tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64632356410266106142024-03-05T10:21:55.506-05:00A Girl In Her KitchenElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-21686892604463406782013-07-22T15:50:00.001-04:002013-07-22T15:50:59.680-04:00It’s a Prince!<p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">For days, much of the world has been waiting for the Royal baby to arrive.  Baby Cambridge was born today, and it’s a Prince! His name has not been revealed yet, and may not for days. Sophie is hoping for Ryland, but I’m with all those who think George is a nice name.  We shall see eh? </font></p> <p><font size="3">What better way to celebrate the royal baby’s birth than with cake?  Not just any cake though, we need a Chocolate Biscuit Cake.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxk9RDhmzDTb84N2mD0tm9nUee584-vxHC_n8506HYZIw8OsvxVJlQlCKDSEpu7-nPrZ52RQ8-oACEUBwuf_T6byxYxhuw2ZYDyxgTyOaa2jHNuA-_Fxuzu_YiyAYNPzWMNn3bsRfHg0E/s1600-h/IMG_86972%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_86972 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_86972 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pLUM113LMNU/Ue2NIu6KmFI/AAAAAAAAB_c/JqH2qObMGWU/IMG_86972%252520copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="275" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Chocolate Biscuit Cake will not be new to any Royal Watchers.  It was the cake William chose to be his Groom’s Cake.  In his book, <a href="http://www.theroyalchef.com/eating-royally-cookbook/">Eating Royally</a>, Darren McGrady, former chef to Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, relates that this is the Queen’s favorite tea cake.  I’ve also read somewhere that she would have it served when William visited from Eton and it is his favorite too!  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.theroyalchef.com/eating-royally-cookbook/"><img alt="" src="http://www.theroyalchef.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/shop_book.jpg" width="240" height="276" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="4"><a href="http://www.theroyalchef.com/2011/04/the-royal-wedding-cake-recipe/"><strong>Click here for the recipe!</strong></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"> Here is a little video from 2011 with McVitie’s on making the cake for the Royal Wedding.</font></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:d34e72f2-5c09-4504-adc6-9a2ba26dc3bb" class="class"><embed height="252" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/icQORievmdA?hd=1" wmode="transparent" /> <div style="width: 448px; clear: both; font-size: 0.8em" class="wlEditField" wlpropertypath="Video.caption" defaulttext="Enter video caption here" maxcharactersaccepted="245">The Royal Wedding Cake</div> </div><P></P></embed> </div> <p><font size="3">Eating Royally is an excellent book. The majority of the book is McGrady’s memories taking you from his life as a chef on the bottom rung of the ladder, to serving the Royal Family.  His adventure takes us around the world and through the seasons.  The book visits the different palaces, castles and country houses the royals call home, and the dishes served there.  His touching story includes his time at Kensington Palace as Princess Diana’s chef.  The book includes over 100 recipes that are mentioned in his stories.  Some of my favorite recipes are:</font></p> <p><font size="3">Chocolate Biscuit Cake, of course, it is a chocolate lovers dream!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Iced Coffee straight from the Ascot Races</font></p> <p><font size="3">Vanilla Ice Cream, so rich and creamy!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Cheese Soufflé, I haven’t made this yet, but it is on my list!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Jam and Cream Sponge, a classic</font></p> <p><font size="3">Cottage Pie, another classic, and very kid friendly</font></p> <p><font size="3">Scottish Thistle Shortbread, makes a great gift!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Those are just a few of my favorites. I’ve made several recipes from the book, and they all deliver.  </font>  </p> <p><font size="3">Congratulations to William and Kate on the birth of their son, as all children are a heritage from the Lord, (Psalm 127:3).</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-1447177451502349962013-06-28T21:29:00.001-04:002013-06-28T21:33:29.829-04:00Classic French: Fruit Tarts<p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://bluekitchenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/classic-french-challenge-june.html#%7B%22color%22%3A%22rgb(107%2C%20107%2C%20107)%22%2C%22backgroundColor%22%3A%22rgb(255%2C%20255%2C%20255)%22%2C%22unvisitedLinkColor%22%3A%22rgb(66%2C%20149%2C%20192)%22%2C%22fontFamily%22%3A%22Arial%2C%20Tahoma%2C%20Helvetica%2C%20FreeSans%2C%20sans-serif%22%7D"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jszREAuzhzM/Uan4np_dFiI/AAAAAAAADtY/ZZxGkoXbbBU/s1600/french_logo.jpg" width="362" height="137" /></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">This month’s <a href="http://bluekitchenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/classic-french-challenge-june.html#%7B%22color%22%3A%22rgb(107%2C%20107%2C%20107)%22%2C%22backgroundColor%22%3A%22rgb(255%2C%20255%2C%20255)%22%2C%22unvisitedLinkColor%22%3A%22rgb(66%2C%20149%2C%20192)%22%2C%22fontFamily%22%3A%22Arial%2C%20Tahoma%2C%20Helvetica%2C%20FreeSans%2C%20sans-serif%22%7D">Classic French</a> challenge was Fruit Tarts.  I keep forgetting that I do not own a normal sized tart pan, but I do have four small individual sized tart pans.  I had never used them until the other day.  Yes, this is my 3rd CF challenge, and my 3rd first time making said challenge dish.  </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">Trying to decide what tart to make took a while.  I searched my cookbooks for the best recipes, and settled on a pâte sucrée, (short crust pastry), blind baked, and filled with crème patissière, (pastry cream) and topped with fresh peaches.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tBxvoUwmBqM/Uc43q3EY0EI/AAAAAAAAB-w/zb_dEzirfjM/s1600-h/IMG_8637%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8637" border="0" alt="IMG_8637" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Rt8NmazbTc/Uc44XhNjHuI/AAAAAAAAB-4/1vEcx3RTNL8/IMG_8637_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">This is peach time in my neck of the woods.  I love a good peach.  Early in my pregnancy with my son, I craved a good peach. The kind that you can taste the sun in it.  You know what I’m talking about.  I wanted a peach I could bite into and the juice would drip down my chin.  Soft and sweet, with just a hint of tang.  But it was January.  I could have cried.  The really sad part is that when summer finally rolled around, I was not interested in peaches anymore.  BUT right now I can get those delicious peaches at our neighborhood produce stand.  </font><a href="http://lindasproduce.com/"><font size="3">Linda’s Produce</font></a><font size="3"> is the best place in our area to get produce.  I just walk in and pick out which fruits and vegetables look good to me and then plan meals and snacks around them.  It’s a good plan.   </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DGzEaGrU8eU/Uc44Y6Y64zI/AAAAAAAAB_A/iRx8vplkGA0/s1600-h/IMG_8634%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8634" border="0" alt="IMG_8634" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cvyonGPYX28/Uc44ZI7l1XI/AAAAAAAAB_I/6HnbRogOggI/IMG_8634_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" size="4">Peach Tart</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3">This recipe will make 4 small tarts or one large one.  Buy enough peaches to spread over the tart, about 1 per person, but make sure you have more, just because.  <br /> <br /><strong> Pâte Sucrée</strong> <br /><em>1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour <br />1/4 cup sugar, (I used vanilla sugar) <br />1/4 teaspoon salt (I prefer fine sea salt) <br />1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed <br />2 egg yolks <br />2 teaspoons vanilla extract <br />1-3 teaspoons water <br /></em> <br />Pulse flour, sugar and salt in a food processor.  Add the butter and pulse until the butter crumbles look like peas.  In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla and 1 teaspoon of water. Add the egg mixture to the food processor and pulse until is starts to clump.  It should not be crumbly, add a little more water until it is nice and smooth and not crumbly. <br /> <br />Press the dough into the tart pan.  Try to keep the dough even and pretty. It’s all about the details from here on out.  Stick the pan(s) in the fridge for an hour or the freezer for 30 minutes.  <br /> <br />Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Blind bake by covering the crust with foil and lightly pressing it down. Fill the crust with dried beans or rice that you don’t plan on eating at this point, (keep them around for more blind baking later.) Bake for 20 to 22 minutes.  Peel back the foil, if it doesn’t come off easily, bake for another 5 minutes and try again. Take the foil and beans off and bake the crust for another 10 minutes until golden.  Allow to cool outside of pan on a rack.  Once cool, return to pan to be filled.  <br /> <br /><strong>Crème Patissière</strong> <br /><em>2 cups whole milk <br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract <br />6 egg yolks <br />1/2 cup sugar (vanilla sugar again!) <br />3 tablespoons all-purpose flour <br /></em> <br />In a saucepan, heat the milk to just below a boil.  In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar for a couple minutes until it is lighter in color.  Add the flour and whisk. <br /> <br />Add the milk to the egg mixture, whisking quickly.  Keep whisking until all is smooth.  <br /> <br />Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat to a boil, whisking the whole time.  If a lump appears, remove from heat and whisk until smooth.  Continue cooking and whisking until flour is cooked (a couple minutes), and everything is smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in extract.  Cover with cling wrap, pressing to the surface of the cream to keep a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cool and ready to use. <br /> <br /><strong>Filling the tart <br /></strong><em>1/8 cup apricot jam <br />teaspoon of water (or so) <br />Peaches <br /></em> <br />Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 10-30 seconds.  Remove to cold water bath.  Peel the peaches starting at the stem end and working down.  Thinly slice the peaches and set aside. <br /> <br />In a small heat proof bowl, mix the jam and water together.  Heat for 30 second in the microwave then stir until smooth, add more water or heat for longer if needed. You want a smooth but not runny glaze. Brush the inside of the crusts with the glaze to protect it from getting soggy. <br /> <br />Fill the crust to almost the top with the cream.  Leave room for the fruit! Arrange peach slices in a pattern to cover as much cream as possible.  Brush the tops of the peaches with the remaining glaze to make them glisten.  You can place the tart pan on top of a tin can.  Carefully pull the sides of the pan down to leave the tart hovering above.  Remove the bottom of the tart pan if you are brave, or just serve the tart as is.  <br /> <br />The tarts can be refrigerated for a short time, but plan on eating them the day they are made.  Cream and crusts can be made ahead of time for stress free entertaining.  Always hold the tart pan from the sides and not the bottom, you don’t want to destroy the tart!</font> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="3">I’m also linking this to <a href="http://www.renbehan.com/2013/06/simple-and-in-season-blog-event-june-now-open.html">Simple And In Season</a>.  I’ve just learned of this and look forward to getting new ideas for eating what is in season!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.renbehan.com/2013/06/simple-and-in-season-blog-event-june-now-open.html"><img title="Simple&inSeason" alt="Simple and in Season" src="http://www.renbehan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/SimpleinSeason-300x285.jpg" width="300" height="285" /></a></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-62012428489402911342013-05-27T12:20:00.001-04:002013-05-27T12:23:10.923-04:00Classic French: Macarons<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M7Uy9qkD78g/UaOHlTJ8h5I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/5Wju1v3fiEg/s1600-h/IMG_8510h-copy7.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Earl Grey Macarons" border="0" alt="Earl Grey Macarons" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EGSniShkOMI/UaOHlhivG3I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/mFD1SNkQ6Vg/IMG_8510h-copy_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="431" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">We had been wanting to go on a picnic recently, but the weather was not cooperating.  Finally, Brian had a day off that also promised nice weather. We jumped at the chance!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C-j0Wh9M9M4/UaOHmNMvIlI/AAAAAAAAB6g/KvHtzUFYUoM/s1600-h/IMG_8502h-copy6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8502h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8502h copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NQpb66FjPpc/UaOHmXnoumI/AAAAAAAAB6o/rGqp8JQHHq0/IMG_8502h-copy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="250" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/08/forever-nigella-picnic-pleasure.html"><font size="3">As I’ve said before</font></a><font size="3">, picnics should be relaxing and fun, so keep it simple.*  I did want to make it a pretty picnic, so I went with a blue/white theme.  It was as easy as going through my linen closet and kitchen cabinets.  I have a lot of blue and white things, so this was no problem to put together.  I have to say it was genius of me to think of the coasters, they gave our cups a level-ish place to stand.  My 2 year old had absolutely no trouble keeping his cup upright this way.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Since I knew that we were having our Classic French Macarons for dessert at this picnic, we decided to have something of a French picnic with a baguette, a selection of cheeses, deli ham and some gorgeous purple grapes, with lemonade to drink. Aside from the pre-chilled lemonade and macarons, everything else was picked up at the grocery store on the way to the park. Super easy prep! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4JP0zqtgO7A/UaOHmz4hLlI/AAAAAAAAB9A/vbaa_hlNbKg/s1600-h/IMG_8509h%252520copy%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8509h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8509h copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GBtj1-GVbzQ/UaOHnVnbJcI/AAAAAAAAB9E/i0g8K58Xu4U/IMG_8509h%252520copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="399" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Sophie enjoying her bread.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhWTXXjTXZq50Wh5xZAzU2d1RzRwKiWKtPaemUAt5D0ElxyGwysEey9m7q2Tdlfgydu4MsxCkFQw1gD0ChPo9TZdCFac3QaKGizFTWy1j5lUQgKpbAZH1Qvcx3Ljy5C2vNmGpXZHx5Es/s1600-h/IMG_8519h%252520copy.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8519h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8519h copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9iwmCMlyC3I/UaOHoBFbDuI/AAAAAAAAB9M/aFVHWs07i3A/IMG_8519h%252520copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="397" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Daddy dressed Liam as a pirate, in hopes he would keep something on his head.  Great idea Dad!</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6SRcM9GDKOs/UaOHoeepLCI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/sSpWAQkJ9X4/s1600-h/IMG_8503h%252520copy%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8503h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8503h copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y3Pw_RWGMYI/UaOHo7ysRvI/AAAAAAAAB9U/z_Lue9M0fmY/IMG_8503h%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" height="390" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Our Earl Grey Macarons!  I packed them in a small metal loaf pan and kept them chilled with the lemonade during transportation.  I didn’t have to worry too much about melting because the filling is ganache, much more stable than buttercream in the heat.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XT1xfUz5kD8/UaOHpCcfWHI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/kDhifqRkVpg/s1600-h/IMG_8520h%252520copy.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8520h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8520h copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gahu1fHK6Kw/UaOHpkG4c-I/AAAAAAAAB9c/ouHt1QKyaow/IMG_8520h%252520copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="382" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Liam kept reaching for these; he knows a good thing when he tastes it.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X919yC7oJzw/UaOHp5L2CGI/AAAAAAAAB9g/c-v2b3qsdsM/s1600-h/IMG_8527h%252520copy.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8527h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8527h copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VDW7yZX2wfQ/UaOHqQIJtjI/AAAAAAAAB9k/qLM95YcmdLg/IMG_8527h%252520copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="385" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Delicious!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SfYfUGWeUSs/UaOHq3mvsyI/AAAAAAAAB9o/Id7YfIayB-M/s1600-h/IMG_8521h.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8521h" border="0" alt="IMG_8521h" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzXy9ABHjI-l1aysI3REAYCKHD5qkQq1yNexuS3jw23lseswDdAdhdDrYF744fpfV29UdobIhaOm9D05gV0uKpYeok3PrbWLSjnP_-pFIP9bWU3j8oImlzrKCGU2W16MontSpUEUJWSs/?imgmax=800" width="256" height="388" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Unplugging from the world and just spending time together as a family in nature is good for you.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VMyLgwbTr00/UaOHriExxAI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/Blo5ruxBZjA/s1600-h/IMG_8532h-copy6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8532h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8532h copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS-KYxdVWvnLR563hvBW95PnKuGMQ7do86kLoTR6zS1eBXD62YSzdmd8IJeSJWJmnyU7Z4JNTImTKI8EbTevkYPQQJ8Ahd6cAEb4eYkm9ob3QQVJQIPRdSAv8a1D3GOTomCONx7I9fhQ/?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">It brings calm and happiness.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gqzvXR6NZB8/UaOHscnQWeI/AAAAAAAAB8g/K7-Zycmv6jQ/s1600-h/IMG_8530h-copy6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8530h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8530h copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pbHBzeczNqg/UaOHs3niDfI/AAAAAAAAB8o/Ge7Ah50fgmY/IMG_8530h-copy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">It makes memories.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C71E0vpG7kI/UaOHtODlRqI/AAAAAAAAB8s/wIKNMN5s8pU/s1600-h/IMG_8514h-copy6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8514h copy" border="0" alt="IMG_8514h copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m8a0kgpN04E/UaOHtiIetFI/AAAAAAAAB84/x83wKbWiWcA/IMG_8514h-copy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R52iZsv-DkQ/UOcbd2m0jDI/AAAAAAAACXI/k7S2ywiuPmE/s1600/french_logo.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R52iZsv-DkQ/UOcbd2m0jDI/AAAAAAAACXI/k7S2ywiuPmE/s1600/french_logo.jpg" width="320" height="113" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">So, in keeping with my Classic French experience so far; here is my first time eating and making macarons.  I think, for my first time, they turned out pretty well.  I know they are not perfect, </font><a href="http://www.parispatisseries.com/2011/12/14/parisian-macaron-crimes-misdemeanors/"><font size="3">but they could be worse</font></a><font size="3">!  Anyway, they tasted fantastic, </font><a href="http://bravetart.com/blog/EatMacarons"><font size="3">and that’s what they are for!</font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I followed the recipe and advice from Stella Parks of </font><a href="http://bravetart.com/"><font size="3">bravetart.com</font></a><font size="3">.  She is a macaron master, and I learned so much from her posts about macarons.  You can find her basic recipe </font><a href="http://bravetart.com/recipes/Macarons"><font size="3">HERE!</font></a><font size="3">  I adapted her recipe by adding the contents of 3 Twining’s Earl Grey tea bags (1 Tablespoon of dry tea) to the dry ingredients.  Earl Grey has such a lovely fragrance!  For the filling, I made an Earl Grey infused chocolate ganache.  This ganache is crazy good!  It was actually the basis for this whole Earl Grey macaron concept.  </font><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/02/claudes-chocolate.html"><font size="3">I first encountered Earl Grey truffles at Claude’s Chocolates in St. Augustine, Florida.</font></a><font size="3">  And they are amazing!  I don’t know why it has taken me so long to try this.  </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Earl Grey Ganache</strong></font></p> <p><em><font size="3">Ingredients:</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="3">8 ounces good quality milk chocolate chips</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="3">3/4 cup heavy whipping cream</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="3">2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional for normal truffles, but good for a smooth filling.)</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="3">1 Earl Grey Tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose Earl Grey in a diffuser</font></em></p> <p><font size="3">Directions:</font></p> <p><font size="3">Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.  Place the cream, butter and tea in a small saucepan.  Heat on medium low to allow the cream to slowly warm and the tea to infuse it.  Allow the tea to steep for about 5 minutes after the cream is good and warm (you should gently stir it often), then turn up the heat to medium and bring the cream just barely to a boil. Remove the tea and pour the cream over the chocolate.  Stir the mixture until it is smooth and shiny.  Allow it to cool to room temperature before piping into the macarons.</font></p> <p><font size="3">A note on macarons.  Stella Parks mentions that macarons get better with age.  You just stash them in the fridge.  I have to tell you that when I first made these, I had one to test the flavor.  They were too sweet!  Not the ganache, but the shells.  So sweet I didn’t think they were very good.  But I put them in the fridge and left them for 5 days until we could have our picnic.  Something magical happened during 5 days of refrigeration.  The sweetness mellowed somehow.  They are still sweet, of course, but just right.  And the Earl Grey really shines.  So, please, send your macarons on refrigerated vacation.  It’s the right thing to do.</font></p> <p><font size="3">*My philosophy of picnics is that they should be relaxing and stress-free.  Too much work will not allow that, so that’s why I keep things simple.  If you, however, can pay someone to do all the work for you, then you can throw an elaborate picnic like the olden days. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/0/22515044">BBC Food has an excellent article on picnics</a>, and how you can enjoy a traditional picnic.  But, no matter how you picnic, make sure it is enjoyable, and spend time with people you love.