Mia Bella Passions

DIY A Rockhound Collection Jar

There is something beautifully serene about strolling along a beach or riverbed, searching for unique rocks, stones and pebbles to add to your collection.

Each rock piece tells a story, holding onto the memories of where it has been and the journey it has taken through millions of years.

They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. From sparkling crystals to unique fossils, each rock tells a story of our planet's history.

Collecting rocks allows you to marvel at the beauty and diversity of the Earth's natural landscapes.

As you wander along, look for rocks, stones and pebbles that catch your eye. Interesting shapes, colours, and textures that speak to you.

Be sure to respect any rules or guidelines in place for collecting rocks from the natural environments you visit.

One way to showcase the smaller of these treasures is by displaying them in large glass vessels.

A stunning way to bring nature's beauty into your home.

Rocks add a touch of natural wonder to your living space.

How To Create A DIY Rock Jar

You will need:

A heavy-based large Jar with a cork lid (Or screw lid)

A selection of small stones and rocks that will fit through the mouth of the jar.

Water

1 Tablespoon of bleach.

To Make:

*The most important thing to remember when making the rock jar is that the finished product MUST be created in a jar made of thick glass with a heavy base to cope with the weight of the rocks, stones and water that you are filling it with*.

Choose your rocks and small stones.

Wash off any dirt on them.

Start carefully placing them in the base of the jar.

Fill to the top of the jar, leaving a gap of about 2 inches.

Add the water to cover the stones.

And the bleach.

The bleach stops the water from turning green with algae.

Display where it can be visually enjoyed.

Note:

The water level in the jar will go down over time but simply unlid, top up and add a little more bleach.

My cork-lidded large jar was sourced from Kmart (New Zealand)

Rockhounding is a fun and educational hobby that allows you to connect with the Earth while exploring nature.

The thrill of discovering a hidden gem or a beautifully unique rock is unrivalled.

Whether you are collecting rocks as a pastime or studying geology, rockhounding is a rewarding pastime that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

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Mediterranean-style Olive And Anchovy Snackers

When it comes to entertaining guests, having a selection of easy hors d'oeuvres snacker ingredients in the pantry and refrigerator can make hosting a breeze.

The last blog post was the delectably sweet Chocolate Snails, but this one is completely savoury!

These simple Mediterranean-style Olive And Anchovy Snackers are fabulous whether you're throwing a party or hosting a casual get-together.

Mediterranean-style snackers

Anchovies.

Stuffed olives.

Toothpicks or small cocktail sticks

To Make:

Using an absorbent paper towel carefully wipe the olives and press the anchovies to remove excess salt and oil.

Cut each anchovy length way down the centre to get two from one slice.

Then roll each olive in an anchovie strip.

secure with a toothpick or small cocktail stick.

That's all you need to present a tasty hors d'oeuvre when unexpected guests arrive with minimal preparation.

Place on a platter that's mixed with other finger foods.

They are such a salt blast that it's advised to mix them up on a large platter with other savoury finger foods, mini crackers, breads or cheeses.

They really will be a tasty addition to the mix.

(Take that as a lesson of not serving on its own on a small plate like I did, because if you are not a complete salt freak - two of these will totally be your limit!)

Enjoy with your tipple of choice.

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#cocktails #canapes #starters #horsdoeuvres #partyfood

Easy Dark Chocolate Snails

Are you craving a sweet and indulgent treat?

Then try these pastry chocolate snails!

Made with readymade pastry, this recipe is quick and easy to put together, perfect for satisfying those dessert cravings in no time.

I made mine with my Grandchildren, and they really enjoyed making them.

Though the youngest cut hers slightly smaller than her brother's, they all baked well.

So definitely supervise the cutting and the use of a knife for safety's sake when making with the younger children.

To Make 'Dark Chocolate Snails' You Will Need

Ingredients:

3 square sheets of readymade puff pastry (thawed)

113 grams (1 stick) of softened salted butter

75 grams (a little over 1/4 cup) each brown sugar and fine white caster sugar

3 Tablespoons dark cocoa powder

1/2 cup chocolate chips (best to use a smaller size as mine were a little bit too chunky).

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the 3 sheets of puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

3. Mix the soft butter, sugars, cocoa and chocolate chips together.

4. Spread the chocolate mixture over the pastry with a metal spoon. Roll up the pastry tightly into a log, then slice it into even pieces to create the snails.

5. Place the snail's cut face up on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

7. Allow the pastry chocolate snails to cool slightly before serving.

Yield 22 snails.

Adaptions:

You can use normal cocoa powder instead of dark along with white chocolate chips if you'd like a lesser dark colour once baked or you simply prefer the lighter sweeter chocolate flavours.