Join us for tea...

Today was a rather cold and gloomy day here on the east coast. I was visiting my parents house - as I do most every day. After I put my little one down for his nap my mom and I decided to have ourselves a tea party. We both agreed we needed something springy and pretty to make us feel good. So here is what we came up with.

For my first official “tablescape” I wanted to showcase my mothers china. It is my favorite dish pattern of all time. Probably because I have known it my whole life. These dishes were my grandmothers, and were given to my mother long before I was born. Looking at them, I am reminded of all the wonderful holiday meals and special occasions that were celebrated at our family's table.

Growing up, these beautiful dishes sat in our dining room china cabinet. The dining room was always my favorite room in the house for two reasons. Number one: the huge china cabinet and Number two: the crystal chandelier that hung over the table (which now hangs in my foyer - thank you mom & dad : )

On the holidays it was always my job to set the table. I LOVED taking all the “special” dishes out of the cabinet and making the table look beautiful. There always had to be music playing for me to “set” by and my mom let me be as creative as I wanted to be. Thus began my love affair with dishes. Today, as mom I were setting our tea-party table, I was flooded with memories. I could almost smell a Thanksgiving turkey in the oven and I pictured myself in the dining room listening to Let It Snow on the record player as I set the table.(note: even on Thanksgiving I have to listen to Christmas songs) Funny how the slightest things take you back.

And I have to commend myself on that fact that in 36 years I never broke a dish - whew!

But I had to put Thanksgiving out of my mind for now, and focus on Springtime, which was our inspiration. The first thing to do was put the kettle on. As the water heated we got to work. We used a reversible quilt for our tablecloth, and then the fun began.

We mixed mom’s china with various other items of hers that we thought would look lovely on our table.

The name if this pattern is Amcona by Noritake.

 

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I love this sugar bowl.

Creamer.

We placed these cute little bunnies at each setting. Mom got them at the Christmas tree shop. The fan shaped placemats came from there as well.

More bunnies!

My Mom received this wheel barrel as a gift many years ago from my cousin Mary. Mom made all the wedding bouquets for Mary’s wedding, so on her honeymoon to Bermuda she brought this back as a thank you gift. It’s so pretty and I have always loved it. It was a perfect accent to our table.

 

I got this for Mom for Christmas last year to add to her ever growing tea pot collection. (Home goods…don’t worry, she knows)

Beautiful tea bag dish found at an Antique store. I love these. Why don’t people use these anymore?

Now, what’s a tea party without goodies? It just so happens that Mom had some of her famous walnut brownies on hand. YUM! The cute little polka dot dish is another Christmas Tree shop find. By the way, in case you couldn’t tell - we LOVE the Christmas Tree Shop!

The pink stemware you see is depression glass. It was a gift to my mother from her grandmother. Out of all the depression pieces my mother has, these are my favorite. I love the way the pink looks in the china cabinet.

For a centerpiece we used a tall, flowered, porcelain pitcher filled with dried hydrangeas. The small colored dishes filled with jellybeans came from Target.

I love the square dishes in the set.

This is a little trinket box that also came from the Christmas Tree Shop. My mother has a whole collection of these. They are so cute.

As an accent we put some candles on the table. This tea light burning is lilac. It was perfect to bring our spring setting to life. I love how candles can do that.

So what do you think?  Won't you please stop in for tea with us?  There is a spot waiting just for you...

 

Pork Chops with Apples & Onions

If you are like me you are getting sick of the same old thing for supper.  Here's something a little different.  I made these pork chops on Tuesday night.  It took me less than 30 minutes to prepare and the family loved them.  Even my three year old, who could live on a steady diet of pizza and hot dogs, was asking for more. 

Take six boneless center cut pork chops (sliced thin) -

Salt and pepper the meat. 

Dip pork chop in egg and then in seasoned bread crumbs.

Put a little olive oil in a med-high skillet and brown the pork chops – a few minutes on each side

Peel and chop 1 granny smith apple and 1 med size onion.

Add apple and onion to the pan.  Also add ½ cup of apple sauce and 1 cup of apple juice. 

