Award....

What a surprise!

Several days ago, I received this award from Pattycakescooking!  It was really a surprise!  There are four things I am supposed to do since this has been sent to me.  One, I am to thank the person who gave me the award.  Done!  Second, I am to include a link to their blog.  Done in the first sentence!  Third, I am to nominate 15 bloggers to also receive the award.  Oops!  I am really having problems with that one as I am fairly new in this blogging world, and I have a very limited knowledge of other bloggers.  But - I am working on this one, and it should come at some point in the future.  Fourth, I am to tell seven things about myself.  Now, that is easy to do.:-)  So - here goes.

One - I am a retired elementary public school teacher, having taught 25 years in systems in Virginia and Tennessee.  My last experience was with third graders - 17 years - and I loved it.  I have been retired since the close of the 2003 school year.

Two - I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, and we will celebrate our 43rd anniversary in August.

Three - I am mother to three wonderful daughters.  A single baby on my birthday is our oldest, and the other two are twins.

Four - My church involvement is very important to me.  I am very active in the United Methodist Women, serving offices both in my local Unit and also in the District.  I look forward to attending Conference and Jurisdictional events and truly enjoyed UMW Assembly in 2010 in St. Louis.

Five - I have one sibling, a sister, who is so very faithful about following my blog!  Thank you, dear Sister!

Six - Hobbies I enjoy include reading, cooking (no surprise), playing bridge, music, and meeting with my fellow retirees from my last school. 

Seven - I am a Lifetime Weight Watcher, having been at or below goal weight for the past four years!

Once again, I thank Patty for this award.  Please head over to her blog and check out the wonderful recipes she has posted - pattycakescooking.blogspot.com - and come back to see what my next post might bring.  Perhaps some other bloggers who deserve the Versatile Blogger Award as well!

Thank you so much for following along.  I love reading your comments.

Another wedding post....

Happy Friday to everyone!  Are  you ready for the week-end?  We are going to be enjoying the Final Four Men's basketball games, as well as those for the women - even though our beloved Lady Vols didn't make it to Denver.:-)

There have been several posts about our daughter's recent wedding, and this is another.  There was Spinach Dip (delicious) brought by the groom's step-mother, and I didn't get the recipe!:( So, I have done my bit of "research" and will post the recipe that I have followed in years past.  In fact, I am probably motivated to make it again!:-)  The recipe comes from the back of the Knorr Vegetable Soup package.

SPINACH DIP

1 package (10 oz.) baby spinach, chopped or 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 container (16 oz.) sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 package Knorr Vegetable soup mix
1 can (8 0z.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped (optional)
3 green onions, chopped (optional)

- Combine all ingredients and chill about 2 hours.  Serve with  your favorite dippers.

Just a word to those bloggers that I follow (hope you know who you are).  I have tried to comment on your blog this morning, but am receiving error messages, and my comments are not posted.  I will keep trying later to see if that is still the case.

Thank you so much for reading.  Hopefully you will be able to comment.

Next posting - I really am still continuing with a few more things about the wedding.   Perhaps they will be of some interest.  Come back and see.:-)

More goodies....

Happy Tuesday afternoon!  We have a lovely day here today.

Continuing on with wedding reception fare, I have a delectable recipe to share today.  This was brought by a good friend, who also had the role of coordinating the reception on the wedding day.  She did a fantastic job, and we are extremely grateful to the friends who happily assisted us on that day!

I have never made these, but that will soon change as I plan to make them very soon!  One thing is certain - they will have to leave the house as soon as they are made!  Too much temptation to "taste" if they are around.:-)  Many of you probably have the recipe and may have already made them.  It isn't difficult to find the recipe through an Internet search.

OREO BON-BONS

1 package Oreos, whatever flavor/color preferred, crumbled
1 - 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
8-ounce baking chocolate or almond bark, melted, chocolate or white

- Crumble Oreos with cubes of softened cream cheese in the food processor until well-blended.  Shape 1-inch (or smaller) balls.  Chill for awhile if mixture seems too soft to handle.  Using a toothpick in the Oreo ball, dip in melted chocolate.  Place on waxed paper or parchment paper until firm.  Three to four dozen.

