> for some of my posts from previous years.  For now, I'll just say they are good.  So good - and fleeting - only good for a couple of short weeks (just after peonies and just before cherries...).  I love thinking about the calendar in fruit and flower seasons.  <br /><br />I have a list a mile long of what I'd like to do with these little gems (thanks to my Instagram friends!), but really, they are so, so good all by themselves.  I wanted to share this fabulously simple treat with some of our friends, so I packed some up this morning.  Simple and pretty packaging for simple and pretty berries. See below for packaging details. <br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F06%2Feasy-strawberry-gifts-for-friends-our.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Xo9n6-voCqY%2FU43YJl1EB_I%2FAAAAAAAAW-I%2FKEkPzxFfHvM%2Fs1600%2Fstrawberry-favors.png&description=Strawberry%20Favors%20%26%20Gifts%20%7C%20Fresh%20Picked%20Easy%20Homemade%20Strawberry%20Gifts"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />Now, for some details about or morning at the patch...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wveOVqApCWijryhyMCBgJuYvXkERzVKumrjxvRi5jJyLlGs02xqeZyZKF2_NzDQbFaN4P6lLmmZBPNrixmGOfqu5_uKrK_hK5zUuOT1FHtxpD4mzRJcnyqg1LnONjlpNz_Um2GF1tpiK/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wveOVqApCWijryhyMCBgJuYvXkERzVKumrjxvRi5jJyLlGs02xqeZyZKF2_NzDQbFaN4P6lLmmZBPNrixmGOfqu5_uKrK_hK5zUuOT1FHtxpD4mzRJcnyqg1LnONjlpNz_Um2GF1tpiK/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Fahrmeier Farms is conveniently just down the road from my parents' house in Lexington, Mo and even more conveniently owned by my cousins, the Fahrmeiers.  If you're local, they have another week or so of picking left.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrTtCwYgjoZcT9Q3lX_dRCZLOLgUvY7_v1reI8TbMmjcMUwEhcad6gYo-ClgDLK3_NTBVvpWBCF7Y-UMdLc-lXa3yml5X-n0nXZI8Vn8uxQn131IIT2VQo000C56EWq7fiMGm4_Oyp5z8/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrTtCwYgjoZcT9Q3lX_dRCZLOLgUvY7_v1reI8TbMmjcMUwEhcad6gYo-ClgDLK3_NTBVvpWBCF7Y-UMdLc-lXa3yml5X-n0nXZI8Vn8uxQn131IIT2VQo000C56EWq7fiMGm4_Oyp5z8/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" width="640" /></a>  <br />Pack a lunch and enjoy this stunning view while you snack on your harvest.  Here is a link to their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarket">facebook page</a> for more info.   Check the page before you go to make sure they still have berries for picking.  This is the same farm that specializes in heirloom tomatoes - I'll be sharing plenty of those with you in another month or so.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6INVqNpytKRQTXU05zTVzv0aiJ3OjQ3KG3CTvAQXLqiMjkSGDM1TJGIkoYd9UiX8vaGHbke9QqF0iKtD8OMVqA6MsEq3kbH7rX1xb51GxFiDU_Z9a3YHme5Me4iDRodZaEAdkt_QKLNJp/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6INVqNpytKRQTXU05zTVzv0aiJ3OjQ3KG3CTvAQXLqiMjkSGDM1TJGIkoYd9UiX8vaGHbke9QqF0iKtD8OMVqA6MsEq3kbH7rX1xb51GxFiDU_Z9a3YHme5Me4iDRodZaEAdkt_QKLNJp/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Best buds ready for picking.  And yes, Emma is wearing a princess dress.  As I said, we were at her Moo-Moo's house for the weekend, and the first thing she does when we arrive is run up and put a dress on from Moo-Moo's trunk.  There's no fighting it... apparently the apple doesn't fall far from the tree (as I'm often reminded). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrlLmLcWU6aRbaX7vS9YjtltVbA3xKOJecLRk2oGzANwB7i5Uv7N7QKc9eSfnycA9UfLZNev_eWWW3Y4EEaPOOF3wcKm-gOq3c_a-Y-bssEL3-T_Tz7MwyYVH1Yry_UClrqB3eB8triME/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrlLmLcWU6aRbaX7vS9YjtltVbA3xKOJecLRk2oGzANwB7i5Uv7N7QKc9eSfnycA9UfLZNev_eWWW3Y4EEaPOOF3wcKm-gOq3c_a-Y-bssEL3-T_Tz7MwyYVH1Yry_UClrqB3eB8triME/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpHzX3RFHf7mQ18FeTpJGkCnpFLDimQE6Z6vYKPGMPjy60WU08FAujatCaycophBFH86z5xm_m1HM_4KaoHIwuIFQh3O3xHxZIE8MV4nj8ITcE1A_o-T7fjCFSA1OUE7MnSkICCbxPtt9/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpHzX3RFHf7mQ18FeTpJGkCnpFLDimQE6Z6vYKPGMPjy60WU08FAujatCaycophBFH86z5xm_m1HM_4KaoHIwuIFQh3O3xHxZIE8MV4nj8ITcE1A_o-T7fjCFSA1OUE7MnSkICCbxPtt9/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3qHKRIBp1Pw7ETjfNfEQmerwmJxyH-1LbadtvakZF6bC_fgpU_kiQbjnfKedFPCm3A9d5oOb1hR3035P8rw18wMwrEUhHhv9sNBrQYcMDYjaxtZdQsr5iFZxV4SpJ90Sfa3Tsj-2svlx/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3qHKRIBp1Pw7ETjfNfEQmerwmJxyH-1LbadtvakZF6bC_fgpU_kiQbjnfKedFPCm3A9d5oOb1hR3035P8rw18wMwrEUhHhv9sNBrQYcMDYjaxtZdQsr5iFZxV4SpJ90Sfa3Tsj-2svlx/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Family affair.  And no, Mike and my Dad are not playing football. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzB4Nioech_RB3Pnh96MFUQdbCP5DKDy0dNXo5037RJl7jlXC-DXV0dyJGY2d0s4qMPxeLpjm2Af_3GUGAWEEUC0hIYKBXKs9jOpDI8hjfcxaG0NXiBZ_c_VeOTLg4pDD24UBpYuvSUiF/s1600/IMG_1359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzB4Nioech_RB3Pnh96MFUQdbCP5DKDy0dNXo5037RJl7jlXC-DXV0dyJGY2d0s4qMPxeLpjm2Af_3GUGAWEEUC0hIYKBXKs9jOpDI8hjfcxaG0NXiBZ_c_VeOTLg4pDD24UBpYuvSUiF/s1600/IMG_1359.