As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

With the Chocolate Chip Bath Cookies I gave my sister for Eid, I add this as well... a chocolate chip hijab pin. I think it turned out rather cute, and now that I know it works (and people will wear it.. hehe) I hope to make more interestings ones, insha'Allah. She really liked it :) *alhumduliLlah*


The chocolate chip at the top of the pin and both cookies are made out of polymer clay. I also found a book (ie. online, I have not purchased it *yet*) that looks like it might great for a project like this:


What do you think?... edible looking hijab pins
Would you wear something like this?

Labels: jewelry

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Look at these nifty cookies! My sister loves chocolate chip cookies, so to add a few extra things to her Eid gift I decided to make her some Chocolate Chip Bath Cookies. I even tested one out before I gave it to her... I can't explain how weird it is to bath with a cookie..hehe especially when you are fasting! They are pretty easy to make, makes a really interesting and unique gift, and work pretty well (like a solid bath salt). Here is the recipe for anyone who wants to give it a try.



Makes 30 cookies

2 cups (16oz/227g) sea salt - finely ground
1/2 cup (2oz/114g) baking soda
1/2 cup (2oz/114g) cornstarch
2 tblsp almond oil or canola oil
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
chocolate chips
(optional) food colour - if making a different cookie

note: you can use any oils you like, I even added vanilla extract to give it a more cookie like scent. And I'm sure you could add other things that are good for your skin, like oatmeal or cocobutter or olive oil, etc.

:: Pre-heat oven at 350°F (180°C)
:: Lightly beat eggs, then mix in canola oil and vanilla - set aside
:: In a separate bowl, stir together salt, baking soda, and cornstarch
:: Add the dry mixture to the egg mixture and combine to cookie dough consistency - do not over mix!
:: Roll the dough gently into 1 inch balls, no need to flatten, push in some chocolate chips, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet
:: Bake approximately 5-7 minutes - do not need to be browned, just spread and well set
:: Allow to cool completely before storing in a sealed container.
:: Wait 24 hours after baking before using.
:: Drop one or two cookies into a warm bath and allow them to dissolve slowly.

Note: Don't smash or crumble them, or you'll get floating crumbs

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

AlhumduliLlah I have already started my Eid baking!

So far it is turning out great.Every year I like to try a few new recipes, and then of course the rest are family favourites... which, if not made you are sure to hear about it!

This was my first try making Vanilla Crescents, and I am so happy with the way they taste and look, so I thought this would be a wonderful recipe to share with you, insha'Allah. It is also pretty easy to make, so even 'beginner chefs' can take a stab at it. And my nephew (Abdullah) helped me shape them, so it's kid friendly. I think they would also make great wedding cookies, because they look so pretty with the sugar on.. like little crystals.

I look forward to any feedback and/or questions. And if anyone has any cookie recipes on their blog.. please leave your prints, so I can check it out, insha'Allah.



Makes 50 Cookies

1 cup (8oz/16 tblsp/227g) almonds
6 tblsp sugar
1 2/3 (13oz/369g) cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup (6oz/12 tblsp) cold unsalted butter
1-2 tsp vanilla essence
Approx. 1 tblsp whipping cream (or whole milk)
Granulated sugar - to roll cookies in

:: Put almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground.
:: Add sugar, flour and salt to almonds.
:: Cut butter in, either using your hands or with a food processor, until crumbly.
:: Add vanilla essence and cream and knead until a smooth dough forms. (you may need to add more cream, but be very careful!! - make sure to knead it well, before adding more)
:: Shape dough into crescents, and place on a baking sheet. (if your dough is too soft to shape at this point, put it in the fridge for a little while)
:: Once all shaped, put the whole tray into the fridge for 45 mins.
:: Preheat oven at 350°F (180°C).
:: Bake for about 15 mins, making sure they don't get too dark.
:: Carefully roll warm cookies in sugar.
:: Cool before packing away in an air-tight container, and hiding.. ready for Eid.
:: Say bismillah and enjoy!

Labels: recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

After finally taking a little time to actually sort through all my recipes and getting most of them into a binder, I've decided to re-sort and write them out on recipe cards, because they seem like they'll last longer, and recipe cards look pretty! But now I'm not sure, because I have a lot or recipes... *that's going to be one huge box!* and some recipes are really long.


How do the rest of you sisters organize your recipes? Please let me know.. and any pro's and con's you find.. because I don't ever want to do this again :)

Labels: ideas, recipes

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi Wa barakatuhu

Oooh.. let me tell you about today!!.. what can I say about today, except I just received the most beautiful package in the mail!! Really.. look, I even had to take a picture of it :)


My wonderful swap partner UmmLayla sent me so many amazing things!
:: Happy Hooker (it's a crochet book people... jeeez)... and that is just what I wanted to learn :)
:: 2 balls of pretty yarn.. which I can felt too.. (I've never tried that before)
:: some very cool crochet needles.. look at them!!
:: and the most pretty glass hijab pins (handmade by mom..masha'Allah) they really are so pretty, she should market them!! sorry I couldn't get a close up of them.. just take my word on how pretty they are.


Jazak'Allah Umm Layla, I don't know what to say.. I am so happy with everything. I am very familiar with how good the 'Stitch n' Bitch' books are, and I can't stop looking through this one.. now to learn something so I can make stuff!!

May Allah reward you for your kindness and give you success in all that you do. Ameen.

My package to you should be on it's way. Not as exciting (sorry).. but insha'Allah I hope you still like it :)


How is everyone else's Eid Book Swap going?? Any constructive feedback is welcome.. so I know what to fix up for future swaps, insha'Allah.

Labels: swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I made me some Apple Pie Muffins yesterday, to enjoy for suhoor... and I sure did enjoy it!! They are also good for potlucks, picnics, and children's lunch. I look forward to hearing from anyone who decides to make them.



Makes 16-18 muffins

Topping
1/2 cup (4oz/8 tblsp) packed brown sugar
1/3 cup (3oz/5 tblsp/85.2g) flour
1/4 cup (2oz/59ml) unsalted butter, melted
(optional) 1 teaspoon cinnamon
(optional) 1/3 cup (3oz/5tblsp/85.2g) oats

Muffins
1 1/2 cups (12oz/24 tblsp) packed brown sugar
2/3 cup (5oz/152ml) vegetable oil
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
2 1/2 cups (20oz/568g) flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8oz/237ml) buttermilk
2 cups (16oz) diced peeled firm tart apples
(optional) 1 teaspoon cinnamon


Topping:
:: In a small bowl toss together sugar, flour, butter, oats, and cinnamon until crumbly.
:: Set aside.

Muffins:
:: In a large bowl whisk together brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla, until smooth.
:: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt.
:: Stir oil mixture into flour mixture alternately with buttermilk.
:: Fold in apple, mixing just until combined.
:: Spoon into greased muffin cups filling 3/4 full.
:: Sprinkle topping over evenly.
:: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25 to 30 mins or until golden brown and tops spring back.

Labels: recipes