We used the Oreos with green filling for the reception.  I hope they were good.  I didn't have a chance to taste one.:-)  I think they will be a good dessert for next week when I once again provide lunch for the adult day care program of our church.

Thank you for reading along and commenting.  It is fun to read  your comments.

The next post will continue on with still more wedding food.:-)

Also on the reception table....

....were Spinach Balls, made and contributed by my sister.  Years ago, we had a different recipe, and I'm sure many of you have a similar one.  This is a newer one which she located several months ago.  She had brought some to a family gathering at Christmas, and that is when Country Girl decided she wanted them served at her wedding reception.  I have no picture.  By the time we made it to the table after our photography session, there were only three remaining!  They were definitely a popular item!

SPINACH BALLS

4 eggs, well-beaten
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon dried onion flakes or 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
6 Tablespoons melted butter, cooled

- Mix eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and onion together well.  Then add spinach and melted butter.  (My sister says she just uses her hands when mixing in the spinach and butter).
- Shape into bite-size balls, and place on baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.  Remove tray to rack for cooling.  May be served warm or at room temperature.  These can be frozen ahead of time, then thawed and warmed for serving.  This recipe makes about 3 to 4 dozen, depending on how healthy you make those "bite-sizes.":-)

There were many of Country Girl's friends helping out with flowers, food, decor, etc.  It is amazing how everything came together!

We are expecting some cooler temperatures here overnight, but nothing that should cause any damage to our early spring growth.  In addition to the peach tree in bloom (shown on the blog earlier), we also have apple, pear, and cherry blossoms!  The Husband sets out dwarf trees whenever possible, so they will not grow to be a very large size.

I notice new followers.  Thank you so much for reading along.  I enjoy your comments.

Next post - Can you believe it?  STILL more recipes!:-)

Continuing with recipes....

Happy Sunday afternoon to everyone!  It is a nice day here, and we have been to Sunday School and worship.  Our ministers have used the last words of Jesus for their focus the past few Sundays, and today's was "I Thirst," with scripture from John 19:26-29.  This may be something you might want to read and think about on your own.

Today, I am continuing with the cookie recipe for the cookies we served at the wedding reception last Saturday.  This recipe is one that I have used for at least 42 years!  It is in several Betty Crocker cookbooks.  We made 150 cookies for the wedding and brought home fewer than 20!

PECAN SNOWBALLS

1 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped pecans

- Cream butter and sugar; add water and vanilla.  Mix well.  Blend in flour and nuts; chill four hours.  Shape in balls or fingers.  Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 325 degrees F about 20 minutes.  Remove from pan.  Cool slightly; roll in confectioners sugar.  Makes three dozen.

Handle carefully as these cookies will break easily after baked.  Of course, that's more bits for you to sample.:-)  I had confectioners sugar in a plastic bag and dropped the cookies in four at a time to cover with sugar.  Another thing is that they have never really stayed in a snowball shape for me, but flatten somewhat while they bake.  Also, we made these on the small side since they were going to be wedding reception offerings, so we were able to come up with more than the three dozen the recipe mentions.

Pecan  Snowballs

More St. Patrick's Day decor, now stored away.

There are still more food items from the reception that I want to mention, so that will be the focus of the next post or two.  Stay tuned......:-)  Oh, did I mention that the bunnies are hopping around here?  I guess they will need some space on the blog as well.

Thank you for following along and commenting.  I love to read your comments.

More wedding food....

Covering the wedding of last week-end is apparently going to take several days.:-)  I still have several recipes to get to you.

Country Girl, rather than have the usual mixed nuts that one finds at a reception, chose to have Spiced Pecans.  The recipe I used is one found in the AUTUMN book by Susan Branch.  Some of you may even have that book, and you will find the recipe on page 27.

SPICED PECANS

spray olive oil
2 cups pecan halves (We made the Lions Club very happy when we bought pecans from them).:-)
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup melted butter
4 teaspoons Mexican hot pepper sauce (cholula)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray olive oil on a cookie sheet.  Mix all other ingredients and spread on pan in one layer.  Bake 10 minutes until lightly toasted, stirring once.  Cool.