Cover. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.  Be careful not to over cook the meat, but you want the apples and onions to cook down a bit. 

When it’s done, the apples and onions will caramelize and create a delicious glaze over the pork chops. 

Enjoy!

Making a House a Home

I wanted to treat my family to something special this weekend, so Friday night I made a cake. It’s called a Lazy Daisy cake. I got the recipe out of a magazine about 12 years ago. A friend of mine gave me a subscription to it as a wedding gift. It was such a great idea. As a new bride I was eager to cook anything and everything in my Very Own kitchen and Taste of Home Magazine was just what I needed for fresh ideas and recipes. I think I cooked my way through every issue for at least two years.

Rob and I got married in October of 1998. I was 24 and he was 26. We built our house, so when we moved in everything was completely new. The whole house had that “new smell” for at least a month. It was a weird feeling. During that time I burned a lot of Yankee candles. I vividly remember how nice and clean everything was. The walls were white-white and all the appliances were sparkling new. The place was so bright. The stove was spotless. So nice that I was afraid to use it (but luckily that wore off quickly).

A happy day was the day my mother and I unpacked my shower gifts. I remember washing all the dishes and putting them in the cabinets and how happy that made me. It was like playing house - for real. We organized the counter tops, set up the pantry, and made our very first pot of coffee. With all that work it was well needed.

Ever since I was a little girl I had always dreamed of having my own home. A place where I could cook, hang curtains, clean, and entertain. It had finally happened and the best part is that I had found someone I love to share it with. I stenciled a grapevine in the kitchen, spread a quilt on the bed, and started making our nest.

Rob, the hubby, was busy working in the yard. We had no landscape when we moved in, so everything was done in stages by him. He has done an amazing job. I love our yard and we spend hours on end outside in the summer time. He was busy outside and I was busy inside. Together we made an empty house a home. The greatest addition was one we made together. Three and a half years ago our son was born and our home was finally complete.

Looking back on that time I realize that my 24-year-old self had no idea what she was REALLY in for, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I still love cooking and decorating and even though the house isn’t so new anymore (especially with a three year old running around) it’s still our nest and the best part is still the fact that I have a loving family to share it with. The walls have fingerprints on them and I can’t burn as many Yankee candles anymore, but it doesn’t matter. Our home is filled with love. (and trains : )

On one of the first occasions I entertained, I made this cake. It was the spring after we moved in and I was trying to find my “inner 50’s housewife”. I had invited my aunt, my cousin, and my mother over for breakfast one Sunday morning. I made orange French toast, ambrosia salad, and Lazy Daisy cake (which by the way had been in the prior month’s issue of Taste of Home). I mailed out hand-stamped invitations and enclosed a written menu of what was going to be served. My mom says she still has hers, but I never kept one for myself. 

For favors, I got them each a bookmark and put it at their place setting. I tried to make the whole affair as old fashioned as possible (hence the “inner 50’s housewife” thing) because at that time, that’s how I felt. I had grown up watching reruns of my favorite shows on Nick-at-Nite and I tried to model myself after them – Lucy Ricardo, June Cleaver, Donna Reed – these women were my inspirations. If I had pearls at the time, I probably would have worn them.

Anyway, without further delay - here is the recipe for Lazy Daisy cake:

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup milk
2 tbsp butter or margarine

In a large bowl beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla on high until thick - about 4 minutes.

 

Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to egg mixture. Beat on low just until combined.

Heat milk and butter in a small saucepan until butter melts. Add to batter and beat thoroughly. (The batter will be thin.) Pour into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly.

For Frosting:
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter or margarine
2 tbsp half-and-half cream
1 cup flaked coconut

Blend all ingredients well and spread over warm cake.

Broil about 4 inches from the heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until the top is slightly browned. Let cake cool before cutting.

  ~ Have a wonderful day ~

Waiting for Spring...

