I am coming to the conclusion that there is nothing that I don't like about autumn. This really is my time of the year! Last weekend there were quite a few local yard and estate sales. On Friday morning, I hit the ground running...it was so perfectly cool and just slightly cloudy outside.
I found this set of placemats and napkins in perfect condition. 8 of each for $12.00...the dry cleaner tags were still on the placemats. I am quite sure that they can be machine washed but I appreciated them all clean and perfectly pressed. Then I found these dishes...
a perfect set of 8 for $6.00. They come from Williams Sonoma and will be used for at least a month before I have to put them away. I also found some cookbooks and novels.
One of my more unique finds was this small transferware vase with decoration from the Aesthetic period. I am not sure what its purpose was with the little holes at the bottom and that one little hole going out the side. I thought maybe it was meant for a flower bulb like an Amaryllis, but I am not sure. Actually, I was thinking that it would make a lovely tooth brush holder in the bathroom we are remodeling.
The kitchen cupboards are filled with dishes that call to the season. When I found this set of amber depression glasses at a yard sale a few weeks ago I had no idea that they would go so well with the black Bennington pottery dishes that I have been collecting.
An idea has been floating around in my head about Thanksgiving this year. Our house always hosts Thanksgiving dinner for the family and I usually set the table with the brown and white transferware dishes. They are English and over the many years we have amassed a large collection. The thing is, I have been watching the ABC news with Diane Sawyer, specifically the segments called Made In America. It occurred to me that it might be fitting to try to do Thanksgiving in an all American way. Local food, okay, that shouldn't be too hard. Dishware, well the Bennington set is made in Vermont. I could use some of the hammered aluminum serving pieces..they were all make in the USA. Our Viking stove would work as would the All Clad pots and pans, but uh oh...there would be no using the Le Creuset...they were made in France. It could be a bit of a challenge, but might be doable. What do you think? Could you prepare an all American Thanksgiving dinner? What would you have to "put away" to achieve this goal? I will be working on this idea a little more in the near future and would love to hear your input.
Getting back to those little things that are making life so darn peachy these days ...
the flannel sheets have gone on the beds making everything a little cozier. I am reading another Ken Follett book, Fall of Giants. Have you read any of his books? Pillars of the Earth and World Without End are two favorites. He has this way of making you fall in love with the characters and yet sometimes I find myself learning more about history in the process. Reading blogs written by friends is another one of those little things keeping me happy. Georgia Peachez is one that I won't miss along with Jen Ducan's What's New. They are two of the most creative women that I have ever known.
Long post, I know, however I have just one more thing to share with you today. If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I collect cookbooks. One of my favorite go-to books is the Saveur cooks Authentic Italian. You can tell it is a favorite because the book is a bit of a mess.
The Pomodoro Sauce recipe is so easy and sooo delicious. Definitely a never fail approach to eating well. The other recipe that I have used for years now is the Tiramisu. If you can find the Savoiardi cookies (crispy ladies fingers) and the mascarpone then you are more than half the way there. It is a no fail recipe and I always double up on it. I made it a few weeks ago for a holiday dinner dessert and my father loved it. You have to understand that my father owned a bakery for many years and knows his "product". It is impossible to impress him and more likely, he will take me aside to tell me that something wasn't made properly...even if it was store bought!!! Tough customer! So, when he said that he loved the Tiramisu, I thought this was something I should share. Here is the recipe...
2 eggs separated
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup mascarpone
1 cup strong, fresh black coffee
12 Italian Savoiardi cookies
cocoa powder
1. Beat egg yolks with whisk gradually adding sugar until mixture is thick, smooth and pale yellow. Fold in mascarpone.
2. Beat egg whites until they form a stiff peak...like you would for meringue. Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk-mascarpone mixture.
3. Dip the cookies one by one in the coffee and line them neatly into your serving dish. Put a heaping spoonful of the cream mixture on top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, then repeat for a second layer, finishing the top with another sprinkle of the cocoa powder.
The recipe is that simple...I always double the recipe and use a ceramic lasagne style pan to layer the cookies. I like to serve it family style with a little whipped cream on the side.
