COLLARD CHIPS
 A neighbor gave me a bunch of collards the day before Thanksgiving. I'd recently cooked fresh turnip greens but didn't want the collards to go to waste. I'd heard of kale chips so I thought I'd scout the NET for collard chips. It didn't take long until I found a recipe. One person had described how delicious these vegetable chips are and so I decided to find out for myself.

INGREDIENTS
2-4 collard leaves
1 tsp olive oil (or use olive Misto sprayer)
pinch salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare collard leaves by washing, patting dry, and removing leaves from stem. Tear leaves with hands into 3-4 inch pieces.

3.Lay in a single layer on parchment paper.  BTW Use of the olive oil was never mentioned anywhere in the recipe. I consulted another recipe which told me to pour and toss the oil over the greens which I did.

4. Bake for seven minutes, then flip leaves. Bake for 5 minutes more, then check leaves. Remove any that are crispy, return any that are limp to the oven. Be careful not to overcook or they will turn brown and bitter.


This is what happens when you put the leaves back in for the addtional 5 minutes.

LET'S TRY THAT ONE MORE TIME AND THIS TIME WATCH IT AND DON'T LET IT BURN




The second batch turned a little brown around the edges but none cooked evenly. I removed them from the oven at this point.


5. Sprinkle collard chips with salt or other preferred seasonings.
6. Serve immediately.

This recipe was a bust. I didn't like the flavor of the"chips" at all. The crisp part mingled with the not so crisp part made for an unpleasant culinary experience. There could have been a mixup with me and the instructions. I disliked this recipe so much that the chance of me trying it again are size zero slim. I am not willing to try an alternative recipe either. There was no real way to evenly cook the leaves. A lower oven temp and placing another sheet of parchment on top of the leaves and flattening them with an ovenproof heavy object to keep them flat might have helped.

I have had good success baking root vegetables such as turnip bottoms,carrots and rutabagas.   Though collards appear thick in their raw form, I think they are too delicate to hold up to the heat in an oven.
I didn't use the entire bunch of collards. Instead I finished cleaning the rest and prepared them in the traditional manner.
THAT'S IT

JAZZY JEWELS

There are numerous chapters of the Red Hat Society.  You can read all about it at the link I've provided. The goal of the society is for women over the age of 50 to take time for themselves after looking after others and to have fun.Women under the age of 50 are called Pink Hatters. Various chapters will attend and support events sponsored by other chapters. Above is a collage from a luncheon sponsored by The Jazzy Jewels.

1.Red Hatters are allowed to reverse their colors on  their chapter's aniversary and founder's anniversary. That is why these ladies are dressed in red with purple hats. A member may also reverse her colors if it is her birthday month. 

2. Centerpieces were beautiful and elaborate, By the time I decided to take pictures many had been collected from the tables. The center photo gives you an idea of what they looked like.

3. The Jazzy Jewels prepare to sing and dance for the audience. Audience participation is encouraged.



I like to step out of the box when I can so instead of a traditional hat I chose to make a Fascinator in the shape of a tea cup and saucer complete with dainty napkin (a paper doily) and spoon. Protuding from the top of the tea cup is a credit card (fake) because shopping is the official sport of  the Red  Hatters. I was allowed to were a purple hat because it was my birthday month.

Part of the program included  the recitation of Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. The performer was full of expression as she  presented this extraordinary ode.



Everyone was given a goody bag when they arrived. Above is what was inside the bag.  Door prizes were awarded  and I received the purple water bottle you see on the left.

THAT'S IT ***

Key Necklaces

It seems jewelry made from old keys is hot right now. As with most things some of it can be pricey. And as with most things I like, if I think I can do it then I try it. I've really gotten into the crafting craze. I need more space but I'll deal with what I have and call it cozy. I won't show you how junky it is though I did take pics but didn't upload them and I'm not about to do it now.

Below are 5 of the necklaces I made to display and sell at a craft show this past weekend.



REDdy or Not: Slender satin ribbon holds a red glitter painted key outfitted with faux jewels. Baubles on twisted red wire round it out.




Twisted wire on brass door key. Bronze accent jewel. Bronze silk ribbon




Brass key gone green. Stretch gold cord, green bauble, vintage 1950's earring




1976 Toyota Corolla key in its former life. Silk ribbon, vintage earring, faux baubles and pearls+



Blue key necklace, silk ribbon, faux jewels,blue wire

THAT'S IT***