This is a picture taken of the first bloom of the season last March. I have a sunny spot in my back yard where the crocus plants are the first to blossom every spring. This morning I went out back to check this exact spot and unfortunately there are no flowers to be found. The ground is still frozen with no signs of life. So I wait. Today is very cold, but the good news is the sun is out and a little sunshine goes a long way. On my way to work I actually cracked the window to let some air seep into the car. It felt so good to take a deep breath of fresh air. It felt natural and healthy and exhilarating. Stevie Wonder was on the radio. I turned the volume up and actually felt AWAKE for the first time in a long while.

 

It will be nice to trade in my sweaters and black corduroys for white cotton pants and pastel shirts like this one. I actually picked this top up for myself while I was Christmas shopping in December. I love the flowers on it. It looks so comfortable and I can’t wait to wear it. Just looking at it screams SPRING to me. I had to have it. The pearl flower pin I picked up a few years ago in a little shop on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s very retro to me and every time I wear it I feel like Lucy Ricardo. {For those of you that know me, know that’s a very good thing : - }

I’ve notice on many of the blogs out there people have been sharing some of their favorite Springtime tablescapses. While looking though some photos last night I came across these pictures of a brunch I had at my house last spring. Since we are all craving a little more sunshine and inspiration, I thought I would share these with you.

For the past couple of years I have hosted an ALL Girls brunch at my house for the girls in my hubby’s family. It’s been a nice opportunity for us to get together without husbands and kids, and actually be able to talk. We chat about books, movies, recipes, family gossip, and pretty much anything else we can think of. We eat, drink mimosas, laugh, and eat some more. Since its all girls, it’s my excuse wear a dress and “pretty up” the house – just for one day of course.

 

Every year I try to do a different theme. Last year’s theme was flowers. I had bunches everywhere. All colors, shapes, and sizes. Instead of one centerpiece I gathered up tiny vases and vessels and lined them in a row down the center of table. I filled them each with a different kind of flower.

I set the table with my wedding china (Alyssa by Lenox) and the additional pieces I used were Sandwich glass (borrowed from my mom). The table cloth I borrowed from my mom also. I love the roses in this cloth. The colors and pattern felt very vintage.

 

I also covered my island, which I used as a buffet, with a floral cloth – adding to the flower theme.

 

I made chocolate lolly pops with a personalized name tag for everyone. I set them at each place setting and used them in lue of place cards. Each girl got a chocolate flower and pink or green (white chocolate) flower or butterfly. For the tags I used plain gift tags and hand stamped flowers on them in pastel colors. To write the names I used a Susan Branch letter sticker for the first letter and then hand wrote the rest of the name with a gold pen. I tied it all together with white curly ribbon.

For favors my mother offered to make needle cases for everyone. She used a variety of floral patterns so everyone got a different one. The case opens up into a flower shape and you store your sewing needles and pins in them. Such a great idea! And who doesn’t need a needle and thread to sew a button or mend a hem? Even if you don’t, they are so darn cute just to have on your dresser. I placed a needle case at each place setting as well and the girls went crazy over them.

By the way, in case I haven’t mentioned it before my mom is a genius. She was Martha Stewart before anyone knew who Martha Stewart was. She cooks, sews, paints, crafts, quilts, and can make just about anything. We cook together, craft together, drink an obscene amount of tea together, and laugh a lot. We are constantly bouncing ideas off each other and coming up with new projects and ideas together. You will be getting to know her very well here on this blog.

Anyway, back to the party. For food I severed a variety of appetizers, quiches, and munchies. All the girls brought something as well. We had salads, fruit, pastries, and DESERT! I love parties like this because they are casual and fun and I don’t have to worry about fussing with a whole meal. How many times have you said to yourself “I could have a whole meal of just appetizers”. Well, get nine girls together, a vat of mimosas, and a slew of appetizers and you’ve got yourself a good time!

One of my favorite things to serve when I entertain like this is my Spinach and Artichoke dip. You serve it bubbling hot right out of the oven. It’s so delicious and easy to make. I severed it at this brunch and everyone loved it. Here is the recipe:

2 boxes frozen chopped spinach
1 Tbsp butter
1 8oz package cream cheese
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 (14oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
½ cup sour cream
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook spinach according to directions. Drain well.
Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add cream cheese and garlic. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until cream cheese melts. Fold in spinach, artichokes, sour cream, and ¼ cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
Transfer mixture to a 1-qt. shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese. (I always go heavy on the cheese….: )
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

I serve with Stacy’s “Simply Naked” pita chips.

