My Farmhouse Kitchen

LUCKY ME !!!!

2011-09-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

Look what i got !!!! do you see it up there...above my kitchen sink....see the sign that says Farm House Kitchen ??? LUCKY ME !!!! it's something i have ALWAYS wanted...but didn't have...and now i have it......it was a gift...from a very dear friend http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com it arrived today out of the blue...along with other assorted goodies.... thanks octoberfarm....you're THE BEST !!!

there are my jack o' lantern lights...they don't look too good in the day...but at night the house glows orange...we feel like mice living in a pumpkin shell....and do you see the ghost outside in the trees ???? teddy LOVES that ghost..and so do i ..........

Teddy Goes To In And Out Burger

2011-09-25T11:36:00.001-07:00

it was a beautiful cool Fall afternoon and we decided to take Teddy to his favorite place. In and Out Burger...out here on the west coast it is VERY popular...everybody LOVES In and Out Burger...

there is ALWAYS a line at the drive-thru... no matter what time of day it is...

that's it...that's the menu...burgers, fries and a drink...

teddy seemed pretty excited about it at first...

there's the loot... just look at that...see the cheese dripping ? i have no business ordering this...what an artery buster... if we are doing drive-thru i would prefer taco bell...but there is nothing there for teddy...so it's In and Out....

here ya go teddy...ahhh...they forgot the cheese...

do you like it teddy ? are you unhappy because it doesn't have the cheese ?

here's mommys burger... no sauce or onion...just like mommy always orders them... do you want a bite of mommy's?

teddy????

mommy will take a bite then...it's pretty good teddy....

huh? well...i guess you're just not interested in it today...that's o.k. just take a little nap...

we always park in the same spot... down below is a graveyard..and looking out is avila beach...cloudy and cold today though...

did we REALLY eat all that... ( i tossed my french fries to the sea gulls...i just couldn't eat any more )

oh teddy !!! you're up !!! did you here us start the car ?

we are going to take you for a car ride....

we drive here with teddy several times a week...it is avila beach. today the beach was empty..in the summer you couldn't wedge another body on that sand... but i'm not a beach person...i don't even get out of the car...

we took a ride down see canyon road to GOPHER GLEN APPLE FARM... one of my most favorite places... the hamburger is wrapped in paper on the dashboard....and Teddy STILL hasn't eaten it...sealed lips for dinner on it..and sealed lips for breakfast this morning... and i even heated it up !

here we are...GOPHER GLEN....

let's go inside and see what they have today.... do you want a bite of apple teddy? probably not...

maybe i'll make caramel apples for tonight...

It's Raining....And I'm Still Decorating !

2011-09-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

cold and drizzely out here in california this morning...so i am decorating...and making pasta sauce for tonight with the last of our san marzano tomatoes from the garden....

the Steiff black kitty collection...

owls...

vintage candles...

old paper mache...

more vintage candles...

pumpkin people by jen murphy and scarecrow pitcher by julie whitmore pottery....

julie whitmore pottery....

old Halloween chocolate molds from the Halloween and Vine show in petaluma, ca. a few years ago....

and as the suns starts to set...how about a tiny glass of wine ?

A Spooky Sky

2011-09-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

out here in california i am so desperate for Fall leaves that i gather what i can and sprinkle them around...

my blue shoes and that shirt is an old ralph lauren that is john's...we have had it forever...we actually named it...it's called cinnamon...when it's FALL...out it comes...i planted that bronze lettuce last summer when i was really wanting some FALL color...

my zinfandel grapes are ready....and they are good....

i planted all these orange flowers in summer so they would be nice by FALL...and i just love them...so do the bees and the butterflys...

i set up a graveyard amoung the flowers all along the path to the kitchen door...

if you look real close on the right is a tombstone with a spider on it...

i can't beleive my luck today...we woke up on this first day of FALL to a SPOOKY Halloween sky...this is a peek over my fence...

we sat out in the garden last night and played fetch with l'il teddy..it got cool and i wrapped up in this old beacon blanket....a gift from my friend julie....

there's TEDDY.... on patrol in his garden this morning... checking for kittys that jump the fence...especially Cheesesauce... he is a huge orange and white cat that we named Cheesesauce because he looks like a big baked potatoe covered in orange cheesesauce....

the bench under my kitchen window...

watering by my kitchen door this morning with Teddy...

on my french door going out to the garden...

my kitchen window...

my window clingers...i am not too proud of them...but i love them so much...and there is nobody here except me and Teddy and John...and the kittys said they don't care either...

this was a gift from my dear friend from http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com/ last Fall. i have had it in my kitchen all year and Saturday is the official Halloween countdown.... let it begin, my friends !!!!

Autumn Eve

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

i LOVE this house !!! happy autumn, my friends

Fall On The Farm

2011-09-20T16:11:00.000-07:00

i thought if i went looking for FALL i would snap out of my BLOG SLUMP.... this is my kitchen window this afternoon...see the candle ? i scored a couple of these from Rite-Aid ...those apples are from my tree..they are called Seek-No-Further... if you look close..that white cloth hanging over the window box is my ghost...

i risked my life to get this pumpkin....the pumpkin patch looked abandoned...nobody there today..it was dark and empty and windy and SPOOKY...just an honesty box...but the really creepy part was a man sitting in a car in the middle of a vacant pumpkin patch... what's he doing there ???? i never took my eyes off of him...but i DID get the pumpkin !!!

this is by my kitchen door... i LOVE the old Halloween blow mold in the window...he looks so great at night...i got it at the Goodwill for 25 cents a couple of years ago...and that's a black spider hanging from my old rake....

i got these about 30 years ago at an antique shop in cayucos..some man was making them...i have always loved them...

i painted this bench blue and have it under my kitchen window... click for a close-up..there is a witch on that piece of oak wood...

this was made by a lady from colorado..i used to get them at a shop in cambria many years ago....

some of my old Halloween hanging by my kitchen sink...

just look at that !!! dande's little kitty paws...getting that good late afternoon sun....

Blog Slump

2011-09-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

hey everybody..farmhouse kitchen is in a blog slump....has it ever happened to you? it's happened to me before and i snapped out of it....i'll be back soon...but in the meantime...i want to share some pictures of baby Teddy's first day with us.......here on mommy's lap in the car on the way HOME...

in the car with daddy at In and Out Burger...Teddy's FAVORITE !!!! look how TINY he was !!!!

daddy waiting for mommy and teddy to return to the car....

baby Teddy...the LOVE of my Life....

Teddy all grown up... i'll be back soon, my friends.... the orange blanket is Teddy's BOO Halloween blankie....

Taco Salad Santa Barbara

2011-09-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

over here at Farmhouse Kitchen, we have a traditon. when it's late summer and we start getting into our indian summer weather....100 degrees...we have a traditon. we make TACO SALAD. this recipe is from the 1960's and was given to my mother from a neighbor when we lived in santa barbara. we had it last night.

Taco Salad Santa Barbara

3/4 lb hamburger, cooked and drained

one 8 oz.can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

one 8 oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

one red pepper, diced

one yellow pepper, diced

one tomato, diced

1/2 cup diced red onion

1/4 cup diced green onion

3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

2-3 cups iceberg lettuce, sliced

1 cup tortilla chips...lightly crushed

one bottle KRAFT catalina dressing ( this is the secret...i don't like french dressing...but the spicy sweet really works here) use as much dressing as desired to taste

toss everything in a bowl

garnish with olives, sour cream, avocado and cilantro

Jury Duty and 11 Eggs !!!!

2011-08-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

looks like i will be gone for a while....jury duty

duck update: Pete is a GIRL !!! she layed 11 eggs...

i don't know how long i will be gone

i'll miss you, my friends

GOOD NEWS !!!!

2011-08-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

we FOUND PETE !!!! he flew over the fence next door..we are off to rescue him !!!!!

UPDATE: i walked outside to the garden shed to microwave a tortilla...that's where the micro is around here .....and heard.... peep peep peep .... i looked over the the neighbors fence and on the firewood stack....... there he was !!!!! JOHN !!!! i FOUND PETE !!!! he literally flew the coop last night...but he is back home next door...swimming in his pond... Pete is HAPPY...and so are we !!!! welcome back home, my little friend !!!

