As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Did you know over 100,000 marine animals die every year from plastic entanglement! Why this doesn't bother so many people in the world (Muslims especially), I can't understand... because if it did, 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags wouldn't be used each year!! It does a lot more damage than just kill, but most of us are well aware of that. And yet.. we still use them.

“Whoever kills [even] a sparrow without good reason, Allah (God) will question him about it on the Day of Resurrection.” -Ahmed

Anyway today I came across an excellent site which I'd like to share with you. Morsbags.com. It's a step in making a difference, please check it out. It has lots of ways to get involved, including an easy to follow video on how to make fabric bags.. and we have lots of crafty (your favourite word Gulnarita) sisters around, masha'Allah. Maybe you can make a few for yourself, a few extra for people you know.. and even some to give those you don't know.

I've added a 'Pod' under Sketched Soul Bags, everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in. I'll keep a tally there of how many 'we' make, insha'Allah.

"In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We only love what we understand. We only understand what we are taught." -Babia Dioum Senegalese Ecologist

Labels: reflection, sites

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Forgive me for the delayed picture. Look at all the lovely gifts I received from my wonderful swap partner. Jazak'Allah Amira.. I loveeeeeee everything!! (recipe books make me very happy, and an 'international' one.. well, I don't think I know the right word to describe it...'ecstatic'?


Contents include: A black apron, which I will definitely make good use of. A gorgeous book, which looks too precious to write in. A pretty dragonfly pin in my favourite colour!! Some cute hot chili pepper napkins. A set of handmade invitations.. which gives me a lovely excuse to through a party! *I wish you lived closer Amira*. Some cranberry jalapeno jelly (tastes awesome... did you make it??) And a cookbook! "Mezze, a culinary journey of discovery" I already have my eyes set on a few recipes to make. Oh, and a beautiful handmade Eid card..which is not in the picture (but on my fireplace mantel).

Much thanks to all my dear sisters who participated in the Accessorize My Hobby Swap. It's truly a pleasure hosting a swap for such creative and loving sisters.

While on the topic... how many sisters who have participated in previous swaps, keep in touch with any of their swap partners??

Labels: love, swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Way back in June (I can't believe it was so long ago), I mentioned a little about our (mine, and my cousins) Crazy Creation swap. We each exchanged a list of 10 items (or similar) and had to come up with something using all of the items. We decided to exchange our gifts on Eid, ahh.. and what a wonderful and fun way to spend Eid!

I had a blast working on mine, and was just as excited to see what Fatima would come up with. Well here it is people...

This is what I made for her:



I had to use:
1) some wire - it's not in the picture.. but was a chain with wire and beads hanging from the zipper
2) 2 circles - the dot on the "i", and in the letter "W"
3) at least 1 safety pin - the zipper tab has a safety pin in, (ie. if the zipper fails, you have a 'safety' pin on hand)
4) some calligraphy - the word "chained water" is stenciled down the side of the skirt
5) a reflection - in the word "water", 'ater' is shown as a reflection
6) some ribbon - is used to attach the zipper tab (holding the safety pin) to the zipper
7) time - this is a mermaid style skirt, used in 1901
8) some glass - the beads stuck on the words are glass beads
9) at least 1 leaf - in the letter "W" there are leave designs
10) some powder - the skirt is made using 'powder green' fabric


This is what Fatima made for me:



She had to use:
1) something from nature - the frog cupcake! (isn't he cute)
2) analogous colours -the frosting used to decorate the cupcakes.. the colour is just gorgeous!
3) tribal motif - on the stand, there is the tribal design drawn on
4) a spice - the frog nose has cinnamon on
5) leather - it's used on the stand as decoration
6) something made in China - every item used to make this was from China
7) a battery - a little battery was used to hold up the sign on top saying Eid Mubarak
8) a pyramid - the masterpiece itself is in the shape of a pyramid
9) death - currents/raisins, used as the frogs eyes (this was such a good idea!!) (ie. they represent death.. as in a grape is alive.. and once 'dead' it's a raisin)
10) glass - the beads used on the stand as decoration

Masha'Allah, it's wonderful.. and her idea still makes me so happy, because I would have never thought of making something edible!

Insha'Allah we have plans for another swap, and will exchange gift on Eid-ul-Adha.

