Friday, April 11, 2014

DIY Vintage Milk Can Table Tutorial


Vintage metal milk cans are so cool.  I bought one at a thrift store last year,  but after moving it several times I just couldn't find the perfect use for it as is so I decided to try making a table and I'm so excited about how it turned out!


The milk can was originally a light blue and a little rusty.  So I cleaned it up and then gave it a quick coat of brown spray paint.


The "table top" or round piece of wood was actually a large lazy susan that came with another table I had in my stash, but had no intention of using so it was the perfect re-purpose. 

 I just took off the swivel attachments on the bottom, gave it a light sand and cleaned it up. To attach the two pieces, I set the table top on the can, centered it and then used a pencil to trace the underside around the milk can top. 

 Next, take the table off lightly wet just inside where you traced and along the rim of the milk can then add a light layer of gorilla glue on both, center the table top back on the milk can and use some weights or paint cans to press the two together and seal the bond over night.  


Once the glue is completely dry and the two are sealed, I painted everything flat white.


Now, use sand paper to distress the edges of the table and raised portions of the can and finally seal with some clear wax.


The final result is a rustic, unique, super sturdy table that I LOVE!


Super cute and easy! Don't pass up another milk can, find one and make this today.

Enjoy,




Monday, April 7, 2014

Double Chocolate No Flour Cookies


Happy Monday!!! In my world, it's always a good day for chocolate.. ALWAYS! So I'm sharing with you today a recipe that a friend turned me on to a few weeks ago and our entire family is totally hooked.  I've made them 4 times in 2 week, yes we have very well documented chocolate issues!!!  But these are so good you probably will too, so sorry in advance!


The original recipe is from this great gluten free site, I tweak it just a little but the original is great too. We are not a gluten free family, but the way I do "food math" I figure if you cut out something not so great for you you can add more chocolate or eat three cookies instead of one! Makes sense right??? Yes, I get whipped cream on my non fat iced latte.. don't judge!

Double Chocolate No Flour Delights
1/2 cup softened butter or coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 
(or just dump the whole bag in.. food math remember)



Mix all ingredients except chocolate chips, it will be thick just do your best to get it incorporated then mix in the chocolate chips.


Spoon the extra thick chocolate goodness onto a baking sheet, bake at 350 degrees for about 14 minutes.


Because the dough is so dark it can be hard to tell when these are done so watch them closely, if you over cook they are very brittle.. still delicious just a little messy.


Even at 14 minutes, they are still gooey and easily breakable when you first take them out of the oven, so I like to bake them on parchment paper and just pull the whole paper, cookies and all off the tray to cool.  Once they cool and set up a few minutes they stay together perfectly and are AMAZING!


See, chocolate on chocolate to die for "ness".  I know that is not a condition, but it should be!


And because of the unsweetened cocoa powder and the semi-sweet chips, these are rich and delicious but not overly sweet.


This recipe makes 18-24 cookies depending on how big you make them.  It is quick and easy to whip up when you want something sweet. I now keep an extra large tub of cocoa powder on hand so we always have the few simple ingredients for our new favorite treat!

Enjoy,