Missing Duck !!!

2011-08-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

teddy's friend, Pete the duck...he went missing last night. we are walking the neighborhood looking for a duck. please send good thoughts our way for his recovery...we love that duck !!!

Farmhouse Kitchen Gets A New Teapot !

2011-08-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

my sister-in-law and i hit a couple of stores on saturday...Tuesday Morning was one of them...and i got this great cast iron teapot from France...plus i found the cute calico pot holder filled with dried herbs to put it on... love this greeting me in the morning....

there is my little FARMHOUSE KITCHEN...

my little old Wedgewood stove...that oven makes the BEST pizza...ever !!!

on the top of my stove...

on the wall behind my stove...this stays up year round...it was a gift from my dear friend julie whitmore...and i ADORE it !!!!

more from julie.... up year round as well....

on my kitchen windowsill...gifts from octoberfarm...am i LUCKY or what ??? i have to tell you...i have met my kindred spirits here in this blogland....

a gift from octoberfarm...a redware dish that i LOVE...it sits behind my kitchen sink so i can always see it....

it is really cool out here in california for the end of august...so i will be baking some bread...and making some JAM !!!

i know it is still august...but there are only 69 days left till Halloween...that's not too long...i can never get enough of it ...and it's just me and Teddy in here... do you see the ghost...? this is for a special someone....i think you know who you are !

Look Who's Back !

2011-08-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

out here in california this is one of the FIRST SIGNS OF FALL.... when these spiders start to come out...they are all over my garden right now.... my friend julie calls them PUMPKIN SEED spiders...and i can see why.... click to see him close up...it's worth a look...i just love him....

all of my sweet peas have gone to seed now...

that's the amish broom corn that i planted this year...i have never planted if before and it was really easy to grow... it is as tall as the roof of the cottage next door...i am planning on tying this to my lampost real soon....

i picked this up at my local Farm Supply the other day and have it hanging here by my kitchen door...if you LOVE flowers..click for a close-up. these flowers are so pretty...

this hangs by my kitchen door too...it was a gift from my dear friend joyce of http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com/ along with a BIG BOX of all things Fall !!! thanks joyce !!!

there is little teddy...he just loves laying on the gravel paths...those rocks are so nice and warm...

the morning glory on the fence by my kitchen window...

i love that blue flower...

the little chair in the garden where i sit with teddy... the vines growing up the fence are my zinfandel grapes..we just let them run wild this year...the grapes are ready to be picked..we picked them last night...

we got this fountain in June and have enjoyed it all summer...and the mockingbirds LOVE IT !!! they visit every day...

what's going on in here ? are you calling me, mom? you see...right under the fence is a duck next door named pete...and teddy and pete have become BEST FRIENDS this summer...

and i just can't help myself...i have been hitting michaels daily...and i got ANOTHER scarecrow...it's kind of embarrassing pushing these around in a cart in the parking lot in 90 degree heat in mid august...i go as fast as i can...get him in the trunk...slam it shut and head for home. and he just makes me HAPPY !!!!

It's Time

2011-08-16T14:54:00.001-07:00

i can't wait any longer...i have to put out my SQUIRREL and OWL hooked rug...don't ya think ?
( click for a closer look )

Hey...Any Ideas Out There In The Blogiverse ?

2011-08-14T14:28:00.001-07:00

i went to our Sunday Farmers Market today on the off chance there MIGHT be a pumpkin...no luck just yet...but i asked the farmer and he said 2 weeks...then i glanced around the table and what do i see ? these baby artichokes. these are REALLY small...like the size of a shallot.... i couldn't pass them up even though i have NO IDEA what i am going to do with them....besides frying them like eggplant in breadcrumbs or putting them is pasta...i am not sure what to do with them...hey you guys out there....what can i do with them ? all ideas are WELCOME...

i have also noticed alot of you are making pickles...refridgerator pickles..pickles in a pickle pot...canning pickles...so i got some cucumbers...got to give it a try...what would the middle of august be without some pickling and preserving going on in the kitchen ?

the days are really getting shorter...i have noticed i have to turn on my lights in the kitchen now when i am making supper....so i got out my Halloween Haunted House Nightlight... click for a close-up of him !

o.k. here is the REALLY BIG TREASURE of the day...joyce at http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com/ told me about this...she said get over to Michaels a.s.a.p. !!!! they have a really cute Halloween light... i got in the car with my pajamas still on and headed over...only 3 left. i got there just in the nick of time.... i can't wait till it gets dark tonight !

my kitchen window this afternoon...with red warren pears...an old variety local to our area...that were at the farmers market today...

Apple Pie

2011-08-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

this is my scarecrow in my dried out corn patch... all my corn and sunflowers are about gone...but i can't let them go...i love to hear them rustling in the late afternoon wind...i have had the scarecrow for years and just can't bear to part with him even though he is looking kind of worn out...

we took a ride out to an old FARMSTAND with Teddy yesterday...

our apples are already starting to come in...

so i knew i had to make an APPLE PIE....

i made a quick crust...

i love my old pasrty wheel...

if i have time i always like making a lattice crust for the top...

weave it together...

and bake...tonight is the first PRESEASON football game..we're all set over here at FARMHOUSE KITCHEN.... are you ?

I Love You To Pieces...Literally

2011-08-05T14:08:00.001-07:00

i went to get out my SILVER PALATE Cookbooks last night... they are literally in pieces...the cover is worn right off on this one...

that is just the cover itself...

it is so WELL LOVED it is in pieces... just broken apart...

this one is pretty broken up too...when these SILVER PALATE cookbooks first came out..i fell head over heels IN LUV !!!

i was looking for something to make with my basil and tomatoes and fresh mozarella...

this one is in pieces too...

the pages are completely loose and tattered...

most of the pages have just worn right off...

i made the SUMMER PASTA with just pasta, tomatoes, fresh mozarella, basil and olive oil...
simple and summery...

and you KNOW why i bought this yesterday at the market...well...who could pass up THAT BOX !!!!

Pizza Night And There's A Bat In My Kitchen !

2011-08-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

pizza is my FAVORITE FOOD...and i have been making it for 30 years here in my kitchen..it all started as a tradition for Monday Night Football... plus we always have it EVERY Halloween Night... this one is olive and canadian bacon...

i have made it so many times i think i could make it in my sleep...

sometimes i wonder is this my one millionth bowl of dough and i don't even know it....

on a warm day i walk into my kitchen and can smell that yeasty dough rising...

i know those pans look scary...i have gotten some strange looks when i whip them out...they are REALLY old..but they make the crispy kind of crust that we like...i either sprinkle them with cornmeal or line them with parchment...i go back and forth as to which method i like best...

i use a mixture of cheese...mozzarella, gruyere, provolone...this and that...whatever is around...

there is my breakfast for this morning..nothing could be better...

i couldn't help myself..i had to hang this little guy up the other night... whiskey and dande love it !

Lemon Curd Recipe, Flowers and Best Friends

2011-08-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

source: the english kitchen
some of you have asked for the lemon curd recipe so i will add it below.

Lemon Curd

adapted from martha stewart

makes 1 1/2 cups

4 large egg yolks

2 large whole eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in pieces

grated zest of 2 lemons

1. whisk together the egg yolks and the whole eggs in a medium bowl. combine with the sugar and the lemon juice in a small heavy-bottom saucepan. cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon, 8 to 10 minutes.

2. remove the pan from the heat, and stir to cool slightly. if the mixture is at all lumpy strain it through a fine sieve into a medium bowl, and add the butter, a piece at a time, stirring until smooth. stir in the zest. cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. let cool completely before using. curd may be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

i fill prebaked tart shells with the curd and top with fresh blueberries. can be sprinkled with powdered sugar if desired.

the bouquet on my wood burning stove this august day. click for a closer look...

and 2 BEST FRIENDS getting some morning sun together...teddy and whiskey...my sweet loves... dande was watching the whole thing from the drainboard ! click for a closer look here too...whiskey was having a bad hair day and teddy just got in from playing in the sprinkler....
teddy sure is having FUN in that sprinkler this summer...