I wish I had a picture to show you, but for now you’ll just have to trust me. Beware – this dip is addictive.

I’m still in the planning stages for this year’s theme. I have some ideas, but since planning is half the fun, I don’t want to rush it. What I do want to rush is for this cold winter to be over, and Spring to here. We are longing for playgrounds, picnics, and long walks on the beach...

For now I will try to enjoy the last days of winter to the best of my ability, knowing that good times, fresh air, days at the beach, and flowers are ahead…..

I can't wait to start growing these.  Come on Spring!!!

Cookies & Dreams

Sometimes I dream that I own a bakery. I lie in bed at night and picture it in my head - and every night I drift off to sleep with a smile on my face.

I can see myself wearing a retro “I Love Lucy” style apron, doing what I love most - Baking.

What a wonderful thing it would be to go to work everyday and frost cupcakes, roll pie crusts, and make butter cream roses. My days would be filled will coconut cakes, apple pies, and oatmeal raison cookies. My nights would be sleepless as I would be planning for the next day and making sure everything was fresh and delicious. I would be tired, but I would be happy.

My bakery would be cozy, warm, and friendly. There would be rows of doily lined cases filled with pastries, cookies, and hand dipped chocolate treats. There would be tall bistro tables, small corner nooks, and soft comfy chairs as well. Every table would have a white bud vase filled with pink carnations and the whole room would smell of fresh brewed coffee. My dishes would be an eclectic mix of plain white china, English tea rose and pink polka dot.

The music playing would be Glenn Miller, Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

The name of my bakery would be Danielle’s Sweets.

It would be a place where you could get a cappuccino and a scone while you check your email, read the newspaper, or catch up with a friend over a cup of Earl Grey and a chocolate macaroon. OR do what I love to do - get the latest Vanity Fair magazine, a vanilla latte, find a corner somewhere and enjoy a few minutes of solace all by myself.

I bought this cookie jar (pictured above) when I was out shopping with my mother just last week. I love it because it says “Biscuits” instead of cookies and that felt very English to me. This would be just the kind of thing that I would have in my bakery. It would stand proudly on the counter filled with lemon biscotti’s that could not be denied by anyone.

This new cookie jar has inspired me to do some cooking making. No sense of having an empty cookie jar on the counter, now is there? So last night I sat down and sifted through some of my cookie recipes. Since we are just coming off of Valentine’s day I didn’t want to go chocolate crazy, but we still need something sweet in the house. That being said I finally decided on this one for drop sugar cookies.

I love these because they are simple, light, just a little bit sweet, and go perfectly with a winter Sunday afternoon tea. Since it was 25 degrees today I know that the kettle will be working overtime tomorrow, so I better get busy. Here is what you need to make them…..

2/3 cup shortening
¾ cup sugar
½ tsp vanilla
1 egg
4 tsp milk
1 ½ cups sifted flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Cream shortening, sugar, vanilla, and milk. Add egg. Bean until fluffy.

**1/2 tsp orange rind, lemon flavor, or almond flavor may also be added**

Stir in dry ingredients until well blended. Drop from spoon onto greased cookie sheet.

Wet the bottom of a juice glass and dip it in sugar, then gently flatten out each cookie - giving it a sugar topping at the same time.

Bake @ 375 for 6 - 8 minutes. Call your mother and invite her over for tea and cookies.
Makes 2 dozen large cookies.

Dreams are important because they give us hope that anything is possible. If other people have done it, why can’t I? Just as a side note, I’ve also had dreams of being a journalist, Oscar winning actress, singer, figure skater, interior designer, fashion model (ha-ha), personal chef, makeup artist, dancer, cookbook author, and Mrs. Leonardo Dicaprio. Since none of these even remotely resemble my life right now, I’ll have a cookie
and keep dreaming….