JULISKA WINTER FROLIC

A Valentine’s Tablescape

We have more cold, ice and snow predicted this week with two back to back storms! With plans to go to a Valentine’s dinner, I decided to go ahead and set a table should the inclement weather change our plans and keep us home. 

This is the perfect excuse to use this gorgeous ruby red on white stoneware by Juliska. I received the platter for Christmas after dropping a lot of hints over it last year at Neiman’s. After the holidays I found the remaining pieces on sale at an unbelievable sixty percent off. One of those “Déjà Vu" moments when you know you’ll never see this bargain again! So, I grabbed up my bargains and didn’t let this opportunity pass me by. 

This stoneware is a perfect design and color to use for this cold Valentine’s Day. Ruby red and white and the winter scenes mimic some of the gaiety occurring outside my window, provided by neighborhood school children home because of “snow day” school closings.  If the roads are dangerous because of icy conditions we plan to stay home. Either way I wanted to set a casual table in the kitchen to celebrate Valentine’s Day. 

Juliska Winter Frolic

Vintage candlesticks

Greenery for a simple winter centerpiece.

Tartan placemats and chargers.

Cocktail Plates

Comfort Cups

Winter Boathouse

Winter Stable

Winter Conservatory

Winter Main House

Bowls

Tartan napkins 

Heart Napkin Rings

Large Serving Bowl

Wish everyone could drop by for a comfort cup of hot cocoa. Hope you will leave a comment and let me know you were here.

Happy Valentine’s Day.............

Linking
Wake Up Wednesdays
Wow Us Wednesdays
Vintage Thingie Thursday
Home Sweet Home

FRENCH-STYLE PECAN PIE

Sweets for my Sweet!

Celebrating Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to bake up something special. This day of all days should include having a sweet treat with absolutely no guilt! One of my favorite go-to recipes is this tasty little miniature Pecan Pie Tart. A friend served them at a party years ago and she shared her recipe with me. A dainty and scrumptious dessert, perfect to serve at teas and showers. I’ve also served this delicious treat all dressed-up for holidays.  My family and friends love these pies so I thought I would share this recipe with all of you. You can make these ahead of time and freeze. They also travel well, perfect to send across the miles if your sweetheart is away. I just whip up the topping before my guests arrive and dessert is ready to serve. Perfect for those unexpected guests too!

Recipe for French-Style Pecan Pie

3    Egg Whites (Room Temperature)

1    Cup Sugar

1    Cup Graham Crackers Crumbs

1    Cup Pecan Pieces

1    Pint Whipping Cream

1    Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

1    Tablespoon Almond Extract

1/2 Tablespoon Baking Powder

1/2 Tablespoon Almond Extract

Beat Egg whites till stiff (If no copper bowl, add cream of tartar). 

When very stiff and dry, fold in sugar, crumbs, pecans, baking powder (I mix with sugar), vanilla and the 1 T. of almond extract.

Butter or spray (I use Baker’s Joy) mini-sized muffin tins. Fill about 3/4 full. 

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. 

Let pies cool in tins for about 15 minutes, then remove from pans to cool on rack completely. Makes about 30 bite-size pies. 

When ready to serve, whip the cream with 1/2 T. almond extract and frost. 

While the pies baked, I added a few Valentine’s vignettes to The French Hutch. I love bringing out old vintage cards I collect and special cards from friends and family. Fresh flowers are required, I love to use tulips, daffodils or hyacinths.

Easy,  fun and ready for Valentine’s Day! Now it’s time to enjoy a cup of coffee and French-Style Pecan Pie while I get my valentine’s cards ready to mail.

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do tell!

Linking

Home and Garden Thursday
Tablescape Thursday
Valentine PAR-TAY