Saturday, April 25, 2020

MODERN FARMHOUSE RUNNER

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Make your environment cozy as possible, I say. And your table is a great place to start. Lately we are spending so much time cooking, baking and eating, we are practically living at the dining table. Your table is a big blank canvas just waiting for you. A modern farmhouse runner could be what you need...a little project and an excuse to decorate. A runner ready to be painted, stained, personalized, stenciled, distressed any way you like. You can even repaint it a new color to celebrate the change of seasons or holidays. Or change it on a whim, if you like, because you can. The basic shape is there. You can make it any length to suit your table. Wipes up spills easily and you never have to iron it. Always perfect. Now you can elevate staying home in a comfy space.


 Lights are always nice...

This is what you will need-
4' x 12" x 1" Poplar Board
Pencil & Paper
Jig Saw
Power Sander
Power Drill
Sandpaper- Medium and Fine Grit
Paint
Paint Brush and Roller


Start with you board. Poplar wood is easy to cut and 12" is a nice width for a runner. The slight height of the 1" adds a nice element of elevation to the table.


Download template and print...Link here.


Cut out and trace template onto both ends of the wood board.


Clamp board to table.



Drill single hole in end.





Drill three holes as shown to start heart cutout.








With jig saw, cut out heart as shown.








Cut curve end as shown. Repeat curve and cutout directions for opposite end of the board.






With sander or by hand, use medium grit sandpaper and sand all edges.



Curl small pieces of sand paper to smooth inside and edges of the heart cutout.

Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust.


When painting, place the board on two cans, easier to paint and to spot for drips.




Use a brush for sides, cutouts and a roller to paint the flat wide surfaces of the board. I used Farrow & Ball paint, Strong White color, in a semigloss finish. Paint stores have the "recipe" for most paint colors so you can have any color mixed for you. Pick any color you like, that's the beauty of design, make it yours. Let dry. Sand entire board lightly with fine grit sandpaper.


Wipe down and apply a second coat of paint. 


Cut two-30" lengths of string, ribbon, leather, twine, anything you like. I imagine I will switch the twine used here for some pretty ribbon later.



Double, loop through single hole. Tie a knot at the end.


A soft and quiet holiday, or an intimate evening...


Maybe just some soft lighting...


Add a garland...


Fabulous as a charcuterie tray...


Celebrate staying home, comfy and cozy...














Saturday, April 11, 2020

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

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This almost needs no introduction.


With all that comfort baking going on in you kitchen, this is the simplest, most professional, yummiest recipe you can make. With ease. It is feel good all over, fighting over the spatula, finger licking good. Trust me on this one...Stay home and comfort bake.

To make Mini Cakes-

Prepare your favorite cake recipe. Or use a box cake mix, if you prefer.



Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with parchment. Spread batter evenly as possible.

Bake. Let cool.


Remove cake from pan by lifting the parchment paper. Set on a hard surface. With a 4-inch diameter circle cookie cutter cut out six mini cakes.



Remove from pan.


With a sharp knife slice each cake in half.


Frost with buttercream frosting. 


Buttercream Frosting-
1 C. Butter (slightly soft)
5 C. Powdered Sugar
2-3 Tsp. Milk
2 Tsp. Vanilla


Add sugar and soft butter to a stand mixer. Mix with a flat paddle.


Mix on low until butter is slightly crumbly.


Add milk and mix.


Blend in vanilla.


Switch to the whisk beater.


Mix on medium low until just until all the vanilla is blended in.


Cover mixer with a kitchen towel and change speed to high and whip for 2 minutes.


Frosting should look soft and fluffy.


Chocolate Buttercream Frosting-

1 C. Butter (slightly soft)
4 C. Powdered Sugar
2-3 Tsp. Milk
2 Tsp. Vanilla
1 C. Powdered Cocoa

Follow directions for Buttercream Frosting above.


Invite yourself over and party!


Stay home and bake.