Celebrate Armed Forces Day with Soup in a Jar

Celebrate Armed Forces Day with Soup in a Jar

We’re celebrating armed forces day with soup in a jar.

armed forces day

We are thankful for the men and women who serve our country in the military. We couldn’t resist creating an “MRE” (meals ready to eat) type recipe for this week’s mason jar.

This project is very simple to make. In fact, this cozy may be the easiest one’s we’ve made to date!

Armed Forces Day – Jar Cozy

cozy and ribbonMany organizations use a crossed ribbon to help raise awareness of their cause. The yellow ribbon signifies a wish to see our troops come home. A black ribbon helps us remember prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Though it’s not military related, we are demonstrating how this cozy can be used for most any cause with a change of color. The pink ribbon is used to raise breast cancer awareness.

Cozy Supplies

  • Vanna’s Colors (Bulky – 5): Pine
    Vanna’s Choice (Worsted – 4): Radiant Yellow
    (Black Ribbon: Vanna’s Choice – Scarlet, White, Colonial Blue, Black)
    (Pink Ribbon: Vanna’s Choice – Berrylicious, Pink)
  • Hook: H/8/5.00mm
  • Hook: K/10.5/6.5mm
  • Yarn Needle

cause ribbons

Cozy Instructions

Pine

Hook: K

Ch 28, Join with a sl st

Rnd 1-8: Sc around. (28)

Rnd 9: 2 sl st. Leave remaining sts unworked. Finish off and weave in ends.

Ribbon Instructions

Radiant Yellow

Hook: H

Ch 30

Row 1: Work in the back loop only. Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc across. Ch 2, sl st into base of last st made. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Embroider if desired.

Cross ribbon and sew to cozy. Weave in ends.

“Just Add Water” Soup in a Jar

soup in a jarMost soup in a jar recipes require additional ingredients like meat, oil and dairy when the soup is being prepared. Those extra ingredients aren’t usually available to those who are roughing it. So we came up with the following “just add water” recipe.

As a side note: this recipe would be great for those who are camping or backpacking. And it would be a great snack item or quick meal for the kids, too!

Potato Cheese Soup Recipe

  • 1 ½ cups instant mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup instant coffee creamer (or powdered milk)
  • 1/3 cup cheddar cheese powder (or 1 ½ packets of Kraft Mac and Cheese packets)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chicken bouillon
  • 1 teaspoons dried onion flakes
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Greek Seasoning (or seasoning salt)
  • ¼ cup imitation bacon bits (optional)

ingredients for soup in a jarMix all ingredients together thoroughly. Store in mason jar.

To serve, mix ½ cup soup mix with 1 cup boiling water. (For a thicker soup, use ¾ cup soup mix to 1 cup water).

Note: The imitation bacon bits are an over powering ingredient. Only add them if you know you like them.

“Just add water” Recipe Alternatives

There are other “just add water” foods you can use instead of the Potato Cheese Soup. If you’re looking for a simple alternative – buy pre-mixed foods. Be sure to include cooking instructions if these are a gift item.

  1. Pancake Mix (Aunt Jemima)
  2. Brownie Mix (Krusteaz)
  3. Cornbread Mix (Marie Callender’s)

More Cozies in Store

Coffee Cup CoziesLove this Armed Forces Day jar cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store. We’ve created an entire collection with over 20 designs. All 20 are available in 1 set.

Note: This cause ribbon cozy is NOT in this Cozy Collection.

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

How to Make Bath Salts and a Crochet Flower Cozy

How to Make Bath Salts and a Crochet Flower Cozy

how to make bath salts

Learn how to make bath salts and pamper yourself (and your mom). Store the crystals in a mason jar and wrap it with a fun crochet flower cozy. This is a beautiful Mother’s Day gift idea. (Mom, if you’re reading this…I guess you know what you’re getting for your special day!)

The bath salts are surprisingly simple to make. We’ll start with them because you’ll want them to be completely dry before storing (otherwise the salt may get clumpy).

How to Make Bath Salts

bath salts ingredientsAs I mentioned, learning how to make bath salts is easy. The hardest part is figuring out what scent you want! Think about who the bath salt is for. If it’s for you, do you like floral? Do you want something relaxing or energizing? Do you like a lot of scent or just a hint of it?

Essential Oils are available in natural grocery stores. The bottles will list their scent as well as their characteristics. Some will even list whether they work well in a bath. Common scents include: peppermint, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus and orange.

Scented Bath Salts Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Epson Salts
  • 1/2 cup Baking Soda (optional)
  • Essential Oil (as desired)
  • Scraps of Yarn
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cookie sheet

Note: Sea Salt can be used in exchange or in addition to Epson Salt. Table salt cannot be used.