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Princesses love strawberries... and dirt.<br /><br />We're headed to Sam's house in a little while to spend the weekend and I'm planning a scavenger hunt for the girls... any ideas?  I haven't done one of these in about 25 years : )<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6DFHOKYV-xGeJYr7tK5-QTgYKXzfX7gDUS5Al9Jo4MymPDckqeTBDiRB_hgwtmj-osJXMWuZg9_d-nRbDItP03-_MonU_xh4n3oHU_q0dKt0GeBhmrj72K-wRXRls0J0KMRkOlxDXbn4/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6DFHOKYV-xGeJYr7tK5-QTgYKXzfX7gDUS5Al9Jo4MymPDckqeTBDiRB_hgwtmj-osJXMWuZg9_d-nRbDItP03-_MonU_xh4n3oHU_q0dKt0GeBhmrj72K-wRXRls0J0KMRkOlxDXbn4/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKCyRvg8t2j3yziKxH6nbN58QjEO1ijB_eZe5Hy5s4UOoIYf4WP8hC79Y2i9zdlUvUSrQwGURWGNXysFbObAPOGoEIp3KSYSICahyphenhyphen5RRK6sylLy4jOTL7_GXuEAZr1J_GGpFqPzP9uh_0/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKCyRvg8t2j3yziKxH6nbN58QjEO1ijB_eZe5Hy5s4UOoIYf4WP8hC79Y2i9zdlUvUSrQwGURWGNXysFbObAPOGoEIp3KSYSICahyphenhyphen5RRK6sylLy4jOTL7_GXuEAZr1J_GGpFqPzP9uh_0/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Products from my store that I used to pack up the little baskets for friends : <br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/wooden-baking-baskets-set-of-6">Wooden Baking Baskets</a> (small size)<br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/cello-bags-mini-small-medium-large">Large Cello Bags</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Everyday Tags & Cards (in Papaya Pashmina & Concord Green... Emma's Pink would look so cute, too!)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/cotton-ribbon">Cotton Ribbon (thin)</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOxcr5Mj3rZ0bssXnm4V0Qwbuc_z9FGvctD__fMQOnJF-EgjzB-VzZruwHhaWWRtMLtt2l9yb8fkKZQB5J9nafjG6z5gUwMGvUDl_Y9dettSsL5TzFXr1vDc_V9l9t7xWi206REg2b-2v/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOxcr5Mj3rZ0bssXnm4V0Qwbuc_z9FGvctD__fMQOnJF-EgjzB-VzZruwHhaWWRtMLtt2l9yb8fkKZQB5J9nafjG6z5gUwMGvUDl_Y9dettSsL5TzFXr1vDc_V9l9t7xWi206REg2b-2v/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love having all of this supplies for making gifts at a moment's notice... it is always the kind of thing we always mean to do, but never get around to actually doing ;) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxuSvFrgsrNQjHK_SRxSIl_k97qERQUKrXIkw1W4zc1Vs8rLEYpPt-eV66vujL-CJbaGiDMPHjeZPvRK9u1dcyrSV7ftj5rmmT6BEOoFL2YpDmlFjj1deKCpBmQBb7ph-rX4-WyrX7SoY/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxuSvFrgsrNQjHK_SRxSIl_k97qERQUKrXIkw1W4zc1Vs8rLEYpPt-eV66vujL-CJbaGiDMPHjeZPvRK9u1dcyrSV7ftj5rmmT6BEOoFL2YpDmlFjj1deKCpBmQBb7ph-rX4-WyrX7SoY/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSujpZV1geAQKEIDl7yfqHptO0w6baEFYXES9fIHhavX4bNzroVzKwSoGM0D6w5ww_0KngULLJIEWueOv7C0B1TX90YcLd_HDYZbj97Zjroys5Tj1kfTj42EuwURKBUpvSWnuDpWSk0Rd/s1600/IMG_1481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSujpZV1geAQKEIDl7yfqHptO0w6baEFYXES9fIHhavX4bNzroVzKwSoGM0D6w5ww_0KngULLJIEWueOv7C0B1TX90YcLd_HDYZbj97Zjroys5Tj1kfTj42EuwURKBUpvSWnuDpWSk0Rd/s1600/IMG_1481.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />You could also include some sugared scones with the berries for a make-your-own Strawberry Shortcake kit - that would be darling.  <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQBzHoGxaj4P6afp-nqsSqHcWuZU5O_k82FbOB1Y6qcFZLH-6ZKQv0topDdqzrEAcjBhV9Y7CjXAqJOmzLtECNtdamX5foS3sDUgp273Dk8jY-Eci72QeiqyQMTbP5uQQFofyZ6Rrvjpv/s1600/IMG_1493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQBzHoGxaj4P6afp-nqsSqHcWuZU5O_k82FbOB1Y6qcFZLH-6ZKQv0topDdqzrEAcjBhV9Y7CjXAqJOmzLtECNtdamX5foS3sDUgp273Dk8jY-Eci72QeiqyQMTbP5uQQFofyZ6Rrvjpv/s1600/IMG_1493.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />So nice to be able to start the week by making something beautiful for someone else - in literally less than 10 minutes. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F06%2Feasy-strawberry-gifts-for-friends-our.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Xo9n6-voCqY%2FU43YJl1EB_I%2FAAAAAAAAW-I%2FKEkPzxFfHvM%2Fs1600%2Fstrawberry-favors.png&description=Strawberry%20Favors%20%26%20Gifts%20%7C%20Fresh%20Picked%20Easy%20Homemade%20Strawberry%20Gifts"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dNHAHbQl_qsyWxe8VrwHLzTo7UXrw1bKzNYLk33_6kogWGKSl-d_jX9HWwStFMn7TZyeFDqrqET9Ouj9MkQBuxwlQoAMCnlA6dE_VQVg219wsMyrvaKRlHs0lFDrLUMdI7H68OBmfRrn/s1600/IMG_1453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dNHAHbQl_qsyWxe8VrwHLzTo7UXrw1bKzNYLk33_6kogWGKSl-d_jX9HWwStFMn7TZyeFDqrqET9Ouj9MkQBuxwlQoAMCnlA6dE_VQVg219wsMyrvaKRlHs0lFDrLUMdI7H68OBmfRrn/s1600/IMG_1453.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, this is happening in my kitchen right now... Emma better hurry home from school!