Pecans with St. Patrick

As I haven't had a chance to cover any of the St. Patrick Day decor around the house, I wanted to show the pecans in the Longaberger dish from several years ago.  Also served were what we called Wedding Cookies.  They are on the shamrock plate.  The place mats have leprechauns on them, and two styles of napkins are shown above.  It is difficult to see, but that is a St. Patrick's Day coaster, and the mug, often used as a vase, is one of my favorite pieces.   

Most of you probably have the recipe for the cookies.  It is from a Betty Crocker cookbook, and they are called Pecan Snowballs.  I will post that recipe in the next post.

I actually haven't mentioned the reception menu, have I?  Did I mention that Country Girl used canvas drop cloths to cover the reception table?  They really looked nice on the large, built-in serving area.  On the menu were:  strawberries and pineapple/dip (brought by a friend); spinach balls (made by my sister); baby carrots and broccoli; spinach dip (groom's step-mother) and toasts; wedding cookies; Oreo bon-bons (made by a friend); spiced pecans; almond tea, lemonade, and coffee; and the wedding cake and groom's cake.  On the tables were bread boards with Irish soda bread and Kerrygold Irish cheddar cheese.  

So, I still have more to share about the wedding.:-)  The newlyweds have returned from their honeymoon, and we hope it won't be too long before we will see them.  

Next post - Still more recipes.....

Thank you so much for following along and for your comments.  I love reading them.

Wedding fashions....

Good Friday morning to everyone!  We have a cloudy, rainy day here - not a good day for planning any outdoor activity.  It seems to be the perfect day to continue sharing pictures and stories about the wedding of Country Girl last Saturday.

Now, I know you are anxious to see what was worn by the bride, but humor me just a bit while I share with you what was worn by the mother-of-the bride.:-)

Wearing o' the green....

....on St. Patrick's Day, of course.:-)  The dress, made of lightweight satin,  has a princess-style fit, and the sleeves have no button, just the band.  The bolero is a versatile piece, and it can be worn with other things.  These things were made by the same seamstress who made the apparel for the bride.

On my feet....

This picture just doesn't show the color of the shoes very well.  They are a champagne color, according to the box, and I was happy to find them at our local SteinMart!

Now, on to what is always the greatest interest - what did the bride wear?

After the wedding.....

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Country Girl wanted a relaxed-style wedding, not formal, and that is what she had.  Her apparel included an off-shoulder blouse, a gold vest, and a skirt with sheer overskirt embroidered with gold leaves.  Her flowers included daffodils, hyacinths, and some that I could not identify.  She wore white patent lace up boots.

The men wore band-collar shirts with gray pants, with the exception of the groom, whose pants were the khaki you see above.  The Husband's shirt, made by the same seamstress, was designed to be worn outside (not tucked in), as was the way the groom wore his shirt.  

The above photograph was taken by the professional photographer and was posted on her Facebook page. We have yet to see the other photographs from the wedding.  The happy couple are on their honeymoon and haven't been in touch with us, of course.:-)

I really appreciate those of  you who are reading and following along, and I love reading your comments.

Next post - Still more food from the wedding....

What did they wear?

Happy Wednesday evening to everyone!  Hopefully all has gone well where you are.

This will be a short post.  I don't have everything from the camera onto the computer for all the pictures I want to eventually share, so I will just go with what I presently have.

Flower girl dress

Little Munchkin really had a good time with the basket of flower petals.  She says she would like to do it again.:-)  She wore pink shoes that had Sleeping Beauty written inside them, and she just loves them!

Dress worn by Maid and Matron of Honor

This picture shows the color darker than it really was, though it was a shade of slate.  The sleeves were loose as they came to the wrist, and the cord was tied around the waist in a square knot.  Both City Girl and Munchomom had the dresses made by seamstresses in their own towns where they live.

Silver sandals worn by attendants

The original plan was for the attendants to wear gray boots.  They are really nice and would have been perfect.  However, with the temperatures equal to those of a summer day, the decision was made to see if another option might be found.  City Girl, lucky with shopping, happened to find these at Rack Room on sale for $8.00 a pair!  So, this was an appropriate footwear substitution.  