Baking soda is a skin softener and is an optional ingredient. It can be used in equal parts to the salt.

scented yarnScented Bath Salts Directions:

  1. Mix salt and baking soda together.
  2. Sprinkle several drops of Essential Oil onto scraps of yarn. Stir yarn through bath salt mixture to desired strength of scent.
  3. Repeat Step 2 if needed.
  4. Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spread salt mixture onto cookie sheet to dry.
  5. Periodically stir salts. Allow to dry completely (overnight).
  6. Store in mason jar.

How to Make a Crochet Flower Cozy for Mason Jar of Bath Salts

mothers day gift ideaThis crochet flower reminds me of the annual tradition my family had of planting flowers in my mother’s yard on Mother’s Day. That tradition was the inspiration for this cozy.

This crochet flower can be sewn directly to the cozy or affixed with a pin (something like a coiless pin would work well). Using a pin will allow the flower to be removed and used to decorate other things.

This is a great stash buster project. We’ve used Vanna’s Choice yarn (medium worsted weight). We love her blend of bright colors and pastels.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Stitches Used: Slip Stitch, Single Crochet, Double Crochet, Treble Crochet

Technique Used: Crochet in the Round. Cluster Stitch

Note: Replace the cluster stitch with a single crochet and this Intermediate pattern would be rated Easy.

CROCHET FLOWER SUPPLIES

  • Vanna’s Choice: Black, Raspberry, Radiant Yellow, Fern
    (Pastel: Pink, Silver Blue, Dusty Green, Beige)
    (Purples: Dusty Rose, Dusty Purple, Purple)
  • Crochet Hook: H
  • Yarn Needle

COZY INSTRUCTIONS

Cluster Stitch Instructions:

Cluster Stitch: Insert hook into next stitch (the current working stitch), YO, draw through stitch, YO, pull through one loop on hook, insert hook in the stitch one row below and one stitch back, YO (pulling yarn from the inside of the project), pull through stitch, YO, pull through one loop on hook, insert hook two rows below the current working stitch  (pulling yarn from the inside of the project), YO, draw through stitch, YO, pull through one loop on hook, insert hook in the stitch one row below and one stitch ahead of the current working stitch (pulling yarn from inside the project), YO, pull through stitch, YO, pull through one loop on hook, YO, pull through all five loops on hook. *Note, the next working stitch is under the last YO.

Black

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-4: Sc around. (34)

Rnd 5: Sc around. Change color to Radiant Yellow with sl st. Ch 1. Finish off Black and weave in ends. (34)

Rnd 6: 2 sc, *cluster st, 3 sc* around. End with 3 sc. Change color to Fern with sl st. Ch 1. Finish off Radiant Yellow and weave in ends. (34)

Rnd 7: Working in the back loop only, sc around. (34)

Rnd 8-9: Working in both loops now and throughout, sc around. (34)

Rnd 10: 33 sc, sl st. Finish off and weave in ends. (34)

With 12” length of Raspberry yarn, embroider a small stitch into the center of the cluster st.

cozies flat

FLOWER INSTRUCTIONS

Center

Radiant Yellow

Ch 3

Rnd 1: 5 dc in third ch from hook. (Count ch-3 as first dc). (6)

Rnd 2: Working in back loops only, sc around. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. (6)

Attach Raspberry to the front loop of any stitch of Rnd 2.

Rnd 3: Work the following stitches in the front loop of each stitch around, (sc, dc, trc, dc, sc). Finish with a sl st in the first sc made. Finish off and weave in end. (6 petals made)

Sew flower to cozy.

flower and leaf mason jar cozyNote: Turn the edges of the flower under for a puffy looking flower (as seen in the pastel cozy on the far left). Or leave ends of Rnds out for a layered look (like the two on the right).

UPDATE: I recently added leaves to this cozy. You can get the pattern to the leaves on the Crochet Mother’s Day Gift post.

More Cozies in Store

Coffee Cup CoziesLove this flower jar cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store. We’ve created an entire collection with over 20 designs. All 20 are available in 1 set.

Note: This flower cozy is NOT in this Cozy Collection.

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Dirt and Worms Recipe with Leaf Cozy for Earth Day

Dirt and Worms Recipe with Leaf Cozy – an Earth Day Activity

This Dirt and Worms Recipe is a delicious way to celebrate a lot of special days. It is particularly scrumptious for Earth Day, but would be a fun snack for the first day of Spring or Fall, April Fool’s Day, or any rainy day when worms appear from the ground. It’s kid friendly to make and to eat!