Would you like to join us?? If you are really interested, you need to find someone who lives near you, who is willing to participate as your exchange partner (so..no mailing gifts, because that means you have to take that into consideration).. and then you will have to email me at amtullah79@yahoo.ca with your name and your exchange partners email and name..and I'll email you both with further details.

Labels: art, crafts, swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Eid Mubarak! (that's for Saturday to all my local brothers and sisters) I don't know when the rest of you are celebrating, but would love to hear about it!

I pray you have a wonderful Eid, and insha'Allah we get to see another Ramadaan! Eat a cookie (or two) for me.


For all my dear sisters who participated in the Accessorize My Hobby Swap, jazak'Allah! The swap was a success because of YOU... (yes, you!). May Allah Most High reward you for your good intentions, and show your kindness as you have shown to others. Ameen. I hope we get to see you in future swaps, insha'Allah.


Most of the pictures from the swap are up. I'm missing two. One of them is what's in my box! One of the pretty boxes at the top has my name on it! I thought I'd wait for Eid to open it, insha'Allah.. so keep checking the album for updates.

Labels: love, swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It's been a while... busy Ramadaan, alhumduliLlah. But I didn't forget to get a Ramadaan cookie in for any of those avid Eid bakers. Hazelnut Squares is probably the easiest recipe I have posted. Generally bar cookies are easy, and this only uses four ingredients.

Tasty indeed! Butter makes everything taste good..hehe They taste even better with a mug of hot chocolate, hazelnut and chocolate..can't go wrong!!



Makes 24 (depends on size you cut it)

1 cup (8 oz/16 tblsp) butter
1/4 cup (2oz/4 tblsp/57g) sugar
1 1/4 cup (10oz/284g) flour
1/4 cup (2oz/4 tblsp/57g) rice flour (grind rice grains)
1/2 cup (4oz/8 tblsp/114g) hazelnuts - grounded
24 whole hazelnuts

:: Cream butter and sugar until just combined.
:: Stir in flours and ground hazelnuts.
:: Spread dough in 13"x9" pan (which is lined with foil).
:: Mark into 24 squares with knife.
:: Place whole hazelnuts in centre of each square.
:: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30-40 minutes (until light golden brown).
:: Cut square again while hot.
:: Remove from pan once cool.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

It feels like we just celebrated Eid, and here is.. Ramadaan around the corner once again, alhumduliLlah. Last year I had made a Ramadaan Surprise Box for my nephews, which they absolutely loved! I really recommend making something of this nature for your child(ren) or others you may know. This year I decided to make them something similiar.

I love the story of Prophet Nuh (alayhis salaam), and insha'Allah this little ark will be a means for the boys to learn more about him.

Ark Tutorial

A day or two before Ramadaan begins I'll read them the story of Prophet Nuh written by Saniyasnain Khan available at Goodword Books (in this series), and do a little lesson about it.




The box is for two boys, so it's divided in the center. Each side is filled with different little items, like stickers, candy, balloons, a ball, other toys, etc. I found a lot of things at Party Packagers, and the Dollar Store (this is in Canada). Suggestions for places in the States are welcome, for the sake of other readers. On the side of the ark is a little calendar, each day they pull a page off, read the little blurb and each pick out a toy from their ark door. The 'blurb' is a mixture of information about Ramadaan, Eid and Prophet Nuh (alayhis salaam).

The actual constructing of the ark was very easy. The main box that holds the candy/toys is a jumbo cereal box. The 'wood' is drawer liner you can by at any kitchen or dollar store. The animals are finger puppets and the roof/stairs are sticks from my back yard.

For other Ramadaan box ideas, check out Ummlayla's blog. She made a wonderful fabric one last year, and has a different one planned for this year, insha'Allah, which I look forward to reading about.

Labels: crafts, paper, ramadaan

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I don't know if pictures are really necessary to explain how to make these cute little Butterfly Cupcakes, it's not very complicated but here they are. I made these to sell at our cupcake sale not very long ago, to raise funds for the school in Thailand. Not only were they a big hit with the children... adults loved them too, someone even asked if I'm a pastry chef! Ha.. ! (wouldn't that be nice) what a lovely compliment. AlhumduliLlah.



Insha'Allah I hope you have just as much fun making them as you would eating them.