Lemon Blueberry Tarts

2011-07-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

the lemons and blueberries at The Avila Barn looked so good i had to get some

i got out my tart pans and got busy in the kitchen

made fresh lemon curd

and filled the shells with a taste of midsummer

these are my blueberry and lemon tarts that were featured in COUNTRY LIVING GARDENER magazine a few years back ... good bye july....it's been FUN !

July Is Fading, My Friends

2011-07-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

teddy and i took a walk out in our garden last night...the light is changing now...

we got a really good close-up of this little guy on my berries and cream rose....
if you have a minute click on for an amazing view of him.

most of the roses have faded by now...

i don't know what this is ... it looks like blueberries but this is not a blueberry bush...it is my spring showers plant... it makes pink sprays of flowers in the spring .. one of my first flowers to bloom...

fading away...

my night owl rose is just about done blooming too...

some of my elderberries are starting to fade ....

and some are still blooming ... i just LOVE these. this plant was in a one gallon can when i bought it and it now hits the rooftop...

slipping away....

my sunflowers are about gone ...

i am going to miss their smiling faces greeting me each morning as i sip my tea...

a few peaches off my santa barbara peach tree that was planted in memory of my sweet, sweet Buddy... i got Buddy in santa barbara..so that's why the santa barbara peach. Buddy was the color of a peach...he was my little peach. i miss you Buddy .

the days are growing shorter now...it was 6 in the evening and the light was fading over terrace hill...

my sunflowers are looking tired...

and i planted alot of these the other day because i love the color.... and if you look really close...do you see somebody in the background ?

Calico Corn and My Kitchen Window

2011-07-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

my kitchen windowsill on this late July afternoon...

the pottery is from my dear friend, julie whitmore http://juliewhitmorepottery.blogspot.com/

click on the picture for a closer look at julie's beautiful work.

i have really been enjoying this middle summer corn and decided to make my CALICO CORN...

you start by cutting the corn off the cob...

at the farmers market i got all different kinds of colored sweet peppers and some cilantro..

i got some flat leaf parsley out of my garden... diced the peppers and added them to the corn along with the herbs, a splash of good olive oil and a squirt of lime juice and some salt and pepper. this recipe is good served cold or sauteed in a skillet and served hot.

Nothing Fancy Tonight

2011-07-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

that's me...good thing i am alone in here. well....me and teddy...wearing blue shoes and socks and a cherry apron with an old tea towel hanging from my apron string... my standard kitchen wear.

i got some beautiful eggplant at that saturday farmers market and decided to just make an old fashion eggplant parmesan... i got the bread crumbs ready...

sliced up my eggplant

dipped them in...

saute and lay in the tomato sauce...

sprinkle with cheese...

bake and serve. do you see dande ?

The First Apples !!!!!

2011-07-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

i went to the san luis obispo FARMER'S MARKET this morning and look what i found...the FIRST OF THE SEASON GRAVENSTEIN APPLES. i am making caramel apples for tonight... i am kind of cheating with the wrappers but the package was cute and they sure make it easy ... i know alot of you are roasting in this heat wave...maybe this will help...

these are from SEE CANYON...just up the road...

they had the first crop walnuts too...

and i just had to get this little guy out...wishing cool breezes coming your way ....

A Birthday Party And A Puppet Show

2011-07-20T15:58:00.001-07:00

we had a birthday to CELEBRATE around here yesterday.... the gift was a beautiful birdbath so we went with a bird themed party...

we let the little ones decorate the cake...we even picked little daisey flowers to edge the cake with...and LOTS of sprinkles....you can never have too many sprinkles !

strawberry lemonade and little candies...

we even had a PUPPET SHOW !!!

what could be better than a birthday party on the PERFECT SUMMER DAY !

Sacked Out !

2011-07-13T10:09:00.001-07:00

i came upstairs to make the bed this morning and this is what i found...

whiskey sour and dande rose marie bagged out on the bed....look at that face...that is whiskey.

little tiny dande....she is as light as a feather...

since i am upstairs in the bedroom i thought i would show you around...that little wood burning stove is my squirrel stove...there are squirrels on the sides..the little black lady's rocking chair came from camden, maine.

the little necklace was made for me by a very special little girl...

outside one of my windows...the houses behind me on church street...and the brown california mountains...the blue morning glory is growing in all the trees in the back... even though it is july here...as i write i am wearing a ski coat...i don't know why...but on the coast of california it is COLD. woke to 55 degrees this morning...with a high of 65. what ? california? in july ? really ?

Farmhouse Kitchen Last Night

2011-07-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

last night while waiting for water to boil for corn i took a picture of my celing over my kitchen sink...

my sunflowers are really in full swing...i actually had to cut some to be able to get in the kitchen door...these are in my kitchen

a close-up with the macro lens

growing out by the kitchen door...

i love them as they fade...

my foxglove

my helanium...probably spelled this wrong...i am on an orange flower kick as we head into august....

see TEDDY...see what he has...it's a cob of corn...i went outside to shuck some and as soon as i turned my back...BOOM. somebody grabbed an ear of corn...he shucked it and ate it...not even kidding you .... what ya looking at mom ? i know i am his mom and i think he is REALLY cute...but if you have a minute click for a close up !!!!

i guess i put up the shot over the sink twice... don't know how to erase it so it's staying...

the other day we had lunch at a place in SHELL BEACH called DePalo & Sons. i had the tortelloni salad..and it was GOOD...

i tried to make it for us last night...

kary's tortelloni salad

1 package trader jo's pesto tortelloni

about 1/2 cup feta cheese

about 1/2 cup kalamata olives

about 1/2 cup diced sun dried tomatoes

about 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

about 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

olive oil and a splash of white vinegar. don't use balsamic..it turns the salad dark

a handful of chopped italian parsley

a handful of chopped basil

salt and pepper to taste

boil and cook tortelloni till cooked

add to a bowl with all other ingredients

toss and serve

we had bbqed chicken and boiled corn on the cob to go with it

hmmmm...which one for tonight ?

aren't these cute...i got them at michaels the other day...i think i'll make cupcakes tomorrow...

made a stop to the AVILA BARN and got an OLALLIEBERRY PIE...

the perfect finish to the PERFECT SUMMER NIGHT ...

Teddy's Having Fun This Summer

2011-07-11T12:04:00.001-07:00

somebody LOVES playing in the sprinkler this summer. And laying in the Sun ! Oh how he loves that sun. Have Fun, my sweet boy.

In A Vermont Kitchen With California Berries

2011-07-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

i am so IN LOVE with my cookbooks...i got this one out this morning...IN A VERMONT KITCHEN... i have so many summer berries and was wondering what to do with all of them... i am loving all of the mid july fruit so much right now...last night i ate my weight in Rainer cherries...

i went to the market yesterday and bought this wine because i loved the bottle...i had to put it in my kitchen window...

look at that label...so pretty

i got out my little vintage corn salt and pepper shakers..i have lots of these...each person at the cookout gets their own...

i got a beautiful bouquet of yellow sunflowers yesterday to put by Buddy's memorial box on the piano... i miss you Buddy !!! And I Love you !

we loaded up Teddy and took a ride to our local strawberry stand called Okui's...it is out in Grover Beach.... they had MEYER LEMONS which are wonderful and kind of hard to find...

the first of the season white peaches and nectarines...

these avocados are THE BEST. the California Hass...just like butter...we left with a BIG bag of these...

i am not to sure why it seems to be Mickey Mouse themed... but those are all the berries

the kitty and doggy themed portion of the fruit stand....

the offerings of the day...that ALBION variety which is literally as SWEET AS SUGAR....

and that is right out the back door...if you look closely you can see 3 pickers in the field...the big white spot in the sky is THE FOG. California gets alot of fog in the summer if you live near the ocean... so after looking through all my recipes...i have decided to make a STRAWBERRY FOOL...just berries and cream. Simple...and THE BEST !

Strawberry Fool

Strawberries and fresh whipped cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla

Top with crushed amaretti cookies.

A Gift From A Friend And Cherry Pie

2011-07-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

this is my kitchen window today...a little vase of soft pink snapdragons... and in the back ...through the screen is my window box filled with CANDY BOX impatiens...

do you see that there ? if the house was on fire i would grab that...right along with TEDDY and my kitty's...it's a gift from my dear friend, Julie of http://juliewhitmorepottery.blogspot.com..... YEP...she made that with TEDDY on it !!! I ADORE it !!!

and if you were staying for dessert...tonight it's CHERRY PIE... my favorite !

