Jenny Steffens Hobick

The Great American House | New, New Addition Plans for Our House

2013-05-20T13:18:00.003-04:00

One of my Mother's Day gifts was this book, The Great American House by Gil Schafer. I've been eying it for months... but since it is not available on the ipad, I hadn't gotten around to getting it for myself.

There are a million reasons why I love this book and the style that Mr. Schafer presents - but mostly, I love that the book is all about embracing modern living and making it work with true American style. He designs home with large mudrooms and open kitchens that feel like they were built 100 years ago.

As we're planning our addition, it is something I've been struggling with as we interview contractors and architects... I don't want our house too look or feel like a brand new house. I want it to have the charm and character of an old house that has a history.

A couple of months ago I posted my sketches of our vision. I got great feedback from all of you and have made adjustments accordingly. The biggest addition to the addition as been that of a large mudroom and dry storage, and a studio for me.

As you can see - attached to the garage is a studio (that envision to look like a classic potting shed) with french doors that will lead out to the garden. Hopefully it will be a place that I can do projects, make messes and then just hose down. I've also included a dog wash area in the garage - another recommendation from the readers!

Instead of losing the charming porch off of the side of our house, we're now considering a detached garage instead of an attached. I think the little jog over to the mudroom/studio and garage will add some charm to the exterior. We're also hoping to add a covered porch off of the kitchen (accessed through double french doors) that will step down to the patio.

Another new idea is instead of turning the old garage into a guest bedroom, we'll be using it as a library/dining room. I think I would miss having a formal dining room for the holidays, so I think this will be a nice addition... and it can be more of a library/study the rest of the time. Because the rest of the house will be pretty open, it will be nice to have place that can be a cozy quiet zone for working and studying.

THIS is exactly how I want our kitchen table and hearth area to be... french doors and all. In fact, I love everything - the beamed ceiling, and the paneled fireplace with a stone inset.

I love the stone floor and the dutch door of this mud room.

I wish we had room for a barn : )

Again, these are just my own preliminary sketches and ideas... I'd love your input!

Strawberry Iced Sugar Cookies

2013-05-16T13:59:00.001-04:00

For each holiday, Emma and I have decorated sugar cookies together and Mother's Day was no exception.

You can see all of her cookie projects :

1st Valentines Day (2 Months)
Pumpkins (10 Months)
Snowflakes (12 Months)
Easter Chicks & Eggs (14 Months)
Strawberries (17 Months)

As she's gotten older she likes to be more hands-on in the decorating process... no longer can I give her a cookie to play with while I intricately decorate the others. So, I adopted a new, streamlined method for decorating.

Instead of classic Royal Icing, I made a simple butter glaze that I pour over cookies when they're still warm. The glaze covers the entire top of the cookie and the remaining drips off. Then, I go back and add very simple details with a piping bag (usually during nap time). I found that the butter in the glaze keeps the cookies really moist and tastes better, too. And, as always, you can find my standby Sugar Cookie recipe here.

As you can see, Emma chose to sugar some of her cookies before baking.

Butter Glaze Cookies

-Sugar Cookie (warm from the oven) recipe here
-Cooling Rack
-4 tablespoons of butter, melted
-2 tablespoons of milk
-3 cups of powdered sugar
-food coloring

In a microwave safe bowl, microwave butter with the milk until the butter is melted. Add powdered sugar until good, pourable, but not too runny, constancy is achieved. Add color (see my tips here).

When cookies come out of the oven, remove the cookies with a spatchula and place them on a cooling rack. Place a clean baking sheet lined with parchment underneath. Pour icing glaze over the cookies tilting each cookies so the tops are completely covered.

She's a very serious and precise decorator - next time I'll video! She'll spend several minutes on each one dunking, re-dunking and tasting.

Almost nap time!

Speaking of strawberries - it is almost strawberry picking time. Emma and I plan to be there next week during the first few days of the season filling our baskets!

My $75 Backyard Garden | DIY Raised Bed Garden Box

2013-05-14T14:45:00.003-04:00

Every year I proclaim that I want to have a garden. In our old Fairway home, I tried a little herb and lettuce garden by our back steps with no luck. Too much shade. In Concord, I had revived enthusiasm when I ordered heirloom tomatoes from Verrill Farm that resulted in a little luck... 2 tomatoes from 6 plants. Again, too much shade. This year in our new house, we have a substantial backyard with a great sunny spot that will (hopefully) work great for a small garden.

Growing up we always had a fairly large garden, the kids were enthusiastic about planting, but less enthusiastic about watering and weeding. The first couple of harvests from the green beans, onions and tomatoes were exciting, but that soon faded as the cucumbers seem to multiply and the squash would take over the entire garden. So, while planning this garden project, I was cautious of planting too much... as I know my 31-year-old self is basically the same semi-lazy 11-year-old during the summer months while the pool is open. However, Emma LOVES to be outside, so I think this mini-garden will be just enough to keep me busy while she chases Mr. Darcy around with tennis balls.

I've included photos of the project, but I'll tell you - it was silly simple. It took me a total of 2 hours start to finish (with a trip to Home Depot for an extra load of topsoil...) and cost about $75. I watched this "This Old House" (my absolute favorite show!) "Gaden" video online before I started, but simplified it a little. Because my box is smaller (6x4 vs. 4x10) I didn't feel the need to brace it. I might regret it later, but for now, my 2 hour project looks perfect for me!

Supplies :

2 - 2x10x10's (cut into 2 - 4ft & 6ft pieces)
Outdoor Wood Screws (decking screws)
Electric Screwdriver
30 Bags of Topsoil
1 Bag of Mulch

Plants:

10 Tomato Plants
1 Rosemary
2 Basil
3 Thyme
3 Chive
1 Oregano
1 Cilantro
1 Italian Parsley
Arugula
Leaf Lettuce
Radishes
Green Onions

The spot is shaded just in the morning, but has full sun from 10am - 6pm. Hopefully, that will be enough... we'll see.

The wood frame is completed after joining all of the sides with 3 screws each. The box measures 6ft x 4ft.

I feel almost silly typing the "instructions" - too easy.

