The Summer Kitchen Girls

Wednesday Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:00:00 +0000

so true....so true!!!

Blendo Anyone??

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:31:00 +0000

Our latest vintage find:

Blendo Glass!

Manufactured by the

West Virginia Specialty Glass Company

in the 1950s and '60s,

Blendo glass

is a mix of frosted & clear glass

& came in a variety of colors.

With cool shapes and fun colors,

these pieces are super hip even today!

A must for Summer Entertaining....

don't you think?

Perhaps a Mad Men party......

hmmmmm...we think

a little party music is in order!

go on....grab a Blendo glass

& get your groove on dears!

Breezin' Along.....

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:57:00 +0000

Today we're getting a few things done....

finishing up the laundry

then we'll go out to play in the dirt!

Enjoy your day!!

The French Touch....

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:10:00 +0000

Hey all!!

It's Friday....

and we are soooooo in LOVE

with this Wallpaper book.....

Imagine the pitter-patter of our hearts

as we saw this at the paint store.....

HAD

to bring this one home

DROOL

and

DROOL

some more!!!

"Bruxelle Linen"

'The family crest, well known in European history,

inspired this masculine design on a rich linen ground.'

{we are of course showing the pictures of the wallpaper in use

so that you can drool right along with us!}

"Biblioteca"

'A fine etched-style pattern depicting romantic European architecture'

What we love about wallpaper

{besides that it adds sooooo much to a room}

Is that if you see it in one color....

It's available in another shade!

We also LOVE getting

AMAZING ideas

when we look through the books!

Just look at this pattern on the wall

in the paper sample here...oh my!!!

"Empire Damask"

'A single damask shape inspired by French empire design styles,

rendered on a rustic linen ground.

you can see hot this paper has a bit of metallic

in it.....GORGEOUS!!!!

Now....

check this one out.....

"Manuscript"

'A pattern reminiscent of distressed plaster work

with a modern take on manuscript etchings.'

We LOVE how they

style the wallpaper for pictures

~ just look at those cool vintage clocks!

"Balustrade"

'A lightly distressed ground with soft metallic threads

combined with a pattern reminiscent of antique wood carvings'

Then this one gets a lot of

oooooo's and ahhhhhhh's

from everyone.....

"Etamine"

'A rich moire background texture supports a Nouveau Style damask

to create a rich yet subtle effect'

LOVE

that it has this matching pattern!

Well....

it's Friday

and we are in LOVE with

"Maison Gallerie"

wallpaper book

by Seabrook

Hope you enjoyed

our little visual journey of France...

Thought you'd enjoy a little

"Bal Petite Bal"

with Eartha Kitt....

go ahead....hit play

then head back on up to look through this

delicious wallpaper again!!

A Shower of Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 +0000

The trees have been so pretty this spring!

Even though it's sad to see the petals drop

it's so pretty to see the petals

scattering all around!

On the sidewalk, driveway, even on us as we walk by!

Too bad the

Shower of Flowers

can't last.....

Well, it can!

This week we got in these gorgeous

Shower of Flower

Scarves....

They are so soft and breezy...

perfect for summer!

Now, flowers blossom

The soft wind twirls like petals
Spring is in full bloom.

~Bailey Hitt

Wednesday Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:22:00 +0000

The Flea Markets are coming,

The Flea Markets are coming!!!!

So terribly excited that May is here

and so are our favorite fleas!

Where will you be flea-ing this weekend?

Sweet Petite Treats!

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

What an enjoyable weekend!

For Mother's Day Brunch we made these delicious petite cakes....

we EVEN garnished them with candied lemon peel ~ yes we know...

a bit over the top, but it sure looked and tasted Divine!

Lemon-Buttermilk Mini Cakes

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1-1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup salted butter, softened

1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

3 large eggs

1/2 cup whole buttermilk

Lemon Glaze (recipe below)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Spray min fluted cake pans with nonstick cooking spray with flour and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt and baking soda, whisking well. Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, brown sugar, lemon extract
and lemon zest. Beat at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add to mixture alternately
with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture,
scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.

Using a levered 3 tablespoon scoop, fill the 18 cupcake wells with batter.
Tap pans firmly on counter top to level batter and reduce air bubbles.

Bake until a wooded pick inserted in centers comes out clean, approximately 23 minutes.

Remove cakes from pans to a wire rack. Let cool completely.

Place wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.

Pour Lemon Glaze over cakes and let dry completely.

Store in airtight container for up to 2 days until ready to serve.

Lemon Glaze:

2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest

1/4 cups fresh lemon juice

In a small bowl, combine all whisking until smooth and creamy.

To make the Candied Lemon Curls
you can follow this handy video from Tea Time magazine!

Have a beautiful Monday everyone!

Moms.....

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Showing off one of our newest box signs....

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Of Fronds & Ferns....

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:21:00 +0000

This week we just got in these beautiful

etched fern vases

While unpacking the vases inside,

we had something unveiling outside....

One of our favorite part about late spring

is the uncurling of a fern's frond....

Almost like it's stretching from a long sleep!

S-T-R-E-T-C-H!!!

As you can see we've got quite a few

Sleepy heads waking up!

Whether they are real

or etched in glass

we are just loving our

fronds & ferns!

Sunday Afternoon Sing-a-long

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Sun, 05 May 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Today we've picked a song off of our Espresso! Cd.

Here's Sophia Loren signing

Perche Domani...

Wednesday Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

{we've got a birthday girl in the house this week....}

Simple Tea Food for Everyday!