I'm including a (very easy) recipe, although you can make these using any 'perfect' cupcake. What is a perfect cupcake you ask?... it has to have a rounded top! (above the paper liner)


Makes 12

1 3/4 cup (14oz/397.6g) flour
1 cup (8oz/16 tblsp/227g) sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup (8oz/237ml) milk
1/3 cup (3oz/79ml) oil
1 tsp vanilla essence
optional: pink food colour
Strawberry Jam

:: Pre-heat oven at 350°F (180°C) degrees.
:: Line 12 (regular size) muffin tin with paper liners.
:: Combine, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
:: In a separate bowl whisk together, egg, milk, oil, vanilla, colour.
:: Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix with wooden spoon so everything is combined well.
:: Fill liners 1/4 full, then drop a tsp of jam on, and top with more batter. (Divide batter evenly between liners.
:: Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center of cupcake, if it comes out clean (free from batter) then they are done.
:: Cool.
:: Make frosting and get creating! (I have not provided a recipe for that).. any butter frosting would do, and depending on how you decorate you may need more or less.



Cut the top of your 'perfect' cupcake. Just above the cupcake liner.


Frost the top of the cupcake. Make sure you have a lot of frosting in the center, because you'll need to stick the wings in.


With the 'perfect' top, cut that in half. Frost as desired. These will be the wings.. so make it colourful and full of different candies.


Now you assemble it all. Push the wings into the center, lifting the edges up, you may need to add some frosting under to hold them up slightly. Then add your halal licorice antennas. And voila.. you are done! Ready to eat!

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Subhan'Allah! My dear brothers and sisters, if I could buy this cd lecture series for each one of you, I would! But unfortunately Graphic Designers that slack can't afford it..haha, insha'Allah one day. Anyway.. it's that good! It costs a little over $60 but is well worth the money, in fact, it'll probably be one of the most valuable things you'll buy.


CD Lecture Title: Lives of the Prophets
Speaker: Imam Anwar al-Awlaki
Publisher: Al-Basheer publications
Available: Islamic Bookstore

Have I learned anything from it, or was it all review? It doesn't matter how many times you have read the Qur'an (in a translation you understand) or tafseers, you'll learn something new from this, insha'Allah.

Does the speaker use Qur'anic and authentic hadith texts? Both Qur'an and hadith are used, including other sources. Every source is stated and clearly explained.

Is the information easy to understand? Absolutely! Easy to understand, and information is conveyed in such an organized manner, you're thoughts stay on track.

Notable topics? I think the 'lessons' taught throughout the series. While explaining the life of each Prophet, Imam Anwar points out how the lessons they learned, or trials they went through can be applied to our life right now! And isn't that what the Qur'an is all about.. for us to learn from it!

Out of 5: Way more than 5! 10 maybe!

Masha'Allah the Imam did such an amazing job. Please keep him and his family in your dua's.

Here is a lecture Trust In Allah by Imam Anwar al-Awlaki for you to check out, insha'Allah.

Let me know your thoughts on this cd series, or anything else you have heard/read by him.

Labels: review

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Here is a wonderful snowball effect of kindness! It's already gone through a few blogs, and I had the pleasure of picking up a piece of kindness at sister Surviving's blog.

The idea is, I'll send a handmade item to the first 3 people who leave a comment on this post asking to be part of this wonderful exchange. In return you have to 'pay it forward' by making the same promise on your blog.

I don't know when exactly I shall get the item to you, but insha'Allah I'll make my goal no later that 2008..hows that?

C'mon people, every time you have the opportunity to do good, know it's a blessing from Allah.

Note: Please leave me a contact to get your mailing address.

Labels: love

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

This is a little delayed, but I managed to find the picture and thought you could have fun with this. It works well as a craft for children, so those with little ones on summer break here is something to do.

I made this with my Sunday School children (4-7 yrs). I first taught them a lesson on kindness. One way of showing kindness is giving gifts. So the children thought about who they are going to give their magnets to, and then got creating! They had a blast, and did a wonderful job..masha'Allah.


There is a lot you can do with salt dough, but it is not like clay! The texture is different. I prefer clay for may reasons, but they are plus sides to salt dough..like it's cheap.

Over working the dough will make it sticky, so keep extra flour in a shaker close by.

In this dough I added Tempra paint to add colour. It needs a good amount of paint to turn out nice and bright. However, once it dries..it goes a dull colour. So to brighten it up, once they dried I coated them with decoupage (a mixture of white glue and some water should work too) glue. And glue-gunned a magnet at the back. (You can find magnets at a dollar store).

