Food As Art

"Two" Many Blogs and an announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:09:00 +0000

For a little over a year, I've blogged here at Food As Art as well as at Beyond The Garden Gate.

I have found it increasingly difficult to keep up with posting to two blogs, visiting and doing all the other little things a person needs to do. Therefore, I've decided to stop blogging at Food As Art, although I have no plans to delete this blog.

I've participated in countless blog parties, met many new friends, and participated in giveaways here. I've done 37 tablescapes and 56 teas. And it's been fun.

It will not stop; I will continue to post recipes, teas and tablescapes but on my other blog, Beyond The Garden Gate.

The new tagline for Beyond The Garden Gate is "My garden, my table, my life."

I hope that you will follow me over to Beyond The Garden Gate.

Last but not least, Thank You to my followers, my commenters, my other readers and those who participated in the Pumpkin Party and the Poinsettia Party.

Warm Regards,

Beth

Making Cappuccino

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:10:00 +0000

I was contacted by CSN Stores, who offered me the opportunity to do a product review. I chose to review the Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso/Cappuccino maker.

The Espresso/Cappuccino maker came with very detailed instructions which included how to's, safety information and recipes.

Here's what the Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso/Cappuccino Maker looks like.

Begin making cappuccino by brewing espresso. For espresso, it's recommended that one use freshy ground, dark roast coffee that is ground with the texture of salt. I used French roast.

Espresso is a strong, dark coffee that can be enjoyed as is or mixed with steamed and/or frothed milk.

Pour the espresso into each cup.

Make the steamed and frothed milk by filling a small stainless steel or ceramic cup half full of cold milk. The instructions say that skim or 2% milk are easiest to froth.

To froth the milk, place the frothing attachment into the cup of milk, holding the cup so that about 1/8 inch of the tube is immersed. Turn the control knob to the steam posiition to begin frothing.

To make steamed milk, place the frothing tube in the cup of milk and turn the knob to steam. Hold the frothing tube so that it is submerged in the cup of milk toward the bottom of the cup.

Add the steamed milk to the espresso and spoon on the frothed milk. I added a dash of cinnamon. You could also add a flavored syrup, or change it up by using soymilk or almond milk. You could also make a tea latte or cappuccino. The possibilities are endless.

I found the Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso/Cappuccino maker simple to use and the results delicious. It is very affordable: only $36.40 at CSN Stores. I will use this frequently as I really enjoy cappuccinos, mochas and lattes.

More Cherries For Valentine's Day - Cherry Coffeecake

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:18:00 +0000

I first made Cherry Coffeecake when I was a teen. The recipe was on the back of a grocery store flyer. Over the years, I misplaced that particular recipe but I found one that is a lot like it in Treats and Trivia, a cookbook published by Rising Sun Church of Christ.

Beat 1 cup of sugar and 4 eggs together (add the eggs one at a time).

Add 1 cup oil, 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp vanilla.

Spray a 13 x 9 baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray, then cover the bottom of the pan with 1/2 of the batter. Spoon one can of cherry pie filling over the top.

Cover with the remaining batter, and sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Make a powdered sugar icing and drizzle over the top.

Enjoy!

I am linking with Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday and also with

Michael Lee for Foodie Friday

Warm Regards,

Beth

Tea Time Tuesday - For Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:38:00 +0000

Sandi asked us to share a favorite love song along with our tea in honor of Valentine's Day. I'd like to begin by telling you a little bit about the artist who'll be performing today on my blog.

From Wikipedia: "Vincent Grant "Vince" Gill (born April 12, 1957) is an American neotraditional country singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has achieved commercial success and fame both as frontman to the country rock band Pure Prairie League in the 1970s, and as a solo artist beginning in 1983, where his talents as a vocalist and musician have placed him in high demand as a guest vocalist, and a duet partner. Gill has recorded more than twenty studio albums, charted over forty singles on the U.S. Billboard charts..., and has sold more than 22 million albums. He has been honored by the Country Music Association with 18 CMA Awards, including two Entertainer of the Year awards and five Male Vocalist Awards. Gill has also earned 20 Grammy Awards, more than any other male Country music artist. In 2007, Gill was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame."