Hauling 30 bags of topsoil = good morning workout

Planted! The tomato plants line the back and the herbs are in the middle and front left.

I got the tomato plants from my cousin Bret's produce Farm, Fahrmeier Farms. He recommended that I plant them very deep to create a strong root system.

My plants were already anxious for a good drink! The right front side of the planter will have lettuces, radishes and green onions later this week.

Next step is to mulch and water.

Complete!

I like the dark brown mulch the best - it will help to keep out the weeds, help keep moisture in... and help it look nice!

I staked the tomato plants with wooden 6 foot stakes. I'll tie them to the stick with twine later.

Watering time!

I'll keep you posted on the progress and status of the garden... wish me luck.

Simple Spring Supper | Brown Sugar & Sesame Marinated Pork Tenderloin

2013-05-13T12:13:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday we hosted Mike's parents for a casual Sunday Supper. I love cooking on Sundays - it is the only day that I get to spend some alone time in the kitchen while Mike and Emma play outside. It is so nice to be able to leisurely prepare dinner without keeping little hands entertained (which usually means she's putting them in the flour canister, then the sugar, and back again...).

I've used this marinade several times before -it is one of Mike's Mom's signatures. It works great with beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, vegetables... anything. Especially on the grill. Unfortunately, we don't have a grill right now... it had to stay in Concord, Ma. when we moved because it was the last thing packed and it wouldn't fit in the Pod! So... I just roasted it in the oven and it worked great, too.

We're working on our outdoor grilling area + new grill this week (Mother's Day & Father's Day joint gift), so you can look forward to lots of grilling recipes soon!

I love using drinking glasses as vases for small arrangements. I found these hyacinth at the grocery store and make the perfect little bunch in these short glasses.

While I finished dinner Mike and his parents entertained (or were entertained by...?) Emma outside and sipped on this sparkling lemonade from Trader Joes. What is it about playing outside and sipping on lemonade?!

Along with the Brown Sugar & Sesame Pork Tenderloin, I served Ina's Orange Braised Carrots and Parsnips and Green Been Gremolata.

Brown Sugar & Sesame
Pork Tenderloin

2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
1 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup of brown sugar
2 tablespoons toasted (dark) sesame oil
1 teaspoons chili paste
1/2 cup sliced green onions

2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon of sesame seeds

Stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili paste, green onions, garlic, ginger and sesame seeds. Put the tenderloins in a ziplock and pour in the marinade. Marinade for 1 hour and up to over night.

If baking/roasting, remove from marinade and place on a baking sheet. Roast at 450 degrees for 18-25 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 155 degrees. Remove and cover with foil. Reserve the juices in the pan from resting. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice, then pour juices over sliced pork.

If grilling, grill for 5-7 minutes on each side (totaling about 18-22 minutes depending on the temp of the grill) until a meat thermometer reads 155 degrees. Remove and cover with foil. Reserve the juices in the pan from resting. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice, then pour juices over sliced pork.

A big bountiful platter for a Sunday Supper.

This classic lemon pie with graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream is the perfect dessert... but, you'll have to wait for the recipe! It will be featured on Snippet & Ink soon!

Mini "Sweetie Pie" Favors

2013-05-09T14:06:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I hosted a baby shower at my house. I made these mini pies in two different varieties for the favor. My original plan was to put two in each bag (twin girls!!)... but they wouldn't fit in the bag! So at midnight the night before the party, I threw in the towel and just did one pie per bag and called it good.

This is how I presented the favors at the shower - all lined up in a basket.

Here are two of the Strawberry Pies. They were very simple to make - just a little time consuming, crimping all of the little edges. I used store-bought pie crust... to make 24 pies I used 4 crusts - just FYI, it does take more than you think it will. I had to go to the store in the middle of my pie making for another crust. I would've made my own in such a pinch, but my food processor bowl is broken! Not to worry though, the new replacement bowl came Tuesday.

The filling is just chopped strawberries with raspberry jam. The raspberry really brings out the "berry" factor of the strawberries.

Mini Strawberry Pies
12 mini pies

2 store-bought pie crusts
2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries
1/4 cup of raspberry jam
1 egg
2 tablespoons of sugar

Line a mini or regular size muffin tin with a bottom crust of store-bought pie dough - consider lining the muffin tins with cupcake paper liners.

Melt the jam in the microwave for 30 seconds until it is pourable. Poured it over the strawberries, then tossed them. Fill each mini crust with strawberry filling. In a small bowl beat an egg with a fork. Brush the egg wash around the pie then top with another crust. Pinch and flute or fork crimp the edges. Brush the entire top with egg wash then sprinkle with sugar generously.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until brown. You may need to cover the tops with foil to keep them from getting too brown before the bottoms are done.

To make the base crusts, I used store-bought pie dough and cut out rounds using a glass bowl. I found that pleating around the circle made it easier to fit it into the mini-muffin tin.

Half Apple Cinnamon and half Strawberry.

You can see here how big the bottom dough crust needs to be to be able to flute/crimp the edge.

I cut a smaller circle and used it as the top of the strawberry. To do the edges, roll the sides up and in, then crimp using your fingers just as you would large pie. Cut slits in the top for steam.

For the Apple Pies, I did a fork crimped edge.

Mini Apple Pies
12 mini pies

2 store-bought pie crusts
2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries
2 apples
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of flour
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 egg
2 tablespoons of sugar

Line a mini or regular size muffin tin with a bottom crust of store-bought pie dough - consider lining the muffin tins with cupcake paper liners.

Peel and dice the apples into a small dice. Toss together the apples with sugar, cinnamon and flour. Fill each mini crust with the apple filling. In a small bowl beat an egg with a fork. Brush the egg wash around the pie then top with another crust. Pinch and flute or fork crimp the edges. Brush the entire top with egg wash then sprinkle with sugar generously.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until brown. You may need to cover the tops with foil to keep them from getting too brown before the bottoms are done.

A tiny lattice would've been very cute, too.

They baked for almost 25 minutes - I wanted to be sure the bottom crust was nice and brown so they would come out of the pan. I think next time I'd use cupcake liners to make sure they come out easily.

I lost a couple of pies because I couldn't get them out! The apple were much easier to get out.