Easy Strawberry Gifts for Friends | Our Trip to the Strawberry Patch

 Our entire family spent this weekend back at home in Lexington for my Mom's birthday.  On Saturday night we had a Shrimp Boil for her f...

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Brown Sugar & Cinnamon "Homemade" Bread | Holiday Gifts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5wMaDzB_HUVzWTsT7D5IXxmreQDtIasngqNcEV1syXOsZatj7trScfAWciV8aRjLoaJ6PgfQE5M43q0RpamnFdKxNk8kCXP4wykgCuY-9y6ME3Oh5diZZWVcbHH941ET59uXWw0Y81sI/s1600/IMG_4300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5wMaDzB_HUVzWTsT7D5IXxmreQDtIasngqNcEV1syXOsZatj7trScfAWciV8aRjLoaJ6PgfQE5M43q0RpamnFdKxNk8kCXP4wykgCuY-9y6ME3Oh5diZZWVcbHH941ET59uXWw0Y81sI/s1600/IMG_4300.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've told the story before - before Mike and I were even dating, I served warm "homemade" bread at a dinner party at my house, and he raved about it for weeks.  Did that lead to him finally asking me out?  I guess we'll never know...  The Barefoot Contessa has her "Engagement Roasted Chicken" and I have my "homemade" bread.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAxQomvCW3nUyS4G8Mkg1ooTCcUj44S8WVNL92dmqsaEaCm5I6uBEir-dD3P5MVOzCVYjTZmhxKcyEleY_7TbfusT_kKTY9maJ7ca9gYO6qHrfwgr32IpGveZmDpF1V9DHhtBEWA6GST6/s1600/IMG_4094.JPG" width="640" /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1C_25WHy9bXNSQpRhvmMSe0DPJvos684gfV0YWgl9MpZKDLvlQTz0YnX_ihLsTmQIveDuEdRhmqdc7bXTjhIJOIT7XSmMieFcwCWaKmv6st8ucVaKOdpoL0RqPzPEpwSLQ7zPN4mJ7Hg/s1600/IMG_4276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1C_25WHy9bXNSQpRhvmMSe0DPJvos684gfV0YWgl9MpZKDLvlQTz0YnX_ihLsTmQIveDuEdRhmqdc7bXTjhIJOIT7XSmMieFcwCWaKmv6st8ucVaKOdpoL0RqPzPEpwSLQ7zPN4mJ7Hg/s1600/IMG_4276.jpg" width="266" /></a> My secret weapon to "homemade" bread is Rhodes frozen bread dough.  (This is not paid, by the way.)  It is found in almost every grocery store in the freezer department.  Over the years I have transformed the simple dough into Cinnamon Rolls, Monkey Bread, Pecan Rolls, Pizza Bread, etc.  <br /><br />When I saw these Wooden Bread Baking Baskets I knew they would be just the thing to take my "homemade" bread to the next level.  I've seen them many times in Martha Stewart used to package gifts and treats, too.  I love the rustic element that compliments to the already rustic bread. <br /><br />This Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Bread is soooo good.  I may have eaten half of it warm out of the oven.  I'll be giving it to all of our neighbors, teachers and friends this year as gifts.  During the holidays it is always nice to have something around the house like this for breakfast, or an afternoon snack with coffee for those last minute pop-ins of friends.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL83HOF92zZzvUj3ssbPQnCt5_HI7u7FkScp5NR-yD4IMO42bwNYnUaaOYYWZvqGsz3wVNUu5tIbXBKcpgx_EF2-V8lZTiXZPu4_c7k2I00lyJe-3-GRJWwAcxZI4BhP0_MPGTlypHGJFT/s1600/IMG_4302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL83HOF92zZzvUj3ssbPQnCt5_HI7u7FkScp5NR-yD4IMO42bwNYnUaaOYYWZvqGsz3wVNUu5tIbXBKcpgx_EF2-V8lZTiXZPu4_c7k2I00lyJe-3-GRJWwAcxZI4BhP0_MPGTlypHGJFT/s1600/IMG_4302.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Bread</i></span><br /><br /><i>Get my <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/118273/join"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">Printable Recipes</span>, here.</a></i><br /><br />1 tablespoon of vegetable oil<br />1 loaf of frozen bread dough (Rhodes brand)<br />3 tablespoons of butter, softened<br />1/3 cup of brown sugar<br />1 tablespoon of cinnamon <br />.......<br />Egg Wash : <br />1 egg, beaten<br />.......