Wednesday, July 30, 2014

I’ll Be Your Huckleberry

If you ever saw the movie “Tombstone”, you will remember Val Kilmer uttering those words. Going back even further, there may be a few of you who remember that lovable Huckleberry Hound. The saying “I’ll be your huckleberry”, is an expression that says I am the right guy for the job; Val Kilmer is willing to go along with the rest of the guys. 

Huckleberries are a seasonal treat in the mountains, and as we speak, I have a half rack of baby backs in the oven basting in Wild Huckleberry BBQ sauce. This particular treat is based upon a wonderful experience at a gas station at the base of Tioga Pass on the east entrance of Yosemite National Park. The Mobile gas station is a destination for thousands of bikers who are heading into the park, and they brag about the best ribs in the world. Okay, I will bite. The ribs were amazing, and their secret was huckleberry BBQ sauce. Now, I can grab a bottle of this treat any time I like since we are in the huckleberry territory, but huckleberries are amazing for a lot of other things besides BBQ sauce. 



bbq

Here is a sweet treat for you, and if you cannot get fresh huckleberries since they are relatively difficult to get, you can substitute some of those luscious, ripe blueberries that I know you can get your hands on. Huckleberries and blueberries are great kissing cousins. 

Huckleberry Crisps

Huckleberry Crisps

6 tbsp. plus ½ cup sugar
6 tbsp. flour
¼ cup rolled oats
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp. lemon zest plus 2 tsp. lemon juice
¾ tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
4 cups huckleberries or blueberries
2 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. brandy
Crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream, for serving


1. Heat oven to 350°. Place four 6-oz. fluted ceramic ramekins on a parchment paper–lined baking sheet. 

2. In a medium bowl, combine 6 tbsp. sugar, flour, oats, brown sugar, walnuts, lemon zest, ¼ tsp. vanilla, ¼ tsp. salt, and cinnamon. Using your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until crumbly; transfer topping to freezer to let chill for 30 minutes. 


3. In a large bowl, stir together the remaining sugar and salt, lemon juice, and remaining vanilla, along with the huckleberries, cornstarch, and brandy; divide berry mixture between the ramekins. Mound some of the topping over each ramekin. Bake until the berries are bubbly and the topping is browned, 35–40 minutes. Top each crisp with a dollop of crème fraîche, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe courtesy of Saveur

Bears love huckleberries! Hike with a buddy and bear bells. We get these yummy berries mid-August, and they are plentiful along the trails and paths that we hike. 

All these yummy huckleberries and the smell of huckleberry BBQ make my mouth water. 

Here are some more things that will make your mouth water. These goodies are the result of the Christmas in July 2014 countdown.

RSSDesignsInFiber

Purple and Black Crocheted Multi-layer Flower Brooch with Lavender Crystal Beads or Pendant or Applique

https://www.etsy.com/listing/189022879/purple-and-black-crocheted-multi-layer?ref=listing-0


Otto the Little Purple Owl Felt Christmas Ornament
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/Wyverndesigns/7997504/otto_the_little_purple_owl_felt_christmas_ornament/handmade/seasonal/christmas/ornaments


two dot designs

Purple with pink princess crown long-sleeved toddler shirt, 2T - 3T

Large_il_fullxfull.290072941

hollyknittercreations

Hand Knit Old English Letter R Purple Picture Dish Cloth / Wash Cloth

Hand Knit Old English Letter R Purple Picture Dish Cloth / Wash Cloth

SewAmazin

    Penguin with Purple Batik Scarf Gift Card Money Holder Ornament

    Penguin with Purple Batik Scarf Gift Card Money Holder Ornament

    Covergirlbeads

    Purple Lampwork Beads Etched Handmade Opaque Glass Silver 254efs

    Purple Lampwork Beads Etched Handmade Opaque Glass Silver 254efs

    kathisewnsew

    Purple Gold Boho Wrap Bracelet Choker Necklace Hearts Tie-On

    Purple Gold Boho Wrap Bracelet Choker Necklace Hearts Tie-On
    Bluemorningexpressions