But the strawberry were my favorite - a great little summer treat!

I'll follow up with the packaging step-by-step next!

To see all of the photos from the Sugar & Spice Baby Shower, click here!

Here is the easy-to-pin step by step!

Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Walnuts

2013-05-06T22:38:00.000-04:00

This is the recipe for the Spinach & Strawberry Salad that we made for the "Sugar & Spice" Baby Shower last weekend - it soooo good! Enjoy!
............

Just in time for Mother's Day, this recipe comes courtesy of Mike's Mom, Joy. When we first started dating Mike requested that I make this very salad - the only salad that he likes. It really is one of the best salads - there something about the dressing that is so delicious... especially mixed with the sweet strawberries. Thanks for sharing your recipe Joy!

The Best
Spinach & Strawberry
Salad

Spinach + Boston or Leaf Lettuce (your choice!)
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
1 cup toasted Walnuts

Red Wine Vinegar Dressing
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp white pepper

Sugar & Spice Baby Shower at Our House | Entertaining

2013-05-06T13:02:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry I was gone most of last week, we had a very busy and fun schedule packed with a volunteer table design benefit, visit to a childrens' farmstead and a baby shower hosted at our house... I have a zillion photos to share this week... as Emma would say, "Here go!" - a complete sentence in baby language.

Last things first, I just can't wait to share the photos from the Baby Shower Brunch I hosted at our house yesterday. My friend, Susan, is pregnant with twin girls so a very girly, "Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice" shower was in order.

I love these invitations from Minted. It really is the only way to go for custom invitations for a small number of guests. I'm still enjoying these "Angel" peonies today as I type - my very favorite.

Before each event I host, I make these types of little sketches to help me envision what everything will look like. It also helps me make my shopping list because I'm able to figure out what I'll need for linens, props and styling before the actual setup.

Because I tend to entertain in a very casual fashion (because I think everyone enjoys it more than fancy...), I designed the party to be special with plenty of flowers and girly touches, but relaxed with big bountiful platters of help-yourself food and drink and comfortable seating.

The night before I always set out everything I possibly can for the next day... especially in a brunch situation. Hosting a party can go from fun to stressful if everything is rushed and left to the last minute. I definitely learned this the hard way during my catering days. I found that it took all of the fun out of my job if I was running late and rushing through everything.

I set this beverage table up in my kitchen - the table is usually used as my desk.

I also made the Sweetie Pie favors the night before. Each bag contained either a Mini Apple or Strawberry Pie. Here is the link to the Mini Pies step-by-step instructions and recipes!

Here are the Strawberry Pies - I'll share the step-by-step and recipe later this week.

UPDATE : Here is the link to the Mini Pies step-by-step instructions and recipes

Here is the dining room setup. Because it was going to be a small casual brunch, we left he seating open - a fix a plate and "make yourself at home" type party. To make the banners, I use the Rifle Botanicals Garlands I found at Paper-Source... only $16 and took just minutes to hang.

I'm obsessed with these - still haven't taken them down. I plan to do one with E-M-M-A in her room later this week... and I might hang the "Sugar & Spice" one in there, too.

I really like casual centerpieces like this. Everyone asked if I cut these from my garden - exactly what I want people to think.

But, no unfortunately I don't have any peony bushes in my garden... yet.

The pewter pieces are Match (wedding gifts), and the glass pieces are old candy apothecary jars. I also placed some wrapped gifts for Susan amongst the flowers.

More uses for the Rifle Botanicals Garlands - I couln't help myself. Easy Banners = Insta-Party

Last one...

Here is the beverage bar setup the morning of - Bellini's and Coffee. We also had Sparkling Pomegranite Juice for the pregnant ladies... we had four out of ten guests that were pregnant! Five babies and ten ladies.

Stations make it so much easier for your guests to help themselves - I think it makes everyone more comfortable.

Bellini is a drink with Peach Puree (or juice) topped with Champagne or Prosecco. I think it must be the "new" mimosa.

Brunch Menu...
recipe links coming later this week!

Upon arrival :

Bellini's
Coffee
Mini Vanilla Bean Scones (we called "Sugar & Spice Scones)
Brunch :

Cheddar & Chive Quiche
Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Fruit & Cheese Platters
"Homemade" Cinnamon Rolls

Favors :
Tiny Mini Pies - "Sweetie Pies"

Mini Vanilla Bean Scones (we called "Sugar & Spice Scones)

Forgive the re-used photo from original post... I didn't have my camera out when the girls arrived and the fresh scones came out.

The BEST Strawberry & Spinach Salad.

Bountiful fruit platter made by my Co-Hostess, Melissa.

Cheddar Chive Quiche (warning : old post from my sister's baby shower I hosted 3+ years ago!)

"Homemade" Cinnamon Rolls (re-used photo from original post)

I was so glad to host the shower for Susan at my house - I can't wait to meet those little ladies in just a couple of months!

Here is the easy-to-pin strip!

Spring at Our House | Photo Tour

2013-04-30T13:05:00.000-04:00

Welcome! Each season I've done a little photo tour of our house. Because I decorate in mostly neutrals, it really gives me the chance to transform our house with the addition of seasonal colors through flowers, pillows, etc.

Tours from the past :
Holiday Home Tour
Autumn Tour
Fall Front Porch

DIY pillows inspired by our trip to Seaside... step-by-step later this week!

Mike's painting... also from Seaside. I love the fresh clean palette it adds to the room.

Tours from the past :
Holiday Home Tour
Autumn Tour
Fall Front Porch

Kentucky Derby Style | Sugar & Charm | J.Crew

2013-04-29T21:59:00.003-04:00

I'm often asked to participate on other blogs. I don't always have the time to do them, but for some reason this "ask" seemed really fun... dream shopping. Eden from Sugar & Charm asked me to select my dream outfit for a Kentucky Derby party.

I have a fairly distinct (eh, minimal?) style. I'm very particular about what I purchase and wear... although if you looked at my closet it might seem quite boring! Lots of basics. Lots of solids. Lots of oxfords, cardigans, cropped pants and ballet flats.

