Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Wardrobe Basics ~ A symphony in Black and White, a recipe and our Star Magnolia

 


Our Star Magnolia
is
blooming out front of The Humble Bungalow.

I love the elegant waxy white flowers.
They emerge from fuzzy cocoons...
if you look closely you can see one as it is about to pop.


The tree was planted many years ago and has grown quite slowly.
It is in the middle of a bed and makes a bold statement.


My linen skirt has an asymmetrical detail that makes it more interesting...
I like a flounce and it sways as I walk.

I can dress it up or wear it simply 
with a casual white top and my distressed denim jacket.
I actually wear it with my white "trainers" or tennis shoes and lacy white socks.

The length is longer on me so I don't feel I NEED to wear capri tights.
My legs are not at their best...they have scars and marks which I try to hide.
One cannot live to 69 and still have pristine unblemished skin.


This white blouse is a favourite of mine.
I love the texture and the fabric is pure white.
The shape is forgiving especially for my mid section 
which is where I now carry most of my weight.


Nice detail on the cuffs.


I wear this with black Eileen Fisher pants, and often with casual denim jeans.



The Big Baroque Pearls add an interesting touch.
I feel so much more "dressed up" with pearls.

Black and white wardrobe basics are so easy...
I can get dressed for almost any occasion and have a lot of mix and match options.

Recently I found a lovely Saint James black sweater which has a good structure.
I purchased it second hand for a fraction of the original price.
It is almost like a sweater jacket...
Saint James make lovely clothing...I visited one of their stores in Aix en Provence.


I have my sourdough boule baking in the oven as I write this blogpost.
The kitchen smells wonderful...

I just finished making Hamburger Soup.
It is a recipe that I have been making for many decades...
I used to make a big batch and freeze it in containers for my lunches when I worked in the schools.


We had a bowl for our lunch today with a couple of small pieces of sourdough toast.

I try to make soups once a week...
the soups is quick to heat up and works well on my aqua fit days.
I arrive home hungry and my husband has soup and toast ready when I get home.

Do you like to make soup?

Have you tried making sourdough bread?
I got my starter from a good friend and I have given batches of it to many people...
she has shared hers with many others as well!

We both use the recipes on Alexandra Bakes.

I have recently discovered Farmhouse on Boone and am enjoying Lisa Bass's site.
She lives on a large farm and has 8 children!


I wear a vintage rhinestone brooch on my wool beret and other hats.

Wearing vintage pins are a bit of a habit of mine. 
I don't seem to find many but I always look!!

Do you enjoy thrifting?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
I appreciate your comments and invite you to share your thoughts.

Take care and until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, December 22, 2023

Seasons Greetings

 


Our Humble Bungalow is lit up with the fairy lights and the "cat proof" tree.
Chester still climbs the tree.

We were sidelined for a few weeks with a nasty bout of Covid.
Our first experience with it and we were really surprised, as we are so careful.
Mr. HB had it first and I did try to stay away from him as much as possible 
but after all it is a small house...

I ended up with a nasty cough which is lingering even now.
So I am pacing myself, staying hydrated and getting to bed early.

Many tea breaks in between cooking, baking and delivering gifts.

Hope that you are in good health.
Ready to embrace the JOYS of the Festive Season.


My "go to" Hostess Gift
 Chocolate Bark...

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper
Add a couple of packages of Bakers Chocolate (semi sweet)
Melt slowly in the oven at about 170 degrees for 5 or 10 minutes.
Check regularly as it doesn't take long to melt.

Remove and top with the nuts of your choosing.
Chill in the fridge for a few hours.
Break up and add to cellophane bags and tie with twine.

Very tasty and so easy to make
it is easy to see why this is my favourite
~ Hostess Gift ~

I make several batches as they are well received and quite yummy!


While out shopping for gifts I came across these new towels...
I haven't upgraded my towels in AGES!!!

Donated the former set to the Sally Ann and these ones really dress up the space.

I asked myself WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?
They were not expensive and they make a huge difference.

(Perhaps frugality is not always sensible.)


Made a batch of butter tarts last night...
Mr. HB tested them and said they are good.
It is important to have someone on board as the Quality Control Expert!

I have lots of things still to make
for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Brunch
as well as the Boxing Day Turkey Feast.

I will be living (and maybe sleeping) in my linen apron!

Hope you have a wonderful and Festive Holiday.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.


Pearls, a simple white shirt and jeans...
an easy "uniform" for daytime here in The Humble Bungalow.

Be careful out there with all the Covid Germs circulating...
I am wearing a mask to the shops now.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Wednesday late night post...


~ Antique Porcelain Bowl ~

I have had this antique bowl for many years.
I purchased it from a thrift shop.
I was drawn to its' "staples"
obviously an early repair.

I often wonder where this bowl came from?
Who owned it?
Why was it repaired and not just thrown away when it cracked?
If this bowl could tell its' history...
what might it be?


Looking at this bowl got me thinking...
so
I wrote this post on Instagram...



I've been busy this week...
dinner for the family, aqua fit classes, writing lists of things to do before Christmas.
Writing Christmas gift lists, buying cards and stamps.


