SewMona – Page 23 – A slice of my Florida life

Mittens – A Quick & Easy Sewing Project for Kids

My kids are always looking for things to sew. I’m not into letting them sew random things that are just going to lay around the house. I prefer things that are somewhat useful. I will say I’m not sure how useful mittens are in southwest Florida, but…

Trace one hand on a piece of paper. Make it a little big since you don’t want them to be super snug. Then add about 1/2 inch for seam allowances. You’ll probably need to help them with that part (I just added that in when I traced their hands). Cut out your pattern.

All you need is a scrap of fleece that you can fold in half and get two mittens out of it. Make sure that the stretch goes across the hand so that there’s enough stretch to get their hand through the wrist opening.

Pin them right sides together and sew around the outside except for the wrist opening. Sewing around the thumb can be tricky, but go slow and it will be fine.

Turn them right side out and enjoy! Fleece doesn’t ravel so there’s no need to hem which makes my kids very happy!

Do your kids like to sew? What kinds of things do they make?

Gardening – Southwest Florida Style

I’m trying my garden again this year. In mid-March (while those of you in the North were still digging out of that white stuff), I cleared a space behind our shed.

Hubby built a frame for me and I filled it with garden soil and manure.

The kids and I love melons – honeydew, cantaloupes, watermelons -so we planted them all. The cantaloupes aren’t here (they can mix with honeydews and the results aren’t very tasty). Here we have honeydews, watermelons, gourds, and carrots (which aren’t doing so well).

The watermelons are taking over! I have to keep steering them towards the poor gourds.
We were so excited to find a little, bitty watermelon…

… and a little honeydew too!

I’m hoping my carrots recover. If not, I’ll replant them. I’m also hoping to get some peas and beans in along the shed wall. I’ll put something up for them to climb. I’d also love to try growing asparagus, garlic, onions, cucumbers, peppers, plus some herbs.

What about you? Do you have a garden?

Super Easy Fruit Dip

I don’t remember where my mom found this recipe, but it is so easy and so delicious!!

Remember fluffernutters? Well, the first ingredient is Fluff. Don’t go for cheap and buy marshmallow creme – it isn’t the same!

The other ingredient is cream cheese. Don’t try to be healthy and buy the no fat stuff. Bleh! Low fat is OK, but the best is real full fat cream cheese. Blend the whole container of Fluff and one block (8 oz) of cream cheese. Put over your favorite fruit and enjoy!

Did you eat fluffernutters? Do you know what they are?

What is your favorite fruit dip?

Mustard Pasta Salad

Somewhere, once upon a time, I came across a recipe for a mustard pasta salad made with stone ground mustard and eggs. I made it several times and then lost the recipe and forgot about it. The other day, in the grocery store, I noticed a jar of stone ground mustard on the clearance shelf and it reminded me of the salad.

I still haven’t found the recipe, so I went from memory. It turned out pretty good. Cook a box of your favorite pasta shape, drain, and rinse. Hard boil six eggs (or use leftover Easter eggs). Put in a generous scoop of miracle whip (or mayo – I just prefer miracle whip). Add a couple tablespoons of mustard – more or less to your taste preference. Shell the eggs, chop them up and stir them in. Add more miracle whip or mustard.

Enjoy!!

Cheesy Broccoli and Ham Casserole

I’m not a big casserole person. As a general rule, I prefer my foods not touching, but I’ve learned that sometimes, it’s OK. This recipe is the perfect example. It’s also quick and easy – perfect for nights where you don’t have a lot of time to prepare dinner.

Simply mix the ham, broccoli, cheese, and croutons in your ungreased baking dish.

Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour over the dry ingredients. Mush them around a bit to make sure the croutons get covered.
Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Recipe: Ham, Broccoli, and Cheese Casserole

1lb ham cubes (either prepackaged or leftovers also work)
1 12 oz bag frozen broccoli florets
1 bag croutons
8oz shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
1 cup (8 oz bottle) creamy salad dressing (I use Italian)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 T dry mustard (more or less to taste)
1 T basil leaves

Mix ham, broccoli croutons, and cheese in 9×13 casserole dish. Mix remaining ingredients in mixing bowl and pour over mixture in casserole dish. Stir to thoroughly mix ingredients. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Enjoy!