It was Country Girl's wish that her wedding not be formal.  I think you've been able to see that we did all we could to follow her wishes.  

Is there anyone interested in seeing the bride's dress?:-)  That will be the subject of the next post!

Thank you for following along.  I really enjoy your comments.

Still more wedding....

I hope you have had a good Tuesday where you are.  A new record  high temperature for this date was set here today.   Cooler temperatures are predicted toward the end of the week, but it will still be ten degrees higher than average.  Of course, there is a chance of rain as well.

Tables at the reception

Continuing on with wedding coverage, there were two other tables this same size in the building where the reception was held.  Bread boards with Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread (baked by Munchomom) and Kerrygold Irish Cheddar cheese were placed on the tables for the guests.  I have mentioned earlier that the flowers were a combination of wildflowers plus those obtained from a supplier, and that blue Mason jars were used as vases.  Raffia was tied around the jars.  There was seating for 14 per table, plus chairs around the room, and some tables and seating located outside.

                                                                                    The wedding cake!

This is the design that Country Girl wanted for the wedding cake.  The trunk and limbs of the tree are made with the same chocolate frosting that was used on the groom's cake.  For the leaves, I used almond paste which I tinted the shade of green that she wanted.  I rolled the almond paste out between plastic wrap, then cut out the leaves with a small leaf cookie cutter.  The topper is a bird's nest with two white birds inside.  Thankfully my sister was using her camera!  She took this picture, too!  The recipe for the cake is one that has been around for years.  It was on a bag of Gold Medal flour and is probably also in several Betty Crocker cookbooks.  Oh, you are also able to see the Jordan almonds that were scattered about the cake table.

SILVERY WHITE CAKE

4 egg whites (1/2 cup) room temperature
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- Grease and flour two 9-inch round layer cake pans or 9x12 oblong pan.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Sift dry ingredients into large bowl.  Add shortening, 1/2 cup milk, and vanilla.  Beat at low speed till moist; then two minutes at medium speed.  Add egg whites and remaining milk.  Beat two minutes longer.
- Be sure to stop and scrape the bowl as you are beating so everything will be mixed correctly.
- Bake 25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the cake shows clean.
- Cool on wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

FROSTING

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1# powdered sugar, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Milk added a tablespoon at a time, until frosting is desired consistency

- Cream butter and cream cheese together, adding powdered sugar gradually, blending well.  Add vanilla and milk, as needed.

This is the frosting we have used for many years.  Humidity is not a friend, however.  We generally will keep the cake refrigerated because of the frosting.

Coming next - What did they wear?

To those of you who are reading and following along - thank you!  I love reading your comments.

More from the wedding....

Good afternoon to everyone!  How has the day been where you are?  We are probably going to set a record for high temperatures at least one of the next three days!  This is really unseasonably warm, and we are just hoping there will not be one of those damaging spring frosts later.

The church

The disadvantage to being the Mother of the Bride is the inability to take pictures of much of the wedding, once it really begins.  I am going to try to include some pictures that I was able to take before everything started.  The wreaths on the church were made by the groom.  The building in the distance is where the reception was held.  Thankfully there was no rain during the afternoon, after some light showers during the morning.

Inside the church

It isn't easy to see what had been done here.  Country Girl had the idea of draping tulle across the cables that extended from one side of the church to the other.  She and Country Gentleman worked on this on the day before the wedding.  There are branches of wildflowers inside the folds.  She just couldn't see anyone else doing this except herself.

The groom's cake

In this post, I am sharing the groom's cake recipe with you.  It is one that I cut from the local newspaper long ago.  I can't even remember how long ago it was.  We had baked it earlier to let our engaged couple taste it and give their approval.  My sister took this picture.  Those are Jordan almonds that are spread around on the table.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

3/4 cup butter

2 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

3 eggs

3 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups ice water

- Cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla.  Add eggs, one at a time and beat until light and fluffy.  Melt and add the chocolate.  Sift together flour, soda, and salt and add to the batter, alternately with ice water.

- Grease and line with wax paper three 8-inch layer cake pans.  Divide batter between pans.  Bake in 350-degree F oven 30 to 35 minutes.  Set pans on cake racks and cool 10 minutes.  Remove from pans and let layers cool.  Frost with following frosting.

