Project Monday: Laundry and Chocolate?

Here is an easy project, followed by an even easier Passover recipe for your busy week:

Remember our giveaway for this month? It includes lavender-filler dryer sachets that are so easy to make. Step 1: cut your fabric into into 41/2 by 41/2 inch squares. I used two different, coordinating fat quarters that I couldn't resist for about $2.50 each, but the beauty of this project is that it's a great way to use scraps.

Step 2: Put right sides together and sew three sides, allowing for a 1/4 inch seam.

Step 3: Turn the little pocket you made right-side out and use a chop stick or other implement to poke out the corners (to make them nice and square).

Step 4: Fold in each side of the opening and iron flat. You can add a pin on each side if it helps keep the fold.

Step 5: Fill the pocket about 3/4 full with lavender.

Step 6: Machine sew the opening closed (see below). You're done!

If you want to give the sachets as a gift, you can make two or three and tie them together. Make sure to add a little tag explaining that you add one sachet to the dryer for the last 15 minutes of the cycle. I think these are especially nice added to towels, sheets, and baby clothes. You could even use gently used baby blankets to make sets as gifts.

My mom left today and I already miss her--she is always doing something! If she isn't helping me with a sewing, gardening, or home-improvement project, she's in the kitchen (You can find her baking blog here). I love this picture of her making deviled eggs with Ari (Yes, that's me next to her looking like her teenage son! My crew cut and flat chest make an interesting look right now:)

Before she left, she gave me the idea for an easy Passover dessert. My husband is Jewish and we're excited to have friends over for a special dinner. Even if you don't celebrate Passover (so you wouldn't normally buy Matzoh) go out and get yourself a box--this recipe is worth it! I think Marcy Goldman gets credit for this simple treat, but I found a version on Smitten Kitchen as well. Here are the basics. You'll need:

About 6 sheets of unsalted matzohs

1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pats

1 cup brown sugar*

generous pinch of sea salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

*I used a kind of brown sugar called "Whey Low" because it has a low glycemic index and I'm watching my sugar because of my cancer. It worked great, but costs $14/ a bag! Yes, I used regular chocolate chips--I'm not that disciplined!

Step 1: Heat your oven to 375 and line a rimmed baking dish with foil covered with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Step 2: Line the baking sheet with matzohs.

Step 3: Melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until it bubbles slightly. Turn off heat and add salt and vanilla. Pour it over the matzohs. Try not to pour it right into your mouth:

Step 4: Put the pan in oven and then turn it down to 350 degrees. Watch it for the next 15 minutes. If you see it burning, take it out and turn your oven down to 325. Can you see that delicious brown sugar butter bubbling into an amazing, toffee-like substance?!
Step 5: After 15 minutes, take the pan out and sprinkle the chocolate chips all over the top. The recipe calls for 8 oz., but I admit that I just threw the whole 12 oz. bag on. Let the chips sit there and get hot for about 5 minutes before spreading them with an off-set spatula. Lick the spatula before you put it in the sink. Afterall, you just worked hard for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Sprinkle an additional topping on if you want. I added slivered almonds to half. Let the pan cool completely and then break the "matzoh candy" into pieces. I let the pan cool on the counter. It's now in the fridge, waiting for me to come and get it. Yum! Happy Passover!