<br />2 tablespoons of butter melted<br />1 cup of powdered sugar<br />milk, to thin, if necessary <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVS8U8ZJwmwcJuPp01F9JA-KqrxXUvUfh_Xp89GZKyHu-nuDNYiNxdVDPNp7MDuzqqa2wtnS1Evb4Kk-iB_OtLCrOta7V2YqLyUNt3MwaG4z2f3a_8g0-Nf1dQ9pUPKFVUJN1rdnASnQj/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVS8U8ZJwmwcJuPp01F9JA-KqrxXUvUfh_Xp89GZKyHu-nuDNYiNxdVDPNp7MDuzqqa2wtnS1Evb4Kk-iB_OtLCrOta7V2YqLyUNt3MwaG4z2f3a_8g0-Nf1dQ9pUPKFVUJN1rdnASnQj/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Let the dough thaw overnight in the refrigerator.  You can also use your defrost setting the in microwave if you're in a pinch.  Each log of dough will make one loaf.  I put a little oil in the bowl, then put in the dough.  I flip the dough around a couple of times to coat it with the oil, so as it rises it doesn't stick to the bowl.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgV5G33-QRpEvqzL5d2G-S2b8Tqf-aM1N6c3A-dvzP2YFmlDMvXlLoupF98Y6k_ckPMk3-bpJcvFZXzESfH9_JxDsGU6n4EGZWn-pdN-NptLVrOBCYwsHnaslAIwXsmtBfS-t1hXppzhj/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgV5G33-QRpEvqzL5d2G-S2b8Tqf-aM1N6c3A-dvzP2YFmlDMvXlLoupF98Y6k_ckPMk3-bpJcvFZXzESfH9_JxDsGU6n4EGZWn-pdN-NptLVrOBCYwsHnaslAIwXsmtBfS-t1hXppzhj/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I set my oven at 120 degrees, put in a pan of warm water, and let it rise in the oven.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh2E1FI47WIqFlqmKcaX34Qo_SEKgwZixbFeczhFnpMsR-ZHh16yHsZADeWQ0GhQPKmZDLl3xZYcjngh3T8rxu2xENq74T2MOzR3CyPeBOMoH9KTU6xhQIrHQzuVMseFWyGhfWc8J6udi/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh2E1FI47WIqFlqmKcaX34Qo_SEKgwZixbFeczhFnpMsR-ZHh16yHsZADeWQ0GhQPKmZDLl3xZYcjngh3T8rxu2xENq74T2MOzR3CyPeBOMoH9KTU6xhQIrHQzuVMseFWyGhfWc8J6udi/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I decided to throw another log of dough in after I took the first photos.  This is what they looked like after rising for an hour and a half. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyBvbIwnisD1s4XWQ19RweCdjYnrx5SOJa2o4M3C7KpX_wlMphrYxgEGrv5zqrsQ-COFDB14RMgYmTAT5fV4sDk9xb4J2Ba-o-fk6OvDYgSv4YM8dHI-r-_kINJY7H3wziLGn3FZWbEVQ/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyBvbIwnisD1s4XWQ19RweCdjYnrx5SOJa2o4M3C7KpX_wlMphrYxgEGrv5zqrsQ-COFDB14RMgYmTAT5fV4sDk9xb4J2Ba-o-fk6OvDYgSv4YM8dHI-r-_kINJY7H3wziLGn3FZWbEVQ/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I separated the two, then rolled each out on a floured surface.  I had the wooden baking basket out to make sure I was rolling it out to the correct size. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36oGLHTy56JWqyvhWEtxdqXg7q7-eNLompO7AS-KgwP7O7AyReiu5_yc8jmeRrgADtdrddawGutiC96TH7WlQTv1ykgJa6m4gHqnhejcuvs7Fgh78kzbfZ84Jta1GuM1I-Meu-rM5lYaP/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36oGLHTy56JWqyvhWEtxdqXg7q7-eNLompO7AS-KgwP7O7AyReiu5_yc8jmeRrgADtdrddawGutiC96TH7WlQTv1ykgJa6m4gHqnhejcuvs7Fgh78kzbfZ84Jta1GuM1I-Meu-rM5lYaP/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Butter generously. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZF5x5KrCu1P5-EdcARhD61Uwckvezlo7YwYywPi5VYFQYTI1Lx5OWUn7avrgYPK8Yd0WqFsSsCZdOgzvr8VTXpowMOwet3RsL5A0fIOHRnKRarmDFihChgbOO0B7SqFDNWomkQvca4cEB/s1600/IMG_4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZF5x5KrCu1P5-EdcARhD61Uwckvezlo7YwYywPi5VYFQYTI1Lx5OWUn7avrgYPK8Yd0WqFsSsCZdOgzvr8VTXpowMOwet3RsL5A0fIOHRnKRarmDFihChgbOO0B7SqFDNWomkQvca4cEB/s1600/IMG_4159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Top with brown sugar and cinnamon.  