tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38999470611093037152024-03-17T16:42:40.940-04:00Good Things by David~ Sharing Good Things for a Good Life ~Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.comBlogger741125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-65794762334608229642023-04-11T15:56:00.005-04:002023-04-11T15:56:54.471-04:00Fawn Sugar Cookies <p style="text-align: justify;">As a cookie decorator I find that the best cookies are those I create to surprise someone. That's exactly what I did the other day to a dear cousin of mine who is expecting her firstborn. Our family was going to give her a baby shower this month with baby deer as the theme, so I planned my surprise a couple of weeks ago.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQvHo8cjpMXIspCGGZmniN76SVIBS05v8bszuzW6bkqriTikIYmRSUvixmpZ8US3XzIHAF5rm3XmnvLMIiIClYRhnrU9yUm-epcLYiOHkloHMEpk8-ZhfPsTqfBLO2O5rg1MebbmWIMTbJWk5Vco9rtV2NHlKkjdTAZlmP_ucL9j2u3lozsMLuuU/s4032/deer.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQvHo8cjpMXIspCGGZmniN76SVIBS05v8bszuzW6bkqriTikIYmRSUvixmpZ8US3XzIHAF5rm3XmnvLMIiIClYRhnrU9yUm-epcLYiOHkloHMEpk8-ZhfPsTqfBLO2O5rg1MebbmWIMTbJWk5Vco9rtV2NHlKkjdTAZlmP_ucL9j2u3lozsMLuuU/w640-h480/deer.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baby Deer for a Baby Shower</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Years ago I acquired a large collection of cookie cutters from my dear friend, Janet Bridge, and since then I have made sure to do justice to them. The majority of the cookie cutters are American made copper cutters from the venerable coppersmiths of Copper Gifts. A small fawn cutter that I fell in love with the moment I saw it was THE perfect cookie cutter for this project.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEdLfSeVB5zAxtuJE4IznvVhYiBxxMN43mUk4zxYAJfZxKJMF6aO9HpCWsqgUWjyGL4lUjBBJ3k42KXy-ACd0XuQ8YeJjg0zzKuzo7U6FnnkDWk46qWkUWcPbCu84bQPQq4JkpdPqE1XKlq63fihMZMNiJ2Vp2PLBGNVZbl-EjxdGiwge9yTCDS4/s3687/deer5.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3687" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEdLfSeVB5zAxtuJE4IznvVhYiBxxMN43mUk4zxYAJfZxKJMF6aO9HpCWsqgUWjyGL4lUjBBJ3k42KXy-ACd0XuQ8YeJjg0zzKuzo7U6FnnkDWk46qWkUWcPbCu84bQPQq4JkpdPqE1XKlq63fihMZMNiJ2Vp2PLBGNVZbl-EjxdGiwge9yTCDS4/w524-h640/deer5.heic" width="524" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>How adorable is this fawn?</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Having rolled, cut and baked my cookie shapes, I took some delicious royal icing and tinted three batches to match the fawns I see on a yearly basis around the property. A rich chocolate brown, a neutral-warm taupe and a pure white. The rest was as easy as 1-2-3. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let me show you how I created them. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRbjMNpTZnRwrtCb-shLE4pq54p0z18LLUUQt57cGl974j7igvuAroBEnnlDTQeEl-4TH22b8ERmltQfCfFLRijhGU2BSjxpO9b8zHUHmsqdl8X38fVjJy0MrbQ7MY_SJwLopyL7pL0IexTqQ9qFIxNL2PjWw626vLLXdekrmXyjD5B_r5z2dkV8/s4096/deer2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRbjMNpTZnRwrtCb-shLE4pq54p0z18LLUUQt57cGl974j7igvuAroBEnnlDTQeEl-4TH22b8ERmltQfCfFLRijhGU2BSjxpO9b8zHUHmsqdl8X38fVjJy0MrbQ7MY_SJwLopyL7pL0IexTqQ9qFIxNL2PjWw626vLLXdekrmXyjD5B_r5z2dkV8/w640-h640/deer2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fawn Cookie How-To.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>a. Pipe the dainty hooves of the fawn using brown and white royal icing, and a #2 piping tip. Start with a line of brown icing, followed by a line of white icing as shown.<div>b. Outline the entire shape of the fawn in the taupe-colored royal icing, using a #2 piping tip. Make sure you pipe to the edge of the cookies. Immediately flood the cookie in the same royal icing.</div><div>c. Pipe a section in the breast area of the fawn using a #2 piping tip and white royal icing as shown. </div><div>d. Continue flooding the cookie in taupe icing until it's completely covered.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p42fKaqHXBcNPvf8SirZ8gACtrkRbb7Rc90xVKUgX23CWg7HLIZiBrWqQJNtNKSCPDES4jhZ4Im6oyWMYS41shZtPoYKtwQMSs04Xz9Yoim4SbmrZDP7foTUsk1BTHsaie2lnfgZSDeejlBi3mdVuhLEuEUr3jUgIA-M-Fcw276E6JXnU8Byklg/s4096/deer3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2p42fKaqHXBcNPvf8SirZ8gACtrkRbb7Rc90xVKUgX23CWg7HLIZiBrWqQJNtNKSCPDES4jhZ4Im6oyWMYS41shZtPoYKtwQMSs04Xz9Yoim4SbmrZDP7foTUsk1BTHsaie2lnfgZSDeejlBi3mdVuhLEuEUr3jUgIA-M-Fcw276E6JXnU8Byklg/w480-h640/deer3.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fawn Cookie How-To</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">a. Using the brown royal icing, pipe an eye and a small nose as shown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">b. Using the white royal icing, pipe white dots as shown around the small hind area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">c. Last, but not least, add a heart-shaped candy on each fawn with some cookie tweezers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I've always been inspired by master cookie decorator, Dani Boglivi, of SweetDaniB fame, because she loves to include hearts in so many of her creations. Thank you Dani for inspiring me all of these years! You are a treasure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicND71-JEd3CmeQRsbzHv9GseYbxPkS7LWahZRpfsExVIkL8EATT7-cWapKYU9PnYAFfaObgf-7zyWiQlWRCKTUZXXEG-IzupNsjRrpORczlvbwUy5N0UqLcH0U-9ekvZqB0ROdi7FZMMUNmNQGmnH_N_Z2nDW1aut3v6YE-E9PKw-MYp_bm5icjs/s4032/deer4.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicND71-JEd3CmeQRsbzHv9GseYbxPkS7LWahZRpfsExVIkL8EATT7-cWapKYU9PnYAFfaObgf-7zyWiQlWRCKTUZXXEG-IzupNsjRrpORczlvbwUy5N0UqLcH0U-9ekvZqB0ROdi7FZMMUNmNQGmnH_N_Z2nDW1aut3v6YE-E9PKw-MYp_bm5icjs/w480-h640/deer4.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the cookies have dried completely, you can then set them on platters for your baby shower as shown. Do you notice how thick the cookies are? I have always loved rolling sugar cookies to a specific thickness for sturdiness and to make each cookie substantial.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn-dlxaydQ6OE_0zGGcfrXlbClTpX8Fm9pth8X4sxxOU8UgrWfnG_e0w2xCj2UEzYAkhHnffr4wZw4F0t65LoiUTT3yO5ZFAs8kI-N3atBHAyqwBW2GE3tithLLDKE3PFNHpU44MHPFpcVi0e8qkbzW0Oyc9br3Q_cOQ2ZQfQDaXiiWv5-RqL-hU/s3479/deer1.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3479" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn-dlxaydQ6OE_0zGGcfrXlbClTpX8Fm9pth8X4sxxOU8UgrWfnG_e0w2xCj2UEzYAkhHnffr4wZw4F0t65LoiUTT3yO5ZFAs8kI-N3atBHAyqwBW2GE3tithLLDKE3PFNHpU44MHPFpcVi0e8qkbzW0Oyc9br3Q_cOQ2ZQfQDaXiiWv5-RqL-hU/w556-h640/deer1.heic" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you are going to surprise someone with cookies like I did my cousin, I strongly advise that you wrap each cookie in clear cellophane bags, tied with a luxurious grosgrain ribbon. Choose whatever color ribbon you want for your specific event, but this pink looks fantastic.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUin83_vsfAkf8T5sUxDXSTYp5-jyAjQE078uGlWheEaXvY5GlHbn65u-d2_0jY-qQGz4tQJ0oiyOJDMLr5FjWznbaEj-kFGedk1d9KsskwOWWa7qqOUH5PKF5EbM0SzxhiWEtrk8vd2jHD6BfXkGYc98KsDM4Gphi8Yv5K6s7rBjayej3eM2U10/s2858/deer6.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2858" data-original-width="2598" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUin83_vsfAkf8T5sUxDXSTYp5-jyAjQE078uGlWheEaXvY5GlHbn65u-d2_0jY-qQGz4tQJ0oiyOJDMLr5FjWznbaEj-kFGedk1d9KsskwOWWa7qqOUH5PKF5EbM0SzxhiWEtrk8vd2jHD6BfXkGYc98KsDM4Gphi8Yv5K6s7rBjayej3eM2U10/w582-h640/deer6.heic" width="582" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Baby Emilia is arriving in the coming months, but she is already loved by our entire family. I can't wait to see the first images of her when she is brought into this world, because I know she will be beautiful.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNoWIyprP5lMus3GaE9afCN8QYY9Qqsp3LjoePl6VJ-h04VvuGW9Y4yO1N_-wDFCnGp9Ex3WYlVATUVVx50Ge8zcDvDKT5ilzfTRCwRjM1s8rC7cOmUVOgDn1anon7WUSyzpTaymdnREXvlAnX8GGn1YsjPg32U9tEauqS_6nbScmFRhsPj8tU70/s4032/deer7.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNoWIyprP5lMus3GaE9afCN8QYY9Qqsp3LjoePl6VJ-h04VvuGW9Y4yO1N_-wDFCnGp9Ex3WYlVATUVVx50Ge8zcDvDKT5ilzfTRCwRjM1s8rC7cOmUVOgDn1anon7WUSyzpTaymdnREXvlAnX8GGn1YsjPg32U9tEauqS_6nbScmFRhsPj8tU70/w480-h640/deer7.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Fawn cookies for a baby shower are a good thing for a mother and for family & friends. Baby deer shaped cookie cutters abound online, but I truly believe this particular one from Copper Gifts is extra special. Not only is it adorable, it is truly life-like.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Baby Emilia, your cousin David wants to wish you all the love and happiness in the world. May your life always be blessed. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">xoxo,</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">David</span></i></p></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-66221329294519290502023-01-31T13:24:00.000-05:002023-01-31T13:24:50.731-05:00Groundhog Day Sugar Cookies<p style="text-align: justify;">Living in Pennsylvania, it's only imperative that I make some Groundhog Day cookies for the coming holiday. If you have followed the blog over the years, you know that we have resident groundhogs on the property which we look forward to seeing every single year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsse-SWMI7ZDzYm0l3SLa6nw46A8poAnXgp6cMxdGEbC5fMZCgNfY3xEx9XAai6CnhOT9v65N1_kAxMFp83KF_YfeYSCIzYr55Na-zB3-fC3yGqUqnwsGjAfl6FGgUo9JxMLxfvLoNaCo5okvGM8vZNq0ds2_Gs6wnLQztoR7x3zo_LTQ9-4VoikQ/s4032/GHD6.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsse-SWMI7ZDzYm0l3SLa6nw46A8poAnXgp6cMxdGEbC5fMZCgNfY3xEx9XAai6CnhOT9v65N1_kAxMFp83KF_YfeYSCIzYr55Na-zB3-fC3yGqUqnwsGjAfl6FGgUo9JxMLxfvLoNaCo5okvGM8vZNq0ds2_Gs6wnLQztoR7x3zo_LTQ9-4VoikQ/w480-h640/GHD6.heic" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">These charming creatures are naturally skittish and solitary (Marmota monax), so we leave them alone and observe them from a distance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCapJIES6lSyvMGjxkw2vHW7srqLFF0MBOFRD6vQOUEWHt3UvXX30nBnkGW02hMbGo46qpwNi47Hf1-9PIx6-i8KNef5L3BFkeQM5g8v0hbminMi89CvNFowWTsp1T-IL1baFL5uTI9DQyZNGBaEAv_e_NtzsLWv94pATgq2N4cfwMEATTCzixH-E/s4032/GHD8.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCapJIES6lSyvMGjxkw2vHW7srqLFF0MBOFRD6vQOUEWHt3UvXX30nBnkGW02hMbGo46qpwNi47Hf1-9PIx6-i8KNef5L3BFkeQM5g8v0hbminMi89CvNFowWTsp1T-IL1baFL5uTI9DQyZNGBaEAv_e_NtzsLWv94pATgq2N4cfwMEATTCzixH-E/w480-h640/GHD8.heic" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The holiday itself comes from Pennsylvania Dutch (in reality it is the Pennsylvania German's observance of Candlemas) lore, which tells us that when the woodchuck comes out of hibernation, if the creature sees its shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter. If the marmot does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since people around the country celebrate the holiday in some way or another, even if it's just to tune in to see what Punxsutawney Phil predicts, I thought it would be fun to make some cookies in honor of those adorable rodents.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxjw_JuHng4bcS5T4IXCEo6tsQGLDSNAXAVwVqqzxwj-B_1KaPQXBd5RU3rogrOj34CDSV8HntnKYC-6Mrzi6VqUaxWayOnb_d5ze0BMHgYUDNEMWAQloVJtyfzW1bioAsb9JhMcu7dkdVJkVSLKot3-lZduX_z6vStgLPd61lmqsdrH2sXqyw8s/s4032/GHD2.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxjw_JuHng4bcS5T4IXCEo6tsQGLDSNAXAVwVqqzxwj-B_1KaPQXBd5RU3rogrOj34CDSV8HntnKYC-6Mrzi6VqUaxWayOnb_d5ze0BMHgYUDNEMWAQloVJtyfzW1bioAsb9JhMcu7dkdVJkVSLKot3-lZduX_z6vStgLPd61lmqsdrH2sXqyw8s/w480-h640/GHD2.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Use whatever cookie cutter you wish, but for these I used a "tombstone" cookie cutter by Sweet Sugarbelle. You can also use a snow globe cookie cutter if you have it, or a round, square or scalloped cutter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Outline and flood the bottom portion of the cookie in green royal icing (this is the grass), and the top portion of the cookie in a light, sky blue; I use piping tips #3. For the groundhog, using light brown royal icing and a #2 piping tip, pipe the woodchuck standing up on its hind legs. You can either do this while the icing is wet so that the shape settles into the icing or you can pipe it onto a dry surface. I prefer to do it on wet icing. Using a scriber tool, drag the green icing upward, creating blades of grass as shown. For the eyes and nose of the groundhog use black royal icing. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENDPPgAGoa7slpggHt7XqFvG0UPwJnmI7I5_bmWAmkrMaTUhbpE13UINukJ86hjtXs6Q92ynzeQ1ClGvewgb7Sbrm1e7bBHQ9oDMyI7cwW9tkYWo6lPrvbHRsv7705J-BYoz7m6FGADreXfc8I6RAM9eMNf1HTRXOsBzBAg9EhSokbjCD0fEtlls/s4032/GHD3.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENDPPgAGoa7slpggHt7XqFvG0UPwJnmI7I5_bmWAmkrMaTUhbpE13UINukJ86hjtXs6Q92ynzeQ1ClGvewgb7Sbrm1e7bBHQ9oDMyI7cwW9tkYWo6lPrvbHRsv7705J-BYoz7m6FGADreXfc8I6RAM9eMNf1HTRXOsBzBAg9EhSokbjCD0fEtlls/w480-h640/GHD3.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you want to make the cookies extra cute, add a small candy heart to the groundhog while the icing is wet. Let this dry completely,.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIdXAbmUew6nXlAiyvblL-n7sEG4qNmUjSsumd4reUeXOkjEiVdJUQkcuN-dMytrT62JS19CZU1If2Y9yeUp575UCRVDekMEYqK4_y9E2ZOzpcH7upevSnO_7_Cl9FRWUQamtVF9XpRaFcENbMl_1W6HAjxV9uuHlY4aZeZkjj2GRYw2GD5SG2lM/s4032/GHD1.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIdXAbmUew6nXlAiyvblL-n7sEG4qNmUjSsumd4reUeXOkjEiVdJUQkcuN-dMytrT62JS19CZU1If2Y9yeUp575UCRVDekMEYqK4_y9E2ZOzpcH7upevSnO_7_Cl9FRWUQamtVF9XpRaFcENbMl_1W6HAjxV9uuHlY4aZeZkjj2GRYw2GD5SG2lM/w480-h640/GHD1.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adorable!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6INAf1SGrPmRdAAtmXQzb1BpuPgzX4JRAA9PqKtUEEmYqGo7bgLjqJCcWVrnSqX7hSM-H9K5sW884dUJrHZunOmw_8SZPpRTO8VTv8ERNPbKsoFlbICce2Bo5KznXsNgFUV8j7ww8GIE4dPNa_LUqq9IICfLYzX-LuUGYvO7_UYYt0NrGXBHtpgw/s3709/GHD5.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2869" data-original-width="3709" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6INAf1SGrPmRdAAtmXQzb1BpuPgzX4JRAA9PqKtUEEmYqGo7bgLjqJCcWVrnSqX7hSM-H9K5sW884dUJrHZunOmw_8SZPpRTO8VTv8ERNPbKsoFlbICce2Bo5KznXsNgFUV8j7ww8GIE4dPNa_LUqq9IICfLYzX-LuUGYvO7_UYYt0NrGXBHtpgw/w640-h496/GHD5.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Using white royal icing with a stiff consistency and a #2 piping tip, pipe "Happy Groundhog Day" on each cookie to commemorate the holiday. The cookie is done!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLSFGS0P9XnOBpBHjktTOqIYetcKQCnhiuPJnopMteamye0esJHjfB6m7bSKoHvxReUOUrc1PDmU3QbiwsehPKD3HaCLaPTicU7l0mppDfloKjCYMkl9sxNowZUbbHc5ui8y6CN7uNvsoq5UZKBJ4NPoFunpsPRlESYRMm779fMil-eBFxoSRpvA/s4032/GHD7.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLSFGS0P9XnOBpBHjktTOqIYetcKQCnhiuPJnopMteamye0esJHjfB6m7bSKoHvxReUOUrc1PDmU3QbiwsehPKD3HaCLaPTicU7l0mppDfloKjCYMkl9sxNowZUbbHc5ui8y6CN7uNvsoq5UZKBJ4NPoFunpsPRlESYRMm779fMil-eBFxoSRpvA/w480-h640/GHD7.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">How easy were these cute groundhog cookies? As you know, I prefer to package my decorated sugar cookies in high-quality, clear cellophane bags. Generally I use a ribbon to tie each bag, but sometimes I like the natural look of raffia. I think groundhogs would approve of the use of this natural fiber.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Happy Groundhog Day!!</p>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-33777693360003073692021-08-17T13:30:00.000-04:002021-08-17T13:30:26.235-04:00Citrus Slice Sugar Cookies<p style="text-align: justify;">Citrus slice sugar cookies are a nice way to end the summer, whether you're at home with your family or at the beach enjoying a leisurely weekend. A simple round cookie cutter is all that you need to make citrus slice sugar cookies by the dozen. Lemon slices, lime slices and orange slices are sure to entice just about anyone who sees them.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnNMIHLIvqop_W53qlei-v2hKp_JNIVNJeVXvSuLIm8ujIPU_IlqgXIFdSjcB_dkyO3RjHcyu92P_JJVlC0wh4B1m90rHtivxSlxTAkDCi9kqFhpsApEL0gVAzi8NigKU-xDfUUxy_ns/s1582/P8121357.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1582" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnNMIHLIvqop_W53qlei-v2hKp_JNIVNJeVXvSuLIm8ujIPU_IlqgXIFdSjcB_dkyO3RjHcyu92P_JJVlC0wh4B1m90rHtivxSlxTAkDCi9kqFhpsApEL0gVAzi8NigKU-xDfUUxy_ns/w640-h518/P8121357.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Citrus Slice Sugar Cookies</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After rolling out and cutting rounds of whatever size you wish, slice each cookie in half to create the citrus wedges. Bake per your recipe instructions and let them cool. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Royal icing should be made in batches and tinted in leaf green (a few drops of yellow will create a shade of lime), lemon yellow and bright orange. Leave some plain white icing to pipe the pips and the pith of the citrus slices.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4A1e6tN0Qz2Kc_W9FYgWWxs2AsH3_xm7YnxWcUv6bDO1yLUZ8tLoPrJY-HF5aEdkZbRcEemwCGFFxbrNTzOFFD0whNGQpVCYonWPE9NCzcSLj6LZGUCy94tFmxpsbF-wjjaq9XJBPKuM/s789/0-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="597" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4A1e6tN0Qz2Kc_W9FYgWWxs2AsH3_xm7YnxWcUv6bDO1yLUZ8tLoPrJY-HF5aEdkZbRcEemwCGFFxbrNTzOFFD0whNGQpVCYonWPE9NCzcSLj6LZGUCy94tFmxpsbF-wjjaq9XJBPKuM/w484-h640/0-1.jpeg" width="484" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Lemons, Limes and Oranges</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Working with flooding-consistency royal icing and #3 piping tips on all of your piping bags, outline and flood the base of a citrus slice in the color of your choice, and while the icing is wet, pipe a bead of white icing near the edge of the cookie following the arc to create the pith. Add three pips toward the bottom center. Working quickly, draw the pith downward with a clean decorator's pick or toothpick (wipe the pick on a clean towel in between each section) to create the sections of the lemons, limes and oranges. Done!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let the icing dry completely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwo9k_q_Xsrmz6ulqoeNSRfIJ_zn-y5R3gCxMZcFFNCMUthIAFzDmgMWsAoIr0YOKLt28DG54ecP1m50yqNr3YkbvrztgQJ0QEpn8DecS4U1udY2V4HuAUhG3-3Op6FZk_QGe-Di0BGY/s1085/P8121361.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1085" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwo9k_q_Xsrmz6ulqoeNSRfIJ_zn-y5R3gCxMZcFFNCMUthIAFzDmgMWsAoIr0YOKLt28DG54ecP1m50yqNr3YkbvrztgQJ0QEpn8DecS4U1udY2V4HuAUhG3-3Op6FZk_QGe-Di0BGY/w640-h528/P8121361.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Lime Slices & Lemon Slices</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you wish to flock the cookies with sanding sugar, you may do so with a fine, clear sanding sugar while the icing is still wet. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKjuNXoQHqOYARxFFOm4LK_QSvoKZX2BEEEORuudLBED_8y-C7ZvYqa9SsyqaGponSrE1e-ZzlObO75APNG8B1RCx9dvFETm7FQ_acdNIZkQl2Fe9B9xrBy76AkceVFLPwxk0ymDsrAo/s1615/P8121360.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="1615" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKjuNXoQHqOYARxFFOm4LK_QSvoKZX2BEEEORuudLBED_8y-C7ZvYqa9SsyqaGponSrE1e-ZzlObO75APNG8B1RCx9dvFETm7FQ_acdNIZkQl2Fe9B9xrBy76AkceVFLPwxk0ymDsrAo/w640-h572/P8121360.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">Citrus Slice Sugar Cookies: Lemons, Limes & Oranges</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The idea for these cookies came to me while visiting a bakery in Los Angeles a few weeks back. I was there to purchase a birthday cake for my brother and noticed a small section of iced sugar cookies. Being the cookie crafter that I am, I walked over and instantly became smitten with their citrus slice cookies. I vowed to recreate them upon returning to Pennsylvania.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Lemons, limes and oranges in the form of decorated sugar cookies. Bake them, decorate them and eat them to your heart's content. I know you're going to find them irresistible. </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-39995687243306432812021-06-01T05:50:00.002-04:002021-06-02T06:26:28.015-04:00Collectible Wirework Cooling Racks<p style="text-align: justify;">Wirework cooling racks from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century have gained in popularity in recent years due to their singular look, fine craftsmanship and visual appeal. What's more, these pieces have also appreciated in value over the past several decades due to their scarcity. Collectors will get into bidding wars if and when they come up for auction, often driving prices into the hundreds of dollars for a single piece. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">More recently, the drama series Downton Abbey, featured them periodically in the kitchen scenes (everything in the kitchen of the Downton was of the period), which fueled interest for existing collectors. Many decades before Downton, however, we had lifestyle maven Martha Stewart, using them in several of her cookbooks and throughout her very popular television shows. Collectors quickly took note! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYt9aVn5qQpCVDi47in2Hu_AcF5yxCjE0pjfnYs5bh-X4CnZhZdQ4-JHeWUDIA72PuJ11i5S-IntHR6wK93fE_6rMZ_UqBzY16aXULJrrzqTQ0AT35JuqC6ryh_mWAPoUDJxPhN1jvd8/s2023/P3131330.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2023" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYt9aVn5qQpCVDi47in2Hu_AcF5yxCjE0pjfnYs5bh-X4CnZhZdQ4-JHeWUDIA72PuJ11i5S-IntHR6wK93fE_6rMZ_UqBzY16aXULJrrzqTQ0AT35JuqC6ryh_mWAPoUDJxPhN1jvd8/w640-h486/P3131330.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Wirework and wire objects can be traced as far back as the 17th century to the region of Slovakia, where tinkers specialized in weaving laminated iron around broken pottery. These tinkers would travel from town to town with spools of thin wire, mending broken bowls, plates, jugs and other ceramics that would otherwise have been costly for farmers to replace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Centuries later, these tinkers would elevate the fine craft of weaving wire into an art form for the home. Antique catalogs of kitchenwares from the Victorian era showcase the large array of functional pieces that would have been used by cooks of the grandest homes, by the proprietors of bakeries throughout Europe, and even the housewives of middle-class homes. Objects such as salad baskets, wine bottle holders, carry-alls, birdcages, grills, cooling racks, soap holders, frying baskets, tiered egg holders, trivets, picture frames, whisks, wine bottle openers, all became popularized in the 19th century by the French. As tinkers traveled throughout Europe, so too did their craft. It is the French, however, who produced some of the best pieces that survive to this day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Much of this wirework fell out of favor in the early part of the twentieth century as manufacturers started producing sturdier, more rust proof enamelware, glassware, and stainless steel. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgagMLImoGVx7KRNl7DsK2vk0oX_wU0j0e2yLzBUQXnLknGU4LuztZM_JDhQo1F3-pih99duL3KTM5NJ3vUNjU3vFog-vgxjNk_0IXPIHDO5wTT8vuTwkznfzgn_hQSfT55hNfKewbRs/s620/daisymrspatmore.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="620" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgagMLImoGVx7KRNl7DsK2vk0oX_wU0j0e2yLzBUQXnLknGU4LuztZM_JDhQo1F3-pih99duL3KTM5NJ3vUNjU3vFog-vgxjNk_0IXPIHDO5wTT8vuTwkznfzgn_hQSfT55hNfKewbRs/w640-h400/daisymrspatmore.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downton Abbey Wirework Cooling Racks</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mrs. Beryl Patmore is seen here carefully moving some cooled off tartlets onto a serving platter for service (probably mini mincemeat pies). This is one of those wonderful cooling racks that are rectangular in shape (at a glance I would say it's a 10"x15" piece) with that lovely looped border.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5OB8X1qR3uF_8BzDuGTmFRApJhtEjWyVnBO5cUrVtF-mQfOvPHS0eqgSZTMr5CS_d1Xg6gyauwYZz4zf27F4YM6tHDvariKGrBbCAQ3l4SWdBgLlekQghbqcczDa7N6E4te3wYjq8l8/s1498/SJM-L-DACOOKBOOK-0908-02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1498" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5OB8X1qR3uF_8BzDuGTmFRApJhtEjWyVnBO5cUrVtF-mQfOvPHS0eqgSZTMr5CS_d1Xg6gyauwYZz4zf27F4YM6tHDvariKGrBbCAQ3l4SWdBgLlekQghbqcczDa7N6E4te3wYjq8l8/w640-h538/SJM-L-DACOOKBOOK-0908-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downton Abbey Wirework Cooling Racks</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Patmore and her assistant, Daisy Mason, are making an array of pastries here. Perfectly shaped eclairs resting on those cooling racks are being prepped by Mason. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS1NqaKdBGOPzeTTq4LrhAyBkUl5SvIQCJLR5wB7GxDOLqiGVw5flJ1YuyeZ-hV_kjnEfqVBmKFnByhIpFV7besaVkY43f4P8CcKck0MjTRk6bnnLdT9H6-d_8Yin0ss6LyJmg0tEQ_c/s620/Martha_Bakes_S9_Lead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="620" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS1NqaKdBGOPzeTTq4LrhAyBkUl5SvIQCJLR5wB7GxDOLqiGVw5flJ1YuyeZ-hV_kjnEfqVBmKFnByhIpFV7besaVkY43f4P8CcKck0MjTRk6bnnLdT9H6-d_8Yin0ss6LyJmg0tEQ_c/w640-h426/Martha_Bakes_S9_Lead.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martha Stewart's Wirework Racks</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Throughout her many television shows, including Martha Bakes (above), Martha Stewart has always loved using her antique wirework cooling racks. Those nut & fruit biscotti look scrumptious sitting on that rack. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Please take note that several celebrity designers have produced their own versions of the antiques. Among the most popular are those from the Martha by Mail catalog (these are highly collectible and almost as expensive as the Victorian era ones) and those made by Australian celebrity, Donna Hay (these are reasonably priced). Although the newer pieces are well constructed and a pleasure to use, they are usually heavier and are constructed from a thicker gauge of wire than their antique predecessors. There is no mistaking the newer pieces from the old ones.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XXceBeDc4_rAodArJNdoAaqErgm5IVFGsnmnwriaaxhxkuM2CqTRLUJwRl5l5h5cvpMCgGln3WeUYKA3DsW4JIamazpBNebw2VOFS75HNnsJmChWjSjRHF7a5_TJzUk7xGiBCZxpxeA/s2048/P3131338.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XXceBeDc4_rAodArJNdoAaqErgm5IVFGsnmnwriaaxhxkuM2CqTRLUJwRl5l5h5cvpMCgGln3WeUYKA3DsW4JIamazpBNebw2VOFS75HNnsJmChWjSjRHF7a5_TJzUk7xGiBCZxpxeA/w640-h480/P3131338.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The cooling racks or cooling trays developed exclusively for the Martha by Mail catalog are very substantial pieces. There is a large round with looped border and a rectangular piece with looped border. They are well constructed pieces created using the old method of weaving and twisting wire. If you ever happen to come across one or if you already own them, you will see upon close inspection that there is no soldering whatsoever on these racks. Everything is held together by woven wire. These are extremely collectible and highly sought after by collectors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Donna Hay's wire cooling racks are a pleasure to use in a busy kitchen because they are sturdy. The fine mesh pieces with looped borders can be used as serving pieces for any number of baked goods or for displaying a collection. I do love using mine. Hers aren’t as heavy as the Martha by Mail ones, but they are made to last.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jbe5f9nW44I9K2LZqItsxj0cGYhug3NrB5t-ndKAQpsEpcMSDkvBp5lcrVtf2i3sbNINxHbILUD-C8fbybu0FHw4foYWh1-PUEN3IZ1zWMt2oW6xy_-gWrSi0fRwQvsP5jqj0gWwycE/s1853/P3131327.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="1853" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jbe5f9nW44I9K2LZqItsxj0cGYhug3NrB5t-ndKAQpsEpcMSDkvBp5lcrVtf2i3sbNINxHbILUD-C8fbybu0FHw4foYWh1-PUEN3IZ1zWMt2oW6xy_-gWrSi0fRwQvsP5jqj0gWwycE/w640-h490/P3131327.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Wire Cooling Racks from the 1800s in Three Sizes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">These French "<i>tablettes à galerie</i>" were made in three different sizes. All of them have looped borders made from a single piece of wire. What distinguishes the largest of the pieces is a reinforced wire support that runs down the middle of the piece. If you look closely you will notice the finely woven wire grid where baked goods were meant to rest. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQi73lEjYvrT9baTKSwUw-JA_sZBk3iOyGxZIeDkIiTrpIiSfFiMTy9VsaSO4_9LR29SO7pZL_dZ7TbEfUaUZ-bHNCvXe1Sv6lEKTmGHjbFVF-Se5jqzeEGvMSPZLRfuAd8Gw-F8-BHs/s2048/P3131355.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQi73lEjYvrT9baTKSwUw-JA_sZBk3iOyGxZIeDkIiTrpIiSfFiMTy9VsaSO4_9LR29SO7pZL_dZ7TbEfUaUZ-bHNCvXe1Sv6lEKTmGHjbFVF-Se5jqzeEGvMSPZLRfuAd8Gw-F8-BHs/w640-h480/P3131355.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;">Tablettes à Galerie</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You can see where I've demarcated the large rack on the underside. This was added to give support to a rack filled with pastries or other baked goods. One can just imagine what something like this must have looked like in Paris during the 1800s. A cafe would have displayed their pastries on them for customers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Pieces can be found in near perfect condition, but do expect some wear on most of them. Since they are prone to rust, a bit here and there shouldn't hurt the rack's appeal or collectibility. Breaks in the wire are sometimes found, as are bent and warped borders. Whether these things are important to you, don't expect to be given a discount if the piece you find is less than perfect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq-X84-FpJkdPH-Dvd5VFkW6HZLxvG86UOzFri-2k6hwwPOX3q9nHMSIpTsQHQgBLOdtxQdLJCxTL3a5mv97MiS5xwaxPH_v44_-QBbCQbUmxufFuaUMVkU0DdNWuPyzUuYJUV7gJ3R4/s1840/P3131362.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1840" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq-X84-FpJkdPH-Dvd5VFkW6HZLxvG86UOzFri-2k6hwwPOX3q9nHMSIpTsQHQgBLOdtxQdLJCxTL3a5mv97MiS5xwaxPH_v44_-QBbCQbUmxufFuaUMVkU0DdNWuPyzUuYJUV7gJ3R4/w640-h502/P3131362.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you look closely, you will see that the looped foot in the middle is facing in the same direction as the feet which run along the length of the rack, not the width. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz3PG27dB3FJD8GQWpbJ1wR-RSBPhVC6fkg9xlWXXhvAUL65CDOjuQaLympHgu_I3Ci4szJ8P3F3nGDHV9lFEh5mvSoLOZ1z6Wpouq-Rm80Bu2iK7rzfoUI1hqntIG3F9khiPPDEoTX4/s2048/P3131339.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz3PG27dB3FJD8GQWpbJ1wR-RSBPhVC6fkg9xlWXXhvAUL65CDOjuQaLympHgu_I3Ci4szJ8P3F3nGDHV9lFEh5mvSoLOZ1z6Wpouq-Rm80Bu2iK7rzfoUI1hqntIG3F9khiPPDEoTX4/w640-h480/P3131339.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This unusual round cooling rack is a rare find. I have yet to see a similar piece out in the wild, so I am fortunate to even have it. It is large, heavy and well constructed. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKdnkoOXuXzYYEuVYIK5D1j_CLsQsYHyRUO4x3mGRmBHqjsv-hKRgh5VsGgcQ9KIBdR6jQY-kwFvvjowfQXknxh4PCaBvfGSLfQ8tW4uLh5dR1Pjk1-fB_FsYfkaTqQ00eL24yn2E9E8/s1729/P3131343.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1729" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKdnkoOXuXzYYEuVYIK5D1j_CLsQsYHyRUO4x3mGRmBHqjsv-hKRgh5VsGgcQ9KIBdR6jQY-kwFvvjowfQXknxh4PCaBvfGSLfQ8tW4uLh5dR1Pjk1-fB_FsYfkaTqQ00eL24yn2E9E8/w640-h544/P3131343.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These two particular racks are the more common forms that come up several times a year at auctions. I believe them to be from England, since so many found in the United States seem to come from there. These are the racks used in Downton Abbey and the ones that Martha likes to use in her homes and in the studio. All have fine mesh bottoms and looped borders. Where you see a difference is in the looped feet that span the length of the tray. One version has a full length of wire which forms the loops (bottom version) and another simply has looped feet. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As much as I advocate using these pieces in your home, please keep in mind that they are antiques and should be treated with care. I never wash them with soap and water, and they never, ever go in the dishwasher. If I'm going to serve something on them, I lay a vintage tea towel or I cut a length of parchment paper that can lay on top of the wire mesh. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q7d3BSve2brw61o8ClC4fp-Kjj5z6Xkw7vug-IXIPI6RzuFVsf0E6qPpl5n8UDxLrJAuAOqxoUNKlNPPAd9enfS0QCM2QJ4eXSikrn_BW9Vv0L5FC9jqWYGfrp4Xmzlsvn6ae9rfjMQ/s2048/P3131363.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9q7d3BSve2brw61o8ClC4fp-Kjj5z6Xkw7vug-IXIPI6RzuFVsf0E6qPpl5n8UDxLrJAuAOqxoUNKlNPPAd9enfS0QCM2QJ4eXSikrn_BW9Vv0L5FC9jqWYGfrp4Xmzlsvn6ae9rfjMQ/w640-h480/P3131363.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use a Brush to Clean Your Wirework</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU9MM0wSRDD21PesClQGh3LWscmQn9wHP1loHh_8CHXXX4Pio1cXVTouYbd0hEJFr_tFcM9Mlh1-5Pm1NoXEtQtp2sk0de2m5NDuvynA9brLfZCrJ2UEByt9w0w4SUkxsL70-bK6lM0c/s2048/211141E6-025C-4F72-8DED-5B83057D3A7E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiU9MM0wSRDD21PesClQGh3LWscmQn9wHP1loHh_8CHXXX4Pio1cXVTouYbd0hEJFr_tFcM9Mlh1-5Pm1NoXEtQtp2sk0de2m5NDuvynA9brLfZCrJ2UEByt9w0w4SUkxsL70-bK6lM0c/w480-h640/211141E6-025C-4F72-8DED-5B83057D3A7E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephane’s Wirework Collection </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My friend Stephane has one of the largest collections of wirework that I've ever seen. Hers are displayed in a family room, hung on a wall over a mantle. They are amazing and inspiring to say the least. </div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether you choose to display them like Stephane does or keep them on a counter or shelf to use at a moment’s notice, it's a good idea to periodically dust them. I don't like feather dusters or lambswool dusters for this because they are prone to snagging against any exposed wire. I prefer to use a clean paint brush and/or pastry brush to remove any dust. I do it often so that nothing accumulates. </div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DLB1rS21UBGyEoJGs6YOeu-2P3tbH1ab4kRLwhLNPUvD7PAdT5-7x3Iwr4TVG99aPMtMZH5f6um7TW9NpJB9_dQC0B1k0Eb80T04usHpFyBTLKmgJxfRWV7nA2mLemXJa7lRe3Pf-Zc/s2024/P3131368.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="2024" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DLB1rS21UBGyEoJGs6YOeu-2P3tbH1ab4kRLwhLNPUvD7PAdT5-7x3Iwr4TVG99aPMtMZH5f6um7TW9NpJB9_dQC0B1k0Eb80T04usHpFyBTLKmgJxfRWV7nA2mLemXJa7lRe3Pf-Zc/w640-h436/P3131368.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For further reading, I urge you to get this book called, Everyday Things Wire. It's a great book that provides you with valuable information.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2-8iJ2IoV5FvqLhMsn2it-ZBULA_Q43ZkBVsqUMkK99XOADEhn7waX6xhyphenhyphenCf4xMtP3BavL7bfTaozgApj6CQ0PTxDSRXI456HJayk6ZcbFgfcvLePss0VRsT8S2jcmmyWu6WwkJiXE0/s2048/P3131370.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2-8iJ2IoV5FvqLhMsn2it-ZBULA_Q43ZkBVsqUMkK99XOADEhn7waX6xhyphenhyphenCf4xMtP3BavL7bfTaozgApj6CQ0PTxDSRXI456HJayk6ZcbFgfcvLePss0VRsT8S2jcmmyWu6WwkJiXE0/w640-h480/P3131370.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This image from the book shows you what a catalog of wirework kitchenwares looked like in the 1800s.</div></div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkh0zjPiY1etbNPscp-65QpaYcrnLfKcTJt4ah7vrMhgJjqEQhmnN_IXLN0sBXJQ1FXdHmjIVrJOM7k3V9mT8l0WXu-hd12d8tU9LPCLYVd6aIT9muem5vLMJWjbcU4c_L_LZRrDBtas/s2014/P3131371.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="2014" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkh0zjPiY1etbNPscp-65QpaYcrnLfKcTJt4ah7vrMhgJjqEQhmnN_IXLN0sBXJQ1FXdHmjIVrJOM7k3V9mT8l0WXu-hd12d8tU9LPCLYVd6aIT9muem5vLMJWjbcU4c_L_LZRrDBtas/w640-h480/P3131371.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The French thought of everything when it came to wirework. C'est magnifique!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbQ8D6J2Xb-81w7XS-AMfmCJIxYoECYaNxdyEaWAv1VDM-sG9yhhp7KZ4IoXhkIPOhcBxYB9tbNt2aY0bCvm7_riqiogXNLstEnGp7fTKErOj86FjTDcQyfy2-iW2o_T90dMBgWxN8kc/s2027/P3131337.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="2027" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbQ8D6J2Xb-81w7XS-AMfmCJIxYoECYaNxdyEaWAv1VDM-sG9yhhp7KZ4IoXhkIPOhcBxYB9tbNt2aY0bCvm7_riqiogXNLstEnGp7fTKErOj86FjTDcQyfy2-iW2o_T90dMBgWxN8kc/w640-h400/P3131337.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Wirework cooling racks from the Victorian era and from the early part of the twentieth century may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're a baker, collector or blogger, having a rack or two like this will add old world charm to anything coming out of your kitchen. Keep an eye out for them online and at antique stores throughout the United States, England, France and Australia. I've purchased pieces from all of these countries and I can tell you that I am all the more happy to own them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Cheers!</div><br /></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-76643859008546223972021-03-13T14:22:00.000-05:002021-03-13T14:22:13.793-05:00St. Patrick's Day Cupcake Cookies<p style="text-align: justify;">Cookies in the shapes of cupcakes for St. Patrick's Day are now yours. All you need is a cupcake-shaped cookie cutter, baked & cooled cookies, and some tinted royal icing. If you happen to have green nonpareils or some shamrock candies to attach to the cookies, even better. As you probably already know, I like to keep cookie designs simple because it makes my job of creating dozens upon dozens much easier.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT2FmUeD3Cw2n4vB_zh-ScAQMxKCGIV04P7DAu8Z9GFXVsQGQr7bR1NZgyk28_tKwFRc_2P8PtHRmos6jC2XlQs4_oE23FBeXalmiTZ8I6YIwFpxGDUXPivurQ4U79jNy44EuEaWv5UU/s1719/P3071333.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1719" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT2FmUeD3Cw2n4vB_zh-ScAQMxKCGIV04P7DAu8Z9GFXVsQGQr7bR1NZgyk28_tKwFRc_2P8PtHRmos6jC2XlQs4_oE23FBeXalmiTZ8I6YIwFpxGDUXPivurQ4U79jNy44EuEaWv5UU/w640-h510/P3071333.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Set in jadeite glass boxes, an array of cookies can be displayed for your family's St. Patrick's Day dinner.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p8NDFrHandv84in_MNiovB4_aP-Bkh0nSZ9TvcDoHLIe_H_-iET7ecvbpQE36FYuqRBXsUdtJDHdukkWDbhMzQM6wqbVChEGTJlGXWCvTnd97YvtzLNi29JGOm2JGDIzn8e6i9BH27U/s1482/P3071327.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p8NDFrHandv84in_MNiovB4_aP-Bkh0nSZ9TvcDoHLIe_H_-iET7ecvbpQE36FYuqRBXsUdtJDHdukkWDbhMzQM6wqbVChEGTJlGXWCvTnd97YvtzLNi29JGOm2JGDIzn8e6i9BH27U/w626-h640/P3071327.jpeg" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St. Patrick's Day Cupcake Cookies</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The colors of the Irish flag became the inspiration for the cupcakes pictured above. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS25-gBQVY2MrFoUjg9Px2Y-1DH-fSxxWKMqly0N4HQRja6hRIPWdpZ1SWhCiiIo0wURiFIDT6vIKAD947VFA-1lT3DJHSIoBbrj3vVCI3blNUiDXDAFShDyFq8LjRFkyUrsNqJi0Kgsw/s2048/P3041320.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS25-gBQVY2MrFoUjg9Px2Y-1DH-fSxxWKMqly0N4HQRja6hRIPWdpZ1SWhCiiIo0wURiFIDT6vIKAD947VFA-1lT3DJHSIoBbrj3vVCI3blNUiDXDAFShDyFq8LjRFkyUrsNqJi0Kgsw/w640-h480/P3041320.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Icing Technique</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On a baked cookie, outline and flood the white "cupcake liner" using white royal icing and a #4 piping tip as shown. Using orange royal icing and a #3 piping tip, outline and flood the swirled section of frosting as shown. Outline and flood the section of leaf-green royal icing as shown using a #3 piping tip. Here's the trick. Let these sections dry before you pipe the white sections. This is how you create those distinct sections of royal icing on any cookie.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoCAB7sTTAGoUUUVTtA9Ka59CnxRx6Q3Ya-iMu1-IVBNxbHSGP_b1RUWE4N73JNennlIfIfd1QcPNsFgNu3EsuwA7G5aO8OdDGxpDSn8pRCcCDyPpcpdoFA748drVLtJ26Q5pcHpbJAM/s2048/P3071342.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoCAB7sTTAGoUUUVTtA9Ka59CnxRx6Q3Ya-iMu1-IVBNxbHSGP_b1RUWE4N73JNennlIfIfd1QcPNsFgNu3EsuwA7G5aO8OdDGxpDSn8pRCcCDyPpcpdoFA748drVLtJ26Q5pcHpbJAM/w640-h480/P3071342.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookies in Jadeite</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When you pipe the sections of white icing on the cookie, carefully attach a shamrock candy at the tops of the cupcakes, and then pipe lines for the fluted sections of the paper cup liners. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FXDeQIBUzwMGK_tkcSuaCSrkRiEizLqghFw1Z6q6x4t0iDsBrVLcBII0oX7HjscPxVcH7v0W1PywoqHkSaHu5SLYtCC4d2XHvo8IwlyZ8pgqc05Q0W3QruE3W9RX4GU3rCOMBF5NLqI/s2048/P3071344.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FXDeQIBUzwMGK_tkcSuaCSrkRiEizLqghFw1Z6q6x4t0iDsBrVLcBII0oX7HjscPxVcH7v0W1PywoqHkSaHu5SLYtCC4d2XHvo8IwlyZ8pgqc05Q0W3QruE3W9RX4GU3rCOMBF5NLqI/w640-h480/P3071344.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you wish, you can sprinkle green nonpareil candies on the white sections to create a different look. The cupcake liners can be varied in color or design according to taste. I like the jadeite green ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUm5ESMFXeTIiH2DP25D8pSeL4aVJmLQRNne9HLCoYZTFmHKA4uarDkbYPH8LAvpifKfx82x6DR68wOcGCYfaI_Rk2eg5dwmDJT-eKp3xSFBV1CTkphN0oc1ac8tWcHr4aqBdDtgsLOQ/s2048/P3071347.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUm5ESMFXeTIiH2DP25D8pSeL4aVJmLQRNne9HLCoYZTFmHKA4uarDkbYPH8LAvpifKfx82x6DR68wOcGCYfaI_Rk2eg5dwmDJT-eKp3xSFBV1CTkphN0oc1ac8tWcHr4aqBdDtgsLOQ/w640-h480/P3071347.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some cookies were given green and white swirls of icing. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2xpr8uiD3p7mob_dDVsF-YrRCcqMTjSzltTSDeh3gTaXskAkov7Tqe7dbbr_-6tkYCfdS6jyAjDoJTeqnDd9sr-QGUCPyHaDEZsborX4eahYc-qonxuEulcJPLV857xZRca-BBUChQo/s2026/P2281315.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="2026" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2xpr8uiD3p7mob_dDVsF-YrRCcqMTjSzltTSDeh3gTaXskAkov7Tqe7dbbr_-6tkYCfdS6jyAjDoJTeqnDd9sr-QGUCPyHaDEZsborX4eahYc-qonxuEulcJPLV857xZRca-BBUChQo/w640-h442/P2281315.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leprechaun Sugar Cookies</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">If you haven't figured it out, the cupcake cookie cutter can also be used to make these leprechaun cookies. Simply flip the cookie upside down and decorate the adorable face of this leprechaun as shown. I made them last year, but failed to add noses to them. This year small beads of ivory-colored icing were piped onto the faces with great success. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even if you don't have any time to make St. Patrick's Day cookies this year, bookmark this page for future use. Make sure that each cookie is colorful, tasty and packaged in a clear cellophane bag for gift giving. Whether you choose to tie the bag with a green ribbon, a rainbow ribbon or one with shamrocks on it, the little treats are going to be devoured by kids and adults.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Happy St. Patrick's Day!</p>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-60425992399693292902021-02-07T14:28:00.004-05:002021-02-07T14:28:44.888-05:00Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies<p style="text-align: justify;">Conversation heart candies have been a part of Valentine's Day for as long as we can remember. As a kid I used to love giving them out to my classmates every single February 14th, and because I had a sweet tooth, I couldn't wait to devour mine as soon as we emptied our Valentine baskets in class. It's been decades since I've eaten a conversation heart candy, but it's been only a few hours since I created my very own in cookie form.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD08KhjxmYqE89TZB379IHRP1_ZYa4a2hf-D-cZHtb6ickcA-wSUJJui9A-q-YymHuAtxQvQymhyphenhyphenuXPBdPra8OJk7yHIwkkhWNs6RbfR38BzZw22uz_sXQ2PCSS9h_V6lJcgwTkiQQS0/s1623/P2071316.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1623" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD08KhjxmYqE89TZB379IHRP1_ZYa4a2hf-D-cZHtb6ickcA-wSUJJui9A-q-YymHuAtxQvQymhyphenhyphenuXPBdPra8OJk7yHIwkkhWNs6RbfR38BzZw22uz_sXQ2PCSS9h_V6lJcgwTkiQQS0/w640-h460/P2071316.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sugar Cookies on Wedgwood Queen's Ware & Platinum Scroll</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">For purists who will tell me that these are not true conversation heart colors, it is true, they are not. I departed from the original pastel hues of the diminutive sweets because I wanted bright reds and pinks for the cookies, and the lettering was done in pure white icing using either all-caps, lower case or cursive. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF4AQZ_3AxpQLBDcZgjVZtrZORQCCXKbBVfAHm_xcj56stdgvZvhtErJMOU8OyVPkwB5sxyFjS9GJkiMOedsH5JClwRBgyuyNn3LsZnBKRtjzDaTlWjNZNQeAHfsslvfMYznrbKP2Ai4/s1993/P2071328.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1993" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF4AQZ_3AxpQLBDcZgjVZtrZORQCCXKbBVfAHm_xcj56stdgvZvhtErJMOU8OyVPkwB5sxyFjS9GJkiMOedsH5JClwRBgyuyNn3LsZnBKRtjzDaTlWjNZNQeAHfsslvfMYznrbKP2Ai4/w640-h494/P2071328.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Luv U & Be Mine</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Keeping the phrases to a simple few words, I made several dozen of these conversation heart sugar cookies just in time for Valentine's Day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSakCv9AfowQtxQ9izb8KvxYR7k8ZPvZ5dy2s3JV2-Bbf7mMzHmA0ySdEx7iCppyy6FvYJ2Y0YXwgbZW8BGFeTFrMS5kW1Mhw1fhbNvXWuuQ703wWvjfSGK7xFJ_IvGLiY-LEn45K3wqs/s1739/P2071332.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="1739" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSakCv9AfowQtxQ9izb8KvxYR7k8ZPvZ5dy2s3JV2-Bbf7mMzHmA0ySdEx7iCppyy6FvYJ2Y0YXwgbZW8BGFeTFrMS5kW1Mhw1fhbNvXWuuQ703wWvjfSGK7xFJ_IvGLiY-LEn45K3wqs/w640-h536/P2071332.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Conversation Heart & Swiss Dot Cookies</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As one who likes to keep things simple, I outlined and flooded cookies in three colors: Chefmaster "Super Red", Chefmaster "Fuchsia" and Americolor "Electric Pink". I love 'electric pink' because it gives that deep bubble-gum pink that is so desirable this time of year. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP_ZsfkrELDB9Roonq2nWIJYtnpqbECgt4SXv4JvNeTDyWqyolmYe8P9oK75d508fur_3tgHiGlJtmxA5c2m5cGxp-l1hl1YT9uKEn8lU7vVZjvixZq1KNK72nx5UCKH8axCQe_eRipg/s1786/P2071309.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1786" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP_ZsfkrELDB9Roonq2nWIJYtnpqbECgt4SXv4JvNeTDyWqyolmYe8P9oK75d508fur_3tgHiGlJtmxA5c2m5cGxp-l1hl1YT9uKEn8lU7vVZjvixZq1KNK72nx5UCKH8axCQe_eRipg/w640-h498/P2071309.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tell someone you love them.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Once the royal icing base has completely dried, pipe the phrases you wish to convey to your loved ones in cursive, all-caps or in lower case. If you're unsure about what you want to write and how you want to do it, I suggest practicing on a cookie sheet before doing so. Check the consistency of your icing so that it holds its shape and flows through the tube properly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6DU3v6eYDRzMyLt9Wsv_EWmONz2Ih8TLxbPpfSdhI5vxHG8T1AfcLOXCH74f3zr7tNTicGn5rTcimDjtGBtdCxVKsVX8ew1Hppw6RcUNrDqnVK5HDV0rM0OTIHQLPo6gZivUftAnYtM/s2048/P2071320.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6DU3v6eYDRzMyLt9Wsv_EWmONz2Ih8TLxbPpfSdhI5vxHG8T1AfcLOXCH74f3zr7tNTicGn5rTcimDjtGBtdCxVKsVX8ew1Hppw6RcUNrDqnVK5HDV0rM0OTIHQLPo6gZivUftAnYtM/w640-h480/P2071320.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Conversation heart phrases can be cute and classic, they can be a bit suggestive and randy, or they can be shortened into text form. Although I didn't photograph every single cookie this time around, here are some of the things I wrote:<div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>LUV U</li><li>I LOVE YOU</li><li>CUTIE</li><li>CUTIE PIE</li><li>BE MINE</li><li>MY LOVE</li><li>SWEETIE</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPVYhAjEAphwgBB_EJRwRNcMuJUPS4IOMmrBZpozKr4KqwQI7CLK78gK8cQL5P7ccCr261vHyvPuTz0Ikbi0dkaTTeuEzt38Rmo5-ZSuEjsLGtYTWu0vTIRaYSDxfKcwKuFXg-6Ph36s/s1956/P2071336.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="1956" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPVYhAjEAphwgBB_EJRwRNcMuJUPS4IOMmrBZpozKr4KqwQI7CLK78gK8cQL5P7ccCr261vHyvPuTz0Ikbi0dkaTTeuEzt38Rmo5-ZSuEjsLGtYTWu0vTIRaYSDxfKcwKuFXg-6Ph36s/w640-h448/P2071336.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">An updated and contemporary take on conversation hearts a la Good Things by David can easily be done by beginner and professional cookie crafters. Be patient with writing on cookies because it can be intimidating at first. As long as the icing base is completely dry on the cookie, the consistency of the icing in your piping bag or bottle is correct, and you have a steady hand (people who have seen me decorate firsthand have said that I have the steadiness of a surgeon; I beg to differ), piping your conversations will be accomplished effortlessly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></i></p></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-30348144348996146682021-01-31T14:28:00.000-05:002021-01-31T14:28:04.712-05:00Valentine's Day Envelope Cookies<p style="text-align: justify;">You can surprise your sweetheart with a few envelope-shaped sugar cookies this Valentine's Day if you plan a few days in advance. Even if you don't have a cookie cutter in this shape (I don't), you can still create a few of these cute edibles. Very simple and easily accomplished by anyone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvDLddCsDFb0_2DDVRIK4GJg6M3XU2vjePbWiJPGnHA76iBZFiHOIGYkYAdy4GH_No_GIswwoPnC5K8CN4sKHPf-5sjeUWTuPrOkal5VQFdlRxtmCXYHvPOpCX9U04XH0kVOq2El3LVE/s1991/P1311279.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1991" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvDLddCsDFb0_2DDVRIK4GJg6M3XU2vjePbWiJPGnHA76iBZFiHOIGYkYAdy4GH_No_GIswwoPnC5K8CN4sKHPf-5sjeUWTuPrOkal5VQFdlRxtmCXYHvPOpCX9U04XH0kVOq2El3LVE/w640-h464/P1311279.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Valentine's Day hearts above, are ones that I've created in the past. They are customer favorites, so I make dozens upon dozens of them every single year. Those are easy to make too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the envelopes, cut out as many cookie dough squares as you can, and then slice off the top two corners of each square to create the shape of the envelope right before baking. That's all there is to it! If you have a house-shaped cookie cutter, you can try using that for the envelopes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the royal icing colors: mix Chefmaster 'Super Red' until you get the desired shade of red. For the pink, mix a couple of drops of Chefmaster 'Fuchsia' until you get a light pink (use this sparingly to achieve a soft pink color). The third color is pure white; leave the royal icing as is.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23yJE0X81v_5hfxPJGRH-GStgW7yC1y6R7qtZPZE3oiCAhOdWWf3reuR-hipIsg7Ok_LYvAXY2YX76dqLFP4Lyl7Djwwp1KvW4AIoADZnczwfgxytLhZdRiVDecfTBnQBfR03ytJ88X0/s2048/P1311281.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23yJE0X81v_5hfxPJGRH-GStgW7yC1y6R7qtZPZE3oiCAhOdWWf3reuR-hipIsg7Ok_LYvAXY2YX76dqLFP4Lyl7Djwwp1KvW4AIoADZnczwfgxytLhZdRiVDecfTBnQBfR03ytJ88X0/w640-h480/P1311281.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Valentine's Day Envelope Cookie: Outline and flood the base of the cookie using a #4 piping tip and white royal icing; let dry completely. It's important to let the base dry thoroughly or your red and pink royal icings will bleed if you pipe them onto a damp base. Using a #2 piping tip and red royal icing, pipe a heart in the center, toward the top of the envelope flap. If you have heart-shaped candies, attach them with royal icing. Using a #2 piping tip and pink royal icing, pipe a bead of icing outlining the folds of the envelope as shown. You can design a cookie with pink hearts and red-lined envelopes if you switch out the colors. If you want to write a message with food coloring pens or pipe the recipient's name on the bottom of the envelope with royal icing, you may do so. Let the entire cookie dry completely before packaging.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rAeSObCUPDT7xF8-4zfuKASaQXGf782YRASzmQkp3t67915_6BPi6oREB84u6gzXsegoG6C6piAS6Wh4SIs2Jbuqupee3Hohg14ph0TiVosIVrHcdIQhQ1EjxAcshVtPk3ucYJyB1fk/s2048/P1311284.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rAeSObCUPDT7xF8-4zfuKASaQXGf782YRASzmQkp3t67915_6BPi6oREB84u6gzXsegoG6C6piAS6Wh4SIs2Jbuqupee3Hohg14ph0TiVosIVrHcdIQhQ1EjxAcshVtPk3ucYJyB1fk/w640-h466/P1311284.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Didn't I say these were easy? Make as many of these as possible for your loved ones this Valentine's Day. Place each cookie in a clear cellophane bag and tie it with a bright red, pink or white ribbon. Rather than mailing them to locals, drop off care packages at people's homes to make them feel special and loved. Think of your parents, grandparents, extended family members or even coworkers. Don't forget to make at least one or two of these for your husband, wife or partner. They're going to love you for it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Happy Valentine's Day!</p></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-60480896755346544762020-11-30T15:18:00.002-05:002020-11-30T15:18:24.363-05:00Christmas Wreaths, Snowflakes and Snowmen<p style="text-align: justify;">If you're looking for some Christmas cookies that are very much of the holiday, but are also holiday neutral images, look no further. Wreaths, snowflakes and snowmen can be made for any winter occasion. They can be given as gifts to friends, family and neighbors no matter their religion, and they can be shipped anywhere in the country or across the pond if they're made thick enough and packed well. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGAa9vv9wKk1GkZ4eyI1zWT9tjtDi1O0n-TJ6H3iAAxgiS4eXqOjP1vgeBtPA0z9vnmPZBBBqkEu6Rkt89JjwFqm2DhDoKe1ca8ci8FeN5cVxmrdqzzK54DB0dxd5OH1KGaJW8kD0mEg/s1953/PB291217.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1953" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGAa9vv9wKk1GkZ4eyI1zWT9tjtDi1O0n-TJ6H3iAAxgiS4eXqOjP1vgeBtPA0z9vnmPZBBBqkEu6Rkt89JjwFqm2DhDoKe1ca8ci8FeN5cVxmrdqzzK54DB0dxd5OH1KGaJW8kD0mEg/w640-h426/PB291217.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holiday Sugar Cookies</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Can you believe that I don't actually own a wreath cookie cutter? How utterly embarrassing, I know. This, by no means, should prevent one from cutting out beautiful wreaths as long as there are fluted rounds and/or plain round cookie cutters on hand. These are a must for any baker of any baking skill level. The snowflakes and snowmen cookies do require you to have cutters in those shapes, but they can be found just about anywhere baking supplies are sold. Online is best these days!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbANZaZBXd_qFC8r_8QJUFgAIgpXjLrtgNgr4UJk7XMarupYmY0wk9fH2UrIyEiv03EhhVxp1mXcSPcQrawlRz8HQeboT5BtP6eWSUCvQ5rqQi4Es5VW58aRiOxSw_Fq5W4t3do6mMKQ/s1568/PB291200.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1568" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbANZaZBXd_qFC8r_8QJUFgAIgpXjLrtgNgr4UJk7XMarupYmY0wk9fH2UrIyEiv03EhhVxp1mXcSPcQrawlRz8HQeboT5BtP6eWSUCvQ5rqQi4Es5VW58aRiOxSw_Fq5W4t3do6mMKQ/w640-h588/PB291200.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas Wreath and Snowflake Sugar Cookies on Wedgwood</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The wreath is my favorite of the bunch. For this particular shape, use a fluted round cutter to cut out the large shape, and then use a smaller plain round cutter to remove the center of each cookie. Bake and cool.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wreaths</b>: Outline and flood the wreaths in royal icing that has been tinted with leaf green and avocado green food coloring, using a #3 piping tip. While the icing is wet, use any number of nonpareils, drageés, pearl candies or whatever you wish to put on the Christmas wreaths. Let dry completely. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Snowflakes</b>: Outline and flood baked snowflakes in white royal icing using a #3 piping tip. Let dry completely. Using a #2 piping tip and white royal icing, pipe the snowflake details as shown, changing it somewhat from snowflake to snowflake so that each one has a unique twist to it. Let dry completely.