My Favorite Cookbook

2011-07-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

"No one who cooks cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers." --- Laurie Colwin

A Treasury Of Great Recipes by Mary and Vincent Price

Really ? Really.

2011-07-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

we took Teddy for a ride to the beach yesterday afternoon for a snowcone and LOOK what we found......

Lemonade Stand

2011-06-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

She sets up every year after school is out in front of her house in San Luis Obispo and all her profits go to the local animal shelter.... what a great kid !!!!!

She reminded me of the words out of "SIMPLE ABUNDANCE" by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Perhaps, if one is lucky, the days ahead will unfold as a "never-to-be-forgotten summer - one of those summers which comes seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going- one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doings, come as near to perfection as anything can come in the world."

May this potent Midsummer spell never be broken for you and those you love.

Happy Summer, my friends

Blueberry Upsidedown Cake Served At 3 This Afternoon

2011-06-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

I made a blueberry upsidedown cake and am serving it in my garden this afternoon... would you like to come for tea and cake ? we would love to have you my friend...

yesterday i went to The Avila Barn Farmstand and got blueberries....

raspberries....

and some nectarines called SNOW WHITE....

last evening we took a stroll through our garden...the delphiniums are almost gone....

but my INDIAN SUMMER sunflowers are just starting to open...

some of my elderberries have blossomed...

and some have already turned to berries....

my berries and cream rose is slowing down.....

the other day i was at the Farm Supply and an elderly lady had a flat of these...i asked what they were and she said, "oh, honey...these are my peach spice snapdragons that i plant every year "....well, back into the nursery i went...how could i pass up peach spice snapdragons????

my beautiful sweet peas...they are almost gone now...they have been blooming on my fence all Spring greeting me with a SMILE everytime i walked in the gate...

they will soon be gone...and missed... like a long lost friend. Good Bye, my sweet peas...you've made me HAPPY.

and so it goes......

Butter Bean Soup

2011-06-06T15:14:00.001-07:00

i am a little under the weather today... how i got a cold in June i will never know....

so i decided to make some BUTTER BEAN SOUP... i wanted dried beans but i couldn't find any...

diced some leeks...

diced celery... and just sauteed it all together with a little olive oil and a knob of butter... then added the stock.... and let it simmer on the stove slowly for about an hour...

i am going to add some spinach at the very end right before serving so it just slightly melts...

i have anadama bread rising on the counter out of my Bread Baker's Apprentice cookbook...and don't know if it's going to be baked or not...moving pretty slow...

Butter Bean Soup

2 ribs of celery

2 leeks

one can of butter beans, rinsed and drained

a couple of handfuls of spinach

about 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup pastina

chopped italian parsley to garnish

saute the celery and leek together in a little olive oil and butter till soft

add the chicken or vegetable stock

let simmer slowly about an hour

just before serving add a couple handfuls of spinach

add the drained butter beans

about 1/2 cup of pastina and cook till the pasta is cooked, about 5 minutes

add some chopped fresh italian parsley

sprinkle with parmesan if desired

i did a little taste test ...and it's good. o,k, here i go...i am going to go and bake the bread.

Does Anyone Know ?

2011-06-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

does anyone know what these are ? it is RAINING out here in California...in JUNE and my lawn is covered in these... they must really love the rain...

wet brick...wet lawn...soggy...soggy....

teddy is not one bit HAPPY about this rain...

he REALLY wants to go out and play with mr. firepop...that's him there...amoung the mushrooms...

mommy is wearing long underwear and wool socks...with a cherry apron. where's Summer?

Oh Happy Day

2011-06-03T10:04:00.001-07:00

Home Is Best. if that isn't the truth. and being home with your computer is even better !!! i sure missed everybody. being cut off from the internet is no fun. it sure was a long 10 days. the Home is Best sign was done by my dear friend, julie of http://juliewhitmoreetsy

i kept myself busy by baking some dilly casserole bread...

i went through some of my cookbooks...

put some of my favorite old cookbooks out on my farm table to look through...

and cleaned my stovetop... sure am HAPPY to be back. we missed you, my friends.

sending love,

kary and teddy

t.r.o.u.b.l.e.

2011-05-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

here i am dear friends...i am at my sister-in-laws house on her computer to write to all of you. my computer got a virus on tuesday morning, may 24th. and i have been down and depressed ever since. i even took teddy one morning and went back to bed. i sure am missing all of you. i should be back up and running by next week and i can't wait. thank you so much for all your kind comments about whiskey sour, teddy and dande. keep thinking GOOD THOUGHTS. hope to be back soon. sending love to you all, kary and teddy xxx

Waiting

2011-05-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Whiskey Sour, Teddy and Dandegirl....all waiting for daddy to come HOME.

Rain At Farmhouse Kitchen

2011-05-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

we're NOT in the garden today....

and Teddy is not one bit happy about it...

we were all set for a picnic...but not today.

Strawberry Sunshine Preserves

2011-05-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

strawberry season is in full swing around here so i decided it was time to make my STRAWBERRY SUNSHINE JAM...

the market had rhubarb too...and cherries...

i just added a couple of stalks of the rhubarb right into my strawberries...

Red Blossom Strawberries...how cute is that ?

i got out my mom's red plaid recipe box... what a treasure...

i have an aunt who lives up in santa cruz on a produce farm...we call her Gog and this is her recipe for rhubarb jam...

here is the recipe card for my mom's Strawberry Sunshine Preserves.....

i just sliced up about 2 cups of strawberries and added in a couple stalks of rhubarb...

added one cup of sugar and the juice of one lemon...crushing the berries and rhubarb with a spoon and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes...

poured it into a dish and put some in a tiny glass to taste... it's good....

and set it in the sun...i let it go for 2 days...bringing it in at night...the jam gets really clear and just slightly thickened...

i put the jam in my swanky swig juice glasses...covered them with cupcake papers and tied them with string... i have been seeing the cupcake tops on jam around the internet but mom always covered hers with the cupcake papers... if you look real close you can see who got in on the jam making....whiskey sour... this jam keeps for about a week in the fridge and is good on english muffins, toast or scones...or even on ice cream... happy jam making.

In My Garden This Morning

2011-05-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

this morning my berries and cream rose...

this rose is called night owl....see the little ladybug...

more of my berries and cream roses...

columbine

sweet peas

teddy

delphiniums

sorbet johnny-jump-ups

sunning in his favorite spot

sweet peas on my trellis

tony my blue jays bird bath

In Farmhouse Kitchen On Tuesday Morning

2011-05-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

do you see her ? if you look close you can see just the tips of Dande's ears in the basket...it's the kindling basket...and YES...that radio is ancient...i have an ipod...i really do...but i LOVE playing that old radio...

i needlepointed this in high school...and my I LIKE list is pretty much the same today as it was then...

some of my cookbooks....that SILVER PALATE GOOD TIMES on the top of the pile has been worked over but good...it actually is in pieces...

more cookbooks...

the cookbook missing the spine behind the peep is julia child...completely worn off...

my kitchen sink this morning...

memorial day menu at farmhouse kitchen on my chalkboard....

getting a few things out for the memorial day bbq...

looking for inspiration in an old issue of Cottage Style...it's sitting on my old trunk from Vermont...

there he is...... the BIG GUY....whiskey sour in his favorite place....getting his morning sun....in Farmhouse Kitchen

Around the Farmhouse

2011-05-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

i haven't posted in so long i almost forgot how....i don't know what happened to me...just busy i guess.... or lazy is more like it....anyway we got the birdhouse up...and this morning somebody pecked a hole in the front and moved right in ...

i got these white snowball cosmos the other day and they are really putting on a show...

do you see him...there in the foxglove....they haven't bloomed yet...but Teddy just LOVES his garden...

there he is on his lawn...the little toy used to be a ball...he has shredded that pretty good...

looks like we will have a nice little crop of my seek-no-further apples this year...the little tree is covered in blossoms...Teddy LOVES those apples too.

we have the "mommy and poppy" chairs all set up for SUMMER. we love to sit there and watch Teddy play...

just look at that "show stance"...with the tail up in the "full shrimp curl" as we call it....

that's his favorite spot sunning in the late afternoon in mommy's sweet peas...

mr. Handsome...with his firepop toy....

my sweet teddy boy....

jaz at http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com/ made pulled pork sandwiches and homemade rolls the other day...it looked so good i had to make it too....

as you can see....the sandwiches were a BIG HIT around here...i just simmered a pork shoulder that had been rubbed with a dry rub seasoning...seared it off...filled the pot with beer and beef stock and let is go in the over at 275 for 4 hours. served the sandwiches with the coleslaw...just like octoberfarm....
guess who LOVES pulled pork ? Teddy.