Dirt and Worms Recipe

To further dress up the snack, we’ve crocheted a twig and leaf cozy. Change the colors to match the special holiday you’re celebrating. Use bright colors for Spring or Earth tones for Fall. Earth Day calls for the use of recycled yarn…in any color!

Let’s start with the snack. While it sets up we can crochet a leaf cozy.

Dirt and Worms Recipe

dirt and worms in mason jarOur versions of the Dirt and Worms Recipe is a chocolate lovers delight. We’re not diluting the pudding with whipped cream. We want a nice rich dark chocolate colored dirt. This is a quick and simple recipe for kids in the kitchen.

Supplies:

  • 1 – 5.9 oz Instant Pudding and Pie filling – Chocolate (Jello Brand pictured)
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 package Oreo cookies (Double Stuffed pictured)
  • 1 package gummy worms (sour worms pictured)
  • 3 Mason Jars

Pudding and Oreo CrumblesDirections:

  1. Mix pudding according to box.
  2. Pour approximately 1 cup of pudding into each mason jar.
  3. Set aside (or refrigerate if needed) to setup – refrigerate if not using right away.
  4. Place 9 Oreo cookies (3 per serving) into resealable bag and crush with rolling pin or hammer.
  5. Just before serving pudding, sprinkle Oreo crumbs on top of pudding and top with gummy worms.

Earth Day Activity – Crochet Leaf Cozy

Leaf CozyThis leaf cozy is a cute Earth Day activity. Not only is the cozy fun to crochet, but the twig and crocheted leaves are a great reminder of how awesome our planet is. Using recycled yarn makes this an earth friendly activity. Using this cozy instead of disposable coffee cup sleeves is also earth friendly.

This is a great stash buster…which is very earth friendly. We’ve used Vanna’s Choice. There really are too many colors to choose from! We reigned ourselves in with only three cozies.

Skill Level: Easy +

Stitches Used: Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in Rows, Crochet in the Round, Crochet in Back Loop, Crochet in Both Loops

Supplies:

  • Vanna’s Choice: RADIANT YELLOW, RASPBERRY, FERN, KELLY GREEN
  • (Autumn Cozy: Kelly Green, Brick, Chocolate)
  • (Fall Cozy: Eggplant, Terracotta, Fern, Radiant Lime)
  • Mason Jar
  • Twig (4” Length)

Leaf Cozy Instructions

Radiant Yellow

Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1: Sc around. (34)

Rnd 2: Sc around. Join and change color to Fern with a sl st. (34)

Rnd 3: Sc around. Join and change color to Raspberry with a sl st into back loop of first st made in this Rnd. (34)

Rnd 4: Work in back loops only. Sc around. (34)

Rnd 5-8: Work in both loops. Sc around. (34)

Rnd 9: Work in both loops. Sc around. Join and change color to Fern with a sl st. (34)

Rnd 10: Sc around. Join and change color to Radiant Yellow with a sl st into back loop of first st made in this Rnd. (34)

Rnd11: Work in back loops only. Sc around. (34)

Rnd 12: Work in both loops. Sc around. (34)

Sl St. Finish off and weave in ends.

Insert twig under any st of Rnd 9.

leaf cup cozies

Leaf Instructions (make 2)

One Fern and One Kelly Green (or colors desired)

Hook: H

Ch 7

Rnd 1: 3dc in 3rd ch from hook (count first two as the first dc), 2 dc in next st, hdc, sc, sl st in last st, ch 3, sl st in third ch from hook. Continue working on the other side of the foundation ch. Sl st in the firs st, sc, hdc, 2 dc in next st, 4 dc in last st. Join with the first dc of this Rnd. (one leaf made)

Finish off leaving a long tail for attaching to cozy.

Attach to twig by tying a bow with the tails from the leaves.

More Cozies in Store

Coffee Cup CoziesLove this leaf jar cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store. We’ve created an entire collection with over 20 designs. All 20 are available in 1 set.

Note: This leaf cozy is in this Cozy Collection as a mug cozy.

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Russian Tea Recipe and Crochet Radioactive Cozy

Russian Tea Recipe and Crochet Radioactive Cozy

There are many Russian Tea Recipes, but this is my all time favorite. My mother calls it Spiced Tea, but at craft shows it is referred to as Russian Tea. And because I have a sweet tooth, I like this really sweet blend.

Russian Tea Recipe

We’re packaging this tea in a mason jar which is perfect for gift giving. Since it’s loaded with sugar, the crocheted cozy with the radioactive symbol on it is definitely fitting! This cozy would be perfect for any “toxic” drink (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) or food (bean or split pea soup).