I'm a self proclaimed J.Crew monster. I know my size, I know what I like - and it always seems like they have it... with some added character pieces to spice things up. So, suuur-prize sur-prise, my entire "dream outfit" is from J.Crew. While I can (and do) spend hours dreaming about my "future" multiple multimillion dollar homes, for some reason I can only dream in beautiful J.Crew basics when it comes to my wardrobe.

As you can see, along with the outfit- the gold rimmed julep glasses with the "H" monogram would be a must... and banana cupcakes.

Here is a link to the feature on Sugar & Charm - it has links to all of the items. Enjoy!

Spring Entertaining (and ideas for Mother's Day!) Workshop in KC May 7th

2013-04-29T10:16:00.001-04:00

My Mother's Day (Spring Entertaining!) Class at a Thyme For Everything is next week, May 7th! It is a menu of perfect Spring Party food... Here is the menu we'll prepare :

Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup
Parchment Packets with Seafood, Lemon & Chives
Spring Pea Risotto
Cherry Cupcakes

Here is the link to register, or call (816)554-3755.

Chocolate Molten Cakes in a Cupcake Pan

2013-04-24T14:49:00.001-04:00

I was recently asked by the Entertaining Editor of Spaces, Merrily Jackson, if I had any "Messy Recipes?" You know the kind - the splatters and drips that cover the page of a favorite recipe card or book that is used over and over again.

My mind immediately went to my little blue book. When I first started my catering business I wrote all of my favorite recipes in this book so I'd have them with me all of the time. The journal was dog-eared, literally, by Mr. Darcy when he was a puppy... during the chewing phase.

Merrily shared the story of my book in her most recent Essential Entertaining article in Spaces, here.

Over the years I've shared a couple of recipes from this little journal, but not all. Truthfully, when I started this blog (forever ago...?) I was a burnt out on all of those recipes I'd made hundreds of times.

Now, after a two year break from the catering business, I am ready to dive back in to some of those old favorites, because after all, they were really great recipes for entertaining. This Chocolate Molten Cake recipe was one of my first and best go-to's as a caterer. I always served it at dinner parties - with great success. The ingredients and supplies are humble - chocolate chips and a cupcake pan! They work great for parties because the batter is made in advance, then baked right before dessert and served warm.

Chocolate Molten Cakes

makes 6 medium cakes or 12 small individual cakes

2 tablespoons of butter, melted
2 tablespoons of cocoa
......

3/4 cup of butter
12 ounce of chocolate chips
1/2 cup of heavy cream
5 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup of flour

Prepare cupcake pans by coating the inside of each with melted butter by swirling it around. Then sprinkle the insides with cocoa, coating completely.

To make the batter, place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, then top it with butter and cream. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth. When chocolate has cooled slightly, stir in eggs, sugar and flour. Pour into prepared cupcake pans. Refrigerate for 1 hour (at least) and up to a couple of days.

Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes for regular 12/pan size and 15-18 for jumbo 6/pan size, just until the outsides and most of the top have set, and the centers are still slightly runny. You can insert the tip of a knife to test. You just want a bit of the very center to be a thick pudding like texture. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then place a sheet pan on top of the muffin pan and invert them.

Serve with whipped cream, ice cream and dusted with chocolate or cinnamon.

Melting chocolate with the butter and cream this way is so easy - microwave!

The pans buttered and cocoa-ed while the chocolate is in the microwave.

Perfectly melted.

You can fill them almost all the way to the top - they don't puff too much.

Cooling for 5 minutes to help them continue to set.

Top with a sheet pan...

Ready for the flip...

Mid-Flip

So, so good. You really must try them.

10 seconds later...

Here is the easy-to-pin strip!

Cherry Blossom Memories... Re-post : Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival | DC Cherry Blossoms in Bloom

2013-04-23T03:59:00.000-04:00

*The post that follows this introduction was originally posted two years ago April 2011.

.........

Lately, I've been publishing a lot of Cherry Blossom themed posts (May Day gift & Cherry Almond Pound Cake)... Cherry Blossoms will always have a sweet spot in my heart. Two years ago I tagged along with Mike on a work trip to DC that happened to be during the Cherry Blossom Festival. We'd just recently moved to the Boston area and were living in a temporary apartment in Cambridge. It was the beginning of April and spring was still a couple of weeks away in New England. I was experiencing a whole mix of emotion during our move - excitement, doubt and freedom as we started out on our "life vacation." The weather was particularly dreary and grey in our new "home" and I was desperate to get out of town... even though we'd just gotten there.

When I arrived in DC, I remember feeling a wave of relief as I saw green grass, leaves on trees and felt the warmth of the sun. The weather was perfect and the entire Capitol (cherry blossoms included) was in bloom.

As you might recall from that blog post, that day I talked about stopping in Sprinkles for a Cherry Cupcake... then going back later that night for another. Somewhere between the two cherry blossom cupcakes I took... a pregnancy test. Even though Emma wasn't actually conceived while we were there, it is the time and place I'll always remember becoming a Mom.

Now my little girl is such a girl...

...who puts out her little hand every time she sees something that resembles a bracelet as if she's saying, "Oh you found my bangle!"

She loves bubble baths and her flowers....

And loves to be tickled.

Sweet Emma.

................

Enjoy the rest of the original cherry blossom post below...

Last week, Mike had to go to DC for work. When booking his hotel, he was amazed at how expensive it was - something must be going on... Cherry Blossoms!

I was on the next train out - literally. I took the train! It was lovely - a slow and steady ride, but very comfy with wireless internet, a cafe, an almost empty car (train car) with giant seats. I highly recommend it. If you have plenty of time on your hands, plenty of time.

I got up early my first morning there and went straight to the Tidal Basin to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom.

They're in shades of white and pink - all stages of bloom.

These almost look like mini peonies.

There are thousands of trees - they were a gift to the US from Japan in the early 1900's. They were a gift of friendship.

Many cameras were out...

I like the green painted lamp posts with the pink trees.

The branches are so soft and full looking.

Just the slightest shade of light pink.

Sprinkles is one of my favorite chain cupcake bakeries. The Georgetown location had a cherry flavor in honor of the Cherry Blossoms.