Planting at Farmhouse Kitchen

2011-03-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

look what greeted me this morning when i walked downstairs...DANDE...sitting in the kitchen window...YEP..we have all the doors and windows wide open...it is suppose to reach 90 here in san luis obispo today...yeah...you read that right. 90 degrees. i can't beleive it either to tell you the truth...

she loves looking out at the little birdies in the feeder....

what's ya got here, mama? Easter decorations in the kitchen too....

look at that little face...i just LOVE Dande-Girl....

corn needs to be planted...i have planted corn every year of my life since i was 5. no matter where i have lived there is ALWAYS corn in the garden in the summer...i love to watch it grow...watch it turn golden brown in late summer...listen to it rustle in the wind ... and best of all...tie it to the lampost in the Fall....

i knew it would be hot today so i hit the Farm Supply yesterday for a flat of impatiens to plant in my window box by my kitchen window..the window Dande sits in....

these are the pots...i love that old green french wire shelf..i got it years ago in an antique shop....

my first sweet pea...i planted the whole fence..i didn't do it last year because i was in depression over losing Buddy...

my daffodils are blooming...

there he is...that's teddy on his new lawn playing with his FIREPOP...his most favorite toy...i have to tell you...this is my second attempt at this post...i was almost finished earlier this morning and BOOM. the computer just died. blank. black. i just about had a heart attack... i loaded it up and went over to Best Buy. looks like somebody chewed the power cord. what? hhmmmm....i wonder who that would be...i saw him over in the corner the other day and wondered what he was doing there. now i know.

well, my zinfandel grapes have come to life....

i have these big pots planted with dwarf meyer lemon trees by the doors as you walk into Farmhouse...

and i planted underneath with johnny-jump-ups.....

got out my old HOLLYHOCKS sign from Maine...love it....

there is little Teddy in the sweet peas this morning...

and Teddy smelling that fresh green grass and lavendar...we have lots of planting to do...so off we go...

Picnic Macaroni Salad With Dill

2011-03-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

today at Farmhouse Kitchen we are feeling fresh and Spring-ey... i made a macaroni salad to go with our bbq tonight and as i was making it i thought this is really a Springtime macaroni salad...i used fresh dill from my garden, red radishes, sweet pickle, and homemade green brined olives ....a gift from a friend...but the fresh dill is what made it...

Knitting In The Kitchen

2011-03-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

i have been knitting dish rags in the kitchen on these rainy days...but i have to do it standing up...cause somebody ( Teddy ) loves to grab the ball of yarn and run....

i am using that old fashion yarn called SUGAR AND CREAM...it is all cotton and has been around FOREVER...i used to knit these in high school... i went on YOU TUBE to learn it all over again...

i love stacking them in my kitchen on the drainboard...they look so HOMEY and COZY and SPRING-LIKE....

i have chili in the Crockpot...and cornbread must be made...so off i go.

Chocolate Cloud Cookies From Sarabeth

2011-03-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

myself, along with mary from ocean breezes and country sneezes and susan from beyond my kitchen window had planned on all posting a recipe out of SARABETH'S BAKERY COOKBOOK for the first day of SPRING. and i missed it. we had some trouble here with the storms that hit california yesterday at Farmhouse Kitchen...but all is well now...so here i am. late. but here nonetheless...

what makes these cookies extra special is their crisp, light, meringue-like texture....

i had a little help from Teddy...that was before his trip to The Golden Paw...i just LOVE his fuzzy face...and that's his buddy Whiskey Sour there...that big furball getting some sun before the rains hit by the kitchen door.

Chocolate Cloud Cookies adapted from Sarabeth Bakery Cookbook

1 1/3 cups superfine sugar

1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar

16 Tablespoons ( 2 sticks ) unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs, at room temperature, beaten

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon sea salt ( i used Maldon's)

2 cups ( 8 ounces ) toasted, sliced almonds ( i used walnuts )

2 cups ( 12 ounces ) semisweet chocolate chips

1. Position racks in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Line sheets with parchment paper. Beat the butter in the mixing bowl. Add in superfine sugar and light brown sugar. Beat till smooth. Add vanilla and eggs and beat about 5 minutes.

2. Add in flour, baking soda and salt. Do not overbeat. Mix in nuts and chocolate chips.

3. Drop dough onto cookie sheets. Bake 15 to 18 minutes. ( here is the secret trick) about 3 minutes before the cookies are done take them out of the oven and rap the sheet on the counter to deflate the cookies. This will give them their signature cracks. Return to the oven till done. Cool cookies on the pans. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If they last that long.

Am I In New England ?

2011-02-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

it is so COLD here in San Luis Obispo that it is SNOWING !!! Well, it is up in the mountains...not downtown...this is actually Figueroia Mountain Road on the way to Santa Barbara. The road that Michael Jackson's Neverland is on. We have had a fire simmering away in the Farmhouse Kitchen woodstove all day today and Bolognese sauce bubbling slowly on the farm stove. Hope it's cozy at your house.

Sweet...Cream Puffs By Sarabeth Bakery

2011-02-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

I have met the NICEST people in the world because of blogging. And on my list of great blogging buddies are Mary from Ocean Breezes And Country Sneezes and Susan from Beyond My Kitchen Window. We all have a LOVE of baking and we all have the Sarabeth Bakery Cookbook. So for Valentines Day Mary suggested that it would be FUN to do a post together by posting something that we made out of Sarabeth. I LOVE and ADORE CREAM PUFFS...so I went for that. I made a pate a choux and piped in some pastry cream and whipped cream. And because it is VALENTINES DAY I iced the tops in pink then sprinkled with some powdered sugar. I was LUCKY enough to find some beautiful fresh raspberries at the farmer's market today...so I added those.

Looks like we will have a SPECIAL Valentine Eve dessert tonight here at Farmhouse Kitchen.

This was FUN Mary and Susan .......thank you for asking me ..... and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all of you, my dear friends.

Sending Love,

Kary and Teddy

xxx

Teddy Turns One Today !!!!!

2011-02-09T08:19:00.001-08:00

Teddy is celebrating his FIRST BIRTHDAY TODAY !!!! I can't believe it but my little boy is already ONE YEAR OLD. Born on February 9, 2010. Puppyhood went so fast...it was PURE PLEASURE....to be sure. Teddy LOVES to run and play on lawn...so guess what ? Yep. You guessed right... Teddy is getting a lawn....we have had a crew of guys here all week ripping up the garden and putting in a lawn. For Teddy. We still have room for the vegetable garden on the side of the house....for the tomatoes, corn, pumpkins and basil...but the rest is all for Teddy. Teddy has brought so much FUN and HAPPINESS to our home. We just couldn't imagine life without him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEDDY !!! WE LOVE YOU !!!

We're Rototilling The Garden...In Shorts !

2011-01-25T13:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know what to say... i really don't....i was just upstairs with Teddy putting the SPRING sheets on the bed and The Weather Channel was on...i don't know what's going on...it is FREEZING out there....and it's 80 here today....again..well, to tell you the truth the whole month of January has been 80 degrees. We bbqed chicken in the garden last night...i'm not kidding you either. had beans and corn on the cob too. just like SUMMER. see that picture there...that's John..in his shorts..rototilling the garden.... had to come in because he got too hot.....

and there they are...Whiskey Sour and Teddy...in their FAVORITE spot...sunning by the kitchen door....