Let’s start with the Russian Tea. Then you can enjoy a cup while you crochet the radioactive cozy!

Russian Tea Recipe

This Russian Tea Recipe has been in the family for years. So I’m not sure who to credit for this particular combination (if you know, please leave me a comment below). You can adjust the sweetness of your tea by adding more or less to your cup of hot water.

Russian Tea Ingredients MixedThis spiced tea is a cross between hot apple cider and orange juice. Yum!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Instant sweetened lemon tea
  • 1 cup Tang
  • ½ to 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Store in mason jar.

Serving:

  1. Add 3 teaspoons to 1 cup boiling water (adjust quantity to desired sweetness).

Crochet Mason Jar Cozy with Radioactive Symbol

If you like your beverage a little stronger than most, the radioactive symbol is the perfect image for your cup cozy! It’s also a cute way to adorn a gift for April Fools Day (April 1)…just sayin’.

Crocheted Radioactive Cup CozyThis is a quirky and delightful way to use up your yarn stash. We’ve used Vanna’s Choice. Use Mustard or Radiant Yellow for a traditional cozy or try a Radiant Lime to represent the radioactive material inside your cup or mason jar!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Stitches Used: Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, no foundation chain double crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in the Round

Supplies:

  • Vanna’ Choice Yarn: MUSTARD, BLACK
  • Mason Jar

Jar Cozy Instructions

Mustard

Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-9: Sc around. (34)

Join with a sl st. Cut yarn; weave in end.

Radioactive Symbol Instructions

Center Circle Instructions

Black

Hook: C

Ch 3

Rnd 1: 7 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st. (7)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Outer Semi-circle Instructions (make 3)

Black

Hook: C

Ch 4

Row 1: Ncfdc in 4th ch from hook, 3 ncfdc, Ch 3. Sl st in base of dc. (5)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly Instructions

Pin then sew Radioactive symbol to cozy. Weave in ends.

More Cozies in Store

Coffee Cup CoziesLove this radioactive jar cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store. We’ve created an entire collection with over 20 designs. All 20 are available in 1 set.

Note: This Radioactive cozy is in this Cozy Collection as a mug cozy.

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Crochet Bunny and Easter Snacks for Kids

Crochet Bunny and Easter Snacks for Kids

A crochet bunny is the perfect accent for a mason jar full of Easter snacks for kids.

crochet bunny

It’s a strange phenomenon that the Easter bunny lays eggs. But who are we to question such a thing. We’re having fun with it and the kids will too. They’ll have a blast making and eating these chocolate snacks.

Let’s start with the Easter Snacks for kids because the chocolate will need time to cool and harden before it can be placed in the mason jar for storage (assuming you and the kids don’t eat them all first!).

Easter Snacks for Kids

If you’re looking for fun Easter snacks for kids…this is an easy and delicious one! It’s great for kids of any age.

easter snacks for kidsSo, we present to you…Easter eggs in a nest. It looks a bit like a bird’s nest. In fact, both birds and rabbits have their young in a nest. Rabbits build their nests in the dirt. The chocolate makes the eggs look like they are nestled in the dirt…so, we’re calling this snack an Easter Bunny Nest.

Ingredients & Supplies:

  • 1 bag rectangular pretzels (Snyder’s of Hanover Butter Snaps)
  • 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses
  • 1 bag M&M’s – Easter colors
  • 1 cookie sheet

kisses on pretzelsDirections:

  1. Preheat oven to 175°.
  2. Spread pretzels flat on cookie sheet (about 50 of them).
  3. Unwrap and place one kiss centered on each pretzel.
  4. Bake for 7 minutes to soften Kisses.
  5. Immediately press 1 to 3 M&M’s into each Kiss to form nests.
  6. Allow to cool and harden for a couple of hours.

Note: Young children will only be able to place 1 M&M in the nest. Older children can place 2 or more in each nest.

FYI: I Googled “Easter Snack” and found this snack on Jamy Fisher’s website. Thanks, Jamy for sharing!

Crochet Bunny for Easter

For Easter (and bunny lovers everywhere) we have a crochet bunny mason jar cover. This is adorable as a cup cozy, too. We’re showcasing it as a cute (and delicious) gift idea for the holidays. One that the kids can get involved with as well.

crochet bunny in four color combinations

This is a great stash buster. We’ve used Vanna’s Choice. The colors can be as soft and neutral as a real bunny or as bright and colorful as your heart desires.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in Rows & Rounds, Increase

Crochet Bunny Supplies:

  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn (Worsted Weight – 4)
    BEIGE, BLACK, PINK
    (Brown Bunny: Taupe Mist, Rose Mist, Radiant Lime, Black)
    (Purple Bunny: Purple, Dusty Rose, Raspberry)
    (Rainbow Bunny: Scarlet, Radiant Lime, Radiant Yellow, Radiant Orange, Colonial Blue, Aqua, Raspberry, Black)
  • Crochet Hook: H / 8 / 5.00mm
  • Yarn Needle for Sewing
  • 1 Mason Jar

Crochet Bunny Instructions

Beige

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-9: Sc around. (34)

Join with a sl st. Cut yarn; weave in end.