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Snowmen</b>: Outline and flood the hats of the snowmen in black royal icing using a #2 piping tip; let dry. Using a #3 piping tip, outline and flood the body of the snowman in white royal icing. While the icing is wet, pipe black dots for eyes and a smile, as shown. Pipe a "carrot nose" using orange tinted royal icing. Pipe red and/or green dots along the torso of the snowman. Let the icing dry. Using a #1 piping tip and black royal icing, pipe the arms of the snowman as shown. If you want to gild the lily, you can pipe a scarf on the little guy and even a wrapped present in between his "hands". It's up to you!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6-Zpfx1tsavAXbKc5LcLqjvoP4QAADw9_LBVJLUOgUpQe_xwqRSMwM76Yrse7ehTiKtiYEiLMDB3hXUetxpzZgETKZ4Nv-DETxcPs5R6sxPdMbYImVW0m_AqefeanIsrf6ut4snJMa0/s2009/PB291209.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2009" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6-Zpfx1tsavAXbKc5LcLqjvoP4QAADw9_LBVJLUOgUpQe_xwqRSMwM76Yrse7ehTiKtiYEiLMDB3hXUetxpzZgETKZ4Nv-DETxcPs5R6sxPdMbYImVW0m_AqefeanIsrf6ut4snJMa0/w640-h490/PB291209.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Snowflakes, Wreaths and Snowmen</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many of us are looking forward to the holidays this year, even if they are somewhat different than in years past. I was told by my family that my niece and nephews were excited about Christmas coming up, but they mentioned that there was one thing they weren't going to like. They said Uncle David was going to be missing for the first time ever this Christmas. I can't tell you how sad I felt and how heartbroken I spent the weekend knowing they are already feeling this way. There's nothing in the world I would want more than to spend the holidays and the new year with them as I have been doing for their whole lives. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We'll get together soon, my little ones. Uncle thinks about you every single day and is happy that you are doing well and are healthy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Happy Holidays!</i></span></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-9709189560288415752020-11-26T08:46:00.002-05:002020-11-26T10:44:58.086-05:00Thanksgiving 2020<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq064PDUQLbUYIpFZBgmGx-BWZya7yCO93TZ0KJEYBbNOhfiYHt2v_LMR8PTgKaKKrGzrMVtJHzr8Tf7CDZFkYTVC-jScby_Iz98SQ1wfv4h7osEqpsdwdW6DGZ6a3ZEFOK_H_8pDFtw/s621/PB101173.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="621" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq064PDUQLbUYIpFZBgmGx-BWZya7yCO93TZ0KJEYBbNOhfiYHt2v_LMR8PTgKaKKrGzrMVtJHzr8Tf7CDZFkYTVC-jScby_Iz98SQ1wfv4h7osEqpsdwdW6DGZ6a3ZEFOK_H_8pDFtw/w640-h496/PB101173.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's Thanksgiving, a day to be thankful for what we have. I have my health, as does my husband. Our baby cat is healthy and happy. The house is warm and our plates are never empty. Mom, dad, my brothers, sisters-in-law, my niece and nephews are all healthy (they're celebrating the holidays responsibly). Every day I am thankful for this. My family are never taken for granted. </p><p><br /></p><p>Peace and love to you and your cherished ones.</p><p>Happy Thanksgiving, </p><p>David</p>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-32122786750428208822020-11-05T15:23:00.003-05:002020-11-05T15:23:42.763-05:00Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies<p style="text-align: justify;">This year's Thanksgiving will undoubtedly be different in many ways for everyone. Small gatherings of immediate family members that live in one's household only is what we should be doing. Let us follow proper guidelines now so that we can gather with our loved ones to celebrate many more holidays in the future. I want everyone to be safe and healthy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKsYTgcWxEEQIK36cL-nLrQReJOjoisjJMGJ-TvI24HvXpOUISS2Trd87io8DfUD0riJUJXQ7yi9Rm_6a7pCfDo6C77QhRF-xDol0bmKlbpRS5nit4D2QnWZd4W7NsW3FrB7zzm9PyEw/s1639/PB021125.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1639" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKsYTgcWxEEQIK36cL-nLrQReJOjoisjJMGJ-TvI24HvXpOUISS2Trd87io8DfUD0riJUJXQ7yi9Rm_6a7pCfDo6C77QhRF-xDol0bmKlbpRS5nit4D2QnWZd4W7NsW3FrB7zzm9PyEw/w640-h600/PB021125.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies<br /></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Sitting here on this L.E. Smith Caramel Glass cake stand is a set of Thanksgiving-themed sugar cookies that are absolutely easy to make. No intricate designs that require skill. Perfectly baked sugar cookies, a bit of tinted royal icing, a few tools to help you along, and you're good to go! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Make a small batch of sugar cookies in the shapes of turkeys, acorns, adorable foxes and some apples to have at the dessert table for your family. Get the kids involved and have them personalize turkeys with the names or initials of those who will be sitting for the feast at the end of the month. If you want to be generous, make extra treats for good neighbors, friends and other relatives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3H-UCEK0liYvTeWDphPBAJHimDn7GDfn7LZ465fi1pV8AxbVyfQIHK3mPctTy4ip1V9fv6AbANo9VGNlfITrr38sFAYwJfcJlTHluIzIUt5lfjneahjjEnfdmdKtSKNHGOXl5O1a-8E/s1708/PB021138.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1708" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3H-UCEK0liYvTeWDphPBAJHimDn7GDfn7LZ465fi1pV8AxbVyfQIHK3mPctTy4ip1V9fv6AbANo9VGNlfITrr38sFAYwJfcJlTHluIzIUt5lfjneahjjEnfdmdKtSKNHGOXl5O1a-8E/w640-h408/PB021138.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sugar Cookies on Spode and L.E. Smith Glass</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">All of the inexpensive cookie cutters such as the apple, turkey and that adorable mother & baby fox can be found online.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX6xh1L_iH5nLpKCDRuP7kzp2gP1diPTEC-nTgZCBm30_QFg7EFhnGgR1A7nKnjrFWBlL0fY0fUwijuDnFyq7XwNs3xcNdS39gWIcMaw1Vxioc_NcU8f-0aQvK-99rHVT6Gix4UWAzyw/s1280/PB021140.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1280" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX6xh1L_iH5nLpKCDRuP7kzp2gP1diPTEC-nTgZCBm30_QFg7EFhnGgR1A7nKnjrFWBlL0fY0fUwijuDnFyq7XwNs3xcNdS39gWIcMaw1Vxioc_NcU8f-0aQvK-99rHVT6Gix4UWAzyw/w640-h636/PB021140.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Acorn Sugar Cookies<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Do you remember those Acorn Sugar Cookies I made for a dear neighbor last year? Well, they were made once again and I took the liberty of sprinkling the larger of the set with some fall-leaf candies by Wilton. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Outline and flood the body of the acorn using a #3 piping tip in chocolate brown royal icing. For the smaller cookies, I flocked these areas in clear sanding sugar, and the larger ones were sprinkled with the candies while the icing was still wet. The caps were outlined and flooded with a #2 piping tip in a different color (I liked orange, lemon yellow and green). For the larger acorns, the caps can be flocked with clear sanding sugar. Leave the cookies to dry completely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUe4ie5gMDLPtBGzwu1o7YyS3ThSK903-DYc8S7x3kVfRu6pkHtOCiudnHCEDJ_4lww_76ptTiLhKrpaVkh4Y6_ZrWGQ5u4X8i0YMXJOVGmLJUvi7U0PBeCIwpkyUMVNje-E2QH22wcQ/s1650/PB021142.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1650" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUe4ie5gMDLPtBGzwu1o7YyS3ThSK903-DYc8S7x3kVfRu6pkHtOCiudnHCEDJ_4lww_76ptTiLhKrpaVkh4Y6_ZrWGQ5u4X8i0YMXJOVGmLJUvi7U0PBeCIwpkyUMVNje-E2QH22wcQ/w640-h492/PB021142.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turkey Sugar Cookie on Spode Sorrento</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">One of my favorite designs this year is this plump turkey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Outline and flood the body of the turkey, as shown, using a #3 piping tip and some chocolate brown royal icing. Let it set. Using a #2 piping tip and bright orange royal icing, pipe a bead of icing along the outer edge of the turkey feathers following the scalloped pattern. Immediately pipe a bead of icing with a #2 piping tip in lemon yellow royal icing following the same scalloped pattern. Using red-red royal icing, and a #2 piping tip, pipe a scalloped bead of icing next to the yellow. With the bright orange royal icing, immediately fill in the rest of the feather area along the sides of the turkey's body. Using a scriber tool or a cake decorating pick, drag the wet icing along the scallops toward the turkey as shown. Let the entire cookie dry completely before continuing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Pipe a Pilgrim's hat on the turkey using a #2 piping tip and kelly-green royal icing. Using white royal icing and a #1 piping tip, add dots for eyes and a small upside down triangle for the beak. Using red royal icing and a #1 piping tip, add the turkey wattle. Using the chocolate brown royal icing and a #2 piping tip, add dots on the turkey's belly. Let dry completely. Done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfa1r8_nqEep3-f-9y9NRtX-J3qhRKM_l59H9Zk68LSiW4N5aFgVFsSNQ9HpTLqDtRvgGMTKJOQOLPLdOzZBNTxN6qQfl3tY1Ry_mvz8oPeIExvq8GqhJegdm8Fz-CYilR6UYue6xvAs/s1783/PB021143.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1783" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfa1r8_nqEep3-f-9y9NRtX-J3qhRKM_l59H9Zk68LSiW4N5aFgVFsSNQ9HpTLqDtRvgGMTKJOQOLPLdOzZBNTxN6qQfl3tY1Ry_mvz8oPeIExvq8GqhJegdm8Fz-CYilR6UYue6xvAs/w640-h548/PB021143.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Apple Sugar Cookie</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Who can resist this delicious apple? I used a Sweet Sugarbelle cookie cutter for this treat, and I have to say that I'm impressed. Thanks Sweet Sugarbelle!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Outline and flood the apple using a #3 piping tip and red-red royal icing. While the icing is wet, add the white dot and curved line to create the apple's "shine". Using chocolate brown royal icing and a #2 piping tip, add the apple's stem. With kelly-green royal icing and a #2 piping tip, outline and flood the leaf of the apple. You can leave it to dry completely and then add a bead of icing to break up the leaf down the middle, as shown.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIWfWSLx94PblR4YULyLdclQFlrYSWgM_4LlIkTSExahFv1dfP0h04M5loZkx1mBP-KKHZ-ob7j94zvMcym3rJ1YJel9_lFScUBpMI9SeoGjjHWmMRUQl7xmIL35iQdQ0QbDYvEmOxos/s1661/PB021146.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1661" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIWfWSLx94PblR4YULyLdclQFlrYSWgM_4LlIkTSExahFv1dfP0h04M5loZkx1mBP-KKHZ-ob7j94zvMcym3rJ1YJel9_lFScUBpMI9SeoGjjHWmMRUQl7xmIL35iQdQ0QbDYvEmOxos/w640-h566/PB021146.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mother and Baby Fox Sugar Cookie</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This mother fox and baby is a nod to Sweet DaniB. She loves(!!!) to add hearts to her animal cookies, creatures and other creations, so I decided to do the same for the charming pair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In order to create a cookie with clearly defined body areas like I have done, you're going to have to do alternating sections of the cookie and let them dry completely before piping anything next to it. This will allow your cookies to have that nice line/break in the icing between sections.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Using bright orange royal icing and a #2 piping tip, outline and flood the mother fox's head, the baby's head, and the tail portions of the cookie. You can then pipe the whites of the eye sections and add either a black candy for each pupil or a dot of royal icing. Let dry. Outline and flood the rest of the areas, adding hearts on the bodies of the baby and the mother. Don't forget to add a dot of icing for the nose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKQ4CZ6gv6X7h8wFVrb8fbwSPoS4tWAmxFu9n_6g05OlwJQehHljlaf1hOj2czbTL5BJ_PNBR-Yrh7wu1i9h059LihMJTWvPMz7fEXN7Hvm_R5ebdZloxZjCvW-_LFznq0v9dVK7wV7s/s1825/PB021153.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1825" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKQ4CZ6gv6X7h8wFVrb8fbwSPoS4tWAmxFu9n_6g05OlwJQehHljlaf1hOj2czbTL5BJ_PNBR-Yrh7wu1i9h059LihMJTWvPMz7fEXN7Hvm_R5ebdZloxZjCvW-_LFznq0v9dVK7wV7s/w640-h444/PB021153.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Martha by Mail Caramel Glass Cake Stand</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The piping may take a little bit of practice to give them a professional look, but all of the cookie designs are within reach of a beginner decorator/crafter. Can't you imagine those turkeys at each place setting this Thanksgiving sitting on top of your Spode or Wedgwood? A small tray of apples, acorns and foxes at the dessert table will tempt those individuals who may not want to eat pie this year. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope that my post prompts you to turn off the television and put down the newspaper (leave the unpleasantness for another day). Gather your baking ingredients, your cookie decorating tools and start decorating. In no time you will see how calming it is to create a bit of cookie magic for yourself and for those around you. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>Our Thanksgiving holiday may not be what we imagined it would be this year, but let us not forget to be thankful. There is always something to be thankful for every day. </div></div><p></p>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-44867889205768431742020-09-19T15:09:00.001-04:002020-09-19T15:09:20.489-04:00Vintage Cream and Green Enamelware Canisters<p style="text-align: justify;">My wonderful cream and green enamelware canisters from the early 1930s deserve to be recorded and displayed as reference for every collector out there. What I try to do here on the blog is not only share ideas and creations, but I also hope to guide people in the right direction with correct information about a particular subject. Nothing is more frustrating than doing an online search and coming up empty about the things I like to collect. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">After opening a dialogue with several individuals here and abroad, I came to realize that no one had really written about the canisters that I love having in my colonial home. Little did I know when I was able to acquire these, that it would lead to a new bounty of information about a particular company specializing in steel objects for the home. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vC0sIQIC5m1iCf95S1apvpw6U954mAluSfkifSgQnpNjUHEEOaMWVwOhCpRtwVGzTRAA6adY0t2hHgUGyJiRstUBhELhXXlroNayhWJItdbmWGnksOb_slCMxma9NNHGeQRWYckGAtw/s1995/P9161070.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1995" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vC0sIQIC5m1iCf95S1apvpw6U954mAluSfkifSgQnpNjUHEEOaMWVwOhCpRtwVGzTRAA6adY0t2hHgUGyJiRstUBhELhXXlroNayhWJItdbmWGnksOb_slCMxma9NNHGeQRWYckGAtw/w640-h468/P9161070.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vintage Cream & Green Enamelware Canisters</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you were to quickly glance at these cream and green enamelware canisters sitting on my large kitchen island, you might think that they were early twentieth century American. Not so!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 'Sago' canister provides you the clue as to their country origin. Sago is essentially tapioca. Although not a staple here in the United States or in England, sago has been commonly used in Australia as a breakfast item (think porridge). If I were to guess, I'd say that this was influenced by Australia's close proximity to southeast Asia. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp4_g_zcMlE0l7QNnlHAE8auYap_N1WwUaHc8RkyRTVDYq1dJzqsz4umcqcS0QY8AGpfxsaCr9F8oa6ctun11eIJV6CrOGgoRn0RZBs1X7A9foTdb4ZAWkrfCZrPsS1pJGocXLcIg9mo/s512/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="338" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp4_g_zcMlE0l7QNnlHAE8auYap_N1WwUaHc8RkyRTVDYq1dJzqsz4umcqcS0QY8AGpfxsaCr9F8oa6ctun11eIJV6CrOGgoRn0RZBs1X7A9foTdb4ZAWkrfCZrPsS1pJGocXLcIg9mo/w422-h640/unnamed.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Metters & Company or Metters Limited of Australia is responsible for these beautiful canisters made in the early part of the 1930s. The foundry produced stoves, cooking & heating equipment, in addition to cookware and kitchenalia made to coordinate with its appliances. Based out of Perth, Adelaide and Sydney, most Australian households had access to mass produced cooking equipment for homes in the larger cities and in the bush. This wonderful advertisement (above) shows a cream and green gas stove that more than likely was meant to pair with my canisters. Imagine how charming that kitchen must have looked!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0wri7jDs0qQ_8L8yCXAhul65LvQv3jvKc3qNM-axuNwK09c9fS1g3ZL6AZFnUEVZzvd5LryBiKTEKFyUS1FmrDeu_gmOC1g1a2P0lB5mU8jtXiHFi8ktMWCy45dQWlW2lsSfM1EaXTg/s2048/P9161057.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0wri7jDs0qQ_8L8yCXAhul65LvQv3jvKc3qNM-axuNwK09c9fS1g3ZL6AZFnUEVZzvd5LryBiKTEKFyUS1FmrDeu_gmOC1g1a2P0lB5mU8jtXiHFi8ktMWCy45dQWlW2lsSfM1EaXTg/w640-h480/P9161057.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vintage Metters Australia Enamelware</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Each of these porcelain enamelware canisters was made from a base of milled steel, stamped out by machine in their various forms. The canisters and lids would have then been cleaned, degreased, pickled (this etches the surface of the steel to help the porcelain enamel adhere before firing) and then rinsed. The porcelain enamel base (frit), in this case colored cream and green, would have been applied to the base by either the wet or dry method. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The wet method involves dipping the vessel in a solution, flow coating, or spray gunning. The dry method requires the vessel to be heated to a certain temperature and is then rolled around in powdered frit (porcelain enamel), which cause the porcelain enamel to adhere and melt on contact.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">After this procedure, the pieces then get fired in large furnaces that are set between 986</span><strong style="text-align: center;"> ° </strong><span style="text-align: justify;">F to 1400</span><strong style="text-align: center;"> ° </strong><span style="text-align: justify;">F so that the finish becomes a continous, permanent layer. </span></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOteud90wTrk1ccIldfEZHRaupYHYhBemwnmffkkav_5jr7lIK4zwU_SJqADpz4wHTHVpUJi5jupvzkeP033XkH_DxfvoKcN1caGG-XO_GgL9cmE-E8MSAFgAZYZ8h4YI-TFVIN3HerQA/s2048/P9171043.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOteud90wTrk1ccIldfEZHRaupYHYhBemwnmffkkav_5jr7lIK4zwU_SJqADpz4wHTHVpUJi5jupvzkeP033XkH_DxfvoKcN1caGG-XO_GgL9cmE-E8MSAFgAZYZ8h4YI-TFVIN3HerQA/w640-h480/P9171043.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cream Green Enamelware, Fire King Jadeite, Green Bakelite Flatware</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether you have jadeite from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, colorful bakelite from the mid century, other enamelware from the 1930s or various kitchenalia meant to have been used during that era, then you understand how well they look with one another. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can just imagine how house proud the housewife and family who owned these canisters must have been. The fact that they are almost 100 years old and have absolutely no rust, dents or awful marks on them, other than the usual nicks and some minimal color loss, tells me that the entire set was highly cherished.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz1xTon0rrEPrnFwK6EztvcSfiQtClx5jdNOUnJu-tOvSOlbBebH-PP86rQXLdOwaD-gEADr6dWYJWC-LAfR5Vxt3U89FyupAvrugo9lbro40xhTvxb5ymWTkzwkHtlI96-Nv9bbmuPs/s2048/P9171065.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz1xTon0rrEPrnFwK6EztvcSfiQtClx5jdNOUnJu-tOvSOlbBebH-PP86rQXLdOwaD-gEADr6dWYJWC-LAfR5Vxt3U89FyupAvrugo9lbro40xhTvxb5ymWTkzwkHtlI96-Nv9bbmuPs/w640-h480/P9171065.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vintage Enamelware Canisters: Rice, Coffee, Sago</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Coffee and Sago canisters are a perfect fit for displaying a small assemblage of green bakelite flatware. Forks, spoons and knives can be placed in each canister, and set on the kitchen counter or in a cabinet to have them within easy reach. This way, not only are you able to admire the colors of the collectibles, but you are likely to use them much more frequently.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-MQQGIN1aiK5g4tASejJXykt-xvB1ft5mkpANhvgKuJAOUrLPhBXk6fII0Gc1b2DaHb9If6S9xRR1Xk6zYe_zAbgvWTFM8QTcuicA10QSnGLtYjAQd8OBDlsrAlo0Zfm87zX-F47J3Y/s2048/P9171077.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-MQQGIN1aiK5g4tASejJXykt-xvB1ft5mkpANhvgKuJAOUrLPhBXk6fII0Gc1b2DaHb9If6S9xRR1Xk6zYe_zAbgvWTFM8QTcuicA10QSnGLtYjAQd8OBDlsrAlo0Zfm87zX-F47J3Y/w640-h480/P9171077.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Metters Australia Enamelware 'Cakes' Canister</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although I don't have any plans to use the Cakes canister to store delectable sweets, I love how it looks sitting on a jadeite cake stand. This particular canister measures 10" in diameter, which makes it suitable for a bundt cake or kugelhopf. I may just store some of my treasured linens from the 1930s and 40s.</div></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua9dkoAf6yhHT6GLFsqIjj6JG-EY2tQnroWN4lAYqruzvMbHsmSIoQAUc5MfvuYvOicr592sWKjioHVQ0Qgd3xLrn1p_d0FpUU3F-wWTghd4t89yKUnOPiO7UEZnpQ6V7HJm0Hg0vis4/s2048/P9171089.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua9dkoAf6yhHT6GLFsqIjj6JG-EY2tQnroWN4lAYqruzvMbHsmSIoQAUc5MfvuYvOicr592sWKjioHVQ0Qgd3xLrn1p_d0FpUU3F-wWTghd4t89yKUnOPiO7UEZnpQ6V7HJm0Hg0vis4/w640-h480/P9171089.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vintage Enamelware Tea Canister</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Vintage enamelware endured the hardships of Depression Era kitchens. Inexpensive to make, subdued in color choices, each of these kitchen pieces was meant to last for generations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxu4Hqdt4bBLogEnVJCVTvT_ifYh-_O178ElEoBqB4FWMoHTNkVPvQ0yL5hOlfP9P0Bsd4g8JTt_9cL3oyOOIQv55BQJoA2JXN1_35Dxw-uYwuInxt16_0VMMnDJHutX5qU2f-cVA61I/s1888/P9171039.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1888" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxu4Hqdt4bBLogEnVJCVTvT_ifYh-_O178ElEoBqB4FWMoHTNkVPvQ0yL5hOlfP9P0Bsd4g8JTt_9cL3oyOOIQv55BQJoA2JXN1_35Dxw-uYwuInxt16_0VMMnDJHutX5qU2f-cVA61I/w640-h510/P9171039.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">At long last! We have answers as to the origins of these canisters that I've seen here and there on social media, as well as through Google searches. It took some research, a lot of air miles and several emails to get the correct information together for the blog post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have to thank Terry and Marie, as well as Lismore_Collectables on Instagram, who are based in Australia. Without their wares, guidance and forthcoming information, I would not have been able to piece this collection and post together. </div></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-40123985544091202272020-09-05T15:30:00.005-04:002020-09-07T17:49:02.268-04:00Martha by Mail Caramel Glass Cake Stands<p style="text-align: justify;">My collection of L.E. Smith caramel glass cake stands from the Martha by Mail catalog is finally complete. It took quite a while to gather each of these pieces, because I didn't have the luxury of buying them from the catalog when it was in business. A vendor here with a set, a vendor there with one, and then the keen eye of a friend of mine (thank you Daniel!) who thought the cake stand may or may not have been a Martha by Mail piece. That is how I acquired these cake stands. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWGcAfa8v_npXxXnxTTx7VFla3OLLN1a2pn9682J8kRmYFAKBb21GJQnJ2NVc90cXbt4-ZIUag5NYaU1DQEAA_Yq0QP7Hbs5e0KDHtwwr5A1e6vKWyBRzj6S7vvY1AwrdRImD_APbR6U/s1770/P9030946.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Martha by Mail Caramel Glass Cake Stands" border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1770" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWGcAfa8v_npXxXnxTTx7VFla3OLLN1a2pn9682J8kRmYFAKBb21GJQnJ2NVc90cXbt4-ZIUag5NYaU1DQEAA_Yq0QP7Hbs5e0KDHtwwr5A1e6vKWyBRzj6S7vvY1AwrdRImD_APbR6U/w625-h530/P9030946.jpeg" title="Martha by Mail Caramel Glass Cake Stands" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This exclusive shade of slag glass was commissioned by Martha Stewart for her catalog business (Martha by Mail) in the late 1990s. I've written a detailed post about this collection before. You can read about it by <b><i><a href="https://www.goodthingsbydavid.com/2018/11/le-smith-caramel-glass-for-martha-by.html">clicking here</a></i></b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The plain round cake stands for the catalog come in four sizes. The smallest measures 6" in diameter and the largest measures 12" in diameter. The ones in between measure 8" and 10" in diameter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06h7b-1nNjQ0f47xAmJHTdmaY-_VGU5DTVolS1cIhCfmUzg5tOYia8oGRDgBKJQdbX4m65Rzw_TiPhPikJwT1vQvvHm77Ss2X12sBDqfqEW2hqFgxq51EwWyPMeKRV7cogMmg7J2P_PQ/s640/unnamed-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06h7b-1nNjQ0f47xAmJHTdmaY-_VGU5DTVolS1cIhCfmUzg5tOYia8oGRDgBKJQdbX4m65Rzw_TiPhPikJwT1vQvvHm77Ss2X12sBDqfqEW2hqFgxq51EwWyPMeKRV7cogMmg7J2P_PQ/w625-h469/unnamed-1.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I had no idea that the 6" cake stand existed in this color until my friend sent me a photo of it, and until I held it in my hand. The stand is perfect for a pair of donuts or even some bagels to have on any given morning.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9_Bclo2bSCwPv9rNBoym0d4gC6xI5jCyGF8ABP5TbMLj0RL2Vu1NBnx4aQe1u-y7qwJyjEZdj-C2llCtja83Us8bha_pp1rBtH9YVloGgY_aUPdlpuYweDvDT7-cQI3pmUNDnCNgHL8/s1817/P9030951.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Martha by Mail Caramel Glass Cake Stands" border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1817" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9_Bclo2bSCwPv9rNBoym0d4gC6xI5jCyGF8ABP5TbMLj0RL2Vu1NBnx4aQe1u-y7qwJyjEZdj-C2llCtja83Us8bha_pp1rBtH9YVloGgY_aUPdlpuYweDvDT7-cQI3pmUNDnCNgHL8/w625-h516/P9030951.jpeg" title="Martha by Mail Caramel Glass Cake Stands" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The scalloped cake stand measures approximately 11" in diameter. If you notice, the scalloped cake stand's hue is slightly lighter than the plain round ones. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWP6bq0Sj34yLmW-N1TpqGOWdg5GshAKX9l1Uez50xGWKOihch6pK7Ika2qCgG3PQ37Vt5hne8DyDUcdTosJwqjjyjUaYWks64pWibepp6nDQ2fkNocmgRjPmjDEkAEaTk10eDXPsTocY/s1799/P9030957.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Martha by Mail Caramel Glass Cake Stands" border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1799" height="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWP6bq0Sj34yLmW-N1TpqGOWdg5GshAKX9l1Uez50xGWKOihch6pK7Ika2qCgG3PQ37Vt5hne8DyDUcdTosJwqjjyjUaYWks64pWibepp6nDQ2fkNocmgRjPmjDEkAEaTk10eDXPsTocY/w625-h501/P9030957.jpeg" title="Martha by Mail Caramel Glass Cake Stands" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What's important to know is that the scalloped cake stands in the Martha by Mail line were not marked or stamped, while the plain rounds ones were. Don't you just love the rich caramel color and the whorls of creams found throughout the glass? </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAsjMHyGjz3CyuWD5gGgmkfoPEHQlzGBddEdXfJ02NifjOYRIRkwHgVn0hBSWadNpNYiX0w9oXZ9K6XM_helrrxBHRZ0gnY2LMFulqcLvUDxWvVLNyAiQYgin15uf8YprOMm70w-1hfQ/s2048/P9030959.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAsjMHyGjz3CyuWD5gGgmkfoPEHQlzGBddEdXfJ02NifjOYRIRkwHgVn0hBSWadNpNYiX0w9oXZ9K6XM_helrrxBHRZ0gnY2LMFulqcLvUDxWvVLNyAiQYgin15uf8YprOMm70w-1hfQ/w625-h469/P9030959.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As you can see, this cake stand is richly detailed underneath, and yet, there is no Martha by Mail stamp on it.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E8RIfbXKHXrC03jHHWmg1wfYp9q5nvBNeMaja6kl39axujwtlnIMJqkek0iIFeBJD6qWIghEnJZFd-4XiwBdXmg8FZJSamKKtpG845shyphenhyphen4__lqxZVKo6nNh63rPh2so1GLkdt2OQJZ0/s2048/P9030963.