Maribess' Lemon Meringue

My dear friend, Maribess...

One of THE best cooks I know!

My husband and I visited Maribess and her husband, Don, recently. One of her "kitchen kreations" was this delicious lemon pie. It was the best I have ever eaten!

Doesn't this just make your mouth water???

Maribess' Fresh Lemon Pie

Filling...

1 1/2 c. sugar

7 Tbsp. cornstarch

3/4 c. fresh lemon juice

1/2 c. cold water

3 egg yolks, beaten

2 Tbsp. butter

1 1/2 c. boiling water

1 tsp. grated lemon rind

yellow food coloring

Meringue...

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

8 Tbsp. sugar

1/2 c. water

3 egg whites

pinch of salt

Filling...

In a 2-3 qt. sauce pan, mix sugar, etc. Blend. Add egg yolks and blend thoroughly. Add water, stirring gently constantly, with rubber spatula.

Gradually bring mixture to a full boil, stirring gently and constantly with spatula over med. to high heat. Reduce heat slightly as mixture begins to thicken. Boil slowly for 1 min.

Remove from heat and stir in grated peel and food coloring. Pour hot filling into baked shell. Let stand, allowing a thin film to form while preparing the meringue.

Meringue that won't weep (shouldn't)...

Cook together until clear: cornstarch, 8 Tbsp. sugar and water. Cool. Add egg whites and salt, which have been beaten until foamy and are standing in peaks. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Pile on pie and bake at 325 degrees until golden brown.

Maribess' note: I make this with Meyer lemons which are sweeter than the ordinary lemons. If not using Meyer lemons, cut lemon juice to 1/2 c. and cornstarch to 6 Tbsp.

Makes one pie

There just aren't many friends like Maribess who you don't see often (we live at opposite ends of the state and through the years have lived in different countries), but we can still pick up the phone and call at any time. Our friendship spans almost 40 years. I'm so blessed to have her in my life!

http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

It's Foodie Friday at

Designs by Gollum

You'll find me posted there along with others sharing

their tasty treats!

I am also linking to

Sweet Tooth Friday
http://alli-n-son.com/

Silver Casserole Holders - New Use!

By no means do I consider myself a "crafty" person.

I admire people who are though. It's just that if I can come up with something that takes me about 10 minutes tops to complete then I'm real happy ecstatic!

I bought one of the silver-plated casserole holders in an antiques store in Goliad, Texas. The other one I bought from a local Market Days event... actually from someone you probably know... Laura from White Spray Paint.

Anywho... I was decorating for a spur of the moment Easter dinner and had these two holders resting on my kitchen counter. I swear they were calling to me to be used.

So.... as you see, one became a cookbook holder and the other is a "knock-off" butler's tray. Eventually I will have a

piece of glass cut to fit the bottom of the one on the left. They probably need some polishing, but for now I am satisfied.

Each one of these casserole holders was less than $15! 

A few of my favorite cookbooks!

Rather cheesy looking decantures but, oh well...

The shaker in the middle was my paternal grandmother's.

She kept it filled with cinnamon and sugar.

In case you can't see behind the shaker, there is a white container full of silver spoons.

I am linking to Blue Creek Home for

Treasure Hunt Thursday

I'm a first-timer for this event, so I'm looking forward to

participating. Check it out!

http://www.bluecreekhome.com/

 

 

Mango Mold - A Family Tradition

Still enjoying our Easter Dinner

Mango Mold

is our traditional favorite!

(It's the orange dish in the middle of my collage.)

It was a given that Mango Mold would be included in our Easter dinner. It can be served as a salad or as a dessert... so why make yourself wait until the end of the meal??

Mango Mold

2 (3 oz.) pkgs. lemon gelatin

1 (3 oz.) pkg. orange gelatin

2 1/2 c. boiling water

1 (29 oz.) can or jar mangos with juice

I used fresh mangos since my husband had brought in a case. I just weighed

them as I peeled and cut them up.