You could also add raisins and nuts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlBF0C0QhkqZit7JwYbE0ym_aja5rzfDIJytdjacDDVRax0vdMiCKf1QXhTQxJJvoAilkOjgNffI89WTgMPcpAEaWLFLC4cMkvqW3WnaZAi3f4mRMvpU4j7U1_aCE9gPLBfxyiZTpCjmZ/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlBF0C0QhkqZit7JwYbE0ym_aja5rzfDIJytdjacDDVRax0vdMiCKf1QXhTQxJJvoAilkOjgNffI89WTgMPcpAEaWLFLC4cMkvqW3WnaZAi3f4mRMvpU4j7U1_aCE9gPLBfxyiZTpCjmZ/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Roll it up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHr1jkK2TFWCyJ6vxokEb0MdfjYWisRaBS5UMNhvLYj0ejHt2-kfkR1evTn2lKamcpemL2aGLM2KKFS8wAyFG51EQ5e3Uy026VCVs8s11G0PZJjBPpQEqmMPR7PV4f2qkoOjFY6J1swe/s1600/IMG_4162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHr1jkK2TFWCyJ6vxokEb0MdfjYWisRaBS5UMNhvLYj0ejHt2-kfkR1evTn2lKamcpemL2aGLM2KKFS8wAyFG51EQ5e3Uy026VCVs8s11G0PZJjBPpQEqmMPR7PV4f2qkoOjFY6J1swe/s1600/IMG_4162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And place it, seam down, into the basket.  They come with paper liners, but you don't have to use them.  The flour on the dough will help them release from the pan naturally... just like authentic bread baking baskets. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFMQN7vMKts-w1ef6eTlM7KOADbgvBjUwN8jXv0ErBcUtrMIJkyr4QZrub6Dy-gpr1mb-qqdPOzwFJ7UsInMHnHsBTiR9BeosWqbuW39YlaBay672qKLjONdHvaBsy3RCz5gF3wqs-G4P/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFMQN7vMKts-w1ef6eTlM7KOADbgvBjUwN8jXv0ErBcUtrMIJkyr4QZrub6Dy-gpr1mb-qqdPOzwFJ7UsInMHnHsBTiR9BeosWqbuW39YlaBay672qKLjONdHvaBsy3RCz5gF3wqs-G4P/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I brushed the loaf with a little oil, then let them rise for another hour and a half.  Before they go into the oven, brush with an egg wash.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4dC1MBGqbIpIsj4eLEI4W170hReEVZcI8W0SSmmGCtjdu2JzdtsyO3COUGzixTLnuVO6tfuuoXeOmVKxz2wpemKeGv_bmYSiUgguaagsO1GMd3BhL8EdIcq8vMgHVUhZfhWCOzGnhNEG/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4dC1MBGqbIpIsj4eLEI4W170hReEVZcI8W0SSmmGCtjdu2JzdtsyO3COUGzixTLnuVO6tfuuoXeOmVKxz2wpemKeGv_bmYSiUgguaagsO1GMd3BhL8EdIcq8vMgHVUhZfhWCOzGnhNEG/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />They bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes - or until golden.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBy56QDuDomWjbXbF006nSau2RuDf8PZBVfxDHBaXVO39juSyi5HiCy-xELHYxXogj5n44tJ9cbnUxyMEfz5BryxiB1ytYQpwntUycCmrVsX8fD9hYAGNXDiS2wVgYppYa-LTAlJq4e3K/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBy56QDuDomWjbXbF006nSau2RuDf8PZBVfxDHBaXVO39juSyi5HiCy-xELHYxXogj5n44tJ9cbnUxyMEfz5BryxiB1ytYQpwntUycCmrVsX8fD9hYAGNXDiS2wVgYppYa-LTAlJq4e3K/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Another way to check to see if it is done is to "thump" the bread.  If it sounds hollow it is done!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL83HOF92zZzvUj3ssbPQnCt5_HI7u7FkScp5NR-yD4IMO42bwNYnUaaOYYWZvqGsz3wVNUu5tIbXBKcpgx_EF2-V8lZTiXZPu4_c7k2I00lyJe-3-GRJWwAcxZI4BhP0_MPGTlypHGJFT/s1600/IMG_4302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL83HOF92zZzvUj3ssbPQnCt5_HI7u7FkScp5NR-yD4IMO42bwNYnUaaOYYWZvqGsz3wVNUu5tIbXBKcpgx_EF2-V8lZTiXZPu4_c7k2I00lyJe-3-GRJWwAcxZI4BhP0_MPGTlypHGJFT/s1600/IMG_4302.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I drizzled it with a simple mixture of melted butter, powdered sugar and milk to make a quick glaze.  I let it harden, then packed them up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE0ndAu38pXPJN1OKk2J3LfwqKHLMzkt7SsrBvMSmlKsk8C3ppXKY2Co-EttDXsuHAhjzhiAnldP_eWiAVVDKu9SjwR0_RhC_CYBX7czWM81Yzf6xyQUBk3mQGYZmVhaXEOgqpczP4n7x/s1600/IMG_4300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE0ndAu38pXPJN1OKk2J3LfwqKHLMzkt7SsrBvMSmlKsk8C3ppXKY2Co-EttDXsuHAhjzhiAnldP_eWiAVVDKu9SjwR0_RhC_CYBX7czWM81Yzf6xyQUBk3mQGYZmVhaXEOgqpczP4n7x/s1600/IMG_4300.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Products Used : </div><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/holiday">Large Wooden Baking Basket<br />5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon - East Hampton Hedge</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Large Cello Bag</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Frasier Fir Large Tag </a> <br /><br />

