Tuesday, May 22, 2012

House guests buffet and fruit pizza recipe

 Last weekend we hosted 4 college students who were on their way back to New Mexico from a conference in Florida. They came in late Saturday night, took showers, slept and ate breakfast with us Sunday morning before going to church with us.
I made a breakfast casserole Saturday night and cinnamon rolls Sunday morning. The breakfast casserole just needed to be warmed up, so I put it on the top rack while I was baking the cinnamon rolls. I also used the serving bowl for fresh cut pineapple and strawberries. 
I set out plates, forks and paper napkins...they are college boys! I had glasses for juice or water and set up coffee cups next to the pot for easy service.
 Sunday afternoon, our community group had a potluck party for the end of the year. I made black bean salad again because it was requested:) and a fruit pizza. I used a box mix of sugar cookie dough. I would recommend two boxes...it took a lot of stretching to get this to the corners! 
I made coconut cream cheese buttercream icing.  I looked online for recipes, but tweeked it a bit.
1 stick of softened butter
1 block of softened cream cheese
1/2 cup coconut oil

Cream these together. Add powdered sugar (I used about 2 1/2 cups). Add 2 tsp vanilla and spread all over the cooled cookie. Top with fruit and refrigerate before serving. 


I left it on the cookie sheet instead of cutting them up since I was going to someone's house.
Here are some recipes I looked at
It was heavenly. I used some of the pineapple and strawberries from breakfast and added blackberries for more color. It was a huge hit!!
Sorry, I didn't join in on the blogging parties last week. My boys and I were sick with an awful stomach bug, then I got a sore throat and a horrific allergy attack. It was the pits!!! But the boys are well and Mommy is on the mend:)
  I'm joining 
Enjoy


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

This teapot and platter is on display in her dining room.
In honor of my mom and all the moms I know out there...
Here are some pictures that remind me of my mom. 
You've probably seen some of them. 
I have too much on my plate this week, so  I hope you enjoy!
Her floral Bavarian plates and Limoges Butterfly
 She went above and beyond with this beautiful cake for my birthday!
 My mom really exemplifies unconditional love. 
She is generous, she is kind, she is smart, she is wise, she is caring, nurturing, loving and she will always be one of my best friends.
In each of these pictures, she has gifted 
or lent me something without a return date.
I remember in high school, my brother's friends would eat dinner with us, even if he wasn't home. 
I learned how to set an inviting table from her. 
It didn't have to be fancy, but the guests should always feel welcome and special.  
My mom let me help her in the kitchen at an early age and always encouraged me to enjoy it.
 She gave me this teapot, platter and matching serving bowls when she knew I was collecting the pattern. 
 Regency White is the pattern she has from my grandmother. She gave me these spoons from her mother.  
 Her wedding crystal
 She helped me collect these wine glasses from Marshall's the first year I was married.
 She brought me this sugar bowl from Russia.
 The Mason Ironstone is on display in her china cabinet. It was my great grandmother's. 
 She gifted me with a set for 12 of Italian Countryside.
 She helped me collect these snowman plates and mugs years ago. 
 Her Spode Wickerdale belonged to my grandmother.
Thanks, Mom! I love you dearly!

I'm sharing with

Happy Mother's Day to you!!!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Strawberry Balsamic Preserves

My oldest is in a 2 day a week Kids Day Out program and this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. I made Strawberry Balsamic Preserves to give to them with some homemade scones...if I can get them made tomorrow! This recipe made 2 pint jars and one tiny jar. I'll probably double the recipe the next time. The flavor was excellent. I'll let you know when we open the small jar how the consistency is.
 I found these labels here and just added balsamic to the label. It doesn't take a lot to make a really cute gift on a budget. I'm a maker. I've made most of the gifts for Adrian's teachers...Christmas sweets, Valentine cookies, and now preserves. 
I plan on making Vanilla Sugar for Christmas gifts from Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm. 
A friend of mine made it for me one Christmas when I hosted a cookie exchange. I think Vanilla Sugar and a pound of great coffee or tea would be a sweet gift. You could even include a pretty mug or cup and saucer.

 I also picked some tomatoes...you can see where I have to fight with birds picking at them... My "teacher"--my boot camp instructor is a friend I've known since grade school. She has lupus and eats a strict vegan diet. I plan on giving her some homegrown tomatoes, serranos, onions, cilantro and other fresh herbs.


I'm joining 
Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday
Rattlebridge Farm for Foodie Friday



Wednesday, May 2, 2012

A birthday gift from my mom


 Yesterday was my birthday and my sweet mom had been saving this gift for me...it's a Russian shawl, but she said, "I thought it would look good on your table!" She's right. It is beautiful!
I paired it with classic blue and white...
Churchill Blue Willow atop dark rattan chargers
Blue Danube luncheon plates and cups & saucers
Churchill Blue Willow tea set
Blue rimmed wine stems & clear water goblets
my grandmother's silver
White linens in blue and white Russian napkin rings

Thanks, Mom! You know me so well!


I'm joining 






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