Is Your Table Dressing Up this 31st?

Halloween is swiftly approaching!  Are you looking for quick, easy, and economical ideas for your Halloween party?  Moi aussi, mes petits potirons!

I suppose you could say that I have too much free time on my hands, because I find myself in my spare time cutting out bats and spiders from construction paper for my walls and our Halloween tree.  There is something very zen about cutting bits of paper or really, anytime you delve into making crafts from your childhood.  My preschooler (Glue Stick and Googly Eye Expert) and I have had a great time working together on our decorations while listening to Halloween music.  

Happy Sundae

Did you notice today's Google Search Easter egg image?  It's in the place of honor today to mark the 119th anniversary of the first documented ice cream sundae.  If you click on the image, it will take you to their results page about everything sundaes.  

Quidquid Latine Dictum Sit, Altum Videtur

Being a "method reviewer", I woke up at 4 AM just as our amateur private investigator so often does, to tell you about this book Heavenly Pleasures by author Kerry Greenwood.  (Will be great practice for waking up on time stateside for the Royal Wedding coming up.)

No cheating or April Fool's here, as the auto-post feature doesn't seem to want to work around here. I will dutifully be taking a nap here very soon  and while I am waiting to drift off into dreamland I will be trying not to think about what practical jokes and what other possible nonsense may befall me today. (Last year's April 1st brought me the worst day of my life so I'm wary of the anniversary.)

Reminiscing Through Green Colored Glasses

 
We're all a little Irish today.

And this day more than any other we dream of visiting our adoptive homeland. New Yorker Patricia Tunison Preston, an "Ireland Expert" who has been a regular visitor of Ireland for over 40 years, brings about daydreams galore in her book Ireland Memories, in which she shares with us a variety of dishes from her travels. These recipes, that include "New Irish" cuisine, are simple and easy to recreate and share over a bit of a chat with family and friends.   

Whether one is fortunate enough to have already visited Ireland (which boasts 6 million visitors annually), planning to take a tour in the near future, or if you are like me and you are just an enthusiastic "armchair traveler" that may never set foot on the Emerald Isle, you are sure to enjoy this collection that includes it all.  You'll find the delectable foods, wonderful descriptions of the Irish countryside, interesting historical and cultural glimpses, and fanciful watercolor prints all inspiring and delightful. 

Check out information about Pat's upcoming 10 Day, 8 Night, 15 Meal Group Tour.  

And see the recipe for Irish Brown Bread from Pat's book (courtesy of  the Cobblestone Cafe in Galway) after the jump. 

Many Happy Returns, George (and Abe)!

In honor of the day, we're sharing with you this recipe of Martha's (not that one, the First Martha) that is said to be a favorite of her husband's.  It is found in the Book of Priceless Recipes which was originally published in 1907 and has since been republished in 2010.  The book was created and compiled by the Hahnemann Hospital Association which endeavored to record hitherto unpublished recipes.  

We will certainly have to test this recipe out with the gals when we don't have to report to work the next day, as it calls for a "gill" of wine, (sounds like more than it actually is, half a cup, or four ounces) and some good brandy.  We of course dutifully and merrily showed up to greet the public today.  But wouldn't you think that since the holiday has us all celebrating for two and not just Georgie, that everything should shut down like a proper holiday?  Wouldn't it be a smashing time if we could celebrate 24 hours for each gent, amounting to two consecutive days off?  Why not add in an extra two hours in observance of all 50 states?   I'll save that wish for my own birthday cake!

Pictured:  This fine plate and server decorated with a serenading colonial couple is on sale.  Etsy Shop: CinfulOldies

Painting the Town Red Today... in an Apron?

  Waechtersbach Plate

  Happy Valentine's Day 

from Lit Chicks Dish! 

Remember a while back when womenfolk were regularly seen wearing slips and lingerie out and about, to parties and public places?  I'm trying to forget too.  That wasn't my best look, either.  And I never even left the house.  Nevertheless, I have to ask, if nightgowns and PajamaJeans have been deemed acceptable everydaywear why not aprons?  

Well, if it does catch on, hopefully people will continue to wear the slip at least.  This trend may be coming to stores near you courtesy of Fashion Week.

Apron-inspired looks have one risk: They can hit too close to home, leaving the wearer looking like a June Cleaver wannabe. Some of the more costume-like looks will likely be modified before they hit stores.