RECIPE OF THE WEEK : HUNGARIAN COMFORT FOOD ~ CHICKEN PAPRICASH

This is a very special recipe. It brings back sweet memories of my Daddy. He used to make it often and taught me how. I miss you Daddy...

Now for the recipe...

CHICKEN PAPRICASH

1 whole chicken cut cut up or thighs or all white meat pieces

1 medium onion diced

2 tablespoons veg. oil

2 tablespoons paprika

1 teaspoon salt (you can add salt to taste after)

Water (or chicken stock if you use all white meat)

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup flour

In a large pot saute onion in oil until translucent. Add Paprika and salt and mix.

Add chicken and stir around and coat the chicken with the mixture.

Add water just to cover the chicken and simmer until the chicken is done. All white meat doesn't take as long. I simmer the whole chicken parts about one hour. White meat only, about 30 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pot. Remove the skin and bones. (this is why I like to use chicken tenders... so much easier) Set chicken aside.

Put sour cream in a bowl with the flour. Add a little cold water or chicken stock to it and mix well. Gradually add this to the pot to thicken the sauce stirring constantly while it is on medium heat. You may have to add more flour and water if it isn't thick enough and repeat the process. Don't add more sour cream though.

That's it! Serve with noodles, rice or spetzel. Delicious!

Homemade Photography Light Box

We all know how important good photographs are for listings of our handmade items for online sales. I have heard that light boxes are the answer to many of the problems that can occur when photographing at home. They can be costly, but, I was able to make one for free!!!

This light box didn't cost me a thing! I made it with found objects from around the house. If you don't have some of these items at home, you can buy them very inexpensively. Be very careful using the razor blades...we don't want any injuries. Obviously not a project for unsupervised children.

1. You'll need a cardboard box. Mine is 12 x 12 x 12...If you don't have one, you can find one behind most retail establishments...or ask a neighbor!

2. A ruler.

3. Razor blade or matt knife.

4. Sharpie or pen.

5. Scotch tape.

6. Tracing or tissue paper.

7. white copy paper.

Mark out the lines with the ruler and sharpie where you will need to cut out a square on three sides of the box. I measued in 1 1/2 inches all the way around. Then cut carefully with your razor blade or box cutter.

Cut tracing paper or tissue paper to cover the holes and tape in place with scotch tape.

Put a piece of copy paper in the back and bottom of the box.

I had these telescoping hallogen lamps I use at craft shows. Caution! Hallogen lamps get very hot! Do not leave them un attended. You should not leave any lamp unattended when used this close to paper!!!They worked very well. You can use any desk lamps you may have. Daylight bulbs are best. You can buy them at hardware store.

This next photo is the result! Pretty good just as it is, but, it could easily be a little better!

I went to www.picnik.com . It's a free online photo editing site! I simply used the quick fix feature (far left tab) and saved it to my computer! What do you think?

You can do it, too!

Vegan Healthy and Delicious No Guilt Brownies! YAY!

This is for my friend Karen!

Today is her birthday! Happy birthday sweet friend!

Here is the recipe:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine and mix well:

2 cups of whole wheat flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 rounded tablespoon stevia sweetener (I use NuStevia brand...the best tasting)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups unsweetened applesauce

Push combined ingredients to one side of the bowl and make two holes (caves) in the mixture.

In one cave, add 1 1/2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar

In the other cave add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

On the empty half of the bowl, add 2 cups of unsweetened applesauce

In measuring cup put 1 cup of filtered water and 1 tablespoon instant coffee (optional)

The coffee really enhances the chocolate flavor though.

Pour the water/coffee mixture into the bowl and mix everything together well.

Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with non stick spray and pour mixture into it.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes

Cool completely before cutting into 24 squares. Each square about 50 calories

They are actually much, much tastier the next day.

Enjoy! Guilt free!

Visit Karen's studio at:

http://www.kgkrafts.artfire.com/

Sweet Little Angels

These little angels are handmade from real noodles by my friend Michelle.

She makes them in many different styles. I just love these that are holding a little baby. They are available in pink, blue and green. A very sweet gift for new parents.

You can view her shop on Etsy here:

www.michellesshop.etsy.com