Pancakes and a Treasured Cook Book Find

Hello :) Have a seat and lets talk. I have recently fallen for cook books, but not any cook book will come home with me. I have spent the last couple of Saturdays at estate sales, looking for cook books. When I opened Cooking Menus Service (Ida Bailey Allen), I instantly felt a connection with the lady who once owned this book. It was chalked full of hand written notes, hand written recipes, food smudges, a few beauty aid clippings, folded pages of her favorite recipes, and tips. Because the house was open I was able to tour her home, and see where she cooked, baked, created, and entertained. I have fallen for cook books that have the previous owners love written inside. What does this have to do with pancakes! Well, this morning I woke up with a hunger for homemade pancakes. I grabbed the cook book from my stack of cook books on my fridge and looked for a pancake recipe. I couldn't find a recipe for regular pancakes, so I grabbed my Better Homes and Garden Cook Book (also bought at an estate sale with written notes). While thumbing through Cooking Menus Service, I found a clipping for a waffle treat called Honey Syrup. I made the syrup for my pancakes (figured there wasn't a rule it was only for waffles).



Isn't she beautiful! The recent copyright in this book was 1932 (my copy) the first was 1924. This is her first talk in a radio station. She was born in 1885 (Ida Cogswell) and died in July of 1973. She was known as the domestic goddess. It is said she invented the marshmallow- topped sweet potato casserole! She wrote more than 50 cookbooks and was contributor to six magazines. She was an ambitious women that's for sure. The forward in the book was very interesting. Don't you just love that hand mixer.


Hand written recipes inside by the previous owner. The recipe (salad dressing) on the Hotel Vincent, stationary was written and given to her by a chef at the hotel. You could say she was able to schmooze chefs for their prized recipes. Think I'll try the dressing and let you know how it taste. She must have had a beautiful complexion (judging by the beauty aid clippings). It appears she was into saving money where she could too.

The syrup was so good on my homemade pancakes! The flavor of the warm butter and honey with a hint of vanilla taste so delightful. When cooled the syrup thickened and was the perfect spread for toast. You have to try this simple, but tasty syrup. I hope you enjoyed your visit. I enjoyed having pancakes and coffee with you. I also enjoyed our talk about Ida Bailey Allen. So rude of me to dominate the conversation. Do you have a prized cook book and or recipe you would like to share? Have a wonderful day. Until next time.

Blessings,

aimee

Pumpkin Scones As Promised!

Hello :) My name is Aimee and I love scones. With the weather cooling (on and off here in Riverside, CA), it is time to do more baking. As I'm sure I've said many times before I love to cook, I love to bake and I love to eat! I make scones throughout the year. They are perfect for any time of day ( I think so anyway),perfect for a little gift, dessert and potluck. I eat them with cool whip topping (1 small container of cool whip topping add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, whip) , assorted jams, honey or plain. There not just a treat you eat while sipping your tea any more. I've been making scones for years, but have only been making the Pumpkin Scones for two years. They are so easy to make and so tasty. Rev up those ovens and let's bake some delicious Pumpkin Scones.

I doubled the recipe, but the recipe I am giving you is for a single batch. In large bowl mix, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/4 -1/3 cup sugar, 3 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp pumpkin spice (add according to your taste), 1 stick salted cold butter (diced and squished (technical term) into flour) You will notice the butter escaped this picture and made its way into the next picture, but add into the dry ingredients. unruly butter!

In medium bowl whisk, 1/2 cup canned spiced pumpkin, 3 tbs cold half- and- half, and 1 large egg. Pour wet into dry and mix.



Roll dough out onto floured surface and kneed 5 times, separate into dough balls. The number of dough balls depends on the size you want the scones to be. Since I made the scones to give to my friends as gifts, I wanted them to be bigger. I make them smaller when I'm making them for a tea. Flatten dough balls into rounds, thickness should be 1/2" to 1"thick. Use a pizza cutter to cut each round in half and into desired triangles. Place onto foil lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 12- 16 minutes. The cook time will depend on thickness. Place onto cooling rack and cool. Smells great. You are doing a fantastic job!




Powder Sugar Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbs whole milk (add 1 tbs at a time until smooth and desired consistency), drizzle on top of cooled scones. While plain glaze firms make the Spiced Glaze. Spiced Glaze : 1 cup powder sugar, 1-3 tbs (add 1 tbs at a time until smooth), 1 tsp pumpkin spice, mix and drizzle over plain glaze. The spiced glaze should be thicker than the plain. If you look through the cooling rack I placed wax paper on my table so I could drizzle the scones while they were on the cooling rack. Made clean up a cinch!


I hope you will try making the Pumpkin Scones, and enjoy them as much as I do. Serve with a dollop of whip cream ( I didn't have any) it is delicious ! I have enjoyed baking with you and look forward to our next baking date. Maybe next time I'll make Pumpkin Bread. Before I go I want to announce a giveaway at Cynthia's Cottage Design. Please pay her a visit. She is such a creative and sweet lady with a big heart. I love to visit her and so will you. Her blog is so warm and inviting.

