how to finish a she shed

SOURDOUGH TEXAS SHEET CAKE

Don’t let your sourdough discard go to waste—transform it into this indulgent and rich Sourdough Texas Sheet Cake! Bursting with chocolatey goodness and baked conveniently in a sheet pan, this recipe is the ultimate sourdough chocolate cake. It’s finished with a luscious, buttery chocolate frosting and sprinkled with crunchy pecans for the perfect decadent touch.

INGREDIENTS

Cake:

  • 1 ⅔ cups unbleached flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons cocoa powder, leveled
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • ¾ cup boiling water
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup sourdough discard
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 tablespoons cocoa powder, leveled
  • 6 tablespoons buttermilk or whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Cake:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a half-size sheet pan (about 18×13 inches) with cooking spray, butter, or oil.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth.
  • Add the boiling water to the cocoa mixture and stir until fully combined.
  • Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Fold together until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and sourdough discard. Mix in the beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
  • Add the buttermilk mixture to the chocolate batter, stirring until well combined and lump-free.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting:

  • While the cake bakes, chop the pecans if needed.
  • Melt the butter for the frosting in a saucepan or microwave. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth.
  • Add the buttermilk, vanilla, and powdered sugar, whisking until the frosting is silky and lump-free.
  • Stir in the chopped pecans.

Assemble:

  • Once the cake is warm but not hot, pour the frosting evenly over the top. Spread it gently to cover the entire surface.
  • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for a rich, fudgy texture.

NOTES

  • No Sourdough Option: To skip the sourdough discard, replace it with an additional ⅓ cup of flour and ¼ cup of boiling water.
  • Nut Substitutes: Walnuts can be used in place of pecans if preferred.

JEWELED OYSTER SHELL DECORATION

Creating a jeweled oyster shell ornament is a fun and beautiful way to decorate your tree.

When we think of the ocean, we often imagine pristine beaches, crashing waves, and vibrant marine life. But beneath the surface, there lies a world of hidden treasures, and one of nature’s most exquisite creations is the oyster shell. Join me as I show you how to transform a simple oyster shell into a beautiful ornament using pieces of crushed glass and various gems from my collection.

This post is part of the Sustainable Craft Challenge this month, and I’m excited to share my holiday ornament with you. A big thank you to Julie from Sum of Stories for hosting this month’s challenge!

WHAT IS JEWELED OYSTER SHELL

A jeweled oyster shell ornament is a decorative piece created by embellishing a natural oyster shell with a variety of decorative elements, such as gemstones, pearls, and other adornments. These beautifully crafted ornaments are popular for coastal or nautical-themed decor, adding a touch of elegance and charm. They can serve as stunning accents for home decor or be used for special occasions.

The possibilities for embellishing these oyster shells are endless—let your creativity soar!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE JEWELED OYSTER SHELL ORNAMENT

  • They make your tree look beautiful.
  • Make great gift ideas.
  • It’s fun to make.
  • It’s pretty easy and economical to make if you have many of the supplies home.

SUPPLIES: JEWELED OYSTER SHELL ORNAMENT

  • Oyster shells: I used the 2- 4 inch  long oyster shell.
  • Small craft jewels or beads and crushed glass.
  • Ribbon: Any color ribbon is perfect.
  •  Craft glue.
  • Optional: small decorative accents like tiny seashells, pearls or starfishes

HOW TO MAKE:

Steps 1: Prepare the oyster shell

  • Begin by cleaning the oyster shell thoroughly to remove any debris or natural residue.
  • If you plan to paint the shell, apply a base coat and allow it to dry completely.
  • To create a hanging option, drill a hole at the base of the oyster shell using a drill or Dremel tool.

    Steps 2: Design your ornament:

      • Plan your design by arranging the craft jewels, beads, or other embellishments on the oyster shell until you’re satisfied with the layout. Feel free to experiment with different patterns and placements before securing them in place.

      Steps 3: Glue the jewels:

        • Apply craft glue to the back of each jewel or bead, then carefully press them onto the shell, one at a time. Get creative with your arrangement and experiment with different placements.

        Steps 4: Add accents:

          • For an extra touch, glue on small decorative accents like tiny seashells, pearls, or other embellishments to enhance the overall design.

          Steps 5: Let it dry:

            • Allow the ornament to dry completely, following the drying instructions provided by the glue to ensure a secure and lasting hold.

            Steps 6: Add a hanging loop:

              • Attach a ribbon or string to the hole in the shell, creating a loop for easy hanging.

              Steps 7: Final touches (optional):

                • For added protection and a polished finish, apply a clear sealant or glaze over the jewels. Once everything is dry and secure, your jeweled oyster shell ornament is ready to be displayed. You can hang it as a decorative piece, use it as a unique gift, or incorporate it into your holiday decorations. Enjoy your creative project!

                Conclusion

                Creating a jeweled oyster shell ornament is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to add a touch of coastal elegance to any space. With a little creativity and some simple materials, you can transform a natural oyster shell into a stunning decorative piece. Whether you’re using it as a unique ornament, a thoughtful gift, or part of your holiday decor, this handcrafted piece is sure to make a beautiful statement. Enjoy the process and let your imagination shine!