Vintage Valentine Share

Marylin Monroe as a Valentine Cowgirl Pin-up!

Watch out Boyz...

she's got you in her sights!

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~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Aaaw! How cute is this?!?

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Snow use-

I Love You

Valentine!

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This is a very early 1930's Valentine.

Enjoy!

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~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Not strictly Valentine's per se...

but who can resist a little Hershey's Kiss?

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Especially a Vintage 1930's Hershey Ad.

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Such sweetness-

And calories not included!

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~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Another beautifully gilded Victorian Era Valentine. *
The Poem says~
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Cupid broke my heart
and stole my love away
But gives it to you sweetheart
On St. Valentine's Day
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From me to you, to use freely in all your crafting pursuits.
Enjoy!
~Danae aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

This one is a bit older; it appears to be Victorian. For your Valentine's Day crafting enjoyment. Have Fun!
~Danae, aka 'Crafty'

Vintage Valentine Share

Is she not a doll, or what?!?

I think this is one of my favorites - so far!
~Enjoy, Danae aka 'Crafty'
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PS~ Be sure to check out my other blog
Crafty's Cuppa Coffee
this month, for other
Valentine's Day
fun ideas, crafts, recipies & love spells.

Vintage Freebie~ Another Adorable Paper Doll Girl

Well Friends, this is the last in the series of 3 paper dolls I had to share with you- for now anyways! (Isn't she a cutie?!?) I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for some more to share in the future. As with the others, just left click on the image to veiw and copy it in its full size. Print it out for traditional uses, or ue in your altered art projects.
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Enjoy!

Vintage Valentine Share

This Vintage Valentine appears to be circa 1930's.

Isn't he just adorable?!?

I sure think so.
Enjoy!

Vintage Valentine Share

This adorable Valentine appears to be circa late 1940's. Enjoy!

The Big 'Ol History Of Vintage Valentines Cards

I have a whole month's worth of fun vintage Valentine' Card images to share with you here on Crafty's Retro Fantasy. These are great fun just to look at, but you may also copy them for your own personal use.

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I found this extensive history of Vintage Valentine's Day Cards- and I thought that some of you may be interested. (NOTE: This is NOT the history of the holiday itself- merely a documentation of the Valentine's Day Greeting Card History.) However, I do plan on doing a post about the historical roots of the modern holiday and it's earlier Pagan predecesors. If anyone is interested, I will be posting that on my other blog- Crafty's Cuppa Coffee. There will also be plenty of other fun Valentine's Day & Love related material there as well; such as crafts, love spells and recipies. So feel free to follow the link and visit me there.~Danae, aka 'Crafty'

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European Valentine's Day History
A young Frenchman, Charles, Duke of Orleans, was one of the earliest creators of Valentines, called "poetical or amorous addresses." From his confinement in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, he sent several poems or rhymed love letters or "valentines" to his wife in France. During the fifteenth century, one valentine showed a drawing of a knight and a lady, with Cupid in the act of sending an arrow to pierce the knight's heart. During the seventeenth century people made their own valentines using original verse or poems copied from booklets with appropriate verse.

The English attitude toward St. Valentine's Day in the middle of the eighteenth century is summed up in this verse printed in Poor Robin's Almanac in 1757: This month bright Phoebus enters Pisces, The maids will have good store of kisses, For always when the fun comes there, Valentine's Day is drawing near, And both the men and maids incline To chuse them each a Valentine; And if a man gets one he loves, He gives her first a pair of gloves; And, by the way, remember this, To seal the favour with a kiss. This kiss begets more love, and then That love begets a kiss again, Until this trade the man doth catch, And then he doth propose the match, The woman's willing, tho' she's shy, She gives the man this soft reply,"I'll not resolve one thing or other, Until I first consult my mother. "When she says so, 'tis half a grant, And may be taken for consent. Turtle Doves and Love Birds "Oft have I heard both youth and virgin sayBirds choose their mates, and couples too, this day; But by their flight I never can divine, When I shall couple with my Valentine. "Herrick It was thought that birds chose their mate for the year on February 14. Doves and pigeons mate for life and therefore were used as a symbol of "fidelity."

