Bowl Cozies

It's time to make gifts for Christmas and one of the best is a set of bowl cozies. These 100% cotton wonders cradle a bowl in the microwave, saving fingers from trying to handle the hot contents after heating is finished. They are quick to make. Fabric choice can make them bright and cheerful. Various sizes are easy to make.

The key is everything must be 100% cotton: the fabric, the batting and, yes, even the thread. This will avoid potential fire hazards or sparking in the microwave.

Extract! Extract! (E) (IP)

Whether baking, making ice cream, using as an air freshener, vanilla extract is a pleasant fragrance and taste for most people. Good quality, pure vanilla extract is getting a little pricey, though. Then I learned how easy it is to make using the Instant Pot (IP).

Lap Quilt: Quilt-as-you-go (E)

Last year, the Santa4Seniors project was for 47 residents. There was a group of six people and scores of contributors who worked together to pull off that magical Christmas. This year, many of the elves are re-focused on other projects and our family member has moved to a smaller group home with only five residents. Santa4Seniors is only making a few lap quilts this year.

Perfectly Peeled Hard-boiled Eggs

If you've ever struggled with peeling hard-boiled eggs, this is the BEST tip.
If peeled hard-boiled eggs look like the surface of the moon with craters, you have to try this!
This is SO easy!

Dreamy Hard-boiled Eggs (IP)

First, a little housekeeping. Although Papa and I continue to be working on do-it-yourself projects, we have been lax in posting those. Projects, especially interesting ones, do increase as the holidays get closer, so we post again.

Several models are available
This is the 7-in-1 6 qt. duo

I was introduced to the Instant Pot, an electric pressure cooker, about two years ago. I dappled with a few recipes, mainly pot roast, but didn't get hooked until this past year. Several friends have now become converts and I have a collection of go-to recipes. It's time to share.