Hi Everyone! I hope you're having a nice Sunday. I am because the weather is mild, the snow is melting and that means the loud neighbours can't rev their snowmobiles back and forth all day long, yippee! :) I wanted to share our Valentine's Day meal with you! Firstly, do you do stuff like this? I look up napkin folding for every celebration, isn't this cute? :)
We had a nice romantic meal! I tried out a new fondue, I think it's a winner!
Tomato Pizza Fondue. When you dip your bread into this lovely fondue, it really does taste like a luscious pizza! :) LOVED this one!
Okay, are you ready??? Drumroll please....
TADAAA!!! One of the finer cakes I've made in a LONG time!!! This beauty is a Mississippi Mud S'Mores Fudge Pie!! (say that 5 times fast!!) This is basically a chewy brownie in a graham cracker crust with browned marshmallows and chocolate syrup...all we could manage was to share one piece together after the fondue!
Look at that crust!
We had Shepherd's Pie during the week too. I make mine meatless and just add cheese on top for the broiler, so I guess it's just a corn and potato pie! I always make more for Alex and freeze the rest for quick microwave lunches for him. We finished off the leftover Homemade Ketchup with it and it was really delicious!
Linguine Carbonara. Since winter is all about comfort, this reflects in most of my meals...who am I kidding? My entire LIFE is about comfort! We have more celebrating this week because it's my 50th birthday on Tuesday. It's hard to believe, feels like a dream or something. I don't feel my age, but my life seems to have flown by too quickly! :) Speaking of that today is my one-year anniversary of starting this blog! I've been blogging off and on since 2007, but this one is really where my heart is. :)
A sweet gift from a Sweet Heart. :) Most of you know Mama Pea over at A Home Grown Journal. She and I have become very good friends over the last year! I went to check the mail on Valentine's Day because I was expecting an order. Lo and behold, look what Mama Pea had sent me! A handmade Valentine!!! Isn't she the sweetest? And it arrived on the perfect day! Isn't her address label cute? Her daughter, Chicken Mama, made them for her. Thank you again Mama Pea!!! I'll treasure this on my memory board always! :) xxx
I've been wanting to try pastels for a while and when they went on sale, I couldn't resist!
I was kind of flying blind the first day I used them! I came up with a stormy night...it's not my favourite, but it gave me an idea of how the pastels work and what I can do with them.
Then yesterday I really had some fun! I took my time and played with colours and blending and I'm so proud of my little red squirrel!! :) I think I will have permanently smudged fingertips from all the blending!
Might have to try that fudge pie......
ReplyDeleteOMG THAT CAKE!!! And love your little pastel squirrel too. Happy Blogoversary!
ReplyDeleteEven learning napkin folding, for each holiday! You have so much fun, with life!!!! Alex and the doggies, are so lucky to share home, with you!!!
ReplyDeleteOh me oh my! All that food!!! And that Pie! -sighhhhhhhhhh- :-))))))))
Guess one can make a Shepherd's Pie, and da*n way you want. ,-) Kind of clean out the refrig. Like an omelette, doing the same thing. Love those kinds of meals.
So sweet of Mama Pea. I have very recently found her blog, and I love it.
Pastels! You already know what you are doing. I had a difficult time. But like I think I have said, the only art I have done, is to copy something I like. I copied beautiful impressionist art, with pastels. Doing so, I started at the top and worked my way down.
Yes, that probably sounds weird. -grin- But I did. So I'd not smudge. -chuckle- Don't think I even have them anymore. Gave them to one of the grandchildren.
Naturally I look forward to seeing all the beautiful things, you will do with them.
Btw, I know you were not 'cleaning out the frig' with your Shepherd's Pie. I meant, it is a possibility, to do so. Since there is no hard, fast rule, on how to make one.
ReplyDeleteOOOOPs! Happy Blogoversary!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThere!!! Have I finally said all????
Nope!
Early Happy Birthday!!!!!!!
I gained 2 pounds just looking at that wonderful cake!! Don't ever lose your joy, Rain. You are a treasure.
ReplyDeleteGreat food! I never thought you were 50 though. You look really young. I would be surprised d you did a blog as good as this one is. Don’t get me wrong. You’re really talented at whatever you do. This one is perfect.
ReplyDeleteNot having a sweet tooth, I could pass up that gigantic chocolate creation of yours (!), but I'd eat two helpings of the Linguine Carbonara, thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteIs your birthday February 20th? Or was it last Tuesday? I had a boyfriend many long years ago who had a birthday on the 19th and he was the nicest guy. Must be the astrological sign you and he share!
Pastels now! Another medium for you to excel in. Your first attempts are wonderful. The only painting/drawing medium I have ever had any success with is oils . . . because it's so easy to fix my mistakes!!
happy almost birthday rain! you sure don't look your age! that fondue looks so good! your blog is one of my favorites!
ReplyDeletewow, that cake is amazing! You had such a wonderful menu this last week, comfort at its best for sure,, your pastel work is beautiful,, really beautiful,,
ReplyDeleteNow I want fondue!!! I have a pot. I have cheese and onions and tomato. I even have little forkies. Hmm...
