Cathy and Ann's Chocolate Meringue Cookies~Ooh lala!

It's true what they say:) ..
Well Ann and Cathy..and etc:) When I saw these on Cathy's blog~Wives With Knives..
I knew I would make these
 
 Then Ann from Thibault's Table made them..

 

 And it was Father's Day weekend and I knew I could bring them to my daughter's with Butter Brickle:)

So..I made them~
 So good~ My family loved them at father's Day~ It was so cute seeing 6 kids enjoying them ad the adults too..It was pre-dessert..Thank you ladies.. And Thanks to Cathy and TCSF and Ann..here is the recipe:

 Chewy Chocolate Meringue Cookies
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
 1/4 teaspoon salt
 2-1/2 cups chocolate chips
 4 egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
optional ingredients: dried cranberries, dried cherries, toffee bits
 Instructions
Position 2 racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix sugar, cocoa and salt in a bowl. Stir in chocolate chips. Add egg whites and vanilla; mix with a fork or electric mixer on medium until batter is just moistened. (Do not overbeat or batter will stiffen.) Drop batter by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets in evenly spaced mounds. Bake cookies until tops are lightly cracked and glossy, about 15 minutes. Cool briefly, then carefully remove from parchment paper with a spatula. Cookies may be soft and fragile so proceed carefully to lift cookies and place them on racks to cool. Do not wait too long to remove them from baking sheets, for they will stick, even to parchment paper. Repeat with remaining batter. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
 Notes Chris’s notes: ~ I found that slightly rounded teaspoons of batter work best. I tried making bigger ones and they did not bake as nicely. Also, make sure to leave plenty of room around each one as they will spread. ~ When I made these cookies I found, through trial and error, that if I lightly buttered the parchment paper, then left the cookies right on the paper till they were cool there was no problem removing them. ~ I tried them with 2 cups of chocolate chips and a cup of roughy chopped dried cherries – fabulous! I also tried them with 2 cups of chocolate chips and 1 cup of toffee bits, even better!!
My Notes.. I did everything they said:) But just chocolate chips. And I had no trouble removing them slightly cooled from buttered parchment~ So easy and quick to make.. Jacques had 1 before we went..and said I'll just have another.That's always a good sign~

Heartbeats~

The Serviceberry  was in bloom in May..~My favorite~A Mother's Day gift 7 yrs ago..when our youngest was expecting Lucas..to commemorate his birth~You see it as you drive up right away..and on a clear day..the white against the blue is heavenly~ If ever we move..I must have this one moved with us~:)

I played and added the little hearts..to my beloved Serviceberry.I am truly in love with a few of our trees~

.. had some time recently at home..with miserable weather and some fabric that was wanting to be put to use.The weather graced us..  after a spell..with those brilliant blue skies ..and warmth in the 80's~  90's..and almost 100!I enjoy making small things.using my sewing machine..printer etc.. These are as simple as printing favorite ephemera ..(Graphic's Fairy,Etsy etc..)adding some burlap..and stitching onto little hearts you fill with fiberfill.. Add some cord..or ribbon,diamonds..feathers and le tour est joué.

I had a basket full..w/ recipients in mind.. very few left:) Good ...I can make more one day. It makes the day..so pleasurable and peaceful.to be using your hands .

From The Heart~

Another thing I hearted recently was this movie..I had read the book and really enjoyed it but it was quite a while ago..Many times the movie is not as good as the book to me..But I really liked this one..so surprised the rating is so low.Laotongs..are a marvel to me..what beautiful enduring friendships.

Having never known my blood sister..this contract bound sisterhood..w/ true sentiment..enchanted me.

I  have never been one for confrontation..this relationship..(s)  works  in my heart for me.