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The first commercial valentine appeared circa 1800 and were rather simplistic. But by the 1830's and 1840's Valentines contained delicate and artistic messages. Valentines made of fine papers and decorated with satin, ribbon, or lace commanded high prices. They had pictures of turtledoves, lovers' knots in gold or silver, bow and arrows, cupids, and bleeding hearts. All of these symbols have become associated with love and lovers.

In the 1840's the first mechanical valentines were introduced. By pulling a tab, a figure or object on the card could be made to move. Some had elaborate honeycomb pop-outs or various other three-dimensional features. In the 1840's messages on early valentines included: "Love" "I fondly, truly love thee." "Love protects" "My orb of day departs with thee." I love thee! Oh! I love thee! Dearer art thou than life. I love thee! I love thee! Say, wilt thou be my wife?" 'This Valentine's Day, to the church let's away; No longer I'll wait, let us marry. You promised, dear maid, that you would be mine, If I, till today, would tarry.

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American Valentines
American valentines began to grow with the import from England of valentine "writers." A writer was a booklet containing a vast array of verses and messages which could be copied onto gilt-edged letter paper or other decorative sheets. One popular writer contained not only "be my valentine" typeverses for men to send, but also acceptance or "answers" which women could return. Here is an example: Valentine A short time since I danc'd with you, And from that hour lov'd you true; Your pleasing form, your charming air, Might with a fabl'd grace compare; Your accents, so melodious sweet, Still on my ear does seem to beat; And 'tis the first wish of my life, To win my Delia for a wife; Deign, my sweet maid, a line to send, And may love's saint my plea defend. Answer Your Valentine is very kind, Nor did a cool reception find; Your company gave me delight, When I danced with you t'other night; Then mutually we did incline, Our hearts to love, my Valentine.

From then on, Valentines became less artistic and overornamented. During the Gay Nineties they were adorned with garish spun glass, mother-of-pearl, imitation jewels, or silk fringe. Proof of the less attractive, cheap-lookingvalentine is seen in the "vinegar valentine." John McLaughlin, a New York printer, created these comic valentines that were printed on cheap paper in crude colors. His messages made fun of old maids, teachers, and others. Comic designs done in 1870 by the American cartoonist Charles Howard were called "penny dreadfuls"--a perfect name for them because they sold for a penny and the designs were dreadful.

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The first U.S. made valentines were crafted by a Mount Holyoke College student, Miss Esther Howland. Her father, a stationer in Worcester, MA, imported valentines every year from England. Esther, however, decided to create her own valentine messages. Around 1830 she began importing lace, fine papers, and other supplies for her valentines. She employed several assistants and her brothers helped market her "Worcester" valentines. As one of our first successful U.S. career women her sales amounted to about a hundred thousand dollars annually--not bad for the 1830's.

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In our century we've seen a change from the heavy sentimentality of earlier days to what can best be described as a light touch. Nowadays a valentine usually accompanies a more elaborate gift of candy, flowers, perfume, etc. American school children usually celebrate St. Valentine's Day with a party at school. Prior to the party the children make a decorated box with a slot in the top. During the party the children distribute valentines to their classmates' Valentine's Box. Valentine cards are manufactured on an enormous scale today that range from the sentimental to sophisticated to humous valentines. There is a valentine for everyone--sweetheart, spouse, children, parents, teacher and even your pet! In terms of the number of greeting cards sent, Valentine's Day ranks second only to Christmas.

Vintage Freebie~ Paper Doll Boy

Here is the little boy paper doll that I promised you all. He makes a sweet companion to last week's little girl paper doll. Just left click on the images to copy them in their full size. Print them out for traditional or altered art use. Enjoy!

Vintage Freebie~ An Adorable Paper Doll For You!

How cute is she?!? I know, I know...Freakin' ADORABLE!
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I don't know about you, but I have always LOVED paper dolls. I spent hours as a kid, cutting them out, creating new fashions, playing with them and crafting little paper doll worlds for them to play in.
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Well, while I may not spend much time actually 'playing' with them these days- I haven't lost my fascination for them. Now, I tend to use them mostly when creating my art. And thanks to a wonderful Lady in Blogland , I now have some to share with you! (Incidentally, I am VERY embarrassed that I didn't write down the source to give her credit! So if you recognize these, and know their source- please leave me a comment so that I can amend this post and link her blog).
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Left click on the image to view and copy it in its full size; and print out for your own use.
Enjoy!