Vince Gill has been described as a "triple threat," in that he is a talented musician, singer and songwriter. He has sung duets/worked and provided harmonies with Patty Loveless, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris, Lee Ann Womack and wife Amy Grant, to name a few.

Here's a favorite love song from Vince for Valentine's Day. It's a story of a person whose time is in great demand, and he doesn't have enough time for the person who means the most to him. He realizes that he is being self-absorbed and that he has hurt her. He apologizes and says, "Baby, I still believe in you and me."

Like what you see? Click here to see a duet by Vince and Reba. Another favorite of mine; it's called "The Heart Won't Lie".

Now for tea!

I'm making cookies for us. These are chocolate sugar cookies with a touch of cinnamon and they are AWESOME! I found the recipe in a magazine, and it's one of Ree Drummond's recipes. If you'd like the recipe, you can find it here.

Ree didn't ice hers. Instead, she used a stencil to make letters to spell out words; for example, "Kiss Me."

The dishes are Liberty Blue by Staffordshire. This dinnerware was made to coincide with the American Bicentennial of Independence from England that was celebrated in 1976.

Liberty Blue was made for two years; the promotion ended December 31, 1976. Sometime after 1976, the Liberty Blue dinnerware design was released to be sold in national grocery stores on a limited run. For so many dollar purchases of groceries, you could buy a different piece. Each week a different item was available to purchase. Additional pieces were made and offered for the grocery store promotions. A guarantee was offered to allow the purchase of Liberty Blue for five years on an open stock basis from the Sigma Marketing Company.

The cup depicts Paul Revere's midnight ride.

I'm using my new blue teapot today. It was thrifted for $3.00. I was really tickled to get it, as I'd been wanting a blue teapot!

Have you ever noticed the heart-shaped leaves on a cyclamen?

I had difficulty scanning this photo and it's not sharp like I had hoped for. But I think you can see the two "lovebirds" by the giant floral hearts at Glacier Gardens, Juneau, Alaska. The two of us want to wish you and yours a Happy Valentine's Day!

Don't forget my giveaway. Last chance to enter is February 20.

Linking with Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday.

Linking with Jessa Irene at Holiday Haven for The Valentine's Party.

Linking with Martha and Terri for Tea Cup Tuesday.

Linking with Marcia at My Cottage of Content for Tea Time Tuesday.

Warm Regards,
Beth

One of My Favorite Love Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:31:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm participating in Valentine's Day Sunday Song at 5 Minutes Just For Me.

I have always loved Annie's Song by John Denver, so much so that it was a part of our wedding. Hope you enjoy this version which is set to beautiful scenery. And, after you watch it, be sure to head over to Natasha's and listen to the rest of the Sunday Songs.

Warm Regards,
Beth

2 Hearty and Delicious Soups That'll Warm You Up Inside!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:09:00 +0000

There's nothing like coming home to a fragrant house, with dinner ready. No, I don't have a chef and dh is not retired...I'm talking about my love of crockpot cooking.

I really enjoy soup served with crackers, or a nice roll, or even a sandwich. This week I tried two new soup recipes, and both are good enough to share. The first is Carrot-Sweet Potato Soup. I got this recipe from one of the women's magazines but unfortunately I forgot to write down which one. If anyone recognizes it, let me know so I can give proper credit. This is a crockpot recipe.

Carrot-Sweet Potato Soup

Peel 1 lb of sweet potatoes and cut into large pieces.

Peel and cut up 1 1/2 lbs of carrots.

Peel and cut up a small onion.

Combine the following in your slow cooker: the carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, plus 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups water, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp honey and 1 bay leaf.

Cover, cook on low 6-8 hours. Remove bay leaf and in a blender puree the soup in batches. Stir in 1/4 tsp ground black pepper and serve.

The second recipe is not made in the crockpot, although you probably could adapt it to a slow cooker. It's called Veggie Beef and Barley Soup and it's from Guideposts magazine.