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:40:00 +0000

Yesterday we had the most fantastic time at our
Tea & Talk at the store!

Several of our guests asked for the recipes,
so we thought that we would share....

Springtime Ham Sandwich with Sun Dried Tomato Aioli

It was the Aioli that stole the show!

Sun Dried Tomato Aioli

2 tablespoons minced sun-dried tomato (packed in oil)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1.4 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a small bowl, combine sun-dried tomato, mayonnaise, lemon juice,

Parmesan cheese, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper, whisking well.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Spread it on your favorite sandwich ~ here we sliced a Ciabatta Roll

and put the Aioli spread on it. We then added some Black Forest Ham

and some Springtime Lettuce....so simple and easy!

Cucumber tea sandwich....

so light and tasty!

We cut the crust off of Pepperidge Farm Sandwich bread.

Spread some Sour Cream & Chive Cream Cheese spread.

Then peel a cucumber and place slices on the cream cheese.

Cut the extra cucumbers from the bread. Cut bread in half in triangle shape.

Sprinkle with black pepper and kosher salt.

We love serving these Antipasti Kebabs!

Cheese cubes, cheese tortellini and tomatoes threaded on a pick.

Then we marinated them in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and fresh thyme.

Even though it was for our tea...these make fantastic sandwiches and sides

for a delicious lunch as well.....we even packed our husbands

a sandwich for lunch today...scoring some extra points

{we've got a flea market to go to this weekend ~ lol!!}

Enjoy!!

Sunday Afternoon Sing-a-long

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:00:00 +0000

How about listening to some Frankie Avalon....

this is a great song from our Casino Nights Cd...

Swingin' on a Rainbow

Wednesday Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

{may he find his way into your life!}

Broken, but not Beaten!

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:02:00 +0000

Yesterday while cleaning, I broke a favorite plate.

You know....

sometimes there are treasures that you don't mind that break...

but then there are those you hate to throw away!

Well...

plant them

and enjoy them for years to come

It may not grow

but it will grow on you....

and you might not mind

a broken plate here & there!!

Happy Tuesday All!!!

Sunday Afternoon Sing-a-long

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Go ahead and grab some pasta....

you'll want it while you play this great Cd!

Feel like you are eating in Italy....

being serenaded by some of most lovely Italian singers!

Song #14

La Danza from Beniamino Gigli

Wednesday Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

{you all brighten our days!}

Sunday Afternoon Sing-a-long....

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:00:00 +0000

One of our favorite Cd's in the store...

Caffe Cappuccino!

Today we feature the lovely Doris Day

in track # 13

"I've Got the Sun in the Morning"

Nesting......

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:33:00 +0000

We've heard a lot of "twitter" about the store this morning....

but it's all "for the birds!"

I guess we're in the "nesting" mode here at the store!!

Its is finally starting to feel like spring around here....

the birds are thanking us for our beautiful spring arrangements in front of the store today....

and making it known they do not care for us being so close to this fresh nest!

How do you begin your spring nesting.....

with cleaning, rearranging...

or getting some new things to freshen up with?

Wednesday Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

{sorry....all we can think of is chocolate cupcakes now!}

Sunday Afternoon Sing-a-long

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:30:00 +0000

We were feeling a like a little

Sammy Davis Jr.

today.....how about you?

#16

Oh, Lonesome Me

Wednesday Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

{hooray for friends!}

An Easter Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:06:00 +0000

Grandma's Easter Lamb Cake....

It was the most exciting day when she'd pack up

her freshly made lamb cake and bring them over to our house!

Mom would take the cake and put it on our stereo...

and there it would be for us to peek at!

Around the lamb would be an assortment of candy

thankfully we didn't have to wait long...

we were allowed to sneak a piece here and there,

but we'd have to wait to eat the cake on Easter day.

For the past few years we have continued the tradition

and thought we'd share it with you this year!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

3/4 pound (3 sticks) butter, no substitutes, softened

1 (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened

3 cups sugar

6 eggs, at room temperature

3 cups sifted cake flour

1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla

Heat oven to 325 degrees.

Coat your lamb mold with oil or shortening.

In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese and sugar

until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time,

beating well after each addition.

Add flour a little at a time, beating until smooth.

Add the vanilla and blend.

Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 1 hour-1-1/2 hours

or until toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean.

Cool on wire rack for 20 minutes. Invert and let cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 cups confectioners' sugar, plus more if needed

In a large bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.

Beat in the vanilla. Add the confectioners' sugar and beat until well combined. You may need to add more confectioner's sugar to achieve the right consistency.

Assemble the two sides of the lamb cake together and "glue" with frosting.

Frost the outside of the cake then gently put coconut over frosting.

Decorate the lamb with black jelly beans for the eyes and a red or pink for the mouth. Grandma always tied a blue ribbon with a jingle bell around the lambs neck.

Then add some green food coloring to some coconut

to make your grass to put around the lamb.

We then put jelly beans around...grandma always had some

Reese's peanut butter cups around there as well....

and one by one they would disappear before Easter morning!

Enjoy your Easter Everyone...

wishing you a blessed day!!

Wednesday Words

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

{ Easter's almost here! Pip pip & cheerio! }

Sunday Afternoon Sing-a-long.....

noreply@blogger.com (The Summer Kitchen Girls) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:33:00 +0000

Today we have our Teatime Cd...

and we're featuring song #15

Perry Como's

Breezin' Along with the Breeze