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Thanks to Jen at </font><a href="http://bluekitchenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/"><font size="3">Blue Kitchen Bakes</font></a><font size="3"> for giving us the </font><a href="http://bluekitchenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/p/classic-french-challenge.html"><font size="3">Classic French Challenge</font></a><font size="3"> and Victoria at </font><a href="http://kickatthepantrydoor.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/mays-classic-french-challenge.html"><font size="3">A Kick At The Pantry Door</font></a><font size="3"> for hosting this month.</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-72899616636552681122013-05-03T16:31:00.001-04:002013-05-03T16:44:19.559-04:00Forever Nigella #25 Roundup<p> </p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UVgRedVY7JM/UYQenstAzhI/AAAAAAAAB5g/OhT1evDgz1E/s1600-h/ForeverNigella_Banner_25%25255B5%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ForeverNigella_Banner_25" border="0" alt="ForeverNigella_Banner_25" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yvArvJgWwVs/UYQeny_OV9I/AAAAAAAAB5o/yhZJyvoJ7b0/ForeverNigella_Banner_25_thumb%25255B3%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="253" height="307" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">It was so fun to host Forever Nigella for April!  I loved seeing all the colorful entries.  I also enjoyed getting to see some blogs I haven’t visited before, and getting to virtually meet some of you on twitter and through comments.  Foodie bloggers are some of the best!  And we excel at trying new things, so these monthly events are exciting and fun. I hope some of you  that are not yet taking part will jump right in with the rest of us.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Here are our lovely, colorful entries this month:</font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://itsafinefinelife.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/mauritian-prawn-curry.jpg" width="405" height="306" /></p> <p><font size="3">Naomi from </font><a href="http://itsafinefinelife.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/mauritian-prawn-curry-in-the-slow-cooker-forever-nigella-april-2013/"><font size="3">It’s a fine, fine life</font></a><font size="3"> adapted Mauritian Prawn Curry for the Slow Cooker, which she used daily for the month of April in her own Month of Slow Cooking.  Beautiful and a time saver!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHXdW3qWYHTjzC4Hrunao6H78RqhoCrEEBia1HUWf-fcRGheEjMZ_ioGaOykIC3hVP-JhZrH3yjgPGVmGZZM6j_StGNs3aTY-9SEALH_h3gVJqr-n1MeIec3bn3dOXTM2GDw4EPic-T2d/s1600/with+cream.jpg" width="409" height="309" /></p> <p><font size="3">Sally the </font><a href="http://recipe-junkie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/raspberry-polenta-cake-forever-nigella.html"><font size="3">Recipe Junkie</font></a><font size="3"> (who has challenged herself to make everything in How to Be a Domestic Goddess) made this Raspberry Polenta Cake, loosely based on Nigella’s Rhubarb Cornmeal Cake.  And then she poured cream on it, which means we were destined to be friends.</font></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgVph1BztYdj_JczrJKReva7hrWgbTrkp_PWtVIp2aPyGVUUcS_QQ4IBcbrtLFPJxDYrSs2tD7G4Mt5Gz9RF0W4TVckV0D-JiL3R8QNrMGuP0zAKuRLY6kTEPnwgtc6YxFi2PWDMPbD7m/s1600/plateful.jpg" width="405" height="312" /></p> <p><font size="3">Sally also made </font><a href="http://recipe-junkie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/chicken-under-brick-random-recipe.html"><font size="3">Chicken Under A Brick</font></a><font size="3"> for her entry in a Random Recipe Challenge, so fun!</font> </p> <p align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLq_X_Vcmb28sTfEo96e9QN6u48j-or6itj8cfGmeMwZ1WX4-JUOMPM2K5NNxfTSmkXVam4in5t3cixTm-OzlhoVfUx9UkR2N9drGit9stN842KQZkgnDpUfZdEQfbvpF5C-2p9Mh7ujc/s1600/IMG_9803.JPG" width="399" height="274" /></p> <p><font size="3">Caroline from </font><a href="http://www.carolinemakes.net/2013/04/tri-colour-pasta-with-nigellas-yellow.html"><font size="3">Caroline Makes….</font></a><font size="3"> made Nigella’s sauce for Yellow Spaghetti with gorgeous saffron.  So simple and pretty.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EKpkFQO4D0LPmKWwN2qhVsbHDLEVeQCUxp3msTyUr3WAjbTBZfUWpXv5xfBw3pJJjg6JzdmcpDksdUQdrTbCpGP2rm3PbnMIyPbgtA1N7gYlozwGs9B50QlMrVQAEfEtmEt4LlqFXPg/s1600/courgette+cake+2.jpg"><img title="Flora's Famous Courgette Cake" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EKpkFQO4D0LPmKWwN2qhVsbHDLEVeQCUxp3msTyUr3WAjbTBZfUWpXv5xfBw3pJJjg6JzdmcpDksdUQdrTbCpGP2rm3PbnMIyPbgtA1N7gYlozwGs9B50QlMrVQAEfEtmEt4LlqFXPg/s640/courgette+cake+2.jpg" width="363" height="395" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Elizabeth from </font><a href="http://tangolikeraindrop.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/floras-famous-courgette-cake.html"><font size="3">Elizabeth’s Kitchen</font></a><font size="3"> made this showstopper cake.  Flora's Famous Courgette Cake (Courgette = Zucchini if you didn’t know.)  Since it is made with a vegetable, it must be healthy, right?  Elizabeth’s lime curd is made with local eggs which gives the curd its sunny hue.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lESW6G5v-8jC-Zlj4sggoATXv8oWE9Av-t5i1j1H3BULKnHVfpr-vZF2YEBg9LD7T7oLvTS9cdMY2bpCRK0_aJtkV0qWyUop0AgvszdLS0dmSBYU37510-l7fKF7OqFlFoPKkika_xKW/s1600/P1110188.JPG" width="379" height="285" /></p> <p><font size="3">Speaking of sunny hues, here is Caroline from </font><a href="http://cakecrumbsandcooking.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/nigellas-buttermilk-birthday-cake.html"><font size="3">Cake, Crumbs and Cooking</font></a><font size="3"> and her Sunrise “Rainbow” cake using Nigella’s Buttermilk Birthday Cake recipe.  I want to eat this cake!  This was also my 5 year old’s favorite entry. </font></p> <p><img src="http://theyorkshirebakery.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/0641.jpg" width="385" height="289" /></p> <p><font size="3">Lastly, here is Risotto alla Milanese from Sam of </font><a href="http://theyorkshirebakery.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/forevernigella-25-colourful-risotto-alla-milanese/"><font size="3">Smart Cookie Sam</font></a><font size="3">.  Her risotto was something she just happened to pick up on an Italian holiday.  It looks delicious!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Many thanks to Sarah at Maison Cupcake for creating </font><a href="http://maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella-faq/"><font size="3">Forever Nigella</font></a><font size="3"> and allowing me to host this last month.  Now on to </font><a href="http://chefmimiblog.com/2013/05/01/nigella-and-pasta/"><font size="3">Forever Nigella #26 with Mimi at Chef Mimi Blog.</font></a></p> <p><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2013/04/forever-nigella-colourful.html">Winners of the two drawings:</a></strong></font></p> <p><font size="3">1) The winner of the Forever Nigella participants drawing is</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>Elizabeth from Elizabeth’s Kitchen</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3">2) The winner of the Followers drawing is</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>Jenn Price</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3">Congratulations!</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-49185484545784641822013-04-26T22:56:00.001-04:002013-04-26T22:56:12.101-04:00Classic French: Madeleines<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZEJ-4vNm9NE/UXs-JvsxcjI/AAAAAAAAB2w/lGlwApkr4XE/s1600-h/IMG_8375%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8375" border="0" alt="IMG_8375" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gxHb4k8qWek/UXs-KaiFL3I/AAAAAAAAB24/1IZjIIHHH9I/IMG_8375_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I sit here with a cup of tea and a freshly baked Madeleine.  In Proust approved fashion, I dip my Madeleine into my tea.  The spongy cake absorbs the tea in a flash.  One bite.  I’m hooked.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">I am a daily tea drinker.  But I would never have dunked a cake into my tea before now.  The thought of crumbs in my cup really turned me off, but I need not fear with a proper Madeleine.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">I’ve just recently stumbled upon the blog </font><a href="http://bluekitchenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/"><font size="3">Blue Kitchen Bakes</font></a><font size="3"> and blogger Jen’s monthly </font><a href="http://bluekitchenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/p/classic-french-challenge.html"><font size="3">Classic French Challenge</font></a><font size="3">.  Classic French is an opportunity and motivator to “explore and celebrate the joys of French patisserie.”  </font><a href="http://bluekitchenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/classic-french-challenge-april_2.html"><font size="3">April’s challenge</font></a><font size="3"> is Madeleines.  I, sadly, had never even tasted a Madeleine before this challenge. I’m confident I have not even been in the same room as a Madeleine.  So this was a completely new experience for me.  Step one was to order a Madeleine pan.  </font><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00134LXEY/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"><font size="3">I bought this one.</font></a><font size="3"> Step two was to open up my gorgeous copy of Anne Willan’s <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Country-Cooking-France-Anne-Willan/dp/0811846466/ref=pd_sim_b_3">Country Cooking of France</a></em>.  This book is exquisite.  I brought this book home from the library and devoured it.  I read it from cover to cover and was so sad when it was time to return it.  So, when I received it at Christmas, I was thrilled.  Anne’s book takes us across France and through its many <em>pays</em>, that is, specific regions in France and their <em>produits du terrior</em>, (products from a very specific area.)  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-19pVx8AsHqo/UXs-KwSVPrI/AAAAAAAAB3A/NqWhLwK7Skg/s1600-h/IMG_8379%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8379" border="0" alt="IMG_8379" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SofdEth7Owk/UXs-LU4jG-I/AAAAAAAAB3I/f7ik8ugEL1M/IMG_8379_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="472" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Not only does Anne’s book give you authentic French recipes, but it also delights with beautiful photos, superb commentaries on regions and towns, descriptions of local foods, and what and who make French country cooking so enticing.  It is a massive book, and I have not even begun to describe how wonderful it is.  It will give you daydreams of France.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Here are a few photos I took of this book to tease you into wanting your own copy.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iSwaY9n9qnM/UXs-L1xL9XI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/ujnY35FXxv8/s1600-h/IMG_8382%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8382" border="0" alt="IMG_8382" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ace8J93x9Zc/UXs-MLuNtoI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/jp5tPRD9M4s/IMG_8382_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="236" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>First Catch Your Snail—</em>best recipe title ever!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jdbWJNNTDbY/UXs-MkwSMUI/AAAAAAAAB3g/6VxeOpbSep4/s1600-h/IMG_8383%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8383" border="0" alt="IMG_8383" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-64JqMXCE4pA/UXs-NeomZWI/AAAAAAAAB3o/j-APxJXEWEI/IMG_8383_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Truffles</font></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y1Zu__rpb5o/UXs-NsXs6hI/AAAAAAAAB3w/qyoBElbgOwY/s1600-h/IMG_8384%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8384" border="0" alt="IMG_8384" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iwe7fmGkIhM/UXs-OLAuYxI/AAAAAAAAB34/g_3QPnKcC3g/IMG_8384_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="441" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>La Truffade</em>—Potato Cake with Cheese and Bacon, what is not to like?</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YaOAjDnZXc0/UXs-OtEVm6I/AAAAAAAAB4A/yG-JH9NnC7Y/s1600-h/IMG_8386%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8386" border="0" alt="IMG_8386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR75cd5vX-N2T3mKMTPsqEEFSuXIkj_W-hiqmdoGWsVNvyjREutpoTCay93LQBuvUZe8NKiT9LxvK283BW0dTSsJ_Z1xP36BbLfE98SZbuLJ-rMmGdQd7z4tubLk1n5LfQTFp3JEpc9Ew/?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">“No two French markets are alike.”</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qudDEhJkcTY/UXs-PcFG8KI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/lE8tSpkgp8M/s1600-h/IMG_8387%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8387" border="0" alt="IMG_8387" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DnLLpI2rPo4/UXs-P0ShT3I/AAAAAAAAB4Y/e9RM0otCQW8/IMG_8387_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="255" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Viennoiseries</font></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tL2NQTyhtls/UXs-QAavTsI/AAAAAAAAB4g/O-rWGMUBDjE/s1600-h/IMG_8389%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8389" border="0" alt="IMG_8389" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rj6HFxawISc/UXs-QkiM3cI/AAAAAAAAB4o/RMTGnsN93fc/IMG_8389_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Fruits Glacés </font></em></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HhT4JiVmAnw/UXs-RE4c_5I/AAAAAAAAB4w/r5vq4aO_Pq0/s1600-h/french_logo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="french_logo" border="0" alt="french_logo" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rj-MRQ9FFX8/UXs-RlsTIVI/AAAAAAAAB44/xYWa-7wc444/french_logo_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="142" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">So, what have I learned from my first encounter with Madeleines?  First, I believe that the double buttering of the pan is not optional.  I would not have trusted this pan, nonstick though it may be, to have parted with them as willingly if not for the double buttering of the pan.  It’s kind of fun anyway.  Second, refrigerating the dough is a must.  Although I did not document it, my Madeleines had the coveted hump on the underside.  So how do they taste?  Honey sweet with just a hint of lemon.  Buttery.  Crispy and soft at the same time.  Anne’s recipe makes 18, my pan is for 12.  I filled them just a little too full, but not by much, I think they may have spent a minute or two too long in the oven as well.  With time and practice, I will be turning out even lovelier Madeleines.  Being my first experience, they did turn out nicely and I look forward to trying different recipes.  But I think I will always come back to this one; my children loved these.  Sophie said they were “too good.”</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wmCDpZFCItY/UXs-SO5I9AI/AAAAAAAAB5A/h-zRJUCWaGU/s1600-h/IMG_8391%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8391" border="0" alt="IMG_8391" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1921TGq_6j4/UXs-Si8M5iI/AAAAAAAAB5I/4R9a7bhBbTs/IMG_8391_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lavarenne.com/recipe/honey-madeleines-les-madeleines-de-commercy-au-miel/"><font size="3">Click here for the delicious recipe for Honey Madeleines from <em>The Country Cooking of France</em>.</font></a></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-80654338209625239392013-04-03T16:29:00.001-04:002013-05-03T16:34:42.557-04:00Forever Nigella: Colourful<p><font size="3"></font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella-faq/"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ForeverNigella_Banner_25" border="0" alt="ForeverNigella_Banner_25" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i3yOZzLk3Qo/UVyRFwSzAoI/AAAAAAAAB1s/PZGT5fazr6Y/ForeverNigella_Banner_256.gif?imgmax=800" width="285" height="351" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Admission: I have only ever had pasta sauce in the colours of red, white, or yellow.  Is that sad?  I don’t know.  Well, today that changed.  The ushering in of Spring and its parade of colours has inspired me to name this month’s <a href="http://maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella-faq/">Forever Nigella</a> #25, (which I am hosting), “Colourful”.  Thumbing through Nigella’s recipes I came across a beautiful pasta dish with green sauce!  My attention had been captured.  It was lovely, colourful, fresh, and inviting.  And it’s a relatively easy and quick recipe too!  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2cQ5fBarEz4/UVyRGKJrsDI/AAAAAAAAB10/ttLGSsVxp4Y/s1600-h/IMG_8082-agihk6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8082 agihk" border="0" alt="IMG_8082 agihk" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S_Q0wIeh1bQ/UVyRGYVzfHI/AAAAAAAAB14/02ICLLYGqL8/IMG_8082-agihk_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font color="#008000" size="3"><strong>Pasta Alla Genovese</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#008000" size="3"><a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/pasta-alla-genovese-5162" target="_blank">Click here for the recipe.</a></font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#000000" size="3">So what gives this its gorgeous green hue?  Basil!  And it smells divine.  This was a beautiful switch from my normal sauce.  The basil and parmesan give the sauce a classic Italian taste, while the potatoes and beans add texture to the dish.  </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">Next time I make this, (and there will be a next time), I may put the beans in at the same time as the potatoes.  Although I found the beans just perfect, my family prefers longer cooked beans.  I’m ok with that.  I may also not allow the potatoes to cook as long as I did this time.  Perhaps it was my choice of potato, (Idaho), or the size of the chunks, but they cooked quite quickly and started to turn to mush.  It was still delicious, but I may have lost some of the potato when I drained the pot, I should have trusted my instincts on this one. I also would add a pinch of salt to the pesto next time, just to boost the flavor a little. One more thing:  the recipe calls for both olive oil and extra virgin olive oil.  I thought I had both, but only had the extra virgin olive oil.  So that’s what I used.  Brian said it was ok as long as I didn’t use olive oil with a questionable reputation. Sound advice.</font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#809ec2">Note for American readers: Silly me. Of course I would choose a theme word with a different American English spelling. Don’t freak out! I decided to spell it the British English way in this post, (since Nigella would spell it that way, of course.) If you don’t like it, just blame Noah Webster for making things terribly confusing for us all. Also, the recipe calls for “fine beans”. The all knowing internet told me that’s just green beans. Skinny ones perhaps work the best for this recipe, but use whatever fresh you can find.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">A big thank you to Sarah at <a href="http://maisoncupcake.com/">Maison Cupcake</a> for organising the Forever Nigella blogging event, and allowing me the opportunity to host this month.  We would love for you to join us this month by whipping up something colourful from Nigella Lawson’s recipes and then blogging about it, (see rules below).  Please link up to your post using Linky Tools below.  All entries will be eligible for a drawing to win one of these colourful beauties:</font></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K12TXO50rN8/UVyRG1eZC-I/AAAAAAAAB2E/Z1h6ZJvTGRM/s1600-h/IMG_80929.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8092" border="0" alt="IMG_8092" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GiEeg0lo37I/UVyRHFRkyrI/AAAAAAAAB2M/zh_CfjMhr40/IMG_8092_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="376" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">The winner will choose the colour of choice.  The second scoop goes to the winner of the raffle below.  International entries are allowed.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Link your Forever Nigella blog post here:</font>  </p> <!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=191485" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script --> <p><font size="3">Enter here for the Ice Cream Scoop Giveaway:</font></p> <p> </p> <a id="rc-300cb60" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/300cb60/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> <p><font size="3"><strong><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2013/05/forever-nigella-25-roundup.html">Click here for the round-up and winners!</a></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#8064a2" size="3"><strong>Forever Nigella Participation Rules</strong></font></p> <blockquote style="border-bottom: #cccccc 1px solid; border-left: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 0px; line-height: normal; background-color: #f4f4ee; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; height: 1%; margin-left: 0px; clear: both; border-top: #cccccc 1px solid; margin-right: 8px; border-right: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-top: 0px"> <h2 style="line-height: 1.3; text-transform: none; margin-top: 18px; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 3px"><strong><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 13.5pt" color="#5b2d32">How it works:</font></font></strong></h2> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#330f02">Events run 1st to 30th unless otherwise stated.</font></font></p> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#330f02">Events are to be announced on host’s blog on the 1st with round ups on 1st of the next month signposting the next host and theme.</font></font></p> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"><font color="#330f02"><font face="Lucida Sans"><strong><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">Blog checking lines: <br /></font></strong><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">Forever Nigella <strong>#[number] </strong>is being hosted by <strong>[name]</strong> of <strong>[blog]</strong>. This month’s challenge is to prepare and blog any Nigella Lawson recipe <strong>[describe theme]</strong>. Forever Nigella is organised by Sarah at </font></font></font><font style="font-size: 9.6pt"><a href="http://maisoncupcake.com" target="_blank"><font color="#a8174f" face="Lucida Sans"><strong>Maison Cupcake</strong></font></a></font><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#330f02">.</font></font></p> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"><font color="#330f02"><font face="Lucida Sans"><strong><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">1. Blog by the deadline showing:</font></strong><font style="font-size: 9.6pt"> <br />a) current Forever Nigella badge <br />b) link to the current host’s announcement post <br />c) link to Forever Nigella page: </font></font></font><a href="http://maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella-faq"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#a8174f"><strong>http://maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella-faq</strong></font></font></a></p> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"><em><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#330f02">Entries should have been published during that month. </font></font></em></p> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"><font face="Lucida Sans"><strong><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#330f02">2. Remember copyright. </font></strong><font style="font-size: 9.6pt"> <br /><font color="#330f02">Please do NOT reproduce Nigella’s recipes verbatim. Say which book it was and/or link to it online (see likely places below). If you’ve adapted the recipe i.e. changed at least two ingredients or amended the method then it’s ok to publish the a recipe in your post but you MUST write directions in your own words.