Pick your own pine cones

This is the perfect time to head out and pick pine cones and get a jump start on holiday craft projects. I spent the weekend visiting my parents and their neighbor has a big beautiful tree, she allowed us to go in her backyard and pick pine cones. I washed them up today and have them drying on a screen.

They sell pine cones in craft stores for about $5-$6 a bag so I saved some money by picking them and cleaning them myself. I cannot wait to make some cool items out of them. I plan on doing some wreaths, add some to baskets, endless ideas for them. Will post pictures at a later time when I've completed my projects.

** There are 2 methods you can do bake them or wash them.
I washed mine in the kitchen sink 3 times in very warm water and laundry detergent. Let them soak each time for 20 minutes, drained the sink and filled it up with soap and water again. Rinse well when they are no longer sticky. Washing them gets rid of all the sap, small bugs and dirt. The pine cones petals will close up, but they will open again as they dry.

The bake method I didn't do as there is a chance of starting a fire in your oven and you really need to watch closely and stay in the kitchen.

Chop Suey Cake

Oh, my this is one of my all time favorite cakes. If I could just bake this up and serve for dinner once a week I'd be a happy camper. Lol! Thought I'd share the recipe with you all it will be your favorite too!! Yum!!

This delicious cake recipe has been around a very long time.
It was the rage in the 40's! during WORLD WAR 2 era.
Why is it called a "CHOP SUEY" cake ??
I can not find an answer, but I believe
it is because it looks a little like...CHOP SUEY!

2 cups sifted flour
1 cup chopped nuts(any) I use walnuts
2 tsp baking soda
2 cups sugar white or brown
2 eggs
1 large can of crushed pineapple juice and all

Preheat oven 350

Mix all ingredients together, pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 pan
Bake until a golden brown about 30-35 minutes.

FROSTING:
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 stick of butter or margarine
2 cups of powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients in bowl until mixed well.

Frost while cake is slightly warm.
Refrigerate when cake is cool, it freezes well too!

Peanut Butter Cookies

This is one of my all time favorite cookie recipes they are fast and simple to make. I make these up for the holidays to take to parties, they are a big hit. Also this recipe is kid friendly and they enjoy making these cookies as well, they are fun! 

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What You'll Need:1 cup peanut butter smooth or chunky
1 cup sugar
1 egg

Heat Oven to 375F. Stir together the peanut butter, sugar and egg in a large mixing bowl.

Roll dough into 1- inch balls. Put some sugar on a plate and roll balls in it to coat. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Press each ball down with a fork to make a crisscross design. Bake for 10 minutes or until cookies just start to brown on the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks.

**I also like to make these with thumb prints in them and fill them with peanut butter once cooled. Can also use colored sugar in red, green etc to go with the holidays.