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E8RIfbXKHXrC03jHHWmg1wfYp9q5nvBNeMaja6kl39axujwtlnIMJqkek0iIFeBJD6qWIghEnJZFd-4XiwBdXmg8FZJSamKKtpG845shyphenhyphen4__lqxZVKo6nNh63rPh2so1GLkdt2OQJZ0/w625-h469/P9030963.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The plain round ones are stamped though. Carefully flip your plain round cake stands and look for this.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA8Hb7aHKCOxc-HC_koe2_bUpnTXTNHMyj2NpVmWofekV7rnXXhTIT1K-kxaXbogporHMIO3VbuyUxEEmvu_i9I1ZyFrDTzx4D_JZHeAmugJCLTsXtHSgAaywx0kW2BDEKqDd838Oxgk/s2048/P9030969.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA8Hb7aHKCOxc-HC_koe2_bUpnTXTNHMyj2NpVmWofekV7rnXXhTIT1K-kxaXbogporHMIO3VbuyUxEEmvu_i9I1ZyFrDTzx4D_JZHeAmugJCLTsXtHSgAaywx0kW2BDEKqDd838Oxgk/w625-h469/P9030969.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You may have to tilt the cake stand just so in order for the stamp to catch the light. </div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HTbTKm5EdjMqOvYc5eIo1rFwGlrWi5TWBEoAudUw-_IVq3vfMc6LUgaVzpqjgTAyEu-iKQh-K-qFvdCSzSGFpOb21oCcRXLIdUPB6N-ih7QoJ5-xa-3Yyv4mix5gIdxRoYDske_aook/s2048/P9030970.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HTbTKm5EdjMqOvYc5eIo1rFwGlrWi5TWBEoAudUw-_IVq3vfMc6LUgaVzpqjgTAyEu-iKQh-K-qFvdCSzSGFpOb21oCcRXLIdUPB6N-ih7QoJ5-xa-3Yyv4mix5gIdxRoYDske_aook/w625-h469/P9030970.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When my friend Daniel in Texas discovered this cake stand, he told me that it wasn't marked. As soon as it arrived at my home, I checked. Sure enough I found evidence that there had once been a stamp underneath the base. It, however, had been filed down. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">When the Martha by Mail catalog was transitioning into The Catalog for Living, as a result of the founder's personal (not business!) legal dilemma, the publicly traded company wanted to diminish the Martha Stewart name. To my mind, and others will agree, this was a big mistake. Martha was always the brand and always will be. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's my understanding that many vendors thought it would be wise to file down the Martha by Mail stamp from the bases of their cake stands in order to make them marketable at the time. It's almost as if they wanted to erase history. Again, a big mistake. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZaqobCW1pWc6MqXf3fDM5oufmkzmVZLrGb6X_RsGaGVdQVNHJWpzbZPVFCZA8H9iL50nB8asX_4CR9LdcS8J8-I-F8NIJMi-SDZMHDg5aN4f2aNxjZT9s1tYItNhKLL-eY2wCQEuG3A/s1894/P9030975.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1894" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZaqobCW1pWc6MqXf3fDM5oufmkzmVZLrGb6X_RsGaGVdQVNHJWpzbZPVFCZA8H9iL50nB8asX_4CR9LdcS8J8-I-F8NIJMi-SDZMHDg5aN4f2aNxjZT9s1tYItNhKLL-eY2wCQEuG3A/w625-h506/P9030975.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The largest of my caramel glass cake stands looks like this where the stamp was filed down. It's ghastly, but it is something that cannot be undone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you are ever shopping online or at an antique store and come across a cake stand that you think is a Martha by Mail one and you notice this upon flipping it over, then you know it is a genuine piece. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It is my opinion as a collector that this DOES NOT take away from the value of the piece, nor does it take from the beauty of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The more you know, the better off you are as a buyer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFR9rff4CdfNKmQgbcbqboGNKFpn974IC0ktCMhBYVudJ4rHPyaavM_v6zwQCsZQHu0dcjYgxfz9NldAkI0rcDtIevZXvZuNqKCRrNj-4xwJPVWkQIImnJV0T8qhhyphenhyphenmXvKL0t7GXEDkI/s640/unnamed-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFR9rff4CdfNKmQgbcbqboGNKFpn974IC0ktCMhBYVudJ4rHPyaavM_v6zwQCsZQHu0dcjYgxfz9NldAkI0rcDtIevZXvZuNqKCRrNj-4xwJPVWkQIImnJV0T8qhhyphenhyphenmXvKL0t7GXEDkI/w625-h469/unnamed-3.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I treated myself to a couple of donuts this weekend to celebrate this final acquisition. A chocolate frosted donut and a cup of strong coffee was all I needed to start my day.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtO8aEJFlDCkUFPZzrTPf6yNt8O_yw3Te0Ly0r8QbOk2QcIgAWNho4L_u9J-prXFAD2H9xEMaVvuZmW2gSZmfUYYuxe_fZv3rOuDVVljToyKxSvf6t9ocPPrWfSdEgngB501lp4yKQJxQ/s640/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtO8aEJFlDCkUFPZzrTPf6yNt8O_yw3Te0Ly0r8QbOk2QcIgAWNho4L_u9J-prXFAD2H9xEMaVvuZmW2gSZmfUYYuxe_fZv3rOuDVVljToyKxSvf6t9ocPPrWfSdEgngB501lp4yKQJxQ/w625-h469/unnamed.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I want to thank my friend Daniel for being so kind and generous with this small cake stand. Without his help I would not have completed the collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">May you all have a healthy end of summer and may better days come our way.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Collecting!</span></i></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-4217757020895641232020-07-21T14:52:00.001-04:002020-07-21T14:52:43.414-04:00Ultimate Chocolate Cake <div style="text-align: justify;">You can never go wrong with a chocolate layer cake. Whether you make one for a birthday or to celebrate someone fantastic in your life, a tall, dark chocolate cake covered in a delicious buttercream is the way to go. I have yet to find someone who refuses a slice of chocolate cake.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHBZr9FnOKaPQmSorOJJ1cxL0sfDOg5a-yMsbSYSkrMdmbE5bowvDehtMAS2jCOWmBuoGn0mXY36mNH82IX0CtaAxz0Yrec8PoOc5mRRTpXcUUgDlOvYJgK4bKpi2ZkqefApKTBnlzOY/s1648/P7200948.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ultimate Chocolate Cake with Swiss Meringue Buttercream" border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1648" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHBZr9FnOKaPQmSorOJJ1cxL0sfDOg5a-yMsbSYSkrMdmbE5bowvDehtMAS2jCOWmBuoGn0mXY36mNH82IX0CtaAxz0Yrec8PoOc5mRRTpXcUUgDlOvYJgK4bKpi2ZkqefApKTBnlzOY/w625-h580/P7200948.jpeg" title="Ultimate Chocolate Cake with Swiss Meringue Buttercream" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div>Plan ahead: bake and cool the cake layers, and if not icing that day, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and chill until ready to use. You can freeze the layers for up to one month (thaw overnight in the refrigerator). </div><div><br /></div><div>For this cake, I used Martha Stewart's Ultimate Chocolate Cake. <b><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/337711/ultimate-chocolate-cake">Click here for the recipe.</a></b> </div><div><br /></div><div>I find that chilled cake layers are key for applying flawless Swiss meringue buttercream. You can do it on room temperature cakes, but crumbs are more likely to come off if the layers aren't hardened a bit.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rndmz4zmfxrFaALuza7EFZx-syZEoxa3eq7bMTdeTxk6Js2ialVD82BzZY7tZ3LydpiX-Ouyv_-P6d9KVUlppOD5W3iF8VLea6blSJ8ZMyDTaIbfd9RkfTxck5Hnc68OoRzDGJWFxQw/s2048/P7200958.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Swiss Meringue Buttercream" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rndmz4zmfxrFaALuza7EFZx-syZEoxa3eq7bMTdeTxk6Js2ialVD82BzZY7tZ3LydpiX-Ouyv_-P6d9KVUlppOD5W3iF8VLea6blSJ8ZMyDTaIbfd9RkfTxck5Hnc68OoRzDGJWFxQw/w625-h469/P7200958.jpeg" title="Swiss Meringue Buttercream" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Swiss meringue buttercream is perhaps one of the easiest buttercreams to make, because the preparation is straightforward and basic. Egg whites and sugar get heated and whisked over a pot of simmering water until the sugar melts. The mixture is then whipped on high speed with a stand mixer & the whisk attachment until it has increased in volume and has cooled. Once this is achieved, one switches to the paddle attachment and beats in the room temperature butter a bit at a time until it is incorporated. It's at this point that you begin to panic because the mixture gets soupy. Don't worry, you haven't messed it up. Keep beating the mixture until you see it break and begin to emulsify. I can't tell you how satisfying this is. As soon as the buttercream is smooth, you then add the extract(s). </div><div><br /></div>For the recipe, <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/353416/swiss-meringue-buttercream"><b>click here</b></a>. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-QKRzazsfqoE1fhqWcXHXraT2cNCUTPwgpFfiidetr65BPcU0Cofbfm7jBoUmBrp8b0r5l8rfRNMRtX8UcEVLjep_Ie0xv68rWX8mRlH3nspQrKKJbq0cjCtm55NDbhrO-_3XAC2hh0/s2048/P7200962.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-QKRzazsfqoE1fhqWcXHXraT2cNCUTPwgpFfiidetr65BPcU0Cofbfm7jBoUmBrp8b0r5l8rfRNMRtX8UcEVLjep_Ie0xv68rWX8mRlH3nspQrKKJbq0cjCtm55NDbhrO-_3XAC2hh0/w625-h469/P7200962.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Decorating a cake is a very personal endeavor. Depending on the occasion, a cake can be made to look very homespun, chic and sophisticated, or it can be turned into a "naked" cake. Personally I prefer the first two, but I know home bakers who like naked cakes. Do whatever you want. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For this cake I applied the buttercream and used a very small offset spatula to create the undulations. Starting from the bottom and working my way up, I held the offset spatula against the icing and rotated the cake decorating stand until I reached the top. The top surface of the cake was given the same technique, working my way in toward the middle. After this was accomplished, I sprinkled drageés (silver, white, and gold) on top of the cake. For the sides, I literally threw gold drageés one at a time (they adhere perfectly) until I had the desired effect.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUI1MdttI6JiBT_MPRYt18JLvJnEgIYWUdEzMRaJfDNMVLfi5nc5y3RvjOjFGhHBTzhl-C258004aXIxDqDZGuFWeUha2NytMZbatnRHA8yTgsXCNXQTSxMRMD83xTssnsLt0GeYUhtM/s2048/P7210950.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUI1MdttI6JiBT_MPRYt18JLvJnEgIYWUdEzMRaJfDNMVLfi5nc5y3RvjOjFGhHBTzhl-C258004aXIxDqDZGuFWeUha2NytMZbatnRHA8yTgsXCNXQTSxMRMD83xTssnsLt0GeYUhtM/w625-h469/P7210950.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I can't tell you how perfectly this cake slices. Martha Stewart has named it Ultimate Chocolate Cake and I have to agree that it may very well be. The use of French Valrhona cocoa powder ups the chocolate flavor and gives it a deep, dark color. It's a winner every single time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol9pswsTfIfwwHOSiuSpCx8DoszOzWQN_RIx4GPI2FA6UQpOYBnsGCBEL00Ata53sBFojj8CdJPVDfUTXLcpDc3tqgmQr9nekibh8C3amBVVxgtKpDdB_-4uaML1__xo6qrc3WU-MHFc/s2048/P7210955.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vintage Green Bakelite Fork" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol9pswsTfIfwwHOSiuSpCx8DoszOzWQN_RIx4GPI2FA6UQpOYBnsGCBEL00Ata53sBFojj8CdJPVDfUTXLcpDc3tqgmQr9nekibh8C3amBVVxgtKpDdB_-4uaML1__xo6qrc3WU-MHFc/w625-h469/P7210955.jpeg" title="Vintage Green Bakelite Fork" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Look at how flawless this looks served on a jadeite plate. If you have vintage Bakelite flatware, use it for serving each slice.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeMOl3DzUju24cOc6npZF2VqFaRQN8R3-ylzvsxPB0GWS94CnmzZf3mmxJMtHhWKieLzMDRCPFfZ53-wIM2meHKPtfaLlGftUXV556im87RnHhl1vIScfbANpScemPpY6a7ftNr2LDHk/s2048/P7210957.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Cake on Jadeite" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeMOl3DzUju24cOc6npZF2VqFaRQN8R3-ylzvsxPB0GWS94CnmzZf3mmxJMtHhWKieLzMDRCPFfZ53-wIM2meHKPtfaLlGftUXV556im87RnHhl1vIScfbANpScemPpY6a7ftNr2LDHk/w625-h469/P7210957.jpeg" title="Chocolate Cake on Jadeite" width="625" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Extremely delicious and infinitely edible. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVRy9nRcnSZYBFzHri-2tOyVbmLxHGTUi8-LoWk3z2Iq8KXC8DY2UHapcag6R4UDUqjG4g73LAGx19qb_9J52micklPhFNdxE_xWBnte5iyavIJRGvvsfhdxiXYwGwL0fq4ZVB7UCOtI/s2048/P7200963.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVRy9nRcnSZYBFzHri-2tOyVbmLxHGTUi8-LoWk3z2Iq8KXC8DY2UHapcag6R4UDUqjG4g73LAGx19qb_9J52micklPhFNdxE_xWBnte5iyavIJRGvvsfhdxiXYwGwL0fq4ZVB7UCOtI/w625-h469/P7200963.jpeg" width="625" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">C'est parfait, non? I think so.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mark this recipe the next time you want to mark a special occasion or want to honor someone for any reason. Slice the cake in front of friends and family and wait for the smiles to appear on their faces. Everyone is going to want a slice. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-25392585815839220542020-05-20T15:26:00.000-04:002020-05-20T15:26:13.405-04:00Golfing and Fishing Sugar Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you know an avid fisherman or golfer who is celebrating a birthday this year? If you do and you happen to be a little crafty with cookies, consider making that individual some iced sugar cookies which depict putting greens and perhaps a fishing rod complete with hook and/or lure. They make fantastic party favors.<br />
<br />
At the request of a dear neighbor whose husband was turning sixty, a set of sporty cookies were created for a milestone celebration. The cookies were a snap to make. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfu8UkxsosBsaG8BCKiaWXUoqOTG7ALpbgFCUY6idE3lkrOBCrABAxXPDY177dxB87hQA5egGahcV38hrj1ngAvZ8LK9PqOoswojI9XOoWeVWlISRjHsiXuuQXt1Le5vn7AimVnf0e2c/s1600/P5120885.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfu8UkxsosBsaG8BCKiaWXUoqOTG7ALpbgFCUY6idE3lkrOBCrABAxXPDY177dxB87hQA5egGahcV38hrj1ngAvZ8LK9PqOoswojI9XOoWeVWlISRjHsiXuuQXt1Le5vn7AimVnf0e2c/s640/P5120885.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><i>Golfing & Fishing Sugar Cookies</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My neighbor Elfie even thought of a clever way to celebrate her husband's birthday during quarantine. I'll show you what she did!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qHlo0CMlCqNC6wzV7U4efSOFDckOvvUlDVF3Eg47pB0BoSYywgllBvS0FhCQEwj5FJ2qnkQy2FzkoZJE_WPXh8fvIu7myajbS0eYBOV8SHT4okJdH6x7j5wJXUqll1iw5JIOWTDdEc8/s1600/P5120886.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qHlo0CMlCqNC6wzV7U4efSOFDckOvvUlDVF3Eg47pB0BoSYywgllBvS0FhCQEwj5FJ2qnkQy2FzkoZJE_WPXh8fvIu7myajbS0eYBOV8SHT4okJdH6x7j5wJXUqll1iw5JIOWTDdEc8/s640/P5120886.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Putting Green Sugar Cookies</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Putting Green Sugar Cookies</b>: using a game controller-shaped cookie cutter, cut out and bake as many of these shapes as needed. Using leaf green royal icing and a #3 piping tip, outline and flood the inner shape of the putting green and let dry completely. Outline and flood the outer area of the cookie in the same leaf green royal icing, and immediately flock with clear, fine sanding sugar; let dry completely. Using black royal icing and a #1 piping tip, pipe a pin and a hole as shown. Using red royal icing and a #2 piping tip, pipe a flag as shown. Pipe a white golf ball on the other side of the putting green using white royal icing. Let dry completely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloXmza9MB0mN-VC8cibCGMxtpCnx0R_6Sdd-z5kzTDTv5TS2QAR_C2emCGN6J4iZ0zckDfxNrUSzM4M1iXDAA-vu-My0cfR2f52Ogjqu1lVlQ_a9c3du7QjtBNezmXSbc0-egVxokalk/s1600/P5120897.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloXmza9MB0mN-VC8cibCGMxtpCnx0R_6Sdd-z5kzTDTv5TS2QAR_C2emCGN6J4iZ0zckDfxNrUSzM4M1iXDAA-vu-My0cfR2f52Ogjqu1lVlQ_a9c3du7QjtBNezmXSbc0-egVxokalk/s640/P5120897.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Fishing Rod Sugar Cookies</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Fishing Rod Sugar Cookies</b>: Using a rectangular cookie cutter, cut out and bake as many cookies as you wish. Using a #4 piping tip and white royal icing, outline and flood the base of the cookie and let dry completely. Using brown royal icing and a #1 piping tip, pipe a double-width handle of the fishing rod and then an arched rod beyond that. Using light grey royal icing and a #1 piping tip, pipe a large dot for the reel and then pipe a swag of fishing string as shown. Using white royal icing, pipe a dot for the lure and add a bit or red royal icing underneath it. Using the same leaf green royal icing from the putting greens and a #2 piping tip, pipe a bead of icing to frame the cookie. Let dry completely. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnTMA6dqImZ8jNK1bdsdllPQu1mS0d_vZ2se7G8lmpcgUTy7s_-e9sLvef-_CUbIai6khg6V9NXwNTdWhBQM0mjTMCF7lT48a2cix0RPW47RN89R3HFGG3KTIuJXyKisIlOYpXfqo5Ow/s1600/P5120901.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnTMA6dqImZ8jNK1bdsdllPQu1mS0d_vZ2se7G8lmpcgUTy7s_-e9sLvef-_CUbIai6khg6V9NXwNTdWhBQM0mjTMCF7lT48a2cix0RPW47RN89R3HFGG3KTIuJXyKisIlOYpXfqo5Ow/s640/P5120901.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Sixtieth Birthday Putting Green Cookies</b>: For the numbered cookies, cut out and bake as many round cookies as desired. Outline and flood the top 3/4 of the cookie in white royal icing using a #3 piping tip. While the icing is still wet, outline and flood the lower 1/4 of the cookie in leaf green royal icing for the putting green. Using a scriber tool, pull the green icing up haphazardly to create blades of grass on the putting green. Let the icing dry completely. Using stencils or a steady hand, pipe the birthday number in navy blue royal icing. Using gray royal icing and a #1 piping tip, pipe a golf club on the green. Pipe a dot for a golf ball in white royal icing. Pipe a pin in black royal icing using a #1 piping tip. Add a flag in either red, blue, green or white; it's up to you. Let the cookie dry completely. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPXOt6AZ83T3dshNFmwr238HeHyQPjshoEW2y9gcTGmLWaf9wM0mGwhhWgQ71tUQPzV4sFBKj7dwf93af406JOIrfkRdCmLNwdjrPa_Jvlim6HMLADb_1e72xmqS6I1a4iEAARRhSOjA/s1600/P5120906.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPXOt6AZ83T3dshNFmwr238HeHyQPjshoEW2y9gcTGmLWaf9wM0mGwhhWgQ71tUQPzV4sFBKj7dwf93af406JOIrfkRdCmLNwdjrPa_Jvlim6HMLADb_1e72xmqS6I1a4iEAARRhSOjA/s640/P5120906.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
A set of cookies like this is perfect for gift giving. The designs are easy, the color palette is classic, and the results are well worth the minimal effort. They're guaranteed to be a hit for the country club member in the family.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take a look at what my neighbor Elfie did for her husband.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj1rRsqUm2pDuZB3JzmmSkUFXlB69I4Yy8Yx0Jow7qtwsLB-Qad_-YfAwtY7hQA9CsHx9jBCv7wuRBkVcFsVOdUqZTXOkiSBbAQbeMqqcf7iBx_yCgS4CcK_s9YELMg1HbiTu-_Wrkik/s1600/birthdaysetup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="720" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj1rRsqUm2pDuZB3JzmmSkUFXlB69I4Yy8Yx0Jow7qtwsLB-Qad_-YfAwtY7hQA9CsHx9jBCv7wuRBkVcFsVOdUqZTXOkiSBbAQbeMqqcf7iBx_yCgS4CcK_s9YELMg1HbiTu-_Wrkik/s400/birthdaysetup.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Since it wasn't prudent to have a large, indoor birthday gathering at the moment, a dessert buffet was set up just outside the front door by the driveway, complete with birthday cake, wine and cookies. Do you see the spring green basket in the foreground? It was filled with birthday cookies which were being handed out to drive-by guests. That's right! Guests were encouraged to visit via cars to give the man of the hour some birthday wishes and gifts. Every friend and well wisher was offered a refreshment, a slice of cake and a cookie to take home with them. There was literally a line of cars filled with friends waiting to wish Chris a happy birthday. A drive-thru birthday like this is clever, easy and a breeze to pull off.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrhSAHd4j0Su_42q0rZ2MLBexi-ffTRMqYg_18DpKEXlCXn3AJv0kmq96hAdd-vmPblx7h6bYFtdWoRea2mN8axgPPDA5Y2zbEAb4l68oaLbACyz3wxOfUF0dQPgxEqmsIMkhqPyfoDM/s1600/birthdaycake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="720" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrhSAHd4j0Su_42q0rZ2MLBexi-ffTRMqYg_18DpKEXlCXn3AJv0kmq96hAdd-vmPblx7h6bYFtdWoRea2mN8axgPPDA5Y2zbEAb4l68oaLbACyz3wxOfUF0dQPgxEqmsIMkhqPyfoDM/s400/birthdaycake.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A delicious birthday cake from the local restaurant.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFcrjgXdabkOxdnV7_MOrw5ToXJuQV9Ch7HHhRuhyphenhyphenEu9zlTStryOFZm1_jZJqvL1lBq6wVe6xcAFUe81r6gYlPDZLnwCVAk8FZvlMXJrCUngDswK552tDF2wLgYNNerkTb_TyGIx_PzQ/s1600/birthdaycookies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="720" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFcrjgXdabkOxdnV7_MOrw5ToXJuQV9Ch7HHhRuhyphenhyphenEu9zlTStryOFZm1_jZJqvL1lBq6wVe6xcAFUe81r6gYlPDZLnwCVAk8FZvlMXJrCUngDswK552tDF2wLgYNNerkTb_TyGIx_PzQ/s640/birthdaycookies.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, of course, some great party favors for guests to take home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers and Happy Birthday, Chris!</span></i></div>
<br /></div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-25667434035215175712020-04-13T15:07:00.000-04:002020-04-13T15:07:25.009-04:00Honey Lemon Whole-Wheat Bread by Bernard Clayton<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's nothing like freshly-baked bread. During these past few weeks I've been wanting to bake, but because of flour and yeast shortages at the supermarket, I have not been able to do so. Finally, as if looking over the horizon onto an oasis, I found yeast at a local supermarket! Wasting no time in bringing several packets home, I quickly assembled my ingredients for a nice loaf of bread. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT61YCldZgJMX3ySneQT2ilPiDV-RVFnAcKzB7he2To6woe5J2DZlCv-FOba42ZN2nx04iwA9tngMXyQgwN9ISU9LBmsQUZ1FkKo1ID1M-rtGDjTaFN-tagwz0w8GIgBuH62qjnED0C8I/s1600/P4120845.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1600" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT61YCldZgJMX3ySneQT2ilPiDV-RVFnAcKzB7he2To6woe5J2DZlCv-FOba42ZN2nx04iwA9tngMXyQgwN9ISU9LBmsQUZ1FkKo1ID1M-rtGDjTaFN-tagwz0w8GIgBuH62qjnED0C8I/s640/P4120845.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Freshly Baked Whole Wheat Bread</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bernard Clayton's book, 'New Complete Book of Breads', is my bread baking bible. In it, there are dozens upon dozens of recipes covering different types of flours, grains and types of breads. From quick breads to yeast risen breads, there is a little bit of everything for everyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22lvwtyEcfk2C6TPzR_mX0F5nF5XiRzXVOZ-_0H6yaFiP69z-dVoJIwQ6ejItHYrdl5L3SxIAZLwe9-00Yuem-_xX3T9w99U1NpNTJGn5OZu_Q_9T1tpP3_TpNVjR3vWjZZxGs1vVizw/s1600/P4120853.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22lvwtyEcfk2C6TPzR_mX0F5nF5XiRzXVOZ-_0H6yaFiP69z-dVoJIwQ6ejItHYrdl5L3SxIAZLwe9-00Yuem-_xX3T9w99U1NpNTJGn5OZu_Q_9T1tpP3_TpNVjR3vWjZZxGs1vVizw/s640/P4120853.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><i>Bread Baking Mise en Place</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was looking at Clayton's whole wheat bread recipes, and decided to settle on the honey lemon whole wheat, which is found at the beginning of the chapter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqpVRt0BcWdHmQa5FoNdUwrsiJAEicSQgOfts4aoI5x-NhKyDwYHHt0v-SWsV1wMpkVtE2eehm0jvX0SJKg4nLQNUAI6jZyJROFjpT4vEWSvdYDrqlhJtp5Lb1lXH65b1Zwr5Lp0OQA4/s1600/P4120840.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqpVRt0BcWdHmQa5FoNdUwrsiJAEicSQgOfts4aoI5x-NhKyDwYHHt0v-SWsV1wMpkVtE2eehm0jvX0SJKg4nLQNUAI6jZyJROFjpT4vEWSvdYDrqlhJtp5Lb1lXH65b1Zwr5Lp0OQA4/s640/P4120840.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">I love deep jars for storing my flours. <br />Each jar has a dedicated enamelware spoon. </span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The recipe is straightforward, easy to work with, and there aren't too many ingredients. Although I made a few changes myself, the end results justified the means. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3wGXTY7FaTSTPmpldNsYZFw_QuVGAp1eIPQlaAzfoaoXsrcxIFensYM6YdY0tZSyzGHpN02jNz6XnY6rNY-46zYgY-M8W8dx7sTjgdeGpp5ndFTbBEi8tje6Z5LMtjvM6QWhWsjAa0M/s1600/P4120847.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3wGXTY7FaTSTPmpldNsYZFw_QuVGAp1eIPQlaAzfoaoXsrcxIFensYM6YdY0tZSyzGHpN02jNz6XnY6rNY-46zYgY-M8W8dx7sTjgdeGpp5ndFTbBEi8tje6Z5LMtjvM6QWhWsjAa0M/s640/P4120847.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Vintage enamelware spoons allow me to aerate the flour before measuring.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Note: the recipe is totally Bernard Clayton's, and the instructions below are for a stand mixer. Also, he calls for a 2-24 rising period in the refrigerator, but I went with a 2 hour rise at room temperature.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take a look!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Mvj5q8ATkPJzP-oM_4X5xU0HsuKbWa0yfAAbImmeNvrL6zW8MJvaCZmpZJCvyDR-mD3ZPWs8ZazRxJd74wqVommKk-_mLqPx-xT9Wl96M8vOp8x5BZodnEVwzOqH-db8V-nhjZJFXDY/s1600/P4120860.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Mvj5q8ATkPJzP-oM_4X5xU0HsuKbWa0yfAAbImmeNvrL6zW8MJvaCZmpZJCvyDR-mD3ZPWs8ZazRxJd74wqVommKk-_mLqPx-xT9Wl96M8vOp8x5BZodnEVwzOqH-db8V-nhjZJFXDY/s640/P4120860.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">My custom-colored commercial mixer by the Hobart Corporation is perfect for kneading doughs.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qhPq33B-BDBsYI07Uh3ZGU-v9S1jm4sBiyq1VylIlhk/edit?usp=sharing">PRINTABLE RECIPE (click here)</a></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Honey Lemon Whole Wheat Bread </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by Bernard Clayton</span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 cups bread or all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 packages dry yeast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 teaspoons salt (I used kosher)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2-1/4 cups hot water (<b>120<span style="text-align: left;">°F- 130</span><span style="text-align: left;">°F</span></b><span style="text-align: left;">)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">1/4 cup honey</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">3 tablespoons shortening (I used 4 tablespoons unsalted butter), room temperature</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">1 tablespoon grated or diced lemon peel (I used orange zest)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">2 to 3 cups whole-wheat flour, approximately</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);"><i>Equipment: Two 9x5" loaf pans or One large double bread pan (pan de mie). Butter the pan(s) and place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">In a large mixer bowl, combine the white flour, yeast, and salt. Pour in the hot water. Add the honey, shortening (or butter), and lemon peel (or orange peel). Attach the paddle to the mixer and stir the dough on medium speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl occasionally.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Add 1 cup whole-wheat flour. Beat at high speed for 1 minute. The batter will be thick and rubberlike, and pull away from the bowl in strands. Stop beating</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Stir in an additional 1 to 2 cups whole-wheat flour, depending on the moistness of the developing dough. The dough should be elastic, soft and, at this stage, not overly sticky. If the dough continues to be slack and moist (which it was in my case), add sprinkles of white flour.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Change the attachment to a dough hook and knead the dough for 10 minutes, adding sprinkles of flour if dough sticks to the sides of the bowl.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Stop the machine and remove the bowl from the mixer. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest in the bowl for 20 minutes.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Remove the dough from the bowl and knead for 30 seconds on a counter, pressing out air bubbles. Divide into 2 pieces (if using two 9x5" loaf pans--if using large bread pan, leave intact). Shape into balls and let rest for 4 minutes.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Form each loaf by pressing ball under your palms or with a rolling pin into a flat oval, roughly the length of the baking pan. Fold each oval in half, pinch the seam tightly to seal, tuck under ends, and place in the pan seam down.