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Chonky Boys: The Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches that Scream Summer!

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Featuring my thick and nuggy Chonky Boy Chocolate Chip Cookies, these ice cream sandwiches are the stuff that summer dreams are made of.  If you've ever had the Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich at Disneyland , you are going to LOVE these!  These big and bold chocolate chip cookies are based on a recipe from my culinary school studies at Auguste Escoffier, but with a few modifications to give them that Jennuine touch.  They make the perfectas book for a fat slice of real vanilla bean ice cream.  And those mini chips?  You just gotta have that extra cronch! Thank goodness this recipe only makes 8 sandwiches, otherwise I would be eating them for breakfast lunch and dinner.  This way, my big family can help save me from my inner child diet-saboteur.   Print With Image Without Image Chonky Boy Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Yield: 8 Author: Jenn Erickson Loaded with chocolate chips and buttery, brown-sugary vanilla flavor, these mall-sized cookies form a perfect partnership with a
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Terrarium Cakes -- Whimsical Woodland Scenes in a Jar (That You Can Eat!)

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At the turn-of-the-century, fascination with science, botany and collecting was at a furor. The "Wardian Case", the precursor to today's terrarium, was devised when physician (and botany enthusiast) Nathaniel Ward observed a fern flourishing inside a sealed jar. The idea of recreating a tiny ecosystem within a glass enclosure became popular with European travelers who were anxious to bring tropical plants home across the sea. With the resurgence of the interest in "Cabinets of Curiosities", the popularity of terrariums is once again on the rise; making their appearance in interior design studios, high-end garden stores, and across the blogosphere. Inspired by the charm of these  diminutive verdant worlds, I baked up a batch of Terrarium Cakes that are as delicious to eat as they are a delight to behold. TERRARIUM CAKES Individual Woodland Worlds in a Jar Ingredients/Materials Mason jars Chocolate Cake batter Funnel, batte
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Ephemera Cameo Wreath Tutorial at The Silly Pearl

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Today, I'm guest-posting at The Silly Pearl with my Ephemera Cameo Wreath tutorial. It's my take on the popular book page wreath, and is a lovely way to showcase a collection of cameos that have meaning to you. Stop by The Silly Pearl , say hi to Steph, and take a look around at all of her creative and inspiring projects!  
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Pumpkin Projects & Recipes ~ A Little Birdie Told Me...No. 38

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In this week's spotlight: Easy felt and flannel pumpkins made from upcycled clothing Pumpkin scones and Pumpkin Toffee Cheesecake ------------------------------------------------ Welcome to  "A Little Birdie Told Me..." Tuesday! If you're here to share a craft, recipe or project post, you'll find the linky and the specifics on how to  join the party after the features below. ------------------------------------------------ If you're linking up to today's party, a few reminders: 1) Looking for your link-up? Rook No. 17 uses a reverse listing, so your link will always show up 1st in line. 2) Keep the  camaraderie  and spirit of this party going by visiting and commenting on the two links after yours. ------------------------------------------------ If you haven't had a chance to enter to win the Spanish Steps Dress from Shabby Apple you can do so HERE ------------------------------------------------ If you're a fan of the foodie tomfool
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Fondant Tutorial: Woodland Toadstools

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Last weekend I had the opportunity to make the birthday cake for my niece's 1st birthday. For her woodland themed party, I created a whimsical little enchanted toadstool cake. Today, I'm sharing a tutorial for how to make your own sweet little toadstools out of rolled fondant.   To decorate a cake you'll want to make many toadstools in lots of different shapes and sizes, so perfection isn't important. Because they're mounted on toothpicks, the edible candy toadstools make excellent cupcake toppers too! FAIRY FACT: Fondant mushrooms are very popular with gnomes. The fondant mushroom toadstools are quick and easy to make and don't require any special equipment. You don't need to be a cake decorating professional to get great results from this beginner level project. FONDANT TOADSTOOLS Materials White Fondant Red Fondant (I tinted mine with a touch of brown for a more organic color) A thin paint brush cocoa powd
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Perfect Pumpkin Hand Pies ~ The Homesick Texan's Pumpkin Empanadas

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While the first official day of fall isn't until September 23, it sure feels like autumn has arrived here.  The air is crisp; skies are grey, and I can't seem to shake off the urge to sit in front of the fire with a good book and a mug of warm cider. So with the season of pumpkins and spice just around the corner, it is no surprise that I was drawn to the recipe for Pumpkin Empanadas during this, Week 3, of The Homesick Texan Cookbook Challenge & Cook-off.   These addictive little pumpkin hand pies start with a perfect cream cheese pie dough that rolls like a dream. The tender and flaky crust is filled with mixture of pumpkin and pecans that conjures memories of the best pumpkin pies. Imagine packing these tidy little treats for your fall picnic or tailgate. They'd tuck nicely in to a school lunch, although if your family is anything like mine, they won't last that long. Pumpkin Hand Pies adapted from the Pumpkin Empanada re
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Sophisticated Vintage Style in the 21st Century -- A Shabby Apple Giveaway!

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THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED. VIEW THE RESULTS HERE THANK YOU FOR ENTERING! When you think of classic, sophisticated style icons, who do you think of?   Audrey Hepburn? Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis? Coco Chanel?   While some might argue that style of their caliber is but a thing of the past, I can disprove that contention with two words:   Shabby Apple .   I am delighted to introduce Shabby Apple as the latest member of the Rook No. 17 sponsor line-up, after joining their affiliate program this month.  As Rook No. 17 continues to bring you original recipes, crafts and ideas for inspired living, I am happy to also have the opportunity to share a few select companies that I think are exceptional .  These are places I personally adore, patronize, and come back to time and time again. Shabby Apple is a company that was started by two friends on a mission to create dresses "that make dressing simple...a return to what dresses were always meant to be..."  T
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BABBLE'S Top 25 Readers' Choice Craft Mom Blogs

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I'm silly....I know it.  I was so grateful and flattered to be nominated to Babble's Readers' Choice list of Top Craft Mom Blogs several months ago by my friend Holly of 504 Main .  I've been over the moon to have remained in the top 25, but fell a few spots in the past few weeks.    click on the icon to visit the voting page If you're a fan of the original recipes, crafts and ideas for creative living that I share here at Rook No. 17, I would be beyond thrilled to earn your "click" over at Babble.  It's a two-second commitment, but would mean a lot to this silly old bird! While you're there, you may want to take a gander at some of the other incredible people on the list.  I've found several new favorite blogs that way, and have met a lot of inspiring creative people! THANK YOU!!
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