It's A Gingerbread World

Good morning from Applejack Lane. It's starting to snow!  So come on inside to my gingerbread world.

 

Um-um good- gingerbread spice herbal tea...    

My extra large gingerbread man and woman stand in an old picnic basket...

 A gingerbread mantel...

 Gingerbread cookies and cutters...

 This Gingerbread  Man has his bells on...

 And speaking of bells...

  A Ginger Head from Brenda at The Rusty Thimble...

 And Gingerbread scones...

Gingerbread Scones from A Taste of Home

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1.2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold butter
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, separated
sugar

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.  In a small bowl, combine the molasses, milk, and egg yolk until smooth; stir into the flour mixture just until moistened.  Turn onto a floured surface; knead gently 6-8 times.   Pat into a 8 inch circle.  Cut into 12 wedges and place 1 inch apart on a greased baking sheet*. Beat egg white until frothy; brush over scones.  Sprinkle with sugar.  Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes our until golden brown.  Serve warm.

*  I like a more petite scone.  I divide the dough into two equal parts and form smaller circles about 5 inches in diameter.  Then I cut the circle into 6 wedges.  I bake these for about 11-12 minutes.


Thanks for stopping by Applejack Lane.

Memories of Momma's Snowflakes

Momma's snowflakes have been boxed for twenty-two years.  This year, I decided to find them  and add them to the Christmas tree.  I should have laundered and starched them, but if I had that to do, I probably would not have pulled them out .  So, impulsively, I just put them on the tree. In her later years, Momma enjoyed an all white tree using white balls, birds, clear lights, and her snowflakes.  They bring back such sweet memories of her.

Even Father Kristmas can enjoy a peak at Momma's snowflakes.

Thanks for stopping by Applejack Lane.

International Cookie Party III

Welcome to Applejack Lane.  I am happy to share one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes today.  I use this recipe quite often to serve at my Holiday Open Houses and summer Lemonade on the Lawn.

Raspberry Crowns

1 cup butter, softened

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 large egg, separated

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup finely ground blanched almonds

raspberry jam

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed  with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.

Add egg yolk and almond extract, mixing well; gradually stir in flour.  Cover; chill at least one hour.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; dip tops of balls in lightly beaten egg white, and then in almonds.  Make a round indention the center of each cookie.  Using a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, place raspberry jam into each indention of the ball.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 13 1/2 to 14 minutes.  Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yields  about 4 to 4 1/2 dozen cookies. 

I am joining Johanna at Silber+Rosen for today's party.

International Blog Party Christmas Cookies I

I have been busy baking cookies, cookies, and more cookies at Applejack Lane for our Open House this weekend at our shop. White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies, Peppermint Cookies, Christmas Tree Spritz,  Raspberry Crowns, Ginger Crisps, and Hooty Creeks are all ready for my VIP ladies. Here is my recipe for Hooty Creeks-one of my customers' favorites.

 Hooty Creeks

1 cup butter
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup dried cranberries chopped
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Cream the sugars and butter in a bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until the eggs disappear. Next, add the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries, chips, and pecans. The mixture will be stiff.
Using a one-inch cookie scoop, drop on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. I tend to bake for 9 1/2 minutes for a softer cookie. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 72 cookies.

I am joining Johanna at Silber+Rosen for her International Blog Party Christmas Cookies I today.  

Fire-Roasted Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Good morning from Applejack Lane.  This dish was the recipe of the month at the Lifetime gym at Augusta Health.  It is simple and delicious.

Fire Roasted Tomato and Spinach Pasta

 6 ounces linguine pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juice

1 (9 ounce) box frozen creamed spinach, thawed

salt and pepper to taste

Cook the linguine to package directions.Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.  Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes and bring to a simmer.  Cook 1 minute before adding the creamed spinach.  Cook and stir 5 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Stir in the drained linguine into the tomato sauce before serving.

Enjoy!

Have a Boo-ti-ful Day!

This is one  of my favorite new things at the store for Halloween.  I think he makes a great addition to any table top design for the season.
I hope everyone has a Boo-ti-ful day!

Soup For Autumn Sundays

In the Autumn, cool weather means soup is a great meal for Sunday evenings at  Applejack Lane. I found this recipe in  Christmas with Southern Living 2001 and have wanted to try this recipe for some time.