The Journey To Sourdough Bread Thanks To Octoberfarm

2011-01-21T12:15:00.001-08:00

there it is...one week in the making...and it wouldn't be here if it wasn't for OCTOBERFARM. we all know blogging is FUN...but this was REALLY fun. but it did have it's moments...i would be lying if i said it was easy. it wasn't. and i almost gave up... more than once...i tried making sourdough bread a couple of years ago and i failed, miserably. and i have never tried again. until now...and it is because i had a very PATIENT and WONDERFUL teacher. Octoberfarm.

it all started one week ago...making a "seed culture". you feed it every day for 4 to 5 days depending on how bubbly it is getting...and i was pretty lucky with the heat wave...the culture loved the warm...i let it bask in the sun on the farm table for days....feeding it....loving it..although there was a couple of days that i lost interest...the bread at the bakery looked really good this morning..what am i doing? nope...i am sticking with this...i am not giving up. i want to make my own sourdough bread. right here in Farmhouse Kitchen.

after you have made the "seed culture" you turn it into a starter or barm...and let that go overnight in the fridge...

and then the bread making begins...i ran out of flour right in the middle of making the bread and had to run to the organic hippie store around the corner...i hoped this wasn't a bad sign....

it wasn't bad luck....this dough looks beautiful...i cut it in half

and rolled it into two balls....

put it to sleep last night in the fridge...and this morning was BAKE DAY. i have admit i was nervous...after a week's worth of work i hoped it would turn out...and with the help and encouragement of Octoberfarm... it did.

last night's line-up. 2 bowls of bread and a bowl of starter...gave me a good excuse for cleaning out the fridge

and there it is...i might have let it go about 5 minutes too long...but i think this is a process...learning the bread and how your oven works. i know mine does run hot. so i am so proud of my first loaf of real sourdough....THANK YOU OCTOBERFARM !!!!! what a great teacher i had....i NEVER could have done it without you, my friend. Oh, and john gets his wish...BLT'S on SOURDOUGH tonight !!!!!

octoberfarm said we are SOURDOUGH SISTERS..we are indeed, my friend

Eggplant Lasagne Love

2011-01-20T11:10:00.001-08:00

i am always buying eggplant...i just can't help myself...i just LOVE EGGPLANT...

yesterday i decided to make an eggplant lasagne...just kind of using what was around the kitchen...so i sliced up the eggplant and floured it....

look who was helping... i was going to try and clean up the picture but decided to give it to you Full Throttle...just as it is... messy couch, piles of pillows for Teddy, newspaper, Teddy's owl upside down feet straight up...see the mess in the back on the window seat....somebody likes to get into mommy's purse and bags from shopping...the big old giant bag of Purina is for shaking out the kitchen door to the strays that come...we are about up to 5 now... they come and go...but Pixie Rose Marie and Vera Wang are a constant...

dug around the cheese box and scored a big block of gruyere...and a few other scraps...

i just floured the slices and sauteed them in my cast iron skillet ....i used olive oil...to reduce the guilt factor of all that oil.....

i didn't make the pasta this go around...didn't feel like cleaning all of that up...and i just layered it in a pie plate....

pasta, eggplant, a jar of Muir Glen sauce...how lazy is that...a jar of sauce..in my EMERGENCY section of the pantry...for just such occassions...my friend Molly calls it "DOGOMAR"....."don't go to the market"...you know those days when you just feel like staying home...making supper from what's in the pantry and fridge...

i'm gonna tell ya...if you like eggplant...this is for you. it is GOOD.

what a beauty....

since we are in the kitchen...i'll show you what's on the drainboard...SPRING.

here is my windowsill...MEZE is a new neighborhood restaurant around the corner we are dying to try... you can see my reflection in the window... you can even see the birdbath way out back in the garden through the open french door....and the window clingers...what can i say...that section in Michaels with all the seasonal window clingers makes me so HAPPY...

the darling little creamer is from my dear friend julie of julie whitmore pottery on ETSY. i have a big bouquet of baby white carnations on my piano...snuck a few out and added some pineapple sage from my garden...i get such an old fashion off of baby carnations...white or soft pink or yellow...gives me a valentines feeling...of days gone by....

there he is again...sunning himself in his favorite spot. WHISKEY SOUR is loving that sun. i snapped that this morning...

we had a COLD SNAP yesterday..it went down to 75 degrees...heat wave is back today..80 degrees...what is going on? it's January !!!! sending love, my friends.....

Eggplant Lasagne

Slice an eggplant , flour the slices and saute in olive oil till brown. salt lightly

Boil some lasagne noodles, rinse and drain

Layer pasta, red sauce, cheese and eggplant till everything is used up...in just used the cheese i had on hand...some gruyere and mozzarella...your regular lasagne type cheeses

Bake at 375 for about 40 to 45 minutes or till hot and bubbly

Let settle a few minutes before cutting

Cozy food...even if it is 80 degrees

Blueberry Upsidedown Cake

2011-01-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

julie...have you been looking for this book ? i found it in my bookshelf.....it is such a cute book...all about baking a THANK YOU...i just LOVE that idea....

i had some blueberries and was going to make a blueberry crisp but decided on a blueberry upsidedown cake instead...

you start by melting the butter and brown sugar right on the stovetop in the bottom of a 9 inch cake pan....

i made the cake in the mixer...and this must be the MOST FORGIVING cake on the planet. i did EVERYTHING wrong. i don't know what i was thinking...a friend mentioned that i might have had heat stroke...that's funny...maybe i did...i added cornstarch instead of baking powder...when i realized what i had done wrong..i just went ahead and added the baking powder too...the butter and egg mixture looked funny....uh oh...i forgot to add the sugar and added it in AFTER i had added the flour...now i am really wondering if this cake is going to work.
milk? what? i don't have any milk..so i used half and half...i didn't have enough blueberries..it called for 2 cups...i only had one cup. i guess i'll go ahead and bake it...what do i have to lose?

i spread the batter into the pan...

i can't beleive it...but it worked...

it sure smelled good in the kitchen....

we ended up having a wonderful dessert...blueberry upsidedown cake. Heat wave update: we are in shorts and flip-flops...i am NOT kidding you guys..and we are BBQing burgers in the garden tonight...wish you were here.....

Blueberry Upsidedown Cake

adapted from Sweet Gratitude by judith sutton

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Blueberry-Lemon Topping

4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 cups fresh blueberries

1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Melt the butter in a round 9 inch cake pan over low heat. Cook and stir for about 3 minutes till brown and bubbly. Remove pan from the heat and add blueberries and lemon zest.

Cake

1 1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons ( 1 stick ) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

1/2 cup whole milk

For the cake: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium till light and fluffy. Scape down the sides of the bowl and add the eggs one at a time. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest. On low speed, beat in half the flour, then beat in the milk. Beat in the remaining flour just until incorporated.

Spoon the batter in large dollops over the blueberries. Carefully spread out the batter.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the toothpick comes out clean. I found it only took 40 minutes.

Let cake cool in the pan for 3 minutes.

Run a knife around the edge of the pan and invert the cake onto a wire rack. Lift off pan.

Serve warm or at room temperature and sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.

80 Degrees ? Are You Kidding Me ?

2011-01-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

That's WHISKEY SOUR sunning himself in the sun this morning..we have all the doors and windows wide open...because today our thermometer in the garden read 80 degrees. what is going on? i have been watching the Weather Channel and the whole world is buried in snow. i don't know if 80 degrees is a good thing or a bad thing. it just seems strange....

there is little Teddy outside this morning by the kitchen door in the herb garden...or what will be the herb garden come summer. right now the borage that i planted a couple of years ago has re-seeded and is coming up all over...the bumble bees love it.

this is my Spring Showers ....it is already blooming ...you can see the rose hips on my Berries and Cream rose in the background....

this was the view this morning...january 16th, 2011 from my clothesline in the backyard...notice the palm trees...so california...and that mountain is called Mission Mountain. at Christmas there is a lighted tree on top and at Easter a lighted cross.

my yellow johnny-jump-ups are blooming...leftover from last year...and still going....

my yellow Banks rose was blooming this morning too... i don't know why it is so warm here... i guess i will just go with it...feels like summer so this afternoon i am making a blueberry crisp....

