Dueling Darling 2 - July 2022

The 15th of each month is such a special day here on my blog - it's Dueling day.

Not to worry; no blood is drawn in the duel. Well, unless someone punctures themselves with a paper piercer gets a deep paper cut or some other such hazard of this hobby we love. This is actually a friendly harmless duel. That's why we are called Dueling Darlings 2.

Not sure what that is? It's a concept that my friend Kelly came up with over a decade ago - two groups, two hostesses, one theme, and lots of fun. The hostesses choose the theme and then each hostess sends a theme-appropriate kit to the other members on her team. 

Each person creates a card and keeps it all a secret until the 15th, which is posting day.

Carol and Tracie are this month's hostesses. They came up with a great idea for their theme... 

Mrs. Claus

I'm on Tracie's team so I received her kit, which is absolutely awesome! THANKS Tracie!

This is what she said - I am really excited about the challenge this month. Carol came up with a great idea. I'm sure you have all heard of Christmas in July. So we have decided to dedicate our month to the much forgotten Mrs. Claus. She is a definite behind the scenes person.

This is what was in Tracie's kit:

Image - Mrs. Claus Baking Co. from Jaded Blossoms

Paper Authentique Rejoice

Embellishments include Red Twine from her stash, Decorative Trim Lace, Offray Green Ribbon, Doodlebug Red Doily, Misc. Sequins, and Misc. Crystal Gems

Tracie asked for permission to share the stamped images with us and they gave her permission to do so. A huge thanks to Jaded Blossoms for their response to her - Hello Tracie, thank you so much for your email explaining your intent with that stamp set. Typically this is something we would not allow but we really appreciate you explaining the benefits and letting us know it would only be 3 others you would send the image to. We are ok with you doing this and can't wait to see what you create. If interested please join our group on Facebook "Garden of Creativity" to share your projects there as well.

Now, let's duel...

As an added challenge Tracie said - I have included my favorite Holiday Cookie recipe that I received from a co-worker approximately 40 years ago and still make them every year. A favorite of all my nieces and nephews. So I would like to see you post your favorite Holiday Cookie recipe with your post.

Hmmmm... that definitely IS a challenge for me since I haven't made any cookies (any time of year) in over a decade. I do make fudge most Christmases - both chocolate and peanut butter fudge.

My husband is a BIG fan of raisin cookies and this recipe is one I used to make a lot (I got the recipe from a friend almost 40 years ago)...

Raisin Nut Cookies

2 c. raisins

1 c. water

1 tsp. salt

2 c. sugar

1 c. shortening

3 eggs

1/2 c. chopped pecans

4 c. flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. baking powder

Boil raisins in water for 15 minutes. Cream together the sugar, shortening, and eggs. Add all of the dry ingredients and raisins and pecans. Mix together well.

Drop onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Be sure to check out all of the Dueling Darling 2 cards:

Barb

Carol

Darlene

Jeanette - that's me

Kelly

Lorraine - SCS Gallery

Terry

Tracie

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

The only things I used other than what was in Tracie's kit was CS for the card base and inside panel (Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Mossy Meadow) and Dies (Gina K's Master Layout 2 and MFT Stitched Rectangles)