It was delicious - in fact, I ate the first one before I thought of taking a photo. After I ate it on the walk home, I made Mike go back with my later for another - so I could get a photo... and another cupcake. I'm planning a cherry cupcake recipe soon.

Mike got a Marshmallow Filled Chocolate - tasted like a Hostess Cupcake.

After the Tidal Basin I headed to The White House. This is the US Treasury building that sits next to the White House. This tulip magnolia tree was one of the most brilliant in the city and the grass the most lush.

Look at the softness - such thick and elegant blooms.

Quite amazing.

Here is the White House with a pale pink tulip magnolia tree in bloom.

This is the Kitchen Garden at The White House - one of the First Lady's Healthy Kids' initiatives.

It was a very neat garden - I am planning something similar.

This was the plaque in front of the garden said, "...now I shall plant, if at all, more for the public than for myself."

The White House, while very grand, is dwarfed in DC by all of the enormous buildings. It does, very much, seem like a house...

Until you look closely at the roof.

This is the press center at The White House - all of the major networks have permanent posts set up on press stand and are there all day.

I was almost envious of the grounds crew - what a fun job!

This is the Executive Office Building that sits on the other side of the White House. These were some of the first tulips in bloom in the city.

Pansies and grape hyacinth were stuffed into every planter, welcoming in Spring.

I stopped by one of my favorite museums - The American Craft museum.

Look how the gold framed paintings are arranged on the gallery wall - a trend we see everywhere today.

My favorite was, of course, the cow.

This blown glass exhibit was stunning. The artist copied a Dutch painting of "abundance" all in hand-blown glass.

I was really amazed by the faux wood stained paneling in the grand gallery rooms. I've never seen wood trim and paneling painted in such a convincing way - I'm inspired. I can't wait to mimic this on some of my painted pieces that I'd like to turn into 'stained-wood'.

For the sake of this post, we'll pretend that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing turns out handsome letterpressed stationery and invitations... right?

Cherry Almond Pound Cake | May Day Gift

2013-04-19T13:56:00.000-04:00

I made this Cherry Almond Pound Cake as part of a "May Day" Cherry themed Thank You gift for our neighbor. Pound cakes seem to be my new favorite thing - remember the Lemon Butter Pound Cake I made a couple of weeks ago?

This flavor combination of Cherry and Almond was inspired by our Spring trip to Washington DC's Cherry Blossom Festival a couple of years ago. Sprinkles in Georgetown had a Cherry cupcake in honor of the festival. I came home and immediately made my own version. I thought the combination would be great with the cherry branches I'd be giving as a gift, but cupcakes are hard to package (and hang on a door...), so I opted for this pound cake instead that is easily wrapped in parchment. For details on how I packaged the gift, visit this link.

Cherry Almond Pound Cake

makes 1 medium loaf size cake

1 stick of butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup of dried cherries

.......

2 tablespoons of milk

1 teaspoon of almond extract

1 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.

In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream together butter and sugar for 3 minutes. Add eggs. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, soda and salt. In another separate bowl, combine milk and extract. Add half of the wet ingredients to the butter sugar mixture, mix for 5 seconds, then add half of the dry and mix for 5 seconds. Repeat with second half, ending with dry ingredients. Fold in dried cherries. Pour batter into loaf pan - I like to line mine with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.

For glaze, mix together powdered sugar, milk and almond extract until smooth. Pour over slightly warm cake.

Again, for details on how I packaged the May Day gift, visit this link.

May Day Gift Bag | Cherry Blossoms

2013-04-18T14:36:00.001-04:00

May Day is such a whimsical holiday - secretly sharing spring blooms on friends' and neighbors' doorsteps. It is one of those things I say I'm going to do but never remember to do on the first of May. I do, on occasion, leave special treats outside my friends' doors throughout the year - cookies on valentine's days, homemade candy during the holidays or farm fresh sweet corn in the summer.

When Mike and I got engaged, I left these "Will you be my bridesmaid?" peony bundles on my bridesmaids-to-be doors. Hello old camera and old front door!

I do realize it is not May Day today, as I write this. However, Mike and I owe our neighbor a big "Thank You." So, as I was documenting this Cherry Blossom inspired Thank You gift, I thought it would be great inspiration for May Day, as well.

My gift bag included a loaf of Cherry Almond Pound Cake and a bundle of Blooming Cherry Branches, along with a thank you note.

The recipe for the Cherry Almond Pound Cake will be posted tomorrow (update : here is recipe the link!). I hope everyone is not bored of pound cake posts yet - they are just so great, the perfect little sized cake for me to whip up during the week... and I always have all of the ingredients on hand.

As I said in my Banana Cream Pie post, I really need a nice wide window sill in my new kitchen...

I wrapped the cake in parchment and put one of my kitchen labels on it - remember this post about what I like to keep in my kitchen to help me easily package goodies?

No printer or computer needed to create this Thank You Card.

I used a stamp from Paper-Source with a chalk inkpad. I love that with this stamp I can turn anything into a Thank You gift. The scalloped edge paper is also from Paper-Source.

I wrapped the branches in clear cellophane - it is one of the things I always keep in the house. I use it as filler in bags and baskets, too.

Ready for delivery!

Here is the easy-to-pin strip!

Banana Cream Pie | A great place to start

2013-04-16T12:32:00.001-04:00

Pies have a reputation for being difficult specialties that only experienced bakers should attempt. They're known to be temperamental and tricky - decidedly out of reach for most of us. Intimidated pre-pie baker, meet the Banana Cream Pie. She's simple and sweet - the unpretentious "girl next door" type that everyone loves. A graham cracker crust, with homemade vanilla custard (aka pudding), bananas and whipped cream - it has become our favorite "after school" snack. I recommend help with crumbling the graham crackers - it is surely the hardest part.

Banana
Cream Pie

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of sugar
.....
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold milk
3 large egg yolks
2 cups milk, heated
2 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, sliced
......
1 1/2 cups of whipping cream
1/4 cup of sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a pie plate, melt 5 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Add graham crackers and sugar to the melted butter and mix with a fork. Press mixture into the pan with a measuring cup. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden-brown.