Fly Over to Mrs. B's For Giveaway Fun!

Quick Giveaway Post to let you all in on the fun going on over at Mrs. B's. Head over there to throw your name in the hat to win:

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~An Altered Wooden Spoon from Cauldron Craft Miniatures
~A Skele-Spider Hair Flower from Jammerz Designs

~A Knitty Kitty from Thalia Took

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So join in on the fun! Good Luck!

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~Danae <(:o) aka 'Crafty'

**Update*

~Guess what guys? I won Mrs. B's Giveaway today!

I will be recieving a Skele-Spider Hair Flower from Jamie @Jammerz Designs!!! I just love Halloween!

Today's Give Away Fun

The fun doesn't stop over at Mrs. B's Confessions of a Pagan Socer Mom. Here is a list of what you will find there today.

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~A Pendant featuring The Eternal Embrace from Agony's Decay Creepy Crafts
~a set of felt Runes from The Caricoa Witch
~a pair of Spider & Hematite Earrings from The Gypsy Eye Studio

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And don't forget to check out the Guest Blog post, Mrs. B Get's Crafty, The Haunted Blog Tour Host (with more GiveAways to be found!) and also Mrs' B's newest article over at the Examiner.com! Plenty of good stuff to keep you busy.

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Have a Spooktacular Day!
~Danae <(:o) aka 'Crafty'

Some 'Don't Miss' Halloween Blog Fun!

Today is a DO NOT MISS DAY on Blogger! There are some AMAZING Blog Parties/Hops & Giveaways going on today all over the Blogosphere!
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First...you must stop in to Mrs. B's for your daily dose of October fun. Here is a rundown of the goodies:
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~a set of porcelain clay Runes from Marie Segal
~a batch of handmade Saffron Insence from Lavanah
~Wintra the Witch of Warren Hall Wall Hanging from Michele with A Single L Designs
~a Halloween Neckalace from Shadow of The Goddess Designs
~an amazing Bag Of Goodies from Salem, given by Jaz of October Farm
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Then, be sure to read the Guest Blog Post, and Mrs. B's Halloween Craft Post. Then hurry on over to today's Haunted Blog Hop Stop!
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But...the fun is not over! No! It has just begun! Don your purtiest pair of stiped stockings, and your pointiest pair of Witchy shoes...Hop on your broomstick and fly on over to Miss Vannessa's Blog- A Fanciful Twist- for her 2009 Halloween Blog Party! It is an event you surely will not want to miss!
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There you will find the fete of your wildest imagination (trust me...I was there!)- and afterwards you will find the links to an ever growing assortment of fantastic places to hop on to! With Tricks, and Treats & Giveaways galore! It will take you all weekend and maybe next week to cover the all! (This is why I suggest going to Mrs. B's 1st! Otherwise you may not make it back before the 'whenever-we-get-home' prize drawing deadline! LOL)

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Then...if you are not 'all-blogged-out'...you can stop by Domestic Witch's October Blog Party for more fun links.
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And don't forget the fun on Smeared & Smudged this month as well.
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There are many, many more wonderful bloggy fun places to visit...but as I am already late for my own fun...I must be off! Have a Spooktacular Day today! Bwa ha ha ha haaa!

~Danae <(:o) aka 'Crafty'

Sharing Mrs. B's Giveaway & Some More Vintage Halloween Images

Hey Guys, Good Morning! I am sitting here enjoying our first Autumn rain- which is quickly becoming a downpour. I am all cozy, drinking a cup of Pumpkin Chai, curled up with my kitties.
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I have some happy news to share with you all! In the past week I have won two awesome Hallloween Giveaway Prizes! YAY! (I have never won anything in the Blogworld untill now.)
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My first lucky prize was to win Artful Alice- an adorable little polymer Witch from Mrs. B's 31 Days Of Halloween Giveaway. She is absolutely perfect for me, because she has red hair- and I have my own little red-headed daughter who is a Witch-In-Training!

