APPLE BREAD PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE, A WEDDING AND GRADUATION

GOOD MORNING LOVES....

Today, I am bringing you Number two recipe for Norma's bread pudding!
This special request dessert from her cafe, is all about apples and brandy.....
but before, we talk about dessert, I thought I would share a few
scenes from the wedding and the college graduation celebration.....

The Friday before the wedding, it was a dark and stormy day down
in New Braunfels.....but God had the sun shining and the clouds floating
overhead as this beautiful couple said their vows....

Everything and everyone looked beautiful..especially the wedding party
and the bride and groom were glowing with happiness...

We enjoyed visiting with friends and family and dined
on a delicious Texas style barbecue.....

Our granddaughter was the Matron of Honor

I can tell you, the darling and I were so honored to be guests
of our beautiful Amelia and her handsome groom, Colin...

We hosted a celebratory college graduation dinner
for our grandson...
what a fantastic achievement in his young life....

I was thrilled we accomplished this gathering as they
all have such busy lives these days....

Congratulations to our Noah for continuing your higher education....
well done!

The garden is in bloom and looking so beautiful...
my Rose of Sharon is blooming in beautiful shades of pink

And how gorgeous our Texas Vitex is looking right now....

Now, let's turn our attention to dessert....
when fall rolls around, I love to think about apples....
you may want to save this special treat for your holiday gatherings.....

APPLE BREAD PUDDING
3 1/2 cups sugar
1 quart milk
1 quart water
12 eggs, beaten
1 t. salt
1 T. vanilla
1 T. cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
1 stick butter, melted
6-8 cups french bread, cubed
3 cups chopped apples
1 cup pecans, chopped

Combine the sugar, milk and water in a bowl, mix well.
Add the eggs, salt, vanilla, cinnamon and butter, Mix well.

Stir in bread cubes, apples and pecans,
Let stand until liquid is absorbed.
Spoon into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes,
Serve with Brandy Sauce

BRANDY SAUCE
4 EGGS
1/4 CUP APPLE BRANDY
2 CUPS DARK BROWN SUGAR
1 CUP BUTTER, MELTED

Combine the eggs and flavoring in a food processor.
Process until smooth and well blended.
Add brown sugar and butter.
process until smooth.

BRIDESMAIDS MIMOSA BAR AND MORNING HAIR AND MAKEUP

GOOD MORNING SWEET FRIENDS....
Many of you have been asking to hear about the family
event of the year, our granddaughters wedding which was
held in October....today, we will take a look
the the Mimosa Bar and the get ready early morning call
for the Bridesmaids....it was all beautiful, wonderful and
everything she had planned and hoped for....

The wedding venue was held on a beautiful ranch
owned by Ms. Elizabeth, our daughter in laws Mom...
the ranch is hundreds of acres and out in the country
of Parker County, 
Our family was staying at a beautiful Air B and B, a good 
40 minutes away.
The Divine Miss M arrived about 8 in the morning to
set up the refreshments .while the bridal party
was arriving for hair and make up....





The Bridal Party was large, a total of 24
beautiful young people.....
We had three Mimosa varieties....
Peach, Cranberry and White Raspberry
Fresh fruits, muffins. cashews, chocolates
and lemon, as well as Vanilla Pound Cakes...
three different charcuteries with crackers,
Italian meats and cheeses...
oh yes, cold Pellegrino waters...

The centerpiece was two bouquets of
fresh autumn florals...

I baked sugar dusted Chocolate Chunk Muffins

I made a keepsake menu for her to keep in her scrapbook....

We added a beautiful candle for a warm and cozy vibe....

I found this darling Rae Dunn ice bucket...

I think it turned out beautifully and I know

they enjoyed the refreshments,,,,I am

so thankful for the help from my husband,

son-in-law and especially The Divine Miss M

with all the transportation and set up of the table....

Now, while we were setting the table,

Hair and Make-up had begun upstairs....

I loved how they all had matching floral silk kimonos....

A gift keepsake and message

from her Maid of Honor...

A tender moment between
Mother of the Bride and her daughter

These girls are beautiful, college educated, successful

and such good and loyal friends....

I know how much they enjoyed this pampering session

prior to a full day of photos, ceremony and then the reception

which lasted until 3 in the morning....

Wouldn't this be an exciting time?

 I love this photo capturing Maggie in the stairway....

A new sister-in-law for our girl....precious and sweet

The Bridal Party.....

The handsome groomsmen.....

It was a perfect and memorable day.....

PRODUCTIVE FALL DAYS OF BAKING AND PREPARING FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Good Morning Kindred Spirits....
how are your days this November?
You know, the days of growing older and retirement
are a strange time of life....you look forward to 
getting off the fast paced merry-go-round of life
when you are working and raising children, but
it's in reality, just strange...at least I find it to be.....
it is vital to keep a positive mindset, find peace
in quiet days and stay productive in ways that bring you joy.....
Today's post is simply what life looked like in an ordinary week
at Estelle's.....perhaps this post will provide you an idea
or a bit of inspiration to incorporate into your life this week....

Autumn mornings beg for a hot bowl of oatmeal topped
with cinnamon and drizzled with Italian Cream....

I came across a recipe from my sweet friend Janey,
for her Squash Dressing....it sounded so good....
I put my own little twist on it.....

It begins with a hot Mexican Cornbread

This was delicious....you  may even want
to add this to a THANKSGIVING side...

We certainly enjoyed Sunday morning with
hot popovers with honey and Strawberry Jam

If you are looking to prepare a Thanksgiving pie
a day ahead of your gathering,
the Jello Pudding Pumpkin Pie is one to consider....

It is a cool creamy alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie....

Another consideration for your dessert buffet,
is to bake a delicious carrot pineapple cake
topped with a really good cream cheese frosting.....

So good with all the fall spices added....

I am anxious for the Christmas season....
I have finished my shopping for the most part
and a loving my theme for this season....

I grew up reading Ideals Christmas books,
which were a favorite of my Grandmother Estelle....
so I continue her tradition and purchase one every year....
they are full of nostalgia and the Christian meaning of the season...

Lucille brings us joy and happiness every day.....
love her to bits.....

The new season of A VERY ROYAL SCANDAL
is excellent.....only three episodes
and so, so intriguing...

I have very much enjoyed the fall decor this year...
and will hang on to November as long as I can....
it's been a wonderful time of year...
of course, the best being the wedding....
it was a delightful weekend....

Wonderful memories to look back on....