Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts

Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Easter


Easter is such a special time and I love to make it a celebration
 by decorating my dinner table in a special way. 


Yellow and white Easter Table



I liked the look of lemons in the water for a flower arrangement and since it
 fit in nicely with my colour scheme I tried it. I like the result
Flower centerpiece



My new yellow and white dishes helped with the look. they are from
 Bed Bath and Beyond. "sunny day" by Thomas
Easter place setting

   A few of the details:

Table favor
     
  I sewed napkin rings
 from striped ribbon.


Simple napkin rings








Easter dessert



I also was so happy to find these little fabric baskets at the dollar tree for only $1.25 each

Inexpensive Easter baskets


I hope you had a Happy Easter!

Wednesday, 10 October 2012

Thanksgiving Weekend

It was a wonderful but busy thanksgiving weekend starting out with a celebration of an amazing couple celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. I was honored to make a cake for them. They love carrot cake.

70th anniversary carrot cake
Here's the recipe I use:

Carrot Cake

Preheat oven to 350℉
Grease and flour either 1- 9x13 and 1-8 inch square  
( I always make the 8 inch as an extra for my 89yr old father) 
or any pans of similar volume (  3 -9 inch rounds or squares)
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2  tsp cinnamon
2 cups sugar
1 ½ cup oil
4 large eggs
2 ¾ cups grated carrots
1 341 ml can crushed pineapple drained
1 ¾ cup shredded coconut( I use 1/2 dessicated for smaller shred and different texture)
1 cup raisins (heat in microwave for 1 minute with a small amount of water to plump. Drain.)

Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside. 
In your mixer bowl whip  the sugar, oil and eggs until creamy.  Gradually add the flour mixture and start mixing. 
As the batter is coming together, add the carrots, pineapple, coconut and raisins. Don’t over mix.
Pour in  pans and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. (check at 35)
I test for doneness by pushing lightly on the top but you can also use a toothpick.

Cool  and frost.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
1 8 oz package cream cheese
½ cup butter, room temperature
3 or more cups of powdered sugar
  1½ tsp vanilla

Whip all together until creamy. You may add more or less powdered 
sugar depending on how stiff you want your frosting.




We celebrated Thanksgiving with dinner on Monday:



thanksgiving table



fall flowers



I was so happy to find a few flowers still in the garden!



The food:



thanksgiving food



The menu:


Turkey 
Bread stuffing
Cranberry sauce
Gravy (best make ahead gravy ever recipe to follow)
Mashed potatoes
Scalloped corn
Mashed turnips and carrots
Layered salad
Green Beans
Butter buns

Best Make  ahead Turkey Gravy:






HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Saturday, 14 April 2012

Spring or What??

First flower
     I was so excited yesterday over this poor little flower in my dead garden. 
My first of the Spring.  But is it Spring??






Today it looks like this outside........



Oh well I guess we are now paying for a nice long fall without snow,
 but it is the middle of April after all!

I am enjoying looking at garden pictures and the
 beautiful greens that those of you who have spring (or summer) are sharing.

Happy Spring!