Cute Organization and another Yummy Pizza

Hi all.  I have been a busy girl this week, crafting and cooking.  I am going to jump right in, showing you what I have been up to.  Look at the picture above.  I think we all have mugs we don't use.  Sometimes, they are gifts; sometimes freebies.  My husband got this one at a training class he had to take for his job.  I made this one into something useful-an organizational mug caddy. 

    I used Simplicity 2450.  This has many applications.  It would work for a student's desk, kitchen counter, or even a bedside table.  It would make a nice gift with fabric that matches the recipient's taste.  You could use a mug you have or get one from the dollar store.  I love versatile yet useful things and I am a sucker for anything that keeps clutter to a minimum because I tend to be a clutter bug! 

There are pockets everywhere inside and out that could hold a multitude of things.  There are ideas on the pattern for dressing your caddy up with rick rack or using plastic mesh for the pocket.  Neat!

Speaking of organization, I ordered this bobbin holder from Amazon and it came a few days ago.  Clover makes it and it is easy to load up and takes little space.  I like it but I was hoping I could just add levels to it, but I can't find add-ons.  I may have to buy another whole set because I have just about filled this one up.  Oh well, it beats the box I had them in! 

I have to share what just may be my favorite of my homemade easy pizzas.  It is a white garlic pizza.  My oldest son is totally convinced that a pizza joint a half hour's drive from here has the best white pizza around.  I had to do something about that because I felt that was a throw down!  I started by cracking a couple of cloves of garlic and tossing them in a small saucepan with about 1/4 cup of olive oil.  I simmered it on a very low heat for a short time(about 6-8 minutes).  You should be able to smell the garlic.  Discard the garlic cloves.  Spread some of that garlic infused olive oil on a Freschetta or Boboli crust.  Sprinkle with shredded pizza blend cheese or straight mozzarella, whichever you choose.  Then I take small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese and dollop them on top of the other shredded cheese.  Don't go hog wild with this step.  You don't want to overwhelm the pizza with ricotta.  Sprinkle your pizza with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste(I go heavy on the pepper).  Bake at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.  Keep an eye on it.  The color of the shredded cheese should be lightly brown like the picture.  It is so good.  My son agreed it tasted almost as good as his favorite pizzeria.  I like it better because it is not swimming in grease!  I hope you try it. 

I hope everyone has a great week with lots of creativity and crafting thrown in.  For those of you affected by Hurricane Irene, you are in my thoughts.  Take care.   Nancy