turkey feathers

It's a Keeper

  

So, I got around to making "Neighbor Dorothy's Heavenly Carmel Cake" yesterday (recipe from book), and I'm happy to report that it was pretty good. 

 

The directions were a bit sketchy--no pan size was given for instance--although my heart-shape one worked fine.  By far one of the oddest ways of combining ingredients though.  For instance, the cake required sifting brown sugar and flour together (huh?), and cooking a flour and milk paste to beat into the icing.  OK.  Slightly dubious, I held my breath and kept up the faith as I methodically went through all the steps, wondering how in the world it was going to come together right, and be carmel flavored as promised. 

But in the end, a magic thing happened.  And it really was heavenly!

Quaint February Morning

 

My favorite way to start the day. . .

Wonders Never Cease

For the past few days we've had sunshine here in the northwest, and it has me longing for spring.  I think we might even need to mow the lawn soon.  The gardener has been here cutting back the dead brush and trimming trees, putting all of it through the chipper, and we now have a few nice piles of mulch to work with.  Some of it will be spread throughout the flower beds, and some of it will be composted to enrich the soil for the veggie garden.  This picture (above) is for my sweet friend in northern Michigan, who asked recently (via SKYPE) if we had any bulbs coming up yet and as you can see, the answer is yes!  To our surprise and delight, a variety of small daffodils were uncovered by the afore mentioned gardener this week.  With all the craziness going on everywhere, it's important for me to remind myself to stop and "smell the roses", and appreciate the miracles around us. 

I'm really happy to hear that my little blog happening is being so well received and that many of you found a use for that first sweet offering.  In the meantime around here, I finally finished reading, Can't Wait To Get To Heaven by Fannie Flagg, and it was just as good as everyone said it was.  A wonderful story, and with more home-style recipes in the back.  The first thing I did when I turned that last page was head straight for the kitchen to see if I had all the ingredients needed to make Neighbor Dorothy's Heavenly Caramel Cake--page 361.  (I'll report back when I get around to baking it.) 

My cupboards aren't fancy.  We buy organic spices in bulk.  I just re-labeled some of the jars using SUKIE labels from modcloth, (just  noticed they're sold out--check Amazon).  I love that site, especially their quirky fashion blog and "style inspirations".  I think nerd in tartan  is one of my faves so far.

But anyway, I was speaking of cakes, and I have to tell you that I found the recipe for one I remember from a childhood birthday party, way back in the late 1950's...and I nearly gasped out loud in the  used book store when I ran across the original Betty Crocker's Cooky Carnival cook book that it obviously came from.  I've never forgotten that cake, and when I saw the picture on the cover, well,  it just made me smile.  And drool.  Just a little. 

Just Bobbing Along

A night out, time shared with friends, thoughtful trinkets, and a little chocolate made our Valentine's Day especially sweet.  This was dessert at one of our favorite restaurants.  The Mister and I always order just one and share it.  The straws are rolled edible white and dark chocolate-- I can't tell you how amazing this mousse is.   Besides all that goodness, we did manage to get some work done and successfully swapped out computers over the weekend.  Mine desperately needed a make-over and was complaining loudly.  (Think it had totally assumed my personality!) I'm still getting used to the new keyboard along with my new glasses; hitting the backspace button more than usual and feeling tipsy, like being on a small boat that's about to heave you overboard.  But, please, pay no attention.  It's a work in progress.  Oh, and do you like my new blog banner?  I'm finding that, like shoes, I want new ones for every occasion. 

Catching Inspiration

 Blame it on those pesky gremlins. We had way too many appliance breakdowns and home repairs this month (and last), and dealing with all that got in the way of my usual routine. Nothing like the furnace breaking down (twice) when it's barely 20 degrees outside to zap one's enthusiasm. I'm still catching up on orders and emails and hoping a little stream of inspiration trickles down soon.  The creative process--its so elusive as we navigate precariously through life.  I think Elizabeth Gilbert expressed it well when she spoke about the perception of 'genius' at a TED conference recently.  Take a moment to listen if you have some time today.  I think you'll find it interesting, if not enlightening. I'm still thinking about it. 

And--I'm still thinking about homemade pickles! Which turned out better than ever--so much so, that every last one has already been eaten. This was the last jar. Did you try the recipe I posted last summer?  I hope they were as good as these.  We're already thinking about our backyard garden--with plans to increase pickle production.  Because it's just so sad when the last jar is gone and summer's still a long way off.  Yep. So sad.

Top Banana Sister Love

 

Unfortunately these cutie-pies are no longer available, but that's OK.  I don't need to own one.  It's making me so happy just looking at this face.  What is it?  Why, it's the Sister Momiji Doll, that's what. 

From the website:

Allow us to introduce the brand new Celebrations range of Momiji Dolls.

Momiji Dolls are friendship dolls, turn them upside down and inside you’ll find a teeny Momiji card to write a teeny message.

The new celebrations range come in a clear bag and include a free momiji badge

Sister Likes: Florence, twiglets and singing in the rain.

Sister says: Hey sister! you really are a top banana.

(love that!)

More adorable sweetness here.