EAR INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)

Beige

Ch 9

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. 6 sc. Work 3 sc in last st. Turn to other side of foundation ch. 6 sc, sc inc in last st. (18)

Rnd 2: *Sc inc, 8 sc* twice. (20)

Rnd 3: *2 sc inc, 8 sc* twice. (24)

Rnd 4: 2 sc inc, 3 sc, 2 sl st. Leave remaining sts unworked. (9)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

So, we present to you…Easter eggs in a nest. It looks a bit like a bird’s nest. In fact, both birds and rabbits have their young in a nest. Rabbits build their nests in the dirt. The chocolate makes the eggs look like they are nestled in the dirt…so, we’re calling this snack an Easter Bunny Nest.BOW INSTRUCTIONS

Pink

Ch 9

Rnd 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook. Sc, sl st, sc, dc, ch 2, sl st in last st. Turn to other side of foundation ch. Ch 2, dc, sc, sl st, sc, dc, ch 2, sl st into last st. (12)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Embroider “V” shaped Nose across Rnd 4 with Pink.
  2. Embroider two Eyes across Rnds 6 & 7 with Black.
  3. Sew Ears 2 sts away from each eye on Rnd 9. Fold ear a bit at top if desired.
  4. Sew Bow to top of Ear as desired.

More Cozies in Store

Coffee Cup CoziesLove this crochet bunny jar cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store. We’ve created an entire collection with over 20 designs. All 20 are available in 1 set.

Note: The crochet bunny cozy is NOT in this set.

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Leprechaun Hat Jar Cozy and Green Food

Leprechaun Hat Jar Cozy and Green Food for St. Patrick’s Day

For St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve created a Leprechaun hat jar cozy.

leprechaun hat

This jar is the perfect way to gift green foods to your friends and family for the holiday! Our green food of choice…frozen lime flavored grapes. We’d call them sour grapes…but you might get the wrong idea. This is better described as a healthy version of Sour Patch Kids candy.

This hat design is quite versatile. The cozy itself fits a to-go coffee cup. And if you change the colors (to black, for example), this would be perfect for President’s Day or any special occasion where a top hat is needed.

Let’s start with the green food because it needs time to freeze.

Green Food – Sweet & Sour Grapes

Any green food would be cute stored in this festive Leprechaun hat jar, but we’ve got a fun, healthy and super easy recipe for you…Sweet and Sour Grapes. The green grapes are the sweet part. The lime Jello is the sour part. They are surprisingly delicious!

Ingredients and Supplies:

green food1 box lime jello

2 lbs. green grapes

Resealable bag – gallon size

2 Pint size mason jars

Directions:

  1. Pour lime jello powder into resealable bag.
  2. Wash your hands.
  3. Wash the grapes.
  4. Pluck grapes off of vine. Place in bag while still wet.
  5. Shake bag to coat grapes with jello.
  6. Place grapes in mason jars and freeze for a couple of hours.
  7. Serve frozen.
  8. Store in freezer or refrigerator depending on how cold you like them.

Leprechaun Hat Jar Cozy

st patricks day jar cozyThis crochet Leprechaun hat is also easy to make. And it whips up in a couple of hours. This top hat design is shown here in green…but with a simple color change, this cozy would fit any formal or patriotic occasion (a red, white and blue would be great for July 4th in the US – just sayin’).

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: Chain, Slip Stitch, Single Crochet, Double Crochet

Techniques Used: Crochet in the Round, Increase

This is a great stash buster. We’ve used Lion Brand yarns. The Kelly Green and Black are Vanna’s Choice. The Gold is Vanna’s Glamour. We love the way the Gold sparkles next to the Kelly Green.

Leprechaun Hat Supplies:

  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn:
    KELLY GREEN, BLACK
  • Vanna’s Glamour:
    GOLD
  • Crochet Hook: H, C
  • Yarn Needle for Sewing
  • Pint size mason jar

Leprechaun Hat Cozy Instructions:

Kelly Green

Hook: H

jar cozy aboveCh 34. Join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-7: Sc around. (34)

Rnd 8: 33 sc. Drop Kelly Green and change color to Black with a sl st. (34)

Rnd 9: Ch 2, dc around. Join with a sl st. (34)

Finish off Black and weave in ends.