This post is being linked to Tales from Bloggeritaville for Thrifty Thursday, Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingie Thursday, Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday, and How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday. It is also being linked to Louises Months of Edible Celebrations if I got this post to her in time...if not, check out her blog...it is sooo interesting!
♥, Susan
Okay, you've been tweeted, lol...Now, I can tell you how delighted I am to have Tiramisu coming to the Cookbook Party. My father was a tough nut to crack too. However, if he approved, that was like getting five stars!
Thank you so much for sharing, Susan. Good Luck with your traditional American Thanksgiving. (The Bennington Pottery is perfect for a traditional Vermont Thanksgiving:) If there are any recipes I can find for you, just let me know and I'll do the best I can. There's also tons of resources online. Let me know if you want some links. Thanks again, Susan
Posted by: Louise | October 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM
another excellent blog Susan
Posted by: Priscilla Bahr | October 25, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Hey, Sue, you really found good bargains. The placemats are a winner. I am sure you did not spend $50....I remember one of your bargain hunts.
I am glad you like our travel photos. My daughter and I share the same passion, but I take more photos than her.
Posted by: Ebie | October 25, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Thank you so much for sharing, Susan. Good Luck with your traditional American Thanksgiving. The Bennington Pottery is perfect for a traditional Vermont Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Affordable Insurance | October 26, 2011 at 04:04 AM
I collect cookbooks, too, and the Saveur books are excellent! The pottery is so pretty, I love the Amber glass. Nice find with the placemats and napkins. Good luck with the All-American Thanksgiving. So purchased in the US wouldn't be a good cheat in order to use the Le Creuset? :)
Posted by: Carol | October 26, 2011 at 02:06 PM
The made in America table scape would be a bit hard for us! LOL! But I will be doing it with the food....from the local organic farmers & ranchers. Great post...glad to meet you!
R
Posted by: Ruth, Time Was Antiques | October 27, 2011 at 07:24 AM
I really enjoyed your post, your dessert looks yummy! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week end and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Posted by: Miz Helen | October 28, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your visit. I am loving your transferware! I like Tiramisu too. Happy Pink Saturday weekend.
Blessings,
Sandi
Posted by: Sandi | October 28, 2011 at 02:30 PM
I'd Love to do an all "made in America" Thanksgiving, but I bet it would be hard to do as so much in our households and even produce comes from outside the USA. You should write to ABC and tell them about your project and then maybe I'll see you being interviewed by Diane Sawyer someday. I've also been following and enjoying their special reports!
You found some wonderful bargains at the local yard sale, but they are not that popular here. I am also a cookbook addict and would probably buy them if I saw them for sale at a good price.
I also loved "Pillars of the Earth" --I'll have to look for more of Follet's books.
Thanks for the Tiramisu recipe! I love to order that for dessert, but I never tried to make it. Maybe I'll do it for Thanksgiving?
Have a good weekend! Happy Pink Saturday!
Posted by: Pat | October 28, 2011 at 06:07 PM
I was able to post on your other post so i tried again on this one --I found out what the problem was -I had inserted a heart sign in the word "love," and that was what typepad didn't approve of! lol Live and learn!
Posted by: Pat | October 28, 2011 at 06:09 PM
This was such an enjoyable post! I wouldn't know where to look first at your place!
Posted by: envoy-ette | October 28, 2011 at 09:25 PM
Happy Pink Saturday Susan Sweetie...
What a beautiful share today. Your bargains are so wonderful. I love the pink placemats. They are so pretty and what a price for the wonderful condition. Those pumpkin plates are great as well.
If you find out what that little transferware vase was used for, please let me know. I am curious too, as to the little holes. I love the print and the color is so pretty.
I can't wait to hear more about your All American Thanksgiving. What a treat this will be and a challenge as well. Please keep us all posted.
Have a glorious weekend. Country hugs, Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | October 28, 2011 at 09:57 PM
What an intriguing idea...an all-American Thanksgiving!! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Coller | October 28, 2011 at 10:19 PM
You had a good day so many fun things. Laura
Posted by: laura | October 30, 2011 at 09:42 PM
Congratulations Susan, You WON!!! Email me with your info and I'll get your book right out!!! Thanks so much for joining the Cookbook Party!!! Louise.
Posted by: Louise | November 06, 2011 at 10:55 AM