The Gentle Barn

2011-01-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

Get Involved

I saw this on Ellen the other day...and it brought me to tears...and I wanted to share it with you. It's called The Gentle Barn and it is an animal rescue in Southern California. It is filled with animals that were neglected and abused...and they have found a home in.... The Gentle Barn.

Click on : Get Involved to visit a most WONDERFUL place.

Sarabeth's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2011-01-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

I picked one of the simplest recipes late yesterday afternoon out of my new Sarabeth cookbook. The oatmeal raisin cookies. The recipe in the book calls for sunflower seeds, but I didn't have any and used walnuts instead....and they turned out perfect....

i read this tip years ago...if your butter is cold, grate it...and it works pretty well.....

i threw everything into my mixer and let it go...

i am so IN LOVE with brown eggs. I would really like to get 3 chickens this SPRING but I am worried about my little stray kitty...Pixie Rose Marie...she is so skittish as it is I would be worried that chickens would scare her off....she has been here 3 years now...I always wonder what would have happened to her if I hadn't moved in here...

look at those for a jolt of THE HAPPY. my daffodils are opening up nicely.Sure makes it feel like SPRING in here.

Teddy Getting Cozy On A Sunday

2011-01-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

it is 2 o' clock out here in california on sunday and teddy and i are still on the couch...what a cold, lazy day...i am still reading Sarabeth...but haven't made it to the kitchen...yet. see that look in Teddy's eye..we call it "showing whites".... that little look with the cresent moon in his eye...

i managed to get a bouquet of fresh daffodil stems yesterday...i walked downstairs this morning and was greeted by this...(but i still miss the christmas tree)....the little stuffed owl is Teddy's favorite toy...

look at that little nose...i call it my little cinnamon sugar donut....

come on mom..let me snooze on my snowman blankie...can't you go bake something?

New Year ~ New Cookbook

2011-01-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

whew...i have to tell you i went into a bit of a post-holiday slump. january blues i guess. after all the fun and festivities of christmas...january rang in with a dose of the get-me-downs. but, as of today, i am out of the slump...and the reason why...this new cookbook. SARABETH'S BAKERY. FROM MY HANDS TO YOURS by Sarabeth Levine..... i just got it today...what a winner it is... it is a beauty. the photographs by quentin bacon are stunning. the book covers morning pastries, muffins and more, beautiful breads, everyday cakes, party cakes and company, pies and tarts, plain and fancy cookies, spoon desserts, frozen desserts, spreadable fruits and frosting, fillings and sweet sauces. i am really excited about the jam too. that is on my list of things to do for the new year. it's going to be busy in the farmhouse kitchen this year. now, where's my apron?

Good Bye 2010

2010-12-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

the last day of 2010...what a year it has been. the loss of Buddy....and the gift of Teddy. looking forward to a peaceful new year... i have met so many wonderful new friends here this year..all because of this little space called a blog... i treasure each one of you and send you all warm New Year's greetings. Happy New Year, my friends. Sending love, Kary and Teddy

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, my friends. Sending love, Kary and Teddy

Sleep In Heavenly Peace Little Buddy

2010-12-21T12:20:00.000-08:00

I miss you my sweet Buddy. Merry Christmas. Love, Mama

Santa Chimney Cake

2010-12-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

I wish I could take credit for this darling cake...but I can't. I got it at our local market today. I just couldn't pass it up. It is Santa on the chimney. It got kinda smashed in the box on the way home so I added the baby marshmallows to cover the smushed icing. She said it was vanilla. I got some beautiful raspberries so we will have the cake tonight with some vanilla ice cream. Tonight is FONDUE NIGHT by the fire.We feel just like Christmas mice inside Farmhouse. All warm and cozy....eating cake and raspberries. And I got my wish. It is 80 degrees no more, my friends. It is POURING rain out here in California. And we love it. Our rowboat is docked by the back kitchen door...just in case. We're getting so close to Christmas..... Farmhouse is ready, are you?

I'm Melting and Dreaming of a White Christmas

2010-12-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

See that. That's ME !!! I took that picture less than a minute ago. Here. In California. On Sunday, December 12th !!! And it felt good on my feet cause it's so HOT out here...You see...it is 80 degrees today. And NO. I am NOT HAPPY about it. Not one little bit. It's CHRISTMAS. Teddy and I are sitting here with all the doors and windows WIDE OPEN. I am looking at my Vermont Castings woodstove and oak wood piled by the door with tears in my eyes. I think I'll go and turn down my Andy Williams Christmas music...it just dosen't seem right.How sad is this?The Christmas tree even looks sad baking in the hot sun. I wait all year for Christmas. And now this. Did you notice in my profile info that I am "pretending" that I live in Vermont. What a stretch that is. Not even close. But I will not complain anymore, my friends. I will carry on and be grateful for all that I do have. I am going to the market to get the dried fruit to make my Panettone....I make it every year...80 degrees or not. All I can do is hope that it breaks soon. I know I have zero chance of snow...but rain would be nice. Stay cozy....wherever you are.

Sending december love,

Kary and Teddy

Teddy Picks A Winner !!!

2010-12-03T07:58:00.001-08:00

Teddy put his paw in the hat and he picked : The Wild Magnolia as the winner in our Christmas Teacup Giveaway. CONGRATULATIONS!!! The little teacup will be on it's way. Thank you for all your comments and kind words. You're all THE BEST !!!! Sending love to you today my sweet friends,
Kary and Teddy

A Christmas Teacup Giveaway

2010-11-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

i can't believe it but i have reached my 300th post. and in honor of it i want to have a christmas teacup giveaway. this is from my collection of old sprigware that i have collected for years. i started collecting it because it looks so christmas-ey. the pattern is red and green and the cups are very old. all of the sprigware that i have came from new england. all of you have become such dear friends to me...and i thank you for your friendship as we enter into this most wonderful christmastime of year. just leave a comment and your name will be dropped into the hat. teddy will pick a winner with his paw on friday, december 3rd.

The Eve of Thanksgiving Eve at Farmhouse

2010-11-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

laying in a warm bed this morning with Teddy ,Whiskey and Dande listening to a light rain and the long lonely distant whistle of a train. smelling the woodsmoke still smoldering from last nights fire.

tip toeing downstairs in stocking feet to light another fire and make tea. toasting little circles of bread and spreading them with Maine blueberry jam...a gift from a friend...making my list for Thanksgiving shopping. soaking beans for soup. listening to Gregorian Chant for Christmas.

adding another log to the fire and pouring another cup of tea. thinking of you. and wishing you all a blessed THANKSGIVING...

A Surprise From Octoberfarm

2010-11-19T11:20:00.000-08:00

See what I got? I have to tell you that when I started this blog back in July of 2009 I had NO IDEA what was in store.The numerous friendships that I would make.Bloggers who have become special friends to me. It's a journey I could have never imagined.I saw in a magazine somewhere where a non-blogger asked a blogger why she blogged. She said she just smiled and thought...it's too bad you don't. I thought that really sums it up. This SPECIAL DELIVERY box came in the mail yesterday. What a SURPRISE. It was from Octoberfarm.A BLOGGING BUDDY who has become a dear friend. These are all things that she collected on her trip this Fall. All the things that I love.What a kind and thoughtful thing to do.Thinking about us and sending that SPECIAL package all the way to the west coast. THANK YOU, my friend. Your thoughtfulness is so appreciated. We LOVE it !!! And our friendship....with you.

Thanksgiving Menu at Farmhouse 2010

2010-11-16T09:27:00.001-08:00

Pilgrim Cocktails

Assorted Olives
Celery Sticks with Cream Cheese
Cashews

Roast Turkey with Rosemary's Sausage and Spinach Stuffing
Giblet Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Acorn Squash Roasted with Butternut Farm Maple Syrup and Cinnamon
Buttered Baby Lima Beans From Windrose Farm
Cranberry Sauce with Nutmeg
Fresh Cranberry Salad with English Walnuts ,Pineapple, Miniature Marshmallows and Limbertwig Apples From Gopher Glen Apple Farm

Parker House Rolls From Carlock's Bakery

Apple Pie with Winesap Apples from Gopher Glen Apple Farm
Cinnamon Ice Cream

Bien Nacido Vineyard Cadre Pinot Noir
Hirsch Vineyards Lulu Canlis Pinot Noir
Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Chardonnay

Apple Cider from Gopher Glen

Dinner is Served at 5 p.m.