</font></font></font></p> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font color="#330f02"><strong><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">3. Submit your post </font></strong><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">via the linky tool – if there is no linky being used email the host cc’ed to sarah AT maisoncupcake DOT com. Tweet posts using #forevernigella and @maisoncupcake and Sarah will try to RT all those she sees.</font></font></font></p> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"><font color="#330f02" face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">The </font></font><font style="font-size: 9.6pt"><a href="http://maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella-faq"><font color="#a8174f" face="Lucida Sans"><strong>Forever Nigella page</strong></font></a></font><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#330f02"> has a list of Nigella resources, future hosts and links to past themes and round ups.</font></font></p> <p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 12px"></p> </blockquote> <h2 style="line-height: 1.3; text-transform: none; margin-top: 18px; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 3px"><strong><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 13.5pt" color="#5b2d32">Nigella Resources</font></font></strong></h2> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#330f02">No Nigella books yet? Search these resources online:</font></font></p> <ul style="line-height: normal; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px"> <li><font color="#330f02" face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">Official Nigella site: </font></font><a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.nigella.com']);" href="http://www.nigella.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#a8174f"><strong>http://www.nigella.com/</strong></font></font></a> </li> <li><font color="#330f02" face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">BBC: </font></font><a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.bbc.co.uk']);" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/chefs/nigella_lawson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#a8174f"><strong>http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/chefs/nigella_lawson</strong></font></font></a> </li> <li><font color="#330f02" face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">Channel 4: </font></font><a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://uktv.co.uk']);" href="http://uktv.co.uk/food/chef/aid/530864/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#a8174f"><strong>http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/popular-chefs/nigella-lawson-recipes</strong></font></font></a> </li> <li><font color="#330f02" face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">Good Food Channel: </font></font><a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://uktv.co.uk']);" href="http://uktv.co.uk/food/chef/aid/530864/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#a8174f"><strong>http://uktv.co.uk/food/chef/aid/530864/</strong></font></font></a> </li> <li><font color="#330f02" face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">Food Network: </font></font><a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.foodnetwork.com']);" href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/nigella-lawson/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#a8174f"><strong>http://www.foodnetwork.com/nigella-lawson/index.html</strong></font></font></a> </li> <li><font color="#330f02" face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt">Daily Mail: </font></font><a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.dailymail.co.uk']);" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Nigella+Lawson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font face="Lucida Sans"><font style="font-size: 9.6pt" color="#a8174f"><strong>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Nigella+Lawson</strong></font></font></a> </li> </ul> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-46954503919767755112013-03-05T00:14:00.001-05:002013-03-21T21:18:44.487-04:00Green Eggs and Ham<p> </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden"> <p>Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23greeneggsandham">#greeneggsandham</a> <a title="http://twitter.com/Elizabelle17/status/307907574043406336/photo/1" href="http://t.co/RVi9OBbhre">twitter.com/Elizabelle17/s…</a></p> — Elizabeth Cook (@Elizabelle17) <a href="https://twitter.com/Elizabelle17/status/307907574043406336">March 2, 2013</a></blockquote> <p> </p> </blockquote> <p><font size="3">Since Saturday was Dr. Seuss’s birthday, we celebrated at home with a little whimsy.</font></p> <p><font size="3">First, since I couldn’t find our copy of Green Eggs and Ham, I had Brian show this to the kids while I made brunch.</font>  </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:401ca8c0-59ec-4ea0-afbc-f9c868d6fd0d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="dc37d951-ad91-49ac-a0bc-4d29c55bec25" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jejfpWYlCR0" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yDGePn8y9Rk/UUuxcwcEtmI/AAAAAAAAB1c/mnO-KaDBo9g/video0f9ba889b586%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('dc37d951-ad91-49ac-a0bc-4d29c55bec25'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"407\" height=\"228\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/jejfpWYlCR0?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/jejfpWYlCR0?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"407\" height=\"228\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p><font size="3">I used an obscene amount of green food coloring to produce our green eggs and ham.  Anything for the kids, right?  So, to make green eggs is kind of obvious.  Drip the food coloring into the scrambled egg yolk mixture before cooking.  For the ham, I melted a little butter in the pan and then added the food coloring.  Mix it up then add the ham, stirring around till the ham is nice and green.  I used deli sliced ham, but I would so much have rather used some spiral cut ham.  I can honestly tell Sam-I-Am that I do not like THAT kind of green ham.  Sorry, it’s the truth.  I don’t like fried baloney either, that’s just the way it is folks. </font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T23TmqFzt-k/UTV_IRnpaEI/AAAAAAAAB1A/y6aXueczhMc/s1600-h/IMG_7788%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7788" border="0" alt="IMG_7788" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jtm0o2bJQrQ/UTV_ItXXoUI/AAAAAAAAB1I/rPp2qMDEYUE/IMG_7788_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="294" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fagirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F03%2Fgreen-eggs-and-ham.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Flh4.ggpht.com%2F-T23TmqFzt-k%2FUTV_IRnpaEI%2FAAAAAAAAB1A%2Fy6aXueczhMc%2Fs1600-h%2FIMG_7788%2525255B5%2525255D.jpg&description=Green%20Eggs%20and%20Ham%20--A%20Girl%20In%20Her%20Kitchen" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin"><img src="http://assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Sophie was hilarious. She saw the green eggs and ham and freaked out!  She told me she did NOT like green eggs and ham.  She was not going to eat it.  I asked her some of the questions from the book, (in a box? with a fox?)  If I remember correctly, there were even tears.  But eventually, she did try it.  And she liked it.  She ate it all, (even though it was probably cold by then.)  Liam did too, but without the drama. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Celebrate </font><a href="http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm" target="_blank"><font size="3">Read Across America</font></a><font size="3"> every year to promote reading and celebrate the life of Theodore Geisel.  But don’t wait until March 2nd to enjoy some Seussical fun!  See my board on </font><a href="http://pinterest.com/elizabelle17/dr-seuss/" target="_blank"><font size="3">Pinterest</font></a><font size="3"> where I will continue to add great Seuss ideas, (feel free to link to your favorites in the comments below.)</font></p> <script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5941047/?claim=jyzhtw98ncy">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-602836992444956952013-02-14T17:03:00.001-05:002013-02-14T17:05:09.188-05:00My Little Valentines<p align="left"><font size="3">Yesterday was our Homeschool Support Groups Valentine's Party.  I had recently found some Meyer Lemons (love them!) and decided to use them to make the </font><a href="http://www.foodlibrarian.com/2012/05/meyer-lemon-bars.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">lemon bars The Food Librarian made here</font></a><font size="3">.  Myer lemons are a cross between a lemon and an orange.  It’s skin is thinner than a regular lemon and it has a milder, sweeter flavor too.  </font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o84yFVwrIF8/UR1fIWZxELI/AAAAAAAABxk/UFrD4yQnPlw/s1600-h/IMG_7733%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7733" border="0" alt="IMG_7733" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fpCrdGdnsV8/UR1fI0ch00I/AAAAAAAABxs/61fn7Z-Cf8g/IMG_7733_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="3">I cut these smaller than The Food Librarian did.  I wanted them to fit into mini cupcake wrappers.  I just love tiny desserts: </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Cute + Portion Control = Awesome!</font></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfPBtcPTGY0RtXmuht8psAebnjybb0nqQUJcAl0BbgjxNns9QS-qNmG_p3-qinp_xhAV6anPUwsq2YJRaPjXHFB_XBEBN_jiZ6hufzCTFMNeqtphqsYdvmmBd65kV5qTDZSCfIYzh2XU/s1600-h/IMG_7729%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7729" border="0" alt="IMG_7729" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DaYGRK0Z-qc/UR1fKKsG7NI/AAAAAAAABx8/Jijl1NHsf_Q/IMG_7729_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="439" /></font></a> <p><font size="3">The first thing we did at the party was decorate our bags or boxes.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tLE1ohfahRs/UR1fKnEnRiI/AAAAAAAAByE/ZL9nPWrPRfU/s1600-h/IMG_7737%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7737" border="0" alt="IMG_7737" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3TS1XMz220k/UR1fLGIosnI/AAAAAAAAByM/-awavq9SWpI/IMG_7737_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" height="477" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Everyone brought whatever supplies they had and we shared.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zqe7zcpTnVs/UR1fLpMVtaI/AAAAAAAAByU/lQ4TQV5dzJk/s1600-h/IMG_7738%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7738" border="0" alt="IMG_7738" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SzTOy58NZfw/UR1fLwWwP1I/AAAAAAAAByc/y8eroBeoyaM/IMG_7738_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="472" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Later, after we ate, we lined the bags along the wall in the hallway.  </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK8rPLggxojbbaSCqQLWZxxYcAKLknwRGQNkWm3vvT410jNcK08-IydatEpCVT3x27Kk6T5wcrGSF5jC_0Ejpf6mLJbMqzaa8RWwJ19ZrfQ8uIdC_y8DJ0vxhQ2qZfXy1UZKe3JGwuoI/s1600-h/IMG_7739%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7739" border="0" alt="IMG_7739" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LZeiPhIdq20/UR1fNEcEHlI/AAAAAAAABys/gUdtKfj_XFA/IMG_7739_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We got in line.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B_-VOSP3PIw/UR1fNTeRtXI/AAAAAAAABy0/MsIBKF0LfT8/s1600-h/IMG_7741%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7741" border="0" alt="IMG_7741" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oW3CofcFtvI/UR1fN-J9gSI/AAAAAAAABy8/MoX4XY-6A0k/IMG_7741_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="291" height="445" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">And we put a Valentine into each bag.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cZCIyqzoeUM/UR1fOfF34sI/AAAAAAAABzE/kxdXeRBbzRY/s1600-h/IMG_7744%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7744" border="0" alt="IMG_7744" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z5C5bDN01Dg/UR1fO7WsQPI/AAAAAAAABzM/I-5qjW6vhP4/IMG_7744_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="442" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">When that was done, we went back to our table and checked out the loot.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kk4e8DNkuuw/UR1fPRql7ZI/AAAAAAAABzU/dNU9PnbZ55k/s1600-h/IMG_7746%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7746" border="0" alt="IMG_7746" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jvfYue5zPLM/UR1fPibRMEI/AAAAAAAABzc/Uf7Hl-5MH0U/IMG_7746_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">For the party, and many other kids we know, Liam and Sophie gave store bought Valentines.  But they also handmade a few for some family and friends.  I’ve said these are the Valentines to make people think I’ve got it all together.  Because, surely, if she has time to make those, she’s got everything else under control.  Feel free to think that if you wish. I’ll allow it.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xi1rkFS7-z4/UR1fQHfXQeI/AAAAAAAABzk/mYVU1lTho-A/s1600-h/IMG_7750%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7750" border="0" alt="IMG_7750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p1ZYOtqjUWA/UR1fQm-cGsI/AAAAAAAABzs/jGIGIAD4JE0/IMG_7750_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="429" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">For this cute owl, I printed the text and glued it and the body of the owl onto a 4x6 unlined notecard.  Sophie then glued the parts on.  She decided to use two patterns for each owl, which gave us several combinations.  To make the pattern, I drew the owl pattern pieces on a blank piece of paper. Then I just trimmed my scrapbook paper to fit my printer and scanned the pattern onto the backs of my scrapbook paper.  Then I cut the pieces out, (no small feat!) Sophie did a pretty good job gluing if I do say so myself.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ifQiQDsOl_Y/UR1fRFTXnZI/AAAAAAAABz0/nR_FMJnd7Lk/s1600-h/IMG_7753%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7753" border="0" alt="IMG_7753" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3mzBvVBOCIg/UR1fRmxVyvI/AAAAAAAABz8/-OuigoJkPTU/IMG_7753_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="303" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">For Liam’s Valentines, it couldn’t be more appropriate than to use the sign, “I Love You”.   To make these, just trace a hand print onto flesh colored paper, cut out and glue the middle and ring finger down.  You could fold the paper at the “knuckle” but I just let it bend slightly.  You can glue these to whatever heart shape your heart desires, but store bought paper doilies was the easiest thing for me to do.  After cutting out all those owl bits, I was ready for easy!</font></p> <p><font size="3">The kids are learning Sign Language from Pop and the Old School Sesame Street books you can find <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039484212X/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394875168/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01" target="_blank">here</a>. These are the same ones I had when I was a kid, and I found them used for a great price.  The kids are enjoying learning to sign.  Pop is an interpreter, so he is a great teacher!  Liam is really picking up on it and loves to sign, “I Love You.”  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nm9OxHE6sa8/UR1fSP_5OiI/AAAAAAAAB0E/xLHnKQgjrdk/s1600-h/IMG_7755%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7755" border="0" alt="IMG_7755" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mrudR7gfIlM/UR1fSg51fkI/AAAAAAAAB0M/2xhxXCS-oVo/IMG_7755_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff80c0" size="6" face="appleberry"></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff80c0" size="6" face="appleberry">Hope you are having </font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff80c0" size="6" face="appleberry">a lovely</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff80c0" size="6" face="appleberry"> Valentine’s Day!</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff80c0" size="6" face="appleberry"></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff80c0" size="6" face="appleberry"> </font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-68410854707028305562013-02-02T21:27:00.001-05:002013-02-02T21:30:01.221-05:00A Grocery List For You<p> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">In my attempt to be more organized, I have created a grocery list to help me keep track of what we need.  And because I love you, I’m making it available to you too!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l4shASSlGq4/UQ3LAmLh_iI/AAAAAAAABwQ/9IydNeCSa8Y/s1600-h/grocery%252520list%252520preview%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="grocery list preview" alt="grocery list preview" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b3O0__yotJQ/UQ3LBMsvm4I/AAAAAAAABwY/su5oSttjKCk/grocery%252520list%252520preview_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="435" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/123553824/A-Girl-In-Her-Kitchen-Grocery-List" target="_blank"><font size="4"><strong>Click here to download this file for free!</strong></font></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Since I don’t fancy printing one of these babies each week, I printed mine on cardstock and have laminated it and put it on my fridge with a dry erase pen and small eraser nearby.  I plan on keeping track of what we are out of there, but will write a separate list just for going to the store.  We live so close to a grocery store that we don’t generally go on giant shopping trips anyway, so this will work out well for us.  However, I won’t judge you if you want one for each trip.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Please enjoy this and look forward to more freebies in the future!</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Thanks to </font><a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/2012/04/sweet-silhouette-woman-with-cupboard.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">The Graphics Fairy</font></a><font size="3"> for making this and many more graphics available to use!</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-226055308923240232012-12-24T01:37:00.001-05:002012-12-24T01:37:07.846-05:00Merry Christmas!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GnZK7BR4CHw/UNf4D-Oon3I/AAAAAAAABvU/-XTH4kzK5CU/s1600-h/Untitled-1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled-1" border="0" alt="Untitled-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eHfjb_O0pOI/UNf4EotD50I/AAAAAAAABvc/BN-cdnQuizo/Untitled-1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-4525788583307477562012-11-01T17:06:00.001-04:002012-11-01T17:11:25.710-04:00Pink Stuff<p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lhi19M1hc8I/UJLkS0BZuOI/AAAAAAAABuE/gB7VhFU6HWI/s1600-h/IMG_6615%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6615" border="0" alt="IMG_6615" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjcSH70urq3sPhHfOjU_S6oWPoAhBPivpo4zJ6Nil1gPNynzcRY65UkJ_uTrRca0e9jnVAHRANnv47P_sGemesgxOmBnIRtpRATC5WHmi5fqJzZVmzDWjmR4PyhbOxr6Sgs_axMhJtWk/?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fagirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fpink-stuff.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fagirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fpink-stuff.html&description=Pink%20Stuff" count-layout="none"><img title="Pin It" border="0" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" /></a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">This recipe will not win me any gourmet friends.  It will not thrust me toward stardom and my own cooking show.  And if you don’t feed your kids anything with food dyes; you may excuse yourself now.  What I’m about to show you is kid food at it’s finest. Pink Stuff.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Pink Stuff is special to my family.  My grandmother would make it for every special occasion.  Holidays, birthdays, you name it; we had Pink Stuff.  I vaguely remember it being made a different way when I was very young, but I think Mimmy adjusted the recipe to it’s perfect state I give to you today.  Mimmy isn’t with us anymore, but the Pink Stuff is, thanks to my Aunt Teresa who carries the Pink Stuff torch.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">I actually made it this weekend, for my Mom’s birthday.  And chances are good that we will have Pink Stuff at least once in November and once in December.  I like those odds.  I think I could live to be 103 and not tire of Pink Stuff.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">So here is the deal.  You make it with Strawberry Jell-O.  But theoretically, you could make it with any flavor Jell-O that would go well with pineapple, (as it is in the mix too.)  However, though there has always be talk about it, we never have strayed from strawberry.  Why mess with perfection?  So, if anyone tries this with another flavor, tell me how it goes!  You just may persuade me to mess with tradition; but not on a holiday or birthday.</font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qtajc1QzCm4/UJLkUQ-GYjI/AAAAAAAABuU/vAI1B9vJKl4/s1600-h/IMG_6622%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6622" border="0" alt="IMG_6622" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XQwFMFnnyRg/UJLkVRW_1PI/AAAAAAAABuc/R7TCvqnjuUg/IMG_6622_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3"><strong>Pink Stuff</strong></font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3"><em>20 oz. can of crushed pineapple with juice <br />16 oz. small curd cottage cheese <br />6 oz. box of Strawberry Jell-O <br />16 oz. tub of Cool Whip, thawed to room temperature <br /></em> <br />Mix the pineapple/juice, cottage cheese and Jell-O powder into a large bowl.  Fold in the Cool Whip until well combined and pale pink.  Refrigerate before serving for best results.</font></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-73666416506995476462012-10-29T11:31:00.001-04:002012-10-29T11:34:38.728-04:00Not Back To School Part 2<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s-lLFdNTylA/UI6hOamSnzI/AAAAAAAABq8/hbcwOth9dPI/s1600-h/IMG_6103%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6103 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_6103 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wiyFuGAjk5g/UI6hO0rGZpI/AAAAAAAABrA/AKiujpBQaTw/IMG_6103%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fagirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fnot-back-to-school-part-2.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-s-lLFdNTylA%2FUI6hOamSnzI%2FAAAAAAAABq8%2FhbcwOth9dPI%2Fs1600-h%2FIMG_6103%25252520copy%2525255B5%2525255D.jpg&description=Chocolate%20Cake%20with%20Biscoff%20Cream%20Cheese%20Icing" count-layout="none"><img title="Pin It" border="0" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" /></a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/09/forever-nigella-packed-lunch-stars.html">Last month I mentioned</a> that I had brought two dishes to our Homeschool Support Group’s Not Back To School Party.  