Brown Sugar & Cinnamon "Homemade" Bread | Holiday Gifts

I've told the story before - before Mike and I were even dating, I served warm "homemade" bread at a dinner party at my house,...

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Monkey Bread | Homemade Gift Ideas for the Holidays

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP9Vc27GfzVp5Z6R7D4bsKdCp9WpF3beand35qWrBILjt277L6mHdWojlA0tZOu9PZKaNSY6ipt93qhagUAKEeQtjVMEBf9P9043gOw5-2Jcv5NDEXMEh5GfLL0h3_j6RbfK7ImVqObI/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP9Vc27GfzVp5Z6R7D4bsKdCp9WpF3beand35qWrBILjt277L6mHdWojlA0tZOu9PZKaNSY6ipt93qhagUAKEeQtjVMEBf9P9043gOw5-2Jcv5NDEXMEh5GfLL0h3_j6RbfK7ImVqObI/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP9Vc27GfzVp5Z6R7D4bsKdCp9WpF3beand35qWrBILjt277L6mHdWojlA0tZOu9PZKaNSY6ipt93qhagUAKEeQtjVMEBf9P9043gOw5-2Jcv5NDEXMEh5GfLL0h3_j6RbfK7ImVqObI/s640/IMG_8973.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF4cGyritSyLl1NVoMpWMI3vIvTKvA86PnRYkbcnzwf17ga3Ezu74SP1v65Eibr2AXjuGBUMz-60IbCwVkfJ65ZbqyR3ZMz0wXAfTJAG1fYxXktNzP0C-2m3UI96IBiNrWTjJgzonvfo/s1600/IMG_8988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Monkey Bread has been a family tradition of ours since, well... my entire life.  On Christmas Eve, we would come home from Granny's house and make the Monkey Bread for the next morning (as you'll see from the instructions, it only takes minutes to make).  Waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of yeast bread rising is such a good memory.  Even now as 30-year-old+ adults, Monkey Bread is still a Christmas tradition.<br /><br />My Mom made Monkey Bread from frozen Rhodes Dinner Rolls.  She rolled them in butter, cinnamon and sugar, put them in a bundt pan and let them thaw and rise over night.  When we woke up in the morning it went into the oven for 30 minutes.  The gooey, warm rolls were too much to resist... we were licking cinnamon and sugar off of our fingers before we were done opening presents!  They are our annual Pre-Christmas morning Brunch snack... an appetizer.    <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF4cGyritSyLl1NVoMpWMI3vIvTKvA86PnRYkbcnzwf17ga3Ezu74SP1v65Eibr2AXjuGBUMz-60IbCwVkfJ65ZbqyR3ZMz0wXAfTJAG1fYxXktNzP0C-2m3UI96IBiNrWTjJgzonvfo/s1600/IMG_8988.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF4cGyritSyLl1NVoMpWMI3vIvTKvA86PnRYkbcnzwf17ga3Ezu74SP1v65Eibr2AXjuGBUMz-60IbCwVkfJ65ZbqyR3ZMz0wXAfTJAG1fYxXktNzP0C-2m3UI96IBiNrWTjJgzonvfo/s400/IMG_8988.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><br />This holiday season, share your Monkey Bread with your friends, neighbors and co-workers as a homemade gift.  I baked this Monkey Bread in a <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/products/monkey-bread-pans-paper-disposable" target="_blank">disposable baking bundt pan </a><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/products/monkey-bread-pans-paper-disposable">(available in my store, 4 for $14)</a> and wrapped it in cellophane and satin ribbon. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Monkey Bread</span><br /><i>a christmas morning tradition</i><br /><br />1 package of frozen uncooked yeast rolls (Rhodes brand)<br />1 stick of butter, melted<br />1 cup of brown sugar<br />2 tablespoons of cinnamon<br /><br />Spray a bundt pan with non-stick spray.  Melt the butter in the microwave.  In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.  Roll the frozen rolls in the butter, then in the sugar mixture.  Place all of the coated rolls in the bundt pan.  Place a towel over the pan of rolls and place it in a warm spot over night to rise.<br /><br />Rolls should have doubled in size in the morning.  Bake them at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6c2v8MvNs7ZhzQkiPpSNDkXwscEcSYF9gxMuHWF3ttzpuW-gHEm6NI1O2wjmXPqczvfjliWDNGXyeywd32taumkuanY9S60OukeCN_TM76Q6oJU0Z9RvNFT8ZGC0Z7hllxGF_BK_NGiY/s1600/IMG_8967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6c2v8MvNs7ZhzQkiPpSNDkXwscEcSYF9gxMuHWF3ttzpuW-gHEm6NI1O2wjmXPqczvfjliWDNGXyeywd32taumkuanY9S60OukeCN_TM76Q6oJU0Z9RvNFT8ZGC0Z7hllxGF_BK_NGiY/s640/IMG_8967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7784VMBfaDDL-Gaheu_mfZ8kB2HrtxlyqZa953AzyZcP5ePhtGSjl8h_QKOSHul1My7K3sQaMJObNqkETa4_wyvo0SYfNZNP2wVhHohwBAXI-sy2b9JGiU5vWFzhvwBBMXhS3pvceJI/s1600/IMG_8992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7784VMBfaDDL-Gaheu_mfZ8kB2HrtxlyqZa953AzyZcP5ePhtGSjl8h_QKOSHul1My7K3sQaMJObNqkETa4_wyvo0SYfNZNP2wVhHohwBAXI-sy2b9JGiU5vWFzhvwBBMXhS3pvceJI/s640/IMG_8992.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />

Monkey Bread | Homemade Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Monkey Bread has been a family tradition of ours since, well... my entire life.  On Christmas Eve, we would come home from Granny's hous...

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Homemade Pesto Sauce | Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce | Pasta, Pizza & Shrimp Pesto