FUDGE FROSTING

1/2 cup butter (1 stick) softened

5 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1/2 cup (or more) milk

Dash salt

3 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla

 - Combine ingredients, beating with electric mixer until smooth.  Add more milk if frosting is too thick.

The cake was to appear to be a tree stump, so I tried to make circles on the top to resemble the age rings one finds when a tree is cut down.  I tinted the remaining frosting a darker shade with brown paste coloring, then tried to give the appearance of bark by running a fork up the side of the cake.  The green that you see around the base of the cake is leaves cut from almond paste which I had tinted the shade that Country Girl had requested.  

The floral arrangement on the table is a combination of flowers from a supplier plus wildflowers that were gathered on Thursday afternoon.  Blue Mason jars were used as vases.

I notice new followers.  I truly appreciate all of you who are taking time to read along.  I really love reading your comments.

Next post - Still more wedding....

The wedding!!

Greetings to all of you who have been faithfully following along and are still around!:-)  It has certainly been a very busy time here with all the pre-wedding activities, then the wedding for our daughter (Country Girl) yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.  We have had many family activities, plus family staying in the house.

For the next few days, I will be sharing some recipes with you that were used for the reception.  Hopefully there will be some pictures that I will be able to include in a satisfactory way.  If you've been keeping up with the blog for awhile, you will know that photography is often a challenge for me.:-)  Then, to successfully post them where I want them in the blog is another challenge.:-)

I am going to begin with something that was very well-received by the guests.

In the punch bowl....

....was Almond Ice Tea.  This picture, taken by The Husband, shows the ice ring we made, with a bit of the tea remaining in the bowl.  Although this was popular, we were prepared and had more to serve, had it been necessary.  The recipe comes from a former co-worker, who was actually one of Country Girl's teachers in elementary school!

ALMOND ICE TEA

3 Tablespoons plain instant tea, regular or decaf (we used decaf)

1 cup sugar

2 cups hot water

- Combine and dissolve the above three ingredients.  Then add:

2 - 6 oz. frozen lemonade (Where I was shopping only carried the 12-oz. size).

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon almond extract

8 cups cold water

- Stir and chill.  This makes a large amount, requiring a very large pitcher or container.  

Country Girl is not a fan of the usual punch that is served at wedding receptions, so we had made this some weeks ago to be tried/approved as what would be in the punch bowl.  We also served lemonade from a beverage server and coffee.  We made the ice ring with slices of oranges, limes, and lemons.  I wanted to be sure to be well-prepared and made four of them!  We have two in the freezer  that weren't used. I suppose I need to plan another party to use them.:-)  Actually, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea.:-)

The flowers behind the punch bowl were wildflowers gathered from the nearby area and are in a blue Mason jar.  

I hope to spend some time catching up with other bloggers whose blogs I have missed for the past few days.  

Next post - More wedding "goodies."  

Thank you for following along.  I love reading your comments.

March around the house.....

Well, here it is Tuesday evening, friends, and I haven't posted on this blog in quite a number of days.  It has been a very busy time around here.  First off, the past Saturday was the occasion of the District UMW event that was mine to plan, etc.  We had good attendance and fellowship as we focused on the theme of "Faith, Hope, Love In Action."

City Girl came to town last night and is helping Country Girl with last-minute details, etc.  Munchomom is coming on Thursday.  Four more days (from today) and counting!  We are all excited about the upcoming wedding on Saturday!  We have been working on the food and think there has been some progress there.:-)

The only "March around the house" picture I have is one that The Husband actually took.

Peach Tree

This is a peach tree in our back yard.  It was transformed into a "ghost" a few evenings when we had low temperatures below freezing.  That is what is unfortunate about having such warm weather so early.  There is always the danger of a late frost damaging the growth brought about by unseasonably warm temperatures.  

I forgot to give my camera some TLC, so it isn't functioning presently.  It will recover nicely, though, as soon as the battery is charged.:-)

I really appreciate the comments from new bloggers, and I hope you will visit this little blog often.

