Mini Chocolate Cakes

What's on the cutting board?

• 4 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate (I used around 1/2 cup chocolate chips)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1 tbsp red wine (or a bit more as desired)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 whole eggs
• 6 tbsp flour
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (or a bit more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp of ground cloves (can be omitted)

How is it done?

• Preheat oven to 425F.
• Melt butter and chocolate. Mix in applesauce, wine, vanilla, and sugar.
• Stir in eggs and yolk.
• Stir in flour and spices
• Pour batter into four souffle dishes.
• Bake 13 to 16 minutes. If you want a molten lava cake cook just until edges are firm and center is soft. Cook longer for a fudge like cake.

Recommendations?

• If there are only two of you, wrap the extra cakes in aluminum foil and place in the freezer once fully cooled. Reheat in oven.

Enjoy...

Christmas Apron with pockets!

Christmas Apron, every girl needs one! So maybe I do like patterns because this came from one (Simplicity 2492). Pick two holiday fabrics and coordinating bias tape. Finding the fabric is the hardest part. Now I'm ready to pick out Valentines day and St Patricks day fabric...

Frootie Tootie

For someone who isn't a fan of patterns, I LOVE this pattern. (Simplicity 2298c) It is quick to cut and easy to make. Just remember I used 1/2" double fold bias tape instead of 1/4".

This basic cut can be embellished to make all sorts of creations. Find a fabric you love and start sewing.

Flower Apron

I am not a big fan of patterns as it can take more time cutting out the pattern then making the creation. Honestly, this one took me a long time to cut and make. Pattern: Simplicity #2626A. I will try this pattern again as I am satisfied with the outcome but here are some recommendation to all to make it better:

• Size: 1/4" wide double fold bias tape is fun, but from now on 1/2" is much easier to work with.
• Medium: I used the medium size pattern. This top is a bit long for anyone who is probably under 5'5". I am 5'2" on a really good day and would recommend the small pattern to most anyone.
• Pockets: I followed the pattern size, but I want pockets to hold things. So, next time a bigger pocket.

"Man Apron"

My husband said a little sexuality never hurt any one's blog. I apologize for this one. After asking him to model my basic "Man's Apron"for a few days, I took what I could get. This fabric says kiss the cook and a shirtless cook couldn't say it better. What more can I say....

Weekend Tie Shirt

Looking for a professional and casual look in one? Do you wear a tie all week to work and feel naked without it on the weekend? Well, here is a weekend tie shirt, a solution to all your problems. You can now do yard work with a tie without the threat of choking yourself while working hard. You can cook over an open flame without catching your tie on fire. Either way it's a fun and easy project to create a simple handmade gift for the beginner seamstress.

Five Minute Pizza

What’s on the cutting board?

• Whole-wheat pita bread
• Balsamic vinegar
• Fresh tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Basic tomato sauce
• Basil
• Shredded cheese

How is it done?

Spread sauce on pita bread. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and then layer fresh tomatoes. Place whole or finely chopped basil on top of tomatoes. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and broccoli. I use raw broccoli for a nice crunch, but you can always cook it first if you prefer. Place in toaster oven until cheese is melted.

Hint:

You can always store pita in the freezer. Then you will be ready for pizza any time.

Enjoy!

"Hooter Hider" or "Knocker Blocker"

My older sister started making her “hooter hiders” as soon as she received her sewing machine. Purchasing a nursing cover at a baby store can cost $25-35. That is why my sister started making her own for her friends. As I recently made my first one my husband coined the creative name of “knocker blocker”.

What you need:

• ~1 yard of fabric x2 typically matching pattern for a more “fashionable look”
• ~12” of boning
• 1 set of D-rings 1” to 1.5”

How to:

Honestly, I will post later

Other fabric ideas:

Check out my Sister's blog http://mobabysewing.blogspot.com/

Quick & Easy Fish Tacos

To make something homemade it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. It can be a few simple items to make a quick and healthy dinner.

So what’s on the cutting board tonight?

• Tortillas
• Shredded cheese made from 2% milk
• Fresh salsa (tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, lime juice)
• Crispy lettuce
• Extra tomatoes
• Spices: Ground Coriander and Ground Paprika
• Breadcrumbs
• White fish (such as mahi mahi or tilapia)

How is it done?

Mix together breadcrumbs with coriander and paprika. If you like more heat, add more paprika. Pat dry fish fillets. Lightly coat fillets with a spray olive oil or a few drops out of the bottle. Spread the breadcrumb mixture over the fillets and pat directly onto the filet. Place on parchment paper on a cooking sheet under the boiler until done, depending upon type and thickness of the filets.

Waiting time: while the fish cooks, dice up your homemade salsa and chop crispy lettuce. Once fish is cooked, turn the oven off and place tortillas in the oven for a few till warm.

How to finish?

Put together as desired, and eat!

Enjoy.

Welcome to Stitch and Stew, a blog about Handmade Crafts and Homemade Food.

How this all started. I have always envied those with a strong passion for one skill or trade. However, I am an individual with a passion for many things, jack-of-all-trades. I am a dietitian, culinary trained chef, group fitness instructor, educator and sales rep just to name a few. On Christmas 2009 I received my first sewing maching and became a seamstress.

This blog is for me to share my many passions in hopes of educating others on food, nutrition, and sewing. I hope I can make it easier for others to incorporate something handmade or homemade into their lives.

Follow me along.