Mmmmmm..... Cheese Danish

Weekend breakfast is something we look forward to.  No rushing, no time crunch, no fussing .... just delicious food on a slow, easy morning.  This is when I like to use recipes that not only I know my family will gobble up, but also ones that won't keep me away from snuggle time.  
Quick & Easy Cheese Danish is the perfect pick!!

Cresent dough is what makes these so quick and the cream cheese is what makes them so creamy good!

A spoonful of cherry pie filling, a sprinkling of cinnamon or a tossing of chocolate chips can make these easily personalized to suit individual taste. 

I like mine with a drizzle of sweet icing touched with a bit of lemon zest.  Simple but delish!  

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Quick & Easy Cheese Danish

2 cans cresent rolls

1 8oz. block of cream cheese, softened

1 egg yolk

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

pinch of salt

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 tbs. milk or water

In a mixing bowl beat the cream cheese until completely smooth.  Add sugar and vanilla.  Mix until incorporated.  Add egg yolk and beat until just mixed.  Unroll cresent dough and form 8 rectangles by keeping two triangles together.  Place them at least 2" apart onto cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.  {Four fit on a cookie sheet perfectly.}  Be sure to pinch the perforations to keep the shape of a rectangle.  Spread about 2 heaping tablespoons full of the cheese mixture onto each rectangle.  Be sure to leave an edge to keep cheese from getting onto the pan.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly brown.  Drizzle danishes with glaze and serve warm.

Makes 8.

Cleaning Silver.... the easy way!

Don't you hate it when you're out shopping and you find something that is super cute made from silver, but it's so badly tarnished that you end up putting it back down and walking away?  I do.  

I came across this adorable cat ring holder not long ago in a stinky, grody antique store.  It was dirty and tarnished BUT... only $1.50!!  SOLD!  So, I brought her home and put her on my window sill to hold my wedding rings.  (My skin and rings have a love/hate relationship so they are taken off as soon as I get home.)  She has been loyally keeping my beloved rings safe from the garbage disposal and trash can for a while now.  I was beginning to feel guilty and figured it was time to break down and give her a bath.

Here is how I did it.  It was super easy, took no time at all and it was cheap.  Awesome!

"Before"

Here she is...... tarnished and dirty.  I love the way vintage items look aged so I didn't want her to be polished and shiny...... just a littler cleaner and more lively.  

Here is all you need:  

A bowl or pan.... big enough for the item you want to clean
Salt..... I used good old Kosher salt
Baking Soda.... robbed it from my freezer
A piece of aluminum foil.... I folded mine up to fit my bowl
The item or items you wish to clean
Hot water

I added about 3 Tbs. baking soda

Then added about 3 Tbs. salt

I poured 1 1/2 cups of hot tap water into the bowl.  I gave it a quick stir to get things dissolved before adding the ring holder.

Here she is taking a soak.  I have to say that it began to look cleaner almost immediately.  There was a slight sulfur odor that came from it but nothing too crazy so try not to worry.  I turned the holder over to allow the mixture to cover it completely and let it soak for about an hour.  After I took it out.... I rinsed it under cold running water and wiped over it with a wash cloth.  I also used an old toothbrush for the tight spots and crevices but certainly didn't break a sweat doing so.

"After"

And here she is.... isn't she sweet?  I was worried that the glass for her eyes would get cloudy or change in some way, but it didn't.  Yay!  When combined, the aluminum foil, baking soda, water and salt start a chemical reaction which probably explains the slight sulfur odor and is the reason for the cleaning.  I've heard of others using an aluminum pan rather than the foil which still causes the reaction.... so you have a choice as to which you prefer.

It was such a simple process and took me no time at all.  I have no idea why I didn't do it sooner.  Now, I'll be sure to grab up other great little silver finds and you should too!

Which reminds me..... I have some spoon rings that could use a good soak!

. I'd love to hear about your experience using this technique!  And., I'd love to see what you're cleaning even more.  Be sure to leave a comment with a link so we can see!!  

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies, Delish!

One of my very favorite things in the world is a GOOD chocolate chip cookie.  I prefer them to be soft and gooey with a touch of crispness at the first bite.  The simple addition of a box of instant pudding transforms the regular run of the mill chocolate chip cookie into something glorious and satisfying.

Speaking of satisfying.  Cookie dough ya'll, It's a downfall for me. 

 How about you?

The finished product is just as fulfilling as the dough.  I promise, you're going to get hugs and high fives from your family, every single time you bust these out!  

You'll be surprised how easily these cookies are to make.  The pudding takes the texture through the roof as well as the flavor.  This recipe can be doubled and the cookies can be stored in an air tight container for days.  No concern for longevity though..... they disappear quickly! 

 Here you go:

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The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever!!

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 (3.5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix (white chocolate, cheesecake, chocolate, etc)
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips.... I always use good old Nestle

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars.  Add pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla.  Combine flour, salt and baking powder;  add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Fold in chips.  Drop by tsp. or tablespoons onto a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.  

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Extra tips & suggestions:

*I like to use a scoop so that they are the same size and look neat & tidy.

*I usually use mini chips as I think you have a better, more even flavor of chocolate.

*The addition of nuts changes the flavor entirely.  Pecans & Walnuts are the best.  The amount is up to you but I enjoy a full cup.

*Never over-bake your chocolate chip cookies.  They will become hard and brittle rather than soft and gooey.   

*Margarine is a great substitute but butter is better.  Shortening will give a nice end product but the flavor tends to be bland.

I'd love to hear how yours turned out..... be sure to let me know!  

Today is the Day

Hi there.....my name is Judi Music.  Many of you know me from Facebook and Etsy where I have sold purses, diaper bags and clutches for years.  There may even be a few of you who remember me from my old blog Plumtickled.  I loved my little blog.  It was a place that I could visit and share what I enjoyed.  I would chronicle moments with my family, a few little recipes, thrifting finds, my weird little stories and my sewing.  I started it when I had two older boys and a baby girl.  Then I added an online shop.  Then I added another girl. Then I added school.  Eventually my little blog was set aside due to the busyness of my life.  Sniff, sniff.

     But here I am again..... and I'm very, very excited!  Let me tell you a tiny bit of what is to come:
          Recipes:  I will be sharing all of my favorite recipes and giving little tips that I think will help you in the kitchen.  (My sweet Mama was my teacher.)

Tutorials:  I have tons of sewing and /DIY projects for you.  (Yay!)

Show & Tell:  This is where I will be sharing all of the tip-top things I find while thrifting as well as corners of our home.

Musings:  Sometimes, I just have to write it down.  (It gets interesting.)

Shop:  This is a link to my Etsy shop.  (I'm still getting it situated... soon my people, soon!)

Style:  I'm addicted to clothes!  I love finding new ways to do my hair and makeup and trying new products and will add it right here.

 I made many lasting friendships through Plumtickled and hope to do the same here at The Carpenter's Wife.  Please feel free to leave a comment and I'll be sure to answer any questions you have and attempt any requests you give.  I'd also love to know what you are up to as well!  You can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. (See those pink buttons over there on the right?  They'll take you straight to me.)    Thank you so much for visiting.  I hope to connect with you, inspire you and see you here often!!