Thursday, January 28, 2016

IT'S A PARIS TEA TIME

I could also call this post "Boulanger Bernideen takes on  Boulanger Bruno Solques".....




A while back I did a post on the book  THE PATISSERIES OF PARIS 




I was especially drawn to a photo in the book of the very free form tarts made at Bruno Solques Boulangerie.....
this would be a bakery we would love to go
 to in Paris.  So here I tried my own rendition
 of his tarts and also here is the recipe
 if you would like to give it a whirl!




For the PASTRY SHELL of your tart you will need 1 2/3 cups of flour, 2/3 cups of powdered sugar, 2/3 cup cut up butter/cold, 1 egg beaten and 1/4 cup of water. (could be less water) I used a 10 x 16 jellyroll pan but when I do this again I will get a rectangular tart pan with removable bottom which is slightly smaller! Roll out the dough on a pastry cloth and unroll it into the pan.



This recipe would be perfect for afternoon tea! 

Here is the lovely filling:
1/2 cup of melted warm butter, 1 cup of sugar and 2 Tb cornstarch.   Mix these together and spread over the dough you have unrolled into the pan. O f course you crimp the edges of the dough  just like a pie. Spread the filling all over and lay the following fruits into this mix:
ALL FRESH FRUITS: 2 pears, peeled and sliced but kept together, 1 lb strawberries, sliced, 6 oz blackberries and 6 oz raspberries ( you could also do apples or blueberries)

Bake on center rack at 375 degrees for 30- 40 minutes.  Let cool before eating although we always dive in early!




  This is a repost from 2010 moved forward because we are moving to Missouri and I am
rather busy packing up!

Monday, January 25, 2016

THE HISTORIC OLD NORTH END for BTTCG Blog Party

There is something wonderful about an old house!  




If you love old houses - there are thousands in this
 area north of Downtown Colorado Springs!
Just look at the windows around this front door below:




A friend lives in this lovely light peach home:


Are you like me in that my taste has changed over the years?  I was once in love with heavy, dark and massive Victorian but now I suddenly find myself charmed by cottage style.  Perhaps, this is because it better suits my station in life. I do love to see the Victorian stairways.  Many of the homes have butler pantries.  We went in one and the lady showed me a buzzer under the dining room table where the lady of the house stepped on it with her foot to call for the servants.  Ha!






I like the cottage style of this one below - 
I would call this a very LARGE cottage though!


I really like this one below:




These stately old houses are all very old.
The windows below are amazing:











Love this cottage style:






I hope you can participate in my blog party today!  It's really widespread - just not "Give Aways Only" please!
I am also sharing at these parties:
No Place Like Home
The Art of Homemaking Mondays
Roses of Inspiration
Let's Talk Vintage
Simple & Sweet Fridays
Home and Garden Thursday
Share Your Cup
Vintage Charm
The Charm of Home




Sunday, January 24, 2016

SUNDAY CELEBRATION

Today I would like to share my collection
 of very old antique Bibles and vintage inspirational books.
 I bought quite a few in Des Moines, Iowa in the
 1970's when I was in college.








Many of these are from the 1900's and some from the 1800's.......




And of course - my Gideon Bible that was
 given to me in 3rd grade in public school -
 sadly things have sure changed!



This was a repost!

Monday, January 18, 2016

VINTAGE SEWING VIGNETTES for BTTCG Blog Party

I have a sewing area down in
 our unfinished basement.
 It's nothing you would show
 photos of as it isn't in a lovely room.
 I do like it that the messes can be left
and walked away from without it mattering.


I was doing some reorganizing and
thought I would take a few photos
of some of the lovely vintage  buttons
 and embroidery and crochet pieces 
that I have found lately. 




Also, I love using Susan Branch's
large blotter sized calender
in the basement where I sew.
You can write on it noting all your
projects and plans for crafting
or whatever! 

  Sorry though - what a tease
as I forgot to take the photo.
The cute little quilted wall pocket craft below is 
something I received in a tea swap!






I also have plastic bins where I store
 some beautiful vintage embroidery. I am not opposed
to buying damaged linens for that matter if I think 
 they can be cut up and used on sewing projects.







I thought this runner above would make something
 cute for a baby shower!



You are invited to join my blog party today
 by linking at the bottom
 and please include a link
on your blog to this post!






Saturday, January 16, 2016

BLEAK WINTER AND DUCKS



I thought I'd take a little walk today as there are
 greenbelts that run throughout our area and over near a pond.
They aren't so green now though - more brown.







I stopped to take a picture of some rocks when 
 from out of "nowhere" I suddenly had friends moving towards me.









Unfortunately, I had nothing to offer but friendship.