Straight to the Precious Things Cupboard

Howdy, Strangers. I've been absent a bit this week due to school holiday merriment. We've been up to our armpits in playdough, duplo and little people (of the Fisher Price variety). In my spare time I've also had a bit of catch up sewing to get on with so I've had to spell the blog for a few days.

Thanks for your enquiries regarding Mr Button's recovery. Both families are well and enjoying the Autumn weather. Your kind words have been appreciated. We've also appreciated some super posts by our blogging friends who've made us feel loved and honoured. Thanks to Rachael from Boutique Markets, Micky from Handmadies and Liesa from Handmade Heaven. Pop over and see what these lovely ladies have to say. It is gratifying to know that you like what we do.

Tonight's title is a very bad take on a classic line from the iconic film, The Castle. In the Kerrigan's home, anything of note went straight to the poolroom. We Buttons do not have a poolroom, but, we do have a Precious Things Cupboard. Said cupboard is a silky oak sideboard on which reside a number of beautiful things which are precious for all sorts of reasons. The oil lamp my Dad used to do his homework by, figurines given to us to celebrate our babies' births and candles in bowls I've found in odd places and lots of other treasures. It often is home to a beautiful drawing, a playdough sculpture or an intricate lego construction. We have a very fluid definition of precious and at the moment, it is also the home of my new cordless mouse!

Now, I am sure that the wonder of a cordless mouse is not a new thing for many of you but it is a thing of wonder and rare beauty to me. I cannot believe how much easier this natty little gadget has made my life. It would seem I have made a reasonable amount of fuss about this new addition to our home, as during a quick tidy up, my 51/2 year old button decided the most fitting place for this little critter was right on top of the Precious Things Cupboard. Looks right at home, doesn't he?

Finally A New Post!

Well, in spite of a loooong absence, we do exist and we're back with some semi regular posts.   After some tinkering I've managed to get back into the blog.  I'm not sure if this is a problem that is restricted to me or if other people have the same difficulties.  I think I have a large black hole in my brain filled with passwords and user ids....and I am never quite sure which one I need to use at a given time.  I've tried using one or two for everything I need but somehow I still manage to lock myself out.  My husband tells me it is the peripheral unit....not the computer or the programme!  It took me a while to work out that I should have been offended by that remark.

The photo was taken at the December Handmade Expo which was another fantastic day for stallholders and visitors.  There was a competition for the Best Dressed stall and Cute as Buttons received a Highly Commended!  Our first award - of sorts!  The table was groaning with stock at the start of the day and that gives you a bit of an idea of what we were doing when we weren't posting on our blog.

Sharon and I have had a busy start to 2009.  We've been working on some new designs and products as well as getting back into the swing of school.  My eldest started Prep and Sharon's middle child has started Kindy.  It really is a big change to the whole family and I think sometimes we underestimate the impact of such a big change on little folk.  I am missing those Pyjama Days and days when we would head to the sandpit before breakfast and build and play for hours happy in the knowledge that our day could unfold just as we wanted it to.  It is a magical time!

We were planning on posting this recipe so you could use it for a sweet Valentine's treat but we missed that deadline.  I thought it might come in handy for an Easter treat or for one of the many Mothers Morning Teas that seem to be happening at the moment.  It is a sure fire, guaranteed hit and a NO FAIL recipe!

CHOCOLATE FUDGE

EMPTY one packet of Nestle DARK Chocolate Melts into a microwave bowl.

POUR one tin of Nestle condensed milk over the top

MICROWAVE for two minutes

STIR until combined

POUR into a container lined with Baking Paper (I use a Tupperware Slice Storer)

SPRINKLE with desired topping and firmly press into fudge (see below)

REFRIGERATE until set

CUT into squares and serve chilled 

TOPPING IDEAS - you could use anything but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Chop up dried apricots, raisins and banana chips for a fruit fudge

Peppermint Crisp bars finely chopped

Macadamia nuts stirred through fudge and Caramello chocolate chopped and sprinkled on top

Violet Crumble finely chopped

Pistachios stirred through and sprinkle with shaved white chocolate

This fudge is a hit every time I take it somewhere.  Hope you enjoy it.  Thanks to our blog followers - there will be something to follow from now on!  Check back next week to see photos of some of our new designs and to find out about some of the exciting things we have planned for this year.