All are Welcome

Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Cookies

2010-11-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

got out one of my favorite Christmas decorations yesterday and set it out in my kitchen. isn't he cute?

decided to make some cranberry walnut shortbread cookies late sunday afternoon....

dande has kitty radar when it comes to butter....

oh yummy mama....is that butter with sugar in it? look at that face....

i am really into vanilla lately...always on the lookout for the good stuff. got these 2 bottles the other day...they smell so good i had to dab some on my wrists....see the turkey there on the farm table in the background? that's him !!!

you can make these cookies in a bowl with just a wooden spoon....no mixer needed...

there are only a few ingredients...so everything has to be the best.... i used organic flour from Bob's RED MILL....

after everything is mixed you just roll it into a log in some wax paper...and chill

slice ....

and bake...

i have to tell you...these are REALLY good....

forgot to show you these yesterday...got 'em on my Cost Plus run...a nesting set of teeny tiny silicone bowls...how could i pass these by? they are just too cute in my cupboard...

and how about these for old fashioned? little peppermint puffs from Hammonds Candy Co.

it's 80 degrees here today. how sad is that? kind of makes it hard to bake Christmas cookies and play my Lionel Richie Christmas album. but they say RAIN for friday. i can only hope.

Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Cookies

Makes about 4 dozen

1 cup ( 2 sticks ) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted ( i didn't)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla....the BEST you can get

2 cups all purpose flour, sifted ( didn't..again)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Beat butter, confectioner's sugar and vanilla with a wooden spoon until smooth. Add flour and salt, stir till just combined. Stir in dried cranberries and walnuts. Divide dough into quarters.

2. On parchment or waxed paper, shape each portion into a log and wrap. Chill 30 minutes or up to 1 day.

3. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. With a sharp knife slice dough into 1/4 inch slices.

4. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake 20 to 22 minutes. Let cookies cool on sheets and transfer to wire racks. Store in an airtight cookie tin.

Gathering

2010-11-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

i went out yesterday looking for bird seed for my gold finches and some Christmas bulbs...

i got a giant amaryllis bulb called RED LION.....

i stuck it in this old cast iron urn...all i have to do now is fill it up with more gravel and water....

i got a sack of paperwhites...it just wouldn't be Christmas without these in the house...

i stopped by the GOODWILL store to see if the had anything vintage for Christmas...and came home with these cordial glasses...for a dollar.

found this cute cookie cutter at Cost Plus...

came home and got my Thanksgiving plate off the wall... i will use this as a serving dish...

got into the box of my old Christmas aprons and tablecloths..this is an apron..complete with red bells on it...

an old tablecloth...

another old tablecloth....looks like i might be doing some ironing....

and a jar of Stonewall Kitchen Sugar Plum Jam...sitting on my windowsill...waiting for buttered toast and tea....

A November Saturday Morning

2010-11-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

the turkey from my childhood...it was ALWAYS on our Thanksgiving table...i don't have any idea how i have kept it for so long...move after move...house after house...it escaped packing boxes being thrown out by accident, it escaped being smashed, ripped to pieces or just plain old lost...grammy and grandpie had Thanksgiving every year at their house...and ALWAYS with the turkey in the middle of the table. and now it is on my table....it has survived 54 years...and i am grateful to have it....

somebody got a new bag of chewies yesterday...and this morning was like Christmas morning for Teddy...to tell you the truth..he had more fun with the bag..than the chewies...we let him have his way...he ripped into the bag and scattered them everywhere...but the green shopping bag was his MOST favorite..not the chewies. we don't care...just as long as Teddy is HAPPY.

a flat of red and white pansies to be planted by the kitchen door this afternoon.....

my old vintage Thanksgiving candle...and a few battered paper mache ones....they have seen a few bumps along the way....

last night as the sun sank, i played Christmas music and got out my collection of Steiff woodland animals and arranged them on the piano...with a few olive branches from my tree...more of this to come....

teddy waiting for mama this morning....

and waiting....my sweet little boy...

i got out my Garnet Hill grandma moses "going to grandma's house for thanksgiving" sheets yesterday.....so cozy and snuggly...

there is where Teddy sleeps...right in the middle....

wishing you all a wonderful November weekend...and sending love.

Last Horse Show Of The Year

2010-11-12T10:03:00.001-08:00

Isn't she beautiful...she is the official barn cat out at Hidden Springs Farm in San Luis Obispo

this is my best-friend-since-we-were-ten-years-old daughter, Isabella. Danali is her horse. and he is a beauty.

molly, my dearest and oldest friend and i showed horses together as teenagers. and we LOVED it. we had the trainer and the whole deal. we traveled up and down the state of California..from the earl warren showgrounds in santa barbara to the cow palace in san francisco and everywhere in between showing our horses....and we had a ball.

molly's husband, greg is in charge of the bbq.and he does a great job. check out these offerings. all cooked over oak wood too....

another participant...all saddled up and ready to go...

that's Harley...the great dane. always looking for a piece of steak or chicken to come his way....

the big guy is KING...he is a gentle giant...and one of my favorite horses...well, they are all my favorite i guess. i have always loved horses and riding....just haven't done it much lately...maybe it's time to get back in the saddle....

HOME

2010-11-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

we thought about moving. but decided to stay. for now. it feels like Big Sur in here at night as we watch the days grow shorter. we lit the whole house by candles last night, played Christmas music, warmed ourselves by the woodburning fire, smelled oakwood, listened to the crackle and pop of the fire and the creak of the stairs...the same creak they make every night at sunset. i always wonder why...and smile. we sipped pinot noir and nibbled on nuts. we wrapped ourselves in sweaters and scarves and strolled up Chorro street....listening to the hoot of the owl that sits in the pine tree by our kitchen door, we slipped inside MEE HUNG LOW for a bowl of warm noodles. jazz music floated in the air. a band was playing up in the loft. jazz in a chinese restaurant. we didn't ask. we listened. people had their dogs with them . on their laps. feeding them noodles. it made us smile. we wished we had Teddy. next time. we walked home in the dark. we saw 3 houses with Christmas lights. we smiled... again ....as we strolled towards HOME.

Was That A Witch?

2010-10-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

that glare in the window is the sun strating to set out here in california last night in my kitchen ...

i may have mentioned this before, but this TARTINE cookbook is one of my favorites. TARTINE is a wonderful bakery up the road a ways in San Francisco.

I have been making their pumpkin tea bread alot this fall. i made some late yesterday to take to teddy's groomer today. teddy is at The Golden Paw right now getting all ready for Halloween...

i added some candy corn and this little rat to make it a little more Halloween-ey...

the bread is easy to make...and it smells so good baking in the kitchen.

i just had to show you this...it borders on vintage. i have had it for so long...it is a witches cauldron and when you plug it in...the white material "flames up". i really can't beleive it still works. i got it at michaels about a zillion years ago. and i still love it. it just wouldn't be halloween around here without the "cauldron".

Pumpkin Tea Cake

adapted from :Tartine

serves 6 to 8

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 Tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cinnamon ( this seemed like alot, but it works )

2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1 cup plus 2 Tablespoon Pumpkin puree ( not pie filling )

1 cup vegetable oil

1 1/3 cups white sugar

3/4 teaspoons salt

3 large eggs

2 Tablespoons white sugar for topping

my own addition is 1 cup chopped walnuts

In a bowl mix pumpkin puree, oil, sugar,and salt with a mixer

Add eggs one at a time mixing well

Scrape down sides and add flour, baking powder, baking soda cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves. add walnuts, if desired

Do not over mix or you will end up with a coarse, tough crumb

Transfer the batter to a buttered 9 by 5 loaf pan ( i know they call it a tea cake, but they make it in a loaf pan ) Smooth the top with an offset spatula and sprinkle with the sugar.

Bake about an hour. I check it at one hour and i always need to let it go another 10 mintues or so or till a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes then remove and let cool on a wire rack

Serve at room temperature

Because this cake is not too sweet, a dollop of sweetened whipped cream is nice and you can sprinkle the cream with some raw pepitas ( hulled pumpkin seeds ) for extra crunch.