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);"><b>My version: If using a large pan de mie pan like I did, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large snake, roughly the size of the baking pan. Gently lift the dough and drop it into the prepared pan.</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Brush the surface of the dough with vegetable oil. Cover the pans loosely with wax paper, and then with plastic wrap. The loose covering allows the dough to rise above the level of the pan.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Place pan in the refrigerator for 2-24 hours to double the volume.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);"><b>My version: cover the bread pan loosely with a clean kitchen towel and set aside in a warm place to rise until doubled in bulk, and is slightly above the pan line (about 2 hours).</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Preheat the oven to 400F, and remove the pan from the refrigerator while the oven heats.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Uncover the loaf (or loaves if baking in smaller pans), and bake on the lower rack of the oven for 30-40 minutes. When loaves are brown and tapping the bottom crust yields a hard, hollow sound, they are done.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Immediately remove bread from bread pans and allow to cool completely on a wire racks. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">Devour.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-RrO63DDFAOA3fxBmQtsaJeOxwDDd_yTaS9JECsVcTBztUeqRYEhoLFVAJwSe_SOIlplpHrbV_GGHR4DRMazSroiLBMNmpL4cr5UyP4gENGrKv_UIahoGQkYn4SbEVpowi4crbJ-Tpg/s1600/P4120841.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-RrO63DDFAOA3fxBmQtsaJeOxwDDd_yTaS9JECsVcTBztUeqRYEhoLFVAJwSe_SOIlplpHrbV_GGHR4DRMazSroiLBMNmpL4cr5UyP4gENGrKv_UIahoGQkYn4SbEVpowi4crbJ-Tpg/s640/P4120841.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">This vintage bread pan was made by Wear-Ever.<br />It's considered an Angle Food Loaf Pan<br />and is approximately the equivalent of two 9x5" loaf pans.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bread right out of the oven is perfectly brown and piping hot!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Pfw9C9mcckC1VS0H1NbKu8l0sENB7hpGKsUVHFbpk7Dzz56PHZJxnDa4kdCWAC0dJ3ZYFmva26OksLrtbkTfhLa-LoVQOLelQS1RUw1rh2k2t3aU9quekmcwW-iAjlmPsYth4o9-X0/s1600/P4120846+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Pfw9C9mcckC1VS0H1NbKu8l0sENB7hpGKsUVHFbpk7Dzz56PHZJxnDa4kdCWAC0dJ3ZYFmva26OksLrtbkTfhLa-LoVQOLelQS1RUw1rh2k2t3aU9quekmcwW-iAjlmPsYth4o9-X0/s640/P4120846+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The crust is perfect.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges_oPQeEqyVnyFA2kC6karuXJ21OILdoiWmP_mGOhl_JI099jxS15QukBbX-As_OnyoCAaqCcyXHK57GlYw5evE4bPR9hyB4FGQ34OqmLBInGtl0JersGa1Bziwm1U82iWB6EYuwFrN0/s1600/P4120849.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges_oPQeEqyVnyFA2kC6karuXJ21OILdoiWmP_mGOhl_JI099jxS15QukBbX-As_OnyoCAaqCcyXHK57GlYw5evE4bPR9hyB4FGQ34OqmLBInGtl0JersGa1Bziwm1U82iWB6EYuwFrN0/s640/P4120849.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's best to let the entire loaf of bread cool on a wire rack before slicing into it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN1ih7IYgVOiZVt097Q4EOSoNNeBH7hjEm3L9cnBiWdqIFN1FCHlPPq3OyKjbecMZpDVeAlSJprzn24LIIX1ExoPLGsJ0rlmiBgZGDkHWInS90n5REOeiK69si0qqs10KWTCn-wumqF4/s1600/P4120854.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlN1ih7IYgVOiZVt097Q4EOSoNNeBH7hjEm3L9cnBiWdqIFN1FCHlPPq3OyKjbecMZpDVeAlSJprzn24LIIX1ExoPLGsJ0rlmiBgZGDkHWInS90n5REOeiK69si0qqs10KWTCn-wumqF4/s640/P4120854.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, I don't blame you if you find it hard to resist slicing into it while it's still warm.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GR4WN7AWhCHtZWPu77bCmh_pWH9VnusQ9H7K_oVkqNMLixfxrXCV7z_BGB8KxFxO4TEh_o-3KfHfP2tconPDfAKPADRzMQtwom7N_e05_b1fzJ3EJyzFhNyoFJzru9yrqgd1lRX1kqU/s1600/P4130856.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GR4WN7AWhCHtZWPu77bCmh_pWH9VnusQ9H7K_oVkqNMLixfxrXCV7z_BGB8KxFxO4TEh_o-3KfHfP2tconPDfAKPADRzMQtwom7N_e05_b1fzJ3EJyzFhNyoFJzru9yrqgd1lRX1kqU/s640/P4130856.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Using a serrated bread knife is best for slicing the bread. You can see what a delicious crumb and deep color it has. The addition of honey adds a subtle sweetness that is thoroughly wholesome.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zXatUvEwaNIKBTFX345V3S9c-7Vd1CDztLKbk5kByVOBZw3D4K8m9XDXpP4mNTN62j8WT8jBvccApLRkR3gVzO77PEbfAhuxPEq2tW1pXLhQaPXPTNgd2QV93kPoeLSpPsnfffi_yRA/s1600/P4130865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zXatUvEwaNIKBTFX345V3S9c-7Vd1CDztLKbk5kByVOBZw3D4K8m9XDXpP4mNTN62j8WT8jBvccApLRkR3gVzO77PEbfAhuxPEq2tW1pXLhQaPXPTNgd2QV93kPoeLSpPsnfffi_yRA/s640/P4130865.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">I remember when mom used to make us French toast with whole wheat bread. My brothers and I always preferred it to homemade pancakes because we found it heartier. The bread does make wonderful French toast, but it also makes a delicious savory sandwich, toast & jam, or a good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67);">This bread is phenomenal. Bake some today if you have the ingredients! Your family is going to thank you.</span></span></div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-10663856532876382042020-04-09T15:17:00.003-04:002020-04-09T15:17:36.784-04:00Appraising Your Martha by Mail Cookie Cutter Collection<div style="text-align: justify;">
Appraising your collection of Martha by Mail cookie cutters can seem like a daunting process. After my last post, The Martha by Mail Cookie Cutter Index, I received a lot of feedback from collectors wanting to know more about their burgeoning cache of MBM cookie cutters. <br />
<br />
One avid reader of the blog, who happens to be a superb cookie decorator, baker and an inveterate collector of Martha by Mail cookie cutters, had been looking into having his collection appraised this past year. Numerous emails went back and forth between the both of us discussing this subject. Really and truly, this prompted me to write up that index which is now officially in the books and easily accessible to all Martha by Mail collectors. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQzvXj5xI3MeYghqQcQ3SlMPiewhrdIab5AhFBfZOp6u0xoc7-whZ2CeMb6-KU5diXSBb6CMAJEx6OOriE7QdSAl_D76HkuIj7g355G18nyRZVVJBy_OfVx-20qI5xshClsTJwpcgNMU/s1600/P4090842.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQzvXj5xI3MeYghqQcQ3SlMPiewhrdIab5AhFBfZOp6u0xoc7-whZ2CeMb6-KU5diXSBb6CMAJEx6OOriE7QdSAl_D76HkuIj7g355G18nyRZVVJBy_OfVx-20qI5xshClsTJwpcgNMU/s640/P4090842.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I asked James if he would be willing to share his experience with us so that we could make informed decisions regarding our collections. Thankfully he was gracious enough to answer many questions that I had for him. <br />
<br />
Thank you, James! This is invaluable information.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Why should one consider appraising their Martha by Mail cookie cutter collection? </b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">They’re valuable. When talking with my insurance agent for my homeowner’s insurance policy renewal, he asked about the typical things to “schedule” like the jewelry of my wife and daughter. You create a list of goods that you want to insure separately from your household goods. The typical policy allowance is $10,000 for household goods. (Most homeowner’s policies contain an blanket value for household possessions such as TVs, appliances, etc. in the event that they need replacing due to fire, hurricanes, or theft). He asked about any antiques that I owned or “special” items.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I told him about my collection of cookie cutters that I’ve accumulated over the years and asked whether those warranted a separate “schedule.” He asked how much did I pay for them. I told him and advised that the sales on eBay of the MBM ones were significantly increasing as well. He advised, that, without an appraisal, an insurance carrier would only pay a very basic amount for the collection as in $5 for each cutter. And, that was if I could prove that I had the collection as the carrier may lump the cookie cutters into the blanket value for household goods if I could not prove ownership of each individual cutter. As a general rule, if you have something “special” in your home that has more value than the usual retail market value, you have to prove that to the carrier. My experience has been that even newly made copper cookie cutters can range from $15 to $25 on sites like Ecrandal. As we all know, these MBM cutters sell for much more than $25. (As a side note, any possessions that are unique or one of a kind should be photographed and documented so that you can make a claim for that value if it is destroyed. Your collection of jadeite would certainly fall within this category in my opinion).</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. When would be a good time to consider an appraisal? When one has amassed a full collection? </b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I don’t know that I would wait to have the appraisal made for a “full” collection. My MBM collection is incomplete on a couple of levels. I don’t have all of the sets (I’m missing two sets). Some of mine are not in original boxes or I’m missing the cards that came with the cutters. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I think that, if I was just starting the collection, I would document how much I paid for the cutter at least. Put that documentation with your other documentation as to your homeownership and tangible possessions. I would consider an appraisal when the collection became “sizable.” Like, if I had all of the oversized ones, I would consider an appraisal. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">However, the expense of the appraisal could govern when to have the cutters appraised. You wouldn’t want to pay more for the appraisal than the value of the item being appraised. When the prices paid for the collection began to approach an amount that would make it difficult to replace, then request an appraisal maybe? For instance, my appraiser’s hourly rate was $120 and she estimated that she would need about 6 hours to do the appraisal. I asked for this information up front before reaching the final decision to retain her. I knew that I wanted one based on my conversation with my insurance agent and watching the prices on eBay. But, I didn’t want to spend money on an appraisal if the value was less than the costs of the appraisal. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #030003; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. How does one go about finding the right person to do a full appraisal? </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #030003; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">My first thought was that I wanted a credentialed individual. I googled tangible property appraisers to determine what organizations credentialed these types of professionals. Obviously, these individuals exists as someone with knowledge has to appraise personal property for estate sales and the like. There are several in the USA. I looked at the lists to determine whether there were any professionals in my geographic area. I found some that I thought may be more appropriate for the job but they were not local. Most want to inspect the property personally to determine condition. Travel expenses then start to increase the expense of the appraisal. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I emailed several appraisers to determine their availability and expertise specifically as to MBM cutters. Most were not necessarily familiar with the MBM cutters but some were experts at appraising kitchen collectibles. The appraiser that I eventually retained has an expertise in silver. While the MBM cutters aren’t silver, I figured she could do the job. I asked how she would go about educating herself on the specific subject of MBM cutters and I appreciated her response. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Ultimately, I retained the specific appraiser because she was local, she had a specialty that was somewhat related to my collection, she appraised items for estate sales, and her price was reasonable considering the task at hand. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. What kind of price range are we looking at when undergoing this process? </b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Price depended on whether the appraiser had to travel, whether they worked in conjunction with another (The practice of one appraiser was to bring an assistant to help photograph the items or do other menial tasks at his request), etc. When I was researching the matter, several sites advised against using an appraiser that based the fee on the ultimate value of the property being appraised. Kinda makes sense – the more valuable he appraises your stuff the more money he makes. Apparently, that is a legitimate method of billing for the service. However, that seems to me to be a conflict of interest. I was quoted hourly fees ranging from $100 to $350. One agreed to quote a flat fee after I photographed my collection and mailed it to him to review. I felt that I was doing the work rather than him. He charged for additional expenses such as travel and copying costs. I don’t necessarily object to those types of expenses but I was able to avoid them as I continued to look at other appraisers. I dealt with most via email initially. Some, I contacted by phone. I was able to narrow down the selection in part because some didn’t bother to respond to my emails or telephone calls. That kinda makes it easy. When you are making the decision to retain an appraiser, be sure that you understand the fees and whether incidental costs such as assistants, office expenses, travel expenses, etc. are separate. Ask how the appraisal will be documented. In my case, I received a booklet with the appraiser’s discussion of how she appraised the collection, her sources for reaching a value and photographs of each set with individual values per set.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #010001; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. In your opinion and in the appraiser's, does the condition of each set and whether or not the original packaging material is still intact matter to the overall value?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #010001; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Yes. MBM cutters are considered “collectibles.” The original box, inserts, even the tissue complete the collection; particularly the decorating cards add to the value. As you pointed out to me, the decorating cards have the product/style number on them as to the collection. That helps authenticate the cutters. The decorating cards give you a picture of how Martha would have decorated them. It makes it more “personal” as to her, the creator. As a fan of Antiques Road Show, I note how the appraisers always appreciate when items have the original box or instructions, like with toy train sets, building blocks, etc. So, yes. The more you have of what came with the original purchase the better. I collect Pyrex as well. I’ve seen listings for the only the box in which the bowls were sold or even the advertisements placed in newspapers. In the case of MBM cookie cutters, I’ve seen the decorating cards for individual sale on eBay. Yes, there’s a value in that paper.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Condition of the actual cutters is very important. Copper will age as we know and is easily brought back to its shiny state. But bent cutters or misshapen ones will affect the value as they are damaged. The protection provided by the original boxes is a good reason in and of itself to keep the original packing material.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Are online sources, such as eBay and Etsy, a good gauge in terms of the inherent value of our cutters? </b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I’m not a professional appraiser, I’m not sure that I’m qualified to answer that. HOWEVER, watching the prices skyrocket on eBay was the factor that made me think that I should consider an appraisal – specifically when the “shield” from the “Flag & Shield” oversize set sold for $350 and I paid only $75 for the complete set, including the original box and inserts. Again, if I’m starting a collection and my purchase was made via one of these sites, I would print out the invoice and keep it for future reference. My appraiser used eBay as one of her sources for value. I don’t know how she did so as I’m not an expert on eBay. I know that the site has a feature that allows you to pull up past sales of items as a reference or gauge for current listings. I’ve never figured out how to use that feature. And, I’ve noticed that the sales can be all over the place. The “Flag & Shield” set is a good example. I don’t know whether my appraiser looked at this feature and took an average of the sales. Listing for the Nordstrom bear can be $15 or $75. Do you average those prices to reach a value? I don’t know. But, in my opinion, I would think that’s a viable way to reach a value. eBay and Etsy are probably the best places to find these cutters. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Did any surprises pop up while having your collection appraised?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Not really. In looking at the value of the individual set, I noticed that, for some, I paid more than her value. However, I’m ok with that because, since I’ve purchased them, I’ve watched them sell for more. Again, I don’t know whether she took an average of the sales nor do I know the timeframe of the sales that she used. Here recently, as you and I know, these MBM cutters are selling for pretty high amounts considering the original prices and that they are cookie cutters. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>8. What about insuring one's cookie cutter collection? Is it important and what would be the best way of going about it?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I think the decision to insure is a personal one. There is obviously an expense associated with doing so. Then, there’s the added expense of insurance coverage as the carrier will charge an additional premium for the scheduled items. I don’t know how much more as I haven’t had a chance to submit the appraisal to my agent. It depends on how much you personally value the collection. I have never considered my collection as an “investment” opportunity. I actually USE them. But, I would definitely miss them if they were lost in a hurricane or fire. That use is personal to me. It has a value to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Look for an appraiser specializing in kitchen collectibles. I feel like one specializing in estate sales would suffice as well. Google the topic to determine who is available locally. Consider the costs and compare that to what you’ve paid for them. As I’m typing this I’m thinking that maybe the website for Antique Roadshow may be a good start for locating an appraiser and may give some advice on how to make the selection.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>9. In your experience, do you think the value of our Martha by Mail cookie cutters will continue to increase in the years to come?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I talked with my appraiser about this very topic. She said that as long as Martha Stewart is alive, there will be a following for her. This market is generally fueled by enthusiastic fans of Martha. Folks that are not as enthusiastic will not place as much value on these. There’s a limited number of folks interested in these. That affects value as the general public isn’t as interested as Martha fans are. In other words, there is only a limited number of people willing to pay for MBM cutters. That depresses the value.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">In addition to Martha fans however, there are folks that collect kitchen items or copper items. These would appeal to those markets as well. The opportunity to sell MBM cutters goes beyond Martha fans but Martha fans are a bit more willing to pay more for the cutters.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The “collectibles” market is fickle. It goes up and down. I routinely watch Antiques Road Show and I like the episodes where the revisit appraisals 5 or 10 yrs. later. It’s interesting to me to see how folks’ interests change. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">My appraiser said “my view is a very practical one. I enjoy what I have and have little regard of appreciation in terms of value. ‘Buy what you love.’” I agree. There is a base value for the MBM collection. There will always be a value to someone. Future generations may not know of the personality of Martha Stewart but they can appreciate the quality of the products to which she attached her name. These are solid, well-made, cutters in interesting shapes and sizes. Sugar cookies will always be a part of Christmas, and other holidays. Bakers will appreciate the quality and durability of the MBM cutters. So, I think that there will always be a value as they are beautiful, useful, and unique. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you have not already done so, you may want to consider scheduling your extensive jadeite collection as well. Or any other collection that you have. This process has made me think that perhaps I should do so as to my Pyrex and Fiestaware collections. I also have literally a WALL of Nordic ware Bundt pans in my kitchen. (I hung them on the wall because they were buried in my cabinets and I was using only one or two because I didn’t want to dig them out. Now, I can see them all out in the open). They are not particular old or antiques but some of the shapes are no longer produced. Same for Le Creuset. I don’t think that I need to “insure” all of this stuff but I am going to take photos of the more expensive items so that I can prove ownership in the event of a loss (I doubt the Le Creuset will ever be “lost” per se as it ain’t going anywhere in a hurricane and it’s made to withstand a fire).</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Frankly, you may want to expand this topic to the wisdom of insuring any number of items that you’ve collected. Based on what I’ve seen on your blogs and Facebook pages, you have a lot of stuff, a lot of stuff that has a value. This could be presented in a series of blogs – cookie cutters, jadeite, Christmas ornaments, your tea towels. You could give advice on what to look for when collecting, what’s important to keep like the boxes, original packing, etc. Storage tips, cleaning tips, how to preserve the items. And so on. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Again, I really appreciate you taking the time to advise me as I collected these cutters. I do enjoy using them. The end results always bring big smiles to whomever I give the cookies. And that’s what I value. How these cutters help me bring a smile to other people. </i></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">...................................................................</span></div>
</div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-19809480861169288862020-04-03T05:42:00.000-04:002020-04-03T15:19:05.803-04:00The Martha by Mail Cookie Cutter Index <div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is an index of all the sets of cookie cutters that were made and sold exclusively through the Martha by Mail catalog. Many of you veteran and budding collectors have been asking for this for quite some time, because of the lack of information out there regarding all of the sets of copper cutters. A lot of time and research went into compiling this list in its entirety, and as such, there are a handful of unknown cutters/product in the SKU number roster. I had help from several collectors, friends, a lawyer, and even an appraiser (more on that to come). Thank you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNI3eKEZ0kaMdceV9Hnp7UXUJPJWKp3kM7lDA51d7iDcYxNZLnazsMgnVpf60z45q_Z2HJ9w3PNHTyUPObDtjcPrb8jAde6w2uegdMYtTcAfI_JNxh6tt-dx3c6r8iMmdJs0jKV2j-4s/s1600/P3290807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1600" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNI3eKEZ0kaMdceV9Hnp7UXUJPJWKp3kM7lDA51d7iDcYxNZLnazsMgnVpf60z45q_Z2HJ9w3PNHTyUPObDtjcPrb8jAde6w2uegdMYtTcAfI_JNxh6tt-dx3c6r8iMmdJs0jKV2j-4s/s640/P3290807.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">A Selection of The Oversized Martha by Mail Cookie Cutters</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have divided the sets into two lists, each organized by product number. The product number indicates the order in which each cutter was offered/released for sale through Martha by Mail. One list consists of the large, closed-back cookie cutters that were sold in sets of two, with the exception of the Nordstrom Teddy Bear and the copper trays (noted by an asterisk). The other list consists of all of the sets that were made with open-backs and sold as boxed sets. All of these were made out of copper, except where noted. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qqoE4ji73i9wPUh93oUxbs5Bz9Yh3ySQJT86dSFLLfzZDTkHRL21TNshNHknhpohLaCeA79cXMUsdkK_Vm7bYWpYiTzb5K-2ljm57JNGl6ZlvlOWjS9Gkt_JLSFtJBu-xzkAu_QhP38/s1600/P3300833.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qqoE4ji73i9wPUh93oUxbs5Bz9Yh3ySQJT86dSFLLfzZDTkHRL21TNshNHknhpohLaCeA79cXMUsdkK_Vm7bYWpYiTzb5K-2ljm57JNGl6ZlvlOWjS9Gkt_JLSFtJBu-xzkAu_QhP38/s640/P3300833.jpeg" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC009 </b>Snowflake Cutters; Set I, Set II & Set III</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Please note that the large cookie cutters were sold in conjunction with the boxed sets. Also, the Hearts Cookie Cutter Set was listed as having 12 hearts, even though there are 13 pieces to the set; the same goes for the Egg Cookie Cutter set. The catalog counted the "broken cutter" as 1 cookie cutter. </b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Martha by Mail affixed 3 letters to each product in their catalog followed by numbers. In this case, the letter "K" meant Kitchen. All Kitchen products, regardless of type, began with a "K". "MB" meant Michael Bonne (the coppersmith). All KMB products were Kitchen-Michael-Bonne, followed by their numerical order of introduction (note: KMB was reserved for the oversized cutters). KLC probably stood for Kitchen-Light-Copper, Kitchen-Little-Cutters or something along those lines (Michael Bonne was responsible for the majority of these as well).<br />
<br />
Photographs of some examples are shown below the list of cookie cutters. These were taken from the Martha by Mail catalogs. For images of the other cookie cutters, please visit the 'Collecting' page tab at the top and scroll through my personal collection of Martha by Mail cookie cutters.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Large (Oversized) Cookie Cutter Sets</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
.................................................................................................</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB001</b> Man in the Moon & Star (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB002</b> Heart & Hand (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB003</b> Barnyard Hen & Hatching Bunny (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*<b>KMB004</b> Rectangle Nesting Copper Trays</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*<b>KMB005</b> Oval & Heart Copper Trays</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB006</b> Great Owl & Belfry the Bat (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB007 </b>Sugar Squirrel & Mighty Acorn (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB008</b> Prancing Reindeer & Snowflake (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB009</b> Teacup & Cake (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB010</b> Papillon (Butterfly) & Sunflower (set/2) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB011</b> House & Christmas Tree (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB012</b> <b>UNKNOWN</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB013</b> Butterfly Cookie Cutter Set (tin; set/3)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB014</b> Seahorse & Nautilus (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB015</b> Snowman & Candy Cane (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB016</b> Tom Turkey & Chubby Pumpkin (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB017</b> <b>UNKNOWN</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB018</b> Nutcracker & Mouse King (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB019</b> Flag & Shield (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB020</b> <b>UNKNOWN</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB021 </b>Ring & Wedding Cake (Giant Wedding Cookie Cutters; set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KMB022</b> Wreath & Present (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>REGULAR SIZE COOKIE CUTTER SETS (open back)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
