Cuisine Kathleen

DOT...DOT DOT...DOT & A CUP CAKE

2012-01-26T06:06:00.001-08:00

I love Polka Dots, any color!
I like them in Pink...Details here.

I like them in black...

And I really love them in RED!

So tonight I used my red polka dot plates, and bowls.
The bowls are from CTS and were marked down to $1.00

The runners are from Pottery Barn Outlet, an after Christmas bargain a few years ago. The polka dot salad plates are from PB Outlet too.

I love these red square plates with a wavy edge. I got them on line from Pfaltzgraff during one of their Dollar Day Sales, and yes, they were $1.00. I had bought the salad plates during the summer for 1.00, so when I saw the dinner plates, I jumped on it! I ordered 24, as I thought they would be great for a Christmas buffet, and July 4th.
Unfortunately, 4 of them arrived broken, and more unfortunately, Pfaltzgraff didn't reserve any to replace damages. Not good!

A white charger from Noritake, and a small white plate from the Gibson sets so many of us have.

White flatware from Walmart.
A little pail filled with carnations is the centerpiece, perched on a polka dot cake stand from CTS. It had a little missing paint which I fixed. I paid .29 for it!

These polka dot casserole dishes were one of my extreme scores at Cmas Tree Shops. They were in clearance, just put out, 90 % off.

You don't want to know what I paid! You do??? 59 cents, in perfect condition. I got squares too.

The candlesticks are by Villeroy and Boch, stems by Dansk, and bread plate hearts are from Michael's, marked down to .25
I still have another dotty table brewing.
I think I will wait for Spring for that one!

Jacqueline at Purple Chocolate posted the cutest little cupcake baked in a silicone cupcake mold that came with a saucer. They are adorable!
I googled where to get them, but decided it was too pricey for as often as I would use it.
I thought about the cups that came with the Cambridge set, and I figured I would give it a try.
Make your batter, whatever recipe you like, or even a box mix. Pour it IN the greased cup, don't fill too high, it will rise.
Bake it at 350.
After it cooled I piled fresh strawberries on top of the cake.

I whipped some heavy cream, and piped it on top.

DH was very happy to try my experiment!

I think these would be lovely to serve at a luncheon. Or a chicken pot pie baked in them too.
DH said he would eat it again, isn't he a sport? :)

Pick up that spoon and dig in!
Thanks for visiting. If you would be so kind to take the button on my sidebar, for the 4th Annual St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl, I would appreciate it! ♣
Joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday
Diann for Thrifty Friday
Gollum for Foodie Friday
2805 for Potpourri
Cozy Homes Scenes

Oh MY, It's Pie Day!

2012-01-23T16:47:00.001-08:00

National Pie Day, eat all you want, calories don't count today!

Mile High Apple Pie

Potato Cheese and Onion Pie from Cathy at Wives with Knives Recipe

Chicken Pot PieLittle Apple Crumb Pie

Meat Pies

Recession Pie
Use up what you have in the frig! Here's the recipe.

Cherry Pie

Spinach Pie

Baked Spaghetti Squash Pie

Shredded Crust Apple Pie

Peaches and Cream Crumb Pie

Shepherds Pie

Individual Pot Pies

Ghost Pie ( Cottage Pie)

Hope I haven't left you Pie Eyed! :)

Strawberry, Sweet HEART?

2012-01-22T09:21:00.001-08:00

It's cold!

But not frigid!
It's snowy! Our first snowfall here in NY on L.I.. Pretty good for the end of January!

But I can still find my car! And it is supposed to warm up and rain by tomorrow.

The snow peeps are happy!
We are cozy and warm, a blessing this Sunday.
A ♥ ty breakfast this morning.

Blueberry pancakes with fresh strawberries.
Strawberries are a natural for hearts...

Just make a little cut out in the top!

Eat your heart out. :)
Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday! Thanks for stopping in!
Joining Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescapers.
Shannon at Cozy Home Scenes

What's Your Fortune, Cookie?

2012-01-18T14:53:00.001-08:00

Chinese New Year is approaching, and I don't want to miss the opportunity for a theme table. By next Tablescape Thursday, the opportunity will have passed!

I found these fortune cookie name holders in Tuesday Morning last summer. I bought these, and my friend, Alma, The Tablescaper bought service for 12 of British Castles!
I set a place for my friend Carol, There's Always Thyme to Cook.
Her fortune?

She is the Take Out Queen of Long Island! She could write a guide book! :)
Those little ceramic cookies had to be used, so Happy Chinese New Year!

I got these Mikassa plates last year in Christmas Tree Shop, 1.99.
I used a black cloth, the plates, and lions head bowls from WSonoma Outlet.
Flatware from CTS, Napkins from WSonoma Outlet.

Fan shaped plates from HG clearance, 2.00, and little dipping bowls for our hot and duck sauce, .69 from CTS.

Stems from CTS, so are the white spoons.

The candlesticks are new, by Mikassa, from BBB, on sale and a 20% off coupon. I don't have any as tall as these, so I treated myself.

Waiting in the background is a tablecloth I found at Savers. It is lined, and a small check piping around the edge. $5.00 Working on a scape to use it!

Let's eat!

Pork Fried Rice, Snow Peas and Duck Sauce.

Or Shrimp with Crispy Walnuts...

Homemade eggrolls.
Pick one from Column A and one from Column B, or is that just a NY thing?
I have posted all the methods for these previously. I do not know exact measurements as I don't use recipes except for baking.
I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry for Open House Thursday
Gollum for Foodie Friday
Diann for Thrifty Things Friday
2805 for Potpourri Friday
Thanks for visiting!
Don't forget Laurie's ♥ Party on Feb.10th! She's serving Heartburn Hash! :)

And...
The 4th Annual St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl right here!
You are all invited, so start thinking Leprechauns! :)

♣♣♣♣ March 13th ♣♣♣♣

Get ready to jig!

Eggsactly! Farm Fresh!

2012-01-11T16:42:00.001-08:00

Not here in NY, but there are some places harvesting fresh vegetables right now.
Not far from here there is someone who has a sign out, Farm Fresh Eggs, $3.00. I decided to go with that theme tonight.

The centerpiece is a mini Radio Flyer wheelbarrow filled with eggs, nested in some of that messy floral moss.

The dishes "Du jour" are City Market by Pfaltzgraff that were a bargain at the Clearance Outlet years ago.

My friend, Alma, The Tablescaper, gave me these adorable covered tomatoes for Christmas. They are made in Czechoslovakia. The napkins are towels from CTS on sale for .99. Pierced plate also from CTS years ago, as is the flatware.

The charger is from Pfaltzgraff.

Green glasses from CTS as are the egg cups. The eggs serve as place cards. :)

Little cow pitchers guard the eggs, also from CTS. The checked cloth I have had for years. Carrot vase is filled with breadsticks.

Salt and pepper shakers topped with veggies are from Savers.

A covered glass chicken holds the butter

Alma also gave me these speckled green and yellow glasses.
I can't wait to whip up a table to use them !
For dinner...
Linguine , spinach, ricotta and mozzarella, topped with broiled tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and a dash of oregano.
I sauteed some chopped onion and garlic in a little olive oil, tossed in the pasta, fresh spinach, a little ricotta and mozzarella, pepper, and finished with a few splashes of non fat half and half.
I broiled the tomatoes and cheese and placed it on top.

CJ at In and Out My Nest is hosting a party every weekend, R and R. I hope you will share some of what you do for R and R on the weekend at the party.
I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday
Gollum for Foodie Friday
Diann for Thrifty Friday
Thanks for visiting!

Jolly January!

2012-01-07T17:34:00.001-08:00

Oh yes, here in New York we are enjoying wonderful weather. Last year at this time we were buried in snow, so I am loving this! Got the outdoor decorations down without even having to wear a coat!

Our friend, Laurie, at Bargain Hunting with Laurie is hosting her annual Valentine's Party. I know some of us are swimming in bins of Christmas decos to be put away, but Feb. 10th will arrive quickly! There will be a give away too!
Speaking of give aways, my fellow Long Islander , sweet Stephanie, at La Dolce Vita, is celebrating her anniversary with a great give away. Stephanie is a wonderful photographer and amazing baker, so stop over and get to know her. You could be the winner, and you get to select your prize! Go now, it ends Tuesday, winner announced Wednesday.
http://dreamingladolcevita.blogspot.com/

I made some fresh apple donuts this morning from a recipe on the net. They were good, but not as good as the recipe I previously posted.

Let's face it, a baked donut is not going to have that evil goodness of a fried yeast donut!

So the next time, it is going to be the really baaaad kind, but I will wait till February!
I am joining CJ for R and R weekend, and The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and thanks for visiting!

Following Yonder Star...

2012-01-04T16:06:00.001-08:00

January 6th is Epiphany, Three Kings Day, or as we used to call it, Little Christmas. It celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings who brought gifts of gold , frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child.

Since the other two symbols are elusive to me, I went with the gold. :)

I started with a gold and white striped cloth, which was a remnant I got for a dollar at the Duralee Outlet here on Long Island. It is heavy weight upholstery fabric.
The charger is gold glass with a lot of sparkle from Pier 1, about 5 years ago. I have eleven and was unable to find the 12th anywhere.
Star mirrors from Pottery Barn Outlet years ago hold a gold and white star candle from the Villeroy and Boch Outlet.

The centerpiece is gold sprays in a crystal bowl and fresh baby's breath.

Lenox Eternal dinner plate, (made in the USA, Pat Mille Favoriti :) and a delicate antique cream soup bowl and under plate. These were sent to me by my dear friend Marigene, at In the Middle of Nowhere. They are 100 years old, Noritake, Nippon, hand painted. I treasure them. They made the journey from VT, to KS to NY without any damage.
I wonder why some of the things I order arrive in pieces!

The napkins are antique too. They are hand towels bought many years ago at a Trash to Treasure sale they used to have here in Southampton every year. Lots of old estates would donate things.

I filled a martini glass with gold filigree balls from Michaels clearance section. The glasses are very old too. They belonged to my friend's mom.

All the stemware is etched, and one is trimmed with gold.
The tallest one is a recent purchase from Christmas Tree Shop, and the stem is so thin and tall I am amazed I got them home in one piece!

The flatware is trimmed in gold, by Wallace, and the candlesticks are Mikasa.
So have yourself an epiphany, and a merry little Christmas! And then, down with the decorations as is our tradition.
I see the Pinteresters have moved on to ♥ Day!
I was surprised to see this little table from a few years ago had been repinned so many times. I am amazed and humbled that so many liked the idea. I think it is the polka dots!

There's only 5 weeks till ♥ Day, I wonder if Laurie at Bargain Hunting with Laurie will host her party this year? Is was always a lot of fun!
Have you started thinking about decorating for ♥ day?
The easiest thing I ever made for ♥ day was this. This is from 2009.

