Celebrating National Pancake Day!

I don't need an official reason to make pancakes but, heck, if it's a recognized day who am I to argue? Haha~

Buttermilk Pancakes

recipe from The American Country Inn Bed and Breakfast Cookbook

In a small bowl beat egg, then mix in buttermilk and oil. Set aside. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients. Stir until blended, but slightly lumpy. Lightly grease griddle. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Makes 8 or 9 four-inch pancakes.

I really enjoy nuts added to the pancakes, and always simmer cranberries in orange juice as an accompaniment. So good with maple syrup!

My teacup today is this pretty Victorian Chintz by Burleigh.

Handyman bought two sets for me when we were first married. We did not have much disposable income and these pretty red dishes were and are treasures.

I pull these out of the cupboard at Christmas, Valentine's Day and Fourth of July. They look festive! And two sets are just perfect  for teatime - or pancakes- with my sweet College Girl~

Pass the syrup, please!

sharing this post with;

Antiques And Teacups

Martha's Favorites

Artful Affirmations

You're Going To Love It

Rose Chintz Cottage
Love Bakes Good Cakes- Let's Get Social Sunday 

 

Yankee Doodle Afternoon

 I'm a Yankee Doodle dandy,
A Yankee Doodle, do or die;

July is here! This week everyone in the United States celebrates the founding of our nation, while over at Martha's Favorites there is also a celebration for Teacup Tuesday's 120th edition. 

Handyman (hubby), College Girl and I had a nice dinner outside. We are quite a patriotic family and have our own 20 foot tall telescoping flagpole in the backyard.

 A real live nephew of my Uncle Sam's,
Born on the Fourth of July

Veggie hot dogs with sour kraut and mustard, salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob was on the menu today.

 I've got a Yankee Doodle sweetheart,
She's my Yankee Doodle joy.

I used replicas of the Constitution as temporary place mats, and we spent some time reading the monumental document, as well as The Bill of Rights. When we were growing up, schools only briefly touched on the Constitution, and, because of this cursory treatment, I feel it is quite under-appreciated. It is a marvel!

I love quilts - have made a few myself! - and I thought this gorgeous red, white and blue wedding ring quilt would make a nice decoration while we dined, then a perfect lap covering during dessert and tea from Adagio. The Patriotic Blend from Adagio is a mix of blueberry, rooibos berry and Fujian White Pear. The Fujian is from China and tastes like a freshly baked pear: warm and aromatic. It went well with both the strawberry shortcake and apple pie.

 Yankee Doodle came to London,
Just to ride the ponies,

 
The cups we used are Victorian Chintz by Burleigh, made in England. The red rose print coordinated perfectly with the table colors!

This gives new meaning to 'tea candle'...I nestled little candles in small dishes of loose tea! But there was also a tall red candle ready for duty~

I love colorful bunting but we have no place on the front of the house to hang it. My solution: Hang it on the wrought iron fence in back with red ribbons. Can you spot the cozy-covered teapot? It is dressed up in strawberry fabric.

I am a Yankee Doodle boy

I think I'll have another cup of Patriotic Tea and settle back to watch Sergeant York with Gary Cooper, one of my favorite movies. Happy 4th of July!

Keeping all those affected by wildfire and inclement weather in thought and prayer...be safe!


sharing this post with:
Martha's Favorites 
Artful Affirmations 
Rose Chintz Cottage 
Mosaic Monday 
Antiques and Teacups 
Share Your Cup Thursday with Mrs. Olson 
Honey, We're Home 
Sunny Simple Life with Elaine 

Home baked Cookies~

My daughter, Miss R., decided to bake cookies yesterday afternoon, which was fine by me! I'm not one to turn down home made chocolate chip cookies. I'm a baker and cake decorator from way back and she has picked up my cooking hints  and knowledge. A few years ago she went to a friend's birthday party and was in the kitchen while her friend was quickly trying to frost her birthday cake and struggling with the task. Miss R offered to help and deftly snatched up the icing spatula and completed the cake with a flourish! Anyway, for this batch of cookies she used the food processor to grind dry oats and chocolate chips together to mix with the flour. I love the flavor and texture of this combo much better than plain-flour 'Toll House' cookies.
When the cookies were cool, we took a plateful over to the tea table.

We used my Victorian Chintz cups and lunch plates while the strawberry tea cozy I made went on the teapot. My husband bought this sweet set of dishes for me when we were newly married. See the big roses? I'd love to add to it as I only have a creamer, sugar bowl, two cups with saucers and two luncheon plates. It is just right, however, for Miss R and me.

I prefer this style of cozy because I do not need to remove it to pour the tea. There is elastic at the bottom and it ties at the top with ribbon.

 I love the red and white of this pattern. It looks fabulous mixed with blue and white accessories for July, or all white for Valentine's Day.

              Here is the recipe Miss R used yesterday~It can be halved for a smaller batch.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies
2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 and 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3 cups uncooked oats
1+ cup chocolate chips (or you could use raisins)
Our Favorite Tip~ Grind 1 cup oats and 1/3 cup chocolate chips in a food processor together. Set aside.
Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix. Combine flour, baking soda and ground oat mixture and stir into egg mixture. Add oats and remaining chocolate chips. (or raisins)
Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet, then remove to wire rack. About 4 dozen. Bar Cookies: bake 30 minutes in ungreased 13x9 metal baking pan.
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Sharing Cookies and tea with me are:
Terri and everyone at Teacup Tuesday
Martha
Trisha
Snap
Miss Kathy
Miss Spenser