And then yesterday I discovered that I won The Tome Of Ill Wonder from GrimVisions Ghastly 2009 Halloween Giveaway. Woohoo! This is cool for me on two levels...The first is because of me being stuck at home healing from my broken knee, I have not been able pick up any new Halloween Goodies for my house this year. (Also, due to the injury, moneys been a little tight.) So winning these prizes is a happy surprise!

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The second reason this is a neat prize for me- is that I have been trying to add some creepier type decorations to my collecton. Up untill now, my Halloween Decor has been mostly on the happy & cute side. Now that my kids are getting a bit older- I am finally able to add some decorations on the ghoulish side. This handmade peice of Creep Art comes from GrimVisions- a master of Haunting Halloween Horror!

The Tome Of Ill Wonder is a spooky old book with a ghastly grin. When you open up the book, you find a skull. So cool! I just cannot wait to see it in person.


I also wanted to share with you all the awesome prizes being given away today at Mrs. B's- so hop on over & check them out! There are 5 prizes today, and several chances to win each one. There will be new pirizes and guest bloggers every day until Halloween!
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~Another chance to win a set of Emily Balivet prints

~A vial of Black Witches Salt from The Whimsical Witch

~A necklace & pendant from My Pretty Zombie

~A choice of one of three cards from Spirit Helpers

~Your choice of 8x10 art print from Custom Zombie

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Be sure to check out Mrs. B's Haunted Blog our as well as her new article at the Examiner.com!

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The last little thing to share with you today is some Vintage Halloween Images for your personal use. The top image is an early 194o's cover from Film Magazine. And this second image is a circa 1940's Post Card image that comes from Scandinavia.

~Enjoy your day!

~Danae <(:o)

Vintage Halloween Images For You

Hello Everyone! I have some lovely Vintage Hallween Post Card Images to share with you all today. I LOVE Halloween- and I LOVE Vintage Art- so I spend a good deal of ime throughout the year hunting down coyright free images to use on my Blogs, and in my arts & crafts. I hope you all enjoy them as much as I have.
These images are early twentieth century, prior to 1920. (The top and bottom images were circa 1910 I think.)
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At that time Halloween was primarily an adult holiday, and decorations and party favors were made for their use, and subsequent disposal. (Whereas Christmas decorations of the day were intende to be saved and reused throughout the years.)
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It wasn't untill after WWII, and the Baby Boom after the war, that Halloween became a children's holiday. Over time, Halloween decor became increasingly cuter, and less spooky. Many times you can discern the age of a peice by the clothing style and expressions on the characters faces. Because of the disposable nature of the older products, to find them these days, and in good condition, is a valuable find.
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Unfortunately for me, I haven't been able to start my 'real life' Vintage Halloween collection; so I satisfy my Vintage Halloween jones wth newer vintage inspired peices, my own art, and my online Vintage Photo addiction!
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Hey... at least it keeps the costs down! LOL.
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If any of you all are interested in seeing how I decorated my tiny little Living Room- I did a post this weekend over at my other blog, Crafty's Cup. You can find it here.

And be sure to go back and check the other late September & early October posts for all kinds of Hallween inspiration. There are Arts & Crafts, Home Decor projects and idea, recipes and plenty of other Halloween goodies! You will find them all at Crafty's Cuppa Coffee. (Please excuse all of the 'Giveaway' posts lately- there have been a ton of awesome contests & of course you get extra entries if you blog & tweet about them.)
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Have a fabulous day!
~Danae

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

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Like many of you, Halloween is my very favorite time of year, followed closely by Christmas of course. I adore the explosion of the senses that occurs in the Autumn. The colors, textures, smells and tastes excite the inner child in me. I get a thrilling rush of inspiration that carries me right through the Winter Holidays.

