Does the current state of the economy have you re-thinking your gift giving this year? Are you looking for fresh ideas for your next theme party?  If so, then we have the book for you. 

Paper Crafts Gourmet written by the team from Paper Crafts magazine combines mouthwatering recipes with simple craft ideas. These are projects that are sure to give your next party that extra special something, and your homemade gifts a unique flair. 

Most of the projects in this book are intended for the scrapbook enthusiast but are easy enough for anyone to try; not to mention they are fun.  The book also features over 50 recipes along with over 100 accompanying creative craft ideas.  

I particularly liked the Festive Neighbor Gift Jar filled with a seriously spicy Jamaican Jerk Marinade. My younger sister who belongs to a knitting club was looking to do something different to welcome a few new members at her next club meeting, and loved the Paper Crafts Gourmet Knitting Party menu which consists of juicy Machaca Beef that can be prepared a day ahead of time and a sweet way to package party favors of knitting needles and yarn. 

This book is a wonderful reminder that you don't need to spend a ton of money to show your fondness and appreciation for family and friends.  

Machaca Beef

From Paper Crafts Gourmet by Paper Crafts, CK Media / Paper Crafts (2008).

This is a yummy Mexican-style dish that cooks up in the crockpot with very little supervision. That leaves me with more time for paper crafting!

• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless beef roast
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 can (28 oz.) chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. fresh ground pepper
  

Place all ingredients in crockpot, cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Remove beef from crockpot, set cooking liquid aside. Shred beef, using two forks. Chop remaining ingredients, if necessary, and mix back in with shredded beef. Use beef for a variety of main dishes: burritos, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas. Mostly, we like to roll the meat in a warmed tortilla with a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!

Knitting Party

INVITATION: 1 Trim patterned paper to finished size. 2 Print invitation on cardstock, trim, and adhere. 3 Wrap invitation around yarn skein. Attach felt flower with brad.

FAVOR POCKET: 1 Adhere patterned paper inside library pocket. 2 Adhere patterned paper to pocket front. 3 Affix
stickers. Adhere ribbon. 4 Tie felt flower with twine; adhere. Insert knitting needles.

About Paper Crafts Gourmet

If you love both food and paper crafting, Paper Crafts Gourmet is the perfect recipe book for you! In this mouth-watering publication, you'll find over 50 original recipes from the family and friends of Paper Crafts magazine. Then the country's most talented paper craft designers whipped up over 110 projects to complement these incredibly savory recipes. Projects include clever containers, gorgeous tags and wraps, fun food markers, cards to accompany your food gifts, and much, much more! If your favorite foods include Soups & Stews, Breads, Appetizers, Main Dishes, Beverages, Desserts, and Snacks, then the variety of recipes inside is sure to satisfy the pickiest of eaters!

Available at Amazon.com

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