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Saturday, February 10, 2018

The 'Manchester Craft Market' in New Hampshire!

THE 'MANCHESTER CRAFT MARKET' IN NEW HAMPSHIRE!
By Arianne Plehandzic

Every crafter/artisan dreams of having a place for their work to be displayed for more than a day. Craft fairs only last for a day or so and who can afford a shop of their own. However, Jessica Moores is making that dream come true for hundreds of artisans in New England. Her gift shop titled 'Manchester Craft Market' is located in the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester. Shoppers are welcomed by a huge variety of  local handmade artisan goods. Any handmade shop lover would be delighted to take a peek around. As a featured artisan, I am happy to display my items here. It's cozy and a treat for the eyes! 

LET'S TAKE A TOUR!!

 Pretty displays throughout the whole store!

 Something for everyone...

 I love these glass flowers...!

 I love the little crystals on these fabric wreaths!

 I'm a sucker for hand sewn items...

 Those flower jars on top...!

 Lovely window displays!

 Love those hand painted glasses.

 So cozy...

 So unique...perfect gifts!

 Beautiful display...

Love the artwork!

Back wall where my items are displayed.

My watercolor prints in magnetic frames, rose/lavender bars of soap and my rose scented bath salts in teal jars...so exciting!

My kids were so excited that mama got to put her things in the mall!

Love the 'LOCAL' behind the counter!


Shop owner Jessica Moores 

As an artisan herself...Jessica is delighted to support local artisans! She knows how hard it can be for craftspeople to get their items out there to the public. She also knows how much work they put into their products. It is a true joy for her and she is wonderful to work with! If you are interested in becoming a vendor or you want more information about the shop, visit www.manchestercraftmarket.com


Wednesday, January 17, 2018

SNOW DAY & BAKED DONUTS


Today we had a snow day! The whole family was home, including daddy. We got about 6 inches of heavy snow throughout the night. I decided to make it extra cozy by making some homemade goodies. 

I have always wanted to make homemade donuts. When I was younger I would read 'Farmer Boy' by Laura Ingalls and I always loved how his mom had the house full of good smells and good food. Every chapter is filled with delicious foods his mom was making. I sometimes get in the mood to read it before bed...especially on cold nights!

FREE RECIPE PRINTABLE AT THE BOTTOM OF POST!


My oldest help me bake...it was so nice to spend the day with her in the kitchen!

INGREDIENTS
For the donuts:
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs 
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt 
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 cup buttermilk

For the glaze:
* 2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly spray a 6-cavity donut pan with non-stick cooking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the butter, oil and sugar together until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla...whisk until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and nutmeg. Stir with a whisk. Stir in half the flour mixture into the wet ingredients...followed by the buttermilk and then the remaining flour. Stir until combined...the batter will be thick.

4. Transfer the batter into a disposable piping bag or zip-lock bag with a small corner cut off. Pipe the batter into the prepared pan, filling each 2/3 full. 

5. Bake for 7-9 minutes or until donuts spring back when pressed lightly. Set the donuts on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile make the glaze.

To make the glaze:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla. Stir until well combined, adding more milk if needed.

2. Dip the donuts while they are still warm into the glaze and set them on a wire rack to set.
Optional: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir to combine and sprinkle on top of the glazed donuts.

*Best served warm. Will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Making the vanilla glaze...

 Fresh from the oven!

Dipping in the vanilla glaze.

Apple turnover recipe in another blog post...

Looks like they enjoyed them!


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