Thank you so much to those who are following along.  Your comments make my day!

Next post - not sure when or what.  It all depends on what is happening around here.  Hopefully there will be a bit more time next week, but one never knows.:-)  So - until I return, have happy days!!

Corned Beef and Cabbage Casserole....

Good evening to everyone!  Has it been a good day where you are?  We have had some sunshine, clouds, and lots of wind!  I suppose that means it is March.

So, this is the rest of the menu for the lunch I provided for the adult day care at our church on Tuesday.

                                                                      This is what you will need.

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE CASSEROLE
4 cups coarsely shredded cabbage
1 cup diced corned beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 can cream of celery soup 
Mix all ingredients.  Bake in a covered 1 1/2 quart dish in 375 degree F. oven for 45 minutes.   Serves four.

                                                                 This is the plate as it was served on Tuesday.

We have been busy here today with preparations for that wedding under full swing.:-)  Only ten more days - and counting!:-)  I am just hoping the weather will be good on the wedding day.

I have noticed another follower!  Thank you for joining in!  I really appreciate those of you who are reading along, and I love reading your comments.

Next post - March around the house!

Here I am - with pictures and a recipe....

A good Tuesday afternoon to one and all!  It has been very busy the past few days, and I am a bit behind in my blog, plus a bit behind checking in with other blogs.  Part of my "business" included an out-of-town trip for a Conference UMW retreat.  When I returned, I had some obligations with my local church UMW, as well as having to finalize a District UMW event coming up this Saturday.  Also, today was the first Tuesday, the day of the month that I provide lunch for the adult day care group at our church - about 20 people.  Now, I have a little time before preparations for the food for the wedding begin, probably tomorrow!  Yikes!  First, however, I want to share today's lunch with you.

Ingredients for Golden Potato Bake.

 

 

GOLDEN POTATO BAKE

6 Russet potatoes, cooked and shredded (I used frozen)
1 pint sour cream
10 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated (I "cheated" and bought already shredded
1 bunch (5) green onions, chopped
3 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons melted butter
1/3 cup bread crumbs

- Combine grated potatoes with next six ingredients and mix thoroughly. 
- Turn into buttered 9 x 13 pan; smooth top with spatula.  Sprinkle with buttered crumbs.
- Bake 50 minutes at 300 degrees F.  Serves 8.

I have had this recipe for about 20 years.  It comes from a church friend.  Anyway, the picture shows how the plate looked when served.

Last week I shared the whole wheat soda bread, Irish soda bread, and exquisite mint sticks that were on the lunch menu today.  Tomorrow I will share the recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage Casserole that was the main dish. 

City Girl and Munchomom came to town over the week-end as they were taking Country Girl off on a spa-treat pre-wedding event.  It was good to see them all together again.  Reports are that fun was had by all.  I'm going to ask to go with them the next time.:-)

Thank you for following along and coming back to read after these days away.  I love reading your comments!

We have a wedding!

This was the first "hint...."

                        .....and this was the second!

 

 

 

Do you see something "peeping" out between the bears and in front of my little Irish maiden in the top picture?  Look closely, now.  That is a bride and groom standing there!

The second picture is an illustration of tiered cake pans.  A wedding is where cakes of this type will most usually be found!

So - that is the "mystery" of March 17!  Farm Girl had an idea in the comment section in my last post.
Our "Country Girl" will marry her "Country Gentleman" on that date!  And - we are going to be very busy!  We will be baking both the wedding cake and the groom's cake - as well as assorted other "delicacies."  So, if the posts become few and far between now and then, we probably have our hands in flour, dough, or whatnot.:-)

I will post some pictures of some of the finished products, as well as a recipe or two, after the event.

Now, I know I said that the next post would feature chicken.  Well, it just wouldn't be right to do that since "Country Girl" is a vegetarian!  Instead, I will refer you to a wonderful recipe for Black Bean Soup from munchomom.com that was posted a few weeks ago.  It is an outstanding soup!  She is also an outstanding cook!  Guess I should mention that she's one of our daughters.:-)

Thank you so much for reading along and adding your comments.

Next post - can't be sure when that will be.  Never fear!  There will be another one coming!:-)