Graduation Gift | Going Away to College Gift

In need of a creative gift idea for a high school graduate who will be going away to college? I like to give practical gifts that they'll use.

When putting together gift ideas, I start with one piece. In this case, it was the colorful purse umbrella. It's small enough to carry in a backpack for those rainy walks across campus. 

Every girl needs a set of stationary for any occasion to keep in touch. 

I couldn't resist these binder clips. They are both colorful and useful.

Command strips are essential for dorm room decor. They'll hold picture frames that otherwise can't be hung without damage to walls. Where were these when I was in school?

And of course we need a way to "wrap it up". I used a metal basket which can be used in a number of ways, including a shower caddy or dorm room storage. Rather than traditional tissue paper, I used a flour sack towel {for the same cost!}

Click here for more of my favorite gift ideas.

Bacon Fontina & Caramelized Onion Homemade Pizza

Whether it be on the grill or in the oven, I love homemade pizza. It's quick and easy to make, and everyone in our family enjoys it without complaint! Adalyn even assists me in making it! I enjoy trying out new topping combinations, and I have to say, this is my absolute favorite! 

Roll out your favorite dough ball. This one is from a local pizzeria. Baste with olive oil, add freshly shredded fontina, caramelized onions, cooked bacon and pepper. Bake at 425 for 8-10 minutes. 

I love using this really old cookie sheet, a hand me down from my mom years ago...it gives it a great crust!

Enjoy!

Bacon Jam Recipe & Ideas for Use

Love bacon? Then this jam's for you! Spread on a toasted baguette, add it to a grilled cheese, toss with pasta & sauce, add it to a burger, swap it for bacon on a BLT, stuff chicken breasts with it, add it to eggs or potatoes. However you use it, you'll love it!

1 lb bacon, cooked
1 1/2 onions, diced
1 tbsp garlic
1/3 c cider vinegar
1/3 c brown sugar
1/4 c maple syrup
2/3 c coffee, brewed

Using a tablespoon of bacon grease, sauté onions and garlic on medium about 6 minutes. Add vinegar, brown sugar, syrup and coffee. Bring to a boil. Stir well and allow to boil 2 minutes. Stir in finely chopped bacon.

Transfer to a crock pot and cook uncovered on high for 4 hours. Mixture should be syrupy. Serve as is or for a true jam, transfer to a food processor. Allow to cool and refrigerate. Store in an airtight container up to 4 weeks.

And now, for the best grilled cheese recipe...

Bacon & Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

In continuation of bacon week, today's recipe is the totally popable bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushroom. These hors d'oeuvres are a year round favorite.

mushrooms

1/2 lb/package bacon, cooked & cut into bits

2 tsp minced garlic

1/2 c onion, minced

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 c grated parmesan

salt & pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add chopped onion to saucepan with a Tbsp bacon grease or olive oil and cook on medium for 5 minutes while removing and chopping stems of mushrooms. Add chopped mushroom stems to saucepan with garlic and cook 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir well. Add parmesan, salt and pepper. Stuff mushrooms with mixture and place in baking dish. Bake 20 minutes.

Wondering what I'm up to with all this bacon yet? {wheatphoto.com}

Bacon Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe

This week's recipes are all about bacon. This is another quick and easy appetizer that I love to make. Enjoy!

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 cups sour cream

1/2 package bacon, cooked and cut

1 c green onion, chopped

2 cups shredded cheddar

Combine, and bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Stir and serve with veggies, crackers, baguette or potato chips.

{Wheat Photography}