Chatelaine's Buttermilk Rhubarb Tea Cake~

This is a lovely little tea cake~ And a cinch to make~
 Here is the recipe courtesy of one of my favorite magazines~
 Ingredients
 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
 1 tsp baking soda
 1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup brown sugar
 1/2 cup buttermilk
 1/4 cup vegetable oil
 1 tsp vanilla
 2 cups chopped rhubarb
1/2 cup chopped pecans
FOR GLAZE:
1 cup sifted icing sugar
4 to 5 tsp lemon juice
 Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly spray bottom of an 8 × 4-in. loaf pan. Stir flour with baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Whisk egg with brown sugar, buttermilk, oil and vanilla in large bowl, then stir in flour mixture. Add rhubarb and pecans and stir just until combined. Scrape batter into prepared pan. Bake in centre of oven until a cake tester inserted in centre of loaf comes out clean, 70 to 75 min. Transfer to a rack to cool in pan for 10 min. Stir icing sugar with lemon juice in a small bowl, adding juice 1 tsp at a time until thick and smooth. Drizzle glaze over warm loaf, letting it run down the sides. Substitution Tip: You can use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh - just thaw it completely before adding. Stosage Tip: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to a month.
 Enjoy~

PS My notes..I only had tiny rhubarb..so my pieces are small and I used less that 2 cups..not much but less..I also put a foil on top of my tea cake 3/4 through to avoid  browning the top too much.
I also did my mise en page as Chatelaine suggested.We had our little grandson over so I took the op.while outside to paint a tv table a similar color they recommended..and used a similar plate..It was fun to try..Now I wished I had kept

the whole set of old 4 vintage tv tables to paint 4:)
Ollie painted a flour pot..I would post his adorable efforts but it was so warm and he had no shirt on..:)

Not too sure about the net and topless:)~
His tummy had blue..he then started painting his pool..So nana said:" let's swing! "

Journals~

Did I tell you I enjoy these? I used Graphic's Fairy image..How great is she to share all her "Treasures" with us.?I have had so much pleasure working w/ her ephemera. Anyways..This journal making is..addictive..in a good way~ I have finished my package of Avery paper that is supposed to feel like fabric.I find it stiff and will return to the freezer paper method printing on fabric.. The design is not always as clean and sharp..and the fabric doesn't hold as well..but I like the softness..The Parisien graphic is done w/ fabric. Next one..will be with fabric..I'll let you know which is better. Have a great weekend~ It's a long one here.

I am saving this one for a special occasion..what I mean is a special person..You have to be a little introspective and romantic..or sentimental.
Par la suite j'ai su pour qui~

~Pretties~

And in the garden..~ In the Kitchen~ I love my daughter's little Zinnias..I picked one on our way home the other night:) I love my friend's potager.. And her zucchini blossoms.. I read up on them and you should only harvest males~ She told me to go ahead. I love my friends forward of a cute little blossom topped quiche..But made my own..It's the look and idea I loved..That little topper:) I was worried I could create an ugly duckling in 1/2 hr.. but a swan emerged:) A treat to make and eat~ So in a less than 30 minute meal:) Well part of meal.. I softened 1/2 a shallot in 1 tbsp melted butter on low heat.. I beat 2 eggs w/ a whisk..added 1/4 cup half and half..1/8 cup pecorino ..1/4 cup mozzarella,the softened shallot..some finely chopped Jacques basil,, some finely chopped Nancy Zucchini Blossoms..Herbes de Provence,S and P. I prepared 5 layer Phyllo dough in 4 muffin tins.. and added the mixture.. I baked at 375 for 10 minutes..and then 11 minutes at 350. Once out..make a small hole and fit the blossoms on top:) C'est tout! Will make again~

La Vie En Rose~ Mais,des Pivoines~

Love The Peonies and Climbing Hydrangeas right now..Their scents are heavenly~ Perfumes are the feelings of flowers. ~Heinrich Heine The little cache-pot I made ..w/ the organza flower..and pink ribbon..turned out to be the perfect cache-pot for peonies~ This one was made w/ transfer medium~ Have a great La Vie En Rose Week~ Ahhh..if we could only see the world like this ..every day!~ PS Not sure if I bought this Ephemera on Etsy.or if it is from one of the best if not the best resource for gracious Ephemera online..Karen.. And if only I could get my paragraphs organized like before:)

Most of you pinned these~ As I did ♥

Well if you have not tried..I am here to tell you they work:) I used EVOO and a touch of butter and Rosemary for my first try~ I had to try..too pretty in the Pinner's pic:) If you go on my Pinterest you will find the link~ I plan on trying different herbs..and trays.. So nice to have these handy..toss in your fave pasta dish:)And how very pretty.. Pretty makes me want to be w/ ings. in the kitchen.. Or Anthony Bourdain's voice.. Tonight I tossed 2 hearts in a fresh tomato sauce..That I prepared to put on our friend's recipe of Eggplant Parmigiana..served w/ a side of Mini Gnocchis..So good..they introduced us to those also~ These are just so right. I love Pinterest:) Bon Weekend..and Happy Father's Day to all the dads~x

