Vegan “Pigs” In A Blanket

As I was titling this post (super creative, huh?) I realized I have never actually had a “real” pig in a blanket. I never liked hot dogs, so I have steered clear of those babies since childhood. A few years ago, (after I discovered Pillsbury Crescent Rolls are vegan!) I came up with these Maple Sausages Crescent Rolls and they were so successful they have become a go-to item for potlucks and family gatherings. They are really simple to make and were a great addition to our thanksgiving plates this year!

Vegan “Pigs” In A Blanket

• A bit of canola oil & maple syrup for cooking
• 1 package Gimme Lean Veggie Sausage (or whatever you prefer!)
• 2 cans crescent rolls (I used the “off-brand” because I am cheap. Just don’t use whatever ones are “extra buttery” flavored, they are overwhelmingly similar to popcorn in flavor)

1. Preheat oven according to crescent roll instructions. Cut your veggie sausage into 16 pieces and start rolling. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a saucepan on medium high while you finish the last few.

2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place your “pigs” in the pan. I used to carefully turn them all with a fork to make sure they cooked perfectly on every side, but these days I just sort of vigorously shake the pan every few minutes to make sure they aren’t sticking and so they roll around to cook pretty evenly.

3. Once they are nice and brown, pour a few tablespoons of syrup on top and let them simmer until they are coated evenly. (I don’t really measure this step, I just kind of go for it!)

4. Remove cooked veggie sausages from the pan and place on unrolled crescents. Roll them up and bake according to the package. Let cool a few minutes and enjoy! These babies will be perfect for your family gatherings the next few snowy months.

Treasures Frozen In Time

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful home of a family friend. And by home, I mean historic house in Springfield, TN. Incredibly high ceilings, two staircases, and rooms full of antique furniture. There were so many great old patterns and textiles, I would have moved there in a heartbeat. I didn’t get any exterior pictures, but I wanted to share a few of the little treasures I found throughout the house as I was exploring.

1. This amazing frontpage of the Nashville Banner from 1945

2. These lettuce shaped bowls are so precious! I like to imagine myself eating salad out of them, but I know that in reality it would probably be cereal. 3. I am in love with this bathroom wallpaper! One of the bathrooms even had a purple tub, so dreamy! 

4. How strange/whimsical/compelling are these hair portraits? When I found them I was simultaneously grossed out (by the fascination parents have with keeping their children’s hair) and delighted (by the illustrations). Side note: I am constantly jealous of any and everyone that knows calligraphy.

5. Can you imagine getting a pair of shoes this perfect for less than $4?! This old advertisement makes me so nostalgic! (Is it even possible to be nostalgic for a time you never lived in?)

6. After taking an embroidery workshop this summer, I appreciate this vintage embroidery even more than I normally would. Although this one is not particularly intricate, it makes me so sad this type of work was never really considered an art form (until recently) since a woman with a needle was seen as “lowly” compared to a man with a brush. 

7. I can’t even handle talking about this child’s portrait! Look at that kitty planning his escape! This picture is incredible. That is all.  8.  These very small, diamond shaped, pastel dishes literally took my breath away when I found them tucked away in a cupboard. I would love to use them for photographing my baked goods or serving miniature treats to guests.

9. I already posted an embroidered piece, but this needlepoint is just so dainty!

10. These porcelain brooch holders are so charming! You put the pin of the brooch in the holes on top for a pretty and functional way to store your jewelry. This is the first time I have ever heard of these and I can’t find anything similar online, so if anyone has more info about them I’d love to know =]And lastly, I found this silly comic in a closet somewhere. I am not sure if it’s recent, but it’s relevant:

 I am so enamored by old homes and all the treasures they house (and people, and memories!). I could literally spend hours at antique shops, thrift stores, and estate sales because of my love for all things old and with character. I am constantly inspired by the past. I can’t wait to have a place that I can settle into and make my own by filling it with so many of my pre-loved treasures from others. That’ll be the day!

Blueberry Pie Coffee Cake

This vegan Apple Pie Coffee Cake is possibly one of my all-time favorite recipes. And even though it’s perfect just the way it is, I really enjoyed making (and inhaling) my slightly tweaked version of it. I only changed three things about this recipe:

1. I used one can of blueberry pie filling instead of apple
2. I squeezed the juice from 2 lemons into the batter, which explains why mine is not as dough-like as the original recipe:
3. And I sprinkled the top of mine with big ole cane sugar crystals instead of the cinnamon mixture (because let’s face it: lemon blueberry sounds soooo much better than cinnamon blueberry, amirite?) Mine still turned out pretty though:
Oh, and did I mention I used my new spring form pan that was a graduation gift to make this? Because I totally did (Yay, education!):
Moist, fluffy, AND sturdy! Maybe you should leave the predictable pumpkin pie up to someone else this year and surprise everyone with this vegan Lemon Blueberry Pie Coffee Cake on Thanksgiving instead? It’s a real mouthful.

A Good & Easy Upcycle

Many, many months ago, I went thrifting with a good friend who absolutely fell in love with the cover of this vintage Betty Crocker cook book. Unfortunately, it was in very poor condition, and when she peeled back the tape holding it together, some of the cover came off, too. I wasn’t specifically sure how to rebind it, but I knew I would eventually learn. So she requested I hold onto it until I learned how to make it into a blank book to put her own favorite recipes in. And finally, (I really mean finally, I think we found this book in January? maybe even earlier. . .) during my busy summer, I had the chance to learn coptic binding (also called a chain-stitch). As soon as I felt comfortable with this binding (and got back home) I started work on giving this book a new life:I carefully finished removing the tape from the spine. Then I scraped off all the goo left behind and used a ruler + matte knife to clean up the rough edges where the spiral had come undone.

I used my trusty colored pencils to fill-in the missing sections of the cover. I was a little nervous at first, but really pleased with how simple it was and how well it turned out:

I am in love with the pink teapot on the back cover, so precious! When I finished filling-in all the tape spots, I gave each cover a coat of Mod Podge to protect from peeling/smearing & for easier cleaning. I thought I wanted to recover the inside of the covers, but I decided to keep the original paper and the note that came with it:

I created new signatures to go inside. Each one starts with decorative paper and includes blank sheets like requested. The extra strip of yellow card stock will help the book expand more easily if papers are glued into it later:

And here is the finished product: This book lies flat when open; it’s the perfect form for a lot of writing or sketching:

This was such a fun way to make something unusable into a new item with purpose. For just a dollar or two, I gave my friend something unique that she can use for many years to come. Not only that, but it was definitely great practice for me. I am also excited to keep the vintage inside pages; they will make great collage material in the future. Waste not, want not!

Hump Day Highlights

I don’t know about you, but it’s a bit dreary here in Tennessee due to the rain. The damp weather and earlier sunset (thanks to time “falling back”) means the middle of this week is looking rather sad. It seems like the perfect day to share some of the treasures I have been inspired by throughout this week:

^ this elephant ring from randyberry

^ this photo from belle + beau^ this vegan bag from lulus
 

^ this incredible stop motion music video made with jellybeans

^ this pretty way to store earrings & jewelry

-  -  -  -  -

I guess this post makes it a bit obvious how much I love jewelry & accessories. I never used to wear necklaces or belts or change my purses out, but nowadays, I don’t feel “put together” until these finishing touches are made. Oh the woes of a Fashion Consultant!

Now, if your mid-week slump is still unshaken, you can click here to see more things I like. I’m off to make more lists and possibly win some free snacks at trivia night, YUM!