For yourself or older children it might be a better idea not to colour the dough and paint it once it's done.

Makes: a lot!

2 cups (16oz/455g) flour
1 cup (8oz/227g) salt
1/2 cup (4oz/118ml) water - at room tempreture
optional: 1 tblsp cooking oil (to make the dough smoother)

:: Knead together.
:: Divide dough into 3 parts (or as many colours as you want).
:: Add food colouring or paint to each part.

note:
1 tblsp oil - smoothness
1 tblsp vinegar - hardness
1 tblsp wallpaper paste - elasticity

It takes a good week to dry..and longer if the piece is thick. Or you can choose to oven dry it, but I just left them to air dry, to avoid any burning.

You can use cookie cutters to make some nice shapes.

note: they are very prone to cracking if they drop. It's still a craft to have fun with.

Labels: crafts, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Well here it is... my answers for the Accessorize My Hobby Swap! Insha'Allah this swap goes as well as the Cupcake one. All the sister did such an amazing job with the Cupcake Swap, the creativity, and giving was just flowing! People are still commenting in the Cupcake Album!


Four of my favourite hobbies/interests: Humm.. to narrow my list to four 'favourites' was surprisingly quite a task!

Knitting/Crocheting,

Sewing,

International Cooking,

Reading Islamic Literature

The best part of my hobby is: Knitting/Crocheting is the challenge.. love it! Sewing is waiting to see the final result. International Cooking, well..the eating for sure, but trying out new things and learning about different cultures. Reading Islamic Literature, the joy of knowledge..there isn't any way to explain it.

My favourite colour is: Green and Burnt orange.. I do love all colours though!

A new hobby/interest I've just taken up: Teaching Children and Reflective Art Journaling

The hobby/interest I hope my swap partner will choose: The one she can have fun and be most creative with!

A hobby I've tried but hate: It would have to be writing! I'm sure my blood pressure goes up every time I have to write something..urgh But I do admire those that can, masha'Allah. Yah I know, why does someone who doesn't like writing have a blog! (I get by..hehe) Ironically..I would like to write a book one day.. haha (insha'Allah)

Creativity to me, means: Being able to see the beauty in all things. (ie: from the material to the masterpiece, it's all beautiful.. AlhumduliLlah)

What I think of my purse not matching my shoes: Hehe.. well, no.. but I have a favourite bag which is army/camouflage print and my favourite shoes are black boots... so they already match, but I don't know if it goes with the rest of my clothes!... does it matter? I like them!


Insha'Allah that helps my swap partner. The best part of a swap for me..is knowing you have fun with it! So get creating!

Labels: me, swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

My dear sister Brooke, just informed me about a wonderful project! Insha'Allah our contributions will be of enormous help, as all the profits go to the Muslim Food Bank.

Linda "Widad" Delgado, author of Halal Food, Fun and Laughter is accepting original recipes and foodie stories for another book.


Send in recipes: should be original, never been published before. List ingredients and cooking method. If any unusual ingredient is used (something native to their country) explain below the recipe in a footnote and suggest something similar that could be used.

Send in a funny food story: a short funny story that is about eating, and/or preparing food. Maximum of 500 words. The only changes made to the story are spelling and/or punctuation.

Send in funny food poetry: light hearted poetry about food. A maximum of 32 lines. Any style acceptable.

The contributor should include their name, city/state and/or country. If they have a website and/or blog they can include this. This information will be included in the book crediting their contribution.

August 15th is the deadline for submissions. Sister Brooke will insha'Allah respond to each contributor and advise if his/her work have been chosen for inclusion.

All contributions should be emailed to: woodad@mindspring.com

Labels: help, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

With every interest, hobby, etc., there is always the extra little trimmings we could do with, or would love to have but don't always indulge in. You know, the knitter who would love a knitting bag, the gardener who could do with an apron, the shopper who could put a new purse to use, an avid reader who would greatly appreciate more bookmarks, and tea-drinker who ... you get the idea!

Details of swap: Send your swap partner a collection of (minimum of 3) items that reflect ONE of the hobbies/interests they have posted on their blog (Blog questions below).
- One of the items must be an accessory
- One item must be handmade. (Masha'Allah we have so many creative sisters, this shouldn't be a problem.)

note: the accessory can be the item that is handmade

Swap Objective: meet another sister, send someone something special for Eid, be creative, explore other hobbies/interests, be part of those giving during Ramadaan - to please Allah!