I started polishing all the silverware.
Trays, candle sticks, the tea service, pedestals, bowls.
I still have a few pieces to do...
the champagne ice buckets, a baby rattle, some trophies.

I use Hagerty silver polish and Twinkle polish.
They both work well.
It is a time consuming job but is immediately rewarding.
The shine is like a smile.

I've been knitting and reading too...


I started this book Run by Anne Patchett.
I really enjoy her books, and after just one chapter I am already hooked!

I'll be sending Christmas cards out soon...
baking some shortbread cookies 
making my favourite spiced nuts which make nice hostess gifts, 
and of course the pork tourtieres.

~ Spiced Nuts ~
2 cups almonds
2 cups walnuts
2 cups pecans
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp allspice
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp coriander
2 tsp ginger
2 egg  whites
3 tbsp water

Sprinkle nuts with sugar and spices.
Beat egg whites and water.
Mix into nuts and spice mixture and spread on a buttered baking sheet.
Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour stir occasionally.
Cool
Place into glass containers for gifts.
Add a ribbon and some greenery and a dried orange slice.

Hope that you enjoy these nuts!
Well I'll close for now as it is past my bedtime...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, October 27, 2023

A WEE post ~ in between...stay tuned for the regular post on Sunday!

 


I am so thrilled with the lavender soap that I ordered from French Larkspur.
I love a scented soap and treat myself regularly to a fresh new bar...
I find it difficult not buying fragrant soaps :-))

If I go into a shop that sells gifts I head to the soap section first.
Rarely do I leave without buying a bar or two.

Mom loved her Yardley's English Lavender Soap
she actually kept it in her bedroom so that the rest of the family  didn't use it all up!
I wonder if it was an expensive luxury item back in the day?
She would unwrap bars and scent her lingerie drawer with the bars of soap.


This soap has found a "home" beside the farmhouse kitchen sink.


The wee posy is still looking lovely!
Twas a gift from our lovely neighbours 
In appreciation for all the veggies and apples that we gave them over the summer.


Look at the most recent harvest of the peppers!
My husband has outdone himself growing all the veggies this year.

I am using the peppers in all kinds of dishes...
salads
soups
spaghetti sauce
chili


I love baking sourdough bread, tending to the starter is like feeding a pet.

I make a boule each week 
we enjoy the bread sliced and served with butter or toasted with jam.

The texture is dense, requires a lot of chewing and the crust is crunchy.
Not only is it fun to make it is very economical.
With food prices rising it is nice to know that homemade bread is still affordable.


Chili for dinner tonight!

Saute 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 
3 stalks of celery and 2 green peppers diced and cooked until soft.
Add 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey or beef)
cook until no longer pink.
Drain and rinse 2 cans of red kidney beans add to pot.
Then add a large can of diced tomatoes (stewed tomatoes work well too)
2 Tbsp. Chili powder, 1 Tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt
Simmer for at least an hour, stirring often.

I serve the chili topped with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Bon Appetit


Currently reading this book...
it is rather like a travelogue.
I am enjoying the whimsy and honesty of the author as he retells the story of his trip.


We keep our "heart" lit up 
on behalf of the local hospital workers who work hard.

Covid is making a comeback here in town...
people are back wearing masks in the shops.

We both have just had our 6th vaccination and we took advantage at the pharmacy and had the annual flu shot as well.
I had a reaction to the shot(s) was awake at 2:30 with aches 
stayed awake the rest of the night...
but I managed to go to aquafit and had a great workout.
Feel totally normal now!

I've been so busy in the kitchen that I haven't really had a PLAY DAY.
I promise I will take off my apron.

I plan on taking myself to Marshall's for a WALKABOUT.
STAY TUNED :-))
It is always fun looking at their stock and I rarely leave empty handed.

What's new with you all?
Don't be SHY...leave a comment.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, October 22, 2023

October ~ Feel the Fullness of Fall


Last weekend we went to The BC Aviation Museum out by the Victoria Airport.
It was a lot bigger and way more interesting than I initially thought 
it would be...

Indoor activities are very much a Fall Favourite.
Keeping warm and dry while visiting museums and galleries.


We went with friends and had a guided tour by a volunteer which was almost 2 hours.

They have a designated area for children with games, flight simulators and small airplanes to ride inside...
there were lots of kids enjoying the space.


Afterwards we went to The Spitfire Grill near the plane refuelling station for lunch.
We were able to watch many planes land.

I ordered a bowl of the hearty mushroom soup as I wanted to warm up.

Soup making is back on the agenda here in The Humble Bungalow.
A big pot is made early in the week 
so we can enjoy soup on the days that I attend Aqua Fit classes.
It warms me up after the drive home.


BOO!
My sister and I had a walk last week in Oak Bay.
We spied many yards decorated in the Halloween theme.

I had NO IDEA how expensive these skeletons cost!!
My guess was about $100 and my sister looked on Amazon only to tell me that I needed to multiply my guess by 10 times!!
WOW

There is a Hallmark Christmas movie being filmed here in Victoria.
We thought we might see them at work on the Esplanade near the Tea Room.
They must have wrapped up that segment of the film as they have now moved on into the heart of Fernwood.