    Purple and Gold Glass Bead Bracelet Swarovski Crystal Lampwork Artisan

    Purple and Gold Glass Bead Bracelet Swarovski Crystal Lampwork Artisan
    adorebynat
    Noah's Ark Favor Tags, Personalized
    Noah's Ark Favor Tags, Personalized

    dianesdangles

    Swarovski Crystal Cha Cha Ring Amethyst Purple Sterling Beaded
    Swarovski Crystal Cha Cha Ring, Amethyst, Purple, Sterling, Beaded, 7 3/4 size
    KevsKrafts

    Peace Sign Dream Catcher with Green Peace Beads Handcrafted from Walnut Wood

    Peace Sign Dream Catcher with Green Peace Beads Handcrafted from Walnut Wood

    ShadowDogDesigns

    Purple Lampwork Artisan Handmade Earrings Sterling Beaded Jewelry OOAK
    Purple Lampwork Artisan Handmade Earrings Sterling Beaded Jewelry OOAK

    TheTwistedRedhead

    Purple and Green Beaded Keychain or Purse Charm with Leather Cord

    Purple and Green Beaded Keychain or Purse Charm with Leather Cord
    postcardsintheattic

    Antique Postcard Purple Iris Stenciled Brushed Art "Best Wished" Greeting Card 1910

    Antique Postcard Purple Iris Stenciled Brushed Art "Best Wished" Greeting Card 1910

    PrettyGonzo

    Cloisonne Dangle Earrings, Purple, Silver Birds, Swarovski Crystals

    Cloisonne Dangle Earrings, Purple, Silver Birds, Swarovski Crystals

    Thesingingbeader

    Purple Turquoise Magnesite Chunky Earrings Surgical Steel Ear Wires

    Purple turquoise chunky nugget earrings surgical steel ear wires.
    Tiff’s Glitz
    Pretty Pink Princess Earrings
    `

    jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

    Handmade Beaded Bangle Purple Mosaic Glass Pink Rose Decorative Silver

    Purple Mosaic Glass Pink Rose Decorative Silver Handmade Beaded Bangle

    That’s it for our summer break and our Christmas in July 2014 countdown. Hopefully, you had a great break and filled up with some luscious berry desserts! 

    Enjoy these great gift ideas and shop now for Christmas!

    Julie and Blu

    Monday, July 28, 2014

    Hot Days and New Beads

    Volume 11 Issue 8, August 2014

    What's New in August?

    Here we are, past the halfway point of summer, and it just now has gotten warm. The average days are in the low 80s—high 70s and 50s at night. It makes it nice to sleep at night with the windows open.

    Our summer has flown by, and I am sorry to say, I have not done a lot of creating in these last few months. I have been pretty busy with some other projects that have taken up all of my time.

    However, I did manage to get some new beads created. It may only be a few new sets, but they are filled with bright colors and fun designs. I keep saying that I will make more beads, but that just does not seem to happen.

    I finished new peyote bead bracelet patterns, and I did quite a few new cross stitch patterns for the websites. It has not been all summer spent with my nose in the laptop.

    New counted cross stitch pattern using a word cloud. You can find this on www.x-stitch-patterns.com

    New peyote patterns from www.theseedbeadpatternstore.com

    New Beads—Several new sets of loose round beads that are perfect for the summer jewelry creations.

    Counted Cross Stitch Patterns - The site has been overhauled and there

    are now new patterns coming soon.

    Everything is in my Artfire studio, my Etsy shop and my

    website:

    www.bluemorningexpressions.com

    Until next month,

    Julie & Blu

    Keep an eye out for new jewelry and beads coming up in the next month.

    enjoy,

    Julie and Blu

    Friday, July 25, 2014

    Christmas in July Week 4

    Christmas Countdown

    Take advantage of the summer sales to start buying your Christmas gifts! No matter who is on your holiday shopping lists, we have something that will be perfect for them. Bookmark our shops because the shopping doesn't stop at the end of July! get the InLinkz code

    Wednesday, July 23, 2014

    Smashing Raspberries!

