How to Make Rose Beads

I had a bunch of dried roses collecting dust on my mantel.  They were given to me years ago.  I used the petals from these dried flowers to make these rose beads.

These were very simple to make and the beads are very fragrant and beautiful.  I love the natural texture and earthy color.

The beads will shrink as they dry so be sure to make the beads larger than you want your finished beads, and make the whole larger as well.

If your beads seem crumbly or crack easily as you are forming them, you may need to add a bit more water.  I just dip my finger tip into a bowl of water and use that small drop of water to smooth over any rough or cracking areas.




Thanks so much for stopping by.  If you are making rose beads yourself, leave me a comment.  I would love to know what you plan to make from them.

Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage Recipe

This braised red cabbage side is delicious and so simple to make.  It goes great with all sorts of German or Pennsylvania Dutch meals.  Pork chops, bratwurst, kielbasa, but also roast chicken, chicken fried steak, just about anything.

I like to add star anise to my red cabbage.  You can also use caraway seeds, fennel seeds, or omit them entirely.  You can also adjust the sweet and sour flavors to suit your preferences.  I like mine to be a bit more sour than sweet.




For this recipe I used:
1 medium red cabbage, quartered, cored and sliced into 1/4 inch ribbons
1 large yellow onion, sliced into 1/4 inch rings or half moons
1 large tart apple, peeled, cored, and sliced
6 TBSP apple cider vinegar or to taste
3-4 TBSP sugar or to taste
1/2 - 1 star anise pod (optional)
1-2 TBSP canola oil
salt and pepper to taste

In a large stock pot, heat the canola oil.  Add the onions, salt and pepper and fry for 2-3 minutes.  Add the cabbage and fry for about 5 minutes.  Deglaze the pan with about a cup of water.  Add the apples, vinegar, sugar, star anise.  Stir to combine, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the cabbage is as tender as you like it.