Veggie Beef and Barley Soup

1 cup water

Kosher salt

1/2 cup pearl barley

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 onion, finely chopped

3 carrots, peeled and finely diced

2 stalks celery, finely diced (include leaves)

1/4 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

32 oz beef broth

1 can petite diced tomatoes

Bring water and salt to a boil. Add barley, reduce to simmer, cover and cook on low heat until liquid is absorbed. In a large stockpot, over medium high heat, saute onion, carrots and celery in oil until onions are translucent. Combine 1/4 tsp kosher salt with paprika, garlic powder and black pepper. Sprinkle spice mix over meat. Toss to coat. Brown meat in stockpot with vegetables. Pour beef broth into pot and add bay leaf. Bring to slow boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until meat is tender (approximately 30 minutes). Add cooked barley and diced tomatoes, remove bay leaf and stir to combine. Serves 4.

I have a GIVEAWAY for a $35 gift code for CSN Stores at my other blog, Beyond The Garden Gate. Click here for further information and to enter. The giveaway runs from 2/7 - 2/20/2011.

I will be linking with Full Plate Thursday

and

also with Foodie Friday

Please stop by and say hello to Miz Helen and Michael Lee, and check out all the great recipes!

Warm Regards,

Beth

Tea Time Tuesday and Tea Cup Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Hi! Do you remember this pretty china that I found at a thrift store last year? It's 'Dogwood' by Heinrich H and C.

This tea cup is so delicate and beautiful that I chose to showcase it for Tea Time Tuesday and Tea Cup Tuesday.

The cup is rimmed in gold tone and has flowers inside.

I am serving Cinnamon Plum tea today. Help yourself to a cup.

Would you like an eclair with your tea?

Perhaps you'd prefer a cream puff.

Valentine's Day will be here soon. Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love and caring. I found love 37 years ago, when I met my husband-to-be at college. Second semester was almost over, with summer vacation coming when we met and started dating. We continued to date over the summer which meant a bit of a commute for him, since we lived about 120 miles apart! Two years later I graduated and he still had a year of college remaining. We married on October 2, 1976 and moved into married student housing. Now, it's 34 years, two children and one grandchild later...we are happy empty nesters nearing retirement. We are joyfully planning what we want the next phase of our lives to be like. We do know that Iowa winters are brutal and we'd like to be snowbirds, or perhaps relocate.

I have so enjoyed sharing my love story, my tea, food and pretty dishes with you. Thanks for stopping by!

By the way, I hosting a giveaway at my other blog, Beyond The Garden Gate. Click here for entry information.

I am linking today with Tea Time Tuesday, hosted by Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage and Inspirations, and

Tea Cup Tuesday, hosted by Martha at Martha's Favorites and Terri at Artful Affirmations

Blessings and hugs,
Beth

Redecorating the Master Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:29:00 +0000

For several years, we've had a yellow bedroom. It was cozy and tranquil and sunny, all at the same time. However, there comes a time when one decides change is due.

We selected the linens and window treatments first, then chose green for our walls.

I think it's soft and feminine! (don't tell my dh)

Seven - count 'em - SEVEN - pillows

Do we need more?

I've always loved the swag above the bed, so it's staying.

Our window treatments

On another topic, the past few days Gracie has sat by the family room window all day long.

I thought maybe she liked the warmth of the sun, but later found that there are a number of birds stopping by to eat from the bowl of catfood on the porch.

The stillness of winter: moon rising - not my decorating here - but God's.

Enjoy your weekend!

Warm Regards,

Beth

Modern Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:23:00 +0000

I just love CSN Stores! There are over 200 sites; CSN Stores sell everything from furniture to modern decor.

Look what I found when I was browsing recently:

Art-A-Peel Wall Wisdom

I love that philosophy; how true it is.

Toikka Ruby Bird

She would look beautiful as part of a centerpiece on a winter table.

Jigsaw Mirror - cute and unique!

This pretty turquoise vase would be lovely filled with white roses.

What fun - a miniature shoe figurine!

There are other miniatures as well, including miniature furniture pieces.

If you're looking for modern decor, click on the link at the beginning of this post, and see what CSN has to offer!

Warm Regards,

Beth

Tea Time Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:31:00 +0000

Welcome to tea. Grab a plate and have a seat.

I'm having green tea,

and here's a cup of black tea for you.

I have some brownie tarts today.

Today I am linking with Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage and Inspirations for Tea Time Tuesday.

Warm Regards,

Beth

Chocolate Heart Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:01:00 +0000

I tried this recipe from The Pioneer Woman today. There easy, delicious and attractive - great for Valentine's Day!