Black-Eyed Pea and Sausage Soup

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
2 (15 oz.) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
3 (14 1/2 oz.) cans beef broth
1 (14 1/2 oz). can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained
1 (16 oz.) jar chipotle-flavored salsa*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cook sausage in oil in a large Dutch oven, stirring until it browns.  Remove sausage, reserving drippings in pan.  Add onion, carrots, bell pepper, garlic, and celery.  Saute' over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Stir in sausage, peas, broth, and tomatoes.  Bring to a boil.  Cover;  reduce heat, and simmer 35 minutes.  Stir in salsa, salt, and pepper.  Simmer 10 more minutes.  Yield 10 cups.

*If desired, a milder salsa can be substituted.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work I Go!

Mr. Kahlo is back at Applejack Lane and is ready to go to work this morning at the Hallmark shop as a greeter. 

Have a great Monday!

Autumn Sunday Dessert

Good morning from  Applejack Lane.  I found a new bread pudding recipe to try out last Sunday.  It is wonderful!  I've made it twice already-once for company and once for us.

Cinnamon-Apple Bread Pudding With Hot Caramel Sauce

1 loaf cinnamon swirl bread, cubed-I used Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Swirl Bread
2 cups milk
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup applesauce
1 cup sugar
2 T. vanilla
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/4 cup butter melted and cooled

Place bread cubes in a bowl and add milk to soak.  In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, applesauce, sugar, vanilla, and spices.  Drizzle the melted butter over  the bread and toss.  Add egg mixture to the bread and stir well.  Let stand 10 minutes.  Place in a buttered 13 x 9 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool.

Caramel Sauce
18 oz. container of caramel apple dip_ I used Marzetti's Caramel Apple Dip
1/4 cup Half and Half
Cook over low heat until warm and smooth.  Add more Half and Half if it is too thick. (I used about half of the caramel apple dip for each time I made the bread pudding.)

Thanks for stopping by Applejack Lane.

Tabletop Tuesday

Mr. Pumpkin Angel has made an appearance at Applejack Lane just in time for Tabletop Tuesday.
He parked himself atop Grandmother's twig table...

Just have to love his toothy grin...

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life has more fun at her Tabletop Tuesday party.  Drop by to see her!

September Metamorphosis

Fall officially begins on Wednesday, September 22, and Applejack Lane has made a change or two to get ready for Autumn's splendor.  A couple of weeks ago, Valerie from Snap Peas and I had a wreath-making session in her husband's workshop.

Pumpkins, berries, sunflowers, and gingko leaves are a few of my favorite fall things...

Thanks for stopping by Applejack Lane.  Please join Susan at  Between Naps on the Porch for more Metamorphosis Monday  fun.

September Silver Sunday

Welcome to Applejack Lane.   It's Silver Sunday time!  Today, I want to share a few of my favorite sterling pins.  Some were given to me as a high school graduation gift about 43 years ago!

When I was a high school senior, girls in my area were encouraged to pick out a sterling flatware pattern. This is a miniature of Towle's Country Manor.

A family friend whose last name is Rosen gave me the rose pin...

This pin is my favorite.  I have always loved cats...

Thanks for stopping by Applejack Lane. Please visit Beth at the Gypsy Fish Journal  for more Silver Sunday fun.

Pretty Packages Party II

Happy Labor Day greetings from Applejack Lane.  Yesterday, Mr. W and I attended a wedding of  a son of  very long time family friends.  I wrapped a grilling cookbook and attached a gift card to be used toward the purchase of a grill.  Here is my package.

I love the white embossed wrapping paper...

But even more, I love the fall colors in the wire ribbon that I found at Big Lots...

I am joining Jami at The Blackberry Vine for Pretty Packages Party II. Thanks for dropping by Applejack Lane.

Two Old Crows Live Here

It's beginning to look and feel a little like fall at Applejack Lane.  So I changed out the door decor with my sunflowers.  It reminds me that  two old crows really do live here.  This door pocket just makes me smile!  It's one of my favorite pre-fall things.

I am joining A Few of My Favorite Things Saturday at Bargain Hunting with Laurie.  Thanks for stopping in at Applejack Lane.

Rooster Party II

Rise and shine! I'm joining in with the Rooster Party II hosted by Barb at Bella Vista.  This has been a most anticipated event so here are some of Applejack Lane's favorites.
A rooster vignette on the pie safe with a platter and lamp...

Mr. Cock-a-doodle-do...

A Jim Shore teapot from my friend at Snap Peas...

From my  patriotic collection...

A blue milk glass rooster from my MIL's collection of blue glass...

I know it's a chicken, but it's a neat piece from my candy container collection...

A hand made rooster weather vane that came from the family farm...

Thanks for visiting.