BUNDIES MADE WITH PUFF PASTRY

I tried making my Lithuanian Bundies with Puff Pastry.  It was a hit.

These Puffs were made in long strips so I cut them in half to get 6 puffs from each pastry.  I rolled them out a bit, then placed my meat mixture on one like so.  Note: I floured the board and also the Puffs themselves.

 I rolled it up in a turnover or rectangular shape.

Placed them on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.  My cookie sheets are 9" by 13" so I could get 6 evenly spaced on a sheet.   Perfect to get 12 on 2 sheets.  Brushed with egg wash.  NO pricks with a fork in these since they are puff pastry.

(Note)  I pulled a couple pastries up around the meat without rolling out the dough so it's square in shape.  Note to self:  I like the rectangular shape better. It baked better and can be held easier).

Baked at 400 degrees F for 22 mins.  I think I could have baked at 425 for 18-20 minutes or so to get a darker bake but these were done and ready to eat.  We none of us minded the lighter pastry bake.  

Soooo good.  Love the puff pastry method.  I can eat them as hand pies.  Heartily approved by son and daughter as well.  The pastry holds it all together nicely.

My next endeavors will be to try making Pizzas Straws and  Cinnamon Twists with Puff Pastry.  I really like this pastry.

The results of this test were two-fold.  It was a much simpler method and easier for me to make.  Took a lot less time.  It may cost more to make this way, but I am a big fan.  Holding them in your hand is another plus.  I will make them again.

FINISHED 'LADY SANDRA"

 Its nice I finished another Victorian Lady. 

Lady Sandra is hanging on my door today.  She measures 15 by 16 inches.  I used to have a darling poodle, so I needed to make a door hanging with a poodle.  It represents all the wonderful pets I've loved through the years.

My next project is one of two: four Ladies on a panel together or tea cups.  Yes, my embroidered tea cup blocks need a final home.  I made 13 of them.  One I made into a single block door hanging, Tilly Teacup.  The other 12 I will make into group settings.  How is yet to be decided.

                 Enjoy your summer day.

 

SMALL CHICKEN N NOODLE CASSEROLE

     SMALL CHICKEN N NOODLE CASSEROLE

8x8 OR 9x9 Baking Dish   350*F   25-30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Pre-Cooked Chicken Breast (8-12 oz)

6 Oz. Egg Noodles

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)

1 Can  Peas/Carrots combination (15 oxz)

4 Oz. Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or your choice)

1/4 Cup Chicken Broth

Seasonings:  1/4 teaspoon each Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper.  1/4 t. Lemon Pepper is optional.

TOPPING:  (If Desired)

1/2 Cup Crushed Crackers, Ritz or Cheez-its

4 Tablespoons melted Butter.

PROCEDURE:

Boil the Egg Noodles, drain, set aside.

Cut up the Chicken in bite-size pieces.  You can use any chicken meat you desire for this.

In Large Bowl:  Mix Soup, Broth, Peas/Carrots together.

Add Chicken Pieces, Stir In.

Add Cooked Noodles and Seasonings.  Stir together to combine.

Spray a 9x9 or 8x8 inch baking dish.  I line mine with foil first then spray.  Easier clean-up.

Pour in the Chicken and Noodle Mixture evenly.

Sprinkle your Cheese over the top, evenly.

If using Topping:

In small bowl combine the crushed crackers and melted butter then sprinkle on top of the Cheese evenly.

Bake, uncovered, at pre-heated 350*F for 25-30 Mins. until top starts to brown.

This is my 9x9 Inch Casserole going into oven.  I did NOT make a Topping since I am counting calories.

My 1/6th portion of casserole.

CALORIES:

Whole Casserole with Topping:  2540 Calories

without Topping:   2130 Calories

1/4 Portion with Topping:  635 Calories  Without: 533 Calories

1/6 Portion With Topping: 423 Calories  Without: 355 Cals.

I Think my numbers are correct.

Enjoy.  I did.

FINISHED 2 VICTORIAN LADIES THIS WEEK.

 I am happy to report I finished 2 of my Victorian Ladies this week.  It's nice I can hand-sew at Craft Mornings.  

Lady Lillian is 15" by 15" and hangs on my display wall in the hallway for everyone to enjoy.  I really dislike the color of orange in clothing and decor, but this shade of tangerine caught my eye and I love it.

This is Lady Beatrice.  She's a bit stocky as are many of the Lithuanian women in my Mother's family.  She may be hefty but she's strong and healthy.  Measures 14.5" x 16".

Right now I am working on the binding for Lady Sandra.  She's the last of the single ladies that I've planned.  The next will be a foursome for the garden society.

Enjoy your day.

BREAD KEEPS FRESHER LONGER WITHOUT FREEZING

 I manage to keep my bread fresh for long periods of time with this method.

When you buy a loaf of bread, date the bag.  Open it and put 2 or 3 full size sheets of paper towel inside, folded or crumpled.  

The paper towels absorb the moisture which helps keep the bread fresh.

Now place the loaf in your refrigerator, NOT the freezer.  

This slice is 22 days old and fresh, though a bit cool.  No mold.  No issues at all.  

The same holds true for other bread products, like subs, English muffins, hot dog and hamburger rolls.  

If you want fresh bread for 3 weeks or a bit longer, try this.  It works for me. 

Have a good day.

BABY GIRL DRAGON IS FINISHED.

I finally have my baby girl dragon finished.  I like her.

Here she is.  I named her Pink Pearl.  She is accompanied by a couple of fairy friends.   Measuring 14 by 14 inches she is perfect for my front door or to hang on my design board in the hallway.

In the meantime, I continue to work on my Victorian Ladies.  I like to do handwork at our Craft Mornings on Thursdays, so I do the binding and the labels by hand.  

It's a fine day here in Maine.  Enjoy your day.

FINISHED THREE SMALL WALLHANGINGS INCLUDING LADIES

I am enjoying my sewing projects lately.  Maybe it's the sunshine.  I finished 3 more small wall hangings. 

 This one, Lady Rosalind, 16" x 16" is hand quilted.  I only had to add her label since she was officially finished in April this year.

Lady Maybelle, 14" x17" also only needed her label since I finished the sewing in May 2026.

Tilly Teacup is only 15" x 15" and was the 13th teacup block I had.  I thought she looked like a face, so added the red lips to make her a little cutie.  I finished her yesterday at our Saturday chat table where we residents gather to chat or bring hand work to finish. 

And now to the outdoors.  We have had some fine weather.

Our garden pathway behind the building.  There are flowers blooming along both sides.

Beside our patio we have a flower garden as well.  This is one section of that patio garden.  Its blooming with color right now and so pleasant to see.

A few of our residents have small veggie plots in these tall pots.  The tomatoes and other veggies are doing well.

We have had such wonderful weather.  Our last frost was sometime in mid-May so a couple of gardeners got a head start by transplanting before Memorial Day this year.

Have a wonderful and restful day my friends.