Stir the following ingredients together:

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Cream together

1 cup softened butter

1 cup packed brown sugar, and then add

1 egg and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Add the flour mixture in two parts, mixing gently and scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Transfer dough to a large zip-top bag and flatten into a disc. Refrigerate for 2 hr.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer dough to to a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/8" thick. Cut with heart cookie cutter and place cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-12 minutes. Remove from oven, cool completely, and ice with powdered sugar frosting.

Warm Regards,

Beth

Valentine Breakfast - How about pancakes?

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:52:00 +0000

Would you like to prepare something cute, and also easy, for breakfast on Valentine's Day?

How about pink heart-shaped pancakes surrounded by fresh strawberries?

Start by stirring red food coloring into your favorite pancake batter.

I tried pouring the batter into a cookie cutter on the griddle, but experimentation showed that making round pancakes and cutting them with into heart shapes worked better (albeit wasting some pancake).

Here they are, cute as can be!

Serve with strawberries and powdered sugar or syrup.

Today I am linking with two parties: Full Plate Thursday at Miz Helen's Country Cottage, and

Foodie Friday, hosted by Michael Lee West at Designs by Gollum.

Warm Regards,
Beth

Dick's Meatloaf

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:39:00 +0000

I get most of my recipes from these sources: family, newspapers and magazines and the internet (including your blogs and sites like allrecipes.com).

The newspaper from the town I grew up in (Hometown Press) has a feature called "What's Cooking." I enjoy reading about the persons featured and trying the recipes shared.

That being said, let's get on with it! Here's a very good meatloaf recipe from Dick Slaymaker, courtesy of Hometown Press.

Here's what you'll need:

1 lb hamburger
1/2 pound breakfast sausage
1 medium sized onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 egg
1/2 - 3/4 cup crushed club crackers (I substituted bread crumbs)
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes of Tabasco
1 Tbsp mustard
1/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup peas (I used a 1 lb can of peas)
Salt and pepper as desired

Mix all ingredients together well. Press into greased loaf pan. Top with ketchup or BBQ sauce prior to baking if you like. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes.

Prepare a nice salad to accompany it.

Delicious!

I am linking Dick's Meatloaf recipe to Foodie Friday hosted by Michael Lee West at Designs by Gollum.

Warm Regards,

Beth

Tablescape Thursday - Valentine Tablescape

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Welcome to my Valentine tablescape.

I set the table in the breakfast nook. I used my Valentine placemats, red chargers, and 'Filigree' by Pfaltzgraff. The silverware is 'Rosalie' by William A. Rogers.

Red and white accents include the bouquet and candles. So colorful!

Here's a close-up of 'Rosalie'.

It's beginning to get dark...

Lovely by candlelight

Linking today with Susan at Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday. I encourage you to visit, as you will see many lovely tables there.

Warm Regards,

Beth

Tea Time Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:50:00 +0000

I purchased this cute little snowman teapot at an after-Christmas sale. I don't see it as "Christmas," I see it as "Winter."

Consequently, I'll be using this teapot for the next couple of months, and I'm leaving it on my kitchen counter for decoration.

This plate came with the set. You can place it underneath the teapot, or use it as a plate.

It's almost Valentine's Day so I thought I'd serve some homemade sugar cookies.

I bought two cute matching mugs.

Would you like some hot chocolate with your cookies?

I'm so glad you stopped by for hot chocolate and cookies.

Today I am linking with Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage and Inspirations for Tea Time Tuesday. Be sure to stop by and tell her hello, and see all the lovely tea, coffee, and hot chocolate settings.

Warm Regards,
Beth

More Cherries for Valentine's Day - Cherry Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Valentine's Day will be here soon. I have a few ideas for pretty, cheery Valentine items you can serve.

I had some cherries in the freezer that I picked from my tree last summer. I decided to bake a pie.

I made a no-roll pastry crust. It's so simple! Here's how:

No Roll Pastry (2 crust)

3 cups flour

1 tsp salt

2 Tbsp sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 Tbsp milk

Mix flour, salt and sugar together. Pour in vegetable oil and milk. Mix with a fork. Transfer 1/2 of mixture to a pie pan and press with fingers to spread over the bottom and sides of pan.

The other 1/2 is for the top crust and you will crumble the topping on.