I almost forgot to tell you about the dessert!  But first, some more pictures of my cuties from the party</font><font color="#000000">. </font></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6107" border="0" alt="IMG_6107" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WTGWNpQQttU/UI6hPqxV0KI/AAAAAAAABrM/XauZWbVJ4jA/IMG_6107_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="404" /></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Liam really wanted to slide.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xJBqGSm2R4k/UI6hPyDRzvI/AAAAAAAABrU/4UBT0tySgRw/s1600-h/IMG_6108%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6108" border="0" alt="IMG_6108" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L5P-5GX7JHQ/UI6hQlJSkPI/AAAAAAAABrc/lbI9rt1E9jg/IMG_6108_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="412" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">It was a really big slide.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8PJQ0_YVhZI/UI6hRtLmKdI/AAAAAAAABrk/-EM4nwC_zt4/s1600-h/IMG_6109%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6109" border="0" alt="IMG_6109" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r3zGXyVUydM/UI6hSDru4OI/AAAAAAAABrs/KqeHxep2-uA/IMG_6109_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="417" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">But Liam had some help.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u139TrPp0q8/UI6hS1kcQDI/AAAAAAAABr0/TCqcV3SWPPY/s1600-h/IMG_6110%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6110" border="0" alt="IMG_6110" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z1IU5YyO8C0/UI6hTmnfmTI/AAAAAAAABr8/VYXx8NOkgtk/IMG_6110_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="409" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Maybe a little too much help.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OV_EN-jPWbw/UI6hXYgosQI/AAAAAAAABsE/sQJtXGHlEzc/s1600-h/IMG_6101%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6101" border="0" alt="IMG_6101" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WLNEPNn39aI/UI6hX9SCPvI/AAAAAAAABsM/zeuBkUrA0E4/IMG_6101_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="278" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">So, here it is.  Chocolate Cake with Biscoff Cream Cheese Icing. This recipe came from <a href="http://www.foodlibrarian.com/2012/06/chocolate-cake-with-biscoff-cream.html">The Food Librarian.</a>  She had me at Biscoff.  <a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/12/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-things.html">I love those little cookies</a>, and am so glad that not only they, but also the spread made from them, have made it to local grocery stores.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-97-HQnq10cQ/UI6hYx-gJVI/AAAAAAAABsU/_3cqej8I1B8/s1600-h/IMG_6103%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6103" border="0" alt="IMG_6103" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VaMNTLRj-fQ/UI6hZp7ml2I/AAAAAAAABsc/V9SUHESuP_4/IMG_6103_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I followed the two recipes The Food Librarian used but alas! I do not own any of those lovely chocolate sprinkles.  I think I need to check World Market for them.  So, instead, I crushed some Biscoff cookies and sprinkled on top.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">My assessment: the chocolate cake is a good one.  It is very easy to make.  It also stayed moist for me.  The icing, oh the icing!  I don’t know what magical properties this concoction created, but this is a very unique icing.  There was a smoky flavor and the tang from the cheese.  It seemed to have a mature flavor, so do not hesitate to make these with grownups in mind.  But, hey, it’s cake, so kids will dig it too. </font></p> <p><font size="3">P.S. If you are not already following The Food Librarian’s blog, you really should.  </font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-59486763859215903762012-10-26T13:02:00.001-04:002012-10-26T15:44:53.325-04:00Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L72OGzpSSrc/UIrkmV68cxI/AAAAAAAABmI/6RTPo0NmWoQ/s1600-h/IMG_6580%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6580 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_6580 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vBGHDE-0OCI/UIrkm9TOaaI/AAAAAAAABmQ/3qKOXv-5-fI/IMG_6580%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="418" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fagirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fbaked-pumpkin-oatmeal.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Flh4.ggpht.com%2F-L72OGzpSSrc%2FUIrkmV68cxI%2FAAAAAAAABmI%2F6RTPo0NmWoQ%2Fs1600-h%2FIMG_6580%25252520copy%2525255B6%2525255D.jpg&description=Baked%20Pumpkin%20Oatmeal%0A%0A" count-layout="none"><img title="Pin It" border="0" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">It’s that time of year when Pumpkin is King.  Yum!  I love it!  So, when I saw a recipe for Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal, I knew that 1) not only would I make it pronto, but 2) I would toss in some chocolate chips.  Just a few though, this is supposed to be a healthy dish.  Of course, it’s good without the chocolate too, but I’m a sucker for pumpkin and chocolate.  Can’t be helped.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O1Dv2DK1nLs/UIrCBrk8LII/AAAAAAAABlI/wq9-XPQK4Ws/s1600-h/IMG_6590%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6590" border="0" alt="IMG_6590" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4WoowrauBp0/UIrCCFzDj6I/AAAAAAAABlQ/8St5NQW0fJE/IMG_6590_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">I love these little bread pans.  They can be used for individual servings and for giving tasty gifts.  You can probably find them at your local craft store.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iLRR_Pavk5I/UIrCCkyt7qI/AAAAAAAABlY/vEziZpTm7bE/s1600-h/IMG_6594%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6594" border="0" alt="IMG_6594" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u3rqjFIhldU/UIrCDU796WI/AAAAAAAABlg/_ED5lKltuq8/IMG_6594_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2010/11/10/baked-pumpkin-oatmeal-for-one/">Here’s where I found the recipe.</a>  I used the maple syrup option and like I said, added some semi-sweet chocolate chips, about 1/4 cup or so.  But those are completely optional.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">There are a few options for making these an easy breakfast.  1st, it doesn’t take long to make these from beginning to end, but I’m not always patient when it comes to making breakfast in the mornings.  So, option 2, make them the night before and heat them up. Option 3, mix the ingredients the night before and bake in the morning.  In all honesty, this probably won’t save you a ton of time, since you still have to wait on the oven to preheat, (you may as well mix it all up while preheating).  Option 4, microwave for 3-4 minutes and dig in.  I prefer the oven recipe, but this is much quicker for the times I just can’t wait.  Either way, the inside is nice and creamy and delicious.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3"><a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2010/11/11/check-out-my-oatmeal-cake/">I’m going back to check out the other flavors of baked oatmeal.</a>  This may become an obsession.</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-67852212916206749152012-09-22T13:05:00.001-04:002012-10-26T21:06:11.806-04:00Forever Nigella: Packed Lunch Stars<p> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Well, it’s official, we’re homeschoolers.  Yesterday we went to a Not Back To School Party with our newly joined Homeschooling Support Group.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j-KXl1SXcD4/UF3vsIWSKlI/AAAAAAAABiI/EpXIBk1XoY0/s1600-h/IMG_6114%252520copy%252520blog%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6114 copy blog" border="0" alt="IMG_6114 copy blog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GW078jDpjko/UF3vseFS2SI/AAAAAAAABiQ/s5KtyBzWITg/IMG_6114%252520copy%252520blog_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">I brought two dishes; one I will showcase here and one I will save for later.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EBfnS-G3TMg/UF3vte9niII/AAAAAAAABiY/l6rowjt1gjs/s1600-h/cheese%252520puffs%252520tray%252520blog%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="cheese puffs tray blog" border="0" alt="cheese puffs tray blog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uQewJK_ROrY/UF3vtzAhttI/AAAAAAAABig/pAW6O_llbHU/cheese%252520puffs%252520tray%252520blog_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">These started out as cheese crackers, but turned into little cheese puffs.  More on that later.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MbSkEhbaAFA/UF3vutB52lI/AAAAAAAABio/_zevdKS_pTU/s1600-h/cheese%252520puff%252520close%252520up%252520blog%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="cheese puff close up blog" border="0" alt="cheese puff close up blog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PwSoOhIdnUk/UF3vvDR32RI/AAAAAAAABiw/Ms98P4I20sA/cheese%252520puff%252520close%252520up%252520blog_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Aren’t they cute?  You know what else is cute?  My kids, that’s what.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BgU9pz1nwaM/UF3vv99gYsI/AAAAAAAABi4/ItmbQRDZvVI/s1600-h/IMG_6113%252520blog%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6113 blog" border="0" alt="IMG_6113 blog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dZZBafkedX4/UF3vwyTAbII/AAAAAAAABjA/6vscJRJ0W_U/IMG_6113%252520blog_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="435" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">We made lots of new friends yesterday.  Sophie was all over the playground with her friends.  Here she is sliding down the pole all by herself.  I wonder if it is the same pole that I slid down when I was little.  Anybody know?</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-au3tOEP63rg/UF3vy1wad0I/AAAAAAAABjI/KFGWJVgW9x8/s1600-h/IMG_6117%252520copy%252520blog%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6117 copy blog" border="0" alt="IMG_6117 copy blog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NO-KZvnM0CU/UF3vz_DlUFI/AAAAAAAABjQ/IOZZ4xuR4ZA/IMG_6117%252520copy%252520blog_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Liam was</font> <font size="3">a little easier to photograph during this excursion, since I didn’t let him leave my side.  He’s getting so big!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f4ZAR9QLX1Q/UF3v00wSuuI/AAAAAAAABjY/7SmazMixmNA/s1600-h/IMG_6122%252520copy2%252520blog%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6122 copy2 blog" border="0" alt="IMG_6122 copy2 blog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoZLd1cgKO0-H0QUlYtKRY2dfVCiiehjs5jvYk8MLZ2ptT_fykTjjri1YWTeUL1EwQPLDhOytmu09k9v47YflIueFhyphenhyphenI9agNyvccNa9bBHkCEBQDZWbogI6RBmmwckRFDXFpPZkg2F0o/?imgmax=800" width="398" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Liam loves riding this elephant.  While he was riding it, he kept saying, “I happy.”  He’s so sweet!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella/"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="FN_Banner_Packed_Lunch_Stars_19" border="0" alt="FN_Banner_Packed_Lunch_Stars_19" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iG1ZvqkJKEY/UF3v2WnTCEI/AAAAAAAABjo/0PvZ4rmqI6g/FN_Banner_Packed_Lunch_Stars_19%25255B7%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="313" height="386" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Now that school (of all kinds) are starting back this fall, perhaps we could use a little lunch time inspiration.  Forever Nigella #19 is being hosted by Nazima of <a href="http://www.workinglondonmummy.com/2012/09/forever-nigella-september-packed-lunch.html">Working London Mummy</a>. This month’s challenge is to prepare and blog any Nigella Lawson recipe suitable for a packed lunch. (<a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella/">Forever Nigella</a> is organized by Sarah at <a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com">Maison Cupcake</a>.)</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/cheesy-feet-116"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="main[1]" border="0" alt="main[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eHaSnhtu6Tg/UF3v3ayRaJI/AAAAAAAABjw/BF3oCx7cm24/main%25255B1%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="421" /></a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">I started out planning on making these cheese crackers, (or <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/cheesy-feet-116">cheese biscuits</a> as Nigella calls them, but that is a different thing here in the U.S.)  I planned on using a lovely star cutter to go with the theme even better.  Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get the dough to roll out nicely.  In true Nigella fashion, I lost patience and did my own thing, rolling the dough into 1/2 teaspoon balls and dropping them on a pan. As I was out of parchment, I just hoped they wouldn't stick to the pan, (they didn’t!)  Some of them I left as balls, some I slightly smashed, and others I flattened quite a bit.  I like the ones that were left round.  They reminded me of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goug%C3%A8re">gougères</a> a little, in that they were round and slightly puffy.  Hmm, let me add gougères to my To Bake list.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN_-WXinTwI-_IdFWVTsspPxn5wBdoTlE_b2AfyM__2SJ2hm4hIxhrCxfv6RZUwWug1Lq_ojpj_IJihYB27zYzWia9PV0rbKiJ5dqw1a2hoRHuxM5V1E-6LRwqnT_dzcCNnsO3sDDRHQ/s1600-h/IMG_6125%252520blog%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6125 blog copy" border="0" alt="IMG_6125 blog copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EOH7zTLIw4c/UIsx-vW2PQI/AAAAAAAABqU/zwQuP6YZsk0/IMG_6125%252520blog%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fagirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fforever-nigella-packed-lunch-stars.html%23&media=http%3A%2F%2Flh4.ggpht.com%2F-PQD1NGABiiE%2FUIsx-El87sI%2FAAAAAAAABqM%2FB6hfRnfRyIo%2Fs1600-h%2FIMG_6125%25252520blog%25252520copy%2525255B6%2525255D.jpg&description=Cheese%20Puffs%0A" count-layout="horizontal"><img title="Pin It" border="0" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" /></a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Since I made these with both kids and adults in mind, I used half mild cheddar and half sharp cheddar.  But next time, I will use 100% sharp and add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.  This size only took 10 minutes to bake.  I stored this is a baggie with a paper towel to soak up any moisture.  I wanted to keep them as crisp as possible.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eALo78_0yLw/UF3v5m80f9I/AAAAAAAABkI/e5UXcITcGwo/s1600-h/IMG_6130%252520blog%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6130 blog" border="0" alt="IMG_6130 blog" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ykcB9RCat5Y/UF3v6fFoLoI/AAAAAAAABkQ/WWSRVtF7HGQ/IMG_6130%252520blog_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">So whether your kiddies are eating lunch at school or at home, at the park, or wherever, these little beauties are a perfect addition to your lunchtime go-to goodies. </font></p> <h4><strong><u><font color="#ffc000" size="4">Forever Nigella Rules</font></u></strong></h4> <p><strong><u>1. Blog your entry by 28<sup>th</sup> of the month showing:</u></strong> <br />a) the current Forever Nigella badge <br />b) a link to this announcement post <br />c) a link to the Forever Nigella page at Maison Cupcake: <a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella">http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella</a><em> </em></p> <p><em>n.b. posts must have been published since the announcement post. Archived posts need to be re-published afresh if you wish to submit.</em></p> <p><strong><u>2. Remember copyright. </u></strong> <br />You must NOT reproduce Nigella’s recipes verbatim. Tell us which book it is from and/or link to it online. If you’ve adapted the recipe in some way i.e. changed at least two ingredients or amended the method then it’s ok to publish the a recipe in your post but you MUST write directions in your own words.</p> <p><strong><u>3. Submit your post</u> <br /></strong>Use the linky tool or email the host cc’ed to sarah AT maisoncupcake DOT com.</p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-47943020991350844132012-09-20T17:29:00.001-04:002012-09-20T17:29:05.080-04:00A Couple Links for You<p> </p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/sophie-in-wonderland-invitations.html">As I mentioned earlier this year</a>, since November 2011, I’ve been eating better and exercising. My trainer, Rob Hatch at <a href="http://trainerhatch.com/home">Hatch Impact Training</a> has a heart for helping people take control of their health and lose weight the right way.  He’s taught us there is no magic pill, injection, or crazy restrictive program that will deliver the results that healthy eating and exercise together will accomplish.  Rob pushes us to do more than we thought we could in the gym, and gives us the tools to meet our goals.  And we are getting those results!</font></p> <p><font size="3">For me, my weight loss journey has included going from a client to an instructor at the gym, teaching Cardio Dance, primarily.  I’m excited that I’ll soon be certified in Group Fitness!!!  </font></p> <p><font size="3">So, from time to time, I’d like to share with you some products and recipes that are helping me along the way.  Of course, there will also be posts about indulgent foods, but those are now eaten in moderation.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://jimmydean.com/products/original-sausage-links.aspx"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Jimmy-Dean-Fully-Cooked-Sausage-Links-Original" border="0" alt="Jimmy-Dean-Fully-Cooked-Sausage-Links-Original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F5QTBnO836c/UFuKnADAvxI/AAAAAAAABhY/1aNPmiiZ02E/Jimmy-Dean-Fully-Cooked-Sausage-Links-Original%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="220" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I used to buy Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage Links for my family.  They are quick to microwave, so that makes it a winner for me.  But when I started changing things I was eating, I decided to try the Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Links.  I remember the first morning I made these; I had made the pork links for Brian and the kids and then heated my turkey links.  Brian and I were in the kitchen when I took my first bite.  Wow!  I made him try some too.  We couldn’t believe how flavorful and not greasy these were compared to the original.  They turkey links are SO much better.  We have not gone back to the pork links; the turkey is delicious and I think everyone should try these.</font></p> <p><a href="http://jimmydean.com/products/turkey-sausage-links.aspx"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jimmy-Dean-Fully-Cooked-Sausage-Links-Turkey" border="0" alt="Jimmy-Dean-Fully-Cooked-Sausage-Links-Turkey" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SWsN1oEMa9Y/UFuKnyJRDiI/AAAAAAAABhg/DP_EUgfQ44I/Jimmy-Dean-Fully-Cooked-Sausage-Links-Turkey%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="231" /></a></p> <p>FYI:  Jimmy Dean has no idea who I am.  This is my personal opinion, but as a lover of food, I think it’s a good one.</p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-28209867519105367572012-06-28T23:16:00.000-04:002012-06-29T11:20:12.223-04:00Forever Nigella: Afternoon Tea<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m4gd1Ej-Irk/T-3Go2-FOKI/AAAAAAAABgE/C9Wc_gF6PvQ/s1600-h/FN_Banner_AfternoonTea_165.gif"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJyY3nqpuwJGzb9V4SdDGkdHLD3AktwMbQbwIHc3lgmiAyi5bN_abzoUoPWHPEoriherAYAJ-34fCu0fvbHbKFjnrQ4maHnNWCGf_Si3YqZ-5xPvju19tPC2iMZt7isDxiCAQGLB5Lpo/s1600-h/FN_Banner_AfternoonTea_16%25255B1%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="FN_Banner_AfternoonTea_16" border="0" alt="FN_Banner_AfternoonTea_16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHd7Rq3p2FyazfXes1ZHu3nywtuUnT4uir4195K8kqBIm6zBSrYMy84vuvycDkzRZYJgs-sJn2nusJ2YQWonJpaiBGWvJWA4aA7QNc7UX7-To-OF2ayStAgV-1j7H0s_HCcit9UqAeMoI/?imgmax=800" width="305" height="377" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font color="#330f02"><font style="font-size: 12pt">Forever Nigella #16 is being hosted by Fleur of <a href="http://homemadebyfleur.co.uk/forever-nigella-16-afternoon-tea/">Homemade By Fleur</a>. This month’s challenge is to prepare and blog any Nigella Lawson recipe for Afternoon Tea. Forever Nigella is organized by Sarah at <a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com">Maison Cupcake</a></font></font><font style="font-size: 12pt"><font color="#a8174f"></font></font><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02"><font face="Verdana">.</font> </font></font></p> <p><font size="3">Afternoon Tea.  For us Americans, we think of it as something we have to get dressed up for and try our best to be posh.  But in reality, Afternoon Tea is supposed to be a snack to get us through the afternoon to dinner.  Now, I could go into all the different kinds of “Teas” there are, but I’ll save that for another post.  Today, lets treat Tea as so many do, with a cup of tea and a nice cake, cookie, or other sweet treat.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">I’m usually a chocolate lover, but in the summer, I’m a sucker for Lemon.  When I saw these <a href="http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/little-lemon-puddings">Little Lemon Puddings on Nigella.com</a>, I was hooked. (Translation: pudding can mean a steamed cake or just dessert.)  These puddings, are what Nigella calls a “short-cut version of the traditional English Canary Pudding.”  The traditional is steamed, while these are baked.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q0Fs6yw3pX8/T-3GqmN17MI/AAAAAAAABes/bhbxV7OXtpg/s1600-h/main6.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="main" border="0" alt="main" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zgc8N41FYtc/T-3Gq4p-aiI/AAAAAAAABe0/jZ4kfbPyDSc/main_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="462" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Don’t they look sunny and happy?  And Cute! And just look at that drippy lemon curd!  </font><font size="3">I gave these a try for a family dinner.  They were a big hit!</font></p> <p><font size="3">I had to use a conversion chart to figure out a few things: </font></p> <p><font size="3">125 grams of sugar = 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon </font></p> <p><font size="3">125 grams of butter = 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon </font></p> <p><font size="3">125 grams of flour = 1 1/8 cup </font></p> <p><font size="3">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, (the equivalent to the 180 degrees C and gas mark 4).</font></p> <p><font size="3">I also used silicone cupcake liners, so they were a little smaller than the ramekins I would have used, so I got 8 servings instead of just 6.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kU8ua_0_03Y/T-3Gre3UIkI/AAAAAAAABgM/hAnSnbSt6ZI/s1600-h/IMG_56835.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kU8ua_0_03Y/T-3Gre3UIkI/AAAAAAAABgQ/19owyb49W24/s1600-h/IMG_5683.