Participants allowed: International (open to Females only!)

Ages allowed: All ages. (note: if you are not mature enough to see this swap through, please don't sign up)

Cost Limit: Non. There should be no 'expectations'. The idea is to have fun with it, and be a little creative.

Rules: You will have to inform only me and your swap partner via email when you have sent out your package and when you have received your package.

Email me a picture of your package before you send it out, so I can put it up in an album.

Those who have not yet sent out their packages from previous swaps, will not be allowed to join this swap.

Sign up due date: Monday, August 13th, 2007
Partners will be Emailed to you on: Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
Package HAS TO BE MAILED OUT before: Wednesday, September 19th, 2007


Questions to post on your blog (or to email me if you don't have a blog):
Four of my favourite hobbies/interests:
The best part of my hobby is:
My favourite colour is:
A new hobby/interest I've just taken up:
The hobby/interest I hope my swap partner will choose:
A hobby I've tried but hate:
Creativity to me, means:
What I think of my purse not matching my shoes:

If you would like to participate, I will need to know the following information. (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) note: .ca NOT .com
Please email me the answers even if you have participated in a previous swap.

QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of swap: Accessorize My Hobby Swap
Blog name/url: (if applies)
Email address:
Your real name:
Mailing address:
City, State, Zip (country if needed):
Link to where your (blog) answers are:
Do I and your swap partner have your permission to post pics of your 'creation' (ie. on their blog):
How did you hear about this swap:
Comments:

Number of participants to date: 8

Blog Answers that rock! Check it out:

Purvis the Muslim

Aishah

Yearning For Jennah

Sketched Soul

Surviving's Craft Room

Gulnarita

Susy

Amira's Kitchen

Labels: swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

AlhumduliLlah! Yesterday we held a Cupcake Bake Sale at a local community center, with all the proceeds going to help the children in Thailand, insha'Allah.



Overall, the event and sales went pretty good, we made a total of $290 (including $90 from donations.. many thanks). Insha'Allah the money will either go directly to the school and they can use it as they wish, or to help buy books to start a library. I shall keep everyone updated on how the money is used, insha'Allah.

Jazak'Allah to all those sisters who helped out during the event, to the sisters who took so much time and care in making such amazing cupcakes for the sale (masha'Allah), and to those who bought cupcakes to support the cause. May Allah Most High shower you with His infinite blessings and give you success in this world and in the next. Ameen.

Insha'Allah I pray I have the opportunity to continue raising funds and helping out the school. If any one has any ideas for future events, please share your ideas. And if you are interested in organizing something in your area to help the school in Thailand, contact me, insha'Allah I'll see what I can do from my end to help out.

Labels: love

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

.... a humble deed
..... a gracious heart
....... a thundering difference
Islam Witthaya (academy) Beungnamrak is a little school in the rural area of Thailand. It teaches both deen and academic studies, but unfortunately does not have enough funds to hire qualified teachers, or give the children the education they deserve.





By providing the children with books it will insha'Allah be a means to educating them and thus result in a better life.

Please help build a library for them, by sending new (or in very good condition) books to them, in English (especially books that can help them learn proper grammar, etc.) or Thai, Islamic or non-Islamic, suitable for ages 12, 13, 14.

All books can be mailed directly to the school at:

Islam Witthaya Beungnamrak School
42, Moo 13, Klong 15,
Beungnamrak Sub-district,
Bangnampriu District,
Chachoengsao Province
24172
Thailand

(note: Please write "Library Project" on all packages)





To donate funds for the Library Project:
Make a cheque out to: Islam Witthaya Beungnamrak School (and mail to above address)

or

Bank Account Name: Islam Witthaya Beungnamrak School
Bank Account No.: 231-0-05020-2
Krungthai Bank - Branch: Bangnampriu




If you have any further questions, concerns, etc. please feel free to contact me at amtullah79@yahoo.ca. Insha'Allah I shall keep everyone updated on how things are going that end.

Labels: help, love

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu


Ahh.. it has been a while since I've posted.. sorry. Things this end have been very crazy! Speaking of crazy.. my dear bored cousin, who loves art as much as I do, decided 'we' (me and her) need a challenge. So we each exchanged a list of ten items, and now have to create something and include everything on the list.


