Cat Can Cook

One of my all-time favorite recipes to make at this time of the year, is Apple Crisp. With apples in abundance, and the simplicity of this recipe, this seems like the perfect time to share it!

Apple Crisp

2 Cups Chopped Apples

2/3 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Butter or Margarine

1 1/3 Cups White Flour

Dash of Cinnamon

Spread the Chopped Apples in the bottom of a small cake pan or pie plate. Combine Brown Sugar, Butter (or Margarine) and Flour (I use my hands to work it in really well!) Spread the mixture over the apples, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and Bake in a 375 degrees oven for about 1/2 an hour or until top is golden. Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream!

Fall is in the air, and it’s time to accessorize! A simple outfit can go from casual day wear, to stunning evening attire with the addition of a few simple accessories. It should also be noted that even a simple t-shirt and jeans can use a *dash* of colour and style by adding a pair of earrings, bracelet, necklace, or even all three. Try some of these simple tips!

Here are Catherine’s Top 5 Jewelry Picks for Fall 2008:

1. Pearls - especially over-sized ones! Every girl needs a real string of pearls. They add class and glamour to even the simplest little black dress! So lovely and simple, this timeless classic is a must-have for every jewelry box!

2. Themed pieces - Whether it is “Nautical” with a bracelet of sea-shells and fish, “Nature” with earthy tones and natural stones, or a specific colour theme, such pieces give a feeling of a co-ordination, and really pull a look together nicely.

3. Costume Jewelry - Rhinestones sparkle and shine! What girl doesn’t want a little bit of bling? I have sets that belonged to both my Grandmother, and my Mom, and although I have been “saving” them (what for?) I pull them out to admire them often. They’re just so beautiful and elegant, and oh so sparkly! Flea Markets, family treasures or even Garage Sales are great places to find these costume treasures!

4. Think Pink - Pink is, as always, a hot trend in colour, so wear lots of it! It comes in such an array of gorgeous shades, from the softest “Baby Pink” to vibrant “Fuchsia” If you’re a girly-girl, you’ll have no trouble adding this colour into your daily jewelry choices, and if not, keep it simple with a pink hair clip, small pink earrings or a pink bangle.

5. Be unique - When it comes to jewelry, don’t you want people to notice yours? I’m not saying that we should all plaster ourselves with the tackiest of pieces, all layered together in complete fashion chaos Like Tammy Fay. That’s just asking for trouble… But why not mix styles, colours, textures, eras, and try new things. Develop your own trends! Be daring when it comes to accessorizing!

Brand new spooky skull earrings are ready! I have added some new designs to my store! Stay tuned for more exciting new designs in the coming days!

If you’re looking for cute and wearable Halloween jewelry,visit my store to view my line of Halloween Accessories! I think you’ll agree, they are Bootiful!!!

Are you looking for a fun, original and in-expensive gift ideas? Do you know someone who would love hand crafted jewelry? Are you tired of the same old same old from the mall?

My designs are perfect for anyone and everyone who likes jewelry! They make great gifts, they are totally affordable, and there are always new styles being added to my on-line store! You can even buy yourself a little something and not feel bad about spending a lot of money!

Check out: the CatCanCook STORE

Enjoy, and tell me what you think! I love getting feedback!

CALLING ALL COOKS!!!

I am opening up for submissions for my first ever CatCanCook Recipe Contest!

There are no rules, just that recipes must be *easy* and *tried & true* If you are borrowing a recipe from somewhere, please give credit to the source from which you obtained it, whether that is a book, a family member or a web-site etc.

I will choose my favorite three submissions, and the winning submission will receive a piece of my handmade jewellery as first prize! The 2 runners-up will have their recipes published on my web-site!

Family and friends are welcome to enter!

Please e-mail recipe submissions to:

cat@catcancook.com

DEADLINE: September 22, 2008

Goodluck and may the best cook win!!!

CatCanCook has a Facebook page! Join my FACEBOOK PAGE by becoming a fan! If you love my famous Banana Muffins (who doesn’t?) you’ll LOVE my jewellery equally as much!

My business is really starting to get off the ground, and I want to thank you all for being such loyal supporters of my creative endeavours!

Check out the CatCanCook Store for all new hand made designs, just in time for the upcoming fall season. It’s hard to believe it’s nearly here as the days get shorter and the nights get colder!

Designs are unique and one-of-a-kind! I’ve had so much fun crafting these new and beautiful creations from beads I’ve bought from all over the world!

Fun, Spooky, Sweet and sure to please all the ghouls, ghosts and goblins this October!

Visit my store or check out the sidebar (scroll down to see some of my brand new designs!)

They are fun, funky and fresh…all hand-crafted with love by ME!

I have been crafting up a storm (so to speak) and in the past couple of weeks, I have made about 50 new pair of earrings! My brother and I are collaborating on a show in November, and I must have alot of stock ready for that event…so…I will try my hardest to get some photos taken and the pictures posted in my store. It is rather lacking these days in *stock* A lot of it has sold (including a necklace today - Thank-you for your order Bree, your e-mail bounced back and so I cannot reach you via e-mail) but your necklace will be on its way to you tomorrow!

I LOVE jewellery making, crafting, scrapbooking, art in so many forms. It is wonderful be finally be at a stage in my life again as my children grow and become more independent, that I am able to do these loved hobbies once more…it just brings me so much joy to be creative.

So, stay tuned in the upcoming days (I hope not weeks) as I post more “beaded delights” for sale…hey, now *there* is the title I should use for my book! Another project I would like to complete in the near future. I want to share this passion with the world! Ain’t art grand?

I’ve been so busy scrap-booking lately, that my cooking seems to have taken, um, the *back burner* Pun intended!

Anyhow, another recipe that I have altered slightly to make my own! They are the best and easiest cookies ever! Very moist, not crunchy at all…my children LOVE them, and ask to make them with me daily it seems!

I like to use silicone baking sheets for my cookies. As with all cookies, be careful not to over-bake! When you take them out of the oven, they should look almost a little raw in the centre, but golden around the edges…

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

3/4 Cup White Sugar

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Cup Margarine

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 Large Egg

2 1/3 Cups White Flour

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 pkg. Chocolate Chip (I like the PC Decadent Brand)

Heat oven to 375. Mix the 2 types of sugar, margarine, vanilla and egg well. Stir in flour, soda, salt, and chocolate chips. Dough should be firm.  If it isn’t, add in a touch more flour and mix thoroughly until it is firmer.

Drop the dough by rounded TBSP. about 2 inches apart onto silicone (or greased regular) baking sheets. Bake about 8 minutes until edges are lightly browned.

Grab a coffee, or a milk, and enjoy!