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese

1/4 c. lemon juice - I use fresh

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Blend mangos, juice (since I used fresh, they were so juicy I didn't worry about the liquid), cream cheese and lemon juice in a blender. Combine gelatin and blended ingredients. Pour into a mold or large shallow pan. Let congeal for 24 hours. Makes about 12-15 servings.

The rest of our meal consisted of ham, pork loin, papaya/pineapple salsa (recipe on this blog), candied carrots, green beans amondine, wild rice with raisins and nuts, deviled eggs, rolls, wine, ice tea, Easter Bunny Cake (made by a friend) and carrot cake.

This Thursday I will be linking to

Easter 2011

Easter 2011

What fun I had this year using china I had collected from

my mother, grandmother and from places where... well, I just felt the need to "rescue" it.

Pink has never been a color of choice for me, but what better time to take the plunge and "pinkify" it would have to be

Easter.

Haviland's Rosalinde is a beautiful pattern.

I used my stainless since I did not have enough silver place settings for all of my guests, but I was very content to use it.

The tablecloth and napkins are from Syria. As pretty and

delicate as they are, they can withstand a Kenmore delicate cycle with ease. (Thanks, Mother! These were purchased when my late parents were living in Damascus.) The wine glasses with the green stem are a memento from a trip to Tlaquepaque, Mexico probably seven years ago.

On the other hand, the clear water glasses with the fine gold rim were purchased for $3 a stem at our local Tuesday Morning. I love them!

The silver coffee service graced my grandmother's dining room for many years and made its way to mine via my generous mother who knew how much I would enjoy the set.

While the possessions are so beautiful and special to me, the best part of the day was being with our youngest son and our precious friends.

***

Today I am liking to

The House in the Roses

for

Show Off Your Cottage Monday

http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/

I'm highlighting my dining room that also has a very small sitting area. This is where I talk on the phone, sometimes nap and once in awhile just sit with my thoughts.

It's a work in progress... still pictures to be hung...

eventually.

Meet my friend, Lynne!

I want to introduce you to a friend of mine.

Her name is "Lynne" and she has just started blogging.

She's been a reader of many of our blogs for a long time

and she has finally decided to join the ranks!

Lynne (on the left in the picture.. her sweet daughter is on the right) helped her parents run a wonderful antiques store

in South Texas. She now does estate sales.

Click over to Lynne'sfinds

http://lynnesfinds.blogspot.com/

I know you'll enjoy her blog!

Papaya and Pineapple Salsa for your Easter Dinner!

New Tex-Starr Papaya and Pineapple Salsa

8 oz. New Tex-Starr Papaya (Whole Foods), cut in 1/2" cubes
8 oz. fresh pineapple, cut in 1/2" cubes
2 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp. finely shredded lime peel
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Minced fresh jalapeno or serrano to taste.


Stir and salt lightly


Adapted from a BHG recipe


This new papaya is sweeter and milder and smaller in size. And we grow it!! Yum!!

I just had to quickly share this with you.

I'll be serving this tomorrow with our ham and pork loin.

A Very Blessed Easter to You!

Easter Sunday

1955

Jo Anne, my aunt spent Easter with us in 1955. My sister and I adore our aunt.  That's my sister on the left.. and then there is me... forever frowning in pictures since back then everyone said the camerman had to have their back to the sun. 

The menu for our Easter Dinner tomorrow

Ham

Pork Loin

with Papaya and Pineapple Salsa

Wild Rice with Cranberries

Congealed Fruit Salad

Candied Carrots

Sister Schubert’s Rolls and Butter

Fresh Vegetable Platter

Olives and Pickles

Wine, Iced Tea, Water, Coffee

Carrot Cake

Ice Cream

A very blessed Easter to you!

My Estate Sale Finds - WOW!

I just discovered

"Wow Us Wednesdays"

hosted by Kim at Savvy Southern Style.

I am a newbie at estate sales, but this past weekend

my husband and I went to one...

and I was thrilled with my finds.

Here are just a few:

I love Roseville pottery.

This was truly a bargain and most likely what I

am pleased with the most.

The above and below is a set of brown transferware.

I prefer the older version of this, but it really caught

my eye. I may decide later to put it in my

booth at a local antiques mall.