Pick up Kelly Green.

Rnd 10: Ch 1. Sc around. (34)

Rnd 11: 33 sc, sl st. (34)

Rnd 12: Working in the front loops only, sc around. (34)

Rnd 13: *Sc inc, sc* around. (51)

Rnd 14: *Sc inc, 2 sc* around. (68)

Rnd 15: *4 sc, sc inc* around. End with 2 sc, sl st. (82)

Finish off and weave in ends.

BUCKLE INSTRUCTIONS

Gold

Hook: C

Ch 18

Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook. 2 dc, dc inc, ch 2, * 3 dc, dc inc, ch 1* 3 times. Join with a sl st. (16)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pin then sew belt buckle in a square over the Black “ribbon”. Weave in ends.

More Cozies in Store

Coffee Cup CoziesLove this Leprechaun Hat jar cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store. We’ve created an entire collection with over 20 designs. All 20 are available in 1 set.

Note: The Leprechaun Hat cozy is not in this set.

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Footballs Recipe

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Footballs Recipe

My husband and I are getting into the big game this year with chocolate covered peanut butter footballs. Truth be told, my dad is the only real football fan in the family. Yet we all come together to celebrate the championship game and to be entertained by the year’s best commercials.

chocolate covered peanut butter footballs

Video Alert: We created a short how-to video for these chocolate covered peanut butter footballs. See the embedded video below.

As I mention in the video, creating footballs is rather time consuming, so I’ll be bringing a mix of plain peanut butter balls and chocolate covered footballs. In the picture above you can see the peanut butter balls in the mason jars cozied with footballs!

Here are some links to these treats:

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Video

We created a video on Google Plus in a Hangout On Air. We had fun with our guest panel. They recommended that bacon be added as a secret ingredient to these peanut butter treats. See what my husband thinks of the idea!

Watch the how-to video on YouTube.

Enjoy these treats…and may the best team win!

Superbowl Snack Football Cookies Recipe

Superbowl Snack – Football Cookies

Need a Superbowl Snack? Football cookies are the perfect treat for the big game! These chocolate chocolate chip cookies are dunked in chocolate and accented with white chocolate threads. They are a chocoholics delight.

superbowl snack football cookies

This is the same recipe as the Valentine’s cookies, but without the peppermint. And the shape is different, too…obviously. I suppose you could add some hearts to the cookie platter to let everyone know you heart football! =)

If you like peppermint, I highly recommend that you follow the directions for the Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe and Heart Cozy we blogged about for Valentine’s day. But if you don’t like peppermint…like my husband…than the following version of the recipe is for you.

Football Cookie Recipe

football doughIngredients and Supplies:

  • 1 ¼ cup flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 Tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 Wilton Football Cookie Cutter
  • 8 oz. melting chocolate – chocolate
  • 2 oz. melting chocolate – white

superbowl snack football cookiesDirections:

  1. Wisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  2. In electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and egg together.
  3. Add flour mixture and beat until well blended.
  4. Add mini chocolate chips and mix until well blended. Dough will be crumbly.
  5. Kneed dough on counter top. Roll out dough to about 1/8” thickness. Cut out cookie shapes. If shapes stick to counter, lift with a spatula. Lay on cookie sheet (separate with wax paper if needed) and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  6. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
  7. Melt 8 oz. chocolate in microwave at 30 second increments until it can be stirred smooth. Do not over cook.
  8. Dunk the cookie into chocolate and remove and strain with fork. Lay on wax paper to dry and harden.
  9. Melt white chocolate in microwave at 30 second increments until it can be stirred smooth. Do not over cook.
  10. Pour white chocolate into disposable pastry bag or use one corner of a sandwich bag. Twist to seal white chocolate in corner. Snip a tiny hole in the corner of the bag. Draw football threads on cookies. Though footballs have 8 threads…we drew only 5. NFL footballs do not have stripes on the end like college and high school balls do.

football ice cream sandwich

Superbowl Snack – Three Variations for Football Cookies

These cookies are soo much fun. And they’re versatile, too. We prepared them three different ways. Pick the one that’s right for your party.

  1. Bake the cookies and only add white chocolate threads.
  2. Dunk the cookies in chocolate after baking and add white chocolate threads.
  3. Create ice cream sandwiches with chocolate ice cream and add white chocolate threads.

eating ice cream sandwichTo my surprise, my sweetheart requested chocolate ice cream in his chocolate chocolate chip cookies! I thought I was the chocoholic in the family!

