Cheesy Basil and Garlic Baked Tomatoes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 3 servings

Serving Size: 2 slices

 

 

A healthy and delicious appetizer or side dish that is fast and easy and even your kids will love it!

Ingredients:

• 2 tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella or provolone, grated
• fresh basil, finely chopped
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 F
2. Cut the tomatoes into slices, approximately 1/3 to 1/2-inch thick.
3. Place tomato slices in baking dish.
4. Season with kosher salt and garlic powder, then top with parmesan, mozzarella or provolone, basil and pepper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
5. Bake in center of oven for 10-15 minutes, or until tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
6. Let cool for a few minutes and serve. 

NOTE:  We also made an additional batch so my husband could put some in an aluminum pan on the grill, along with the shrimp, and we liked those tomatoes just as much, if not more, than the oven baked ones.  Just put the pan directly over the flames for about 15 minutes until tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.

Super Simple Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Just like the name says, this recipe really is super simple.  I don't know about you, but simple is right up my alley!  My boys normally chow down on whatever I make, but when they eat it and then exclaim that I'm the best mommy ever, I know the recipe is a keeper!  Another cool thing, you can use whatever kind of dark syrup you like best.

Ingredients:

1 tube of Pillsbury cream cheese cinnamon rolls
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup dark syrup
cooking spray

 Preheat waffle iron.  In a small bowl, whisk together Pillsbury icing, powdered sugar, milk and syrup.  If you prefer it a little thicker, add a little more powdered sugar.  Set aside.  Spray waffle iron with cooking spray and place 2 or 3 refrigerated cinnamon rolls on waffle maker.  Press lid down and let cook for 4-5 minutes.  If they start to rise too much press down on lid to flatten them out.  Serve with prepared glaze.  Your family will love it...I repeat, L*O*V*E  I*T.  Oh, and be prepared for the happy dance!

PS:  I don't have a picture to post yet.  We ate it up so fast I didn't have time to snap a photo!  (smile)   Oh, well.  Guess I'll have to make them again.

On Fire For Handmade Featured Artisan - Zur Designs

This Week's Featured Artisan is Deb Hall - Zur Designs! Deb not only is a dedicated artisan she also is dedicated to helping promote her fellow artisans  She has a group on Facebook and team on Etsy called Indie Junction! You can find Zur Designs on:

Etsy

Facebook

Blog

On Fire For Handmade Featured Artisan -

This week's Featured Artisan is Lori Guenter - Curiosity's Piqued. Unique crocheted goodies!

You can find Curiosity's Piqued on:

Etsy

Artfire

Facebook

Blog

Please check out Lori's shop of beautifully handcrafted crochet items.  Tell her the Cowgirl sent ya!  Thanks!

This week's Featured Artisan is Julie - Creations with Heart. Beautiful Creations made by a beautiful lady!

Julie not only creates jewelry she features her fellow artisans on her wonderful blogs!

You can find Creations with Heart on:

Webiste

Etsy

Blog

Blogspot

Handmade Scene

On FIre For Handmade Featured Artisan - Handmade Creations By Shelly

This weeks Featured Artisan is Shelly - Handmade Creations by Shelly.

Wondeful knit fashion accessories and more are found in her shop.

You can find Handmade Creations by Shelly on:

Etsy

Facebook

Blog

Grab the code for your blog HERE

On Fire For Handmade Featured Artisan - Vintage Tags for Days

This weeks Featured Artisan is Debbie LaRue - Vintage Tags for Days! Gorgeous tags in a vintage

style to give a unique look to your gifts! You can find Vintage Tags for Days on:

Etsy

Blog

Facebook

Debbie also has a shop called Flower and Bud Jewelry on Etsy too!

Promoting Your Business During The Holidays

There's no time of year for making sales like the holidays. Buyers are out in full force, looking for gifts and inevitably bringing home a few for themselves. This is a great time to capitalize on seasonal opportunities to promote your craft business. Whether you are a selling veteran or starting a new  business, the following tips will give you some great ideas to help boost your holiday sales.

1. Holiday Discounts
   Shoppers love a bargain! Send out holiday coupons or sale notices to your customers. When presenting your display, include a marked down basket with any slow-selling inventory you need to move. The end of the year is a great time to clean house and entice your customers with a deal.  Free shipping, BOGO 1/2 off or even a free gift with every order might be a deciding factor your shoppers.



2. Offer Free Tutorials
   Put together simple tutorials to offer your customers. If possible, put some kits together to make a beautiful presentation. Offer to teach a class at your work or church on making an item or two. Be sure to wear or bring your own creations and bring business cards.



3. Send a Holiday Card to Previous Customers
   Let your customers know that you value their business and that your product line is perfect for their holiday shopping needs. A picture of your smiling face and/or one of your designs adds a personal touch. Don't forget your web address, or other information on where to buy your products.



4. Wear, Use or Display Your Products
   This is always a wonderful way to sell your product. Enlist your friends and loved ones in wearing, using or displaying your creations to boost sales.



5. Free gift-wrapping
   Keep cotton filled boxes and wrapping paper with you when selling your products. Free gift-wrapping is a perk that holiday shoppers love.
   
   

Where to Sell Your Products

1. Home Parties
   Holiday-themed parties are a great way to show your products. Friends and family gather to shop your handcrafted lines and socialize. A little holiday music and some eggnog are sure to put everyone in the holiday shopping mood.
   



2. Online
   There are many websites that offer great tools for selling your product. Use social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter to let your customers know about new holiday items or to advertise holiday sales. Link to a site like ArtFire, where you can set up an online shop for a small fee. Customers love the convenience of online shopping during the busy holidays.



3. Craft Bazaars and Other Local Events
   Talk to your local Chamber of Commerce to learn about holiday events where you can sell your products. Many areas hold large annual craft fairs or flea markets where you can rent a booth for a fee. If you are willing to travel, look into surrounding areas as well. Many churches, schools and employers hold similar events.  Remember the whole "buy local" push and take advantage of it by marketing in your own town. 



4. Local Retail Spaces
   Many retail spaces increase their consignment inventory during the holidays. Spend some time creating a professional and eye-catching presentation.



5. Trunk Shows at Workplaces
   Many full-time employees struggle to squeeze in their holiday shopping after work. By presenting a trunk show at a workplace, you give employees the opportunity to browse and shop on their lunch or break times. Give employees the chance to prepare for your convenient show by advertising in advance.

What to Sell

1. Holiday Themed
   No matter what you sell, holiday-themed items are always a hit. Depending on your product, you should be able to a your own holiday twist.  Use traditional holiday color schemes or create your own.
   



2. Everyday
   While adorable candy cane earrings are sure to be a hit, but don't forget that your customers are shopping for gifts that will outlast the holiday season as well. Items that can be used or worn all year round is an important part of your inventory, and remember that sets make great gifts.



3. Stocking Stuffers
   Inexpensive, small items are popular with shoppers looking to fill stockings. Now is the time to supplement you usual line with a few easy to make products.



4. Unique and One-of-a-kind
   
   Original designs or products are an easy and beautiful way to check someone off of a gift list. That's why these unique creations are always a popular gift item. Offer custom detailing, sizing or add-ons at no charge for a truly "unique" shopping experience.
    

Please let me know if you found this helpful or if you have any other ideas for your fellow artisans!  Share your great promotional idea and you could be my next featured artisan!  Good luck!