For the custard, in a heavy saucepan stir together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the cold milk and egg yolks. Heat the 2 cups of milk in the microwave until very hot - about 2 minutes in my microwave. Slowly stir in the hot milk - whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, and continue to whisk. As soon as the mixture begins to thicken, remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Continue to stir for 1 more minute.

Pour 1/2 of the custard mixture into the pie crust. Add a layer of bananas. Pour the rest of the custard over the bananas. Let cool.

When cool (after 30 minutes or so) whip cream. Add sugar while whipping. Top pie with sweetened whip cream and refrigerate.

Because my food processor bowl is still out of commission, I enlisted help with the smashing of...

and nibbling on graham crackers.

I like the crumbs to have some texture - it looks more homemade and rustic.

Look how bright these egg yolks are - thanks to the Butlers for the fresh eggs!

Baked and cooling. I think I need a big deep window sill in the new kitchen.

Bright yellow custard from the bright yellow egg yolks.

Layer 1.

Layer 2 & a little of layer 3.

Whip cream topped and ready for the fridge.

A look behind the scene of my crew.

So strong!

Pre-Dinner

Post-Dinner... that's 2 pretty hefty servings.

Pan Fried Chicken with Morel Mushroom and Shallot Sauce

2013-04-15T14:43:00.002-04:00

I try to cook as seasonally as I can. When I'm lost on what to make for dinner, I head to the store to see what looks good - what produce is new and fresh. When we lived in Concord, that usually meant going to Verrill Farm to see what they had fresh from the field (and to snack on a Cranberry Orange scone...). Here, I rely on the Brookside Market until the Farmers' Markets start up later in the spring. Last week while wondering through the store for inspiration I saw the coveted Morel Mushrooms next to the Asparagus... spring!

You might remember my post last fall about our family's tradition of hunting morels each spring - my Granny's all-time favorite. I posted about a Cream of Morel Soup I created in her memory. So, now that Morel season is upon us (... in the store at least), I'm anxious to fix some of my favorites - starting with this recipe of Pan Fried Chicken in a Morel Mushroom and Shallot Sauce. This weekend I'm going to experimenting with more recipes as my family is all getting together for a weekend of "Mushroom Hunting." I'm wondering if I can train Mr. Darcy to sniff out morels similarly to the Truffle hunting dogs in France....

Pan Fried Chicken
with Morel Mushroom and Shallot Sauce

2 pounds of chicken breast (or tenders)
1/4 cup of flour
1 tablespoon of sea salt
1/2 tablespoon of pepper
5 tablespoons of butter

2 shallots, minced

4-6 ounces (about 12 sm/med sized) morel mushrooms, halved
1 cup of white wine
1/2 teaspoon of sugar
3/4 cup of cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

If using chicken breasts, filet each breast so it is half the thickness. If using tenders they should be the correct size already.

Combine flour, salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture. In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Brown chicken in the butter for 3 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from pan and place on a sheet pan. Bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes in the oven until cooked through, depending on the size of the breasts or tenders.

In the same skillet in which the chicken was browned, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and shallots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shallots are tender, then add mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the mushrooms are soft.

Add white wine and sugar to the pan and using a wooden spoon, scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan to create a sauce with the wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it has reduced slightly. Add cream and cook for 3 more minutes until it is smooth and creamy. Serve warm sauce over browned/baked chicken.

I was tempted to serve the chicken and sauce over mashed potatoes, but then I thought...

How about a Banana Cream Pie for dessert? Recipe coming tomorrow.

Breakfast Cinnamon Pizza | Store-bought Dough

2013-04-11T22:36:00.000-04:00

I will admit, we've had two of these in the past five days. It is my fault for buying too much dough for our party on Saturday night. When we woke up early on Sunday morning I was digging through the fridge trying to come up with a sweet treat to go with our coffee. Ten minutes later we were sitting on the porch with this de-licious 'pizza' smothered in brown sugar, cinnamon and icing. I'll be keeping extra dough in our refrigerator from now on - so much better than any other quick fix breakfast treat.

**UPDATE : I found the pizza dough at Trader Joe's, but I think Whole Foods and other grocery stores carry it! Also, I've heard you can go to pizzerias and ask for pre-cooked dough.

Cinnamon Pizza
with store-bought dough

1 store-bought pizza dough
2 tablespoons of butter, softened
brown sugar
cinnamon
....
Butter Icing

1 tablespoon of butter, melted
1 cup of powdered sugar
milk

Preheat an oven to 425 degrees.

Stretch the dough out onto a greased baking sheet. Spread with softened butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Bake for 10 minutes.

Mix together melted butter and powdered sugar. Add small amounts of milk until it is drizzle-able.

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes then drizzle it over the dough.

Steaks with a Sweet Shallot Wine Sauce

2013-04-10T16:33:00.002-04:00

As I've said (way too many times...) whenever I ask Mike what he'd like to have for dinner, or what he'd like me to serve if we're having company the answer is usually steak (and a chocolate cake, for that matter). Sometimes I resist, insisting that we should try something new and different that I can blog about.

Last weekend we were having the same conversation on Sunday night, then I thought - I bet everyone has this conversation with their husband. Instead of resisting, I decided to prepare the steaks as we always do (seared on the stove, finished in the oven...), but try a new sauce on top and a new interesting side.

The interesting side (besides the roasted asparagus) was a curry cauliflower gratin... it needs a little work, but the steak sauce was a definite keeper. Inspired by Ina's Veal Chops with Caramelized Shallots (yes, I'm still working my way through Foolproof...), I prepared my own version of the Caramelize Shallot sauce and served it over seared steaks. Her recipe called for sherry vinegar and port wine, neither of which I had, but I used red wine and it worked great.

As I mentioned in my last post, we had all of our meals on the porch last weekend to take advantage of the first real springy weekend.

I served the sauce over steaks that I seared in a skillet - my favorite way to prepare steaks. Here is the link with step-by-step instructions that has recently taken off on pinterest... I guess everyone is looking for a great way to make steaks at home. Here I used strip steaks, but you can use your favorite cut.