It just came to me to make a heart with the shrimp. Duh...
Don't forget we have Mardi Gras the week after that!
Oh don't put those snowflake cookie cutters away yet! We can get snow till March, so there's plenty of time to make snowflake potatoes!

Just cut the potato, toss with oil and s and p, and bake till browned. A little fun for a snowy night!
Thanks for stopping by!
I am joining
Susan for Tablescape Thursday
Diann for Thrifty Friday
Gollum for Foodie Friday
2805 for Potpourri Friday

I Resolve...

2012-01-02T16:27:00.001-08:00

I resolve not to make resolutions! That's it, just do the best you can each day, and that way you don't feel guilty when you don't keep them.

New Year's Day breakfast was thin pancakes filled with fresh strawberries and rolled up. A little whipped cream on top. I used my Lenox Tartan, someone asked the name of the pattern.

They may show up in a scape yet as I didn't get to use them over the holidays. Winter fruits and ribbon, I think they could pass!
I bought son and dil the Lenox Holiday pattern this year for Cmas. 14 dinner plates. Then I got them salad plates after Cmas on sale. They will be all set for next year.

I bought myself 4 dinners and 4 salads too, as the price was great at the Lenox Outlet and I had an extra 20 % off, so Merry Christmas to me. :)
I felt the need to create after being sick for a few days. I had an eggplant to cook, so I made Chicken, Eggplant and Spinach stacks, topped with a fresh Mozzarella ball.

The spinach round was chopped spinach, all water squeezed out, onions, s and p, garlic, ricotta and mozzarella. I baked it in a ramekin to make the patty shape.

I served it over some linguine tossed in evoo, some of the spinach cheese mixture and some chopped tomatoes for color. Shaved Locatelli cheese to finish it off.

Hope this second day of the new year finds you well.

A few more days of enjoying my festive kitchen chandy, and then it is back to Blah uary.
Every thing looks so bare when the decos come down, have to wait a few more weeks to put out the ♥♥♥ things. Home Goods have had theirs out since 2 weeks before Cmas! Like elementary school teachers, many bloggers move from one Holiday to the next. This year we can add in Kangaroos for Leap Year. We should get a KICK out of that! :)
Joining Marty for Tabletop Tuesday.
Thanks for stopping by!

Another Year Over~A New One's Just Begun~

2011-12-31T18:24:00.001-08:00

It will be a quiet New Year's here . Santa left me a bug, by mistake, I am sure, but I have been taking my meds and lots of naps!
If I had my mojo, I would have set us a table with lots of bling!

Instead, a simple table...

A little bell to ring in the new year.

The dishes are new, half price after Cmas at CVS

I am giving a few sets to my dil to use on the children's table. I had given her 4 of the Holiday by Lenox Children's sets, but they don't make them anymore, and this year there were 8 kids! This will be perfect, and they can use them for everyday meals during the Cmas season.

DH cooked us a nice dinner, and I will be back in bed before long!
I hope 2012 is a good year for everyone, good health, and happiness!
I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday
CJ ,of In and Out My Nest, for her first ever meme, R and R Weekend Party

No Grinches Allowed~Roast Beast for a Crowd

2011-12-27T14:58:00.001-08:00

I hope all of you had wonderful celebrations ! You know when your children grow and and get married, there are so many compromises to be made for the holidays. Time has to be shared between both families.
So the holidays can be very stressful for many. I miss the days of spending Christmas with my sisters and their families, we don't get to spend any holidays together.

My son and his dear wife host Christmas, and it is a labor of love! They have 4 little ones , so it takes a lot to have the house looking beautiful and entertain for so many!
The ceramic tree I made for my mom so long ago gets displayed, which I do appreciate!

The table is set beautifully! Edited to add, son, set the table, that was his job growing up!

Lenox Tartan cloth and napkins, Waterford platinum stems.

Not a detail left out!

Many appetizers including dh's antipasto platter.

We also had shrimp cocktail, beef wellington bundles, sweet and sour pork bites*, cheese and vegetable platters and more.
The first course was stuffed baked clams*.
Main was Filet Mignon, Shrimp Francese*, Stuffed lobster tails, twice baked potatoes, carmelized onions*, sauteed mushrooms in wine sauce*. Spinach casserole topped with onion rings*, glazed carrots*, roasted asparagus and assorted breads. Items with a * were my contributions.

The children ate in the kitchen, 8 of them, and then it became the dessert buffet. If you look closely at the snowflake on the door, one of the grandboys added Spiderman! :)

My Yule log, dh's rugelach, and in the bowed silver bowl, I made death by chocolate with homemade peppermint bark as the candy between the layers.
There was also blueberry pie, red velvet cake, chocolate cream pie and cookies. Oh so much food!
The tree was beautiful!
It was a lovely day, and we thanked God for our many blessings, and look forward to the ever expanding family.

The only negative was that my Kdgn grandson had to be taken to the ER after everyone left, as he had an allergic reaction to something, so they were there till 4am! He was given a shot and was much better Monday morning.

Never a dull moment!

Oh, and a wonderful bag of goodies was left there for me by Alma, The Tablescaper. Pictures of that next time!
I hope you were surrounded by those you love this Christmas!
I am joining Marty 's Tabletop Tuesday .
Susan for Tablescape Thursday
Gollum for Foodie Friday
Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday

We don't take our Christmas decorations down till Three Kings Day, Jan 6. I can't imagine not enjoying them this Christmas week into the New Year holiday. That's what we have always done, and I don't know anyone personally, who takes the decos down right away! But since I started blogging, I have learned others do!

Peace on Earth! And some Yule Log too!

2011-12-24T13:23:00.001-08:00

Warmest wishes to all of you for a very blessed holiday season. Whatever you celebrate, I hope you are surrounded by family or friends .

My kitchen tree sits amongst the clutter of the marathon cooking and baking.

A little rolling pin given to me by my friend Ellen in 1994. Do you write the dates or names on ornies to remind you ?

I upgraded to a 3 ft prelit tree this year, as I had so many cute kitchen ornaments.

Here is a little baking mold amongst the copper pans and gingerbread.

My first ever attempt at a Yule Log. I am not French, have no French roots, so a Yule Log it is, with Irish roots! :)

I filled it with cream cheese icing and cherries. I can't cut it as it is for tomorrow, so I will try to get a shot of it when we eat it.

Some rugalach with a cup of coffee will help get me through the rest of the many things left to do. We don't celebrate till tomorrow, thank goodness. I have been cooking for days.

I am working on a table starring these...

I'll set a place for you , come back for dinner during this holiday week of celebrations!

My very best wishes to all of you! Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah, Happy Holidays!

Watching the gkids Christmas Concert always fills the heart with the spirit of the season. My Kdgn gson was so excited to be in his first concert!

Joy to the World!

Thanks so much for sharing your time with me!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday

Hope you get a BOOT out of This~Lunch with Santa

2011-12-15T10:10:00.001-08:00

If you have been good, Santa wants to dine with you!

I got these cute placemats at the Pottery Barn Outlet a few years ago on sale. He holds a plaid napkin.

Santa hat platters are also from there. I have a smaller version too.

Santa's chair is marked with a cotton apron, .99, from that closeout place I talked about in my last post, Mace's.

A bright red ceramic boot that I made in the "olden" days is filled with fresh greens from my yard, and a plaid package garland.

A shiny black bowl to match Santa's belt, by Aroroc, is topped with a red crock from Cost Plus. The bowls were from Cmas Tree Shop, and .50 cents.

Treble clef flatware from BBB, clearance and then less 20% was a real deal. The black mugs are by Nautica, and I got them in the clearance store of Pfaltzgraf for .26, seriously! Good thing that place closed before I started blogging, or I would be on an episode of the Hoarders!

Christmas Ornament salt and peppers, I forget where I got them.
So pull up a chair and tell Santa what you want him to bring, he is all ears!
For the Food portion tonight I flash back to dh's Rugelach. Tis the season to break out the cream cheese and make these tender morsels that melt in your mouth!

You can see the recipe and directions here!
It is hard to have just one!
Next week I will celebrate my 3 year blogaversary . It was Dec.3rd, but I have been busy! Come back for a chance at a gift card.
I am joining:
Susan for Tablescape Thursday
Gollum for Foodie Friday
Diann for Thrifty things Friday
Beverly for Pink Saturday.
Thank you for taking time out of your holiday preparations to visit!

CRAFTS from the Past~Nuts for Christmas

2011-12-12T15:16:00.001-08:00

While digging through the Christmas bins, I came across some oldies but goodies. I talked about the pine cone baskets and wreaths in my last post.

Some of you are old enough to remember the ceramics craze of the 70's. As a working young mother, I looked forward to one night a week to go to my friend Gail's house and socialize with other gals while working on our masterpieces. :)
The Christmas Tree napkin holders still live as does the lighted tree and leaf dishes in the Lenox style. Still put them out! My sister still uses the Holly Bowl I made her so many years ago,
Then the embroidery hoop wreaths...anyone still have them? I have lots of hoops left over.

How about the fabric wreaths with eyelet and ball fringe. Everyone I knew got one as a gift! Minimal sewing skills needed.

My friend made me this stuffed tree. I couldn't get rid of it, I washed it and it was good as new. It's great for the tiny grandkids to play with, they can't break it!

So my bins are teeming with blasts or crafts from the past, but I can't bear to discard them. I look at them, then put them back in to decide another day!
I took my camera down to the basement to take their pic, and then back they went!
Two years ago I thought I would make a tons of these napkins you fold to look like trees.

I was going to buy fabric after Christmas cheap, and while away the winter creating them for gifts. It never happened!
What Christmas craft craze do you remember? This year I see a lot of the wide mesh fabric wreaths. I bought some, but haven't tried it yet
Saturday we were invited to a Mass and dinner in a friend's home , and she requested shortbread cookies.
I made them in the gingerbread man shape, some even had a heart.

Then I used the Nut Molds from King Arthur I talked about before Tgiving.

You press the dough into them, then put them together with a filling. I used chocolate or apricot.
My friend Marigene, at In The Middle of Nowhere thinks they are a pain, but I guess I am easily entertained! :)

I used the shortbread recipe for them too.
The one I use is from an old cookbook, Ina's is pretty much the same.
They are melt in your mouth good!
Finally, one my favorite tables. I still haven't come to the bin with that pretty tablecloth!

Hope your holiday preparations are going well. Trying to Simplify this year. :)
Thanks for visiting,.
I am joining Marty for Tabletop Tuesday.
Natasha's Christmas Linky Party

Something New~Something Old

2011-12-07T13:14:00.001-08:00

One of the things I love about pulling out the Christmas decorations are the memories they evoke.
A handmade gift from your child, or something he saved up to buy just for you. Maybe it is gift from a friend, or something of your mom's that start the memories flowing!
The centerpiece I used for this table is a pine cone basket I made for my mom years ago when pinecone crafts were the rage. Remember those cut fingers from trying to get the cones onto the form? Ouch!