Blessings,

aimee

Mail Mail Mail! I Love The Mail Today!

Painted by the talented and sweet Deborah

from The Painted Nest

Hello :) I was so excited to win Deborah's awesome giveaway! I read about her giveaway on another blog and clicked on over. I've been a follower ever since. When I received an email from Deborah that I won her wonderful giveaway. The little girl in me came out today when I saw the mail carrier coming up the driveway with my package. It took everything in this girl not to meet him at his truck. A sudden moment of clarity strcuk me! During this moment it was clear (that's why it's called clarity) that if I ran out to meet the carrier he might run, jump back in his truck, and take off with my gift or mace me (both are not good ). I showed restraint and I waited for him to leave the box at the door. After all my mom raised a lady. As you can see by the plaque Deborah is truly gifted and she is very sweet. I just love the colors she used and the detail is amazing. Truely an honor to own such a wonderful piece of art work. I will cherish it.






My name is written so fancy! Take a gander at those pretty trims, wrapped around decorated tags, wool tied with pink ribbon, rich blue tassel, vintage flowers and a glass vase. All of these things with a pretty cloth and a greeting card from Deborah. Wait there's so much more!


Gift tags featuring an elegant lady, sweet bluebird tags, rosy cheeked girl, rose applique, floral paper sheets, greeting card with envelope, cardboard hearts with a binder ring and a pretty white floral cloth napkin. More!


Beads and buttons! Different sizes and colors. The Christmas tree is full of beads. Isn't that tool so cool! It is used for adhearing rhinestones to different materials. I am going to have a ball! Think if I put those angel wings on I might be able to fly? I'd love to visit Italy. There's still more! The box was like Marry Poppins carpet bag.

Brass chain with different charms. Aren't they neat! This chain is the perfect size to make myself a whimsical bracelet. The frame and bird cage were also in the box. You spoiled me Deborah.

Doborah, thank you so much for the generous gift and for sharing your talent. Please visit Deborah, at The Painted Nest. You'll want to follower her too! Plus who couldn't use another friend! I also love the verses she posts. So encouraging. I'll be making Pumpkin Scones, in my next post! Pumpkins Pumpkins delicious Pumpkins!! Until next time .

Blessings,

aimee

Homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette

Hello :) I pray everyone is doing well. I've been working in the house and in the garden. The house never stops getting dirty and the weeds never stop growing. Imagine that! Recently my husband and I stopped at a vegetable stand and bought some strawberries. A lot of deliciously ripe strawberries. Whats a gal to do with so many (besides strawberry shortcake)! Make a hearty salad and dress it with some homemade strawberry vinaigrette? Yes! It is very easy to make, tasty and the color is beautiful. Grab your apron and let's begin.





I bought the strawberry shaped, strawberry slicer at my local grocery store. Works great and saved me so much time from slicing them by hand. Don't get me wrong I love to slice, dice and chop, but I also love kitchen gadgets. Loving my estate sale mini food processor too.

* 1 and 1/2 cup sliced, dark, ripe, strawberries and into the food processor or blender

I used extra virgin olive oil, but you can use light or any oil you would like to make your dressing. If dark balsamic vinaigrette is too tart try the light (clear).

*1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette (whisked into olive oil)

Isn't he adorable! I bought him at a garage sale. The top was a metal screw top, but I took the top off my plastic bear and put it on him. It's a perfect fit. Since he is glass and can't be squeezed the honey comes out slow. He is so cute. I don't mind the wait. Moving on.

* 1 and 1/2 teaspoons honey

1 and 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar ( taste after each teaspoon to see if you want to add the other half teaspoons)

Add one tiny garlic clove, puree form. One way to achieve this is to mince garlic on a cutting board add a little salt, smear with butter knife. You don't have to add the garlic, but I think it brings out all of the different flavors that make up the dressing.

Add the strawberry puree and salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing isn't strawberry enough feel free to add some strawberry preserve.




All done and ready to enjoy! This is not a very good picture. The sun went to bed making the house dim. There is nothing like the sun shining through the windows of a home. So inviting. As I said before I love a hearty salad. Grilled then diced chicken breast on a bed of baby spring salad mix, sliced strawberries, diced gala apple and pear, corn, fresh shreds of carrot, dried orange cranberries, sun flower seeds (toasted almonds if you have them), red bell pepper, mushrooms and crumbled blu cheese. YUM! I have made this dressing using a frozen (thawed) berry mix instead of strawberries and have added juice from a couple of orange wedges. I hope you enjoy making this dressing and find it to be just as tasty. You may have to add more of one ingredient or two to your liking. Salad was last nights dinner. Now what should I make for tonight? I know. It will be a very simple meal. Sloppy Joes with slices of cheddar cheese on whole wheat buns and into the oven to melt the cheese and some baked seasoned potato wedges. The rest of my day will be taken up with garden work. An easy dinner it shall be . Until next time ladies.

Blessings,

aimee

Done For Now!