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Some of my regular readers may have noticed my extended absence of blogging posts throughout the last few months. That is partly to do with the natural cycle of being more busy during the Summer months, and partly to do with me breaking my knee a month ago. So, the Crafty Chick Update is as such:

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My children & I had a lovely Summer filled with backyard swimming, BBQ's, Beach & Lagoon Trips, a weekend boating vacation on Catalina Island. In July we had a nice 6th Birthday Party at the Lagoon for my son Jeremiah; and we even squeezed in a Wanna Be Camp Out in early August. (Details on the party at http://craftychickscuppacoffee.blogspot.com/2009/07/catchin-up-with-crafty-chick-gaia-art.htmll/ and the Wanna Be Camp Out at http://craftychickscuppacoffee.blogspot.com/2009/08/advenures-in-back-yard.html/ )

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Then, on August 30th, after a great day at the Lagoon; calamity struck. It came silently,like it usually does; and crept firmly into my life. Basically,the short story is that I fell and fractured my knee. (Details here: http://craftychickscuppacoffee.blogspot.com/2009/09/hey-guysguess-what-i-did-this-weekend.html/) I finally had my surgery last week; and am now on the road to recovery.

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This whole injury ordeal has presented me with many new obstacles; and is teaching me many unexpected lessons. I'm taking lot's of notes. Lol.

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Thankfully, my family, friends, and neighbors have been incredibly kind to me and my kids. It is true what they say about how you find out who your true friends are in times like this.

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Unfortunately, it seems that I am going to have to forgo our Annual Halloween Pumpkin Pot Luck Party for a much smaller affair.

You see, each year for the past 5 years we have invited our friends, family, and the local school & neighborhood families to my home during one Saturday in October. We decorate pumpkins, make chocolate haunted houses, play games and eat creepy fun foods. I think that I look forward to it as much (or more) than the kids. Halloween Parties give me the perfect opportunity to 'play' at decorating, with my arts 'n crafts, as well as making creative foods to serve.

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So, while it looks as if I will not be able to pull of the usual Halloween Activities- that we will definitely still be celebrating in a scaled down version. I figure that all of this will make me even more creative, and appreciative of whatever Holiday Celebrations that we do have this year.

I have also been saving all sorts of fun vintage Halloween images and some great blog post ideas. I will get to them as I have time and energy. The good thing about Holidays is that they come again next year, and the year after. Lol.

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That's about it for now. I hope that everyone is enjoying their own Summer's End, Back 2 School & Autumn Celebrations. Take care. :)

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~Danae, The Crafty Chick

Dinner & Drinks? Ok Just Drinks...

...And a Beer Batter Bloomin' Onion Recipe for you!

That's why its good to have a few cold ones in the fridge! You never know when you may need to placate the Hubby or the Guests while you make a frantic call for Take-Out! And of course light a few scented candles and air out the burn smell from the kitchen.

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Now for me personally, I like to drink beer- but NEVER EVER Schlitz Beer! No way! I am more of a Micro-Brew or Import kind of Gal. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is my favorite 'everyday' sort of beer. But it seems like Schlitz put out quite a few cool ads 'back in the day'.

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In honor of this 'All American' drink- and in 'Sisterly Solidarity' with the poor Lady above who burt her dinner (Lol!); I have a cool beer related recipe to share. And it is perfect for Summertime too.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE BLOOMIN' ONION

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4 Vidalia or Sweet Texas Onions

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Batter:

1/3 C Cornstarch

1 1/2C Flour

2 tsp Garlic (minced)

2 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Pepper

24oz Beer

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Seasoned Flour:

4 C Flour

4 tsp Paprika

2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Pepper

1/4 tsp Cayenne

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Mix Cornstarch, Seasonings and Flour until well blended.

Add Beer, mix well.

Cut 3/4" off the top of the Onion. And peel outer skin of Onion.

Then make 12-16 vertical slits, being careful not to cut down to the root bottom.

Remove the center from the Onion (about 1")

Dip Onion into the Flour, and shake off excess.

Separate the petals, then dip into the Batter.

Gently place into he fryer basket, and deep fry at 375-400* for 1 1/2 minutes

Turn over and fry for another 1 1/2 minutes until golden brown and crispy

Drain on paper towels

Serve with a BBQ Dipping Sauce

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CREAMY CHILI SAUCE

1 pint Mayonaisse

1 pint Sour Cream

1/2 C Chili Sauce

1/2tsp Cayenne Pepper

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~Bon Apetite!

Oh, The Drama!

******** These just crack me up! ********