Sweet Shallot Wine Sauce
with Seared Steaks

6 whole shallots
6 cloves of garlic
4 tablespoons of butter
Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper
1 cup of red wine
1 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar
red pepper flakes, small pinch of
1 teaspoon of fresh thyme

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Peel outer paper skin from shallots and trim the roots off leaving the end intact to hold it together. Cut them into quarters lengthwise.

In a large ovenproof pan, melt half of the butter then add the shallots, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes then place the pan in the oven for 30 minutes. Toss half way through.

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on the stove top. Add the rest of the butter and wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6 minutes until thickened. Add brown sugar, red pepper flakes and thyme. Cook for just 1 more minute until thick. Serve poured over steaks.

Because steaks are such a great (and popular) option to serve for entertaining, I plan to do more versions of "Steaks and Sides" - share with me your favorites! I'll let you know if I ever get the Curry Cauliflower Gratin worked out...

A Porch Kind of Weekend - Breakfast & Dinner alfresco

2013-04-08T22:14:00.000-04:00

It officially feels like spring - thank goodness. We took advantage of every peep of the sunshine this weekend having almost all of our meals outside on the porch.

When we bought the house the cozy little side porch was a huge motivation for us. Like home buyers do, I had visions of us drinking our morning coffee out there and sipping on wine in the evenings - and this weekend we fulfilled that and more. Unfortunately, I think to often people don't make an effort to live out their 'perfect life' visions.

Emma and I spent the end of last week gathering various flowers, herbs and pots to plant outside.

These fern lavender were the best find of the weekend. They smell great and will bloom like this all Spring/Summer. Aren't they whimsical?

Our porch weekend started with a little get together with homemade pizza + friends + kids + dogs on Saturday night. So, when we woke up on Sunday morning we were searching for something to eat with our coffee... 10 minutes later Cinnamon (pizza) Bread was ready. Recipe coming soon. It was sooo good and silly easy.

I planted a couple of strawberry plants in pots on the porch, too. Because the strawberry plants were fairly minimal, I added some of these muscari that had already bloomed in our yard.

I love how they are peeking above the strawberry plants.

I got these G. Wolff & Co. pots this year at a fabulous local nursery called Red Cedar.

I had purchased these pots there three years ago.

While I was fixing cinnamon bread and snapping photos, backyard wagon rides began. Bunny ears and all.

After some yard work and many more wagon rides...

Dinner was served. On the porch.

Seared Steaks with a Sweet Shallot & Wine Sauce (inspired by the Barefoot Contessa's, of course). Recipes coming later this week!

Our Easter Weekend in Photos... a little late

2013-04-08T12:15:00.003-04:00

We spent our Easter weekend with my family at my parents' house out in the country - there were baby ducklings to pet (thanks to Uncle Josh), puppies playing, cousins to kiss on and lots and lots of food (yes, including the bunny cake). Enjoy this little photo recap of our weekend back home!

Emma and I had been practicing egg hunting for the past few weeks so she'd know just what to do - she was a pro.

Macy keeping watch.

Mr. is a farm dog at heart. He thinks.

Easter basket time.

6 am chocolate covered bunny.

PJ snuggling with Gramp Gramp.

Recognize Baby Kate's dress? (hint : Emma's from her first Easter)

Road to church.

Love the muted colors of early spring.

Antebellum mansion out in the country near my parents' house. I was crazy about this house when I was growing up.

It gets crazy at Moo Moo's house - lots of ladies.

Post church playing.

Emma Makes Way for Ducklings (again).

Spring has finally sprung - stay tuned this week for recipes from this past weekend... lots of breakfasts and dinners on the porch.

New Recipe Indexes | Pinterest Boards

2013-04-04T21:21:00.001-04:00

Many of you have requested that I have a more up-to-date and comprehensive recipe index. So, I've been hard at work organizing my recipes into boards on Pinterest - it is the best (and easiest...) way for me to keep an updated visual recipe index. You don't need to be a member of Pinterest to view the boards. As you can see above from the snapshot of My Pinterest Home Page, you can find all of My Recipes in one spot, or divided into categories, like Pasta, Desserts or even Table Settings and Entertaining Menus. You can also find my boards for Home Inspiration, Kitchen & My Life, etc., in this same spot.

Be sure to follow all of my pins to stay to up-to-date on all of the blog (...and my browsing) posts. Or, you can just follow individual boards that interest you. As you can see at the right hand of the screen, you can find links to all of these individual indexes from the blog, as well. So, next time you need an idea for dinner, just click on the My Dinner Recipes board for inspiration.

In case that was all to confusing... just follow me on Pinterest, here.

Here's a snapshot of each of the boards, as examples of what you'll find (you can click on the links to take you directly to each board) :

My Dinner Recipes Board

My Pasta Recipes Board

Entertaining & Tables Setting Board

My Entertaining Menus Board

My Appetizer Recipes Board

My Dessert Recipes Board

My Breakfast & Brunch Recipes Board

Spring Flowers Dinner Party Workshop | Cooking Class Next Tuesday

2013-04-03T20:10:00.000-04:00

My next workshop in the KC area is next week! To Register, click here. Hope to see you there!

Spring Flowers Dinner Party

Tuesday, April 9th at 6pm
To Register, click here.

In this class, we'll focus more on Flowers than Food! I'll demonstrate how to make 3 different arrangements from the season's most beautiful blooms - ranging from complex to very simple. You'll be able to make and take home your own Mini Spring Floral Creation.

We'll enjoy a simple Spring Supper of :

Shrimp, Portobello Mushroom, Spinach & Angel Hair in a Lemon Cream Sauce

Crusty French Bread & Homemade Herbed Butter

Fresh Lemon Mousse

To Register, click here.

