HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

 

SECOND ROUND OF 18th CENTURY COLONIAL FRUITCAKE

 Today I decided to bake a second round of the 18th

Century Colonial Fruitcakes that I have made for

years.  This recipe made 8 mini foil tins when I made a 

batch Monday and again today today the recipe made a

 larger size

 Bundt, a medium tube pan and also 2 mini

foil ones.  They are still in the oven right now.

This photo above is from last year so you

get the idea of the mini foil pans.  The next photo

is some of the ones from last week which I am

brushing each day with rum.  I had 8 but already 

gave one to neighbors and we have consumed 2.

If you think Fruitcake is awful - please try this recipe

which will change your mind.  I don't suggest eliminating

any the assortment of candied fruits and nuts because that is

what really makes it:  red and green cherries,  golden

raisins, walnuts, almonds, citron, lemon peel and

watermelon rind pickles.  Yes, this is a bit costly 

to make.

We are bringing some deserts to share at a

Thanksgiving meal near St Louis so I will take the

larger bundt for that with some other items.

Here is a peak inside the oven today:

And here is the RECIPE!

And just outside the window here I see

the robins are eating the juniper berries off

the tree:

And the bittersweet has popped open:

AND NOW COOLING ON THE

KITCHEN TABLE:

NOVEMBER THANKSGIVING TABLESETTING

 I am sharing my Windsor Ware Harvest Fruit dishes by Johnson Brothers.  I started out years ago with some plates and

have added to my collection when I have seen them at a

decent price.  

Speaking of prices, I recently found a real bargain at

a local resale shop.  Last year Victoria Magazine featured

the most gorgeous cake dome and stand in the Christmas

issue.  I just looked and the replacement business that

everyone talks about had one for over $400.00 but I got

mine for $40.00.  I was so excited.

As you can see to the right, I do have a dome which

had no stand that  I purchased last year so now I have 

2 of those.  I also found some more of the

crystal etched glasses which I mix and match on my

table.  This one is called "June Night" and is beloved.

I broke at least 2 of these over the year so having

extras is a good plan - especially when I see

them at a good price.  They are from the 1930's-40's.  

And I say "oops" to that vacuum

 cleaner wand to the right!

I have been enjoying Instagram so much

and would encourage everyone to look

at it for "whatever" interests you.

The punch bowl above was purchased at the

Salvation Army resale store in Old Colorado City

many years ago.

I make the same comments every year:  I wish we celebrated Thanksgiving earlier so we had more time before Christmas.