     

    Hiking along the Bridger Range one can find pockets of fresh raspberries that have escaped being eaten by wildlife, so that makes them fair game for those of us on two legs. I like them fresh and with a shot of cream over the top of them for a simple bowl of fruit. They are selling fresh on the corner, and they are great on cereals, oatmeal, blended (that sounds so terrible) with other fruit and plucked out of the container by fingers. They are great anyway you serve them.

    This year, they seem to be so much sweeter than usual.

    We had a little visit with the neighbors, and she served margaritas with raspberries on the side. She had mixed lemon, lime, orange and a touch of pineapple with Gold and served them in a salted glass. She added blended watermelon to the left over mix the next day and enjoyed more margaritas. The fresh raspberries were sweet, and they offset the tart citrus in the drink. It was a refreshing cocktail.

    The idea of smashing all those luscious raspberries breaks my heart, but this recipe demands the smashing of the raspberries, and since I know a few of you have sorbet makers and ice cream machines, here is a yummy recipe for raspberry ice cream!

    Smooth Raspberry Ice Cream

    937850

    Ingredients:

    4 cups fresh raspberries

    2 eggs

    1 cup heavy whipping cream

    1/4 cup light corn syrup

    1 tablespoon lemon juice

    1 1/3 cups white sugar

    1 1/2 cups half-and-half

     

    Directions:

    1. Puree raspberries in a blender or food processor; pour mixture through a strainer to remove seeds.

    2. Beat eggs and sugar together in a bowl until smooth. Stir raspberry puree, half-and-half, cream, corn syrup, and lemon juice into the egg-sugar mixture.

    3. Transfer raspberry cream mixture to the ice cream maker. Freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.\

    Appropriated from Allrecipes.com

    While you are enjoying a bowl of wonderfully refreshing raspberry ice cream, enjoy all these tutti fruitti goodies from our Christmas in July countdown partners. If you are indulging in a raspberry cocktail, get your credit cards out, we will help you shop.

    hollyknittercreations

    Purple Raspberry and White Hand Knit Mini Washcloths or Dishcloths Set of three

    Purple Raspberry and White Hand Knit Mini Washcloths or Dishcloths Set of three

    shymouseecrafts

    Handmade Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae Candle with Whipped Topping

    Handmade Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae Candle with Whipped Topping

    RSSDesignsInFiber

    Shoulder Bag in Bright Multi Colors with 3D Rose - Hand-Crocheted

    Shoulder Bag in Bright Multi Colors with 3D Rose - Hand-Crocheted

    SusanEknits

    Knit Cable Scarf with Fringe in a Wool, Acrylic Blend Yarn,Variegated Pink and Beige, Winter Accessory, Christmas Gift, Ready to Ship

    Knit Cable Scarf with Fringe in a Wool, Acrylic Blend Yarn,Variegated Pink and Beige, Winter Accessory, Christmas Gift, Ready to Ship

    postcardsintheattic

    Antique Postcard Purple Plums & Gazebo Stenciled Airbrushed Art Greeting Card "A Happy Birthday" Germany 1910s

    Antique Postcard Purple Plums & Gazebo Stenciled Airbrushed Art Greeting Card "A Happy Birthday" Germany 1910s

    KatsAllThat

    Pastel Skulls and Tourmaline Quartz Pastel 8 14 inch Bracelet

    Pastel Skulls and Tourmaline Quartz Pastel 8 14 inch Bracelet

    ElunaJewelry

    Gemstone Stackable Rings, Set of Three (3) Red Blue and White Stone Rings, Fourth of July Jewelry

    Gemstone Stackable Rings, Set of Three (3) Red Blue and White Stone Rings, Fourth of July Jewelry