Fresh Cherry Pie - adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook

Combine the following:

4 cups fresh or frozen tart red cherries

3/4 cup sugar

just under 1/2 cup flour

dash of salt

1/2 tsp of almond flavoring

Turn into pastry-lined pie plate, add topping. Bake at 400 degrees for 45-55 minutes.

Today I will be linking with Lisa at Sweet As Sugar Cookies for her new blog party, Sweets For A Saturday. Be sure to visit to get some great "sweets" recipes.

In addition, I am linking to JoJo's Joys for her pie party, in honor of National Pie Day on January 23.

Another "Cherries for Valentine's Day" recipe, Cherry Torte, can be found by clicking here.

Warm Regards,

Beth

Cherries for Valentine's Day - Cherry Torte

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 02:44:00 +0000

I love cherries, and they are well....cheery....when it's cold and snowy outside! With their brilliant red color, I think they are perfect for making Valentine's Day desserts.

Here is a recipe that I adapted from a this Pumpkin Torte which I featured last fall.

Cherry Torte

1 yellow cake mix (reserve 1 cup for topping)
1 egg
3/4 cup butter
1 large can cherry pie filling
1/2 - 1 tsp almond flavoring

Crust: Mix cake mix less 1 cup with egg and 1/2 cup butter. Press into bottom of a greased jelly roll pan (10 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 1).
Filling: Top with cherry pie filling with the almond flavoring stirred into it.
Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of cake mix over the filling. Melt 1/4 cup butter and pour over top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, until topping is golden brown.

Enjoy with a nice hot cup of tea or coffee.

Linking with Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.

Warm Regards,

Beth

A Few Favorites Photos from 2010 Part 5

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:13:00 +0000

It's been SUCH FUN to look back at photos I took last year. For example, this two-tiered server with meringues and flower petals graced an afternoon tea.

Dining on the patio, Summer 2010

Another meal on the patio, using 'Leopard' and featuring edible flowers

Old Country Roses and blueberry muffins for Tea Time Tuesday

Cup and saucer in the garden

'Currier and Ives' by Royal. This pattern was sold by A and P Stores in the 1960s. I fell in love with it, and am now a collector.

'Currier and Ives' for Tea Time Tuesday

An unmarked cup and saucer that I purchased in a thrift store

Loved this tea setting for Tea Time Tuesday

More 'Currier and Ives', this time for a breakfast of oatmeal topped with blueberries

The look-back is now complete; on to more recipes, tablescapes and teascapes for 2011!

Hope you will join me on this journey.

I will be joining Sandi of Rose Chintz Cottage and Inspirations for Tea Time Tuesday.

Kind regards,

Beth

Upside-down Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:43:00 +0000

Hello to all of you pizza lovers! Here's a twist on pizza that's simple to make and wonderful to eat.

It's called Upside-down Pizza.

Begin by browning 1 lb of ground beef and 1/8 cup onion. Drain.

Add an envelope of spaghetti sauce mix and an 8 oz can of tomato sauce. Simmer gently to allow the flavors to combine.

Spread meat mixture into an 8x8 pan. Layer on 1/4 cup sour cream and

1 cup of grated Mozzarella cheese.

Top with a tube of crescent rolls (you may have a couple extra). Brush with 2 Tbsp melted butter.

Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30", until pizza crust is light golden brown.

Today I am linking with Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. Foodie Friday is sponsored by Michael Lee West. Be sure to stop by for more great recipes.

Warm regards,

Beth

Favorite Photos from 2010 Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:38:00 +0000

'Dogwood' by Heinrich H and C

Mixed berry shortcake with lemon cream: simple yet pretty. You can find the recipe here.

In my garden

The beauty of silver

The Blue Hour - notice all the points of blue in the glass and the silver

Red hot poker in my garden last summer

Tortie

Our home: check out that lush lawn!

Self-portrait

An Independence Day tablescape on the deck

Another look at my 4th of July tablescape

Another dinner on the deck

As the sun goes down: this photo reminds me of the tropics: Hawaii perhaps

Swan teapot at Thymes Remembered Tea Room

Chicken puff pastry, salad and strawberry soup served on a transferware plate at the tea room. Two more tea room photos below:

Individual Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes - you can find the recipe here.

Thanks for looking back at 2010 with me. Here's to more fun blogging in 2011!