We have minimal seasonal Fall decorations...
for Halloween night, a small string of orange pumpkin lights.

~ Fall Porch Decor ~
I added these 2 wee white pumpkins and a white cyclamen.
The big cones are foraged from the nearby trees at the cemetery.
The dried alliums are from the garden and that grape vine wreath is decades old.


I just finished this book by Phaedra Patrick.
I enjoyed the quirky story and the characters felt very real.
About a year ago I read her other book and really like it too.


~ Pink Fall colour on the Limelight Hydrangeas ~
I am drying more hydrangeas to bring inside our Humble Bungalow.
This week I gave some away to a friend and realized that I needed some for us.
Hope they dry fast before the winds get crazy as they tend to fly around the garden.


A scarf knit on the bias is taking shape...
using a sumptuous yarn.
Japanese Noro which is a blend of silk, mohair and lambswool.
I found the wool at our local shop The Beehive.

Yesterday I went to Murchies and stocked up on their Princess Blend rose tea.
My tea caddy was almost empty...
I like to brew a pot and sip this tea while I am reading or knitting 
perfect for a cool Fall afternoon.


My current book stack...
all were found in the local little free library kiosks.

We are cocooning in front of the TV more this Fall...
Really enjoying the British crime dramas found on Acorn TV.
The Chelsea Detective, Cuffs, Whitstable Pearl, Cannes Confidential
and many more.


This arrangement was hand delivered by the neighbours...
a few minutes ago.
In appreciation for our gifts of harvested fresh grown veggies and apples!
Such a thoughtful gift...

Fall
~ Dinner tonight ~

I am making a "stringy" shredded beef roast in the oven...
4 pound chuck roast seasoned with salt and pepper 
baked in a covered casserole for 4 hours.
You take it out and using two forks you then shred the meat.

I am roasting potatoes, carrots, zucchini and beets in a drizzle of olive oil
sprinkled with salt and pepper to accompany the roast.

I hope it is a tasty meal because this is a super easy dinner!

Hope you are enjoying October.
It is almost Halloween :-))
and
I have a BIG bag full of treats.

Well I am about to put the kettle on and will brew a pot of tea...
now do I knit or start a new book?

Is it Fall where you live?
What are you up to this week?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Thanksgiving Weekend at Quarterdeck Cottage

 


We welcomed friends to the cottage for a Thanksgiving Dinner.
The sun shone and the winds abated for their arrival.

The menu was Italian themed and Julie and I cooked in the kitchen while the guys hung out on the deck watching the boats.

I was Julie's sous chef :-))
It is a great day being in the kitchen when Julie cooks 
I Watch and Learn.


Caesar Salad to start...
Julie mixes her dressing (which includes anchovies) directly in the bowl.
Then we added the romaine, croutons and cheese.
Julie also adds bacon which gives it a real zesty flavour!


We made Stanley Tucci's Favourite pasta dish.
On an episode of his series Eating Italy they featured the recipe.
Julie got her recipe from Chef John Pierre who has a You Tube Channel.

The basis of the sauce is deep fried zucchini slices...
it tastes delicious, nutty and thick and you'd never guess it was zucchini!
WOW

I made an apple crisp using our Liberty apples
served it with French Vanilla ice Cream.


The wine we served was Italian from the Tuscany region...
(I had to get Mr. HB to go out to the recycling bin and snap a photo)


We went to the Pender Island Museum...
saw this buck sitting in the sunshine.
Tried to walk at Roseland but the tide was in and so we couldn't get across
the inlet to wander along the scenic trails.

For breakfast the next morning I served a fruit salad and a smoked salmon frittata.
The frittata was simple to make...

Frittata

Sliced small red onion
diced red pepper
sliced 4 large mushrooms
6 ounces smoked salmon cut into small pieces
grated cheeses about 1 1/2 cups
a dozen eggs whisked til frothy
salt pepper and some chopped mint leaves

Bake in a deep dish at 350 for about 40 minutes until eggs are cooked and no longer runny.


Lunch was a charcuterie board...
we call it a "picky plate"

We walked at Hamilton Beach in the rain...
our friends left later in the afternoon before dinner.

I made scallops for dinner...
Chef Jean Pierre's scallop recipe is on his You Tube Channel and online at his website.




Delicious!


Will be reading these books over the next few days...
Am really enjoying The Last Devil to Die!
I love the Thursday Murder Club.


We are fortunate to have a great little boutique on the island.
I always pop in and peruse the stock...
you never know what you'll find!


C'est Moi


White Linen shirt

I found another one in a sleek percale cotton but I couldn't justify buying two...
I love a crisp white shirt to wear with black pants or jeans and my pearls.

Well I suppose that I better get some lunch ready for my husband...
he's out walking in the rain and will be cold and hungry when he returns.

In case you are interested lunch will be bacon and home grown tomato sandwiches on homemade sourdough bread!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~