ReplyDeleteLOVE your artwork. Wow!
Ahhh, what a beautiful (and delicious looking) meal. My Sherry wanted to taste that cake (pie) thru the screen! LOL.
ReplyDeleteWe have had fondue once. Enjoyed it at a friends house. Planned to start it and never got around to it.
Enjoyed the entry, especially the pastels. Very nice.....
WE are having great Florida weather
here at the land of Mickey Mouse. Glad you are on the thaw!
I love all the thoughtfulness that goes into your meals, the Valentines feast look perfect!!
ReplyDeleteHi Rain! Everything looks so delicious. That cake! Oh my gosh, how cool is that? Total success. Is there any left?
ReplyDeleteThe napkin folding is adorable. I never thought to do that. It makes the meal that much more festive.
I love all your artwork. And it looks like you've having so much fun with it. I'm going to have to open up my pastels and put them to use. My motivation this month has been really low but now that we're past mid February, I think my energy will increase. Spring is not too far now!
Happy Blogoversary! So glad we found each other in the blogging world. You are one super cool lady. Hope you continue this blog for a long time to come.
Lovely food and art, so enjoyed your post today! Neat napkin treatment for Valentine's!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post . . . life is never boring around your home. I'll just bet your sweetheart is amazed and delighted at the dishes you come up with. Everything always looks so tasty and beautifully served. Oh, and cute napkins fold, too.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your pastels!
Connie :)
Happy early birthday! The years really start going by fast now lol. So hang on for a wild ride.
ReplyDeleteMississippi Mud pie is my all time favorite. Yours looks so yummy. I will be trying that recipe for sure. And thay fondue.......a little bit of heaven in a pot. Comfort food is the only way to go.
Your pastel works are splendid. I can't wait to see more .
Okay....1st - what an amazing looking cake. My mouth is watering. Oh my gosh...love the way it looks. Dinner looks great also. And the Valentine from Mama Pea is just great. That was so sweet of her. Can't to see what you do with those pastels. I for one never took to them well. Draw on....
ReplyDeleteI do love sweets and those desserts look marvelous. Happy Birthday to you, Rain, and maymany more sweet times come your way.
ReplyDeleteThe Squirrel is really great! You should do some ferrets.
ReplyDeleteAll that food looks so good, Rain. We have been cooking more here on the mountain, but it's mostly very basic food like meat and potatoes that we cook in a Dutch oven. Neither of us is supposed to eat sweets, so looking at the great things you make is as close as I get to the real thing most times. I suppose I am living vicariously.
Hi Rain, Aren't you the fancy (and ambitious) one with all your napkin folding and delicious meals! A belated Happy Valentine's Day! Nancy
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!! That cake is over the top! LOL! I can just imagine the richness and the "I died and went to heaven" taste! You're amazing, girlfriend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Valentine's Day you made for you and Alex. Love your new pastels and your drawings. The fondue sounded really tasty. Happy Birthday tomorrow! 50? I am 20 years older than you! LOL! Okay, minus 1 year...lol...like that makes a big difference..lol! I hope you have a wonderful day and I'm sure Alex will make sure of that. Do you have plans? I hope that's not the day you go shopping?
Take care and Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!
I have been doing really well with my eating, but now I have came to your blog! LOL! OMG! That cake! That fondue! That shepherd's pie! That linguine!! Holy girl!!! You could open a restaurant! Seriously!! So yummy! I love your special happy mail! So beautiful! Your new creations with pastels are fantastic! Your squirrel is so cute! Big Hugs!
ReplyDelete(I think your romantic dinner is so special! My heart is smiling!)
Slap my head, I forgot to say Happy 50th and happy one year anniversary on your blog!!
ReplyDeleteWell first let me congratulate you on your blog which I adore. Always plenty of fun and interesting info. What a romantic set-up, and that cake needs to be on my table right now!(lol) What fabulous artwork too! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteHi Ruth :) I think you should! :) It's pretty easy to make!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra :) I am loving the pastels!!
ReplyDeleteHi Wisps of Words :) Thank you! I know what you mean about cleaning out the fridge, and that's one thing I do every so often when cans are piling up or the freezer starts getting full! :) Yes, Mama Pea is a wonderful lady and her blog has taught me so much. SHE has taught me so much about gardening and homesteading. I do some copying of art too, in fact I did The Scream just yesterday with the pastels, I'll post that tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteLOL Tewshooz...I likely gained a wee bit more by eating the cake! Thank you so much, you're very sweet :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry, I will never tire of hearing that I look younger than my age! :) And thanks for the compliment on my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mama Pea :) More cake for me :)) The linguine was SO easy to make...I always have bacon in the freezer so when I'm tired or lazy (gawd forbid!!!), out comes the linguine carbonara recipe! :) My birthday is today the 20th :) The big 5-0....feels weird! I'm a Pisces, we are sensitive souls, emotional, water sign...I fit the description to a T. I do love oil painting too, but it's so messy...as I type with pastel-smudged finger tips lol! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Joyce!!! :) That's so sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurie :) I'm starting to figure out the pastels a lot more! They remind me a lot of waterolours!