I filled it with two small fresh poinsettias. I hope they last till Christmas!
The new is the plate and salad plate I used.

I have been wanting dark green plates for a long time. Never could find any. I finally gave in and ordered them from Pfaltzgraff last week. 30% off the sale price, free shipping and 7% back from mrrebates.com.

Come St. Patrick's Day they will be getting lots of use!
The salad plates are Better Homes and Gardens from Walmart.

The covered crock is from World Market. We don't have them here, but you can buy on line. Individual butter domes from WSonoma Outlet.
Deep red charger is from Pottery Barn, as are the napkins with embroidered holly

The napkin rings are little wreaths from Cmas Tree Shops last year, and were .69.

I hung a tiny ornament on the ring to serve as a place card. This is one I have used in past years. We have a group of friends that we always socialize with, over 36 years now. Our dear friend Don passed away suddenly last May, and finding this ornament with his name on it reminded me of the many holidays and good times we all shared. I know it will be very hard for his family this year, and my prayers are with them.
I remember him commenting that I needed to get a bigger ornament as no one could read the names without their glasses!
The glasses I have had for at least 20 years. I bought them on Christmas Eve one year on the way to Mass. They were marked down 50%, so I grabbed a few boxes. I have the on the rocks size too, but we use them for juice!
The candle holder is an old cheapy one I sprayed with ORB. Still looks black to me! :)

Flatware by Cambridge via CTS, and S and P were from a little closeout place Alma, The Tablescaper, and I frequented, called Mace's. Long gone, and they were .99 for the pair! Always an adventure there, treasure amongst the junk.
When people used to ask where I got something, I would say Mace's. They thought I said Macy's, and I let them think that!

I am joining the Porch Party too.

The little dots of light are the candles in the upstairs windows.

I filled the plant stand with some faux holly garland and added a plaid bow. The child's rocker holds a cutout fabric doll I made years ago, and since she is dressed in plaid, she is invited to the party!
The side door is red too, and decked out for the season.
Thanks for visiting me, I know how busy everyone is!
I am also joining Beverly for Pink Saturday, but it is holiday decor this week.
Susan at BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Holiday Tables
Diann for Thrifty Things Friday
At the Picket Fence for the Porch and Door Party
The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday.
Natasha's Christmas Linky Party

December Busy ness

2011-12-04T18:03:00.001-08:00

IMPORTANT NOTICE!
I AM GOING TO CANCEL THE TABLESCAPE PARTY.
NOT ENOUGH INTEREST IN FINDING A PIC FROM A MAGAZINE OR NET TO COPY.
Thank you to those who were willing to take part. Plus I didn't realize that another blogger does a copycat party. Mine was going to be just tablescapes, but close enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I know everyone is busy getting ready for the holidays. All the cleaning that must happen before the decorations can be done, windows washed, curtains changed, etc. It seems to take longer and longer each year. Add to that 4 days that I was gone all day, and man, I am behind!
We have had such great weather, so today I spent the day out side dragging the outdoor decorations from the garage, testing lights, etc. I would say I am 3/4 done out there.

I don't know how people can get it all done in one day! It would never happen here!
We got new doors last year, the side door got painted red, but it got too cold to do the front, so it had to wait.

The old door was blue, and last year the wreath looked so plain against the unpainted door.
You can't miss it this year! Let's say it looks nothing like the color on the paint card!

This year I got a battery operated wreath from QVC, and added some fresh greens. The week before Christmas, I add fresh Baby's Breath.
You can set it to clear or colored lights, blinking or not. Technology!

A little more tweaking, too much plaid going on there, and some better pictures needed!
I wish you a good week, with lots of progress on your preparations.
I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday
Susan for Metamorphosis Monday

It's MOvember, No Typo :)

2011-11-27T08:41:00.001-08:00

Do you know about MOvember? I saw a little story about it on a news show, but it wasn't till I saw my son that I put it all together!
Just as October is the month for Breast Cancer awareness, November is for for men's health, prostate and testicular cancer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movember
People pledge donations for clean shaven men who grow a moustache, or "MO" for the month.
I had never seen my son with a stache, so I was a little taken back, but when he told me why, I thought it was a great cause.
So far he has raised over $5,000 !
To give him some MO support, I found a moustache candy mold, and Tgiving Day all the kids posed for a picture with their dad.
Here are his 2 youngest with their MOs.
If you know someone who is taking part, I hope you will support them with a donation if you can, in honor of your grandfathers, fathers, brothers, sons, uncles, nephews and male friends. It is a worthy cause to keep the men we love healthy!
We spent Thanksgiving at my dil's sister's home. Last year as a newly wed she hosted for the first time, and this year she graciously agreed to do so, this time, a few months pregnant! So next year another little Pilgrim will be with us. She did a lovely job on the tables for this large crowd. There were too many of us to fit in her dining room, so it involved a lot of carrying things up and down to the entertainment room.

I found these plates for the kids last year at a sidewalk sale at The Pottery Barn Outlet. I had to be ~~aggressive~~ down right pushy :), as other nanas wanted them for their gkids too. I wish I could have grabbed more, as the family is growing!

.50 cents each, full size plate. I think I will look on ebay for a few more!

Lemon Cream Cake made in the Heritage Pan. I used Ina's Lemon Cake recipe and made a cream cheese icing that I swirled through.

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie with Caramel, in a gingerbread chocolate crust, delicious! It was from a small ice cream store on L.I.

Carvel turkeys for the kids...and donuts too.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, the weather here was wonderful, another blessing! I can't remember a better Tgiving weekend with 4 days in a row of sunny above normal temps. Perfect for that touch football game with the kids.
I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday and
Yvonne for On the Menu Monday.
Now on to Christmas!

Time to Give Thanks

2011-11-23T17:19:00.001-08:00

I know everyone is busy with their preparations for tomorrow. I bet the kitchen smells heavenly!
The winner of the Cookie Party Kit from William Sonoma is Carolina Jewel. Please send me your address so I can get it out in the mail. Congratulations, Jewel! I hope you share pictures of your cookie exchange with us!

I don't have a new table to show tonight, so I'll share a few from the past.
This from 2008...

And a less formal table. I love the cloth ,my friend gave it to me. It is a piece of fabric, and it looks like acorns. :)

I used my Cornucopia pan from WSonoma Outlet to make one of the desserts for tomorrow.
Laurie, at Bargain Hunting with Laurie won one too, I wonder if she tried it out? I see she posted, I have to pop over for a visit!

It's a pumpkin cake, I tried a new recipe. I will let you know how it is in the next post!

I'll put the glaze on before serving. Trying a new glaze too, I am adventurous serving it to other people without trying it, LOL. How bad could it be?

After dinner tomorrow the children get their traditional little gift. The countdown to Christmas begins!

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope you will count your blessings, I count all of you among mine. :)

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday
Gollum for Foodie Friday
Thank you so much for visiting!

November~Deep Purple~Poached Pear & Chicken Salad

2011-11-15T17:08:00.001-08:00

You know I don't like orange. {and chickens! :) } I thought I would get away from the orange and rusts this week, and do purple.

I took a white reticulated pedestal bowl filled it with a leaf garland, purple mums, dusty miller from my yard, and mini white pumpkins from Tues. Morning.

I started with a deep purple cloth from CTS, white chargers from Noritake years ago, and purple plates from le Wal Mart.

Clearance, 1.50

The dark purple dotted plate is made in Portugal from Pier One, clearance a few months ago, 1.68

The Italian bakers in deep purple are from HG. I recently found some in blue at CTS for less than half of what I paid in HG!

The flatware is gold, purple and gold are fallish, and I never remember to use the gold. It is by Farberware.

I used a purple and a white napkin with a purple flower ring from BBB, clearance .99

Gold spreaders, a gift from The Tablescaper, and little white butter plates from CTS.

I have white turkey salt and peppers, but they flew the coop, or they are up high and I didn't feel like climbing the ladder, so I caught these birdies from Pier One and pressed them into duty.

The purple stems are from Villeroy and Boch when they closed their store here in Southampton.

With only one more week till Thanksgiving , I know many of us are thinking Christmas.

I also know many of you have been looking at magazines and Pinterest for ideas.

SO ARE YOU READY FOR A THROW DOWN?

Instead of doing a Winter White party this year, I would like you to find a Holiday tablescape you like from a mag or the net, and recreate it. It can be simple or elaborate, your call. The party will be on Dec. 14th. I will be celebrating 3 years of blogging, and there will be a giveaway to go along with it.

So start thinking about it, I hope it will be fun. Are you up for the challenge?

Show us the original and your take on it.

I know it is a busy time of year, so no pressure if you can't join in.

I haven't found mine yet, so I will be looking for one too!

**********************************************

We have dinner salads here about once a week.

I add in chicken, or shrimp or steak.

This time I poached some pears in a little butter, cinnamon , sugar and apricot liqueur.

I pounded the chicken cutlets thin, seasoned them and dredged in flour, yes, just flour, no egg or anything.

Brown them in a little oil, remove to a paper towel, and slice when cool enough.

Toss baby spinach in a bit of sugar and salt and pepper to taste. Sliced red onions, crumbled bacon, feta cheese, or another to your liking, Foley,:) sliced tomatoes , etc. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of your other ingredients, place the poached pears on top, and pour the rest of the poaching liquid over the salad. Top with toasted nuts.

If you think you might play along for the throw down, let me know. If I get at least 10 it's a go. The more the merrier but it doesn't have to be the event of the season! :)

I have this adorable Cookie Exchange kit from WSonoma. I know some of you do cookie exchanges, this would be great. And maybe some have thought about having one, so do it!

Open to all followers who are interested, just leave one comment saying you want in, ,no tweeting, bleating, face booking etc. easy!

Winner announced this weekend so I can get it into the mail .

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday

Gollum for Foodie Friday

Sherry for Open House Friday

Diann for Thrifty Things Friday

Thanks for visiting!

What's for Thanksgiving Dessert?

2011-11-13T18:03:00.001-08:00

I am not hosting Thanksgiving, although we will still cook a turkey. This year we will do it in the smoker dh got for his birthday. If it doesn't come out well, at least the traditional dinner won't be ruined!

A few years ago I bought myself this pretty cake/pie stand from Lenox. On sale and with a coupon it was under 20 dollars. I got one for my sister too.

I love the base, it is shaped like a pumpkin.

What should I fill it with?

I have been assigned 4 things to bring for Thanksgiving...sweet potato and apples, glazed carrots, an appetizer and a dessert. I usually make a kiddy dessert and an adult.

So I have been thinking about it.