Hello :) Thought I would be a better host this time. I made us some french press coffee and some Pumpkin Squares. I know it's a little early in the year for pumpkin treats, but I couldn't resist. Grab a fork and dig in. I'm still not done with the kitchen, but wanted to show you some pictures. I'm still looking for some odds and ends to pull it together. I invited my friend Karon over to give me some ideas on decorating. She helped me realize less is more and more is sometimes just more. Karon also helped me focus on the look I wanted for my kitchen. After she left I uncluttered my kitchen cabinets. Seriously did I really need 4 sets of spindles for hand mixers I don't have any more? My sister Jenni (Genevie) is now the proud owner of said spindles. I had to keep reminding myself that I was going for a vintage look and not modern. It is so easy to get off track. My kitchen is nothing fancy or great, but so far I love how it looks. I like the color I chose (turquoise sea). It's going to take time for my husband to get used to the color,but just like the red he will get used to the turquoise. Let's take a look :)

Starting from the left side of the kitchen. From green and white to all white cabinets.
I've decided I love paint! It's inexpensive, comes in a zillion colors and can change something from drab to eye catching. If you don't like the color you can paint another over it.

Pretty jars hold my flour and sugars. I love to bake! One of these days I'm going to make a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting from scratch and top it with toasted coconut flakes. YUM!

The wire basket was white before I painted it cherry red. I got the handkerchief idea from my friend Karon. A couple of years ago my daughter Holly , Sarah and myself re grouted the counter tops. It was very inexpensive, easy and looked 100 times better after we were done.

This dish soap from Dawn in Apple Spice, is great. The bottom of the bottle is an air freshener. How cool is that! Smells delightful. Try it. You will love it too.


The sink curtain is not permanent. I'm still looking for vintage fabric or a table cover I can make into a curtain. Just haven't seen anything I like.


Apron I hung like a little curtain. Not a very good picture, but it actually looks nice.



My coffee area. Bought the blue and white glass sugar jar with metal lid from an estate sale. It has the name Gemco printed under the jar. Does anyone know where its from? It now holds my coffee scoops. Love my coffee!




Look on top of the fridge. Do you see my fancy cake holder? My cakes are gonna travel in style from now on. It was only $6 from an estate sale! It's in great condition.



Bought my pretty little red toaster oven at Target a year ago. Fits right in.




My "new" utensil holder. Should I paint it cherry red or a brighter yellow? I sure enjoyed having you over to see my newly painted kitchen. Like I said I still have some odds and ends I need to buy, but for now I'm loving it. I also repainted the dining area, but forgot to take before pics. Bad blogger. I hope you have enjoyed your visit. I want to thank everyone of you for being so sweet and encouraging. Thank you Karon for helping me focus. You are a treasured friend. Until next time :)

Blessings,

aimee

It Is Time For A New Look!

Hello :) I have been wanting to repaint my kitchen for about five months, but was unsure of what I wanted. I knew I wanted to add a vintage look to my kitchen. Lately I've been buying baking dishes, bowls, kitchen towels and utensils at estate sales. Just can't be stopped. I love bringing home these wonderful treasures. So I emailed my good friend Karon (so many wonderful ideas swimming around in her head) and asked her for some ideas. She is my go to girl when it comes to vintage :). I keep telling her she needs a blog. So many women would benefit from her creativity. Let's take a look at the before!

My sister Genevie (aka Jenni and second oldest), my daughter Holly and I painted the cabinets about six years ago. They were a dark wood finish. As you can see it is time for a change.



I'm sure I was supposed to be a better host and clean up before I invited you all to see my kitchen, but I don't think it's necessary if you are doing a before and after. Right? :) See the Giada De Laurentiis cook book (has a cooking show on tv) on the refrigerator? My sister Jenni gave it to me for Christmas. She stood in line at her book signing in LA, CA (in high heels, walked a mile, because there was no nearby parking and stood in line forever) and had it signed for me! Very special gift :)

I know many of you have noticed the cook books on the stove. I just put them there for a sec. I know one should never leave flammable items on the stove. I was taught this rule and the roll up your sleeves before you cook rule (as to not catch them on fire) in elementary school. I always thought whats the big deal and like the stove is just gonna turn its self on jeez (second grade attitude)! One day last summer there was a short in our stoves wiring and fire came through the knobs (turned its self on)!A couple years ago my sister Jenni was cooking and not following the roll up your sleeves rule. Yes, her sleeve caught on fire! She was not hurt:) Both of these incidents taught me valuable lessons. Turns out my teacher knew what she was talking about. After all as kids didn't we really know it all :)


This wall was being shy. Therefore I was unable to get a good picture to show it's true color . It was green when I moved in. You can see a little of the back yard.



The cabinet doors kept falling off so I put up a curtain. I'll be putting up a new rod and new curtain. Hmmm what color fabric should I buy ?

Let the games begin! I am so ready. First the primer. I'll be back soon to give you the finished version. Is anyone else making over their kitchen or have any websites or blogs I can visit to get some ideas on vintage kitchens? I'd love to know. Have a great day and until next time.

Blessings,

aimee

Praying everyone has a blessed Sunday. Family, friends, fun, laughter, food, new memories and reminiscing :)

blessings,

aimee