.................................................................................................................................................</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC001</b> Leaf Cookie Cutter Set (Autumn Leaves; set/6)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC002</b> Small Candy Cane & Snowman Set (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC003</b> Hearts Cookie Cutter Set (set/12)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC004</b> Dogs Cookie Cutter Set I (set/5)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC005</b> Eggs Cookie Cutter Set (set/12)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC006</b> Dogs Cookie Cutter Set II (set/5)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC007</b> Beautiful Bugs Cookie Cutter Set (set/4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC008</b> Halloween Cookie Cutter Set I (tin; set/6)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC009</b> -Snowflakes Cookie Cutters Set I (set/3)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Snowflakes Cookie Cutter Set II (set/3)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Snowflakes Cookie Cutter Set III (set/3)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC010</b> Cats Cookie Cutter Set (set/5)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC011</b> Halloween Cookie Cutter Set II (tin; set/7)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC012</b> Autumn Harvest Cookie Cutter Set (tin; set/6)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC013</b> Evergreens Cookie Cutter Set (set/5)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC014</b> Seashore Cookie Cutter Set (set/5)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC015</b> Baby Shower Cookie Cutter Set (set/5)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC016</b> Copper Biscuit Cutters<br />
-(round; set/5)<br />
-(fluted round; set/5)<br />
-(square; set/5)<br />
-(diamond; set/5)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC017</b> <b>UNKNOWN</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC018</b> <b>UNKNOWN</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC019</b> <b>UNKNOWN</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC020</b> Alphabet Cookie Cutter Set (set/26)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC021</b> Heart Quartet (set/4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC022</b> Blooming Flowers Set (set/4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC023</b> Bell & Dove Cookie Cutter Set (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC024</b> Woodland Bird Cookie Cutter Set (set/2)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC025</b> Victorian Ornamens Set (set/4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC026</b> Orchid Cookie Cutter Set (set/3)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC027</b> Patriotic Cookie Cutter Set (set/4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>KLC028</b> Spooky Cookie Cutters (set/4)<br />
<b>KLC029</b> Arctic Cookie Cutter Set (set/4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
...............................................................................</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CNA001</b> Noah's Ark Cookie Cutter Set I (set/9)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CNA002</b> Noah's Ark Cookie Cutter Set II (set/9)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CNA003</b> Noah's Ark Cookie Cutter Set III (set/9)<br />
................................................................................<br />
<b>KPS003</b> Easter Marshmallow Treat Kit Cutters (set/5)<br />
<b>KPS004</b> Halloween Marshmallow Treat Kit Cutters (set/5)<br />
...............................................................................<br />
<b>KCC001</b> Canapé Leaf Cutter Set (set/4)<br />
...............................................................................<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Miscellaneous</span></b><br />
Nordstrom Teddy Bear (single cutter)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk5XkmrXubxtHJTUZF-shyphenhyphenZm85WgPsB2Uk2TKxe91J4BG-Wr4oSMeLuRkfGyPh1ydN2BXp_Oypim2FWTbzb_TJSJ7Ke1MRcjk52zz2cAo7JfgZz8D_7tc63LEX9qqVG6VMOORMtrDXLM/s1600/PC111431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="1033" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk5XkmrXubxtHJTUZF-shyphenhyphenZm85WgPsB2Uk2TKxe91J4BG-Wr4oSMeLuRkfGyPh1ydN2BXp_Oypim2FWTbzb_TJSJ7Ke1MRcjk52zz2cAo7JfgZz8D_7tc63LEX9qqVG6VMOORMtrDXLM/s640/PC111431.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KMB018</b> Nutcracker and Mouse King Cutters</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSLEXQLEvZUbA418zmEYBPaxpEYuitxJdaqGDIsFs1ZQvOiwNqtISJYS2ccY_VMkBU1Xh98jCTpMtgs6myAhP6MMZqk83xvOxRvu-UhXHcr8knwRZWkllW_p0Z2Ydy8iYtmF9dpyKYu8/s1600/P3290826.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSLEXQLEvZUbA418zmEYBPaxpEYuitxJdaqGDIsFs1ZQvOiwNqtISJYS2ccY_VMkBU1Xh98jCTpMtgs6myAhP6MMZqk83xvOxRvu-UhXHcr8knwRZWkllW_p0Z2Ydy8iYtmF9dpyKYu8/s400/P3290826.jpeg" width="323" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeGBuW4okmOu6TSTNJAMm5LWdl_Zo8JHoLycojGb9bFiq1EtaTz91DKUJ5aFlWbsjOX2i20zV1ALZQTwkq9qpCMuk1r5wEa90zm9Z2P6FVNkbeXhGZ_diR-S229xTBzvhk7V1T7AYFho/s1600/P3290828.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="544" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeGBuW4okmOu6TSTNJAMm5LWdl_Zo8JHoLycojGb9bFiq1EtaTz91DKUJ5aFlWbsjOX2i20zV1ALZQTwkq9qpCMuk1r5wEa90zm9Z2P6FVNkbeXhGZ_diR-S229xTBzvhk7V1T7AYFho/s400/P3290828.jpeg" width="301" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJOy3fiC3cWicYWSRA5Jqopw9r84BC4vjBU2KXPMChD_W6rvjF5WJPFhze6rm2cL3wbqft0g3lu8vUMcJoWu9ZgwzWATVjIBB1idwzhwHd_6oAbTXjRNcvNhvmU8Bg-FQiZyxYXihP-c/s1600/P3290763.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="635" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJOy3fiC3cWicYWSRA5Jqopw9r84BC4vjBU2KXPMChD_W6rvjF5WJPFhze6rm2cL3wbqft0g3lu8vUMcJoWu9ZgwzWATVjIBB1idwzhwHd_6oAbTXjRNcvNhvmU8Bg-FQiZyxYXihP-c/s640/P3290763.jpeg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC009</b> Snowflake Cutters Set III<br /><b>KLC024</b> Woodland Bird Cookie Cutter Set</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8nGNnirlwYxpN7qQUfDu269MMwlfKPdri2wuK9k_HIJDlhbYBIko_1oH_R1GqBqK6VLlqexNrZxbsOdfOIDT-8C1se6sAqsetet_x-kq_md7sjHN3mFIcvUBVDV9UF5-6PPYjZjthIw/s1600/P3290760.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="657" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8nGNnirlwYxpN7qQUfDu269MMwlfKPdri2wuK9k_HIJDlhbYBIko_1oH_R1GqBqK6VLlqexNrZxbsOdfOIDT-8C1se6sAqsetet_x-kq_md7sjHN3mFIcvUBVDV9UF5-6PPYjZjthIw/s640/P3290760.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqijMaJGO6wskyErbBjfu5MZhqKRskpwEVo47XRDKWkLuTYAvD30rFGCL_bYFSYuNYoXPIW1QnH1rqRt24zpgBi-gr9wxe-Ng2R5LkrIJc-Xzh8kV8C9sw6Mp2YM7dA3gG6nbyMuVGy7o/s1600/P3290762.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="822" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqijMaJGO6wskyErbBjfu5MZhqKRskpwEVo47XRDKWkLuTYAvD30rFGCL_bYFSYuNYoXPIW1QnH1rqRt24zpgBi-gr9wxe-Ng2R5LkrIJc-Xzh8kV8C9sw6Mp2YM7dA3gG6nbyMuVGy7o/s640/P3290762.jpeg" width="377" /></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaV04PUJ1nNDRNmYkVOD_4Wh-mZXoBu1iWsP-YcF8zrSJJx5q9zYZ24ZMqU82tnTd_0Mrv1PFHxS5wUvHNSzxxKy3BDlN1vM3H54myPkYBJbXPiThMHZtoCHK8WaKPhsyDg1orVUEKWo/s1600/P3290832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="692" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaV04PUJ1nNDRNmYkVOD_4Wh-mZXoBu1iWsP-YcF8zrSJJx5q9zYZ24ZMqU82tnTd_0Mrv1PFHxS5wUvHNSzxxKy3BDlN1vM3H54myPkYBJbXPiThMHZtoCHK8WaKPhsyDg1orVUEKWo/s640/P3290832.jpeg" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC002 </b>Small Candy Cane and Snowman Set</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPxISFIX6ExmmWhNdCzBFhgJCvP15PZHjl7C1x1vhGMQavtVlbj181QmkdxNtX3gDPDdIkDoHz8fVuiQ8xQsErI80V8jdWXbkjvvQrdD1Ib-f6qcob6K9j_PDICafkJGLZHFn4s_mEDY/s1600/P3290756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="678" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPxISFIX6ExmmWhNdCzBFhgJCvP15PZHjl7C1x1vhGMQavtVlbj181QmkdxNtX3gDPDdIkDoHz8fVuiQ8xQsErI80V8jdWXbkjvvQrdD1Ib-f6qcob6K9j_PDICafkJGLZHFn4s_mEDY/s400/P3290756.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i><span style="color: white;"><b style="text-align: justify;">KLC029</b><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;"> Arctic Cookie Cutter Set (set/4)</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KHPTz2qAKym6peABuc1qQFh9DFnZUrNktfWj4-QA4Fb2V-3JFI_d-oZ638tioKXcC2iGxjOmKhFAVMm18U1VbMm-ARmO8ruHoj4RYXnDdJ2dtnwgXedM7Z6SROS6-B6VCnQ0XLTv0zw/s1600/P3290753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="856" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KHPTz2qAKym6peABuc1qQFh9DFnZUrNktfWj4-QA4Fb2V-3JFI_d-oZ638tioKXcC2iGxjOmKhFAVMm18U1VbMm-ARmO8ruHoj4RYXnDdJ2dtnwgXedM7Z6SROS6-B6VCnQ0XLTv0zw/s640/P3290753.jpeg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white;"><b style="text-align: justify;">KLC029</b><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;"> Arctic Cookie Cutter Set (set/4)</span></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH25413VXJcR-8UCXHXKP9fRbM3cigbqR3fXx2PbYgGdzGZevIJsKs7jokGIXa81gIZyCpa0r0SculJBum425I8obdSSNm8FJ8xBIGGM8_-b9uJaVN7avQT13GdeMbSEKbxsHqu8SrtMg/s1600/P3290802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="929" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH25413VXJcR-8UCXHXKP9fRbM3cigbqR3fXx2PbYgGdzGZevIJsKs7jokGIXa81gIZyCpa0r0SculJBum425I8obdSSNm8FJ8xBIGGM8_-b9uJaVN7avQT13GdeMbSEKbxsHqu8SrtMg/s640/P3290802.jpeg" width="594" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KMB022</b> Wreath & Present (set/2)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82PXUxjgvlwi3mVoZ9Cap0DmhzPhzAm1w3Smw-dzZP35QRAUEnheCR3rZHlY2mp6pGL4s-2uaeErKgGRAyAK6e9QEzZ70TKkyK8prkv2r5wIGC-PZOhyvFLDSVZJ7JoJc6kvJKMaMo7A/s1600/P3290824.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="1043" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82PXUxjgvlwi3mVoZ9Cap0DmhzPhzAm1w3Smw-dzZP35QRAUEnheCR3rZHlY2mp6pGL4s-2uaeErKgGRAyAK6e9QEzZ70TKkyK8prkv2r5wIGC-PZOhyvFLDSVZJ7JoJc6kvJKMaMo7A/s640/P3290824.jpeg" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC009 </b>Snowflake Cutters; Set I, Set II & Set III</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhF1pFTxDfMtS2q_nJfp1M9c7dfqPZkpF4zj2QiFVdxSliMPQCZ-YS-Gr2LLUnBXnb1YmDgOce3kVIy0y86LMbfl29RxDD9OkCA8hSQLpoV30iFiGk861ehcDzreZHSQnvQP4sEWojCE/s1600/P3290803.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="872" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhF1pFTxDfMtS2q_nJfp1M9c7dfqPZkpF4zj2QiFVdxSliMPQCZ-YS-Gr2LLUnBXnb1YmDgOce3kVIy0y86LMbfl29RxDD9OkCA8hSQLpoV30iFiGk861ehcDzreZHSQnvQP4sEWojCE/s640/P3290803.jpeg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><i><b>KLC003</b> Hearts Cookie Cutter Set (set/12)</i></span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mnpTfOu7GB9qQ47SF4mivjXMVyybeGVuWLMp4NoP4lybKkfGQ9hEyvRWX7ki5gggAnQvgiq1OV3BZsxx0oqU_mr-HvArEOi3xlYQLhTFbPVJCWnCj75PTCgibTHApC9fb-Yykt8a5Us/s1600/P3290766.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1315" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mnpTfOu7GB9qQ47SF4mivjXMVyybeGVuWLMp4NoP4lybKkfGQ9hEyvRWX7ki5gggAnQvgiq1OV3BZsxx0oqU_mr-HvArEOi3xlYQLhTFbPVJCWnCj75PTCgibTHApC9fb-Yykt8a5Us/s640/P3290766.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC021</b> Heart Quartet (set/4)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GZwEX8mMCXUOLGuGED7ybyhKmbBN21sCBfh-MMVfMDOtpbG79Iu0rtf79bLa2sZhgTg7xKfmlvGKfxlYzyjsbshJTU54A_INtwhIc1QIT2KHXae1MfCR6iwmjpKBVSeeReJ7fmE5wb0/s1600/P3290777.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1328" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GZwEX8mMCXUOLGuGED7ybyhKmbBN21sCBfh-MMVfMDOtpbG79Iu0rtf79bLa2sZhgTg7xKfmlvGKfxlYzyjsbshJTU54A_INtwhIc1QIT2KHXae1MfCR6iwmjpKBVSeeReJ7fmE5wb0/s640/P3290777.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC023</b> Bell & Dove Cookie Cutter Set (set/2)</span></i></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcJR2YSHom4BOMF9UGChkOFPQ2sc82X3ZVZxsXa3tyDqajaJTEtkDBnZsyUrSI8j7TQJLJQKRB4I5oh-29_bdoSQ_H1lF_yK5pR-lwmF8jF2pJ09HGqb2vMy5s9nsuYzI8YjGU3V5LsA/s1600/P3290779.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="941" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcJR2YSHom4BOMF9UGChkOFPQ2sc82X3ZVZxsXa3tyDqajaJTEtkDBnZsyUrSI8j7TQJLJQKRB4I5oh-29_bdoSQ_H1lF_yK5pR-lwmF8jF2pJ09HGqb2vMy5s9nsuYzI8YjGU3V5LsA/s640/P3290779.jpeg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC023</b> Bell & Dove Cookie Cutter Set (set/2)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M9FsdQbWWp6TFGA_jmGMjC-fwLoo6MEoDWlsldwuOwmgf81YPFIxPNxqp0thDbQzwL_2-JVWkFzHt2F4l5uTeRSjzIqL7ta3NQwntBJT03TFkjzSV4Q7qLd9Vq30L6KvuGVSuP6ILMk/s1600/P3290781.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="761" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M9FsdQbWWp6TFGA_jmGMjC-fwLoo6MEoDWlsldwuOwmgf81YPFIxPNxqp0thDbQzwL_2-JVWkFzHt2F4l5uTeRSjzIqL7ta3NQwntBJT03TFkjzSV4Q7qLd9Vq30L6KvuGVSuP6ILMk/s640/P3290781.jpeg" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC026</b> Orchid Cookie Cutter Set (set/3)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC007</b> Beautiful Bugs Cookie Cutter Set (set/4)</span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOje9upvzchdNbib2NVNETPr31oBSdwZEMDFU9dzUFG5JFyTMYe08vq7AD8NWf_l9fryhJHuxN_J1PgboM7BVXFKmuygvyqT01pw6_8Na8IKl9H1QzOJroiCQ6zophJyKBcT_b_zUUab0/s1600/P3290782.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOje9upvzchdNbib2NVNETPr31oBSdwZEMDFU9dzUFG5JFyTMYe08vq7AD8NWf_l9fryhJHuxN_J1PgboM7BVXFKmuygvyqT01pw6_8Na8IKl9H1QzOJroiCQ6zophJyKBcT_b_zUUab0/s640/P3290782.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC026</b> Orchid Cookie Cutter Set (set/3)</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6150IASVrL4-PCMIcLf0GE8uGhy7YBD6F-82guEwO0DpfH7uVn5gMkiVLkka5rRbJvF2QuTjJ2u635BEonjsql_a0LpNv-he2u2q67OxY_VsHAVYowRpTKTuFxf589Gt722TYFSSWSm0/s1600/biscuitcutters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6150IASVrL4-PCMIcLf0GE8uGhy7YBD6F-82guEwO0DpfH7uVn5gMkiVLkka5rRbJvF2QuTjJ2u635BEonjsql_a0LpNv-he2u2q67OxY_VsHAVYowRpTKTuFxf589Gt722TYFSSWSm0/s400/biscuitcutters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC016</b> Copper Biscuit Cutters</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> -(round; set/5)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> -(fluted round; set/5)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> -(square; set/5)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> -(diamond; set/5)</span></i></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3Pgvp5eUbtRG-GpdQmQ3R5CjM2e0jHor6N23OJta6rM2MDrGNsfpoLnYnXWpC8tixSwGujyu5EuWWiga-cfzjAoAkW0c7u1Lef3LiP5QUi84pt2f7ysO8GhHQD_glRhzHsYXBZKALHY/s1600/91544854_2846435045446057_9188821077952823296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="309" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3Pgvp5eUbtRG-GpdQmQ3R5CjM2e0jHor6N23OJta6rM2MDrGNsfpoLnYnXWpC8tixSwGujyu5EuWWiga-cfzjAoAkW0c7u1Lef3LiP5QUi84pt2f7ysO8GhHQD_glRhzHsYXBZKALHY/s400/91544854_2846435045446057_9188821077952823296_n.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC022</b> Blooming Flowers Set (set/4)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXqs50sWw3l6qlPpdE2CwfV6OB-OpFLcX6maF6tqMxV7-MYeReysVYZ6LFf12-RA6eGcGEn9RPirSYe7YebZZsjbZUqEjh7qaGzVJrOvWeC9Tp0qICbxnTZfPkdii2xik8pUN9icg_H0/s1600/P3290771.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXqs50sWw3l6qlPpdE2CwfV6OB-OpFLcX6maF6tqMxV7-MYeReysVYZ6LFf12-RA6eGcGEn9RPirSYe7YebZZsjbZUqEjh7qaGzVJrOvWeC9Tp0qICbxnTZfPkdii2xik8pUN9icg_H0/s400/P3290771.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC022</b> Blooming Flowers Set (set/4)</span></i></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSMicTRrL7FEys45lCIi5TmrC0fZC-PwQIPXtuVOl2JNS7R2rJMerUJ3MUEEnUdrUUtxsgP9PjfA3asp7qIF6l3B94S7-Wqd9T3kh49e9fhloLxXMi3IG4nNxRxZWojcVqA3PclsV-3M/s1600/P3290816.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSMicTRrL7FEys45lCIi5TmrC0fZC-PwQIPXtuVOl2JNS7R2rJMerUJ3MUEEnUdrUUtxsgP9PjfA3asp7qIF6l3B94S7-Wqd9T3kh49e9fhloLxXMi3IG4nNxRxZWojcVqA3PclsV-3M/s640/P3290816.jpeg" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><i><b>KPS003</b> Easter Marshmallow Treat Kit Cutters (set/5)</i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHXSJ7adl8i5W5_CfDyUNjcwjn1Xlppl9wb_I20P-_cnCCrYCtzOt0EpG3E2oDU2U52oQjce_IpSbxtSS992ArKKOw6gE1MATEhJPykO0buMyPLlXd6SLuAWznzrYIGurd2L_7CwRV-w/s1600/P3290808.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="924" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHXSJ7adl8i5W5_CfDyUNjcwjn1Xlppl9wb_I20P-_cnCCrYCtzOt0EpG3E2oDU2U52oQjce_IpSbxtSS992ArKKOw6gE1MATEhJPykO0buMyPLlXd6SLuAWznzrYIGurd2L_7CwRV-w/s640/P3290808.jpeg" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC004</b> Dogs Cookie Cutter Set I (set/5)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTKiLBiHyAr_8G9DeYORqVaNQQQ3NEphNIBvhENxxXSMpobnuWsp5M-FuvDbCP7ivs9rZ4KUXRi1scGcycv9zy5S6ZgRjQ48wEi8IvkCQvTude9e2VZc5Az06BzEY6W7nh6bY2E9DEAY/s1600/P3290790.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="952" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTKiLBiHyAr_8G9DeYORqVaNQQQ3NEphNIBvhENxxXSMpobnuWsp5M-FuvDbCP7ivs9rZ4KUXRi1scGcycv9zy5S6ZgRjQ48wEi8IvkCQvTude9e2VZc5Az06BzEY6W7nh6bY2E9DEAY/s640/P3290790.jpeg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC004</b> Dogs Cookie Cutter Set I (set/5)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC006</b> Dogs Cookie Cutter Set II (set/5)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYDmVOjYNtu8tHSZg-hv0T9mWM6NflywH_eRPsr9DPVk9a75-LfQhlzBg-hv_XQVdFiNzeD86L00oGnUPAAsOlqHBlUlfdON4ApRLqI88L9hNa5e8KIMfrJRhHHaTfg-xgZ2pqGeMB3U/s1600/P3290804.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="765" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYDmVOjYNtu8tHSZg-hv0T9mWM6NflywH_eRPsr9DPVk9a75-LfQhlzBg-hv_XQVdFiNzeD86L00oGnUPAAsOlqHBlUlfdON4ApRLqI88L9hNa5e8KIMfrJRhHHaTfg-xgZ2pqGeMB3U/s640/P3290804.jpeg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC010</b> Cats Cookie Cutter Set (set/5)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PeiuRYMpkoEMg728sOsZKO-Uo1SAN0vTTXnQw2o11lziud1ET8WEcC40xuQIXsiuIavod3FLiozXqlJ0xSiAaA2bXbcORwZLT8ANwbpc7poYSUDmbflHvgXvo4K8f_7uVk2_dBv6oHI/s1600/P3310836.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1049" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PeiuRYMpkoEMg728sOsZKO-Uo1SAN0vTTXnQw2o11lziud1ET8WEcC40xuQIXsiuIavod3FLiozXqlJ0xSiAaA2bXbcORwZLT8ANwbpc7poYSUDmbflHvgXvo4K8f_7uVk2_dBv6oHI/s640/P3310836.jpeg" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC027</b> Patriotic Cookie Cutter Set (set/4)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDT9p12RO7AniazXTGS96_WBTh9EOB85AwyV9_6KvLgXBRGpdF_y7unj4AHUfEYsEJCbVrXx0jl82J6fIxKUGs6Fv6-90F-uIuWB1xX31XEiiJr1hxttGGv21L9DXpElY9xnz-tZiLPw/s1600/P3310837.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="781" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDT9p12RO7AniazXTGS96_WBTh9EOB85AwyV9_6KvLgXBRGpdF_y7unj4AHUfEYsEJCbVrXx0jl82J6fIxKUGs6Fv6-90F-uIuWB1xX31XEiiJr1hxttGGv21L9DXpElY9xnz-tZiLPw/s640/P3310837.jpeg" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC027</b> Patriotic Cookie Cutter Set (set/4)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFz_ql20KZrZM-7wDpA5I1fyncSNjPnazCvRWRaYJwE95OiaSdtnv22ESQwVWsI_4f-JJ4m96kJv3k09MRAEHcEGy19ESGH9prnLX8E4XhATF0wEzcoU7bCSbac_Wio0MRM7ljo17afo/s1600/P3290814.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFz_ql20KZrZM-7wDpA5I1fyncSNjPnazCvRWRaYJwE95OiaSdtnv22ESQwVWsI_4f-JJ4m96kJv3k09MRAEHcEGy19ESGH9prnLX8E4XhATF0wEzcoU7bCSbac_Wio0MRM7ljo17afo/s640/P3290814.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC028</b> Spooky Cookie Cutters (set/4)</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguX_JeU02xwICnShIjoQFXX81ooareLRXAnRGXCEE53pKcArJ0Yiqhyphenhyphenf6oul4UXXMRn22h8bmQqdg3XV0KOmKnbjoIQrQ4e_FqFbC6lRPOUQQ8nXq6hSUsqa1SHRyUdfRyqcSH1nle2IA/s1600/P3290809.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="783" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguX_JeU02xwICnShIjoQFXX81ooareLRXAnRGXCEE53pKcArJ0Yiqhyphenhyphenf6oul4UXXMRn22h8bmQqdg3XV0KOmKnbjoIQrQ4e_FqFbC6lRPOUQQ8nXq6hSUsqa1SHRyUdfRyqcSH1nle2IA/s640/P3290809.jpeg" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC028</b> Spooky Cookie Cutters (set/4)</span></i><br />
<div>
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5nDqaN-pmBj9ekeO7HKTpahm_bMDVkMV3M63Q-TrCGbtoePAiHPrvK6Iju3tAXPse6rN-uvWSnPW9HJvUta68ceCBDhT7qpov5qDQhdw8e6ZDk6BqEKgLqCNTTFQu7qQNQ_5fEQ2Ais/s1600/P3290796.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5nDqaN-pmBj9ekeO7HKTpahm_bMDVkMV3M63Q-TrCGbtoePAiHPrvK6Iju3tAXPse6rN-uvWSnPW9HJvUta68ceCBDhT7qpov5qDQhdw8e6ZDk6BqEKgLqCNTTFQu7qQNQ_5fEQ2Ais/s640/P3290796.jpeg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC001</b> Leaf Cookie Cutter Set (Autumn Leaves; set/6)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuhPmmJHA45dgcodeNtZI45nmvdEjzBnxWZIhaznv0QV4hYlJe6CAQ84W0qDdyKzKC6-jUCQowghY3oOQZRAAg5DG8PGl-hRkmHneCeKeW-I6dNMn76SRzlPpUDyieEsEapFLxzwJ2nY/s1600/P3290823.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuhPmmJHA45dgcodeNtZI45nmvdEjzBnxWZIhaznv0QV4hYlJe6CAQ84W0qDdyKzKC6-jUCQowghY3oOQZRAAg5DG8PGl-hRkmHneCeKeW-I6dNMn76SRzlPpUDyieEsEapFLxzwJ2nY/s640/P3290823.jpeg" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><b>KLC012</b> Autumn Harvest Cookie Cutter Set (tin; set/6)</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJUWeJDxqkI8P4P5jtcdNq2mDfhuwgrlVs3huqwHUpl1awpK8sw44PWACyoA4SNd_n5bb-A6n8DSK1jRvRkf1vCbdyYxu7U2eYKom27DleHBXsXhhFlZiYQyo8qLNQ3qQaMEQoOkFi3s/s1600/P3290794.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1055" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJUWeJDxqkI8P4P5jtcdNq2mDfhuwgrlVs3huqwHUpl1awpK8sw44PWACyoA4SNd_n5bb-A6n8DSK1jRvRkf1vCbdyYxu7U2eYKom27DleHBXsXhhFlZiYQyo8qLNQ3qQaMEQoOkFi3s/s640/P3290794.jpeg" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Martha by Mail</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VE7lvjv5QTsX14roUfNws46V8qz2o0N8btqW4W2TCxb3AmhbRkG-XW5t0gtUkWGTAfTz2qft7KmtGL6Dj4-93LbYSUOWYRWAHttP24SdDbM55FRvvRyApgzvkcn0lcaNR_j61IgO_p8/s1600/P3290805.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="1408" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VE7lvjv5QTsX14roUfNws46V8qz2o0N8btqW4W2TCxb3AmhbRkG-XW5t0gtUkWGTAfTz2qft7KmtGL6Dj4-93LbYSUOWYRWAHttP24SdDbM55FRvvRyApgzvkcn0lcaNR_j61IgO_p8/s640/P3290805.jpeg" width="610" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-47312758657211703352020-03-26T14:29:00.000-04:002020-03-26T15:42:58.534-04:00A Spring Table Setting<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope that you will agree with me when I say that all of us can use a little green at the start of spring. For me, the color green represents life, renewal and positive energy. Surrounding ourselves with a bit of green in our homes, at least in my opinion, is the equivalent of allowing vitality into our lives. To my mind green equals happiness, and let's be honest, we can all use some cheer in our lives right now.<br />
<br />
This is especially true during these unusual and uncertain times all of us are living under. If you're stuck at home at the moment like so many of us around the world are, it's important for our mental health to engage in activities that will give us a sense of calm and peace.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWT5-3-aqDlqIbM21QBllXrKyFX1WvEfjLMPZhE16ZvUanQYdlEYbevSdbXemOCbyYEDBGpN7PcmcHPVcHp_LxnItR7QtdvTPdQSnyVExKaCZK_8tfZW_C6ytnlmLyHpq9oSuUTQgOA4/s1600/P3220683.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWT5-3-aqDlqIbM21QBllXrKyFX1WvEfjLMPZhE16ZvUanQYdlEYbevSdbXemOCbyYEDBGpN7PcmcHPVcHp_LxnItR7QtdvTPdQSnyVExKaCZK_8tfZW_C6ytnlmLyHpq9oSuUTQgOA4/s640/P3220683.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><i>A Spring Table Setting</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whether it's reading, cooking, baking, organizing, exercising, learning a new language or whatever you happen to be doing to pass the time right now, don't let our social distancing or imposed quarantines make us throw our table manners out the door. Even if you don't do it every single day, set a nice table at least once a week for your family by using your collectibles and by serving them a delicious menu <i>a la maison</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I guarantee that by doing so, not only will you be bringing some happiness into your household, you might even find yourself wanting to make it a ritual more than once a week. But don't forget, add something green!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1foPi_8GH3Cwt1XE6AKuqU1iZEtA0qbQg0BxxHT0uU2UfVgfXEISon4NcE7KahADfkz9Qc5Dm3XJJZFIFY31GSNV1ldxQfWQ_KcTQN7Ux4IM3hXDMxiGO2Qd87UyqR-OAz97mQJHvUw/s1600/P3240738.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1foPi_8GH3Cwt1XE6AKuqU1iZEtA0qbQg0BxxHT0uU2UfVgfXEISon4NcE7KahADfkz9Qc5Dm3XJJZFIFY31GSNV1ldxQfWQ_KcTQN7Ux4IM3hXDMxiGO2Qd87UyqR-OAz97mQJHvUw/s640/P3240738.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Vintage Bakelite Flatware</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For this particular spring table setting, I wanted to first choose my silverware based on a vintage linen that I had never used before. A friend of mine spotted it while we were antiquing last year and I'm so grateful he convinced me to purchase it. I actually thought about making tea towels with the fabric at the time, but I never got around to it. Lazy me!<br />
<br />