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5683" border="0" alt="IMG_5683" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ilnrA8XGTFs/T-3GsGhyvaI/AAAAAAAABfI/FJ_od1koo6Q/IMG_5683_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Mine didn’t turn out as golden as the Nigella photo, but that doesn’t keep them from tasting delightfully lemony.  The lemon curd on top is the icing on the cake, literally.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">These little puddings are a nice addition to your own Tea Time recipes.  But I didn’t stop there.  Because this little beauty is also a part of my </font><a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/05/2012-ice-cream-cupcake-contest.html"><font size="3">2012 Ice Cream Cupcake Contest</font></a><font size="3"> entry.</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/05/2012-ice-cream-cupcake-contest.html"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ice-cream-contest-art-2012" border="0" alt="ice-cream-contest-art-2012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TlhQ0SIAlPY/T-3GsrN8SgI/AAAAAAAABfQ/koYu-uC2n7w/ice-cream-contest-art-20126.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="266" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The Ice Cream Contest is being hosted by <a href="http://www.scoopalicious.blogspot.com/2012/06/want-250-to-your-fave-cookingbaking.html">Scoopalicious</a> and <a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/05/2012-ice-cream-cupcake-contest.html">Cupcake Project</a>.</font></p> <p><font size="3">When I was trying to decide what I wanted to do for the contest, I thought about all the different ice creams I wanted to try making.  My mind kept coming back to Afternoon Tea.  I love lemon curd on a scone with clotted cream.  It’s divine!  So what better to go with the Little Lemon Puddings than Clotted Cream Ice Cream.  Yes, I went there!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r96qEB8PGcQ/T-3GtL7QjMI/AAAAAAAABfY/Ql9b1D4I-h0/s1600-h/IMG_56757.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5675" border="0" alt="IMG_5675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bITJ1tcmYSg/T-3GthPaB2I/AAAAAAAABfg/IQnqxAS-vOw/IMG_5675_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="458" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Wow! This ice cream was so good!  It’s yummy perched upon a Little Lemon Pudding, topped with more lemon curd; it tastes like sunshine!  It’s perfect for a summer afternoon.</font></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3"><strong>Clotted Cream Ice Cream</strong> <br /> <br />6 Egg Yolks <br />1 Whole Egg <br />1/2 cup Sugar (I used Vanilla Sugar) <br />2 1/2 cups Whole Milk <br />1 Vanilla Bean (split, with seeds removed) <strong>or</strong> 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract <br />1 1/4 Cups Heavy Cream <br />6 ounces Clotted Cream <br /> <br />Use a whisk to combine the yolks, egg and sugar.  Whisk until the mixture turns pale yellow.  Add the milk and vanilla, (pod and seeds) to a saucepan and simmer.  Once it simmers, pull out the vanilla pod and VERY slowly pour the milk into the eggs while quickly whisking.  <br /> <br />Bring the mixture back to the pan with the vanilla pod and simmer, stir constantly, until thickened.  (It will coat the back of a wooden spoon.) <br /> <br />Strain the custard mixture to remove any lumpy eggs and vanilla pod.  Stash the mixture in the fridge until cold.  <br /> <br />Stir the clotted cream into the cold mixture. Whisk the heavy cream in a cold metal bowl until it forms soft peaks, and fold into the mixture.  Freeze according to your ice cream freezer’s manufacturers instructions.</font>  <br /> <br />*Note:  Clotted Cream can be purchased at grocery stores that specialize in international foods.  A tea room shop is another place to look.  Or you can buy online from companies like the <a href="http://www.englishteastore.com/clcr6oz.html">English Tea Store</a>.  Alternatively, you can make your own; a feat I would like to tackle soon.</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font color="#ff80c0" size="4"><strong>2012 Ice Cream Cupcake Contest</strong></font> </p> <p>Official Rules:</p> <ul> <li>Dates: You can enter any time through June 30, 2012. </li> <li>How to Enter: </li> </ul> <ol> <li>Create a recipe for ice cream cupcakes! The ice cream cupcakes must contain cake and ice cream (or frozen yogurt, gelato, or something ice cream-like). Cupcakes baked in ice cream cones without a frozen element are not eligible. </li> <li>Write a new post on your blog about your creation. The post must include a photo, a recipe, and a link to both <a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/05/2012-ice-cream-cupcake-contest.html">this post</a> and to <a href="http://www.scoopalicious.blogspot.com/">Scoopalicious</a>. <i>If you don't have a blog, upload a photo of your creation to Facebook or any photo sharing site (like Flickr). Make sure that you make the photo public (on Facebook, you'll simply change "share with Friends" to "share with Public"). In the photo description, include the details about the cupcake and the recipe.</i></li> <li>Find and click the "Add your Link" button at the bottom of this post. </li> <li>Complete the entry form. In the name field, enter the name of your creation. In the URL field, enter the link to your post (not your whole blog). <i>If you don't have a blog, enter the link to your photo's page. On Facebook, this is the address of the photo post, not the one that is facebook.com/yourname.</i> When you click to add a thumbnail image, the program should let you choose from the images on your page. If it doesn't work properly, check your link. If it still isn't working, you can upload an image directly from your computer. </li> <li>After you submit your entry, wait a few minutes and refresh this page. You should see a thumbnail version of your entry displayed. Your entry is now complete!</li> </ol> <ul> <li><b>Number of Entries per Person: </b>Sorry, we are allowing just one entry per person this year - so make it count! </li> <li><b>Judging Criteria:</b> Cupcakes will be judged on perceived deliciousness, creativity, and presentation - in that order of importance. </li> <li><b>Prizes</b>: The Grand Prize winner and the entry prize winners will be announced by the end of July! For the Grand Prize of a $250 gift certificate to a favorite cooking store, the store (virtual or brick and mortar) must specialize in cooking and/or baking supplies. General stores like Amazon, Target, etc. are not eligible. The cooking store must sell gift certificates. Stores outside of the U.S. are eligible, but the gift certificate will have a value of $250 U.S. </li> </ul> <p> <br />Read more: <a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/05/2012-ice-cream-cupcake-contest.html#ixzz1z9kZpUBD">http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/05/2012-ice-cream-cupcake-contest.html#ixzz1z9kZpUBD</a></p> <p> </p> <h2 style="line-height: 1.3; text-transform: none; margin-top: 20px; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 4px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: "><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 15pt" color="#a8174f"><u>Forever Nigella Rules</u></font></font></span></strong></h2> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font color="#330f02"><font face="Georgia"><strong><span style="text-decoration: "><u><font style="font-size: 12pt">1. Blog your entry by 28<sup>th</sup> of the month showing:</font></u></span></strong><font style="font-size: 12pt"> <br />a) the current Forever Nigella badge <br />b) a link to this announcement post <br />c) a link to the Forever Nigella page at Maison Cupcake: </font></font></font><font style="font-size: 12pt"><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella"><font color="#a8174f" face="Georgia">http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella</font></a></font><em><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02"> </font></font></em></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><em><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">n.b. posts must have been published since the announcement post. Archived posts need to be re-published afresh if you wish to submit.</font></font></em></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font face="Georgia"><strong><span style="text-decoration: "><u><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">2. Remember copyright. </font></u></span></strong><font style="font-size: 12pt"> <br /><font color="#330f02">You must NOT reproduce Nigella’s recipes verbatim. Tell us which book it is from and/or link to it online. If you’ve adapted the recipe in some way i.e. changed at least two ingredients or amended the method then it’s ok to publish the a recipe in your post but you MUST write directions in your own words.</font></font></font></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font face="Georgia"><strong><span style="text-decoration: "><u><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">3. Submit your post</font></u></span><font style="font-size: 12pt"> <br /></font></strong><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">Use the linky tool or email the host cc’ed to sarah AT maisoncupcake DOT com.</font></font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-88040470394216493212012-06-02T19:13:00.001-04:002012-06-02T19:13:02.976-04:00The Graduate<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8VUuvrPJkJE/T8qdzAEVmCI/AAAAAAAABbI/MgzeSNrhy_4/s1600-h/Rebekah-52.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8VUuvrPJkJE/T8qdzAEVmCI/AAAAAAAABbQ/iLZQKYUofco/s1600-h/Rebekah-54.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Rebekah 5" border="0" alt="Rebekah 5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6mMjX_wltII/T8qd0BtvePI/AAAAAAAABbU/tRc_b_FAyPA/Rebekah-5_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="442" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">This is a picture of my little sister, Rebekah.  It was taken just yesterday.  At least, that’s how it feels.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Rebekah graduated from High School last Saturday.  She’s not a little girl anymore, she has become a beautiful young woman. {wipes tear}</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DSK44ARnUPk/T8qd0bD3YbI/AAAAAAAABbc/mGgMnHsoYj4/s1600-h/IMG_5478-edit-13.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ovZ5WELkkasTallbCABArHs6WQlAEzIjKdjQ798kNrfxfND02Gn6RO_kx3iIJOqYz4t5zriNj7uLQ1oTThUjhdE0rqg8NVT_-N7TK5ScE4ob0yutkvrMzO7L9Ct-zNVVfkQhMlk20VY/s1600-h/IMG_5478-edit-15.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Cap & Gown" border="0" alt="Cap & Gown" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TNoPx2jJ_kA/T8qd1K7bu0I/AAAAAAAABbo/r2Eussk4zRM/IMG_5478-edit-1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="425" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">After the graduation ceremony, we had a little party for her.  She deserved it, she’s worked hard to get where she is. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ak8p3SGM7-s/T8qd1l0iHPI/AAAAAAAABbw/_FpXca5Fpug/s1600-h/IMG_56405.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ak8p3SGM7-s/T8qd1l0iHPI/AAAAAAAABb4/Rb4SO5lZqe0/s1600-h/IMG_56407.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5640" border="0" alt="IMG_5640" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7TcKWsh-AOA/T8qd2TxGvfI/AAAAAAAABb8/UYRMp7GxYTc/IMG_5640_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">We are so proud!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YdvQ4vep5GA/T8qd26QO_7I/AAAAAAAABcE/YMxkQxD0MD4/s1600-h/IMG_56455.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YdvQ4vep5GA/T8qd26QO_7I/AAAAAAAABcM/Dim0o1i8W2U/s1600-h/IMG_56457.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5645" border="0" alt="IMG_5645" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gwPbKsuXDzU/T8qd38UbelI/AAAAAAAABcQ/BpUtxt76NyA/IMG_5645_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="401" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">The cake was from Costco.  YUM!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y3bAMkVxs8Y/T8qd4MO5-MI/AAAAAAAABcY/ZJ2Sor90P9E/s1600-h/IMG_56306.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5630" border="0" alt="IMG_5630" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NeVPnubvOog/T8qd4khnjnI/AAAAAAAABcg/7NnQfIBBm6g/IMG_5630_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The Heritage High School colors are Red and Blue, (they are the Generals.)  We live in a very historic area, so this is quite appropriate.  It also happened to be Memorial Day weekend, so the color scheme was easy to work with.  I made these cookies using the tried and true <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/cut-out-cookies-recipe/index.html">Nigella Lawson Recipe</a>.  I make them my own by using a thinned <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Royal-Icing">Wilton Royal Icing</a> made with just an 8th teaspoon (maybe a little more) of lemon extract (before adding the rest of the liquid). You want the icing thin, but not so thin it drips right off the cookie. I dipped the tops of the cookies in the icing and then before they hardened I added the sprinkles.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zXzNYXe2ZeM/T8qd5JjfIqI/AAAAAAAABco/oPi8hLxrov8/s1600-h/IMG_56295.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zXzNYXe2ZeM/T8qd5JjfIqI/AAAAAAAABcw/9_kYyV_w7XI/s1600-h/IMG_56296.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5629" border="0" alt="IMG_5629" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zeTgJRVSyTM/T8qd6OFpSwI/AAAAAAAABc0/y16P7LW5W34/IMG_5629_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">The patriotic sprinkles came from <a href="http://michaels.com/">Michael’s</a> but this is the season to find them all over.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ln5gLCiKB6I/T8qd6v21JEI/AAAAAAAABc8/n6G4uiD6RWk/s1600-h/IMG_5628-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ln5gLCiKB6I/T8qd6v21JEI/AAAAAAAABdE/acpLvcLuV-Q/s1600-h/IMG_5628-copy7.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5628 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5628 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ooM4I27PEb4/T8qd7UxDGHI/AAAAAAAABdI/dlCmzdlLUdA/IMG_5628-copy_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">I also made these cute little brownie bites.  They are a Pampered Chef favorite.  The cream cheese icing is delish!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l_U1EECrk94/T8qd7ynwtvI/AAAAAAAABdQ/a7KaGN_gS_Q/s1600-h/IMG_5633-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l_U1EECrk94/T8qd7ynwtvI/AAAAAAAABdY/iB-cmdnlx58/s1600-h/IMG_5633-copy6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5633 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5633 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KVxzjPphXjg/T8qd80qTIzI/AAAAAAAABdc/NUSrSyc8s00/IMG_5633-copy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">Michael’s also had these cute little wrappers, 99 cents for 100.  What a deal! I’m going to have to go back for more.</font></p> <p><font size="3">I used two different wrappers so you can see the design even after they are baked. If the two papers are the same brand, you can bake them in both, but I wasn’t so lucky, so I baked in the white and just added the cute ones later.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PvIBik8yOfk/T8qd9kFT-hI/AAAAAAAABdk/8mLkVDoolBk/s1600-h/IMG_56385.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PvIBik8yOfk/T8qd9kFT-hI/AAAAAAAABds/n9FyUPurdBM/s1600-h/IMG_56386.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5638" border="0" alt="IMG_5638" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j6s_lCmVk4M/T8qd-f_H_vI/AAAAAAAABdw/YXhxLU6KN1M/IMG_5638_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="268" /></a></a></a></p> <p>I don’t know where to find this recipe in the Pampered Chef universe, but this is how my friend Kim, a Pampered Chef Consultant showed me how to make them.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3"><strong>Cream Cheese Brownie Cups</strong> <br />Makes 48 <br /> <br />1 package (19-21 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make cake-like brownies) <br />1 4 oz package cream cheese <br />1/2 cup sugar <br />8 oz cool whip, soft from the refrigerator <br />sprinkles, chocolate shavings, mini M&Ms optional for topping <br /> <br />Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Spray a mini-muffin pan with cooking spray, or use mini cupcake wrappers, (what I do).  Mix brownie batter according to directions to make cake like brownies.  Use a small scoop to fill each cup 2/3 full.  It will make two pans of cups.  Bake for 14 minutes or until the edges are set. <br /> <br />Remove from oven to a cooling rack.  Immediately press tops of brownies with Mini-Tart shaper to make indentions.  Allow to cool.  (If not using wrappers, do not leave in the pan too long or they will stick, hence why I always use wrappers so I don’t mess up!) <br /> <br />Mix cream cheese and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer till smooth.  Fold in cool-whip.  Pipe swirls of icing onto the tops of the cups.  Top with your choice of toppings.</font></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <p><font size="3">Somehow I missed taking pictures of the punch.  I’ve blogged about it before.  Here is that picture and the link to <a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/10/they-are-to-teach-what-is-good.html">the recipe</a>.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a7r3i2pJdO8/T8qd-sFNO2I/AAAAAAAABd4/Mg-aaLgnh38/s1600-h/punch4.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="punch" border="0" alt="punch" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DsiuOsaFCTM/T8qd_IfJJhI/AAAAAAAABeA/XB7TX7BEhHY/punch_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="389" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">My sister and the other graduates were honored at church a couple weeks ago.  Each graduate had a slideshow made to play at the reception.  Here is Rebekah’s.  If you are fortunate to know my sister, go ahead and grab some tissues.  It isn’t enough we’re seeing adorable pictures of her growing up, but she sings the song that is playing too.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Enjoy!</font></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2125aa96-ccfd-4313-a721-3cc858505f06" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="58d5db65-3368-4184-97ab-f2cc6cea4d2f" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzVuZXVQOfo&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H4M-miUreNs/T8qd_UuLc0I/AAAAAAAABeI/z2d_FPC33vc/video7ee2472adf96%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('58d5db65-3368-4184-97ab-f2cc6cea4d2f'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/XzVuZXVQOfo?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/XzVuZXVQOfo?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#d566ff" size="5">We love you Geggie!</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#9b00d3" size="5"> </font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-38352998341807269252012-05-28T23:08:00.000-04:002012-05-29T12:03:12.707-04:00Forever Nigella: Diamond Jubilee<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SEI2tL24ZAg/T8R1udlJVAI/AAAAAAAABaA/i80hJllBr-c/s1600-h/FN_Banner_Diamond_Jubilee_154.gif"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SEI2tL24ZAg/T8R1udlJVAI/AAAAAAAABaE/VoKXUrtYAPs/s1600-h/FN_Banner_Diamond_Jubilee_15%25255B1%25255D.gif"><img alt="FN_Banner_Diamond_Jubilee_15" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jRDXARPc-uc/T8R1vATx41I/AAAAAAAABXE/bHHctmCpbLg/FN_Banner_Diamond_Jubilee_15_thumb.gif?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FN_Banner_Diamond_Jubilee_15" width="270" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952. This year marks her 60th year and is being celebrated with her Diamond Jubilee. She’s the second longest reigning British monarch, just barely tailing Queen Victoria. For more information, programing and merchandise, us Yanks can turn to </span><a href="http://www.bbcamerica.com/diamond-jubilee/"><span style="font-size: small;">BBC America’s Diamond Jubilee page</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gZTelacvujI/T8R1vjhq0rI/AAAAAAAABaI/VYr7E-9OQJw/s1600-h/Diamond_Jubilee_60_2012_logo5.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gZTelacvujI/T8R1vjhq0rI/AAAAAAAABaM/HMoDyxQdZ7g/s1600-h/Diamond_Jubilee_60_2012_logo.jpg"><img alt="Diamond_Jubilee_60_2012_logo" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7L6IChdzp4E/T8R1wVWQGgI/AAAAAAAABXY/VeWwZi5sItQ/Diamond_Jubilee_60_2012_logo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Diamond_Jubilee_60_2012_logo" width="343" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Of course, this is Forever Nigella, so we have to cook up something yummy to go with any celebration. This month I decided to try my hand at making my own custard creams. “What are </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custard_cream"><span style="font-size: small;">custard creams</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">?” You may be asking. Just one of the most delightful little cookies you’ll ever have. I must confess, although these were easy to make, as Nigella states in her book, <em>Feast</em>, I did find that mine turned out to be just a little fussy. It may be completely my fault though. First, I think I added too much of the liquid to the cookie mixture. I ended up having to add more flour when it came time to roll out the dough. It was also difficult to roll out the dough thin enough. Next time I will be more careful with the liquid. The second thing I had trouble with was my cookie cutter. Using a diamond shaped cutter for this occasion was a no brainer. My particular cutter is the kind with the closed top. It was very difficult to use. I will soon invest in an open designed diamond cutter. Those two things aside, these are tasty little cookies, or </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_and_British_English_differences"><span style="font-size: small;">biscuits</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> as they probably should be called. I’m so glad I tried them.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCR0Oe38qcfLLgUivrvoGGcCg02w2ZvozP3Bs4rJvEdcbknySqVYaYwxxb_TaRizFRi6BCQ-yG6wO9zODItYN9oFbqPdgC3ED6W5boqTzcayJtEQIi_mYuNzZfLliVUQiu83_TokmfoA/s1600-h/IMG_56555.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FYh5eyAmYUU/T8R1w1BPWCI/AAAAAAAABaU/IjJDDjlKnkE/s1600-h/IMG_5655.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5655" border="0" height="418" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LbPvO28ei3s/T8R1x9C_k8I/AAAAAAAABXs/n1piju0zNUY/IMG_5655_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5655" width="276" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Some may think of me as an Anglophile. I’m not sure that I am. Yes, I enjoy certain aspects of British culture, history, cuisine, literature, pottery, etc. But I don’t buy things just because it’s got a Union Jack on it. Actually, I don’t think I have anything with a Union Jack on it. So I made a little something for my Diamond Jubilee display. I’ll blog about that later.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TaRmjCYwPuk/T8R1yNC7LAI/AAAAAAAABaY/TU1BzFevS3I/s1600-h/IMG_56633.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TaRmjCYwPuk/T8R1yNC7LAI/AAAAAAAABac/0eQAJWMzHDc/s1600-h/IMG_5663%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5663" border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf2_rNSYGcQsu7lw-EARLxHQct9mjc86z7uHA0HFyf8sITtrcdq4pGUlwp52JTeEB33BilcCihngcJO1mZkqk626X_uqrhgkXeCsZ_31RFXIhkhHXMeTnhY7iI17-rS8yWbyRLlvqgG0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5663" width="396" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Gracing the table is also a commemorative dish I picked up in England. It celebrates the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mUv5wNPvMQs/T8R1zoc8K3I/AAAAAAAABag/XWdxyzJAPxA/s1600-h/IMG_56655.