Working in small spaces- Children for Children

I live in 350 square feet. My kitchen is about 40 square feet I don’t have a full size oven, two burners don’t work, and I have 18 inches of counter space. But none of this stops me from making just about anything and for any amount.
Recently, I was adding pantry treats to goodie bag for the Children for Children Benefit in NYC at Christies. There were 700 bags and 2800 individual items that needed to be wrapped. Before I go any further I must thank those that came and gave a helping hand. I will always remember it; I could have never done it with out your help.  (I had no idea just how many 700 were, but now I do!) THANK YOU to my Mom, my sister Carolyn, her fiancé Evan, Ariana, Chris, Courtney, Emily, Margaret,  Marybeth, and Natalie.
All of this baking took place in my little apartment. Each bag was filled with chocolate honey comb, a brownie, a cookie, and a peanut butter cup. Of course I had to transfer items around the neighborhood to friends apartments for frig and freezer storage. (unfortunately my photos of this were all corrupted too much for my camera to handle.) How do I do this in this small of a space? I have a couple of tools that help me a lot and do not take up that much storage space. I have them stored standing up under my sink.
 
1. Large Cutting Boards (I have two)
2. Jelly Roll Baking Sheet (I had two but for this had to buy two more!) This is basically a cookie sheet with inches sides all the way around.
 
The Cutting Boards, I most often will place over my sink to act as another work surface. Transfer it to a table in my “multi purpose room” and use the next cutting board in the same manner. I store things on the baking sheets when done and they fit nicely in my refrigerator. Now there are stores like Tiny Living that specialize in mini item. I don’t like using mini things- I just forego certain tools that take up a lot of space like a Kitchen Aide Mixer and a Cruisanart. I dream of one day of being able to have space for them. But until then I will have to make do with my hand mixer and blender!

Posted by Patty in Tips, Terms & Tools. 7 Comments »

Granola Bars

These are great for both the novice and the experienced cook as they aren’t very complicated and are often a forgotten recipe. I know, for me, they were something I was interested in trying but never had until recently. The best part is you can make them however you want and can decide on your own toppings! This would be a great rainy day project with a child.

5 Cups of Granola
1 Cup of Light Brown Sugar
1 Cup of Honey
2 Teaspoons of Vanilla
1 Cup of White Chocolate Bits
1 Cup of Dried Cranberries

Preheat Oven 400 Degrees

In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients together and spread evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes
Patience is a virtue I do not have when it comes to wanting to try things directly out of the oven. But with these, you have to let it cool or there is no way you will be able to cut them in to bars.

Posted by Patty in Make Your Own, Recipes, Sweets. 3 Comments »

Hostess Gift- Flowers Taking the Extra Step

Spring time is here or should I say the calendar indicates that it’s Spring! One thing I love about Spring is flowers; ever since I was a little girl flowers have always been my favorite thing. They just make me happy. Flowers are one of the most common hostess gifts given and for a good reason. The price points range, enabling anyone to purchase, and above all else, who does not like to receive them? But how about taking it one step further?

My mother’s favorite hostess gifts to both give and receive are flowers. But she says the nicest thing is to receive them a day before or morning of an event. This way everyone can enjoy them and if she is having a dinner party, she won’t be arranging the flowers while getting the roast out of the oven. My sister’s fiancé did this on his first trip out West to visit my parents- I heard about the orchid for the next week and how thoughtful and wonderful he is. (The extra effort went a very long way)

Sure there is always 1-800 Flowers, but there are many other routes to go- find a hotel you might like, based on aesthetics, in the area and see who they use or recommend. Also you can call/ visit the website of Bbrooks Fine Flowers which has a partnership with all the leading florists in the nation. This way you can locate the best in the area. Hopefully, this is just helpful information since there are always occassions when flowers are the perfect gift.

Posted by Patty in Etiquette, Ideas, Tips, Terms & Tools. 3 Comments »