I brought over some platters to the table filled with old Bakelite silverware that I've been collecting for some time. Did I want solid colored or bicolored handles, or would my chevron-patterned pieces do? Although I own several patterns of Bakelite flatware in multiple colors, I had to go with something green for this table.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN1U0NdzXSr7zI6Gi9SqwPaJPlBDtASJSBCsGxkIJM_LjjH3bgxqS5f7vBgNgGFr2z65Ow7QYzTrwy643OgrQSlelxcGAkBoe2iswBQG-xOE-1hvYiFtfx6nT7G7eMmAsNZFebweSUOk/s1600/P3240705.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1566" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN1U0NdzXSr7zI6Gi9SqwPaJPlBDtASJSBCsGxkIJM_LjjH3bgxqS5f7vBgNgGFr2z65Ow7QYzTrwy643OgrQSlelxcGAkBoe2iswBQG-xOE-1hvYiFtfx6nT7G7eMmAsNZFebweSUOk/s640/P3240705.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Fire King Jadeite Restaurant Ware</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next up was the dinnerware. Fire King jadeite restaurant ware from the 1940s is always a sure thing in spring. The plates aren't generously sized, but for a lunch or a brunch, they're just right. The green goblets are Federal glass and the clear tumblers with that swirl pattern are from Martha by Mail. The linen napkins are sturdy kitchen towels from the 1950s. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BNSfcOqVQuTVRy5ptFxjceuvG-TtbIBqWhaCqL6eGI7C1cillqa_WYmsIbIsyh4g_M9ERgAYupJzKy3DVCFNykJD0dkNp-CCF8dPP_iuVTksH_nUkpK_uDZr9GP5IF_JXPZRmAqOsno/s1600/P3240706.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BNSfcOqVQuTVRy5ptFxjceuvG-TtbIBqWhaCqL6eGI7C1cillqa_WYmsIbIsyh4g_M9ERgAYupJzKy3DVCFNykJD0dkNp-CCF8dPP_iuVTksH_nUkpK_uDZr9GP5IF_JXPZRmAqOsno/s640/P3240706.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"><i>Green Bakelite by Royal Brand Cutlery, Sheffield, England</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The two tone vintage Bakelite silverware that I chose was made by the Royal Brand Cutlery Company in the 1950s. I adore this pattern to no end because it is unusual and very difficult to source. My pieces show very little wear and do not have any cracks whatsoever. The lucite ends of the Bakelite handles are clear and crisp in color. Expect to pay a pretty penny for a complete set of these if they ever do come on the market. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Forgo paper towels right now and conserve them for other uses around the house. Bring out your linen napkins for lunch and dinner, which can get laundered immediately afterward. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDOq7LqqGzFx3xnlmMTscgifLJiWVWC_uXLcT4Vw6h5hrhWwC0dCor4PNHIAyOj1fpbuUBrQjNhiQtgMF9mOoKURzmJun9MlkqWf5cIwqVpgaatrbH1BdXWIDdfRJnZVWMof4_aq3zBY/s1600/P3240715.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDOq7LqqGzFx3xnlmMTscgifLJiWVWC_uXLcT4Vw6h5hrhWwC0dCor4PNHIAyOj1fpbuUBrQjNhiQtgMF9mOoKURzmJun9MlkqWf5cIwqVpgaatrbH1BdXWIDdfRJnZVWMof4_aq3zBY/s640/P3240715.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Martha by Mail Glass & Federal Depression Glass</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The clear carousel tumblers were from the former Martha by Mail catalog. Perfect for holding water, they're also great for serving lemonade or iced tea. The green footed goblets were purchased at a consignment shop years ago while living in Haddonfield. The Depression era pieces were made by Federal Glass. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RYrDvJc3pfSVwPWsSpovxK5_DMinJ2nKPYbyIwmFs9ol-j9CrT0ojvCtuvbqcIF9Vw8Sl3zRU_efMWG05-FnwkkHEz2eVyWFa9dlsJvPlQgB-CxrHYDSsSLGteShg6-UAViJK8WqV0Q/s1600/P3220654.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RYrDvJc3pfSVwPWsSpovxK5_DMinJ2nKPYbyIwmFs9ol-j9CrT0ojvCtuvbqcIF9Vw8Sl3zRU_efMWG05-FnwkkHEz2eVyWFa9dlsJvPlQgB-CxrHYDSsSLGteShg6-UAViJK8WqV0Q/s640/P3220654.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The jadeite pieces that I used for this table include: 9" dinner plate, 6-3/4" salad or pie plate, 5-1/2" bread and butter plate, 4-3/4" fruit/berry bowl, double egg cup from the Breakfast Set, Martha by Mail Easter Bunny Egg Cups and a Mosser lidded basket (for the African Violets).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2bAKCeqEBIettJHYucBFai9j2XT1SS1etDH_TNv3Ze02bUz7f08tgRtm8Zqto2l9vwWrJlBriILgtKwbfmJMkkwLbPrYfwTi2VPt4Hfzk-OlhTsayZWhpffNzvss3lLdSxlciNPP73E/s1600/P3220661.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2bAKCeqEBIettJHYucBFai9j2XT1SS1etDH_TNv3Ze02bUz7f08tgRtm8Zqto2l9vwWrJlBriILgtKwbfmJMkkwLbPrYfwTi2VPt4Hfzk-OlhTsayZWhpffNzvss3lLdSxlciNPP73E/s640/P3220661.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even my baby, Henry, was curious about our table. He's such a good kitty in that he won't bother any delicate table setting that I arrange. Viewing it from afar is best in his opinion. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41o7MzYYjhB8KlKKwpSHqmIHULltouAbFGq8pAX1Css_f1LnfB_BNlfde4Nb57twn0q9-PpLMMmawHJ7-ImvJ8Q30eBT9L0fgHpo29K_-atnbojxQUW2vJjqBJKu9wVrX-B6i_0mzMuc/s1600/P3220686.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41o7MzYYjhB8KlKKwpSHqmIHULltouAbFGq8pAX1Css_f1LnfB_BNlfde4Nb57twn0q9-PpLMMmawHJ7-ImvJ8Q30eBT9L0fgHpo29K_-atnbojxQUW2vJjqBJKu9wVrX-B6i_0mzMuc/s640/P3220686.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Jadeite, Bakelite, Depression Glass & Vintage Linens</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If there's one thing that Martha Stewart has taught me over the years is that it's fine to mix and match while setting a table. One doesn't have to be boring and have everything from one pattern matching throughout the table. As long as patterns and colors complement one another, almost anything goes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
What I like about this particular table setting of mine is that just about everything, with the exception of those exquisite pieces of Martha by Mail glass, is of the mid-century period. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjUC1VsGO-nJHPhNhxdIJziJR5DDqRukwBKz3H0c8UTMpaSeJMo0nZnrDwS9nk5yLmpuKA99eElrFdSz14h9HDInkpSfh35P7OehH6VnOxfN0hHVBJ-ZhtdhKaseGmH2323_-9S7L89k/s1600/P3220657.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjUC1VsGO-nJHPhNhxdIJziJR5DDqRukwBKz3H0c8UTMpaSeJMo0nZnrDwS9nk5yLmpuKA99eElrFdSz14h9HDInkpSfh35P7OehH6VnOxfN0hHVBJ-ZhtdhKaseGmH2323_-9S7L89k/s640/P3220657.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
With everything that is going on in our lives right now, it's healthy to take a moment to sit around the table during lunch or dinner and be grateful for what we have. Be grateful that we are here today, and that we have each other. Many of my friends and family around this country are very anxious right now. Believe me, I completely understand because I'm on the same boat as you. We need to support one another, check up on one another on a daily basis so that we weather this storm and come out of it healthy and strong. <br />
<br />
I hope that you and your family are doing well.</div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-82798102665915175432020-03-08T15:09:00.000-04:002020-03-08T15:09:37.046-04:00Leprechauns and Four Leaf Clovers<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's that time of year to begin showcasing our green for St. Patrick's Day. In cookie form, one can turn just about any shape into a spirited Irish-themed treat for the holiday. As long as you color them green, in whatever shades you desire, your cookies will look bright and festive. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeEabu7wZmnYR2xi-AI2wKacl-1ZlyiT4eQFr4CYtNkcEXTyigRJm3zRGEDXC6R_82YUPA-8bQvYODJh07PCqXi6-9XPb3ASDX0THQPpzurLriVIkLzbI-tA-Kguux0mCX_tGPY38MzM/s1600/P3070623.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="1508" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeEabu7wZmnYR2xi-AI2wKacl-1ZlyiT4eQFr4CYtNkcEXTyigRJm3zRGEDXC6R_82YUPA-8bQvYODJh07PCqXi6-9XPb3ASDX0THQPpzurLriVIkLzbI-tA-Kguux0mCX_tGPY38MzM/s640/P3070623.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For this particular set of cookies, I used Americolor and Wilton food coloring in: leaf green, kelly green, copper, orange, ivory and black.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The leprechaun faces that I created are not a new design, but rather one that a cookie decorator came up with years ago. All you need is a cupcake cookie cutter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyy4hXA-IAzTf-r6X9ObNmcVcL31nqsyJEoTMJTl-pjvcbK0kur4Zj_5RzYEFN4r0AX1yGcANnEKErVLmvj8Kf7yWXz2QajEirJdl2_suuddyoZrgmGcm-ScBtoDGNFdrEnroY-V0_-M/s1600/P3070619.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyy4hXA-IAzTf-r6X9ObNmcVcL31nqsyJEoTMJTl-pjvcbK0kur4Zj_5RzYEFN4r0AX1yGcANnEKErVLmvj8Kf7yWXz2QajEirJdl2_suuddyoZrgmGcm-ScBtoDGNFdrEnroY-V0_-M/s640/P3070619.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's right! A cupcake cookie cutter is the perfect shape for a leprechaun. Cut out as many "heads" as you want and then get to work.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCHcd4-6VrvBBkX_NC8Hq6R_V9pMxBbVGnhjSnol8tK0im9L1q4vexPa6kFEArBxgZaYJnmWFMttfc1V7nxruw5FASVj3EQRDDjmk7jAeQ3JW7bkHEq-JqH3Zk-fXOBd6FFCWv927Vl0/s1600/P3060616.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCHcd4-6VrvBBkX_NC8Hq6R_V9pMxBbVGnhjSnol8tK0im9L1q4vexPa6kFEArBxgZaYJnmWFMttfc1V7nxruw5FASVj3EQRDDjmk7jAeQ3JW7bkHEq-JqH3Zk-fXOBd6FFCWv927Vl0/s640/P3060616.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you're ready to decorate, have royal icings tinted in two shades of green, jet black, pale ivory, and a bright orange that has a hint of copper. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Leprechaun Faces</b>: Turn all of the cupcake shapes upside down. Using green royal icing, outline and flood the hat of the leprechaun using a #2 piping tip. Let the icing dry completely. Using black royal icing and a #2 piping tip, add a hat band across the hat, and then gently affix a gold shamrock candy in the middle. Using ivory royal icing and a #2 piping tip, outline and flood a face as shown, and while the icing is wet, add dots for eyes, an offset smile and two little eyebrows. Using a bright orange royal icing and a #2 piping tip, outline and flood the beard of the leprechaun as shown. Let dry completely.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8JkQKiZlXltMGVHodZnvyJLUsz1S4XfruG8JPL8o8Z122YfF01IHvGO01f3Uc10ZPMINy4IiUAKpo0QGCUQIYuSbwBTjqnEeMPObsjkSzOD_pJFHKZvRLZExR6PX_U-LPd1yBTJWC2A/s1600/P3070645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8JkQKiZlXltMGVHodZnvyJLUsz1S4XfruG8JPL8o8Z122YfF01IHvGO01f3Uc10ZPMINy4IiUAKpo0QGCUQIYuSbwBTjqnEeMPObsjkSzOD_pJFHKZvRLZExR6PX_U-LPd1yBTJWC2A/s640/P3070645.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pipe a bead of icing to outline the shape of the hat as shown (optional). I think that these are perhaps some of the cutest leprechauns out there.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DLXPUkX6Tno79yAxVHUokmNaHIKE7fqtf3lyhWiF88QB2mzzH1wdZylhBXoNHLpenVSS5XYhGZb13bLx41VdBIyMOuuNXsGTCQzLrAfOxu1ks5xpg0jxtdrETSbJZtfNXpIofme2j2Y/s1600/P3070628.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DLXPUkX6Tno79yAxVHUokmNaHIKE7fqtf3lyhWiF88QB2mzzH1wdZylhBXoNHLpenVSS5XYhGZb13bLx41VdBIyMOuuNXsGTCQzLrAfOxu1ks5xpg0jxtdrETSbJZtfNXpIofme2j2Y/s640/P3070628.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The four leaf clover cookies look complicated, but they are not. They're so simple to make.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcQWc35dpmkTVmzhmUa5izdN4r6ZNXVNcrPoywiMP9rCJ3NUbNspODaPR0j7GXDFldgWEetU8wir9YkDFfPvlw-wetcrFKi3YX_fERheGcFG_4yoGVygqh6FCxEVJdTBh_ZtbY49NL7U/s1600/P3070633.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcQWc35dpmkTVmzhmUa5izdN4r6ZNXVNcrPoywiMP9rCJ3NUbNspODaPR0j7GXDFldgWEetU8wir9YkDFfPvlw-wetcrFKi3YX_fERheGcFG_4yoGVygqh6FCxEVJdTBh_ZtbY49NL7U/s640/P3070633.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Four Leaf Clover Cookies</b>: outline and flood the base of the four leaf clover cookie in either white, leaf green or kelly green royal icing. While the icing is wet, pipe lines in alternating colors across the entire cookie. Working quickly before the icing sets, use a scriber tool or a clean toothpick to drag the icing up and down the entire surface of the cookie. Wipe the pick clean between each line to give it a neat look. Let the cookie dry completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Tip: to make them look perfect, pipe the first line between the top two and the bottom two leaves of the cookie. Then work your way up and down. </b> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9p1XFfi9ijsl1cnSjyR-Px1nRM05Q3Ea96y7BqDNwhLrhF5FrjyrQXVC23-WE6_x3o7xz2PNJ-ShR9FjTRHkxxr9bgh5dGtOLxSvpBe7CWSEnv0PKu1Gkou700p0xm875Bc_l6b6YCg/s1600/P3070638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9p1XFfi9ijsl1cnSjyR-Px1nRM05Q3Ea96y7BqDNwhLrhF5FrjyrQXVC23-WE6_x3o7xz2PNJ-ShR9FjTRHkxxr9bgh5dGtOLxSvpBe7CWSEnv0PKu1Gkou700p0xm875Bc_l6b6YCg/s640/P3070638.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A variation on this theme is to pipe vertical lines on the wet icing instead of horizontal lines before you begin to draw the icing through. I like this version.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlASp782l_x4Sf8j_ltJ77k_AoCaVBUiZBL2BvxqtM5VWFrlT8izFuSTpUTFnbhsdgxgZ2-InkElEbIg8B-Nn9qunAiOuRd-NwOcZzpOcfZeYFvGp3IghF0_TeIKVWrP8zmTt5IztI10/s1600/P3070640.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlASp782l_x4Sf8j_ltJ77k_AoCaVBUiZBL2BvxqtM5VWFrlT8izFuSTpUTFnbhsdgxgZ2-InkElEbIg8B-Nn9qunAiOuRd-NwOcZzpOcfZeYFvGp3IghF0_TeIKVWrP8zmTt5IztI10/s640/P3070640.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Did I not say that these were easy cookies to make? It's a great day to be a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day and celebrate one's green heritage. Let's face it, everyone gets to be Irish on March 17th, so make a few leprechaun and four leaf clover cookies to bring good luck into your life this month. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Baking and Happy St. Patrick's Day!</div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-36278092521412698312020-02-09T14:46:00.000-05:002020-02-09T15:48:25.639-05:00Sweet Valentine's Day Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last of the Valentine's Day cookies for 2020 are undoubtedly sweet. I narrowed down the hues of the cookies to four colors in order to keep things effortless and straightforward. This in no way limited the range of designs that I created for the folks here in town. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take a look! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYMBWtUrzwPi4WMEreoBAzGq_AP42Im4oMUp2WJdndg5mmXg2TP4D2wn8V4ycjtaBylKioYvDeCZrA1a2BvygCrmfRYNrtHpjPz51AoP__uP720szXlR8h329MOCejAiSGsc0I9riO10/s1600/P2080606.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYMBWtUrzwPi4WMEreoBAzGq_AP42Im4oMUp2WJdndg5mmXg2TP4D2wn8V4ycjtaBylKioYvDeCZrA1a2BvygCrmfRYNrtHpjPz51AoP__uP720szXlR8h329MOCejAiSGsc0I9riO10/s640/P2080606.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A rich, deep chocolate brown royal icing always looks very tempting and striking on a cookie, no matter how it's used. For Valentine hearts, it's a winner. Add to this a very bright pink and dark red to round out the hues, and of course, a bit of white to lighten the palette. With these four colors, heart sugar cookies come together in a matter of 1-2 days, depending on the amount of treats that you have to ice.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMmjyN1rePNWJl8OQAV5GQZ6weSjT3D9B9UgFsnQ953-LB7oG9xUtLPeps9JQyqqiFgH6vTU88XI58QYBk8y8PkV0gD2kFt-wTgMCPrmM_-NAF2pAf_p4TKsMgn-RIDnxugNbBA6kbSs/s1600/P2080543.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMmjyN1rePNWJl8OQAV5GQZ6weSjT3D9B9UgFsnQ953-LB7oG9xUtLPeps9JQyqqiFgH6vTU88XI58QYBk8y8PkV0gD2kFt-wTgMCPrmM_-NAF2pAf_p4TKsMgn-RIDnxugNbBA6kbSs/s640/P2080543.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This set of hearts sitting on Wedgwood white bone china and British lustreware demitasse cups are perhaps my favorite of the bunch. It's all about the dotted border.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Using a #2 piping tip, add red and pink dots along the perimeter of the mini hearts and large hearts, alternating colors. Let the dots set for a couple of minutes. Outline and flood the heart in either white or chocolate brown royal icing using a #3 or a #4 piping tip. Let the icing set and dry completely. You can then pipe a message (in this case XOXO) with a fine #2 piping tip in the icing color of your choice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Very easy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUS-mdSdAuzx3PoTDAbAzX2H3AvrxCXAsW4weWdhxI_CHAkl715d0G0RMdEmQw2Jf0EPPvs4f6U2v6iybwZhyqy1hmpnGhJX_6aB-zP4gq9VvIeSWLTCU2abSSqjHrMnxzkWzS26euhs/s1600/P2080545.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUS-mdSdAuzx3PoTDAbAzX2H3AvrxCXAsW4weWdhxI_CHAkl715d0G0RMdEmQw2Jf0EPPvs4f6U2v6iybwZhyqy1hmpnGhJX_6aB-zP4gq9VvIeSWLTCU2abSSqjHrMnxzkWzS26euhs/s640/P2080545.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Atop this Martha by Mail shell pink milk glass cake stand is another variation of those dotted border hearts. I wrote Kiss Me and I (heart) U on them. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Large Red Heart</b>: outline and flood the heart in red royal icing using a #4 piping tip. While the icing is wet, using #2 piping tips, outline an inner heart in white icing and then one in chocolate brown icing. With a scriber tool, drag the icing in an S curve throughout the heart to create the pattern. Let the base dry completely. Outline the perimeter of the heart in red royal icing using a fine #2 piping tip. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Overlapping Hearts</b>: Outline the overlapping hearts using a #2 piping tip and chocolate brown royal icing. Immediately flood the inside of the hearts in red royal icing. Let the icing set for a couple of minutes, and then flock the entire heart in fine, red sanding sugar. Let dry completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Dotted Inner-Border Hearts</b>: Outline the cookie in chocolate brown royal icing using a #2 piping tip. Using pink and white royal icing (#2 piping tips), add an inner border of dots. Let the dots set. Immediately flood the inner heart in chocolate brown royal icing and let dry completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Plain White Hearts</b>: outline and flood the hearts in white royal icing and then sprinkle with multi-colored nonpareils. Let dry completely. Using Rolkem gold, apply a small amount of gold onto the bottom tips of the hearts using a fine brush. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMd7YWQRzNULuMQjbnIrwrYGjoeotPuHGGGElxYHNJTjKa5N9gJ8UIlXuJ8ghi1WBcoVQH7dMhkxa_-2r7ZXDX7rUUFq0sW4VZMxJ0ihd7hUVtkebImBoNNLb0nNcuEbGB-8avz882ow/s1600/P2080547.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMd7YWQRzNULuMQjbnIrwrYGjoeotPuHGGGElxYHNJTjKa5N9gJ8UIlXuJ8ghi1WBcoVQH7dMhkxa_-2r7ZXDX7rUUFq0sW4VZMxJ0ihd7hUVtkebImBoNNLb0nNcuEbGB-8avz882ow/s640/P2080547.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These cookies are a variation of what I already showed you. The large heart in the center is simply given inner hearts on wet icing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0tSbsxTXKWJc5DFCm3WY8ZfZDW-mof7DefgyPoMA_kHLbDBEGB9b2orMIr0mlmZ_acqp8fxuNeZdtrG37nM-_64xLSM0xYdfbcUM5ZFJtKAlazkR61mTvJAUB74a23_3E92ERiGBC0I/s1600/P2080548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1600" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0tSbsxTXKWJc5DFCm3WY8ZfZDW-mof7DefgyPoMA_kHLbDBEGB9b2orMIr0mlmZ_acqp8fxuNeZdtrG37nM-_64xLSM0xYdfbcUM5ZFJtKAlazkR61mTvJAUB74a23_3E92ERiGBC0I/s640/P2080548.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The large red and pink hearts are outlined and flooded in a single color and are left to dry. Valentine's Day messages are then piped on the sides. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5y499jF9JrYfAxbVWCONOrhLkrkflBwzdRNhlgANGSQ0zom00htyxLK1rfTqYntXTYtvV_Lmvr5rT3jpWTTg15Y9lYitA9AruavDuoOYbRnSAP_2ksG1pr8zocw0AYx3SgU5rcfR66M/s1600/P2080561.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5y499jF9JrYfAxbVWCONOrhLkrkflBwzdRNhlgANGSQ0zom00htyxLK1rfTqYntXTYtvV_Lmvr5rT3jpWTTg15Y9lYitA9AruavDuoOYbRnSAP_2ksG1pr8zocw0AYx3SgU5rcfR66M/s640/P2080561.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The lustreware cups were given to me by a dear friend, and I absolutely adore them. If you plan on having people over for a luncheon or gathering, and you are going to serve tea or coffee, place one or two cookies atop the cups before you pour. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiR5cOLzZKShb_hX6mVfgWAUH-fSK8dzgK_BY9gGJ82a78qsbkdpPv4JfYp_tDR4Cq4y5pUQlkfN7OUk9V5NiQp6H-NGHcDoblSn9Or8DTNx2SrG12umQODk9YaPz6I2QG1mBLZVzL38/s1600/P2080564.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiR5cOLzZKShb_hX6mVfgWAUH-fSK8dzgK_BY9gGJ82a78qsbkdpPv4JfYp_tDR4Cq4y5pUQlkfN7OUk9V5NiQp6H-NGHcDoblSn9Or8DTNx2SrG12umQODk9YaPz6I2QG1mBLZVzL38/s640/P2080564.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An instant cookie bar can be set up if you have cake stands of various sizes and colors. You can never go wrong with white stands if you have colorful cookies or desserts.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SmeJaivu4Z9S67f_qH1KGIyVUPQlIGrdvDAu0AHsAHyPE4mIHXkW-0drQKVfAbvp3e1WH6E3C5UZGBqYXazKHc4WXSE4yEYPgyZwcNkMMktMxbCGOxV6tAyN7KqEUyoBchcD_Dvq9WM/s1600/P2080568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SmeJaivu4Z9S67f_qH1KGIyVUPQlIGrdvDAu0AHsAHyPE4mIHXkW-0drQKVfAbvp3e1WH6E3C5UZGBqYXazKHc4WXSE4yEYPgyZwcNkMMktMxbCGOxV6tAyN7KqEUyoBchcD_Dvq9WM/s640/P2080568.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thank you, David DeVito, for the lovely cups. They were perfectly paired with these cookies in my opinion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4W-GuWyRazmDzvagsMqXBhcuLhuBpSrE08Ms3pCjizDhqaYGXE7TUgCOE-ysnj26sNNexX8eCoWkeEDbXo3aqVs5VU-VYxaJoAc_asXu9nrT_wxqmftwOcedrbRmpklnXv5kT2i3l5nA/s1600/P2080608.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4W-GuWyRazmDzvagsMqXBhcuLhuBpSrE08Ms3pCjizDhqaYGXE7TUgCOE-ysnj26sNNexX8eCoWkeEDbXo3aqVs5VU-VYxaJoAc_asXu9nrT_wxqmftwOcedrbRmpklnXv5kT2i3l5nA/s640/P2080608.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Don't forget that Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Bake and ice some cookies for your cutie pie or find a local cookie crafter who can make you some to give to your love. A cookie or two like this will make February 14th unquestionably sweet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-67494822677602402972020-01-28T14:54:00.000-05:002020-01-28T14:54:41.652-05:00Simple-Dot Valentine Sugar Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's not necessary to reinvent the wheel when it comes to making new sugar cookies. For my first round of Valentine's Day sugar cookies this year, I went with the easiest technique imaginable. Dots! Piping royal icing dots is not the hardest thing for anyone of any skill. What's more, if you want to make quick work of your Valentine's Day cookies don't flood them. Bake pristine sugar cookies in a range of heart shapes, and then quickly ice them with dots. Note: every cookie was decorated with a #2 piping tip.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoaJg7a2K9a-YdJ8l721K_eo7XNhz-yR9EEMC52-X8YmJsHP3asppz3Zb5_m3lsVGAe-Z7rwxpQbvjxPfeFu7ET33gZZGcG-zmspeIbLgo-9YlQgTOW92q7oHfhN5NCUX8ID2wt98h-o/s1600/P1260551.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoaJg7a2K9a-YdJ8l721K_eo7XNhz-yR9EEMC52-X8YmJsHP3asppz3Zb5_m3lsVGAe-Z7rwxpQbvjxPfeFu7ET33gZZGcG-zmspeIbLgo-9YlQgTOW92q7oHfhN5NCUX8ID2wt98h-o/s640/P1260551.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This pink milk glass platter shows the the variety of shapes and designs I am referring to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHddleHrjVIR1s-2HYyzc8IJiyQrNpwpdNhvtYTzcXCrsWRA-SP0NamdZW9JARWsxxXCmIOQlhxJcaoCx55KAcICtTCIgEMPMK95UvJ7IFoaVcrPoPOXVB9rUjIjDNlaFZHFdtIJ21a8/s1600/P1160529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1334" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHddleHrjVIR1s-2HYyzc8IJiyQrNpwpdNhvtYTzcXCrsWRA-SP0NamdZW9JARWsxxXCmIOQlhxJcaoCx55KAcICtTCIgEMPMK95UvJ7IFoaVcrPoPOXVB9rUjIjDNlaFZHFdtIJ21a8/s640/P1160529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a sampling of the cookie cutters I ended up using for this project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdNz4sCF5OEtIImYJEChqU6zA1ZOAzzsH4DYC9rEqtENq4U8gKAu7AkEBSJ8BdoTLNcqkoSEvge1DPnKJIYcCzJ8c6OLmXf0O1ibIW3B8UaK1mw-1toXzucMZVsF2WVrIRahiFG9m8-E/s1600/P1160526.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdNz4sCF5OEtIImYJEChqU6zA1ZOAzzsH4DYC9rEqtENq4U8gKAu7AkEBSJ8BdoTLNcqkoSEvge1DPnKJIYcCzJ8c6OLmXf0O1ibIW3B8UaK1mw-1toXzucMZVsF2WVrIRahiFG9m8-E/s640/P1160526.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you don't own a set of these French de Buyer heart cookie cutters, I highly recommend them. I like the range of sizes they come in, the fact that they're deep and made of strong plastic. Easy to maintain, the cutters get used every single year.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpe39yOFJ2JrDNFSNZXnPmOa1e0ejOSY1oNoFE6f9zMXUCp03rA3G5rMzFkEvBJtU_13Aw456o7lgHGGi9TlRWWvFaRzq7G42R1I2Pr-SmMUQxGop5WZjIKtDf8oYT_nH-nMEoWnONQ9k/s1600/P1260562+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpe39yOFJ2JrDNFSNZXnPmOa1e0ejOSY1oNoFE6f9zMXUCp03rA3G5rMzFkEvBJtU_13Aw456o7lgHGGi9TlRWWvFaRzq7G42R1I2Pr-SmMUQxGop5WZjIKtDf8oYT_nH-nMEoWnONQ9k/s640/P1260562+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The large 5" hearts on this cake stand are piped with four different shades of royal icing. Super Red, electric pink, burgundy (use this sparingly) and soft pink are the colors I used. The icing itself is not too stiff and not too runny. Make sure that it's a good 20 second royal icing so that the dots hold their shape.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_3WH44r5tED8MHCFCLnnZizdTc7jTtMR8d58sT5DPUwnhjVFIM6djo4QVKNWO6ou4z6uwVgnzpZwTl41H11PiUIH2liwUfxstQGOlPolaLAJHSGF7VirG-0jhXkdRwHt7QhFq3b3pGA/s1600/P1260565.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_3WH44r5tED8MHCFCLnnZizdTc7jTtMR8d58sT5DPUwnhjVFIM6djo4QVKNWO6ou4z6uwVgnzpZwTl41H11PiUIH2liwUfxstQGOlPolaLAJHSGF7VirG-0jhXkdRwHt7QhFq3b3pGA/s640/P1260565.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Begin on the outside of the cookie, at the bottom tip of the heart. Pipe evenly-spaced dots in one color around the perimeter of the cookie. Using another color pipe evenly-spaced dots in alternating formation from the first set. Continue doing this with the other colors until you've piped 4 inner hearts. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i>Optional, but highly recommended: Using a soft, very fine painting brush, lightly dust each cookie with edible glitter in cosmic white. It gives the cookies extra sparkle!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-EnfdhXxC6Rs_OYj_rWYx3ASPOcypVmZV1QqeQd1iun-iErd47U5WmtAH7R7K90X6ck5geFRQAz1acPQtIQpDbcfHpCE78n72M0Q704ld8gyrSRDroZzg8xBBM5IJmKgm3ES-hQuuPY/s1600/P1260545.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-EnfdhXxC6Rs_OYj_rWYx3ASPOcypVmZV1QqeQd1iun-iErd47U5WmtAH7R7K90X6ck5geFRQAz1acPQtIQpDbcfHpCE78n72M0Q704ld8gyrSRDroZzg8xBBM5IJmKgm3ES-hQuuPY/s640/P1260545.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This whimsical sampling shows you what you can do without having to flood the cookies. Simple squiggles in contrasting colors work beautifully. Another design is piping a bead of icing around the entire cookie, and then piping dots of either the same color or of alternating colors, on the inside of the hearts. I love these so much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzLUMRZ_5L4xrApBkygOr4XDo0RwuQ-fWsw6vwczMGGdvLvEu5hrD_Jec4_pLGi7mw0eVnDc3LImORp3KZZy20um06bfn7hrCSGm4FzcNc9jrvPDgnC5f9AMy3Mw9wxiUmIJEsm4uswE/s1600/P1260585.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzLUMRZ_5L4xrApBkygOr4XDo0RwuQ-fWsw6vwczMGGdvLvEu5hrD_Jec4_pLGi7mw0eVnDc3LImORp3KZZy20um06bfn7hrCSGm4FzcNc9jrvPDgnC5f9AMy3Mw9wxiUmIJEsm4uswE/s640/P1260585.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Done! Pile them high on cake stands or arrange them in clear cellophane bags for gift giving. You can also buy clear-top chocolate boxes (in heart shapes of course) to create a sampling box for your honey. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH5tKh-CtRCDoqqrfBN7b2_iOqbSTOs28JKm4fWWsETuudB7UIIrpiAW0UyvPzHI0laJhM6Le72Y-Gs6BrfxEF6naTFQ2W893h0m5aBPcUhyi83SrxREnKQmyceBJ1g_wEIJJTBYpKVQ/s1600/P1260588.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH5tKh-CtRCDoqqrfBN7b2_iOqbSTOs28JKm4fWWsETuudB7UIIrpiAW0UyvPzHI0laJhM6Le72Y-Gs6BrfxEF6naTFQ2W893h0m5aBPcUhyi83SrxREnKQmyceBJ1g_wEIJJTBYpKVQ/s640/P1260588.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Charming, sweet, easy to make, and very tasty. Cookies like this make gift giving for Valentine's Day super easy. I like them for teachers, to give to a secret admirer, to give to a coworker or to take to staff at work. Don't forget your mom, your aunt, a cousin or that special someone this Valentine's. </div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-9591378442448742112019-12-21T15:09:00.003-05:002019-12-21T15:09:57.777-05:00Merry Catsmas Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">