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mUv5wNPvMQs/T8R1zoc8K3I/AAAAAAAABak/6iCn-gGw5P0/s1600-h/IMG_5665.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5665" border="0" height="392" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PUuDbzxcmHc/T8R10RSC8WI/AAAAAAAABYU/F5lt6o0fX04/IMG_5665_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5665" width="259" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have to admit something to you. I found this picture, (actually a postcard), of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Heathrow. It reminds me of the cheesy Olan Mills pictures we all had made in the 80s. I imagined framing this in the most gaudy gold picture frame I could find (the one it’s in now is quite tame) and displaying it in my home amongst family photos. We would casually mention to guests that this was Aunt Liz and Uncle Phil. I wondered how many people would recognize her without a crown, a big hat or her Corgis. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4ZvN-ZetflU/T8R10x0wfoI/AAAAAAAABao/kaidw2eAu-E/s1600-h/0025.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4ZvN-ZetflU/T8R10x0wfoI/AAAAAAAABas/77fHigf4Q_A/s1600-h/002%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="002" border="0" height="433" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pw9CtGS9l6E/T8R12bglAoI/AAAAAAAABYo/Ex94O0fuxu0/002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="002" width="303" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">By the way, we have decided to refer to this picture as Cousin Liz. </span><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/05/pudding-for-prince.html"><span style="font-size: small;">As I’ve mentioned before</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, Brian and the Queen may share a common ancestor in </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_of_Scotland"><span style="font-size: small;">Henry of Scotland</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">. That would make them 24th cousins. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I’ve a few more postcards from my collection to share with you, just for fun.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qJyCcGxkLkg/T8R13LQsROI/AAAAAAAABaw/a4P7LUA9jsA/s1600-h/0055.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qJyCcGxkLkg/T8R13LQsROI/AAAAAAAABa0/wLvymcu5BYI/s1600-h/005%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="005" border="0" height="461" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5uyqSWQ9vGc/T8R13-2BrcI/AAAAAAAABY8/-grnkPt_ko4/005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="005" width="296" /></a></span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kgf8ahtGeuE/T8R14YYCF0I/AAAAAAAABa4/97Tca9J7GJU/s1600-h/0045.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kgf8ahtGeuE/T8R14YYCF0I/AAAAAAAABa8/V5pOxbi-jSg/s1600-h/004%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="004" border="0" height="455" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jh78tnydVKE/T8R15dSDpHI/AAAAAAAABZQ/E8QLpVzIKk0/004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="004" width="293" /></a></span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kr5ToexCmmE/T8R15vtUJLI/AAAAAAAABbA/xGPklWwfDAE/s1600-h/0035.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kr5ToexCmmE/T8R15vtUJLI/AAAAAAAABbE/8blglxi_jiQ/s1600-h/003%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="003" border="0" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVJtMmFyUyHsIEupi6ECx8D3kRRZ4G1sQ9E-CGy5Od8pBApXcH9GLhEpcxZtZg8xdpM42-I6DVJCwwmyUerriAyGa6Oqgs70r7pdI6FZILh4LVjPVYEy4QtR38K-T8wiJNB9zrRojE1Q/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="003" width="294" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Actually, now that I think of it, there is something I have with a Union Jack on it. It is one of my favorite pictures I took in England. It graces the back cover of one of my travel journals. I hope you like it as much as I do.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q3WNgYmiH2U/T8R16xUyD-I/AAAAAAAABZs/JgpKGnMM6H8/s1600-h/2318_123267630102_642245102_5792151_.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="2318_123267630102_642245102_5792151_8208_n" border="0" height="264" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dBBGKAdaVKE/T8R17WCwcZI/AAAAAAAABZ0/rro4_Yz0d1Q/2318_123267630102_642245102_5792151_%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2318_123267630102_642245102_5792151_8208_n" width="396" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Awesome, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Forever</span> <span style="color: #4f81bd;">Nigella</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Forever Nigella #15 is being hosted by Nelly of </span><a href="http://www.nellyscupcakes.co.uk/2012/05/forever-nigella-15-jubilee-tastic.html"><span style="font-size: small;">Nelly’s</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> Cupcakes. This month’s challenge is to prepare and blog any Nigella Lawson recipe that you would serve for the Diamond Jubilee. Forever Nigella is organised by Sarah at </span><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/"><span style="font-size: small;">Maison Cupcake</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So are you interested in joining the fun with </span><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella/"><span style="font-size: small;">Forever Nigella</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">? Each month is a new theme, so come and fun cooking and baking tempting treats and delicious meals.</span> <br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-size: 15pt;"><u>Forever Nigella Rules</u></span></span></strong></h2>
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<span style="color: #330f02;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blog checking lines:</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Forever Nigella <strong>#[number] </strong>is being hosted by <strong>[name]</strong> of <strong>[blog]</strong>. This month’s challenge is to prepare and blog any Nigella Lawson recipe <strong>[describe theme]</strong>. Forever Nigella is organised by Sarah at </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-family: Georgia;">Maison Cupcake</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #330f02; font-size: 12pt;">. </span><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #330f02;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. Blog your entry by 28<sup>th</sup> of the month showing:</span></u></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <br />a) the current Forever Nigella badge <br />b) a link to this announcement post <br />c) a link to the Forever Nigella page at Maison Cupcake: </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-family: Georgia;">http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella</span></a></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #330f02; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #330f02; font-size: 12pt;">n.b. posts must have been published since the announcement post. Archived posts need to be re-published afresh if you wish to submit.</span></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u><span style="color: #330f02; font-size: 12pt;">2. Remember copyright. </span></u></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <br /><span style="color: #330f02;">You must NOT reproduce Nigella’s recipes verbatim. Tell us which book it is from and/or link to it online. If you’ve adapted the recipe in some way i.e. changed at least two ingredients or amended the method then it’s ok to publish the a recipe in your post but you MUST write directions in your own words.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u><span style="color: #330f02; font-size: 12pt;">3. Submit your post</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></strong><span style="color: #330f02; font-size: 12pt;">Use the linky tool or email the host cc’ed to sarah AT maisoncupcake DOT com.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #330f02; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-family: Georgia;">Forever Nigella page</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #330f02; font-size: 12pt;"> shows a list of online Nigella resources, future hosts and links to past themes and round ups.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #330f02; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tweet your post: <strong>#forevernigella </strong> <br /><strong>If you don’t have any Nigella books check out these resources online:</strong> <br />Nigella’s official site: </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.nigella.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-family: Georgia;">http://www.nigella.com/</span></a> <br /><span style="color: #330f02; font-family: Georgia;">BBC Food: </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/chefs/nigella_lawson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-family: Georgia;">http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/chefs/nigella_lawson</span></a> <br /><span style="color: #330f02; font-family: Georgia;">Channel 4 Food: </span><a href="http://uktv.co.uk/food/chef/aid/530864/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-family: Georgia;">http://www.channel4.com/4food/recipes/popular-chefs/nigella-lawson-recipes</span></a> <br /><span style="color: #330f02; font-family: Georgia;">UKTV Good Food Channel: </span><a href="http://uktv.co.uk/food/chef/aid/530864/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-family: Georgia;">http://uktv.co.uk/food/chef/aid/530864/</span></a> <br /><span style="color: #330f02; font-family: Georgia;">Food Network: </span><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/nigella-lawson/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-family: Georgia;">http://www.foodnetwork.com/nigella-lawson/index.html</span></a> <br /><span style="color: #330f02; font-family: Georgia;">Daily Mail: </span></span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Nigella+Lawson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #a8174f; font-size: 12pt;">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Nigella+Lawson</span></span></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-71821895414357517402012-04-26T01:39:00.001-04:002012-04-26T01:41:20.997-04:00An Alice In Wonderland Birthday Party<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-biaINVDZavk/T5jfQENt0sI/AAAAAAAABQU/R9VSfBbc85k/s1600-h/alice001sm%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-biaINVDZavk/T5jfQENt0sI/AAAAAAAABWU/xT4ZsTZZwGo/s1600-h/alice001sm%252520copy%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alice001sm copy" border="0" alt="alice001sm copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kevlfw51U14/T5jfQ71QlXI/AAAAAAAABWY/GkNpznqpUw0/alice001sm%252520copy_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="309" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">When Sophie told me she wanted an Alice In Wonderland birthday party, my mind immediately went into Super-Party planning mode.  I always envision the the party I would throw if I had unlimited funds.  Then I scale back, and scale back, as I decide what is reasonable and solidify the plans.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">The first thing I did was watch the movie with the kids.  I took note of all the interesting things that came to mind.  I wish I had acted on some of them, but time and money were just not sufficient.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t2UQwrn54YY/T5jfRaFd89I/AAAAAAAABQk/THhIyp5XWm8/s1600-h/Sophie%252520in%252520Wonderland%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sophie in Wonderland" border="0" alt="Sophie in Wonderland" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ihcKZraKFkQ/T5jfR57w-iI/AAAAAAAABQs/KgJWYF-z5h8/Sophie%252520in%252520Wonderland_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="303" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">My Mom made the costume; Sophie felt like the real deal!</font></em></p> <p><font size="3">Then I went online to find all things Alice.  Of course I searched Pinterest, and found lots of great ideas.  Some of those ideas, like some of mine, didn’t make the cut, but it sure was fun to see what others have done to make awesome Alice parties.  There are so many different angles you can take to planning an Alice party.  Of course, many of the ones you find online will be related to the newer Alice movie, but Sophie is in love with the 1951 version, so that is what I stuck with.  Even then, you can go with a red/white/black playing card theme or the jewel toned color styling of Mary Blair, who did concept art for the 1951 Alice in Wonderland.  I decided to base my decorations on the Mad Hatter’s table.  I lovingly referred to the style as “Old Lady Chic”. I used a lot of pastel colors too, it just felt right with the lovely spring weather. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dibAXTlYPCk/T5jfSrTqxgI/AAAAAAAABQ0/h9lJ1LDytIc/s1600-h/IMG_5325%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5325 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5325 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CbKI3uD7apg/T5jfTFB58uI/AAAAAAAABQ8/iygqrI3OCXQ/IMG_5325%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="391" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I like to start a party out with some sort of activity to wear the kids out.  We were fortunate to have a lovely day, so we played on the playground.  I found a croquet set at Walmart for $15, so I grabbed it.  Croquet is a classic game that is nice to have handy.  It’s also an iconic part of the movie, though, sadly, we were missing the flamingos and hedgehogs.  I wasn’t concerned with an actual game and following rules.  I thought it would be enough fun just hitting the balls with the mallets.  I think I was right, but Sophie had to be taught not to throw the balls, so keep that in mind if you ever play croquet with a 4 year old.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYY3L5fFxBu9tMzrFALImFdQXrFBJZMpaF9qyc4yNay8W-olZM3-XA4Q6RLKKiEMiSRP3FOaCl_TrIL-h4cm9ZZeLHLEZVO8HBTSTRgYKBaBGrLDm6kImfNsvobDf4m5XoBZIHm6kU-M/s1600-h/croquet-3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="croquet-3" border="0" alt="croquet-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9HNMJrtlhJ4/T5jfUah4J9I/AAAAAAAABRM/bCriatcOU9c/croquet-3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="303" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AzX6DAFs_FU/T5jfVF62SHI/AAAAAAAABRU/VthwX2FCQwY/s1600-h/IMG_5320%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5320 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5320 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NkyDjeumR4s/T5jfVpdcicI/AAAAAAAABRc/1jphcGHpCaE/IMG_5320%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="303" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9k8_NzexQpM/T5jfWIleIdI/AAAAAAAABRk/yUtWWCkCcgQ/s1600-h/IMG_5327%252520copy%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5327 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5327 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X0CfhexENN4/T5jfWve6K5I/AAAAAAAABRs/UlG0Sa-yrj4/IMG_5327%252520copy_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="402" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tGxIc_UhgdQ/T5jfXKqRZeI/AAAAAAAABR0/_76Sl8uK9nQ/s1600-h/05%252520copy%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05 copy" border="0" alt="05 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T9qtDrRxyAY/T5jfXv53ulI/AAAAAAAABR8/exQ3wU_I8Rw/05%252520copy_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="392" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">When it was time for tea, we had all the kids sit down at the table.  Having a long main table gave the same feel as the movie, with Sophie in the Seat of Honor at the end of the table, just like Alice in the movie.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sqZzYttivJM/T5jfYOXMiZI/AAAAAAAABSE/Qy4fh0-s1tI/s1600-h/KEHR-2-articleLarge-v2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="KEHR-2-articleLarge-v2" border="0" alt="KEHR-2-articleLarge-v2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lyPvERj75Gk/T5jfYRn83UI/AAAAAAAABSM/Uz5Is538ICo/KEHR-2-articleLarge-v2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="231" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">I have to add that there were several boys at the party.  They were too cool for some of the food, but they had a blast with the tea.  They even had second cups. You just never know when it comes to boys.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sjAh3AUyRuc/T5jfZUWtnvI/AAAAAAAABSU/OUlWsUNZJBk/s1600-h/01%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="01" border="0" alt="01" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7gykJLWNUJQ/T5jfZllgyrI/AAAAAAAABSc/kj834hAqwsE/01_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aR_eE1m-z7c/T5jfaPQh59I/AAAAAAAABSk/4daWKj1rxhU/s1600-h/IMG_5335%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5335 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5335 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VflYM3SmL5Q/T5jfavwWA_I/AAAAAAAABSs/9hqivWlEAO4/IMG_5335%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="356" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>I love my little Alice.  Isn’t she sweet?</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A7VQmMTQWjU/T5jfbHcPfzI/AAAAAAAABS0/-_SnsSKldeQ/s1600-h/IMG_5337%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5337 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5337 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QjZVnn0onaw/T5jfbi0Ht3I/AAAAAAAABS8/AA1AQdmXBo0/IMG_5337%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="359" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>This look is SO Sophie.  I see this all the time.</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nc2JDIXzakM/T5jfcb-4M1I/AAAAAAAABTE/3nzKXVpfTWg/s1600-h/IMG_5339%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5339 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5339 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hUu5z__rZc8/T5jfcxDCUVI/AAAAAAAABTM/xShHsrvVRP8/IMG_5339%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="377" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BbnB1S8x56o/T5jfdiksitI/AAAAAAAABTU/WqsRf03PP1A/s1600-h/IMG_5347%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5347 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5347 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AWW7LqqiGuA/T5jfeMaeIII/AAAAAAAABTc/vF1Zn70awzs/IMG_5347%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="398" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Sophie opened her presents in the armchair.  We pulled it back from the table a bit so everyone could see.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-InydBFvGHxQ/T5jfgiyG8YI/AAAAAAAABTk/82B9Ggdc5SQ/s1600-h/IMG_5359%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5359 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5359 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5ISwN49cgTU/T5jfhVmwyZI/AAAAAAAABTs/Vo5cDAZ5_-A/IMG_5359%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="303" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Here, Sophie has just opened a Tinker Bell doll.  She already had one, but this one has a different outfit.  She was so excited she hugged it.  I love how she just forgot about the room and loved her present.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0AfgOPQSP3E/T5jfiHP7-SI/AAAAAAAABT0/zsrImWPWN-Y/s1600-h/IMG_5365%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5365 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5365 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HBklB4FiDvQ/T5jfiRqrF_I/AAAAAAAABT8/9R0AWrctchk/IMG_5365%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="370" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Brushing possible bad luck aside, Geggie and Sophie opened her new umbrella.  These pictures are priceless and some of my favorites from the party.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-byLspPQclf4/T5jfjJZ437I/AAAAAAAABUE/kmaIK6AfQuU/s1600-h/IMG_5369%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5369 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5369 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Fb8Cu7UXf4/T5jfjtA-lHI/AAAAAAAABUM/53IyoshsaiQ/IMG_5369%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="303" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><em>So cute!</em></font></p> <p><font size="3">I <a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/sophie-in-wonderland-decorations.html">mentioned before</a> that to create the feeling of a messy table, I just filled the table with decorations.  Well, after the kids were done with it, it was, indeed, messy.  Almost Mad Hatter messy.  </font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">BEFORE</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q0umsj5qmlk/T5jfkAzne-I/AAAAAAAABUU/sDwnLuZxn6Y/s1600-h/05%252520copy%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05 copy" border="0" alt="05 copy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJ6RzVUHrHlD7ru9uek381yxsUNoElm01kklkqPZuvcy58zm1NQ6sR8kLYOCvyAbvZtdeudikydAfanWXQXm_SdzfhDrMtm8tk9E-MP1O0vDKLLeDLoV5p8rxiK7vOreStNg-QDL2bOE/?imgmax=800" width="272" height="415" /></font></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">AFTER</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u1Dm7hZhnbE/T5jflW_iPTI/AAAAAAAABUk/hpe5G2HfirA/s1600-h/IMG_5383%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5383 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5383 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o1RQ07KA1-U/T5jfly-xbGI/AAAAAAAABUw/-QVQdY3hYic/IMG_5383%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="403" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">I had originally thought about packs of playing cards for party favors for the kids.  But I really wanted to use my cute little rabbit cookie cutter, so I packaged little cookies for the guests to take home.  I was easily able to make enough for all guests, (not just the kids), with plenty to spare.  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hhFKTea4RuE/T5jfmRUUsrI/AAAAAAAABU4/FIscmhberJM/s1600-h/IMG_5395%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5395 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5395 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lCZ70JtSJ-0/T5jfmwjMwWI/AAAAAAAABVE/JoGaGl4pnIw/IMG_5395%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Of course, they had to be offered in a small chest.  I used the one Pop gave Sophie for Christmas.  It has her name on the top.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nN8qWWQLLvU/T5jfnqzg1BI/AAAAAAAABVQ/5nHppvn9ENc/s1600-h/IMG_5388%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5388 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5388 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kYYGr1YGc-c/T5jfoEtp6dI/AAAAAAAABVY/5DQpqxCipE4/IMG_5388%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="213" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PoN_j8vrkR4/T5jfo--vE9I/AAAAAAAABVg/6og_pg3W_rw/s1600-h/alice-with-cakes%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alice-with-cakes" border="0" alt="alice-with-cakes" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lFAjvWkyr_I/T5jfpDF0FVI/AAAAAAAABVo/Z-RmVCFOOGg/alice-with-cakes_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="303" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Thank you to everyone who helped Sophie have a Wonderful Un-Birthday party.  