Nummy for the tummy...and the right brain

Food and crafts in one book? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it isn’t. Instead, it’s Paper Crafts Gourmet, the newest book release from my friends at Paper Crafts magazine.

This is actually one of the final projects I worked on with the Paper Crafts team, so it has an extra special place in my heart. Or maybe it fills that space because my cute Mommy has a recipe for her Simply Swiss Steak in it. Or, quite possibly, it’s because I designed a party ensemble using my favorite Polaroid camera for one of the included dishes. Or, perhaps it hits that feel-good spot for me because it’s food and crafts, two of my favorite things. No matter how you slice it, this is a must-have to add to your Christmas list.

Want to know a yummy secret? Since I was on the PC staff at the time this book was created, I had the delicious task of taste testing ALL of the recipes before they were selected. Getting paid to eat? Awesome. So, you have my word, and the word of the PC editors, that these dishes are delish!

One such tasty recipe: Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits, from the always-adorable Alisa Bangerter. This is a good one to rely on if you’re short on time, because there is no rolling or cutting. Great with soups, stews and salads, you should definitely add this to your box o’ bread recipes.

INGREDIENTS
2 c. flour2 tbsp. granulated sugar4 tsp. baking powder1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder1/2 tsp. salt2/3 c. butter or margarine1 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese1 1/4 c. milkChives (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Mix together dry ingredients. Cut in butter with pastry cutter until mixture is fine. Add cheese and mix well. Add milk and stir until just moistened. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Sprinkle top with chopped dried or fresh chives if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for approx. 15 minutes.

Once you’ve made these nummy biscuits, why not give a few as a nice fall gift. Wrap ‘em up in a basket and add a fun tag. Since people are celebrating Halloween all weekend, this is something you could do today.

Enjoy Halloween Tag
Designer: Alisa Bangerter

SUPPLIES: Cardstock: (ivory) Dye ink: (Black) Stewart Superior Corp.; (Summer Sun) Stampin’ Up! Specialty ink: (Mango Lemonade color wash) Stewart Superior Corp. Color medium: (black chalk) Craf-T Products Accents: (black brads) Making Memories; (chipboard bat, moon) Melissa Frances Fibers: (black striped ribbon) Pebbles Inc. Font: (Black Family) http://www.dafont.com/ Adhesive: (foam tape) Finished size: 3" x 4 1/2"

1 Make tag from cardstock. 2 Crumple tag and smooth out. Spray edges with color wash; let dry. Apply chalk. 3 Ink chipboard moon; let dry. Chalk edges and adhere. 4 Ink chipboard bat; let dry. Adhere with foam tape. 5 Print sentiment on cardstock; trim and tear edges. Chalk edges and adhere with foam tape. Attach brads. Attach ribbon with brad.

In addition to my Ma’s Swiss Steak and Alisa’s scrumptious biscuits, this book is full of recipes for main dishes, breads, snacks, drinks, and appetizers, and every recipe is accompanied by a paper-craft idea or two. Check out PC’s website for more info and to order your copy. Trust me, your tummy will thank you!