Warm Regards,
Beth

Some Photographic Memories from 2010 Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:43:00 +0000

Pink depression glass

Depression glass with 'Fabulace'

Welcome to Pella, Iowa's Tulip Time!

A few memories from 2010's celebration below

Pella's citizens plant thousands of tulips for Tulip Time. Because of the uncertainty of the weather and thus the rapidity of the tulips blooming, residents plant early, mid and late season varieties to ensure tulips for the celebration.

Old-fashioned storefronts in this Dutch community

Dutch letters in a bakery window

Jaarsma Bakery window scene

I photographed more goodies inside the bakery.

Delft inside Jaarsma Bakery

The beauty of lace

I had a great time perusing the Windmill Antique Mall. Some "finds" below...

A transferware plate. If I remember correctly, it is by Spode.

Colorful pitcher and basin

Back home: my experiment making rose petal tea

A tablescape with Old Country Roses and peonies from my garden

Lovely pattern: Old Country Roses

2010 was a pretty good year. Hoping for more of same for 2011!

Blessings and kind regards,

Beth

Tea Time Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:39:00 +0000

Today I'm joining Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage and Inspirations for Tea Time Tuesday. Be sure to stop by to see Sandi and the other participants.

Friends of ours own an antiques and collectibles business. Sadly, they are going out of business but the good news is that the merchandise was deep discounted - up to 75% off.

I bought a pretty green, white and gold tea cup, saucer and plate there, plus another item, for under $5.00. In addition, Gail told me to go pick out anything from the Christmas merchandise and just take it, since I am one of her favorite customers!

Here's a close-up view. Love the detail!

This was made in Selb Bavaria, Germany, U.S. Zone (post World War II occupation).

A better look...

Would you care for a cup of green tea?

I have some shortbread cookies to serve with tea today. While some persons bake their own shortbread, I've never been inclined to do so when Walker's makes such a buttery, delicious shortbread cookie.

I placed a candle on the table.

Serving tea with my silver tea/coffee pot

I am so glad you stopped by for Tea Time Tuesday, and I wish you a wonderful relaxing break with a nice cup of tea and a nosh (a snack or light meal).

Thanks, Sandi, for sponsoring Tea Time Tuesday.

Kind regards,

Beth

More Favorite Photos Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 23:49:00 +0000

Looking back to early spring's beauty: daffodils

Daffodils make a lovely centerpiece for this tablescape.

Red and white tablescape and the Blue Hour

Another Blue Hour photo

Vintage vase

Old Country Roses tablescape

A colorful teascape

Tiny peach teapot

Peach dessert goes well with tea

Afternoon tea goodies

Green tea served with 'Landon' by Noritake

Silver and white

Lilacs on my tea table

Pretty in white: tea cup, coconut cake and faux roses

Enjoy!

Stuffed Shells for Foodie Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:17:00 +0000

For this recipe you'll need

8 oz jumbo pasta shells

1 lb ground beef, or use 1/2 beef and 1/2 pork

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

4 eggs

1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup chopped onion

3/4 tsp dried oregano leaves

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

14 oz jar spaghetti sauce

Begin by cooking the shells according to package directions. My package contained 12 oz, and because the shells tend to break I cooked the entire package.

While the pasta is cooking, mix 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, oregano, salt and pepper.

Brown the ground beef and drain.

Line a 13 x 9 pan with aluminum foil. Pour a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the foil and place the cooked pasta in a single layer in the pan.

Stir the cooked meat into the other filling ingredients.

Fill each cooled pasta shell.

Cover the pasta shells with the spaghetti sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

Serve with garlic bread and a salad.

Today I am linking with Michael Lee West for Foodie Friday.

A Few Favorites From 2010 Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Green tea for two

Homemade pizza

Door decor for Valentine's Day

Mmmm...Valentine cookies

Good for a cold winter's day: Chicken noodle soup

Cute and easy Valentine's dessert

The Master Bedroom: soon to be re-decorated

(I promise to show you the "after.")

Lavender and blue tablescape after dark

ME Cherries, after dark

Scones and clotted cream

Chai tea in the guest bedroom

Silver and blue tea

Pink roses tablescape

Happy Birthday tablescape

I enjoyed looking back at 2010, and hope that you did as well. Wishing you a wonderful 2011!

xo,

Beth