This is a McCoy vase that I originally bought for

my booth. But it sprouted hands and cried, "No, no, no!"

So here she rests next to my collection of

Better Homes and Gardens Cookbooks.

Sorry for the shadow but I'm posting quickly.

So visit Kim

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

And get "WOW'd"!!

***

Sherry at No Minimalist Here

just invited me to join in on

http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

So, here I am for

"Open House Thursdays"...

considering how busy this week is for all of us

it's good to get ahead.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Dorothy Faye Rusk Peterson

My mother-in-law would have been 98 years old today.

I truly miss her.

I would have baked this cake for you today, Mom.

It was your favorite!!

(I'm typing it in your favorite color -- PINK)

Hummingbird Cake

Cake:

1  1/2 c. vegetable oil

2 c. sugar

3 eggs

3 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

Dash of salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 c. bananas (about 5 bananas)

1 (16 oz.) can crushed pineapple - in syrup

1 c. chopped nuts

Cream oil and sugar together. Add eggs and beat. Sift flour, soda, salt and cinnamon  together. Mash bananas and add to sugar mixture. Add pineapple and then the flour. Add nuts. Bake in a 13x9" pan at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

Frosting:

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese

1 stick butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 box powdered sugar

Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla. Beat in powdered sugar gradually.

Frost when cake is cool.

The picture of the church in the collage is a church built on land

donated by my father-in-law. Printed on the sign is,

"God can be your best friend"... my mother-in-law always reminded people

of this. How true!

I'm linking to my favorite Monday event...

Mosaic Monday at

Little Red House

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Check it out!

The "Pinks" of Tlaquepaque!

On our recent visit to Tlaquepaque, Mexico

we stayed at our favorite B&B - Quinta Don Jose.

I am going to confess that it was about our 20th stay there.

Having lived only a three-hour drive from there for three years I can confess it is a retreat made in heaven.

The accomodations, the landscaping and even the food are all prefection.

I enjoy gazing at this statue always adorned with flowers, listening to the relaxing sound of running water all the while

enjoying a wonderful breakfast. My husband and I map out

our plans for the day whether it be shopping, sightseeing or travel.

The flowers are gorgeous!

The atmosphere is for those who enjoy quiet time when it is time for quiet, yet the flow of other B&B'ers from all over the world allow you to either make new friends or just people watch while enjoying superb tequila, cold beer, or any beverage of your choice.

The colors are invigorating, allowing for time to relax and reguvenate.

Looking forward to our next visit which will be

in May!

I am joining in on Beverly's 

Pink Saturday

at How Sweet the Sound

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

White is everything!

White Wednesday

White is a color I truly respect.
I want it glaring and shiny.
I want it clean and pristene.
I want it crisp and starched.

I want it in my home.

I want to wear it.

I want to smell white sheets, towels, clothes
fresh from the clothesline.

I want to taste it:
fresh bread from the oven
white frosting on a white cake
white sea salt
white meringue on my dear friend's pie

I want to rejoice in the white parts of our lives
and look for the white in the dark parts.

I want to hear the coo of a white dove

I will cherish the white birds in a nest from a sweet, close friend

Yes... white is everything!

Evjoying my brown transferware on white and
joining Faded Charm for
White Wednesday!

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/
Come have a "look-see"!

Haviland China - Meant to be

Haviland China

Rosalinde

America

While shopping with friends at at Mimi's Attic in Weslaco, Texas, a display of china caught my eye. It wasn't just any china... it was my mother and paternal grandmother's pattern... the one I had inherited.

Oh my goodness... my heart was racing wildly and I tried talking to myself... I had just last year bought eight more placesettings at a consigment antiques mall in Austin, Texas.

Why would I need a dozen more luncheon plates, bread and butter plates... and the coffee caraf ??

Why? Why? Why?

Well, I did not have the coffee caraf.

I left that day with those china dishes sprouting waving

hands and singing, "You'll be back..."

The owner of the store stated that they were hers and she would give me a good deal... $250. Wow!

I returned days later.

China still there.

Ok.