    Wyverndesigns

    Bohemian Beaded Batik Fabric Cuff Bracelet

    Bohemian  Beaded Batik Fabric Cuff Bracelet

    TheTwistedRedhead

    Blue and White Eyewear Leash with Pastel Letter Cubes and Butterflies

    Blue and White Eyewear Leash with Pastel Letter Cubes and Butterflies

    Blue Morning Expressions

    Jewelry Making Supplies, Beads, Yellow & Orange and PInk Flowers on Blue Beads, Handmade, Polymer Clay

    Jewelry Making Supplies, Beads, Yellow & Orange and PInk Flowers on Blue Beads, Handmade, Polymer Clay

     

    SewAmazin

    Watermelon Over-the-Collar No Dip Dog Bandana Reversible, XLarge

    Watermelon Over-the-Collar No Dip Dog Bandana Reversible, Large-XLarge

    SolanaKaiDesigns

    Crystal Prism Beaded Window Suncatcher Ornament

    Crystal Prism Beaded Window Suncatcher Ornament

    adorebynat

      Noah's Ark Cupcake Toppers for Birthday or Baby Shower Party

      Noah's Ark Cupcake Toppers for Birthday or Baby Shower Party

      Gingers-Garden

      Mini Frosted Cupcake Lip Balm Juicy Raspberry

      Mini Frosted Cupcake Lip Balm Juicy Raspberry

      jnldesigns

      A Luscious Citrus Swarovski Bicone Handmade Bracelet

      A Luscious  Citrus Swarovski Bicone Handmade Bracelet

      kathisewnsew

      Stone Wash Denim Cosmetic Bag Pink Blue Make Up Travel

      Stone Wash Denim Cosmetic Bag Pink Blue Make Up Travel

      PrettyGonzo

      Pastel Pink and Green Pearl Bracelet Adjustable Heart Charm Crystals

      Pastel Pink and Green Pearl Bracelet Adjustable Heart Charm Crystals

      klassyjoolz

      Lampwork Floral and Leaved Pendant Necklace - Artisan Jewelry-Artisan Necklace-Art Beads - SRAJD

      Lampwork Floral and Leaved Pendant Necklace - Artisan Lampwork Beads - Large Seed Beads - Artisan Jewelry-Artisan Necklace-Art Beads - SRAJD

      Thesingingbeader

      Set Of Two Wine Charms With Microphones Karaoke Hostess Multicolored

      Set Of Two Wine Charms With Microphones Karaoke Hostess Multicolored

      ShadowDogDesigns

        Handmade Green Lampwork Earrings Provence Swarovski Crystals Jewelry

        Handmade Green Lampwork Earrings Provence Swarovski Crystals Jewelry

        Covergirlbeads

          Encased Lampwork Lentil Beads Handmade Glass Apricot Raku Clear Silver

          Encased Lampwork Lentil Beads Handmade Glass Apricot Raku Silver Clear

          Umeboshi

            Hot Green Chili Pepper Dichroic Glass Pendant with Wire Wrapped Bail

            Hot Green Chili Pepper Dichroic Glass Pendant with Wire Wrapped Bail

            jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

            Cup cozy for cold or hot beverages 12 oz multiple colors

            Cup cozy for cold or hot beverages 12 oz multiple colors

            BeadSouk

            Blue, Green, White, Mauve, Round Plastic Buttons

            Blue, Green, White, Mauve, Round Plastic Buttons

            If you are looking for some more summer fun recipes, don’t forget that the 2104 Summer Funzine is filled with them! Not to mention, more exciting shopping experiences for you.

             

             

             

            Fill a dish with fresh raspberries or strawberries, and enjoy the summer sun while you shop for those Christmas and holiday gifts. In fact, any of these things make wonderful gifts all year long. Buy handmade, but buy it fast because handmade gifts go fast.

            Enjoy,

            Julie and Blu