My New Max The Morning Routine & Organizing Our Tiny Bathroom

2013-04-01T11:19:00.000-04:00

^{As I mentioned when I posted the official "after" of the DIY Bathroom Refresh,
I should start by explaining that this is our only bathroom upstairs.
In fact, it is our only full bath in the entire house. So... everyone is
doing everything in this tiny bathroom. Emma's taking bubble baths, I'm
blow drying my hair or putting on makeup (let's face it, like, once a
week...) and Mike is shaving - all in this itsy-bitsy bathroom. When we
do the addition on our house (next Spring!) it will include a master
bath (and fancy closet!), but for the meantime - this is it.}

^{We didn't want to spend much money or
time, knowing that this is only our main bathroom for a short while, but
it was majorly bugging me in its previous dingy state. So, we freshened
the bathroom by papering the walls with a paintable "beadboard"
wallpaper. We saved money by keeping the current vanity, but on putting a
fresh coat of paint to match the trim in the rest of the house (Navajo
White in Satin) and added new fancy polished nickel hardware. We did
spend some money (but not much!) on a new vanity mirror, faucet and
vanity top.}

^{Keep reading >>}

DIY Bathroom Refresh | Painted "Beadboard" Wallpaper | Polished Nickel Accents

2013-03-31T22:27:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a great Easter! Ours was fantastic - such a beautiful, spring day! I'm finally getting around to sharing our DIY bathroom refresh. Enjoy!

..........

This was our bathroom.... Just sort of all over ick. Currently, this is the only full bathroom in the entire house, but soon we'll have our own big master bath, so we didn't want to spend too much time or money. Nothing was really terrible or dated beyond 10 years or so, but it was definitely not a place that reflected our style or felt refreshing to spend time in.

The patched and re-patched plaster walls were the main source of our dislike. And yes, I did actually choose this color. It turns out this dusty blue grey doesn't do anything for a dingy bathroom but make it feel, well, dusty and dingy.

After just a few days...

This is the walk on the way to the bathroom - so you can get the full effect. It is soooo much lighter, brighter and much fresher.

As you can see, there is no fancy tile work or impressive marble in sight. Our goal was to just take a weekend (or two...) and spruce it up a little to make it fresh and clean feeling.

We kept the existing vanity and just gave it a fresh coat of paint (Navajo White in Satin) that matches the rest of the trim in the house. We replaced the shell vanity top and the dated wall mounted mirror.

I love these polished nickel pulls - Martha Stewart Bedford pulls. We have the same ones in the kitchen, but they are finished in brass.

The faucet is Delta Silvertone - and it does have a genuine looking silver-plate finish.

I think this mirror really elevates the feel of the bathroom.

If you look closely, you can see the "beadboard" wallpaper that we installed and then painted Navajo White in flat. The paper went on so easily and covered all of the blemishes that were covering the walls.

This framed photo is one I took on our honeymoon in Tuscany. It is the same view that I put in my painting.

Here's a closer view of the wallpaper. I decided to paint it the same as the trim (but in flat) to make it feel as much like paneling as possible.

Basic and original cast iron tub.

We replaced the shower head and faucet with Universal Fit pieces - we didn't have to take out any tile to put these on.

I won't even show you what the old shower head looked like. We'll just say that this one is much, much better.

The fun area of the tub! Those are Emma's foam flower "stickers."

This is a painting I did of the view from our house in Seaside.

Nice cafe curtains are really hard to find! I ended up making these from a hemstitch table runner - I love how they turned out.

I just cut it in half and put a hem on the top of each to hold the rod.

I love the patina of the original old polished nickel door plate in the bathroom. The other side has brass to match the rest of the house.

More polished accents. The curtain is Restoration Hardware.

Side view of the painting.

Hooks! We can't have too many hooks in our house!

Sources :

Towel Hooks, Toilet Paper Holder & Hardware : Martha Stewart Seal Harbor at Home Depot

Pulls : Martha Stewart Bedford in Nickel

Wall Paint : Navajo White in Flat

Vanity : Navajo White in Satin

Faucet : Delta Silvertone

Shower Head : Pfister Universal in Chrome

Shower Curtain : Restoration Hardware

Cafe Curtain : Pottery Barn Table Runner

Towels : Pottery Barn Hydro Cotton

Easter Bunny Cake | Continuing Granny's Tradition | Coconut Cake

2013-03-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

We could always depend on what was going to come out of Granny's kitchen - spaghetti and meatballs any day of the week, shrimp dip on Christmas Eve, fried mushrooms during mushroom season, fried donuts on Saturday mornings and the infamous Bunny Cake on Easter. Easter wasn't Easter without the Bunny Cake. As I look back on the Bunny Cake, I can remember thinking it was amazing when I was really young. We were fascinated by anything in the "cake decorating" realm and I loved seeing it come together in person.

However... we never really ate the cake - none of the kids liked coconut and my Mom's cream pies piled with meringue tended to distract us. None-the-less, the Bunny Cake always showed up and we always got a kick out of it. She presented hers similarly, in a basket with fake green Easter "grass" surrounded by cupcakes topped with jelly beans. Granny was better than me - I forgot to only make one 8-inch cake and bake the rest of the batter as cupcakes... I made two cakes and ended up with two bunnies. I guess it really is true what they say about bunnies...

Coconut
Bunny Cake

3 sticks of butter, softened

2 1/2 cups sugar
6 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup milk
4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

...

Cream Cheese Icing

Coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl mix together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and coconut. Add it to the butter mixture a little at a time alternating with the milk. End with adding flour coconut mixture. Do not over mix.

Bake in parchment lined round cake pans and/or cupcake papers. Bake the cake for 30 minutes and cupcakes for 15.

See cream cheese icing recipe below.

I made a base for the cake to sit on by wrapping a piece of cardboard in parchment paper. You can use wrapping paper, printer paper or foil... whatever you have.

Cream Cheese Icing

2 sticks of butter, softened
1 block of cream cheese, softened
1 pound of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1/4 cup of milk

Cream together butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Stir together until creamy - do not whip.

I put a smear of frosting on the base to help the cake stick.

Cut a notch out of the top to form the head. Use part of the scrap to create a little tail.

Cover the bunny in icing. You may need to put it in the refrigerator then add a second coat if you like a lot of icing like me.

Cover the outside with flaked coconut.

I created the little ears by cutting them out of textured cardstock and painting pink centers with Emma's watercolor paints. Granny used good ol' fashioned pink construction paper.

I added a little pink nose, too, but kept the bunny blank... I like just the nose and ears. Too much decor takes away from the simplicity of it.

The Bunny Lives on! Both of them.

The eggs came from my Mom's friends' farm - I've been saving them just for this. It will make a great centerpiece for our Easter dinner!

Here is the easy-to-pin strip!