Posted in Book, Crafts, Crochet, holiday

Crocheted Book Cover

Do you have scrap yarn that you need to use up in your stash?  If so, this is a great beginner project for you.  Depending on the size of your book, you can finish a project like this one in a few hours.

Scrappy Crocheted Book Cover

Measuring the length of my book, I used the half-double crochet stitch after chaining 40 stitches. The number of rows stitched depends on the size of the book.  I used a 4.5 mm hook with 4 weight yarn.

CH 40 + 2, turn

HDC in to second stitch from the hook, continue across the row. Continue this pattern until you’ve reached your desired length to cover your book.

I ran out of the multiple-colored yarn before reaching my desired length so I just found a coordinating red yarn and continued stitching.  For the scalloped edge, I used the following pattern- In the same stitch,  put 1 single crochet, 1 double crochet, and 1 single crochet.  Slip stitch in the next stitch. Continue across the row. To close up the envelope-style cover I used the half-double crochet stitch around the edges. I made a simple closure by chaining 12, tying off and stitching this into the center edge of the flap. I stitched on a button with a tapestry needle and added a “handmade” label. This cute cover will hold all of my cozy mysteries throughout the holiday season. Great gift idea!l

Posted in Baked goods, Baking, Cake, Desserts, Food

Lemon Cake Mix Bars

I bought several lemon cake mixes at the beginning of the summer as I like to make a lemon jello cake every once in a while. This week, while going through my recipe box, I remembered a quick cake mix bar that I used to make for my kids lunch box meals. It’s a moist and dense bar with a lemony glaze that packs a punch! My family likes to top this bar with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a summer evening treat.

Lemon Cake Mix Bars

Ingredients

For the bars:

  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1/2 cup white baking chips
  • 2 eggs

For the glaze:

  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp lemon zest, optional
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare a 7×11” or 9×9” baking pan with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  1. Combine cake mix, oil, and eggs. 
  2. Stir until blended. 
  3. Stir in baking chips. Pat into baking pan.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-22 minutes or until light golden brown. 
  5. Cool completely.
  6. Mix powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice to make a glaze. 
  7. Pour and spread over cooled bars. Cut and serve.