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqdDEzhS4sMbIKC74z7PD23-J_K4mscKJTrwU8ZaDRbGKfrH3tgv7qKWI3FnrfS186Nqq8sNEvdsabiF8P1xlS4L3yg-SweSnpqMjv9PzKNp7eW2zFHvnQmoxWa1TAqZEHYTOofhIw_2C/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqdDEzhS4sMbIKC74z7PD23-J_K4mscKJTrwU8ZaDRbGKfrH3tgv7qKWI3FnrfS186Nqq8sNEvdsabiF8P1xlS4L3yg-SweSnpqMjv9PzKNp7eW2zFHvnQmoxWa1TAqZEHYTOofhIw_2C/s640/IMG_2858.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I have pesto sauce in my refrigerator, I know I can easily make something great at a moments notice - <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-shrimp-pesto-appetizer-tomato.html">Shrimp Pesto Appetizer with Grilled Bread</a>, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/03/pesto-shrimp-pizza-recipe-homemade.html">Shrimp Pesto Pizza</a>, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/heirloom-tomato-summer-pesto-pasta.html">Heirloom Tomatoes with Angel Hair Pasta and Pesto</a>, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/corn-on-cob-with-basil-butter-summer.html">Corn on the Cob with Pesto Butter</a>...  The list goes on.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do yourself a favor, make a big batch of homemade pesto sauce this Summer while the basil is bountiful (read : cheap).  Freeze it in an ice cub tray for perfect individual servings to use at any time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqXnV_mGkEPMfBS0dx0nz4Fe_h5nHPeo5OzDA2MV4XIm3-tec3VgyK-JJAb_ITQmpO-hLwJXL9vhBVzPD6peIeJvGI7vIvBG3DeFmPRRkr5LjzgdEJrVebA021pzGa0-cYygHVn0tQ2zd/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqXnV_mGkEPMfBS0dx0nz4Fe_h5nHPeo5OzDA2MV4XIm3-tec3VgyK-JJAb_ITQmpO-hLwJXL9vhBVzPD6peIeJvGI7vIvBG3DeFmPRRkr5LjzgdEJrVebA021pzGa0-cYygHVn0tQ2zd/s320/IMG_2907.JPG" width="320" /></a>Homemade Pesto Recipe...</div><a name="more"></a>4 cloves of garlic, peeled<br />1/3 cup of parmesan, grated or in chunks<br />2 cups of basil leaves<br />1/2 teaspoon of salt<br />1/2 teaspoon of pepper<br />3/4 cups of olive oil<br /><br />For the pesto, start with a food processor or blender.  Put in garlic and parmesan.  Pulse until the garlic and parmesan is in fine pieces.  Add in basil leaves, salt, pepper & olive oil.  Continue to pulse until a green paste has formed.  You may need to add more olive oil if you'd like it thinner.<br /><br />Some of my favorite Pesto Recipes :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROkGaApmihBFZ0CQkT1PHpnF2Rjk2jbl8OzMQP-Itd7mZq1GsrE__OtSxhjM1W2I5jyJA64LfqdwPZeBnSxpr17KiRWl8RJ4TnLvreXRXEmf-DU7sga4kCbExNlx8OhaoPNcNiTrI8936/s1600/IMG_3068_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROkGaApmihBFZ0CQkT1PHpnF2Rjk2jbl8OzMQP-Itd7mZq1GsrE__OtSxhjM1W2I5jyJA64LfqdwPZeBnSxpr17KiRWl8RJ4TnLvreXRXEmf-DU7sga4kCbExNlx8OhaoPNcNiTrI8936/s640/IMG_3068_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/heirloom-tomato-summer-pesto-pasta.html">Heirloom Tomatoes with Angel Hair Pasta and Pesto</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw25pVFOAjAyRGUE07CvUTDCkn5q8xO6NOsbAbxAyVj3CHPOkTPYiVGfai2TGgCgN4Pu-AHuTDnEAP_iMKpyi-Eh4dplxPHdlKqp2Or7bBtGnUd-oDd9TiKLJgoRq7PpFgbkGzfdjeUZC2/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw25pVFOAjAyRGUE07CvUTDCkn5q8xO6NOsbAbxAyVj3CHPOkTPYiVGfai2TGgCgN4Pu-AHuTDnEAP_iMKpyi-Eh4dplxPHdlKqp2Or7bBtGnUd-oDd9TiKLJgoRq7PpFgbkGzfdjeUZC2/s640/IMG_3662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/corn-on-cob-with-basil-butter-summer.html">Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvWZAAmE1K5tBL6SlXqPfw4wktHeU79H5HnRelbH-kTD9S2WcothQRSJ0pWE8VOqSdqWDrsESnmLB8L8y2CesyCbUGIq_Z8NDs2eHdJyfsuDQ-pW7GMFVTSjdF-XnHovtAOjGO1MHjjvz/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvWZAAmE1K5tBL6SlXqPfw4wktHeU79H5HnRelbH-kTD9S2WcothQRSJ0pWE8VOqSdqWDrsESnmLB8L8y2CesyCbUGIq_Z8NDs2eHdJyfsuDQ-pW7GMFVTSjdF-XnHovtAOjGO1MHjjvz/s640/IMG_2941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/12/recipes-shrimp-pesto-appetizer-tomato.html">Shrimp Pesto Appetizer with Grilled Bread </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyEAEoDzIuuORFrn-rw9K88F-8D1nbTmG0_czVzQfk0k8f6Jnp3NEDmej8wHSD6o8B8_8N0qLH6dMEMTBtlTo9BMwiUsRLa9GR1lAZYFBJloFokPcJmI3yGFMeGD1g99nH_46y6uQqVe1/s1600/IMG_7559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyEAEoDzIuuORFrn-rw9K88F-8D1nbTmG0_czVzQfk0k8f6Jnp3NEDmej8wHSD6o8B8_8N0qLH6dMEMTBtlTo9BMwiUsRLa9GR1lAZYFBJloFokPcJmI3yGFMeGD1g99nH_46y6uQqVe1/s640/IMG_7559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/03/pesto-shrimp-pizza-recipe-homemade.html">Shrimp Pesto Pizza Recipe >></a>

Homemade Pesto Sauce | Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce | Pasta, Pizza & Shrimp Pesto

If I have pesto sauce in my refrigerator, I know I can easily make something great at a moments notice - Shrimp Pesto Appetizer with Grilled...