I shall post both lists below, if any of you are up for the challenge, pick either List One or List Two and make something! I would definitely love, love, to see what you come up with, and I'm sure she would too. (Email me with pics, amtullah79@yahoo.ca) I'll keep you posted on how our creations go.



I for one, have no idea what I am going to make..hehe, and the fun begins! *suggestions are welcome*



List One:
1) some wire
2) 2 circles
3) at least 1 safety pin
4) some calligraphy
5) a reflection
6) some ribbon
7) time
8) some glass
9) at least 1 leaf
10) some powder


List Two:
1) something from nature
2) analogous colours
3) tribal motif
4) a spice
5) leather
6) something made in China
7) a battery
8) a pyramid
9) death
10) glass

Happy creating Fatima, and to all those who decide to try it!

Labels: crafts

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

.... this e-swap will only commence once we have 10 or more participants, insha'Allah.

AlhumduliLlah for all the gifts Allah Most High has showered upon us.

"It is He who produced gardens with trellises and without, and dates, and tilt with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety). Eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess. For God loves not the wasters" (6:142)

Insha'Allah this e-swap will be a means in honoring, appreciating and reflecting on just a small portion of the bounty Allah has provided us.

Ever wonder what all those 'interesting' and 'unusual' fruits we walk by in the grocery store are really like?? Well insha'Allah we are about to find out!

Details of e-swap: Create your own dish or follow a recipe (check the library or internet) using a fruit you have never eaten before. You may want to try 'ethnic' grocery stores if you want something totally different.

Then post the recipe, a picture (if possible), and your details of the whole adventure on your blog/website on the 'Post Date' (given below).

Note: You will need to email me a picture (if using one) and a link to where you have your recipe posted so I can put together a complete list for us to visit each others site.

Participants allowed: International - anyone who can post a recipe online (blog or website)

Ages allowed: All ages.

Cost Limit: Non.

Rules: Email me a picture and link to where you have your recipe posted by the due date.

Sign up due date: non yet
Recipe POST DATE (the day you post your recipe): participants will be informed.


If you would like to participate, I will need to know the following information.
Please email me (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) *note: CA not COM* the answers below, even if you have participated in a previous swap.

QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of swap: Creative Cuisine :: 1
Blog name/url: (if applies)
Email address:
Your real name:
How did you hear about this swap:
Comments:

Number of participants to date: 1

Labels: recipes, swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barkatuhu

Sugar cookies and kids go hand-in-hand. They love to help make and decorate them just as much as they love to eat them. I made these for my nephew Abdullah, who at the age of three is already a big basketball fan.

The dough works best refrigerated for about two hours, so it's a dough you can make way ahead, and when the kids run out of things to do, you can bring it out and start creating!

I'd love to hear from anyone who gives this recipe a try; what shapes, or interesting decorating you did,... share, share, share your ideas.

Note: Black food colour generally (used here to outline the basketball) does not actually show up as black. It looks more like a very dark blue. But kids are forgiving (masha'Allah), they'll even tell you it's green if you so want it to be green.



Makes: approximately 30-35 cookies - depends on the shape and thickness of cookie

3 cups (24oz/681.6g) flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (8oz/16 tblsp) butter - softened
1 1/4 cups (10oz/284g) sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence

:: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together.
:: Beat butter and sugar with electric mixer, until light and fluffy.
:: Add in eggs and vanilla, beat together.
:: Stir in dry mixture.
:: Form dough into 3 balls, wrap in plastic wrap, chill in fridge.
:: Pre-heat oven at 375°F (190°C).
:: Line baking trays with parchment paper.
:: Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4" thickness.
:: Cut in desired shape.
:: Optional: sprinkle coloured sugar on or leave plain and decorate after it's baked.
:: Bake for 7-10 minutes (until lightly brown)
:: Cool on tray for 5 minutes before removing.
:: Once completely cooled, decorate!!

Frosting:
1 1/2 cup (12oz/341g) icing sugar
2 tblsp butter - softened
1-2 tblsp water
food colour

:: Mix together until spreadable consistency, you may need more milk.
:: For chocolate frosting, add cocoa, leave out food colour, and add more milk as needed.
:: Decoration ideas: colour sugar, candy pieces, chips, coconut, nuts, raisins and jam.
Note: I don't know if this is enough frosting for the above recipe, you may need more depending on how you are decorating the cookies.

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

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