Here’s a look back at the other party posts in case you missed one, or are dreaming up your own Alice In Wonderland Party.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KwU7W1kxa3o/T5jfpqsH_1I/AAAAAAAABVw/tlO0CdRqSIg/s1600-h/alice-24%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alice-24" border="0" alt="alice-24" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AG89z05A6ig/T5jfqHii8iI/AAAAAAAABV4/Xt6lG9FyGoY/alice-24_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="258" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/sophie-in-wonderland-invitations.html"><strong><font size="3">Sophie In Wonderland Invitations</font></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/sophie-in-wonderland-decorations.html"><strong><font size="3">The “Old Lady Chic” Decorations</font></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/sophie-in-wonderland-menu.html"><strong><font size="3">Tea Party Menu</font></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com/elizabelle17/alice-in-wonderland/"><strong><font size="3">Bonus: Here is my Pinterest inspiration board.</font></strong></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Have fun creating a world of your own!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ynIQsfnTIdQ/T5jfqvhFwKI/AAAAAAAABWA/8_qo6WE9Zfc/s1600-h/flower%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="flower" border="0" alt="flower" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SxoCexLTPx4/T5jfrUSq1XI/AAAAAAAABWI/aShxa_Bf6Vs/flower_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="300" /></a></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-46173712585189131802012-04-24T13:33:00.001-04:002012-04-24T13:33:41.383-04:00Sophie In Wonderland: Menu<p> </p> <p><font size="3">Our Tea Party menu was a mix of some things you would find in a traditional Afternoon Tea, and some things that you would find in an Americanized type of Tea.  For example: Pink Lemonade.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wk0MuKdRY3k/T5bjuYHP7aI/AAAAAAAABM8/2YRbB2gedNU/s1600-h/01b-copy6.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="01b copy" border="0" alt="01b copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cCemuwOrFXI/T5bju5UN5OI/AAAAAAAABNE/vSPyHG-y3dk/01b-copy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="408" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We just had to have something in little “Drink Me” bottles.  It would not have been right to skip this little nod to the movie. These tags were printed on cardstock and attached with glue dots.  It would have been a lot of work to tie these to each bottle, but the easy glue dots give the same effect when you place them at an angle.  FYI: These are Starbucks Frappuccino bottles.  These are so cute with homemade labels.  That wouldn’t work with the “Drink Me” labels, maybe next time.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kWX9vi1PTgQ/T5bjvdeUAQI/AAAAAAAABNM/nj9-_i6lHn0/s1600-h/drink4.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="drink" border="0" alt="drink" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rzl2ocwBAgg/T5bjvwORLbI/AAAAAAAABNU/Fal_b-pnkAA/drink_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="242" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7q_W0QvM9a4/T5bjwefLcLI/AAAAAAAABNc/_DOjUXQ0xio/s1600-h/015.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="01" border="0" alt="01" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyUoQYd0ejlIPTWRg0eDCMLoDSRWJFNiARg-x5eF_kqSP7e8R_AiJmOZOlgWDwdjAXaCDuo4SQIjrH40FEJW0hxMzBd1bYMjkH2qJ1bQDLB2CVTzYs2yi-gyrQZ_vsKeMJcDT65_8bxk/?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">At the main table, each place setting included the lemonade and a plastic tea cup.  The plate holds a small cup of Strawberry Bisque, a prepared scone and an Egg Salad Sandwich.  If we had wanted to be more authentic, the crusts would have been cut off.  Sorry.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hrzCw4H-ErA/T5bjxA8aO2I/AAAAAAAABNs/EEvVtWwbPc4/s1600-h/09-copy6.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="09 copy" border="0" alt="09 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K-i9t10B7Cw/T5bjxbQJMWI/AAAAAAAABN0/1aRJn-1TOBI/09-copy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="283" height="518" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The center of the main table held a towering display of Cream Puffs and Mini Éclairs.  Yum!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9uLFfpaUMYk/T5bjx3qYJFI/AAAAAAAABN8/AMJ-EL-Fd0I/s1600-h/08-copy6.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="08 copy" border="0" alt="08 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9JLmsRFL9VA/T5bjyYXi_vI/AAAAAAAABOE/OCOa6U0x_0g/08-copy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="410" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Cake stands held the cupcakes at both ends of the main table.  You shouldn’t be surprised that they are </font><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/best-cupcakes-ever.html"><font size="3">The Best Cupcakes Ever!</font></a><font size="3">  These are topped with blue Sixlets bought at Party City.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RMGgYirGqLQ/T5bjy8ty-XI/AAAAAAAABOM/G_eWoucTF5Y/s1600-h/02-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="02 copy" border="0" alt="02 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rQhUz5aZhcQ/T5bjzgEeiUI/AAAAAAAABOU/pegorJYfoIE/02-copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The buffet table held all the same treats as the kids’ table, with the sandwiches being traded for mini quiches.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KtRkGzn2BtY/T5bjz9wlaFI/AAAAAAAABOc/mLF9pvaTkig/s1600-h/03-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="03 copy" border="0" alt="03 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hcrw8ik-T3M/T5bj0RhHqHI/AAAAAAAABOk/3RP7636wJtM/03-copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">There is the tea, of course.  Oh, and there are some Easter M&Ms tucked in there too! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VIo2QNGQIzE/T5bj01LlcmI/AAAAAAAABOs/8Sil2tpK11E/s1600-h/05-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="05 copy" border="0" alt="05 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zmHtSuujh-s/T5bj1Ew4mmI/AAAAAAAABO0/tuFRBncTav0/05-copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The center of the table showcased the little scones, “clotted cream”, strawberry jam, and lemon curd.  This allowed the adults to make their scones as they liked.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QPxs7ugakfw/T5bj1mgv_CI/AAAAAAAABO8/xXGqdBPwlQY/s1600-h/04-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="04 copy" border="0" alt="04 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0TrqI4wL1qY/T5bj2crOoYI/AAAAAAAABPE/uWxaqwa6wgE/04-copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="303" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">You can find the recipe for my Strawberry Bisque </font><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/06/cruise-cuisine.html"><font size="3">HERE</font></a><font size="3">.  It’s served in a punch bowl Nana has handed down to me.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qw0bk-OEq0w/T5bj2wGdPNI/AAAAAAAABPM/RdrkIIe0Vqc/s1600-h/06-copy6.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="06 copy" border="0" alt="06 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c5yistgSuLY/T5bj3QE7eSI/AAAAAAAABPU/7vuGc7ZONT0/06-copy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="437" /></font></a></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3"><strong>Classic Scones <br /></strong> <br /><em>This recipe was given to me by a lady in Scotland. <br /> <br />Makes 24 2-inch Scones</em></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3"> </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3">Ingredients: <br />1 3/4 cups Self-Rising Flour <br />2 Teaspoons Baking Powder <br />3 Tablespoons sugar <br />4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cold <br />1 Large Egg <br />1/2 Teaspoon Salt <br />2/3 Cup Whole Milk, (You will not need all of it)</font></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="3">Preheat oven to 425 degrees.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Mix flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl.  Add the cold butter and rub with fingertips until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbles.  Stir in sugar and salt.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Break an egg into a liquid measuring cup and mix with fork, add enough milk to measure 5 ounces. (That will be just under 2/3 cup total.)</font></p> <p><font size="3">Pour egg and milk mixture into flour mixture a little at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together; you may not need all of the liquid.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Gather mixture and place on a lightly floured surface, knead very gently, just until it holds it’s shape.  Flatten with palms to approximately 1/2 inch thick.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Cut into 2 inch rounds with a biscuit cutter and place on a greased baking sheet, (I use parchment.)  Lightly gather remaining dough and repeat cutting.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Brush tops with any leftover egg/milk mixture.  Bake for 10 minutes or until they are pale golden in color.  Serve immediately.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Notes:</font></p> <p><font size="3">I find the dough works better for me when it’s just a little more moist that I think it should be. I use a very gentle hand when patting it out, you don’t want to overwork the dough.  Keep the dough very cold the whole time.  If the butter starts to melt before going in the oven, the scones will flatten and spread.  If things start getting warm, place the dough in the fridge just long enough to cool things off.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.coombecastle.com/66/luxury-clotted-cream-170g/"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dc_lcc170_lg" border="0" alt="dc_lcc170_lg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Oh8Da0QL3uY/T5bj5tfHzHI/AAAAAAAABPc/g3jKCa1Ic40/dc_lcc170_lg%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="167" height="301" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clotted_cream"><font size="3">Clotted Cream</font></a><font size="3"> is a beautiful thing.  If you’ve ever had fresh clotted cream from South-West England, you know what I’m talking about.  There’s nothing like it.  Unfortunately, if I want clotted cream here in the states, I have to either buy it in a jar, (above), which is kind of expensive, or make it myself.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">I’ve yet to try making it for real.  That’s something I hope to try soon.  For the party, I used a recipe found </font><a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/DevonshireCream.html"><font size="3">HERE</font></a><font size="3">.  It uses mascarpone cheese and heavy cream.  It isn’t quite like the real thing, but it worked well enough.  I would recommend it in a pinch. (Note: I did not use the optional zest.  It seemed unnecessary to me.)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X4w6mPVnh3k/T5bj6PzTVZI/AAAAAAAABPk/_iacD66YDOE/s1600-h/07-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="07 copy" border="0" alt="07 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wWx2Ts2GdiI/T5bj63SjogI/AAAAAAAABPs/jPvmdHUGQks/07-copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">If you remember from the </font><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/sophie-in-wonderland-decorations.html"><font size="3">last post</font></a><font size="3">, the guests had a sweet take-home treat.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KTSXy4z2mUk/T5bj7SxxpYI/AAAAAAAABP0/eQCdh-S2n0M/s1600-h/IMG_5388-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5388 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5388 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GkcJuMIPl7w/T5bj76QcgpI/AAAAAAAABP8/NnDu0oATQ5s/IMG_5388-copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="213" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">These cookies are </font><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/cut-out-cookies-recipe/index.html"><font size="3">my favorite cut-out sugar cookies</font></a><font size="3"> from Nigella Lawson.  They hold their shape when baked and are very reliable.  The trick for me is to take them out before I think they are done so they are still a little soft.</font></p> <p><font size="3">The icing is </font><a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Royal-Icing"><font size="3">Wilton’s Royal Icing</font></a><font size="3"> recipe.  I kept it thick to outline the cookie then thinned the rest with water and about 1/8 tsp. lemon extract and filled in the cookie.  I don’t know how many of these I had, I was a little addicted.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZvkF8pMUzwM/T5bj8ViSC2I/AAAAAAAABQE/FwS3g1QZ8xA/s1600-h/IMG_5395-copy5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5395 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5395 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KmHKXptDBdE/T5bj9JG0xcI/AAAAAAAABQM/JeIiRen9wzo/IMG_5395-copy_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">I placed the cookies in little goodie bags, (Hobby Lobby), folded them and closed them with a little sticker.  I used Avery 3/4 inch diameter stickers stamped with a little clock face from a cool cling sticker collection from Hobby Lobby.  It kind of has this Steampunk-ish vibe going on.  I'm looking forward to using all the little stamps in the future!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Next post: How to plan an Alice party.</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-41714753984835013082012-04-20T14:59:00.001-04:002012-04-20T14:59:26.249-04:00Sophie In Wonderland: Decorations<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xOpJIrossoU/T5GxwMtimAI/AAAAAAAABH8/KDA4s-GlRvo/s1600-h/01%252520copy%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="01 copy" border="0" alt="01 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FLKAwavvolE/T5Gxw-oy80I/AAAAAAAABIE/AELmKf7C_jQ/01%252520copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="407" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Decorating for Sophie’s Un-Birthday Tea Party was so much fun!  My Sister-In-Law, Leigh (who is a decorating genius), and I did most of it the night before the party.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C7qOwkoTFIc/T5GxxXnsjcI/AAAAAAAABIM/J1c7taz0cwo/s1600-h/KEHR-2-articleLarge-v24.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="KEHR-2-articleLarge-v2" border="0" alt="KEHR-2-articleLarge-v2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lSSi-RN0Ej4/T5GxxmDzwpI/AAAAAAAABIU/BCddFtznRIo/KEHR-2-articleLarge-v2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="231" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">If you’ve seen the movie, you will know that when Alice meets the Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse, they are in the midst of a crazy, messy tea party.  I wanted to have the feel of crazy and messy without it actually being those things.  The way to accomplish that is to fill the table as much as possible.  The busy table worked really well.  Here’s how we did it.  First, like in the movie, we moved three long tables end to end to make one long table.  We covered them in pink tablecloths and put a red arm chair at the end. (Notice the </font><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/04/tinker-bell-birthday-party.html"><font size="3">rose wreathalier</font></a><font size="3"> and lanterns above the table.)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y9C1v9W6Aq8/T5GxyeX4M2I/AAAAAAAABIc/Q2_Ngl-p6_A/s1600-h/05%252520copy%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05 copy" border="0" alt="05 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7lWoTPSBcyc/T5Gxymbp4KI/AAAAAAAABIk/nMNq2lli1WA/05%252520copy_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" height="394" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I was inspired by a pin on Pinterest; a nifty table runner.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--CqE-AQgbVA/T5GxzB_-gaI/AAAAAAAABIs/UhMhb3Sv2Hw/s1600-h/4081455881959231_0x85Has5_c%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="4081455881959231_0x85Has5_c" border="0" alt="4081455881959231_0x85Has5_c" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sdy-Bog_iZ4/T5Gxzsxwr8I/AAAAAAAABI0/8KbtABe4L3s/4081455881959231_0x85Has5_c_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="409" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I was able to track down the </font><a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2009/12/16/diy-doily-table-runner/"><font size="3">original link</font></a><font size="3">, which has a tutorial, yay!</font></p> <p><font size="3">I loved the idea of a doily table runner, I knew it would help add good “chaos” to the table.  We used different sizes of paper doilies and just arranged them on the table.  We didn’t even tape them down and it worked just fine.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_F-vCjx3qFQ/T5Gxz8G-7OI/AAAAAAAABI8/0JhURjF3yr8/s1600-h/08%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="08 copy" border="0" alt="08 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yGbIhL-_VDI/T5Gx0ob_02I/AAAAAAAABJE/fW9UJO1_1y8/08%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="397" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">A Tea Party needs tea of course, and decorating with useful items like teapots, sugar, and creamer was a no brainer.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n2uXLp2mVV4/T5Gx1EH8qcI/AAAAAAAABJM/TBOjHYeBpm0/s1600-h/06%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06 copy" border="0" alt="06 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qPt9hwoic5I/T5Gx1f5B17I/AAAAAAAABJU/FjNDCIaRtRg/06%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Filling in extra space were some little figurines we found on sale at a Disney Store Outlet.  We sure were in the right place at the right time!</font> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiv_W-5t85trfIM-KMLKTxCOAVHbWJUo6aRRQFw5jHiwT7hy_aHQ1M0yKlldabYus_2KVmr0akyyZGWO1N0P1kcatjftm1lMbdxmNaR7GFk3ZXq_IvlwdGmda-WlHWx1t1S1xXErrWHw/s1600-h/03%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03 copy" border="0" alt="03 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GCyE-G4XWm0/T5Gx2QYBazI/AAAAAAAABJk/-hlIUdG8lVw/03%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">A few of my tea canisters made their way to the tables.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Leigh filled teacups and mugs with flowers and placed those around the table too.</font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LC-L79obsgA/T5Gx2y1ZbkI/AAAAAAAABJs/ApLfK4gHWVE/s1600-h/04_edited-1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04_edited-1" border="0" alt="04_edited-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jl6hLvhgOxE/T5Gx3CAp9bI/AAAAAAAABJ0/JnBPBc85NJ4/04_edited-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="292" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">There were little blooms strewn around the table as well.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IrZYZOTtcjY/T5Gx3p9TqxI/AAAAAAAABJ8/y185nJMU5-0/s1600-h/02_edited-1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="02_edited-1" border="0" alt="02_edited-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZYA_I6HS148/T5Gx42uImMI/AAAAAAAABKE/LA7Tgi6IE8w/02_edited-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="270" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Before I moved on from the main table, I have to show you my favorite decoration of the party…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QP7snvhYIwQ/T5Gx5br70dI/AAAAAAAABKM/Hz_fHQJmmW0/s1600-h/10%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="10 copy" border="0" alt="10 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LAjA7ajxPN0/T5Gx6Wwl3tI/AAAAAAAABKU/E9Cy4z3h4Vg/10%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="343" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Just a doily taped to the back of the armchair.  Love it!</font></p> <p><font size="3">For the wee kids’ table, I placed a few doilies and Sophie’s plastic tea set.  Fun!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tzqOn-Smb9w/T5Gx663QmcI/AAAAAAAABKc/f6-_qaCVdx4/s1600-h/11%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11 copy" border="0" alt="11 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-evSCb7dsgbw/T5Gx7V8w87I/AAAAAAAABKk/S-aPIy-z7Lk/11%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="262" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">The grown ups didn’t have their own tables; we just had chairs lined up around the room.  So there was a buffet table for them.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bb0b8nnUDbI/T5Gx7hOwqZI/AAAAAAAABKs/nZvylP7d0Tc/s1600-h/12%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="12 copy" border="0" alt="12 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BAaBnJmqN04/T5Gx8HXP3YI/AAAAAAAABK0/_AKJCm2fZBQ/12%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="289" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Leigh brought her Grandmother’s tablecloth that we placed over a cheap blue tablecloth.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GgBE_-Unr9E/T5Gx8jo5RhI/AAAAAAAABK8/k2qBCeMAdyk/s1600-h/IMG_5290%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5290 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5290 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--DlOc4Ps3MA/T5Gx89P5HOI/AAAAAAAABLE/px4BmnG5APw/IMG_5290%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="265" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Watching over the table is a white rabbit I picked up at Hobby Lobby, (half price after Easter!)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uBk0YRikFHw/T5Gx9QXsg_I/AAAAAAAABLM/ouxSxgPZkfk/s1600-h/IMG_5292%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5292 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5292 copy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kuuonR2AZBI/T5Gx98csrtI/AAAAAAAABLU/UGJSvBze7LQ/IMG_5292%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="373" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">If you look back at the picture of the long table above, you’ll see the “present table” to the right.  We decorated it with the </font><a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/04/sophie-in-wonderland-invitations.html"><font size="3">two “photoshoped” pictures of Sophie</font></a><font size="3">, an Alice picture my Mom snagged at Goodwill, and a Golden Book.