I asked her again... she said she would let me have them

for

$100.

Friends, it was a deal of a lifetime.

It was meant to be.

She packed them gently for me.

I went home and Googled my new china.

The coffee caraf alone was worth four times what I had

paid for the whole set.

Does this make up for all the times I've overspent on items

that were priced too high?? I hope so.

But somehow, the best part of this was I felt like my mother and grandmother both had beautiful smiles on their faces as I gently unpacked the china.

After all...

I was stroking a bit of their legacy.

Visit Coast Charm

for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/

Colonial Corn Cake-Casa Fuerte, Tlaquepaque Mexico

Tlaquepaque, Mexico

Colonial Corn Cake

This post will be long, however, I will make it worth it.... every bite! My husband and I traveled to our favorite B&B in Tlaquepaque, town within Guadalajara, Mexico. Later I will post about the B&B, but for now... focus on this wonderful meal at Casa Fuerte, "restaurante en Tlaquepaque".  After checking into our B&B... which I have blogged about in the past, we made our way a couple of streets over to relax and enjoy what we had been waiting for... a cold, cold Tecate Light cerveza and the most fabulous ice cold tamarindo margarita served in a tart, sweet tamarindo crystal rimmed glass. Awhhh!

I need to add that walking into Casa Fuerte was a treat for the senses. Short pine tree branches had been placed on the floor so that when a person walked across them they could hear the crunch and enjoy the aroma of pine as well. Lovely....

A sliced, fresh bolillo was served with butter which was neatly packed in soft corn husks. Too cute! We ordered guacomole which was served with toasted corn tortillas as well as tostados. It was about the creamiest guacomole I've ever eaten. Seasoning perfect!

My husband ordered shrimp bisque which was topped with heavy Mexican cream. Yum!

But for me... Colonial Corn Cake, a dish I had looked forward to enjoying. It is a long, recipe and there are many steps, but it is one of the most delicious recipes I have found in Mexico. It can also be served without the green chile sauce, but with warm honey. I have yet to try this, but I plan to.

For dessert my husband and I shared a fruit cocktail of sorts... all fresh fruit: kiwi, pineapple, papaya, honey dew and apple. It was sprinkled with fresh grated coconut and toped with coconut sherbet.

I have a wonderful surprise for you... the recipe for Colonial Corn Cake!!

Colonial Fresh Corn Cake

8-10 side dish servings

SAUCE
4 c. water
1 fresh poblano chile (about 3 oz.) stemmed, seeded and cut into thick strips
1 small green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into thick strips
1 ½ c. (loosely packed) baby spinach leaves
¼ c. chopped white onion
3 whole cloves
2 garlic cloves, flattened
2 bay leaves
¼ c. (1/2 stick) butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 c. whole milk
2 teaspoons powdered chicken bouillon

CORN CAKE
4 c. fresh corn kernels (cut from 4 ears) – I used frozen corn
4 large eggs
1 c. whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
2 tablespoons sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

SAUCE
Bring 4 cups water to boil in large saucepan. Add poblano chile and next 6 ingredients; boil until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Drain, reserving cooking liquid. Transfer vegetables and ½ c reserved cooking liquid to blender. Blend chile mixture until smooth.
Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add flour, whisk in milk, then blended chile mixture. Whisk sauce constantly over medium heat until it boils and thickens, about 3 minutes. Whisk in bouillon powder. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before using.)

CORN CAKE
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 13x9x2 inch baking dish with foil. Butter and flour foil. Working in 2 batches, puree all ingredients in blender until almost smooth. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake until baked golden brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean… about 1 hour.
Invert cake onto platter. Cut into squares and serve warm with sauce.

As involved as this recipe is, I promise you it is a true delight. I would serve it not only as a side dish for lunch or dinner, but for breakfast. I might also be tempted to serve it for a light lunch with a salad and a glass of ice tea... or maybe some light white wine.

http://www.designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

I'm joining with other "foodies" for

Foodie Friday at

Designs by Gollum

Check it out!

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

It's Mosaic Monday so make a visit to

Little Red House for some

great collages!!