Maybe a nice apple tart. This time I will drizzle it with caramel.

Or perhaps Apple crisp.I could make them in individual ramekins...maybe.

Years ago a group of us made the caged pears with the puff pastry.

I think you could poach a half of an apple and stuff it the same way as the pear. Why not?

Or that apple pie with the shredded crust I made a few times.

Or the most recent with the leaves that I showed you.

Of course there will have to be something chocolate, and I will make these cookies too. I will be making them next week, so I will post the recipe etc.

Do you make something different, or do you stick to the "traditional"?

Maybe some date nut bread for those who do not like sweet things? Recipe here.

Tonight, a simple Sunday dinner setting, a fabric turkey is the centerpiece .

Plates from Christmas Tree Shops.

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday

Yvonne for On the Menu Monday
Marty for Tabletop Tuesday.

It was a beautiful day , a little breezy , but nice for a walk on the beach here.

Have a great week!

Copper Tone ~Eggplant& Spinach Stacks

2011-11-02T17:23:00.001-07:00

Look who is joining us tonight! His whole famdamily trotted through my yard, devouring my hosta and finishing off the mums! There are so many of them, they are eating everything!

On to the table.

I found these peach mini rose plants on sale in the supermarket and had to bring them home.

Placed in a copper pot I have had for ages, with some leaves, it became the centerpiece. I surrounded the pot with a leaf garland for that windblown look. :)

The cloth is a copper color striped fabric from the Duralee Outlet. It is large enough for my dining room, over 144 inches long. I didn't want to cut it, so I gathered the ends with fall napkin rings from Villeroy and Boch.

I got that cloth plus 2 other pieces for 5 dollars total, plus a few squares of fabric samples. I have a plaid one in the center under the centerpiece.

The charger is a hammered copper colored from Michael's. Rust colored plate I think from the supermarket, leaf from Pfaltzgraff clearance outlet , 1.26.

The napkins were from there too, and the copper color beaded ring is from CTS, last week.

The larger glass has a fleur de lis on it and is from CTS last week also. The smaller ones and compotes are from Savers.

The leaf salt and pepper shakers are from Walmart.

Little acorn s and p's.

Leaf dishes are Pfaltzgraff and the votives with the leaf dangle were 3 for $1 last year at CTS.

Green swirl flatware picks up the green in the napkin. It was from CTS.

The little copper tea pot in the background was my mom's.

What's for dinner? Venison of course! :)

I had an eggplant and I had some fresh spinach.

I panko and floured the eggplant slices,seasoned them and baked them. Spray the baking sheet well, and drizzle with olive oil.

I chopped some red onion and sauteed it in a bit of olive oil. I put the fresh spinach in on top with a sprinkle of sugar and some pepper. Cover it. After it wilts down stir in a heaping tablespoon of ricotta and a handful of freshly grated cheese, I used Locatelli.

Put the mixture in a ramekin, top with some mozzarella and put under the broiler to brown a bit.

Stack the eggplant slices and top with the spinach. Simple and delicious.

I served it with golden brown shrimp.

I am joining Susan at BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday

Gollum for Foodie Friday

Diann at the Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Friday

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday
Sherry at No Minimalist Here.
Yvonne for On the Menu Monday
Thank you ladies, for hosting, and thank you for stopping by!

Pink...For the Cure

2011-10-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

So many bloggers have done pink posts to commemorate Pink Ribbon Month. Before the month ends, I wanted to do a pink post in honor of all those fighting this terrible disease.

A perfectly pink tractor for the fair ladies to ride...

A beautiful pink rose...

A yummy pink cupcake...

And some pretty in pink tablescapes from the past.

I hope they have raised a lot of money this month for the cure.

My niece, a young mother of 4, was diagnosed in August and underwent a double mastectomy. She is having chemo treatments. Her youngest child is severely disabled, and right now is in ICU , very sick. If you could spare a prayer for them, I would really appreciate it.

Let us hope they find a cure, and soon.

Foodie Friday

The farmers markets are loaded with heads of cauliflower, and cabbage.

I tried a recipe I saw on the Food Channel , a Polish dish called Haluski Very easy! I must ask my Polish friend Janice Jedrzejewski, if she ever had this. She introduced me to a lot of Polish treats in college, as did my friend Maryann Pasinski. All very exotic to this Irish American gal! :)

Here's the you tube showing you how. There are many different versions, this is the one I tried.

Mary Kay, I haven't heard from you. Please go to my last post and pick your prize so I can get them mailed out.

Thanks for visiting. See you this Sunday, I have a few bargains to show you from my last trip to CTS.

Joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday and

Gollum for Foodie Friday.

Black Widow Luncheon and the Winners!

2011-10-23T15:57:00.001-07:00

I was going back through my early blog posts for Halloween. This is a table I did for a party in 2009, Black Widows Luncheon. Not too many saw it, so I thought I would show it.

I used hydrangeas from my garden and sprayed them black. Tucked in some Baby's Breath and surrounded a white pumpkin with them. I raised them up on a bowl.

I draped the chandy with spiders and witches. I used fishing line to look like webs, or maybe they were cob webs I forgot to dust away! :) What's a cob anyway?

I decided on the black napkin with an alabaster ring and of course a spider.

I used silver chargers, checked dishes and a jet black soup bowl.

The ladies all got a little notebook as a lagniappe, or take home. I learned that word from a Southern gal!

Poison mushrooms held the name cards. You can see in the pic above I cut a witch hat to write the name on.

I decided to show this a as so many of us still have faded hydrangea that can be cut and sprayed gold or silver or what ever your little heart desires for use in arrangements for the holidays. They can be saved too, I have used the black ones a few years now.

For dessert to keep with the black and white theme...

The winner of the Cornucopia Pan Is.....................

Laurie from Bargain Hunting with Laurie

And the runner up is ..................

Cherry Kay at Entertaining Women (choice of the Waverly beaded napkin rings or the monkey name holders from WSonoma)

Please email me your addresses so I can get them in the mail.

I wish everyone could win. I have more give aways planned for November, you know when I see things on sale a WSomoma or PBarn Outlet I stock up for give aways!

Thanks for visiting! See you soon.

Joining Marty for Tabletop Tuesday.

Getting into Fall SHAPE!!

2011-10-21T19:04:00.001-07:00

I love to play with my kitchen toys. Cookie cutters make great shaped potatoes.

Apple crisp baked in a pumpkin shaped dish.

Nut molds used to make cookies. (King Arthur)

Marigene thinks these are a royal pain, but I didn't mind doing it, and they tasted good. I used a shortbread recipe, and filled them with apricot or nutella.

I will do a post on them in November.

You can cut your biscuits with cookie cutters and your butter pats too.

Individual mac and cheese in little leaf casseroles.

Or Super size it!

Letter shaped cookie cutters so you can label your food in case you forget what you made! :)

My friend Carol, There's Always Thyme to Cook, sent me these cutters from WSonoma a few years ago. I have been using them to decorate pies ever since then!

So today instead of just decorating the pie, I covered the whole top with leaves.

Peel and slice your apples, I used 5 and a half cups, and used 5 different varieties of apples. Fill the bottom crust.

Cut your shapes and start from the bottom going around slightly overlapping. If you roll too thick, you will have gummy crust, too thin, and they fall apart.

Time consuming, but not that bad!

I brushed some of the leaves with egg wash so I would get shades.

Ready to serve...

I had some left over dough and apples, so I made some mini pies.

I hope you have a wonderful Fall weekend. The weather here has been beautiful, still warm and everything is green. We haven't had a frost yet, and my oil bill is happy about that!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday

Yvonne for On the Menu Monday.

Sue at Sullivan and Murphy is having a great give away from Uprinting. Hop over and enter.

Thanks for visiting!

Please remember to ditch the word id, and make sure you have a return email addy in the comment section on your dashboard!

The give away is now closed and the winner will be announced Sunday!

They're Off~Witches Fly Part 3

2011-10-19T16:42:00.001-07:00

Busty, Dusty, Rusty and Musty

Are flying lean and mean,

They steal a song from Shelia

A curio from Christine!

Laurie locks her windows

Sarah bars the door,

Pat hides all her crystal

When she hears their broomsticks roar.

They make a stop at Holidays

Those girls sure likes their dishes,

They leave a bowl of Groundhog stew,

Yum, it's so delicious!

"Let's go have a party

With those witches with no teeth,

We'll bring a little present"

And steal Wives with Knives new wreath!

Zoulah and Beaulah are horrified

They think it is so rude,

Those witches have been drinking

And flying while quite stewed!

"Who gives a fig about those two?"

Musty screeches off with glee

"Should we hit The Tablescaper?"

The other three agree!

They mess up all her linens

And steal some of her coats,

Leave to visit Gollum

And shaving cream her goats!

Cindy, Gail and Suzy

Warn Tess, Elaine and Kitty

Linda, La and Gina

See them heading toward the city.

Marsha quickly calls Kathleen

Says they'll be there the next morn,

She plans to welcome them back home

With bowls of candy corn.

Another year of witchy fun

Those four sure caused a scene.

They think you bloggers are the best

Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

That's it for this year! Moving on from Halloween. I hope to do a table next week for Pink Ribbon Month, in honor of all those who who are breast cancer survivors and those who are fighting the battle.

If anyone would like to join me in this , please let me know.

As a little balance to all that candy we are "testing", :)

a delicious salad with brandied apples.

I had it at a restaurant recently, and decided to try and duplicate it.

Baby spinach, cranberries, toasted walnuts, red onion, feta cheese, sauteed pork strips, and apples.

Cut the apples and toss in cinnamon and sugar. Saute them in some butter and add some apricot brandy.

Let them reduce a bit.

Don't leave them too long, you still want them to have a little bite to them. Pour the remaining juice over the top of the pork on the salad. I served it with a raspberry vinaigrette. A nice loaf of crusty bread, and it's dinner!

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday

Gollum for Foodie Friday

Table info:

white and yellow checked tablecloth old

yellow checked topper, Portuguese cotton remnant, $1.00

candy corn plates and bowls orange place mat, yellow charger, white lace square plates ,Cmas Tree Shop

yellow Fiesta flatware Tues Morning

yellow pin dot napkins, my mom's , old

tulip shaped glassware, Dansk

orange ramekins, HG

candy corn candles on a stick in the napkin, some dollar store

Montauk daisies from my yard on top of a candy corn bowl

Still time to enter the give away for the Nordic pan from WSonoma... There will be a runner up prize too.

Open to all followers in the US

Must have an email address.

Some of those who entered don't have a blog and a no return addy., so there is no way to contact you.

Please check your dashboard on your email options and make sure you have an email listed.

Mid October Sights & Apple Crumb Bread

2011-10-16T14:08:00.001-07:00

Time for Seasonal Sunday again, and I took some shots of what's happening outdoors.