Some fairy nice blues dans mon jardin~~

The bees are enchanting me along with all the blues..You know..they never object to being photoe'd..they are gentle and sweet~ The baptisias are some of my favorite blue perennials..I just wished they lasted a touch longer~ Ok a lot longer~ They develop into large clumps that stand like focal points in the garden~ Many other blues are loving the Baptisias also..How lucky to have had these Iris blooming nearby~ A marriage made in heaven~ Have I mentioned I love blue in the garden? and so do the fairies:)♥ All the blues are fun to try and paint different ways~ The lavender ..is a photo I took a while back and one of the photos Fifi featured in Romantic Prairie Style Magazine..Seeing it in print.. was a lovely experience for me.A little keeper moment~ It seems like 100 years ago that I made this cookie for Fifi.. It has nothing to do with the magazine..But to me ..way back then..yrs ago..it was Fifi..and it still is:) Savor the moments...The Keeper Moments. My blues will soon be a thing of the past..so I am sharing them now in case anyone is looking for blue suggestions for their garden..~

Making Little Art Journals~

I wanted a special art journal and could not find one..Even on Etsy..I wanted special paper ..paper from my youth:) Yellowed.. I came upon a YouTube tutorial and thought I would share with you..

I have a journal fetish/love.. This tutorial is fun and the possibilities are endless..I can see adding ephemera..etc.. For my first try I used a pair of jeans I bought a few yrs ago that I have worn once.. the fit was never right.. and there was a stain so I could not donate them.. I added a few buttons.. and a snap for a sure close under the button.. I wanted to thank the YouTube poster and could not leave a comment~ Thank you..as well as the small Art Journal Tag..It is from Astrid's:) Here is the tutorial.. Hope you enjoy..I did~ They are so much fun to make..The jean one shown above took 1/2 hr max. I hemmed my edges.. You can add photos with Iron Papers or the freezer paper/printer method..beads..embroidery.You can make journals for simply writing and not drawing or painting. Enjoy~ You know..I knew I had created a tiny monster..My friend sent me a long lost photo of her maman..I was taken aback by the old world charm of it..and I know she misses her mom..like I do..I don't know anyone else in my life that misses her mom the way I do..She lost her mom shortly after I met her.. I made this little journal for her~ Isn't she beautiful? I love making these:)

Small things that made me smile this week~

That divine bread many of us PINNED on Pinterest~ I loved making it..and even taking a bite out of it..Just beautiful! It can be found here..~ I drive a Fiat..plain perla white..and I love it..But when I saw this one..albeit .. just been scratched..I smiled..I am too old for the eyelashes..but it suited this young girl so much! My yellow tree peony~ Robin's eggs..(Older than lately) My angel wings in the garden framed by my very invasive ground cover..:) and :(.. My pond lettuce before something ate it.. My Blue basket in the birdhouse planter Jacques made~ My first to bloom Iris..NBF Iris.That's just a special name for it. And of course the white bleeding hearts! Here is the recipe for that beautiful Cinnamon bread~\Courtesy of Here~ Thank you! Dough 300 g flour (2 cups) 1/2 tsp salt 120 ml lukewarm milk (1/2 cup) 15 g fresh yeast (0,6 OZ fresh yeast or 1 envelope active dry yeast) 30 g melted butter (1/8 cup) 1 egg yolk 1 tbsp sugar Filling: 50 g softened butter (1/4 cup) 4-5 tbsp sugar 3 tsp cinnamon Method: Mix the yeast and sugar with the lukewarm milk and let it sit a few minutes while the yeast bubbles and foams up. Add the egg yolk, the melted butter, the flour and the salt, then knead the dough and shape into a ball. Place the dough in a large, greased bowl, then cover and place in a warm space and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Preheat oven to 200°C (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Dust your work surface with flour, and roll the dough out to a thickness of 1cm. Spread the melted butter across all of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Roll up the dough, and using a knife, cut the log in half length-wise. Twist the two halves together, keeping the open layers exposed as described in the photo tutorial. Give a round shape, then transfer to a baking tray (buttered or covered with cookie sheet). Top the remaining butter and sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350 degrees Fahrenheit) after 5-10 minutes to stop it burning. Top with icing sugar mixed with water if you want, just sprinkle some sugar, or eat it like this, because it's delicious, i'm telling you ! :) My Notes.. I started this bread one morning and had to rush out.. I came home and it had not risen..it was chilly here that day.. The ings are not that $$..I started over..I am relentless when I want to make something this pretty.. I used a different yeast and let it rise in the micro w/ warm water. I went to see a friend.. and really should have left it rise longer..I felt rushed when I came home.. I will make this again and again..It's lovely! Enjoy~ And if my paragraphs don't start forming I will break down and publicly cry. What is the secret!!??