Does one say Merry Catsmas or Meowy Christmas? Whichever way you think kitty pronounces it, it's so easy to make kitty cat gingerbread or sugar cookies for Christmas. This is exactly what I did for my niece and nephews over the weekend. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYn67hIt9GwUACik0nr_YLXP91Fip6olgquRTPnfytBlfImGheXISlhqyJ7tSR8vyk12Q-GyA5At5woXcGpjQusBrS9-aFjUw2dRFTBbR7KODjftWP4OB_SjqHjA5yrVP4-U1lBZrVS90/s1600/PC210510.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYn67hIt9GwUACik0nr_YLXP91Fip6olgquRTPnfytBlfImGheXISlhqyJ7tSR8vyk12Q-GyA5At5woXcGpjQusBrS9-aFjUw2dRFTBbR7KODjftWP4OB_SjqHjA5yrVP4-U1lBZrVS90/s640/PC210510.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For over a decade, I have made it a tradition to have a set of cookies with me as I travel out west to spend Christmas with my family. I don't like to repeat myself with cookie designs for the niece and nephews, so it's a bit of a challenge coming up with things they've never seen me create. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kitty cats are beloved pets in our extended family. Using my Martha by Mail cat cookie cutters and a Wilton snowflake cookie cutter, I quickly iced cookies in a matter of an hour or so. Nothing fancy. Nothing difficult.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLy5ij5G06EHVdsF2TGJ5kIOsiQNA3LvFNL5PuTTgZcysNvwAQYJMVV1KS46XRWb0Mh410I-B_jZB_vjyHknBhX1WnGY7LeY0rdVvwlA70LZrWY0weV4owdgBHSbEZ2JtFMb2L8N8b68/s1600/PC210496.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLy5ij5G06EHVdsF2TGJ5kIOsiQNA3LvFNL5PuTTgZcysNvwAQYJMVV1KS46XRWb0Mh410I-B_jZB_vjyHknBhX1WnGY7LeY0rdVvwlA70LZrWY0weV4owdgBHSbEZ2JtFMb2L8N8b68/s640/PC210496.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the kitty cats, I applied two consistencies of white royal icing. A very stiff icing was used to pipe the scarves on each cat with a #18 open star tip. Using a flowing royal icing, I piped a bead of white along the perimeter of each cat with a #2 piping tip. Drageés were placed on each scarf.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In either a green or red royal icing, I piped dots for eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That is it! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rFJixlDC5f9ZsrvQzd-BCuer4PrrHVZra7c2PbSo60mCVKSv8h1NM9ixEDFnvpBHS3CjMpk_VhY97j7mgBVRRmXrLGBjeKRL-yF7kZG81MHKz6ZOH4289pTOiuT2vgcYJc_ZVGbEsCM/s1600/PC210499.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rFJixlDC5f9ZsrvQzd-BCuer4PrrHVZra7c2PbSo60mCVKSv8h1NM9ixEDFnvpBHS3CjMpk_VhY97j7mgBVRRmXrLGBjeKRL-yF7kZG81MHKz6ZOH4289pTOiuT2vgcYJc_ZVGbEsCM/s640/PC210499.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the snowflakes, I outlined and flooded some cookies in light green royal icing using a #2 piping tip. Using the stiff royal icing with the #18 open star tip, I traced a snowflake design on naked cookies as shown, and piped stars here and there. I added drageés where I saw fit. I then traced a snowflake design on the flooded cookies and embellished each with either dots or drageés.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi09pgqhp2A7TADjAOwF-jhnM_FJ4F4AYsjPZkN3tnch6qDm1gqSregbCz8TxjJ5ShOF5UiS13A3cJNFRsYaSeGE3HRpOdqOJEKAcszuXvQvn09DRzENDxOay35QLd6q3uZf2B4ekyh8/s1600/PC210512.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOi09pgqhp2A7TADjAOwF-jhnM_FJ4F4AYsjPZkN3tnch6qDm1gqSregbCz8TxjJ5ShOF5UiS13A3cJNFRsYaSeGE3HRpOdqOJEKAcszuXvQvn09DRzENDxOay35QLd6q3uZf2B4ekyh8/s640/PC210512.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I love these minimally iced snowflake cookies. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eIVxFWnCY0paREhPzLkKogMSEAqalB5yg0YnMxzvKovVAs-7NAK0h6f16eawoq6lRBcp1SRWa01lphglJ0-hlqWsoAAubkiLL61Me2C9DfpjSi1AhdugmFzlSR5KGPnmY7_Msu7-kOU/s1600/PC210519.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eIVxFWnCY0paREhPzLkKogMSEAqalB5yg0YnMxzvKovVAs-7NAK0h6f16eawoq6lRBcp1SRWa01lphglJ0-hlqWsoAAubkiLL61Me2C9DfpjSi1AhdugmFzlSR5KGPnmY7_Msu7-kOU/s640/PC210519.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't the kitties look tempting on this Fire King jadeite platter? Before I forget, ice a few snowflake cookies in red royal icing for a very festive look. I think they add such wonderful color to the rest of the cookies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkbU8cQK9uSCD3xcI2o4nVbhA4PQt5UQVh-FuyT8K9cZZDx5fPf4BoLLmNa3Dn9RfbQSo6e-_Qbi8BHnMJwvzeEWW-ZMrxDyDAS5XmqYAUCqVJFBWvxz3Iab6rz3tVe0qewwjCpgLC1E/s1600/PC210524.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkbU8cQK9uSCD3xcI2o4nVbhA4PQt5UQVh-FuyT8K9cZZDx5fPf4BoLLmNa3Dn9RfbQSo6e-_Qbi8BHnMJwvzeEWW-ZMrxDyDAS5XmqYAUCqVJFBWvxz3Iab6rz3tVe0qewwjCpgLC1E/s640/PC210524.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There you have it. Merry Catsmas Cookies that any baker can make in one afternoon. I'm looking forward to Christmas this year because I am anxiously awaiting to meet my mother's newest kitty cat addition to the family. For the cat lovers in your family, include some festive cheer to the holiday table this year in the form of something "meowy". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Catsmas to you and your four legged babies!</span></i></div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-62995565580938129622019-12-10T18:13:00.000-05:002019-12-10T18:13:31.455-05:00Jadite-Colored Christmas Sugar Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's difficult to imagine a Christmas without cookies. For this year's sweet edibles, I turned to that mid-century colored glass known as jadeite/jadite/jade-ite for my color palette. Working with three particular shades of green, I decorated several holiday shapes for our town's Christmas cookies. Ornaments, mittens, candy canes, tiny houses, hemlocks, junipers, arborvitae, and spruce trees, were given the jadeite treatment in royal icing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUhxKkhwsGy6Lvo4MEYYPhyphenhyphen8t14QFxlp7ogkbDXimKas5xpWbt-nsoBqf-u0h8-xe_JqigPxIpu0xoXKUB2HAuvjtkby9y-wDmPpx6zVBN0Ged-4mlOZmgSFE5k90lx8NIA2Ay-CX3xs/s1600/PC070477.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUhxKkhwsGy6Lvo4MEYYPhyphenhyphen8t14QFxlp7ogkbDXimKas5xpWbt-nsoBqf-u0h8-xe_JqigPxIpu0xoXKUB2HAuvjtkby9y-wDmPpx6zVBN0Ged-4mlOZmgSFE5k90lx8NIA2Ay-CX3xs/s640/PC070477.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When you're in charge of decorating dozens upon dozens (I can't photograph all of them) of cookies and you are working solo, you tend to stick to easy decorating techniques. Most of the cookies that you see here were decorated with multiple colors of royal icing, and were then either sprinkled with nonpareils or were enhanced with holiday-themed candies. That is it. Nothing fancy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For this project you will need royal icing tinted with Americolor Avocado, Wilton Kelly Green and Wilton Leaf Green. Mix just enough to give you light shades. Reserve white royal icing to add it where you see fit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Take a look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIeI_pTbovnmkemg9VL1fI-Fb-kBGT1IcRM7-uy7NfTsx_LYWgQ7RMPhZgUQYH9bQ0ohWTPTGg2c-Xso9VKlG7kKQHRd1MCQaxG7rpkMp7NOYRoWb4IVnO1Mj65XDi5YjBodTqOKfRZg/s1600/PC070426.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIeI_pTbovnmkemg9VL1fI-Fb-kBGT1IcRM7-uy7NfTsx_LYWgQ7RMPhZgUQYH9bQ0ohWTPTGg2c-Xso9VKlG7kKQHRd1MCQaxG7rpkMp7NOYRoWb4IVnO1Mj65XDi5YjBodTqOKfRZg/s640/PC070426.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For the <b>arborvitae-shaped cookie</b>: flood and ice the cookie using a #3 piping tip in one single shade of green or ice each section in a different color, giving an ombré effect. Let dry completely. Pipe a bead of icing from end to end, in between each section of the evergreen, and immediately add holly leaf candies as shown. Let dry completely. Pipe dots of icing in between the holly leaves and gently affix red holly candies or silver drageés. Let dry completely. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60GM4Xl4AWe0Z2Lr_ESqXUIDme7n636H7XdMP8b9Wcs41hh7ZpQskOvkMNZpxoWUQ4T14Mi_3MqahMMUFbyNQk2NeLUEykA9hkvSjSdk3B7tix6DsgofDtP9vseJ6hmsPjNd5GukloJE/s1600/PC070435.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60GM4Xl4AWe0Z2Lr_ESqXUIDme7n636H7XdMP8b9Wcs41hh7ZpQskOvkMNZpxoWUQ4T14Mi_3MqahMMUFbyNQk2NeLUEykA9hkvSjSdk3B7tix6DsgofDtP9vseJ6hmsPjNd5GukloJE/s640/PC070435.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Candy Cane Cookies</b>: easy as can be; outline and flood each candy cane in one single shade of royal icing using a #3 piping tip. While the icing is wet, pipe lines of another shade of green royal icing as shown, using a #1 piping tip. Gently place white pearl candies or 3mm silver drageés in between sections. Done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5hvWRUW8FP3-apCTI3VurQsOKbvN4pr9NyuLwgayJZa0paY_tVQ47n2bkEffU7R-FHpxykU98REwQS1a3KQf6gSLewSJjwUe22-Y-dMj4uKn-d71fZV3yJWOv14eY-qZOB4aJ4jhRLI/s1600/PC070436.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5hvWRUW8FP3-apCTI3VurQsOKbvN4pr9NyuLwgayJZa0paY_tVQ47n2bkEffU7R-FHpxykU98REwQS1a3KQf6gSLewSJjwUe22-Y-dMj4uKn-d71fZV3yJWOv14eY-qZOB4aJ4jhRLI/s640/PC070436.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Hemlock Cookies</b>: outline and flood the bases of the cookies using an either #3 or #4 piping tip in whatever shade of royal icing you want. Let dry completely. Pipe a bead of icing along the edges of each evergreen, making swoops along the branches as shown, and while the icing is wet, gently dredge the bead of icing in white nonpareils.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcCQAOzZlULIWO5aFqZSTPnJOJx5V4cKbwKnB5_ApRNL-K2MtFxKDsyaiLS4-bjYDTF0mFOLtbgH6uBZOh1QFL-naw5Lf5xZijcUzXkw7UoOThjDBr6z5G8zjKAuojEAjtmhxBt_C-h0/s1600/PC070440+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1169" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcCQAOzZlULIWO5aFqZSTPnJOJx5V4cKbwKnB5_ApRNL-K2MtFxKDsyaiLS4-bjYDTF0mFOLtbgH6uBZOh1QFL-naw5Lf5xZijcUzXkw7UoOThjDBr6z5G8zjKAuojEAjtmhxBt_C-h0/s640/PC070440+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As you can see, some candy canes were decorated slightly differently. Do whatever you feel like.<br />
<br />
<b>Tiny Houses</b>: outline and flood the snowy rooftops in white royal icing, using a #2 piping tip, and while the icing is wet, haphazardly drop white nonpareils for a snowy effect. Using a green royal icing and a #3 piping tip, outline and flood the house itself and make the door a different shade of royal icing. Add holly leaf candies, gingerbread men candies as you see fit.<br />
<br />
<b>Spruce Cookies</b>: Outline and flood the base of each cookie in green royal icing, using a #3 piping tip and let dry completely. Using white royal icing and a #2 piping tip, pip swags along the length of the cookie as shown and dredge the swags in nonpareils of your choice. Let dry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3ppHYIE7f80zzSrrUoAwCoHNPAlmXZSo_A9XHBi-hY3VlW0GqCY16VCgp1__eZRffyT6Zw6dsEwqe838MwhuzS18mQkFk9HBsV26jTqszKfiUUB3mqR_6T0tLCDtOl_DuAVTASqbKC8/s1600/PC070452.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3ppHYIE7f80zzSrrUoAwCoHNPAlmXZSo_A9XHBi-hY3VlW0GqCY16VCgp1__eZRffyT6Zw6dsEwqe838MwhuzS18mQkFk9HBsV26jTqszKfiUUB3mqR_6T0tLCDtOl_DuAVTASqbKC8/s640/PC070452.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Christmas Ornaments</b>: outline and flood the spheres in green royal icing, and immediately pipe the tops of each in a different color. You can then add a white pearl candy if you wish. While the icing is still wet on the large sphere, affix holly leaf candies and for the "hook" area, simply pipe a dot of royal icing and affix a silver drageé. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mittens</b>: outline and flood the cuff of the mitten in one color and then immediately outline and flood the hand of the mitten in a different color, both using #2 piping tips. Let dry completely. You can then pipe a bead of icing using a #1 piping tip to give the cookie some depth. Affix holly leaf candies and berries using royal icing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaQaaxqQw5lDqTwE4nAXXtpV_t2LJUyLyd6eADUZWMTObgIH1F5oe3b8LyfKt-IUN9KhDhCP17r4AvnK7Yakg3qIqJWN9qxn9Knx3sgfdGwsaGFXYN8OecS6jzGFwRZauH_kDYErVJss/s1600/PC070463.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaQaaxqQw5lDqTwE4nAXXtpV_t2LJUyLyd6eADUZWMTObgIH1F5oe3b8LyfKt-IUN9KhDhCP17r4AvnK7Yakg3qIqJWN9qxn9Knx3sgfdGwsaGFXYN8OecS6jzGFwRZauH_kDYErVJss/s640/PC070463.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I like to photograph side views of my cookies because they look so tempting when I style them on my platters and cake stands. This pair of jadeite cake stands were made by L.E. Smith Glass and the pattern is called 'Dominion'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcsJMjfVfN3MgcDmE9dBBrRJbdvowBBgPO6dekI2dFzooVXsQy3UApqjyp94IxAIzwqmklHjGRETRJCjiorfrgyUrF_8x43hr2YO7ahASwvkbxvwm2qkg5Q9q6oykPwGVjxC6hk5IT5w/s1600/PC070469.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcsJMjfVfN3MgcDmE9dBBrRJbdvowBBgPO6dekI2dFzooVXsQy3UApqjyp94IxAIzwqmklHjGRETRJCjiorfrgyUrF_8x43hr2YO7ahASwvkbxvwm2qkg5Q9q6oykPwGVjxC6hk5IT5w/s640/PC070469.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My sincerest hope is that this post prompts you to decorate a few Christmas cookies of your own for your folks at home. As much as I wanted to tint some royal icing in bright red to go with the colors of Christmas, I resisted. I'm glad that I got out of my comfort zone and stuck to a particular color palette. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Bake cookies, ice cookies, and enjoy one or two this holiday season.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas!!</span></i></div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-55917188544358829492019-11-25T15:08:00.000-05:002019-11-29T14:08:16.195-05:00Acorn Sugar Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the nice things about crafting decorated sugar cookies is thinking about how the recipient is going to react when they behold their treats. Whether I'm creating cookies for a friend, a family member or for customers, I like to know what colors people like, what shapes they adore and what will make them smile if given one or two of my cookies. It's all about designing the right mood and look. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ji4ef9MhF4Y30YZYJudOw7vxgiKcL40wKNBdB0HPrDkrLVMfPGGouBwKJzqV1U6DFqzqd3USYNe6IkEDq7_ms4v-faU1BdvNK6ET3YPUvXFXW5EazRzpGNx1up0JkZb6Cce1qZvyp5g/s1600/PB240359.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1600" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ji4ef9MhF4Y30YZYJudOw7vxgiKcL40wKNBdB0HPrDkrLVMfPGGouBwKJzqV1U6DFqzqd3USYNe6IkEDq7_ms4v-faU1BdvNK6ET3YPUvXFXW5EazRzpGNx1up0JkZb6Cce1qZvyp5g/s640/PB240359.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A dear neighbor of mine whose daughter is going to be two years old this week, asked if I would make her some acorn cookies to celebrate. What you must understand is that little Lillian has a fascination with acorns. Most mornings, you will find her coming into the cafe with a small bucket of them that she's collected on her walk with her mother. Naturally, a few acorn sugar cookies seemed to be the right thing for her second birthday. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPO4xopHg5f83km7uypJXAhI1MUDRkvogg_g1kGN69BoV7SLfJ-2RboeuddR6c8Zvz4jz07K3cBJea2BfY6zBybuUIzkH56gIDfGDiAqhYgK5oAjHzipBfr8UNvuVffNtoPF2bScWbew/s1600/PB240364.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPO4xopHg5f83km7uypJXAhI1MUDRkvogg_g1kGN69BoV7SLfJ-2RboeuddR6c8Zvz4jz07K3cBJea2BfY6zBybuUIzkH56gIDfGDiAqhYgK5oAjHzipBfr8UNvuVffNtoPF2bScWbew/s640/PB240364.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For this birthday project, I knew which cookie cutters I wanted to use. A set of graduated acorn cookie cutters were gathered, along with my giant Martha by Mail copper cookie cutter set of the Sugar Squirrel and Mighty Acorn. Although Elizabeth didn't ask me to make her a pair of giant cookies, I thought little Lillian would adore them, so I made a set to surprise her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT5ftgfwgtAGlnvqvkpbpLX4Rn5bxEHDSnNb6faYrmIwdfDE_pni0ge0nEgTb5Y_nqmLGFH1yQTvzFEwMbGMUYCqlA8JIAc6Zq96rzFQGRegvMx9hwL3YW2OW1KTNE4Ao_Z9g4FzOsW4/s1600/PB240351.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT5ftgfwgtAGlnvqvkpbpLX4Rn5bxEHDSnNb6faYrmIwdfDE_pni0ge0nEgTb5Y_nqmLGFH1yQTvzFEwMbGMUYCqlA8JIAc6Zq96rzFQGRegvMx9hwL3YW2OW1KTNE4Ao_Z9g4FzOsW4/s640/PB240351.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>For the Mighty Acorn Sugar Cookie:</b> Using a #2 piping tip, outline the cap of the acorn in nut-brown royal icing. Using a #2 piping tip, outline the bottom part of the acorn in a mint-green royal icing. Switch the piping tips to #4 for both colors. Immediately flood the cap in the dark, nut-brown royal icing. Flood the bottom part of the acorn in the mint-green royal icing. Let the base dry completely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When the base is dry, switch the piping tips to #2 for both the nut-brown and mint-green royal icing. Pipe a bead of nut-brown royal icing around the cap of the acorn as shown. Immediately pipe a bead of royal icing in mint-green around the base of the acorn as shown. Working patiently, pipe mint-green dots with the #2 piping tip as shown, spacing the dots apart. Once you have done multiple rows, pipe the nut-brown dots in between each mint-green dot as shown. Try to arc and curve the dots so that they follow the lines of the cap. Pipe a dot of royal icing on the stem of the acorn and affix a gilded acorn candy as shown. Let the cookie dry completely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CmOWHCXC9e1aVv2mJwvZC-_IKNo7jec85oZvTQ8eoMLMbIrgPBv1cBqTMs1XZw0T2nSAXC8wXPIcarSJOKUnW2tmou2M6jLV3hFcSxV67sdV1W-sbtemykQO2TE1JsDWZV1yC36N9Qc/s1600/PB240385.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CmOWHCXC9e1aVv2mJwvZC-_IKNo7jec85oZvTQ8eoMLMbIrgPBv1cBqTMs1XZw0T2nSAXC8wXPIcarSJOKUnW2tmou2M6jLV3hFcSxV67sdV1W-sbtemykQO2TE1JsDWZV1yC36N9Qc/s640/PB240385.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>For the Sugar Squirrel:</b> Using a #3 piping tip and taupe-colored royal icing (use Americolor ivory and tint the royal icing so that it takes on a khaki hue), outline and flood the tail of the squirrel as shown. Leave the outer part of the tail bare of any royal icing for the meantime. Outline and flood the ears, nose, feet and belly of the squirrel using the same taupe-colored royal icing as shown. Using nut-brown royal icing and a #4 piping tip, outline and flood the entire body of the squirrel as shown. Immediately pipe a taupe-colored iris, along with a nut-brown pupil. Let the base of the cookie dry completely. With a fine #2 piping tip, pipe a bead of royal icing in the corresponding color along the tail and body of the squirrel as shown Using dots of royal icing, affix candies in the shapes of autumn leaves and gilded acorns on the little guy. Let the entire cookie dry completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The finishing touch is simple. Using meringue powder and a bit of water, mixed well, paint the mixture on the bare area of the tail. This will be the edible glue. Working quickly, flock the area with gold-colored fine sanding sugar. Make sure that you get every area so that no bare sugar cookie is left exposed. Once dry, use a fine brush to remove any stray sugar crystals. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhof6Qmd6BLSDOUomWyMuC6q-u-fNb8Ajuz4-6tok96huKkt8eeKnacL5CftSofqeb18IqFHYOXIBYgTR4_oXJs1Tn9pqoCPghy8a0jqTgOiUod5QUlIsvuC301HM25lgaCfYYyhuQZrwU/s1600/PB240369.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhof6Qmd6BLSDOUomWyMuC6q-u-fNb8Ajuz4-6tok96huKkt8eeKnacL5CftSofqeb18IqFHYOXIBYgTR4_oXJs1Tn9pqoCPghy8a0jqTgOiUod5QUlIsvuC301HM25lgaCfYYyhuQZrwU/s640/PB240369.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't the squirrel adorable? I absolutely love using this collectible cookie cutter whenever I get the chance. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycVaX2Nbm7kCkfQ2OFSb4yTXnGkrtTZ268Q7fuVeOI6eIlhWUgyPQO6Pm5_XBSmjZR99oPmNUv0gaF374TVeFOOuuw3njgi6bSHGmX6OBEAO5XgM_BjzYO9HUWShAVJ-nFBAWDRFzaq8/s1600/PB240377.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycVaX2Nbm7kCkfQ2OFSb4yTXnGkrtTZ268Q7fuVeOI6eIlhWUgyPQO6Pm5_XBSmjZR99oPmNUv0gaF374TVeFOOuuw3njgi6bSHGmX6OBEAO5XgM_BjzYO9HUWShAVJ-nFBAWDRFzaq8/s640/PB240377.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The smaller acorn sugar cookies are very simple to make. Outline and flood the caps of the acorns in either nut-brown or taupe royal icing. Let the caps dry completely. The bases of the acorns can then be outlined and flooded in mint-green, peach, nut-brown and taupe royal icing. While the icings are wet, flock them in clear, fine sanding sugar. Remove any stray sugar crystals with a fine brush when the icing dries. Each cap can then be given a dotted border in alternating nut-brown and mint-green royal icing. C'est tout!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb25vJZqQS_c94eCz_AejhkQB-DxzVDo6yd8NICFbx2_j9DHDqlIFrciY1rLX_YlOpeHi91vozb2W3e36LQ-EoPfQeu0Pfey6mJS90Yf7XAkoEuEP3bgkCJi9i-WyskUne8U8dKffXQV4/s1600/PB210328.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1581" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb25vJZqQS_c94eCz_AejhkQB-DxzVDo6yd8NICFbx2_j9DHDqlIFrciY1rLX_YlOpeHi91vozb2W3e36LQ-EoPfQeu0Pfey6mJS90Yf7XAkoEuEP3bgkCJi9i-WyskUne8U8dKffXQV4/s640/PB210328.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The teeny, tiny, baby acorn sugar cookies are even easier to make. Pipe caps and bases in the colors of your choice. Colored pearl candies can be added to the caps as shown. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBJsxdk2v1OztY7H7v4vnHYVyC29P0CrilA_mM_O4X3cHcelta7MBlTb-A9zdroPclkcJTExclW-BHdkRn4RbUqaBwJiamsZi8qBZRuE2W7kHERdjJbtvxBypkE7xq98t_EkOm03lJkk/s1600/PB240381.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBJsxdk2v1OztY7H7v4vnHYVyC29P0CrilA_mM_O4X3cHcelta7MBlTb-A9zdroPclkcJTExclW-BHdkRn4RbUqaBwJiamsZi8qBZRuE2W7kHERdjJbtvxBypkE7xq98t_EkOm03lJkk/s640/PB240381.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Gold and silver acorn candies make charming additions to the bottoms of the acorns. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl4_2YdGPbwwDekTjrZofEvcjN86pWVBbK3n2jKcoybWX7_IPl3zwcMhhy_wDY4T-z0Eux7vOTm2LsE6FJf4BYe0l7kmJHZCqI6xe5mLMxndILlOgs0RV3zifNn2UuFvldJ_lISXqBlU/s1600/PB240356.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl4_2YdGPbwwDekTjrZofEvcjN86pWVBbK3n2jKcoybWX7_IPl3zwcMhhy_wDY4T-z0Eux7vOTm2LsE6FJf4BYe0l7kmJHZCqI6xe5mLMxndILlOgs0RV3zifNn2UuFvldJ_lISXqBlU/s640/PB240356.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Delightful, endearing, and absolutely edible in every way, these acorn sugar cookies are bound to delight Lillian as soon as she opens the gift box filled with each and every one of these creations.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeafi88fHtSsEOtWb4xtjgWb7kg9RfGKftLwjzfUAVjPozXCOx5XmV66sCpMQKLqSrDw3GjnfWsc7bbbkGWrbqRUpwjv3WofwVrAYyT103qr4w24l7n_1Uamyob-YElt5cBlvLv7k7Zk/s1600/PB240393.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeafi88fHtSsEOtWb4xtjgWb7kg9RfGKftLwjzfUAVjPozXCOx5XmV66sCpMQKLqSrDw3GjnfWsc7bbbkGWrbqRUpwjv3WofwVrAYyT103qr4w24l7n_1Uamyob-YElt5cBlvLv7k7Zk/s640/PB240393.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you've ever had the pleasure of using those giant Martha by Mail cookie cutters (I know a score of collectors who love using them), you know the trials and tribulations of trying to gift the cookies in a safe way so that they don't break apart. Do what I do. Use gigantic cellophane bags that can fit them, and insert a cardboard cake round to act as a support. The white round will support the biggest of cookies and provide a neutral background for the edible gift. All that is needed is a large satin ribbon with which to tie the gift. Done and done!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Snp3G5q25TWGyC64uqzbnzsg82ad-CDSVHi2mZ2VAcNSX9OtzyA7VME9prbOHKFzQ4AY95SYYFj3guuQ22mcVwY15nyxYQU3ZN1P50nsGTHFI0a3WOTsyF3Ft8gb6Yblfk5T7R9pJ3s/s1600/PB240402.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Snp3G5q25TWGyC64uqzbnzsg82ad-CDSVHi2mZ2VAcNSX9OtzyA7VME9prbOHKFzQ4AY95SYYFj3guuQ22mcVwY15nyxYQU3ZN1P50nsGTHFI0a3WOTsyF3Ft8gb6Yblfk5T7R9pJ3s/s640/PB240402.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think she's going to like these whimsical figures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcjIBDWZKM8y7mnZaLnFtpXc38Xn-DY5lJpjv1WUWM0p4SBBW6VcxmVEQS64s3sq3-W_95_LDu_DCR9w4KykXyabl2b7WSHf_aKw7nwx2PEShXxuCYzzgzWXp4n1oAh-xhQ3s6rSEd8A/s1600/PB240342.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcjIBDWZKM8y7mnZaLnFtpXc38Xn-DY5lJpjv1WUWM0p4SBBW6VcxmVEQS64s3sq3-W_95_LDu_DCR9w4KykXyabl2b7WSHf_aKw7nwx2PEShXxuCYzzgzWXp4n1oAh-xhQ3s6rSEd8A/s640/PB240342.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Appropriate for a Thanksgiving dessert table or for a child's birthday party, these acorn sugar cookies make winsome treats for everyone. I can't tell you what a pleasure these were to make. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">A big Happy Birthday to Lillian!!!</span></i></div>
Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3899947061109303715.post-34362330146047299232019-11-08T14:52:00.000-05:002019-11-10T14:12:47.996-05:00Cookies for a Tea Party<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was commissioned to make a set of Downton Abbey inspired, tea-themed cookies for a local event in my town. With a set of cookie cutters in the shapes of a teapot, a teacup, a teabag, a cupcake, a scalloped round and a plaque, I quickly iced cookies worthy of any tea party.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbBDlEWP9v34OwrYcgmbvKoV53rtPsoFI8Hzu1i9aKtgIr8x2cw5PBaFz0s4tuuGlEy9mN01ud3RuBXm8Mn_mEIWBCqhyphenhyphenevYmA5_775CYGftdA7uaoZXtDCQ0B_gm_cPiO2sTf5npiA0/s1600/PB060328.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1600" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbBDlEWP9v34OwrYcgmbvKoV53rtPsoFI8Hzu1i9aKtgIr8x2cw5PBaFz0s4tuuGlEy9mN01ud3RuBXm8Mn_mEIWBCqhyphenhyphenevYmA5_775CYGftdA7uaoZXtDCQ0B_gm_cPiO2sTf5npiA0/s640/PB060328.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These cookies were made with a specific color palette at the request of a friend. A deep turquoise, a soft pink, a dark lavender and some jet black (not to mention white, of course) is what you will need to make these specific cookie designs. You may also want to add a bit of gilded touches to your cookies if you want to make them stand out even more.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSH2S0fFxgQy6htmhRDBmTlB9Dxq6N_hj_MJyYyFyYZlUYgLXd07ifBdIDItuKe79J-kPr9prj2pyqFVFma_2omRfPFyaG2G9FauqxjW3EimQj7Q9j7oy0KVxVaq0lhbwSMcQ5972QSY/s1600/PB060350.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSH2S0fFxgQy6htmhRDBmTlB9Dxq6N_hj_MJyYyFyYZlUYgLXd07ifBdIDItuKe79J-kPr9prj2pyqFVFma_2omRfPFyaG2G9FauqxjW3EimQj7Q9j7oy0KVxVaq0lhbwSMcQ5972QSY/s640/PB060350.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I don't know if Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, would ever have had a reason to own a black and white bone china teapot, but this one works. It almost resembles a piece of Wedgwood. I do know that she probably would never have eaten a frilly cupcake like the ones you see here. That's OK, though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For the teapot, outline and fill the teapot lid, spout, handle and foot in white royal icing using a #2 piping tip, and then add the lid finial and the body of the teapot in whatever color you want, using a #2 piping tip. While the icing is wet, add either silver or gold-colored drageés for accents. Once the cookie is completely dry, you can then gild it with Rolkem gold diluted in either rum or vodka, until you have an edible paint with which to work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The teabags are outlined and flooded in white icing, and the teabag top is outline and flooded in a different color. Once the cookie is dry, you can add the tea selection and some gilded accents if you wish.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NMLwAyvNP1oPCl2ROYTMXu0EBdUPKqc5RPUY-idaNAGH7e-y9Tyf-HLF6cP1B-XihVz0l7q6toWhaMMifj4sCPn2lLXZF28d24X1J0kuI8DeIhd1qF3w56NIZKDmFHVrGVtl8ard3CQ/s1600/PB060351.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NMLwAyvNP1oPCl2ROYTMXu0EBdUPKqc5RPUY-idaNAGH7e-y9Tyf-HLF6cP1B-XihVz0l7q6toWhaMMifj4sCPn2lLXZF28d24X1J0kuI8DeIhd1qF3w56NIZKDmFHVrGVtl8ard3CQ/s640/PB060351.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Bell pulls are done on plaque-shaped cookies. Outline the entire cookie with a bead of white royal icing using a #2 piping tip. Let dry. Using a colored royal icing in either black, turquoise, lavender or pink, flood the base of the cookie. Let dry completely. Pipe a bell along with a bell pull in black royal icing using a #1 piping tip. Add gold drageés as shown. Let dry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For the teacups, outline and flood the rim, the foot and the handle of the teacup in white royal icing using a #2 piping tip. The teacup bowl can then be outlined and flooded in a different color of royal icing. If you wish, drag the icings along the rim and the foot to create a pattern or leave as is. While the icing is wet, add drageés and simple designs of your choice on the bowls of the teacups. Let dry completely. The teacup handles can then get gilded with the same food-grade Rolkem gold.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY4Evcb8Xs6VsZldiQolVkb5OeH5KbsgLR314_2aDwLiXZVmjScXUJzrxbKzmwZxRebR9dFgjYlBR0g9qHI4-AKu7qSSEfjIj2bhXLCy1DX5_2ZC7-z7PsjRGp-pfSFn7gWuAzdGFe_M/s1600/PB060355.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY4Evcb8Xs6VsZldiQolVkb5OeH5KbsgLR314_2aDwLiXZVmjScXUJzrxbKzmwZxRebR9dFgjYlBR0g9qHI4-AKu7qSSEfjIj2bhXLCy1DX5_2ZC7-z7PsjRGp-pfSFn7gWuAzdGFe_M/s640/PB060355.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here, the cookies sit on a mix of L.E. Smith Glass and Mosser Glass cake stands. The beautiful milk glass, shell pink and Georgia blue color of the stands really enhance the cookie display.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88jFMOAloNu-Bqcmbo53-fJO9U3HZAI7jY179DAJCfQykJSpf-Ma9vexhbJRJf_euo5tMnB9XpBrIDJVhiZ-pO7QW-NiBKhg2LBNSEixF3Q-ueSo1UQ4KB8_xyub18ejGOl4aaIJbWsg/s1600/PB060335.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88jFMOAloNu-Bqcmbo53-fJO9U3HZAI7jY179DAJCfQykJSpf-Ma9vexhbJRJf_euo5tMnB9XpBrIDJVhiZ-pO7QW-NiBKhg2LBNSEixF3Q-ueSo1UQ4KB8_xyub18ejGOl4aaIJbWsg/s640/PB060335.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Since these were meant to be displayed and handed out to individuals, I placed each cookie in a clear cellophane bag, and I sealed each treat with a gold foil sticker along the backs of the cookies. Packaged this way, guests were able to help themselves to one or two during tea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Personally, I think a set of cookies like this would be good for a wedding shower, a little girl's birthday party, a gathering of a garden club, or for a small intimate celebration amongst friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy Baking! </div>
<br />Good Things by Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582570273008694707noreply@blogger.com4