The last cucumber of the season from the garden.

The Dusty Miller is huge. I love that these come back again in Spring, sometimes.

The asters make their last stand.

Mini carns still in the pink.

Still lots of roses...

But I know these warmer Fall days are numbered and November, will creep in and bring early darkness.

I will enjoy these days as we tuck Summer away in the shed till next year.

A little pumpkin table to chase away the thought of winter.

I found this Apple Bread recipe on Richard's Amish Stories blog. He is not Amish, but lives near Amish Country and is interested in their way of life.

It is called Amish Apple Crumb Bread.

I doubled the amount of crumbs, as we are crumb lovers! :)You can find the recipe here.

I also added cinnamon to the chopped apples.

He has posted lots of other recipes and interesting stories. I find it fascinating to learn about the Amish and Mennonite Communities. If you visit, tell him Kathleen sent you. I think he will get a kick out of that!

There's still time to win the Cornucopia Pan, info here.

You just have to be a follower or become one, and live in the US.

Also, I must have a way to contact you. Many of you have no reply addys . I know some don't know they have that, going to do a post on that!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday

Yvonne for On the Menu Monday

Marty for Tablescape Tuesday

Thanks so much for hosting.

I hope you had a great weekend, thanks for sharing some of your time with me!

Witches Flyby 2011 Pt. 2 & a Give Away!

2011-10-12T18:08:00.001-07:00

You can read Pt 1 here.
And the saga continues... Part 2

So those witches hognapped poor little Earl

Oh who will save his bacon?

Maybe Bill, or Pat or Marigene

Or is his butt forsaken?

The news went out through blogland

Marlis told Ellen and Jane

Scribbler told Gail and Stephanie

And Carol and Lulu in Maine.

Alycia, Debbie and Retta

Try to reason with those witches,

Jacquelyn, Sue and Joni think

They're too big for their britches!

The call went out from dear Yvonne

She wants to set Earl free,

Cherry Kay, Susan and Barb concur

So does Two Birdies and a B!

Now what you bloggers don't know

Will very soon come to light,

Earl had sent those girls a text

To pick him up that night!

It seems he wanted adventure

To get out with the gals.

He didn't like to be alone

He needed some new pals!

"Oh woe is me, what should I do?"

He knew it was plain old silly,

Witches and pigs aren't meant to mix

So they flew him home to Philly!

"So Earl is home, we need some food

Let's stop and dine at Mabel's

Such good food and atmosphere,

And sweet spider web draped tables."

They hang their hats upon the chairs,

And gladly take a seat.

Leave their sneakers at the door,

Man, they have big feet!

They start to plan next weeks trip

Since they dumped the little porker,

Let's start off at Brooklyn Pat's

She's such a fun New Yorker!

Where will they go next? I don't know, but they saw some witches out west they would like to meet. Zoulah and Boulah or some such crazy names! My witches, Busty, Dusty, Rusty and Musty have very witch like monikers! :)

Those little monkey name card holders are what the witches turned BJ's flying monkeys into!
Don't fool with those 4 witches!
Napkins ~Walmart
Alabaster Napkin rings~WSonoma Outlet
Spider spreaders~Tues Morning
Treble clef flatware~BBand B in clearance then 20% off
Covered Lion head bowls, WSONOMA outlet Monkey name holder WS too.
Stems~ Pier One sale several years ago
The Give Away

WmSonoma Cornucopia Pan, perfect for Fall and Thanksgiving.
Just leave a comment about the post,
and then mention you would like a chance at the pan. New and old followers welcome!
Winner will be announced on Oct. 23rd.

I tried Cathy ay Wives with Knives Onion, Cheese and Potato Galette. Loved it! Find it here.
I didn't follow it exactly, I added onions to the top and bottom and I used Swiss and Mozzarella.
Mine did take longer to bake than 45 min. Probably because of the type of potato I used. They were fresh from the farm, so I scrubbed them and left the peel on. I used a mandolin to slice the onions and potatoes very thin.

I made a few individual ones too.

I think you will enjoy it!
Joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday

Gollum for Foodie Friday
Diann for Thrifty Friday
Thanks for visiting!

The Note Has Arrived & Donuts!

2011-10-08T15:16:00.001-07:00

It was absolutely gorgeous today, and more of the same for tomorrow. It's a sit outside or go to the beach day for sure here on Long Island.

We have no "color" yet here, except GREEN.

The Montauk Daisies are in full bloom. They are all over out here in October. Do you have them? If so I bet they aren't called Montauk Daisies, Montauk is the tip of Long Island where I live.

The Hydrangea that I didn't cut in August are a beautiful color.

And the mums are fully open.

The Diamond Frost is enjoying the cooler nights.

I set a little table for us on the side porch.

It is very warm in the sun, you won't need your sweater!

I I used a light lilac cotton throw as the cloth.

The china is a gift from my dear friend, Marigene at In the Middle of Nowhere, long before blogging. I have used in several posts, and each time people ask where I got it. Unfortunately, it is discontinued. I just love it, and have registered on Replacements , but it never comes in. I keep checking ebay too.

The salad plate is a toile, so pretty!

I used a white cutwork pedestal bowl from CTS with some Diamond Frost tucked under a white pumpkin as the centerpiece.

Some blue and white verbena and diamond frost in a beehive votive holder for some added color. They are so beautifully delicate like the china.

Rattan charger from Pfaltzgraff sale last year, 2.00

Green twisty flatware to pick up the green in the leaves, from CTS, ( and because I don't have purple flatware!)purple stems from HG, and the beautiful toile pitcher was a gift from my friend Barbara.

I used 2 shades of purple napkins which I have had a long time, and the three ringed, three shades of purple, are from B B and B, in clearance for .99. My friend A, The Tablescaper asked me to pick one up for her, and they were so pretty I got some for myself too!

For dessert I made some APPLE donuts using the recipe HERE, but I baked them in this pan. It is made by Wilton, and I got it at BBB with a 20 off coupon.

What do you think? Not perfect, but they tasted very good! AND a lot cheaper than the ones they sold at Apple Farm. Not greasy!

Oh, the NOTE, you ask?

For those who don't know, my witches who are flying for the 3rd year through blogland, have caused a stir. Read about it HERE.

It seems they thought it would be fun to PIG nap Earl from Lynn at Happier Than a Pig in Mud.

Yvonne called for a Free Earl campaign, and BJ sent out some Flying Monkeys! The witches got wind of this and want a few things, if they are to return Earl.

They don't know why everyone is getting their knickers in a knot, they said, "Girls just have to have fun!"

OK, the note they left. I think they have a lot of nerve myself, but as they say, I am not their keeper. Well, I am in that I keep them in my basement, but I can't tell them what to do or say!

I am sure Earl is fine! I mean who would eat a pig? Did I say eat? I meant hurt! :)

Oh one last thing.

I gave dh one of these for his bday, an electric smoker. My friend Ellen at the Happy Wonderer did a post about hers last winter. More about that at a later date, but we have come into some pork and have been giving it a work out.

Now don't jump to any EARLy conclusions!

And now please join us for dinner...PORK CHOPS! :)

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday

Yvonne for On the Menu Monday

Marty for Tabletop Tuesday

Lisa at Simply This and That for Sweet Treats

Thanks for visiting, and be sure to come back Wed night for the next installment of the Witches Flyby and news of a special give away. And it's not a pound of BACON!

They're BaacK! Witches' Fly By 2011~Year 3

2011-10-05T12:56:00.001-07:00

Halloween is nearing

And YOU know what that means!

These witches will be flying

From their home base at Kathleen's

They've been in "BIN ernation"

Resting up for their big flight

You know they will cause havoc

From now till their big night!

They may look green and wrinkled

But these gals are feeling frisky!

Could it be that they've imbibed

In Bewitching Ghoulish Whiskey?

"We've been inside that stinkin' bin

My wart hairs are a tingle,

I am feeling mischief in my blood

It's time to mix and mingle!"

They decide to find some real men

No dumb warlock' old crows,

They want some hunks to rock their brooms

And curl their stinky toes.

They sit around the table

Eat cookies for some pep,

Decide to find some PIRATES,

Who look like JOHNNY DEPP!

They set a Pirate Table

Cook food meant to entice

They bake some slugs in a creamy sauce,

And spread chocolate on some mice!

Some Pirates may be charming

But these boys were just DUDS!

They didn't want to dance or sing

Just burp, and drink their suds!

The witches split, they want some kicks

Their broomsticks lurch and hurl,

They beeline down to Philly,

And steal Lynn's pig named Earl!

(to be continued)

Will they want a ransom? What is their plan?

Tune in next time !

The Pirate's Table

Red tablecloth old, black mats, West Elm on sale WS, white coupe plate, sale Pier One, red square plate, Pfaltzgraff Dollar Days Sale, 1.00, black napkins Lenox, red knotted napkin rings, CTS,

Lantern, PB Outlet a few years ago, Hats, CTS

Pirate flags , had for years, attached them to big marshmallow sticks from CTS.

Everyday Dansk flatware, and fat stems I have had for years.

We ate at this table for my little gson's bday, so I had to keep it simple.

For Foodie Friday, Crashed Potato.

Boil small red potatoes till barely tender, don't over cook it as it is going to get cooked again. ( I didn't have red, but I had small Yukon gold fresh from the farm)

Let cool, slightly, and then takes a heavy jar and smash it.

Season it, and brush or dip it in olive oil, making sure to get oil on the bottom as well. Bake till it is brown and crispy on the outside.

Easy! Next time I will add some shaved parm or a little bacon to the top.

Thanks for visiting! Hope to see you this weekend.

Joining:

Susan at BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday

Gollum for Foodie Friday

Diann for Thrifty Friday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday.

Thank you, Ladies!

Apples, Apples who has the Apples?

2011-10-01T18:18:00.001-07:00

I do!

I know Cindy at Applestone Cottage has them growing in her yard. She told me they are good to cook with, but not good to eat out of hand. I hope she makes tons and tons of apple baked goods and freezes them to enjoy all winter!

Last Sunday was warm, summery for apple picking. Most of the people were dressed in shorts and sweating. Not that it is hard to pick the apples, they are low bush and it takes 10 minutes to fill your bag.

Yes, 32.00 a bag! So learn how to pack that bag!

I picked all Mutzu, as I like them for baking, and eating!

Big, fat juicy ones!

Peel one, and you have almost a lb of apples!

The kids picked all different kinds.

It helps to kick the little one out of the stroller and put the bag in so those plastic handles don't cut off the circulation to your fingers!

And then get the 3 year old to push it! :)

It is very close to the ocean, so you do get a cool breeze.

How do you like these prices?

You can also get your pumpkins and gourds there.

My youngest gson said he didn't want one with WARTS!

I should have bought this one to make into a witch!