Notes yet again:) I have made the bread.. two more times again..letting it rise longer..it didn't reach the height I thought..the next time I let it rise a second time..not a good idea:) Do as she says..I will however try and make mine a bit moister somehow...Not sure how long to knead..I guess any really good sweet bread cinnamon of course or poppy seed.. could work..Just need the perfect one for our tastes..a bit softer. So we loved it...I just need it softer ~Any ideas?Cuase her recipe is just right.It's for miss picky here.

Teacup Cupcakes~

Sweet little things~

My daughter recently gave me these adorable little silicone teacup molds..along with the darling Matryoshkas measuring cups and spoons.. we all knew a little blog post would ensue..:)
I used a chocolate cupcake recipe that came all printed up on a very pretty tea towel that will not see the light as a tea towel yet:)Like saving a great dress..or pj:)

But you can use any cupcake recipe you like..

and any icing you like..Mine happened to come out of a tub:) I keep one on hand if I bake with the boys..It seems to be their favorite icing..I can't compete with it~
The silicone molds work very well..even my husband said they are so cute:)

My daughter was having a little girl over..Ava..as a playdate for Max..so I made pirates for the boys and brought a teacup for Ava w/ a magic wand:)

I wish I had brought my camera,as Ava was wearing a cupcake t-shirt..PINK:) 4 yrs old..Cuties all of them..

As I said..you can use any recipe..the molds are oven safe,not the saucers..

It's funny..as I had liked them at Jacqueline's Purple Chocolate Home~..but no one in my family knew that..they know me though:)~And so do sweet blogging friends~

Deliciousness~ Scallops~

Friends had us for dinner a little while ago and made The Early Summer LCBO Food and Drink Scallops~ We were hooked..and I have made them twice since..Soon the recipe will be online..the magazine is so beautiful..some of the best food photography around~Until the recipe is posted..I made do for you by scanning~

They are wonderful chefs~They served us 3..I did 2 for us...but 3 is better!:) And we will make these again and again~ La Recette courtesy of F and D and D and N:)

You won't go wrong.. They are perfect! I bought the biggest scallops I could find at Costco because we like their fish etc,but next time I will pick them fresh individually at the store of choice..Better to have all uniform sizes.. in the past we have been lucky at Costco for the scallops.. this time..the huge scallops were maybe 4 in the bag:( the rest? Quite ordinary in size~. Buy the best and biggest and freshest you can find~

Soul Food # 131~

These are a few of my favorite things~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fifi's heart~An old cemetery marker~ Special pillows:) Whiteware w/ words.. Starfish~ Certain Porcelain dolls..and real ones:) Tea Forte~ Crabtree and Evelyn Duo la Source..you have to try it to KNOW..Heaven. Childhood photos ...very few do I have..but..I love my innocence..and a real smile~Special tags from Texas~ Wine from our trip to Provence..where A Good Year was made:)LOVED that movie. Old frames.. my grandfather's. Flower pots w/ words..(Words again:) ) My mom's Nelson book collection~ All my favorites.. Imagine my delight.. I gave 2 of my dolls to my friend who has the cutest grand daughter ever..She is Italian..and English and French..Tri ~lingual at 4..and Bella! Anyway...Bella is not yet ready for porcelain dolls.. look who found them....Glad someone appreciates them:)My friend sent me this photo of their doggie... A smile for you..

