I Brake For Kitchen Organization!

Hello and happy Saturday!

Today I'm sharing a fun utensil caddy that I created using an image from I Brake For Stamps.

The stamp is called Kiss the Chef.

You can get caddies at the store but none are as personal as this.  I used an up-cycled broth can that I covered in paper.  

Okay, maybe you're thinking..."but he's GRILLING and that takes place outside."  I absolutely love to cook but I've never once in my life grilled.  I can do just about anything you can do on the grill in my kitchen.  If I can't do it, I don't care because I don't miss it.  Steaks are best seared on the stove top and finished in the oven anyways.

Don't forget you can always save 10% off your order when you use my coupon code SAVE10RENEE. The code doesn't expire and is good any time!

Wine cork trivet

Hello and happy Tuesday!

Today I'm sharing a wine cork trivet that I made for a charity craft show a short while ago.

I took an old frame that the glass had broken in and I glued the corks to the cardboard backing.  The frame was gold and I spray painted it black and then sanded it to give it an aged look.

I figured my trivet could have two uses...the first being to display your wine bottles on when you're entertaining...or maybe just one bottle and a little plate with your grapes and cheese etc.

I love the assortment of different names and styles of the corks. 

The other use I thought it would be nice for is for your hot casserole dishes.

The frame measured 18" x 7" so it's a nice size for your larger casseroles...or several bottles of wine.

Just look at all the cool corks!

The finished product!

Homemade Pot Stickers

Hello and Happy Tuesday!

Today I decided to share a recipe I found with you.  

My daughter Makena and I just LOVE asian food.  

One of her favorites is pot stickers.  We usually buy them but decided to challenge ourselves and make them this time.  It turned out that it was a lot easier than we thought...and oh so delicious!!

We even made the sauce to go with them.

We decided to make extras since we heard that they freeze well.

Now we have them ready to go for another night!

I found the recipe HERE but I'll post it for you below.

This was a great bonding time for my 14 year old daughter and I.  I wish we had more time to cook together!

Thank you to SPOON, FORK, BACON for the wonderful recipe!

Pot Stickers
Makes 30

Ingredients:
pork filling:
12 ounces ground pork
1 baby bok choy, diced (I couldn't find this so I used a regular bok choy and diced and sauteed it first.)
6 water chestnuts, diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten

1 egg, lightly beaten
30 round wonton wrappers
4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

choganjang:
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 1/2 teaspoons gochujaru (Korean chili powder) (I didn't have this so I just added a TBSP. of sweet chili sauce...not sure if they're in any way compatible but the end result was delicious!)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions:
1. Place all filling ingredients into a bowl and mix together until well combined. Set aside.
2. Brush perimeter of a wonton wrapper with the remaining egg and fill center with 1 heaping tablespoon of pork filling. Seal and crimp together.
3. Set dumplings aside and repeat until all wrappers have been used.
4. Heat a large, heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil.
5. Add 5 to 6 pot stickers to pan and pan fry for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip pot stickers and continue to fry for 2 minutes.
6. Add 1 tablespoon water to the pan and cover for 1 minute or until the wonton wrappers have softened and steamed and the filling has finished cooking through.
7. Remove from heat and repeat until all pot stickers have been cooked. Serve immediately with choganjang.
8. Choganjang:Place all ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together. Serve with pot stickers.