As you can see…the ice cream sandwiches don’t have the extra dunking of chocolate…but they do have the white threads. After trying it…I have to agree that chocolate ice cream does taste amazing in the center of the cookies!

Superbowl Snack Served With Milk

cookies and milkCookies and milk are a great combo. So we recommend that you serve this superbowl snack with a tall mason jar of milk wrapped in a crocheted football cozy! You are getting into the spirit of the game, right? You need football decorations. You can crochet these and reuse them year after year…all season long!

The crocheted football cozy is a free pattern. You can learn more about it on the Party Mix Recipe and Crochet Football Jar Cozy post we wrote about last fall.

Go team!

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe & Heart Cozy

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe with Valentine Jar Cozy

The heart shaped chocolate peppermint cookie recipe is so delicious…you may need to make a double batch! Wrap the mason jar with this Valentine cup cozy and you’ve got yourself a sweet minty gift!

chocolate peppermint cookie recipe and jar cozy

We used a Linzer cookie cutter  (you know, the cutter that makes jelly filled cookies). Check the seasonal/holiday aisle at your local craft store. Or, if you’re seeing this after Valentine’s Day, you may need to check the cake decorating aisle.

Fortunately or unfortunately, my hubby doesn’t like peppermint. So, this was a happy heart day to me…and my sister…and my parents…and my neighbors. Everyone else seems to like peppermint.

Let’s start with the cookie recipe. It needs to bake and cool and stuff.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe

frosted cookiesThis chocolate peppermint cookie recipe makes crisy and crunchy cookies. They don’t raise too much in the baking which allows them to keep their shape. I found that the cookies with shapes cut out of the center hold their heart shape better than the ones that are solid hearts.

And if you do cut out a heart shape from the middle…you can bake those mini hearts for bite size minty treats!

INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES:

Peppermint Chocolate Coookie:

  • 1 ¼ cup flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 Tablespoons butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ¾ teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 1 Wilton Linzer Cookie Cutter

Mint Chocolate for Dipping

  • 12 oz. chocolate – white or chocolate flavor
  • 3/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Wax paper

cookie doughDIRECTIONS:

  1. Wisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  2. In electric mixer, beat butter, egg, sugar and ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract together.
  3. Add flour mixture and beat until well blended. Dough will be crumbly.
  4. Kneed dough on counter top. Roll out dough to about 1/8” thickness. Cut out cookie shapes. If shapes stick to counter, lift with a spatula. Lay on cookie sheet (separate with wax paper if needed) and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  5. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
  6. Melt chocolate in microwave at 30 second increments until it can be stirred smooth. Do not over cook.
  7. Stir in 3/8 teaspoon peppermint extract.
  8. Dip one side of the cookie into chocolate. Lay on wax paper to dry and harden.
  9. Store in mason jars!

Double Heart Cozy for Jar of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Crochet your special Valentine a whimsical jar cozy. This fits a Starbucks coffee cup, too, so he (or she) will be able to carry your love with him (or her) on the go!

Valentine Heart CozyThe double heart cozy is quite simple and whips up in a jiffy. It’s designed to fit a pint size mason jar…which is the perfect size for storing chocolate peppermint cookies! Yum.

Stash buster! This is a great project to make with your remnants. We are using Vanna’s Choice. This line has a lot of great complimentary colors from which to choose.

Skill Level: Easy

Stitches Used: chain, single crochet

Techniques Used: increase, crochet in the round

Materials:

  • Vanna’s Choice Medium Worsted (4)
    CRANBERRY, RASPBERRY
  • Crochet Hook: H and F
  • Mason Jar

COZY INSTRUCTIONS:

Cranberry

Hook: H

Ch 34, join with a sl st.

Rnd 1-10: Sc around. (34)

Join with a sl st. Cut yarn; weave in end.

PAIRED HEARTS INSTRUCTIONS:

Raspberry

Hook: F

Ch 7

Row 1:Sc in 2nd ch from hook. 4 sc, sc inc. (7)

Row 2:Ch 1, turn. Sc inc, sc across. (8)

Row 3:Ch 5, turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. 3 sc. 3 sl st in Row 2. (7)

Row 4:Turn. Skip sl sts. 3 sc, sl st. (4) (First Heart Made)

Row 5:Ch 8, turn.

Rows 6-9:Repeat Rows 1-4

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Pin then sew hearts to cozy.

More Cozies in Store

Coffee Cup CoziesLove this Valentine jar cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store. We’ve created an entire collection with over 20 designs. All 20 are available in 1 set including the owl Cozy.

