Recessed sewing table

Not my idea, nor my plans, but I couldn't be any more thrilled with the result! The table will be finished in the spring with a multi-layer stain/paint/distressing effect, when things warm up. A little too cold for stains/paints right now. In the meantime, I'll use it as is, and love it all the while!

The hole drill got a little warm!

The jigsaw took care of the straight edges.

A router to add a rounded edge to the opening, and give it a more polished look.

Now for the supports on the underside.

The supports viewed from the top.

And in place...sewing machine now recessed!

The plans can be found here. There were no measurements, as every table is different, as is every sewing machine. What tips can I offer? Make sure you leave plenty of room for your plug ins to the right of your machine. And measure, measure, measure. It was very straight forward, and something anyone could do with the right tools. I have lost quick access to the front storage box on the machine base, but it was an easy sacrifice to make for the benefit of a recessed machine.

Have I said how much I love my new table?

I would suggest scouring Craigslist for used craft/dining tables. That's what I did, and I found my table for $70, and it's good size at 36" x 52". It came with a full length bench, as well. Just make sure you get one that's solid wood.

With my fabric shelf in place, my craft room is really taking shape. Much more to come, but to say I'm thrilled so far, would be an understatement. A pink chandelier is calling my name for the room, too.  Hum...

The gift is in the wrapping, too

I like handmade things. The older I get, the more I like them. I have always loved a well wrapped gift, too, with coordinating ribbon, wrap, cards, etc.

This year I made gifts for Christmas, as I often do, and, as is always the case, I needed a nifty way to wrap them up. I decided to put all that beautiful craft paper to good use, and make my own. I've made paper boxes before, but this year I wanted something a little different. I stumbled upon a blogger who made pyramid boxes. Perfect! I re-sized the dimensions to fit my needs, and made my own out of 12" x 12" patterned card stock.

More on what I put inside after Christmas...don't want to spoil the surprise for the recipients.  =)

Interested in this little box? You can find the original template and instructions here, and it fits 8-1/2" x 11" card stock. For a larger box, just upscale your dimensions, and use larger card stock. This was a very easy project that produced a lovely result.

Cauliflower and potato mashed potatoes

This is one of those times I feel like I just made the right combinations, for the best possible result. These mashed potatoes are superb. Creamy, fluffy and packed full of flavor.  They have the added benefit of being a little more healthy than your run of the mill mashed potatoes, thanks to the addition of the cauliflower.

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
4 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 head cauliflower
8 ounces cream cheese
4 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Whipping cream (or half and half)

Directions:

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Break cauliflower into small florets, and toss with olive oil to coat well. Spread onto a large baking sheet, season with salt/pepper, and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast until well charred, about 20 minutes.

Place prepared potatoes into a large kettle, and cover with water. Set to boiling. Cook potatoes until fork tender, 20-25 minutes.

Into the bowl of your stand mixer, add the cream cheese.

Into a small skillet, add the butter, and melt. Cook butter until milk solids begin to brown. Quickly add garlic, and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to the bowl of your stand mixer.

Add roasted cauliflower to your food processor, and pulse until well pureed. Transfer pureed cauliflower to the bowl of your stand mixer.

When potatoes are done, drain, and add to the bowl of your stand mixer, along with the cream cheese, brown butter and pureed cauliflower. Fit your mixer with the paddle attachment, and mix on low speed until combined. Slowly add whipping cream, while the mixer is running, and beat until you reach the desired consistency. Serve warm.

Note: if you need to keep mashed potatoes warm while waiting for other dishes to finish, place them into a slow cooker, and set heat to low.  The potatoes will stay warm, without drying out, for up to an hour.