December 18th-Dino Cake

Tomorrow is my girl's 5th birthday party. This is a big one for her  because it is the first time we are having a kids party. She wanted to invite only boys because she doesn't think girls like Dinosaurs. We convinced her that inviting friends would be more appropriate than random boys.  She's wearing a plastic pith helmet and her girlfriends will have pink princess crowns. We are playing pass the dinosaur and going on a archaeological expedition where the kids can search for dinosaurs and dinosaur eggs. We have a craft with pink glittery dinosaurs to appeal to everyone.

I'm a pretty ok hostess. I can throw an intimate dinner for 8 without much grief. I host major Holidays. I've thrown a bridal shower brunch. I like those things. I'm comfortable in that arena.

Kids parties, not so much. I'm completely out of my element. I think I've been on the phone with Deanna (Queen of Children's Party Planning) every day this week about a 2 hour party for 9 pre-schoolers. And to tell you the truth, Deanna planned most of this party for me.  I did, in fact, come up with the cake myself. It's not the prettiest cake I've ever made but my girl is going to love it when she sees it tomorrow morning. I am particularly fond of the volcano made from a sugar cone and red sparkly gel frosting.

Crab Apple Time!

On the property where we have our yearly vacation is a large gorgeous Crab Apple tree. What is a gal to do with (free) crab apples you ask!

Last year I made Crab Apple jelly and Crab Apple liqueur. They were both yummy. The favorite among my friends was the liqueur. (Although I do think Deanna used the jelly over a ham which I thought was quite nice!) I made an experimental batch last year that weconsumed rather quickly at a dinner party. I also sent guests home with little bottles. Bridget made Crab Apple martinis. I like it served over ice with some sparkling water.

It's outrageously easy!

4 quarts crab apples
4 cups sugar
3 cups vodka (you can use a cheap kind!)

Procedure:
Take a 4 quart mason jar, and fill it with crab apples that have been washed and quartered.
Add 4 cups of sugar and three cups of vodka. Store the jar on its side, turning once every day for 30 days to get the sugar to dissolve.
After 30 days, filter out the fruit bits and bottle. This recipe can be done on nearly any scale from 1 qt. to 4qt.



It's all I'm making this year! I have 3 large jars started and will have more tomorrow after I purchase more vodka. Hoping that I have enough for myself this year as well as some to give as gifts this Christmas!

Crab Apples Part 2

Another thing I made with the bounty of Crab Apples that we got on vacation is this beautiful Crab Apple Liquer.

It was really easy and, of course, cheap!!!

4 quarts crab apples (free)
4 cups sugar (I'm calling this free as I purchased it for the jelly)
3 cups vodka -Cheap! (I spoke with the man at the liquor store and he didn't think I needed to use a very high quality vodka as I was using a lot of sugar. I bought one of the cheapest ones (can't remember what it was though)

Procedure:
Take a 4 quart mason jar, and fill it with crab apples that have been washed and quartered.
Add 4 cups of sugar and three cups of vodka. Store the jar on its side, turning once every day for 30 days to get the sugar to dissolve.
After 30 days, filter out the fruit bits and bottle. This recipe can be done on nearly any scale from 1 qt. to 4qt.

I bottled it in vintage soda bottles that I got for free at a Garage Sale this summer and then gave it with the crab apple jelly as gifts at our dinner party this past Saturday. We also served it over ice with a splash of seltzer for a cocktail upon arrival! It was really yummy! My supply of this is gone now but I liked it so much I may head on over to Deanna's house to pick some crab apples off her tree which she says is brimming with them!

Edited to add- Bridgett called me to let me know that she made Crab Apple Martinis with this and they were YUMMY!!!!!!!!