The kids got one little pumpkin each. It is still warm, and the squirrels will eat them if they are put out on the steps.

After tasting their donuts, I decided I liked these much better. I have posted it before. They are called Dirt Bombs, a cross between a donut and a muffin. I have seen many versions of them in blogland.

The recipe I use is from Sol
I added apples, and believe me, they didn't cost $5.25 for 6! And they are not fried, but very good!

The recipe is here.

One last apple!

A one pounder dipped in chocolate for the kids to share.

And one for Nana and Grandpa too!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday, and Yvonne at Stone Gable for On the Menu Monday.

Thanks for visiting!

See you soon!

Seasonal Foods and a Question???

2011-09-29T12:42:00.001-07:00

I have a question about Pinterest.

I have seen pics pinned that belong to bloggers I know. There is no link back or credit given to the pic owner.

For example, there is a picture of a table I know to be Susan's at Between Naps on the Porch. No mention anywhere . I have seen a few that have the owners name across the bottom, but no link back.

Under some pictures where it supposedly originally came from it says NONE. What does that mean. Obviously someone originally posted the pic!

So I guess everyone has to put their name across the bottom of their pics before posting!

I have other burning bloggy questions, but I will save them!

I thought I would show a few Fall things to do with food. :)

Buy some Fall leaves chocolate candy and mount them in some icing!

Mix spaghetti squash with egg , cheese and seasonings , top with mozzarella and bake in a spring form pan for a Squash Pie.

Make a GHOST PIE. Pipe mashed potatoes on top of the makings of a shepherd's pie.

Or if you don't want to make the pie, pipe some ghosts on the plate. Go ahead, it is fun to play with your food!

Those are black olive pieces that need to be cut smaller, but you get the idea!

Cut some potatoes in leaf shapes, toss in oil ands bake.

Those were from previous year's Fall posts.

We have potato farms nearby, so I always like to capitalize on the fresh potatoes in the Fall.

These are potato cakes, NOT potato pancakes. They do not taste like the ones made from left over refrigerated mashed potatoes like my dad used to make. You don't refrigerate these first, just let them cool until you can handle them to pat into cakes and press in the Panko.

For these you cook and mash the potatoes, add a bit of milk, add scallions, s & p, cheese. Form into a patty and cover with Panko. Brown till crisp on both sides. Crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle.

Bake your corn muffins in pumpkin shaped pans, and cut your butter in Fall shapes. Fun!

So how do you get your name across your pic if you use Live Writer? I don't want to have to download them all to Photobucket first!

I am joining Gollum for Foodie Friday and Yvonne for On the Menu Monday.

Thanks for visiting! Enjoy the weekend!

Remember, these naughty witches start flying soon!

September Sunday & Winners

2011-09-25T09:14:00.001-07:00

It's warm, and right now the sun is shining. It's playing peek a boo today.

I have ribs in the oven cooking low and slow for dinner. We are going apple picking later, 32 dollars a bag, but the gkids are here so they like to go. It takes all of 10 minutes to fill the bag and dodge the bees!

Hope whatever you are doing this Sunday is enjoyable!

I haven't done any Fall fluffing yet. I need a few sweater days to get me into the mood to dig out those bins!

I have heard some scratching and cackling coming from those bins.

It must be these 4.

They look harmless, don't they? Don't let their cuteness fool you!

Over the past years they have done a lot of mischief throughout blog land. I know some of you have been the brunt of their antics, and this year they are planning to visit many of you.

Just sayin', be prepared! They start their FLY BY in Oct. I think this is year 3.

You can read about their previous deeds HERE and Here.

DRUM ROLL.......................................

The winner of the ACORN PAN is Diann of the Thrifty Grove.

The napkin rings go to Joni at Red Couch recipes.

Please email me your addresses Ladies.

My surprise gift goes to Pat at Back Porch Musings.

She was my 500th follower. The sirens and whistles went off, LOL! Pat's blog is the first blog I ever read before I knew what a blog was, so I was extra happy she was number 500.

If you didn't win this time, keep trying. There are more to be given away when those witches start to fly!

And since it is still so summery here, have an ice cream cone cookie. Sugar cookie dipped in chocolate. I sent away for the cutter. My first try, I will work on making them look better!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday.

Thanks for visiting!

Falling Into Fall~Acorn Pan Give Away & a Thrifty, Delicious Fall Dinner

2011-09-21T16:57:00.001-07:00

At 5 a.m. on the 23rd, Fall begins. You could fool me, it still feels like summer, we put the a/c back on today!

But to celebrate the authority of the almanac, I celebrate Fall with a give away.

This cute acorn pan, makes mini muffins or cakes.

And a runner up will get these pretty beaded napkin rings by Waverly. My friend Marigene from In the Middle of Nowhere used them in a very pretty scape last week..

Everyone who is, or becomes a Follower is eligible. That's it! A little way to thank those who are so sweet to follow me. :)

The winners will be announced in this weekend's post. Happy Fall!

I started the table with a tan textured cloth, a black placemat with a beaded edge from PB, and a brown dinner plate from the clearance in Pier One. 1.24

The taupe colored plate is from CTS.

Made in Portugal. I loved the edge.

Not bad, huh? I have some soup bowls I got from a previous visit to the Tree, but not that price!

The pretty leaf plate is also from CTS, 1.99.

These ceramic pheasants are from Pottery Barn. I am not birdy, { and that would be double NO on roosters :) } decor wise that is, but the price was really right, birdseed, so I bought them a few years ago.

The centerpiece is a candle holder from Michaels with some mums poked in.

Fall fruit scatters. Black stemmed glasses, Pflaltzgraff clearance, 5 years ago.

Shades of brown Buffalo checked napkins are held by a gold leaf from Pottery Barn.

The flatware is trimmed in gold by Wallace.

The place card holders match the napkin rings and are from PB.

The amber votives with a leaf charm are from CTS. 3/$1

This amber bubble glass pitcher is from the Pfaltzgraff clearance store 5 years ago. I bought 4 of them, and gave them away. They were .96!! Seriously!

All the PB purchases were from the outlet, and on sale. You know I won't buy it unless the price is LOW!

Fall brings a change in the menu too.

I was at the farm stand here and bought a very large head of red cabbage for $2.49. They go by the head, not the pound there.

I made sweet and sour red cabbage with apples. Here it is cooking in the pan.

I used a recipe from all recipes as a guide, but I didn't follow it closely. Are you surprised? :)

Brown onions in some butter, add chopped apples and saute. Add the cabbage, a handful of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and let cook down. I added a 1/4 cup of apricot liqueur as it simmered. I let it cook on low for about an hour. Much better than the kind in the jar! It was really good.

I served it with pork schnitzel, and baked buttered crumb noodles. Chunky applesauce on the side.

A good Fall dinner, and very economical too!

I hope you enjoyed your visit, do come back to see who wins! Thanks!

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday, Gollum for Foodie Friday, Sherry for Open House Thursday, and Diann for Thrifty Things Friday.

Happy Fall you all! Or as we say in New Yawk, Happy Fall youse guys! :)

One Hundred Days!

2011-09-14T13:37:00.001-07:00

Attention, Bloggers!

While you are sweating pulling out all your FALL finery, the clock is ticking! In 100 days, it will be CHRiSTMAS!

I remember when I was still teaching, the Kdgn teachers would have a 100 days celebration.

So to celebrate that there are 100 days till the BIG day, I present a little bit of Christmas! :)

I love plaid, so a little table featuring this cloth from CTS.

Same dishes, but just for 2 for an everyday dinner.

Another dinner for 2, salad plate by Mikassa.

Casual dinner for Santa and the Mrs.!

The red glass plate and red glass here are from Dollar Tree. Now is the time to keep our eyes open for these, they disappear fast. I got the 12 plates and bowls as well as the glasses. They are easily mixed and matched.

The centerpiece is a candle holder from my dear friend Gail, but I put a vase of Baby's Breath in it instead.

Ok, that's enough of the break from leaves and acorns and pumpkins and such!

Hope you didn't mind the diversion, 100 days will fly!

Fall will start here next week, and I won't be skipping from Halloween to Christmas, I promise!

For my foodie part, I made the brioche that Cathy at Wives with Knives made here.http://www.wiveswithknives.net/2011/06/13/the-simplest-brioche-a-classic-french-bread-even-i-can-make/

It made very good French toast.

My pan was much larger than hers, so mine isn't as high. I think I should have doubled the recipe.

I sliced some Granny Smith apples, sauteed them in butter, sugar and cinnamon, added some water and a splash of apricot brandy. I let it simmer , then poured it on top of the French Toast. So much better than pancake syrup!

And in keeping with the 100 days till Christmas theme, some red and green! Vertical Pear Salad with a honey drizzle., delicious and colorful. The directions can be found on my very first post in 2008!

Vertical Pear Salad
- 4 smooth skinned pears
- 2-3 cups water cress ..I used baby spinach-
1/2 cup toasted pecans used walnuts,
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese ..I used feta
- vinagrette dressing (your choice: raspberry vinagrette?.)
- honey
- lemon juice
- Cut pears horizontally into four slices each. Use a knife to cut out the cores so the pieces look like donuts. Leave the stem on the top piece. Brush lemon juice on each cut side of the pieces.
- Toss the pecans, blue cheese, water cress, and dressing until coated.
- Reassemble the pear, vertically, with the watercress salad in between each slice. Once assembled, Drizzle with honey.

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday, and Gollum for Foodie Friday and Yvonne for On the Menu Mondayy.

I was a very lucky winner of a the generous ML West give away, a $50 Amazon gift card. Thank you so much, ML!

To celebrate the arrival of Fall next week, I will be giving away one of these acorn pans from W Sonoma

and some of these Waverly napkin rings. Anyone who is a follower and leaves a comment will have a chance.

Please come back next for a chance at the give away!

I am also joining Saturday Evening Pot for the 100 days till Christmas Food Countdown. Check out the button on my sidebar. And of course, my shopping marathos buddy, The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday.

9/11/11 Ten Years and Millions of Tears

2011-09-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

I know we are all praying for those who lost loved ones on 9/11/01.

Seeing the pictures of the children this year who were born after their fathers were killed is emotional. I wonder about how many unborn babies were killed that day too. I am sure there were women who were pregnant killed that day. We will never know.

And so , on this beautiful September Sunday, I again post those who were killed in NY.

I know BJ at Sweet Nothings did her post on Todd Beamer and those killed in Pa. And another on the Pentagon and the many who were killed there.

May they all rest in peace, and may their loved ones find comfort.

God Bless America.

We will never forget... Please click, and as you scroll through their names, say a prayer.

And...hug your loved ones.

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday.

Apple Time & Amazon Gift Card Give Away!