Made me smile:) That's Ben..:)

Candied Violets~Violas~

I bought the Jardin sign for my friend who single handedly is creating a verger..and a potager~ I am beyond impressed:)

I liked the little sign so much I took photos before offering it to her.. I added more of my favorite things~ Violas~ My Mother's Favorite Books~ And My Maman. Not in order of importance:) AS the last would be first.. I sugared some violets..in hopes of adorning a light dessert for my husband~ It is easy to candy violets~ Look them up on Google:) You can make a mix of egg white and water..and brush on..then simply scatter fine granulated sugar on top.. I lay mine on wax paper and turn over occasionally..until dry.. If you fear egg whites..you can..simply follow step 2.. Old fashioned egg-white version: Violet flowers, at least 20 in excellent condition with stems still attached, untreated with chemicals 1 egg white Caster/fine sugar Sugar and water version (no egg-white): Violet flowers, at least 20 in excellent condition with stems still attached, untreated with chemicals 1/2 cup water 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 tsp almond extract or 1 tsp rosewater (optional) Caster/fine sugar (to sprinkle) I have a pesticide free garden..so I have no worries re my flowers.I grow a lot of edible blooms because I find them beautiful.Topping a salad..decorating a dish.. in ice cubes.. the possibilities are endless~ Calendula,roses,lavender,nasturtiums..etc... The complete instructions can be found HERE~ I think end of May..June is the most glorious time in the garden..

Everything amazes me..Every Day~ Because it changes every single day~ What a great gift from nature gardens are.

We lived in the city when I was little and there were a few of these Bridal Wreath Spireas around,my chubby little hands would gather several clusters tightly to make a bouquet for my mom..I still remember and had to have some here..They are flowering abundantly right now and with the rain we had..they are bowing to the sun~ In appreciation I am sure~For me. In an early Spring garden I like to have; Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths Forget-Me -Nots Violas Ajuga Lily -Of TheValley Bleeding Hearts Columbines Ferns Hostas Johnson's Blue Geraniums Flowering trees such as Lilacs,Crabapples,Serviceberries. Vinca Muscari Scilla Anemone Magnolia. I am certain I am forgetting some..but these have bloomed here so far.. At the moment my favorites are The Korean Lilacs..Beautiful..lush ,full.Not like regular lilac trees.

~The Fairy Hobmother~

Scilla and Cornflower are whispering a little secret in their compound~

The secret ..is all about the Fairy Hobmother~ I had heard of The Fairy..but The Fairy Hobmother had never visited me..I guess The Fairy Hobmother never knew how fond I am of Fairies~:)

I am:) The Fairy Hobmother.. visits you on your blog..and offers you a hostess gift of a gift certificate at Amazon. I think that's quite gracious and nice..and I accepted.. If you would like to have the Fairy Hobmother visit you..all you need do is leave a comment and maybe the Fairy will pick you..you just never know!

I am spending much more time gardening..

Than baking these days..so will be sharing more gardens and crafts than food perhaps.. So keep your fingers crossed..and you too may get a visit from The Fairy Hobmother..The visit will bring a smile to your face:)

Makes you feel like a child:) The Fairy Hobmother~ Thanks Again~

Cookies that little boys say: "These are so good"~

 

If there's a puddle..Ollie will find it..Love this Goodie One Shoe shot.It was once a nickname of mine..but ..I find it suits Poodle so much more~x All the little boys we have really really liked these so I thought I would share~

I had first spotted them..a variation thereof..in my daughter's Food Network Magazine.. Monster cookies they were called.. I knew Lucas hates nuts..and always asks if my baking has nuts..so I omitted them..and omitted the glaze . I just used melted milk chocolate chips as the glaze. Winners here with little boys~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ La Recette: Ingredients For the Cookies: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups quick-cooking oats 1 1/4 cups crispy rice cereal 1 cup milk chocolate chips 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans(I omitted) 1 cup miniature marshmallows For the Topping: (I just melted milk chocolate chips) 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows 2 1/2 teaspoons half-and-half Pinch of cayenne pepper 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans Directions Make the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and both sugars with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time on medium speed, then beat in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until combined. Stir the oats, cereal, chocolate chips, pecans and marshmallows into the dough with a wooden spoon. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 3 inches apart. Bake the cookies in batches until golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cookies rest on sheet pans to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Transfer to racks to cool. Make the topping: Combine the chocolate chips, marshmallows, half-and-half and cayenne pepper in a saucepan over medium heat; cook, stirring, until the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the pecans. Drizzle the mixture over the cookies and let set, about 4 hours. Remembering the Cape this time of year~ And all the little boys are going with their families this year~

The cookies would be great in a Cape picnic:)

