As a frequent guest at high teas, I love a good scone. Most scones, though, are simple flavors that are meant to be slathered in cream or lemon curd. Now, I may be a pastry chef but I'm also a mom and between parent teacher group meetings and ballet class, who has time to make lemon curd?! So why not just pack amazing flavors into a scone that doesn't require anything but closing your eyes and enjoying the amazing flavors? White chocolate and cranberry, a perfect combination of sweet and tart. Are you drooling yet? I know I am and not just because I'm on my second one already. Enjoy and have a Happy New Year!

P.S. Remember, they are too fancy to share.

White Chocolate Cranberry Scones Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 12 oz. heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 2 oz. chopped up white chocolate

Directions:

Heat your oven to 375 degrees. While the oven warms up, mix all your dry ingredients together. Add your heavy cream and mix until combined. Fold in your cranberries and white chocolate until it's evenly distributed. Once this is mixed, find a clean area of your kitchen and dust with flour. Dump your dough onto the floured area and pat into a 1 inch thick shape. I shape mine into a square so I can get nice little triangles.

You can also cut them out with a round or square cookie cutter. Once you have your shapes, lay them onto a sheet pan that has been covered with parchment or a non-stick silpat. Sprinkle with sugar and that's it! Just pop them into the oven until golden brown and firm to the touch. About 30-40 minutes. You can let them cool before putting on a platter or just dig into them warm and pipping hot, like I do.

 What treats do you allow yourself to indulge in despite diets and New Year's Resolutions?

Amanda Joyner is a Pastry Chef turned Milliner from Texas. Now living in the Midwest she wrangles her 3 kids, messy Chef Husband, and her hat business while maintaining her sanity. You can find her on twitter as @chef_bizzaro or her blog Chef Bizzaro.

Etsy Store: www.chefbizzaro.etsy.com

The post Recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Scones appeared first on Mom it Forward.

I've had a long time addiction to hats and just recently took up the art of millinery professionally to fill my hat needs. Years ago, I had no knowledge of hat making, nor the money to buy one. So, I did what any fashionista would do, I made my hats out of junk around the house.

How to Make a Homemade Hat

Supplies:

• Glue Gun with lots of glue sticks
• Cardboard (old cereal box)
• CD
• A old t-shirt, dress, or a fun material you're willing to part with
• Pieces of felt
• Hair clip or Barrett
• Thread and needles (optional)
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Take your CD and draw an outline of it on the cardboard. Cut the circle out as neat as possible because all edges show through the fabric.
2. Take your cardboard circle and use it to cut 2 circles out of your felt.
3. Glue on of the circles to the cardboard. I like doing this because it keeps the fabric from slipping and gives it a fuller look.
4. Use the other felt circle to figure out how much fabric you need. Cut about a inch or two bigger than the circle to give you enough fabric to pull over the cardboard.
5. Lay your fabric on a flat surface making sure the side you want scene is facing  down. Take your cardboard circle and lay that felt down onto the fabric in the center. Start gluing the fabric around the cardboard with making sure your getting it as flat and tight as possible. I suggest taking two opposite points and gluing them first so you don't end up with a uneven side.
6. Take your other piece of felt and glue it to the back to cover up the last of the showing cardboard. With any scraps, make a little heart and glue down your hair clip.

If you want to add a little flair to your hat you can make a quick flower. Just cut a long strip of fabric about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. Cut a wave pattern on the top and weave it onto a needle an thread to make a quick easy flower. You can glue or sew it onto the top of your hat.

I used this beautiful sequin top that was starting to fall apart. It's amazing how an old t-shirt can transform into a beautiful hat with a bit of glue. This hat came out as a perfect addition to my daughter's fairy costume. I'm sure I'll be stealing it for a night out, though.

What was the last thing you sewed? What hobbies do you have?

Amanda Joyner is a Pastry Chef turned Milliner from Texas. Now living in the Midwest she wrangles her 3 kids, messy Chef Husband, and her hat business while maintaining her sanity. You can find her on twitter as @chef_bizzaro or her blog Chef Bizzaro.

Etsy Store: www.chefbizzaro.etsy.com

The post Sewing: How To Make a Homemade Hat appeared first on Mom it Forward.