2011-09-07T15:54:00.001-07:00

The gremlins have been here today. First, I tried to change my header and blogger wouldn't let me. So I was HEAD er less for awhile.

Then Live Writer was being difficult. BUT, finally, I shook it up and down and it worked! :)

Everyone who leaves a comment here today has a chance at a visit from the Fairy Hobmother.

Check out their site, www.appliancesonline.co.uk/blog/

I was the lucky one picked when I visited Joni's wonderful blog, Red Couch Recipes.

The Hobmother gave me a 50 dollar Amazon gift card!

So good luck to you, and do let me know if you are the winner!

It's apple picking time here on Long Island, and time to use my apple plates again!

Checked rim, green band, and a basket of apples in the middle!

They were purchased maybe 5 yrs ago at CTS in Rhode Island when I went to visit my friend. Service for 12, how much you ask?

$15.00! Not Spode , but cute for a yearly apple time table.

I used a deep green and white striped cloth. It is a heavy almost canvas cotton I got in WalMart a few years ago for a dollar a yard. I bought the bolt.

Rattan charger from Pfaltzgraff.com last summer, about 2.00 each, I used apple baskets, Michael's 50 cents, to hold the napkins, a dark green and a Vera apple motif napkin. I have had them for many years!

The red flatware is by Cambridge via CTS.

A green BEE glass and red glass mug by Aroroc for our apple cider, both from CTS.

Eaten apple scatters , and ceramic apple s and p's.

An apple basket for our bread...

and a wicker basket holds the crackers for our soup.

The centerpiece is a rustic cart filled with real apples, apple pics, and a few flowers. Apple red votives and apple name cards, and that's it!

Some fresh APPLE crisp would be good for dessert!

Or maybe some apples dipped in chocolate, caramel, and sprinkled with nuts.

Applelicious!

Ok, now it's your chance to win!

Go check out the Fairy Hobmother...http://www.appliancesonline.co.uk/blog/

Make a wish, leave a comment here, and good luck!

I am joining Susan BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday, Gollum for Foodie Friday, Diann for Thrifty Friday and Ann On Sutton Place for Open House Thursday.

Thank you, Ladies for hosting!

I haven't picked my gift from Amazon.com yet, but I am having fun narrowing it down!

I appreciate you stopping by, see you this weekend for Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescapers, and On the Menu Monday at Yvonne's Stone Gable.

Blue Skies, Thank the Lord!

2011-09-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

Last weekend at this time we were being smacked around by Irene. But, as I reported in my last post, we bid her good riddance with a funeral party!

Since she left town, the skies have been blue and the weather beautiful!

I took this shot from our beach.

My 4 gkids enjoying their last weekend before school begins Tuesday. I will miss having them out here at the beach. I don't see them that often once school begins and they go back to their home.

After a day of fun in the water, we attend Mass on the lawn.

Our very dear friend, just celebrated his anniversary of 50 years as a priest.

He has been there for us in the best of times and the worst, from the joy of Baptisms and weddings to the sorrow of funerals. He is truly a wonderful person.

During his vacation, he says Mass under the blue skies with the Bay breeze at his back.

The setting is very conducive to remembering to thank God for our blessings!

Here the "congregation" waits for Mass to start.

I will miss the days at the beach with the kids...

But come Tuesday, I will sit on the front porch with my coffee and newspaper, and be very happy I am retired and don't have to leave here during September. It is one of the most beautiful months in Southampton.

Some fresh blueberry apple muffins made by dh.

There are plenty, so please join me!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday, Stone Gable for On the Menu Monday, and Susan for Outdoor Wednesday.

Please come back for Tablescape Thursday. The Fairy Hobmother will be picking someone who leaves a comment to visit and deliver a gift card!

Thanks for visiting and have a good week!

A Funeral Party~ And the Fairy Hobmother

2011-08-31T16:33:00.001-07:00

She is dead...gone. And I couldn't be happier! She was a pain in the neck, disruptive, loud and downright mean, so she won't be missed. No one will grieve for her, but she caused A LOT of grief!

Good Riddance IRENE!!!

We are having a party to celebrate her demise.

I almost didn't post, but the power and phones are back!

One thing I learned, keep that land line. The cell phones required running the car to charge the battery, and it was hard to get a signal!

Some places ran out of gas, and needed electric to pump anyway.

It was a perfect time for the Fairy Hobmother to visit!

I was surprised when I was finally able to get back on line to see she had flown in!

I was gifted with a 50 dollar gift card to Amazon.com! That definitely cheered me up.

The Fairy Hobmother wants to gift you too!

I am waiting for next week's post as so many are still without internet service.

She will pick one person who comments on that post and pay a visit bearing gifts, so do come back! You could be the lucky winner! To make it more fun, when I get to 500 followers I will be doing a give away too!

Since it is till summer, and very summery I might add, I chose this floral tablecloth. I got it a few years ago on ebay, 3 of them from a party rental place. Very reasonable, and very colorful!

This pic is from a few years ago.

And here when my friend Susan, Savoring Time in the Kitchen, had a garden party.

Today...

Irene whipped the gardens, and the deer came to eat the roses, so I used a pot of impatiens, diamond frost and petunias for the centerpiece.

The dinner and soup are from Pottery Barn, and the salad is from Pfaltzgraff. I liked how the edges all had different textures.

Green flatware from World Market. Susan sent me some for my birthday and I completed the service for 12 afterwards.

Two place settings have a purple salad, 2 have yellow, as I only have 3 of each color. They came in a box of four colors, for 2.99 at CTS, but part of the Circle of Friends group from Pfaltzgraff.

The purple cabbage bowls are from my friend Marigene , In the Middle of Nowhere. We have been friends many years from a cooking forum, pre blogging. Marigene is a great baker, I wish she would share more of her baking with us!

The napkins are linen towels from a huge Trash to Treasure sale they used have out here over 25 yrs ago.

Monogrammed H L. Hobby Lobby? I wish they would come to NY!

I used a green beaded napkin ring from CTS, I think they were .25 cents!

The picket fence candle holders I bought 11 years ago, cheap!

The pink glassware is by Gorham purchased at the Lenox outlet.

Since this is a party, we must have some food!

First we'll have Hurricane Salad.

Use everything you have in the frig so it doesn't go bad from lack of power!

Shrimp, chicken, fresh pineapple, the works!

For dessert, Carrot Cup Cakes, because I had a huge bag of carrots I had peeled and grated in the freezer .

I made some double deckers...

And some regular.

I used this recipe as I couldn't find the one I usually make. It was pretty close!

Here.

I am joining LA for her End of Summer Party, although I will be resisting the push to do F'all Y'all , till late September!

Also, Susan for Tablescape Thursday, Gollum for Foodie Friday, Diann for Thrifty Friday, and Ann, On Sutton Place Open House Thursday.

Thanks for visiting, and do come back to see what I used my Fairy Hobmother gift card for, and a chance to win one yourself!

My prayers go out to all those suffering the aftermath of Irene, no power, floods, so much hardship.

I want to thank all of you who emailed to see if we were ok out here on the east end of Long Island. I was touched by your concern! I haven't been able to visit, oh did I tell you we had a Hurricane? :)

Will You BEE Joining Me?

2011-08-24T15:07:00.001-07:00

I hope so! It was a BEE utiful day, so I set a place for you out in the garden. We'll have Brunch.

The Bees are loving the Black Eyed Susan's!

The cloth is a piece of fabric I got for a dollar at Duralee.

I didn't hem it yet, I wasn't sure I would have enough to fit the table, but it did!

I used the bee yellow candle holder as a vase. The lines reminded me of a skep.

I filled it with white pee gee hydrangea and some yellow portulaca.

You can see the BEE on the glasses, which were from CTS as were the candle holders, 1.29.

Ruffled yellow charger, CTS, 1.69

Black and white Spode plate, from Savers. More info HERE.

Yellow cake/salad is by Pfaltzgraff , Circle of Friends pattern. They came 4 to a box, yellow, purple, pink and green. Less than a dollar each, pretty edge too!

Yellow Fiesta Flatware from Tues. Morning.

See how the bee's head pops up on the napkin ring?

Those were sent to me by sweet Diann at The Thrifty Groove. They were from CTS.

Solid yellow napkin with a polka dot to match the plate.

If you have Bees, you need birds, and these Salt and Peppers are from Pier One. They are similar to the ones from Target that flew throughout blogland when Susan did a special event with them. That was fun, something different than the same old, same old. We should do something like that again. Let's see, what is something most of us have and could have an adventure using?

I'll be thinking about it!

The yellow pitcher was my mom's. So are the Susan's. Before we sold her house, I dug some up to plant here. They are flourishing all over the berm in the left of the pic.

There's a gorgeous breeze today!

I will enjoy it. Yesterday the earthquake, and the weekend IRENE may hit Long Island. :(

I made individual cheese stratas for us.

They puff up so beautifully.

But it will deflate so you can dig in! I have to have ketchup on mine!

My friend A., The Tablescaper, posted my recipe last week. HERE

I would just add to make sure when you cover it and place in the frig overnight, push the plastic wrap down so that all the bread is submerged in the egg, cheese mixture.

It heats up well in the microwave the next day too.

Use ham, broccoli, whatever you like!

A little something sweet to have with our coffee...

Some BEE hive sugar cookies.

See the little BEE trying to get it? :)

Don't let it sting you!

Thanks for visiting!

I am joining

Susan for Tablescape Thursday

Open House at On Sutton Place

Diann for Thrifty Friday

Gollum for Foodie Friday

Summer's Not Over Till the Calendar Says So!

2011-08-17T16:19:00.001-07:00

You won't see any Autumn decor here. I am not pulling out those crisp Fall day recipes either! It's summer, and the kids don't go back to school here till the 7th. 19 more days to wear your flip flops and enjoy the season!

My table today was inspired by this cloth I got at the Duralee Outlet for $1.00, called Caribbean.

A bright plaid with orange, green, pink and yellow.

Yellow ceramic flip flops from CTS, last year.

The pineapple is the sign of welcome, so welcome to my back yard!

I had 3 of these food screens from CTS, so the table is set for 3.

Ruffled yellow charger, CTS, orange dinner, $ Tree, lime ruffled bowls, a gifts from my friend Karen, years ago.

Yellow napkin held by a big bright pink flower napkin ring. Diann at The Thrifty Groove sent me these and some other adorable napkin rings you will be seeing in the future!

Yellow flatware by Fiesta. I got it when The Tablescaper and I went shopping last time. It's from Tues. Morning and was 6.00 a place setting. Macy's is selling it for a lot more, A LOT!

Bright green hurricane, .39 cents from CTS, with a tall yellow candle inside.

Orange glasses from CTS, 90% off, were .22. And the orange pitcher is from WalMart a few years ago at the end of the summer, .50. I grabbed a bunch of them in different colors.

