COZY AUTUMN BOOK CLUB And A RECIPE FOR THE BEST PISTACHIO CAKE

Don't wait to spend time with good food and best friends!
Today, I am providing a bit of inspiration to host
a seasonal, casual and somewhat whimsical book club gathering!
I have chosen books that will provide an enjoyable escape
from the world troubles and allow us to enjoy reading
on the porch, while the leaves fall from the trees
and you can sip on a glass of wine or a cup of spiced tea,
while you look forward to an Autumn Tea Sandwich
and Nonna's Pistachio cake....
the food that's perfect for a casual evening.....



Find fun ways to enjoy the season..

Favorite Autumn Sandwich
Smoked Turkey
Provolone Cheese
Sourdough Bread, lightly toasted
Thinly sliced red HoneyCrisp apple
Mayonnaise
JellIed Cranberry Sauce
Dijon Mustard
Fresh Spinach

And,,,,for a refreshing seasonal mocktail,
I chose to serve a delicious, crisp, ice cold Pear Juice......

The best Pistachio cake ever!!!!

One White Cake Mix
One package of Pistachio instant pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
1 8 ounce container of Sour Cream
3 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 t, Almond extract
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (sprinkle on top of cake before making)

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend
with hand mixer for three minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and pour
batter in prepare bundt pan.
Sprinkle top with chopped walnuts
Bake for 45-50 minutes.

THE BOOKS~
One classic and the rest are
whimsical fun autumn reads.....

If you are planning to host a book club gathering 
a sweet little gift for your guests would be
a darling little book plate....
Mother would always gift these to me
when I was a child...I loved them so.....

Lucille Louisa Merriweather

It was a perfect event to celebrate the season of Autumn

 

A FRIGID WINTER WEEK...LET'S TALK RECIPES, BOOTS AND BOOKS

Well, my kindred spirits....
Texas has been REALLY COLD this week...
as has much of the country....
we were at 11 degrees most days......
with a light dusting of snow......
this is a peek into our days....

What is the secret to living a cozy life in the winter season?
How do you keep balance in your life?
Perhaps the secret is to be purposeful..be present in what
you are doing..ensure your thoughts are all there.....
bring comfort to those you love....

We were blessed with a visit from granddaughter, Abbie..
she was in town for coaching her select Volleyball team
and dropped by to visit before the winter artic blast rolled in..
she made it safely home and for that, we are thankful...
we were able to talk about wedding plans for a  good hour....

I love seasonal dinnerware..and fell in love with this pattern from Bico....
What could be more perfect for winter dining than a sweet
Nordic village scene....

Create a "serve yourself" cozy spot in the dining room
for afternoon tea or hot cocoa



Speaking of hot tea.....
this holiday blend from Harney and Sons is lovely
for sipping during cold winter afternoons.....

And, I love candlelight and seasonal scents....
this is a Harry Slatkin called WOODLAND CABIN....
notes of Nordic Spruce, Cypress and Frosted Mint.....

THE COMFORT FOOD

 
There is nothing more enriching than serving a hot
delicious dinner to family.....
on this evening, it was just what we needed....
butter and brown sugar baby carrots.....

A wild rice, mushroom and spinach casserole topped
with a buttery puff pastry.....
recipe link below.....

\WILD RICE SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

It was heavenly to linger over dinner and talk about
our day and world events.....

And, I ask you...what can be more
comforting than a homemade banana pudding....
there is nothing better than a creamy homemade custard
poured over lemon kissed bananas and vanilla wafers...
a true southern classic.....

Nothing short of a masterpiece.....
served slightly warm.....
Recipe link below....

SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING

It's proved to be a comfortable evening.....

I am thinking alot about the wedding scheduled for October....
and, I purchased my very first pair of western boots....
why not? I am into my senior years, but still want to be fashionable......
and truth be told, I am kind of excited about the fashion
I am planning for the rehearsal dinner.....

On my bucket list for entertainment.....

I am so looking forward to this premier....
The eight-episode season is based on the bestselling book Capote's Women:
 A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era by Laurence Leamer.

I have always been a fan of Truman Capote and remember
this time of this life when he befriended some of the
most well known New York socialites....
this is going to be a delicious read......

When your spirits need refreshing....
take pictures of your beloved family members....
rest your mind in their comfort moments.....

It's such a good thing to hibernate..
these are the days to take time to be a little leisurely..
there are only 61 days until spring.

SUMMER GARDEN CLUB......THE BOOKS, THE GARDENS AND THE MENU

Oh the Garden Clubs....I believe there are some in every state and boy,
there are some very talented gardener's who are members of these clubs.
My mother belonged to the Garden Club in Vicksburg and she absolutely
loved it...the friendships, the meetings, the luncheons and the tour of homes...
today, I want to show you snippets of my city in Texas and how lovely
the gardens are from a few of the beautiful green spaces  members have shared....
these photos are courtesy of their social media pages.....

So just in case you thought Texas was not a pretty state,
you can see what a beautiful state we are.....thanks to
all the talented Master Gardeners...
In case you have an interest in gardening, 
here are some highly recommended books you may
want to purchase for your home.....

 MY FAVORITE GARDEN COFFEE TABLE BOOKS

And, of course, we want to gather some inspiration
for a light luncheon fare that comes with attending
a Garden Club monthly meeting.....

TASTES OF THE SOUTH FOR SUMMER GARDEN CLUB

Peach Iced Tea

Lemon dipped Shortbreads and Strawberry Cookies

Hot and Spicy Pimento Cheese

Egg Salad

Strawberry and Lemon Jell-O Salad

What a pleasant afternoon this would be....
from the gathering itself and talking with such knowledgeable people,
to taking a tour of gorgeous historic homes and then being
treated to a delightful little luncheon....



This is the current look in Mae Mobley's Memorial Garden....
I knew it would be a spot of serenity and beauty.....



My first Rose of Sharon has bloomed....I was over the moon excited.....

If you are looking for a hobby or are in need of social functions,
perhaps you could check out the Garden Clubs in your area....
it all sounds grand to me.....