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SYQKPDvxkt0/T5Gx-UoWLxI/AAAAAAAABLc/S2iT3Jkv-Ao/s1600-h/IMG_5390%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5390 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5390 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ftR4s9AlAnw/T5Gx-jtfD8I/AAAAAAAABLk/4of9-9sDjLk/IMG_5390%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="291" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PWDtN7rpb2c/T5Gx_GBOOHI/AAAAAAAABLs/ioc1VqnOoz0/s1600-h/IMG_5394%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5394 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5394 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sAXch7sbspQ/T5Gx_rhSNtI/AAAAAAAABL0/mBwIIXAy6E0/IMG_5394%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="272" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l3NOHOBO0Rg/T5GyAGyEnwI/AAAAAAAABL8/7Hsk5iFGg40/s1600-h/IMG_5392%252520copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5392 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5392 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4wjuJaAnYvQ/T5GyAUbb1AI/AAAAAAAABME/TKkWvNATQtw/IMG_5392%252520copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="333" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nNeQ_rge_j8/T5GyAyqWIJI/AAAAAAAABMM/8eMKKk1Jxe0/s1600-h/IMG_5389%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5389 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5389 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wIL6kzDMLv0/T5GyBYzUAMI/AAAAAAAABMU/v5kAIZ23nEo/IMG_5389%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="303" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">After presents were cleared from the table, I added a wooden chest with a take-home treat for our guests.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-82H4QzsCElk/T5GyB-CuH9I/AAAAAAAABMc/0shAWcbaBOw/s1600-h/IMG_5388%252520copy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5388 copy" border="0" alt="IMG_5388 copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4o_Yh5-CBB4/T5GyCKNIgQI/AAAAAAAABMk/fRYfq-akO-U/IMG_5388%252520copy_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="213" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Inspiration…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NHg_0Kty--s/T5GyCs6v41I/AAAAAAAABMs/klXZj0_xRQM/s1600-h/alice-with-cakes%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alice-with-cakes" border="0" alt="alice-with-cakes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu2blBJ3NObbWA3pU-olRJscCcv-dCacJysG3xrW92W09kb7yKDFYGNwjfjhgVJjh5F02e6i9g8SpcUZQKtf-FJFlwjeoTWCovlhyphenhyphenjD-WiHxZ_y-V8xWCgqgOTyDIQ_LIPwIEjsAh8oA/?imgmax=800" width="378" height="303" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">Tea Party Menu Coming soon…</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-79483422854072516932012-04-18T15:52:00.001-04:002012-04-18T15:52:27.996-04:00Sophie In Wonderland: Invitations<p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Where have I been? It’s Mid-April and it’s my first post of the year!  Well, without going into all the details which could possibly bore you, 1) We’ve had some computer problems that had us sending in the laptop, not once, but twice. Not having a computer kind of makes it hard to get much done.  2)  I’ve been working out with trainers and eating better. That’s good for me and good for you, because I’ll be posting some healthier recipes in the future, (Don’t worry, I’ll still be making some tempting recipes as well, just enjoying them in moderation.) It has taken time to grow accustomed to being so busy in the evenings (when I go to the gym) which is the time of day I normally write my posts. So forgive my absence, I hope to get back into the swing of things now.</font></p> <p><font size="3">So to kick things off this year, how about a party?  My sweet daughter’s birthday is April 1st.  Now of course, you all know that is April Fool’s Day, which is a cool enough birthday to have, (we’re gonna make sure she knows all the best pranks,) but how cool is it that her name Sophia is the Greek word for Wisdom.  Pretty awesome, right?  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Sophie wanted her 4th birthday to be an Alice in Wonderland party.  We ended up planning it for April 14th so it was actually an Un-Birthday party.  I was really excited about this theme because I’ve been wanting to plan a tea party for a while.  This gave me the opportunity to pull out all the stops and make a fabulous party.</font></p> <p><font size="3">First things first: The Invitations.  I put these off until the last minute because I was hoping to get our computer back to make them.  It was not to be, so I borrowed a laptop and did the best I could with what I had.  I found this really great blog <a href="http://vintagedisneyalice.blogspot.com/">Vintage Disney Alice.</a>  It has some pretty cool stuff on it.  But then I followed link on the sidebar to the blog <a href="http://animationbackgrounds.blogspot.com/search/label/ALICE%20IN%20WONDERLAND">Animation Backgrounds</a>.  Jackpot!  I snagged an Alice background to use for the invitations.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJyKLY0luWadCO64mOLTG88ylodGls9mLEVPJvC5kg5zZZAxtuSGzCV236UYKJrOupf-j6hay3-KvAaS4v0RJmbin4JLlUIk0acKgUlqiTvVypzIbO-BWIakLq43S8tpxw2WUKTFfFAM/s1600-h/alice003sm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alice003sm" border="0" alt="alice003sm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r2dmL83IZms/T48bZHNqq_I/AAAAAAAABGU/JbRHKkz4Qd4/alice003sm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="298" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Of course, this is the rabbit hole through which Alice follows the White Rabbit.  Since I didn’t have my Photoshop, I was desperate for a free photo editor with a magic wand tool to cut out the background of this picture of Sophie.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4YoCd45cuak/T48bZjKwSLI/AAAAAAAABGc/QCPs_U8ZuKg/s1600-h/IMG_1013%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1013" border="0" alt="IMG_1013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JSg6gHmxXFs/T48baDZRjQI/AAAAAAAABGk/XC2_9pvroFw/IMG_1013_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="450" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I finally came across <a href="http://paint.net/">paint.net</a>.  I used the magic lasso tool to erase the background.  It took a while, but I did it while watching TV, so it was a two-birds-with-one-stone kind of thing.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Here is the end result.  It isn’t perfect, but I was pleased with the outcome.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TYVMXuPpp5Y/T48basKGdCI/AAAAAAAABGs/OH_gEtjj98o/s1600-h/Picture3%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture3" border="0" alt="Picture3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VuXVxqCbCPE/T48bbLNN2NI/AAAAAAAABG0/xP8j4CBCA1E/Picture3_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="290" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I added some instructions.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D_Nka4cpTvE/T48bb0ZjqZI/AAAAAAAABG8/hfCKp4ragpk/s1600-h/invitation%25255B7%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="invitation" border="0" alt="invitation" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJm69fuYhppG3Xsq1CG4kBG9bQIG1SjpW8eloUSyD_wDKCvVuXjQZhbi7WwseneUtjJHhJfZ31LddRavXNc5cQXJfUerBwB901HbB6VCAT88tS47uyY-SYGCA-1mpvlEdr3b8b_J3q-34/?imgmax=800" width="387" height="291" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">I printed these as 4x6s at a one-hour photo in the neighborhood.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Then using either Microsoft Power Point or Word, (I can’t remember),  I made the rest of the invitation. I used different fonts and colors to achieve the quirky look.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_bra6LVHXDg/T48bdTFZCfI/AAAAAAAABHM/HsXWDIUWLiE/s1600-h/Picture1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture1" border="0" alt="Picture1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e50FiSR2hWw/T48bdpbAdSI/AAAAAAAABHU/qoMY2cRqW-A/Picture1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="456" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">I made them just smaller than 4x6 then printed them onto an Avery 8 1/2 x 11 sticker sheet.  I was able to fit three invitations on the page, then I cut them out and adhered them to the back of the photo.  Wal-Mart had pastel invitation envelopes which were perfect for these invitations.</font></p> <p><font size="3">These were super cute invitations and suitable for framing too! While I was in the mood, I also did one more picture of Sophie, this time IN Wonderland.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eqPbRi_Oe1A/T48beHpV0NI/AAAAAAAABHc/4zmSkqR27hs/s1600-h/Picture2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture2" border="0" alt="Picture2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-22VhffZ6YK4/T48bekOONOI/AAAAAAAABHk/b4RKxjmIX3A/Picture2_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="302" /></a></p> <p><font size="3">We framed the first picture and this one as well and used them to decorate at the party.  You’ll see that soon enough.  Check back later this week for more posts about Sophie’s Un-Birthday Tea Party.</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-18476379410362640702011-12-30T22:51:00.001-05:002011-12-30T23:05:54.227-05:00A Christmas Feast<p> </p> <p><font size="3">Before the year ends, I thought I would share our Christmas feast with you.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_HZqeNmeAbY/Tv6GrXzPNyI/AAAAAAAABEI/DVv17D-ENYM/s1600-h/IMG_0527%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0527" border="0" alt="IMG_0527" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DBl_d454798/Tv6GrkeDuLI/AAAAAAAABEQ/vfzi1luefJI/IMG_0527_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="205" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We have Christmas Eve dinner at our house with my husband’s family.  The above picture shows the turkey and gravy, rolls, cranberry salad, mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans, ham, <a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/nuts-and-bolts.html">Nuts ‘N’ Bolts</a> and Holiday M&Ms.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">AHH! I forgot to take a picture of the cranberry salad.  It’s really pretty.  It’s basically Paula Deen’s recipe with a Nana twist.  </font><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/cranberry-salad-recipe/index.html"><font size="3">Here is Paula’s recipe.</font></a><font size="3">  Nana adds a larger can of crushed pineapple.  It’s probably about 15 oz. or so.  I don’t know if doing it this way will work in a mold, but it looks lovely in a crystal dish.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">I couldn’t get a good picture of my turkey, but it looked almost as good as Nigella’s from her book Nigella Christmas.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xJ-AmN5sxL8/Tv6KH-U-DBI/AAAAAAAABFc/eSVDzUN9hIA/s1600-h/main%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="main" border="0" alt="main" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidb3niTlfa03oS0wx2gy83B4-p6lqRnPTtym6l-9LsbICjIQH-PWxOmLeMmN8U8BG3p8KdIYUe-E8gISyzAxHY5daAxi7yklyLwQUw39SDYe074-tmEPqgtsihLz8pcfIdJFe1pEa6J0/?imgmax=800" width="271" height="303" /></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9vlugkSXmew/Tv6GsB7YGwI/AAAAAAAABEY/nd2Y77saO1o/s1600-h/IMG_0520%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0520" border="0" alt="IMG_0520" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EXuUANIVA8Q/Tv6GsXhPmXI/AAAAAAAABEg/FMWzMPzWpu4/IMG_0520_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="268" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">My husband’s family is more of a ham family, but this turkey went over extremely well.  I used </font><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/spiced-and-super-juicy-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html"><font size="3">Nigella Lawson’s recipe for Super Juicy and Spiced Turkey.</font></a><font size="3">  I don’t think I will ever use another recipe.  Brining the turkey really does make all the difference.  The turkey was sooo moist and flavorful.  It got rave reviews from my Father-In-Law, who doesn’t really like turkey.  So thank you Nigella.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">I also made </font><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/allspice-gravy-recipe/index.html"><font size="3">Nigella’s All Spice Gravy</font></a><font size="3">.  I actually boiled a turkey neck.  It looked so disgusting, but smelled heavenly.  The gravy was good, but I think it was barely used because the turkey was so moist, the dressing was so flavorful and the potatoes were so buttery.  Oh, well, there’s always leftovers to drown in gravy.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UqH37A0D_cM/Tv6GskeneBI/AAAAAAAABEo/KcDqn3yJ1Ag/s1600-h/IMG_0524%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0524" border="0" alt="IMG_0524" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a2qphqzRQh4/Tv6Gs_YWGDI/AAAAAAAABEw/Q6Z0uUUeTbI/IMG_0524_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/creamy-mashed-potatoes-recipe/index.html"><font size="3">Pioneer Woman’s Mashed Potatoes</font></a><font size="3"> were also a hit.  “These mashed potatoes are so creamy.”  So good!       </font></p> <p><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iq8qtvQuNBk/Tv6GtBAhusI/AAAAAAAABE4/Q-7DCfgFX9s/s1600-h/IMG_0523%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0523" border="0" alt="IMG_0523" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--WLYKSWowqI/Tv6GtpE-9VI/AAAAAAAABFA/FJyW-x-ggRI/IMG_0523_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="263" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">This recipe for dressing is made in the crock-pot.  I finished mine off in the microwave just to get rid of some of the moisture that was left.  Don’t worry, it was still incredibly moist.  I think I could eat this all year long.  I think I may just do that.  </font></p> <p><strong><font size="3">Crock-Pot Dressing</font></strong></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">3-4 cups shredded turkey or chicken (optional)</font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">2 cans cream of chicken soup</font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">2 quarts corn bread, crumbled</font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">2 tablespoons dried sage</font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">1 medium onion, finely chopped</font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">2 hard boiled eggs, chopped</font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">1/2 cup melted margarine</font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">3-4 cups turkey or chicken broth</font></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><em><font size="3">1 teaspoon salt</font></em></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="3">Mix all the ingredients in the bowl of a 6 quart crock-pot.  Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">We also had a nice display of sweets.  No pictures though, sorry.  It’s really hard to take pictures when everyone, including the photographer/cook is starving.  But here’s what we had: <a href="http://agirlinherkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/04/forever-nigella-street-party.html">Nigella’s Quadruple Chocolate Loaf Cake</a>, Banana Pudding, Pumpkin Pie, fruit cake, and Mocha Punch.</font></p> <p><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Mocha-Punch"><font size="3">Mocha Punch</font></a><font size="3"> is a Christmas necessity.  It is requested every year.  Bring this out for your next special occasion and you will be praised.  Again, no pictures of it, but imagine a slightly melted milk shake.  You’ll love it!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Thanks to Nigella’s fantastic turkey recipe, I’m taking part in this month’s </font><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella/"><font size="3">Forever Nigella</font></a><font size="3">, Christmas Presence, hosted this month by </font><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella-10/"><font size="3">Sarah of Maison Cupcake</font></a><font size="3">.</font>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2hAmM_BGcjw/Tv6Gt590BJI/AAAAAAAABFI/S9qtgwk3Rws/s1600-h/ForeverNigella_Banner_10%25255B4%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ForeverNigella_Banner_10" border="0" alt="ForeverNigella_Banner_10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oO591dSUuTw/Tv6GuHC5P7I/AAAAAAAABFQ/dls-2hukeUE/ForeverNigella_Banner_10_thumb%25255B2%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="249" height="303" /></a></p> <h2 style="line-height: 1.3; text-transform: none; margin-top: 20px; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 4px"><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 15pt" color="#a8174f">A reminder of the rules:</font></font></h2> <h3 style="padding-bottom: 0px; line-height: 1.3; margin-top: 18px; margin-bottom: 3px"><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 13.5pt" color="#a8174f"><font style="font-weight: bold">Forever Nigella #10 ”Christmas Presence”</font></font></font></h3> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font color="#330f02" face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt">Challenge: To prepare and blog any Nigella recipe during the Christmas period. Ideally it will be Christmassy but I’m not fussy. <br />Deadline: December 31st 2011 at midnight wherever you are. <br />Winner announcement: Within a week, to be added to the </font></font><font style="font-size: 12pt"><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella/"><font color="#a8174f" face="Georgia">Forever Nigella page</font></a></font><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font face="Georgia"><strong><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">There are: <br /></font></strong><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">No rules about how often you must take part <br />No rules about stuff being secret until certain dates <br />No rules that everyone cook exactly the same thing <br />No rules about not being able to submit to any other blog events – just check it doesn’t contravene the other guys’ rules</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font color="#330f02"><font face="Georgia"><strong><font style="font-size: 12pt">But there are 3 rules:</font></strong><font style="font-size: 12pt"> <br />1. Blog your entry by the deadline including: <br />a) the current Forever Nigella badge <br />b) a link to the current host (ME) <br />c) a link to the official Forever Nigella page at Maison Cupcake: </font></font></font><a href="http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella/"><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#a8174f">http://blog.maisoncupcake.com/forever-nigella</font></font></a></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">2. So not to breach Nigella’s copyright you must NOT reproduce recipes verbatim as shown in her books. If using an original Nigella recipe, tell us which book it is from and/or where we find it online (see most likely sites below). If you’ve adapted the recipe in some way i.e. changed at least two ingredients or amended the method then it’s ok to publish the a recipe in your post but you MUST write the directions in your own words.</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font face="Georgia"><font color="#330f02"><strong><font style="font-size: 12pt">3. Tell us about your post by adding it to the Linky Tool below! </font></strong><font style="font-size: 12pt">I have made this into a Blog Hop so feel free to post the script at the bottom of your post to encourage your readers to visit the other entries. If you can’t see the linky below it’s because I’ve never done one before and I’ve stuffed it up. Nag me and I’ll sort it out.</font></font></font></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">Don’t forget to tweet your post with the hashtag #forevernigella – I will retweet all those I see!</font></font></p> <p style="line-height: normal; margin: 16px 0px"><strong><font face="Georgia"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#330f02">Enjoy your Nigella Christmas presence!</font></font></strong></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-12514090356565130752011-12-24T08:12:00.001-05:002011-12-24T08:12:49.150-05:00Merry Christmas!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mc8LEjctE2Q/TvXPznJumPI/AAAAAAAABD4/DnDD12tFXUM/s1600-h/Christmas%252520Card%2525202011%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Card 2011" border="0" alt="Christmas Card 2011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GMnUEBi8NAE/TvXP0KcVkaI/AAAAAAAABEA/U-LheWq__d8/Christmas%252520Card%2525202011_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="273" /></a></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463235641026610614.post-91929484357687579102011-12-22T21:48:00.001-05:002011-12-22T21:48:16.148-05:00These Are a Few of My Favorite Things<p> </p> <p><font size="3">These are so yummy.  But if you like these…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iVvrEUx-Bwc/TvPr4Rdq-YI/AAAAAAAABCQ/QhLbUDRjZlw/s1600-h/biscoff%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP8OxmqdyRYxxL2IAT2TBfsSu8Q9QJxp0GxRopAYxyTfOgvT-_14iNtYLjfQ-PFe7TKx99VfNKYZMBKyv_-gIPt4R7XjK3o3_ge-A-IX03RsZerCaBE3Lk_Js5XAHs2ODauxYEo_uFUE/s1600-h/biscoff%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="biscoff" border="0" alt="biscoff" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bPG4HAgDwAM/TvPr406BdoI/AAAAAAAABCc/nu6sV6SHsnY/biscoff_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="301" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Then you’ll really like this…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yt8o3KXW4ns/TvPr5Ch4S3I/AAAAAAAABCk/Cqzqx7KLxlk/s1600-h/BiscoffSpread0814%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yt8o3KXW4ns/TvPr5Ch4S3I/AAAAAAAABCs/0waArPaFdgU/s1600-h/BiscoffSpread0814%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BiscoffSpread0814" border="0" alt="BiscoffSpread0814" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i5OLK2vVAjk/TvPr5i1jMXI/AAAAAAAABCw/md08IYXAXAw/BiscoffSpread0814_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="300" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">If you like this…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QQ2vW00Gja0/TvPr58p2iYI/AAAAAAAABC4/oVJcR5DfwhE/s1600-h/800px-Almond-joy-broken%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QQ2vW00Gja0/TvPr58p2iYI/AAAAAAAABDA/uITJKlckcBM/s1600-h/800px-Almond-joy-broken%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="800px-Almond-joy-broken" border="0" alt="800px-Almond-joy-broken" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5LxFB3u8PAs/TvPr6WS1IVI/AAAAAAAABDE/filj0_PQezc/800px-Almond-joy-broken_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="160" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">You’ll love this…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gu2-VTW7oX4/TvPr6gJpNiI/AAAAAAAABDM/FeZypq6Xznw/s1600-h/bottle%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gu2-VTW7oX4/TvPr6gJpNiI/AAAAAAAABDU/hXbxa8a6KBs/s1600-h/bottle%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bottle" border="0" alt="bottle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE9XSHokbA4uF_CNc7SAr3bCpPu9LntyojhWD0oyInV3ohDSdmPOCPJ0wfHdiFcfPFOA_MHj72HGSFYjTX_sWub5sIpK7WhAtJ4w2xOS3lTgzupZBTPuuROjTDt9r0P67-pASCbj7inc/?imgmax=800" width="273" height="301" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">especially mixed into your hot chocolate.  It will definitely bring you joy!</font></p> <p><font size="3">And finally, this one little candy can put me into the Christmas spirit.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hJDlA_Nci6Y/TvPr7ujzlaI/AAAAAAAABDg/zJz_W2RPL2g/s1600-h/ChristmasPeppermintNougats%2525281000x1000px%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ChristmasPeppermintNougats(1000x1000px)" border="0" alt="ChristmasPeppermintNougats(1000x1000px)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MiCVbXxjy3k/TvPr71V8cUI/AAAAAAAABDo/_0WMnH1_xjE/ChristmasPeppermintNougats%2525281000x1000px%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="301" /></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">You are welcome.</font></p> Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05674972611474003693noreply@blogger.com0