Gardening~ Enchantment~

This time of year the seas of Forget-Me-Nots wave through our gardens..I miss them so when they disappear~ They are so harmonious with the prevalent whites of May~ The lilac tree that was here when we moved here..as well as the masses of Lily-Of- The Valley,and delicate violas.. The latter 2 are invasive,but I would not appreciate May as much without them. The other white I favor in May is the Amélanchier~ Serviceberry~ It was given to us as a toddler tree when our daughter was expecting our first grandchild ..The kids got together and offered the serviceberry to me for Mother's Day..It's grown to be a sight for sore eyes..where does that expression come from? Because that tree..makes my eyes happy,as well as my soul.. I made some hearts recently..I'll share..and the tree will be there too:) Enchantment..can be so many things.. even whites in a May Garden~

Soul Food #130~For the long weekend here~

On my tabletop Mary E calendar May 17th had this: "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful~ For beauty is God's handwriting~"

Linda's Biscuits~And Marie's Tea Party Cookbook~

My friend Linda at How to Cook A Wolf blogspot..has shared so many great great recipes with all of us..The last recipe I tried of hers were her biscuits..I made them for Mother's Day..twice..my daughters said I hope this recipe is on your blog:) I said it was just on Linda's but I will post it.. Can you believe we went in and made another batch for one daughter to take home and bake because she was having her DMIL for dinner?They take minutes:) I love being in the kitchen with my girls. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can visit Linda here: But I will jot her recipe here so my girls won't have to go too far~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Southern Biscuits recipe courtesy Alton Brown 2 cups flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons shortening 1 cup chilled buttermilk Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using your fingertips, rub butter and shortening into dry ingredients until mixture looks like crumbs. (The faster the better, you don't want the fats to melt.) Make a well in the center and pour in the chilled buttermilk. Stir just until the dough comes together. The dough will be very sticky. Turn dough onto floured surface, dust top with flour and gently fold dough over on itself 5 or 6 times. Press into a 1-inch thick round. Cut out biscuits with a 2-inch cutter, being sure to push straight down through the dough. Place biscuits on baking sheet so that they just touch. Reform scrap dough, working it as little as possible and continue cutting. (Biscuits from the second pass will not be quite as light as those from the first, but hey, that's life.) Bake until biscuits are tall and light gold on top, 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy warm from the oven with butter and jam...yum. Go see Linda's beautiful photos..your mouths will surely water~! Thank you Linda~Bisous. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ How can I make paragraphs? Why does this happen now? :( ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On another note.. Speaking of gleaning wonderful recipes from blogging friends.. You have heard me mention Marie's name so often. If you have been following my blog for a while..you have seen the finished products.. She recently prepared an online Tea Party Cookbook..PDF file.. I just could not resist..it is very reasonably priced and you can pay with Paypal.. She has included a Royal Tea Party invitation she made..you can print them up..as she is a very talented artist..her art work is adorable..

Go to her blog..and you will see the cute invitation and the way to buy her book on the top right corner~ Marie's Blog The finished book has 23 pages..has art..photos.. lovely recipes..and ..well I just feel I KNOW the author:) I am tickled pink to have it. Have a great day~

Soul Food #129~

The so much..:)I love so much. Our yellow house with so much personality..my little car in the garage.. Best..Max and I and a flower...he said we are gardening..We did that the Sunday before last~He's at that special age..they all are..but 4 is sweet..innocent..kind..He's pretty darn cute with his splattering of tiny freckles across the bridge of his tiny nose:)

These are a few of my favorite things~ The apple blossoms in bloom~ Jacques' birdhouses he made for me~ My friend's hat on the gate of her arbour as she prepares her new Potager~ Our tulips~ And more:)

Trying to copy a watercolor from an ancient Victoria Magazine~ Pasteling:) Lucas from an old photo on the beach~ Painting Noah in one of his costumes before he left for a trip.. All our alphabet boys love dressing up~ Trying pastels on new paper..This little nest and one egg..was left abandoned after the mommy left with the other two~ Had to capture it in a way..even though I found it sad~:( I love sitting for just a few moments in peace and quiet w/ painting toys..and TRYING~ So yes..these are a few of my favorite things~If you haven't tried picking up pastels,or watercolors,or crayons,and have some time on your hands,try..you can feel different in a few peaceful moments..it happens.