ReplyDeleteLOL Sandi...make some fondue!!! It's such a yummy meal! I laughed at the "little forkies" ha ha! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jack and Sherry :) The mud pie..oh gosh...it was something else! I can see the benefit of moving to Florida for the winter...we call them "snow birds" lol...flocking south!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenn :) It was a nice time! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha :)) NOPE...cake - gone. LOL...but honestly, I hate to waste, but after nearly a week, it turned to stone because we couldn't eat it fast enough, it's SO sweet. Next time I'll half the recipe I think! I really love the napkin folding and it's so easy to do! :) I really think that opening up the pastels and getting those finger dirty will help your mood! Just play around with blending colours together. There are so many great You Tube tutorials out there too. I've been using my colored pencils for detail work too, like the whiskers on the squirrel because I can't figure out how to get a fine line with the pastels yet, I might be pressing too hard! Spring is so close, hold on!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine :) I'm now in search of some kind of Easter napkin folding technique! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie :) Alex is very appreciative, I think he hooked a keeper in me ;)...I love being in the kitchen and getting creative that way too. We have a lot of fun! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Marsha :) OMG I laughed so hard at your comment to hang on for a wild ride lol...still giggling. Heaven in a pot, that's a great way to describe the fondue, because it's so true...comfy fine dining I call it :)
ReplyDeleteHi Pam :) I knew you'd love that cake!!! :) Drawing on! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Starting Over :) Your comments are always so sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Harry :) YES! I should do some ferrets...I think I could make them look nice with the pastels, thanks for the suggestion! :) That's too bad you need to avoid sweets...I'm glad you enjoy my posts. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy :) I do enjoy getting dinner together, it's my favourite part of the day! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sweet Sam :)) Hey, don't give yourself an extra year by saying your 20 years older!!! NINETEEN will do. :)) NO shopping this week phewf!! Though we have to take Pavlov to the vet after all on Thursday sigh...he's licking his paws too much again. Today I'm being very well taken care of :) We are staying home and Alex is making me a fondue! More cheese!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Magic Love Crow :) Thanks for your sweet comment, I love all the exclamation marks!!! I'm a fan of them too! :) I can feel your happiness through your comment! Sorry to tempt your eating... ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks RO :) Ha ha ha...that cake was something else! I knew it would be a hit!
ReplyDeleteMan I am so late to the party these days!!! This whole blog made me very hungry so I had to eat my lunch early! :) That fondue and cake look moreish! :)
ReplyDeleteMama Pea is a lovely soul isn't she? How nice to get something unexpected in the mail! Love days like that.
So how much for the stormy night painting????? :) ;)
Dianna....you're so supportive :) I can't part with my art...unless I specifically make it for someone, like the Christmas cards!! :) Maybe one day I'll accumulate enough pieces, like Mama Pea's recipes....then we'll haggle!
ReplyDeleteA well made Mud Pie is a thing of beauty.
ReplyDeleteLove the squirrel!
Thanks TB :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I missed this post! Beautiful work. Pastels are so much fun! Enjoy!
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing way to celebrate valentine's day dear Rain .
ReplyDeletei am learning so much from you ,the way you make everything with so much deep concern and connection and it results in outstanding form it always amazes me!
your food is INVITING and this cake is one of the best i have ever seen ,looks irresistibly compelling:)
how lovely to get gift from blogging friend ,she is wonderful indeed!
I ell in love with your adorable squerril ,you are really good at art dear Rain!!!
Thanks Toni :) I am really loving the pastels!!
ReplyDeleteHi Baili :) Thank you! I do enjoy creating, now more than ever. I got the art "bug" lately...I want to try different things and everything I'm doing is giving me so much pleasure! Valentine's was so nice. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty table. The fondue looks good. I can't remember when I had cheese fondue last. We have a little set up to make it when the neighbor across the street was cleaning out a section of her house. We'll have to give it a whirl one of these days. I like your squirrel pastel. Have you seen the animated movie, "The Nut Job"? It's a funny one and involves squirrels and park wildlife.
ReplyDeleteHi Stefanie :) No I haven't even heard of that movie. I just looked it up, I love Will Ferrell, I'll have to see if I can download it! :) Thanks for the suggestion! The pastels are really fun to work with, I'm loving them, but they are quite messy! I hope you give fondue a whirl, you may become quite addicted like we are! :)
ReplyDeleteMy lord that cake looks fantastic. So does everything else ... but that cake stands out for sure.
ReplyDeleteWow a whoke year already. I enjoy reading your blog a lit eventho it makes me sad a little that we grew appart over the last year. There are many situations where I miss the closeness we shared. But you grew into new friendships and I grew into new responsibilities and friends. I am happy we still are in touch ... a little at least ☺❤