Lemon and Kiwi shaped candles, don't remember where I got them, years ago.

So put out your pumpkins and leaves if you must, but I will enjoy the big chunk of summer that is left! :)

All of these flowers came back from last year, they seeded themselves!

Since I had a pineapple, I made some chicken salad with bow ties and served it in the shell.

Chicken breasts baked and cut up, season, snow peas, bow tie pasta, onions, mayo, juice from the pineapple, and a shake of powdered mustard. Lots of fresh ground pepper , too!

A good summer lunch, or a side with something from the grill!

Thanks for visiting, be sure to go catch a wave before the F_ _ L season starts! :)

Look at those rosy cheeks and smile. He's my favorite youngest gson! :)

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday, Gollum for Foodie Friday. Diann at the Thrifty Groove, The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday, and Stone Gable for On the Menu Monday.

PS...

Some people have asked questions. If you have a "no reply blogger" address, I can't contact you.

Please check your settings . Thanks!

Those Boats Sail Again!

2011-08-15T20:31:00.001-07:00

In my last post I showed you pictures of the centerpieces I used for a community dinner dance.

Last Saturday night they set sail again for a neighborhood Covered Dish Supper.

This is one of my favorite covered dishes, from Villeroy and Boch scooped up at a great price at a sale.

I bought the blue and white fabric at the Duralee Outlet. I used 2.5 yds for each 6 ft table, so each cloth cost me 6.00. They are heavy weight fabric, and I am sure they will be used many times.

The sailboats were on clearance for .70 cents, and I filled them with hydrangea.

The cloth napkins and stainless flatware were tied in a blue ribbon.

Different shaped shell votives , also from Christmas Tree Shop were .80 cents and again, will be used for other parties.

There were over 80 adults and 15 children.

Three long tables held the salads, main dishes and desserts . Each family was asked to bring a main dish enough to feed their group plus 3, and a salad or dessert. There was plenty of food!

A fresh pear cake...

Pork Fried Rice

The way I make it is similar to the recipe in the newest Rachel Ray magazine. She used pulled pork in hers, I use a loin of pork cut into chunks. We like more pork than rice!

Here's another of hers,but I don't use ginger or peppers.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/special-fried-rice-recipe/index.html

Dh made a pot of his famous chili, and I made a pot of New England Clam Chowder too.

A wonderful summer evening in a very special place!

Thanks for visiting!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Stone Gable for What's on the Menu Monday

Happier than a pig in Mud for the Celebrity Cookoff

Marty for Tabletop Tuesday

Sailing into August and Sale ing!

2011-08-03T18:58:00.001-07:00

July flew by! Last weekend I chaired a dinner dance for the beach community where I live.

I found these sailboats on clearance at Christmas Tree Shops. And metamorphed them into centerpieces.

I filled them with oasis and stuffed hydrangeas from my garden in them.

I got 8 of them, just what I needed for the tables.

Set on a mirror with shells scattered, they were perfect. I used washable marker for the table number, so I can use them again.

A scallop shell held sea blue kisses for the guests.

The cost of the centerpieces? .70 cents! I think that qualifies for Thrifty!

These are some of the other items I got for 90 % off the other day at CTS.

The polka dot casseroles were .59, the larger blue was .99. They were all in perfect condition.

The white ribbed rectangular were .20, the apple casseroles were .29 and .39.

Glass compotes were NINE cents. I had 4 so added 2 more.

Orange glasses .22, candle holders .39, covered ramekins .16. The large aqua hurricane was 1.29!

Last night a group of us had an anniversary party for dear friends. I was assigned desserts.

The wedding cake...

I did half with chocolate filling, half cherry and iced with whipped cream.

Chocolate cake, filled with chocolate and iced in chocolate. A votive serves as a vase for the flowers.

I made a Lemon Pound cake in the Heritage Pan, and served it with blueberry sauce. Forgot to take a pic, but I will be making it again soon.

And a simple plum cake for those who like something lighter.

Dh is enjoying some of the leftovers tonight!

Thanks for stopping by!

I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday, Gollum for Foodie Friday. Diann for Thrifty Tablescape, The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday and Yvonne at Stone Gable for On the menu Monday.

I am also joining Marty for Tabletop Tuesday.

My thanks to all the hostesses!

Aqua Paisley

2011-07-28T07:46:00.001-07:00

These are the dishes I picked up on clearance in HG. by Cynthia Rowley. The Tablescaper passed them by as there were only 4, but she bought similar in black in a larger number!

Come sit down on my new cushions. They match the dishes, who knew! :)

I was going to make new cushions, bought the foam and fabric a few years ago, but the spirit hasn't moved me. These were on sale at Improvements.com, and I am pleased with them.

The centerpiece is a hurricane I got for 90% off at The Christmas Tree Shop. I lucked out big time. It was 1.29!

The candle was 20, not really, but it was more than the hurricane! :)

I'll show you the rest of the haul in my Sunday's post, so if you a bargain hunter, do come back. 90 off! I was in heaven!

Salt and peppers, CTS, .50 each, and the aqua stems are very old.

I used cordial glasses for a white hydrangea bloom at each place, and aqua scatters from the clearance at Michael's.

I used placemats as chargers, loved the edges. They were .39 each, seriously, CTS!

The serving bowl is from HG clearance, 2.00

I used porcelain oyster shells from WSonoma outlet as a butter plate. White linen napkins tied with aqua ribbon, and my everyday stainless from Dansk.

Something light for these warm summer evenings.

A flour tortilla crisped in a ruffled bowl, filled with shredded lettuce, red onion, sliced tomato, chicken cutlets cut into strips and fried. Top with feta, bacon and your favorite dressing.

I hope you are enjoying summer!

The peegee hydrangea have joined the mopheads and lace caps...

Thanks for visiting! I am joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday, Gollum for Foodie Friday, Sherry at No Minimalist Here, and Diann for Thrifty Things Friday.

Lunch on the Water

2011-07-25T18:48:00.001-07:00

Last week, it was brutally hot. Even here on the east end of the island, the humidity was wicked!

We have had a break in the heat, and I hope you have too!

I met my dear friend in Hampton Bays for lunch. We opted to sit in the tiny room inside, there was a wait for a table outside.

It was cooler inside, but with the door open, the flies were annoying. Can you tell I never wanted to go camping? :)

This is the Shinnecock Canal. You have to cross over this to get to the Eastern end of LI where I live. You can see the bridge in the first picture.

The restaurant is called The Canal Cafe, how clever!

I had read the reviews before I went, and some diners mentioned plastic utensils.

Umm, no. I don't like plastic, so I brought utensils for the two of us. The waitress got a kick out of that. She explained that being on the canal they were limited in their pump out, and paper products saved lots of water.

I had a shrimp sandwich and my friend had fish and chips. I know people who have had their lobster salad sandwiches at $22.00 . They said they were great! Maybe I will go for that next time, on a cooler day and sit outside.

I wanted to join Yvonne for On the Menu Monday, so keeping with a nautical theme, I bought these...

and made this.

Chicken Salad in a boat of lettuce, celery and carrots.

I roasted seasoned chicken breasts and cut it into chunks. Add a splash of oj, powdered mustard, chopped onions and celery, mayo, s and p and some parsley.

Serve it in a boat (from CTS) of lettuce, carrots, etc, and give it a pickle slice eye.

Hope you are staying cool!

Thanks for stopping by. I am also joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday, albeit, late!

Hydrangea Lunch & Ricotta Cupcake Recipe

2011-07-20T17:14:00.001-07:00

I had planned to do a table with some new dishes I picked up when I went on a shopping marathon with The Tablescaper last week. I left here at 10:30 and got back around that time that night! We worked in cut and color , lunch and bargained our way through HG, WS/PB Outlet, Pier One, TJMaxx, BB&B and Kmart. We left no dish unturned!

BUT, some of my hydrangea were hanging over due to a storm the other night, and needed to be cut.

Please join me for lunch on the deck. There is a little breeze, and we are in the shade.

A wicker basket overflowing with hydrangea is the centerpiece.

Blue tablecloth, lavender mat, green swirl flatware. All from CTS.

The hydrangea plates are from CTS.

The stemware is from HG.

The last of the lilies in the background.

The ceramic napkin rings are from Villeroy and Boch and the napkins are from Dansk. They had some stains on them so I bleached them and dyed them lavender. They are a good size, so it was worth a try! They were trimmed in multicolor , but they came out fine.

In my last post I promised the recipe for the Ricotta Cupcakes with blueberry sauce.

You can see that a buttery crust is pressed into a cupcake pan, then filled with the ricotta mixture. The blueberry sauce recipe is here.

If you try them, I hope you enjoy them. Dh did. I really think the sauce makes them!

Cake part:

3/4 unsalted butter

1 c sugar

2 lg eggs lightly beaten

1 1/2 t vanilla

3 1/2 c flour

1 t baking powder

1/2 t salt

freshly grated nutmeg, I use cinnamon

Filling

3 lbs whole milk ricotta

1 C sugar

4 lg eggs beaten lightly

1 3/4 t cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 . Cream butter, add sugar and beat till fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time.

Dough

Sift dry ingredients, add to butter mixture in 4 additions.

Cover loosely and chill.

When it is chilled pinch off walnut sized pieces and roll into 3 in rounds. ( I flattened them with my hand and pushed into greased muffin tin)

Now spoon the mixture into the cups and bake for 30 mins.

Let cool in the tins for 15 min. Remove and cool thoroughly.

Makes about 36.

(I halved the recipe) The recipe is from 10 yrs ago from a newspaper.

I hope you are staying cool, and enjoying the flowers!

I am linking up with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday, Gollum for Foodie Friday, Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Thursday, (Sherry is showing us her beautiful beach house in Fla she has for sale, go take a look!)and Diann at The Thrifty Grove.

Thanks for visiting, see you Sunday!

Ice Cream and Ricotta Cupcakes with Blueberry Sauce

2011-07-17T18:36:00.001-07:00

Summer is flying! I know some of you Southerners are tired of it, the heat starts so much earlier for you. School here ends the end of June, so it is still new for us!

My friend Suzy at Kitchen Bouquets is hosting her annual ice cream party. Also, La is hosting an ice cream party!

Last year I made the oreo cake and filled it with vanilla ice cream.

The year before that, Cherry Vanilla.

A chocolate chip cookie pop goes with a bowl of ice cream too!

I did make something new today. Ricotta cupcakes with blueberry sauce.

Here they are without the sauce.

The sauce is delicious ! Recipe HERE.

We haven't had the cake yet, so I will let you know next post.

In the mean time, stay cool!

My keyboard is acting up so my visits consist of one word comments! Forgive me!

I am joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday, Suzy at Kitchen Bouquet, and La for their Ice Cream Parties!

Also, Yvonne at Stone Gable for On the Menu Monday!