NANTUCKET SUMMER ON THE BAR CART

It was important to make a few changes on the bar cart
for summer.....and I was inspired by our summer's in Maine..
a coastal oceanside look was going to be the theme.....

 

Summer lasted only a few short months, but it was like a picture postcard....



Blue water, sailboats out in Casco Bay 

and hydrangea in full bloom

not to mention dining on the ever popular Lobster rolls...

I pulled out my favorite coastal cocktail glasses

And chose to display the soft greens and blues of the ocean

I found the perfect quilted table runner for this theme...
I  just adore this gorgeous runner from the Valerie Par Hill line...

Soft cocktail napkins feature the hydrangea

Oh yes, is this not the most beautiful summer oil painting.....

I love this and am going to enjoy this seasonal change
until we change it out for Autumn..
tell me what has inspired you for Summer in your home?

COTTAGE STYLE CENTERPIECE FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

Let's set the mood....

Summer is pretty much here...

it seems as if the garden bloomed overnight...
I just saved a recipe for
Strawberry Peach Ice Pops...
how divine does that sound?

So, I was thinking that the farmhouse table needed a new look...
I pulled together a little centerpiece for June....
and as I promised, I wanted it to feature the creamy white
of the Magnolia blossoms.....using things I had on hand...

For the base, I used a wooden cutting board,
two different neutral containers....
faux florals I had on hand....

For ambiance, every centerpiece needs a candle....

with the most beautiful aroma of freshly brewed coffee..

and a touch of green toile.....

I am totally in love with small touch activated accent lights...

Summer brings forth the smell of freshly cut grass,
the ever so refreshing taste of watermelon
and those afternoons browsing the Farmer's Market...

I think it's the perfect time to make a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie..
just like Mother made..
the days are long and carefree....
let's gather at home...

 

THE START TO SUMMER

 Good Morning Loves....
we are beginning another new season 
and I am sorry to say, it's my least favorite one
but, we must find ways to make it a good one!
And I decided to design a theme for the
farmhouse table so it would last the next three months....

I wanted to create an Americana theme and pulled together
a few pieces of the good ole red, white and blue decor....

And, it's a perfect time to bring out some of my favorite transferware....

I have wanted a set of blue transferware for some time now.
and thrifted these beautiful plates from Etsy.
My collection is now complete, I believe...

 How delightful is the new collection from Pepperidge Farm.....

My first summer bloom has appeared on my new Hydrangea Bush....
in the fall this will turn a dark cherry red..now that's something
to look forward to.....

I am trying out new recipes for the fall season as we speak....

The times are changing right before our eyes....
and not in a good way....
I hope you enjoy your summer season
and pray for our country......

MEMORIAL DAY APPLE COBBLER

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all those
who honored our country and fought and died defending our freedom...
It's important to be mindful and give thanks....

Many celebrate this day by gathering the family
and host a barbecue in the backyards.....
We enjoy the days of tending to the garden and 
splashing in the pool, well into the evening..
we think of summers spent at Grandmother's
and how carefree our days were...
Last year's barbecue was delightful.....

Smoked BBQ ribs and sausage

Mom's Baked Beans

Catherine's Pasta Salad

Come hungry and leave happy..

 HELEN'S CARAMEL APPLE COBBLER

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup milk

1 can Caramel Apple Pie Filling

Nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and melt one stick of butter in baking dish.

Mix first three ingredients in mixing bowl/
Pour batter over melted butter.
Spoon pie filling over batter and do not mix.
Sprinkle with nutmeg
Bake for 35-40 minutes.

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.

COMING TO ESTELLE'S FOR SUMMER

 

The sunny skies and lush landscapes of summer call for bright,
airy spaces and lively decor bursting with fresh blooms...
Here are a few highlights as to what Estelle's will be sharing
with all you summer lovers in upcoming posts....

Style inspiration for a Summer Americana tablescape

A sweet cottage core centerpiece inspired by the
white Magnolia's of Mississippi..
using things you have on hand and will create
a focal point on your table with a bit of a farmhouse vibe....

We will be hosting an impromptu garden party
that will showcase summertime foods in
a relaxed and casual setting..
you will want to linger and sip on your lemonade for this one....

Warm balmy evenings and sunny days call for food, fun
and cocktails....have I got a delicious summertime mocktail
prepared for you...it's light, low on sugar and so beautiful
and delicious....
I call it my Raspberry Coconut Smash...

So grab your sun hat, put on that pretty garden dress
and let's make it a great summer.....

NORMA'S FAMOUS BREAD PUDDING

Welcome back to Estelle's Kindred Spirits....
as promised, I am sharing my treasured Bread Pudding
recipes that were the speciality of Norma's!
It was tradition to reserve large pans of her
scrumptious puddings and sauces
on our family beach trips....the grandchildren
still talk about how wonderful those days were and
remember those fabulous ocean side dinners.....

Norma was a very special person who was gracious enough
to share her talents in the kitchen and hospitality industry so
that we all could achieve greatness in our own kitchens....
I  will bring you other recipes that you will want to try
and will promise to bring your family to gather around the dinner table....

This sauce should be made in a blender
in order to achieve a smooth consistency....

This will be first in the Bread Pudding series so
stay tuned for a few more of her most requested speciality desserts!