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Valentine's Day Card Template | Valentine's Day Label Template to Print

<br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZF6ZyX60qfKNusP4TQokcoC4zqJb6gNaONtuHRKzaKFykVQxHntzvsD7hFY-SdPPeURnW6Crff8BR5Itt0j5zp7zMv7XTutc0mZjPDNY7-jWkTIEGoGxxZMxbks3fqXIbQxA9yptgBXK/s400/Valentines.jpg" width="308" /> </div><br />I love Valentine's Day.  I love that it is officially a holiday where homemade gifts for friends and family are welcome.  I love homemade gifts that don't look "homemade."<br /><br />Create a homemade gift with a professional look with <a href="http://www.jennysteffens.com/valentinesdayfre.html">these Valentine's Day Cards & Labels templates you can print yourself</a>.<br /><br /><br /> Download them <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx1nF41OqPi-MVFmMVVRZXpPVGM/edit">here</a>, to create your own goodies!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are a few ways I've used them :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjh1NlVgaZE6xJvQuB7gBOVzqBFvJhuIK2PMNI_MnlFwyt_qjGFjLSnmrd8MFsubF7M-ircGH-87Z7MHYmZgIb0uEB1kaOlVkfTep6hgGggAg1Bmp_rrmC5H1aZIQE2uDqlX7xpi25My/s1600/IMG_5804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjh1NlVgaZE6xJvQuB7gBOVzqBFvJhuIK2PMNI_MnlFwyt_qjGFjLSnmrd8MFsubF7M-ircGH-87Z7MHYmZgIb0uEB1kaOlVkfTep6hgGggAg1Bmp_rrmC5H1aZIQE2uDqlX7xpi25My/s640/IMG_5804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Use the "Have a SWEET Day" label to create this cupcake gift.  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-cupcakes-cupcake-boxes.html">For step-by-step directions for making the cupcake gift box, click here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgu-VSZADBxfJtku08AVUMuijH9rhCJCYiKj76KkLycZJRSSMRRSuEOSMFxrgAkCwXOEKZHR9LBKn0AahRIKeco6uddNL0iHnygWv3dTtwuTZkN-ykBpIS2d0xIwb3K7LsYUwov6gdMFq/s1600/IMG_5733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgu-VSZADBxfJtku08AVUMuijH9rhCJCYiKj76KkLycZJRSSMRRSuEOSMFxrgAkCwXOEKZHR9LBKn0AahRIKeco6uddNL0iHnygWv3dTtwuTZkN-ykBpIS2d0xIwb3K7LsYUwov6gdMFq/s640/IMG_5733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Wish your friends a "Lovely" Valentine's Day with this little grocery store bouquet of tulips.  <br /><br /><br />More Homemade Valentine's Day Ideas :  <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ei2YZ-G4Bcizkn9A2aIrIYcNSsrakrz_E_w-zKKtphWFckeGwRWie-6jtsG06cbanyvUmN4VIUpiKWktj0HlFBB2SVmfDfuR_e4wrR3eWxG4xz-yyyZ-0MWzYx9UZPPM8Miw8G_Ne4FJ/s1600/IMG_5877.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ei2YZ-G4Bcizkn9A2aIrIYcNSsrakrz_E_w-zKKtphWFckeGwRWie-6jtsG06cbanyvUmN4VIUpiKWktj0HlFBB2SVmfDfuR_e4wrR3eWxG4xz-yyyZ-0MWzYx9UZPPM8Miw8G_Ne4FJ/s320/IMG_5877.JPG" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ei2YZ-G4Bcizkn9A2aIrIYcNSsrakrz_E_w-zKKtphWFckeGwRWie-6jtsG06cbanyvUmN4VIUpiKWktj0HlFBB2SVmfDfuR_e4wrR3eWxG4xz-yyyZ-0MWzYx9UZPPM8Miw8G_Ne4FJ/s1600/IMG_5877.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-cupcakes-flowers-tulips.html">Valentine's Day Cupcakes & Flowers - Get the step-by-step directions here!</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o3U5wQ075cx5r3Zt-5KEWLJLJnGyNiUa7bpgC4VtUAen_l0bFxjtM2UNIAs0IeSRwSitVPf4v2-6MVw7B4_ni_wJ_hsWFnn2vg9yqiKzkCbTCkYHjU12njMjUWPw5TPC-CcIsZjj8eJd/s1600/IMG_5733.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o3U5wQ075cx5r3Zt-5KEWLJLJnGyNiUa7bpgC4VtUAen_l0bFxjtM2UNIAs0IeSRwSitVPf4v2-6MVw7B4_ni_wJ_hsWFnn2vg9yqiKzkCbTCkYHjU12njMjUWPw5TPC-CcIsZjj8eJd/s320/IMG_5733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjh1NlVgaZE6xJvQuB7gBOVzqBFvJhuIK2PMNI_MnlFwyt_qjGFjLSnmrd8MFsubF7M-ircGH-87Z7MHYmZgIb0uEB1kaOlVkfTep6hgGggAg1Bmp_rrmC5H1aZIQE2uDqlX7xpi25My/s1600/IMG_5804.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> Valentine's Day DIY Flowers - <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-flowers-diy-diy.html">Get the step-by-step directions here!</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JjUfiEdKPIwG7Hve_GmRIMhZslmNRdFZtuywSVh1Lbv4ydQpGmhFsbcG8u_qemihyphenhyphen02HWQzDXmz7pOmWERuZlNo0QnCeM46PP3Z_f-eDhMprdPoO4PEu4VtWZdtnW0hGO17NnJsTy6qE/s1600/IMG_5183.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JjUfiEdKPIwG7Hve_GmRIMhZslmNRdFZtuywSVh1Lbv4ydQpGmhFsbcG8u_qemihyphenhyphen02HWQzDXmz7pOmWERuZlNo0QnCeM46PP3Z_f-eDhMprdPoO4PEu4VtWZdtnW0hGO17NnJsTy6qE/s320/IMG_5183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies -<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-day-sugar-cookies-heart.html"> Get the step-by-step directions here!</a>

Valentine's Day Card Template | Valentine's Day Label Template to Print

I love Valentine's Day.  I love that it is officially a holiday where homemade gifts for friends and family are welcome.  I love homema...

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