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Cake in a Jar Recipe and Crochet Cupcake Cozy

Turtle Cake in a Jar Recipe and Crochet Cupcake Cozy

This turtle cake in a jar recipe is extremely rich and moist. Truth be told…I don’t really like cake….but I request this chocolatey deliciousness every year for my birthday. It is so rich, you will definitely need a tall glass of white milk to go with it.

cake in a jar recipe

Speaking of birthdays, we’re dressing up this jar with a crochet cupcake cozy! It’s perfect for any special occasion where cupcakes are served (like birthdays). Cakes in a jar for everyone with the person of honor getting a snazzy cupcake cozy as well.

Let’s start with the cake and wrap it up with a crocheted cozy.

NOTE: We are not canning cake…simply serving cake in jars.

Turtle Cake in a Jar Recipe

INGREDIENTS AND SUPPLIES:

  • 1 Betty Crocker Super Moist Milk Chocolate Cake Mix
  • 14 oz. Caramels
  • 1 cup Evaporated milk
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • 8 pint size canning jars

DIRECTIONS:

step two of cake1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Grease all sides of inside of jar with cooking spray. Spread jars evenly on a cookie sheeet (for ease of taking them in and out of the oven.)

3. Mix cake batter according to cake mix directions.

4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into each jar. Wipe away any batter that’s on the sides of the jar.

5. Bake for 20 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

6. Melt Caramels and milk together in a pot on low temperature, stirring constantly.

baked cake7. Pour 1/4 cup of caramel and milk mixture into each jar.

8. Sprinkle 1/8 cup of chocolate chips into each jar.

9. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into each jar. Wipe away any batter that’s on the ides of the jar.

10. Bake for 25 minutes or until done.

11. Allow to cool completely before serving.

NOTE: To learn about canning foods, visit the National Center for Home Food Presevation. Read why the University of Georgia does not recommend canning (preservation) of cakes.

Cake in a Jar Crochet Cupcake Cozy

Now we’re ready to crochet a cupcake cozy for the cake in a jar. Bright colors work great for this project. This is a great stash buster, too. We’ve used a colorful selection of Vanna’s Choice.

3 Cupcake Cozies

In addition to being fun for birthdays, a cake in a jar makes a tasty gift idea for teacher, women’s retreats, bridal showers and more. The cupcake cozy can even be used as a coffee cup sleeve!

SUPPLIES:

  • Pint size canning jar
  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn: Medium Worsted Weight (4)
    CHOCOLATE, RASPBERRY, RADIANT LIME, RADIANT YELLOW, AQUA, CRANBERRY, WHITE
  • Crochet Hook: H, F
  • Yarn Needle

COZY INSTRUCTIONS

Chocolate

Hook: H

Ch 8

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Hdc across. (6)

Row 2-22: Ch 2, turn. Hdc in back loops only across. (6)

Row 23: Turn to side of Rows 1-22. Work 34 sc across. (34)

Row 24: Fold cozy in half and join Row 22 to foundation ch with sl st across. (6)

Finish off and weave in ends.

CUPCAKE INSTRUCTIONS

cupcake close upRaspberry

Hook: H

Attach Raspberry to any st.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc around. Join with a sl st. (34)

Rnd 2: Working in the back loop only, sc around. (34)

Rnd 3-5: Working in both loops now and until specified, sc around. (34)

Rnd 6: 33 sc, sl st. (34)

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Attach Raspberry to any front loop of Rnd 2. Hold your work so that the Raspberry is closest to you and the Chocolate  farthest away from you. This way the shell st you are about to work will lay flat.

Rnd 7: Working in the front loop only: Ch 2, 5 dc in same st, *skip a st, sl st, skip a st, 6 dc in next st* Eight times. skip a st, sl st into base of ch 2. (62)

Finish off and weave in ends.

CHERRY INSTRUCTIONS (make 2)

Cranberry

Hook: F

Ch 2

Rnd 1: 8 hdc in 2nd ch from hook. (8)

Rnd 2: Sc around. (8)

Sl st. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pin then sew cherry to cupcake. Pull tail out the top. Tie a knot about 1 ½” away from cherry. Trim yarn at knot. This represents the cherry stem.
  2. Tie little knots of yarn around the cupcake to represent sprinkles. Ours are Radiant Yellow, Radiant Green, Aqua, White, and Chocolate. Trim to desired length.

More Cozies in Store

Coffee Cup CoziesLove this Cupcake jar cozy? There are more seasonal, holiday and just for fun cozies in the store. We’ve created an entire collection with over 20 designs. All 20 are available in 1 set including the Cupcake Cozy.

Read more about the set:

Blog: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection

Store: Coffee Cup Cozy Collection