Friday, April 5, 2013

FABBY: Two Pretty Ladies for Tea

Hello sweet friends!

   I made this coffee cake for my brother and sister in laws two days ago. Alejandro is the fourth child of seven children that my dear Mother and Father in law had. Now we're following a tradition to get together and celebrate some of the birthdays that come close, between February and March, therefore, I baked this coffee cake out of request from my Sil for blowing the candles after dinner. My inspiration for this tea time post is my antique Chinese tea set, with see-through bone china, that is also called, "onion skin", or egg-shell as you can see through the tea cups when raised to the light. The teaset is from after WWI, a tea "Kutani egg-shell porcelain Tea-set". Along with two lovely ladies that joined me for tea. Hope you like it.



Here is my tea scape with the antique, bone china Oriental tea set from WWI. My guests are these two pretty ladies hubby bought for me, a few years ago on a trip to the capital to visit our daughter; cause I just fell in love with them, as they both have a sweet bird posing in their hands. They're also so dainty, with very thin fingers and dangling bracelets in their wrists..I love them!

The little plates are simply adorable!

"The Perfect Coffee Cake" recipe came from an old Good Housekeeping magazine. At the end of the post is the recipe if you like..it's yummy!

The sitting down young lady in pants.

The other pretty lady standing up. I love how they both have a small bird standing in their wrists.




Here you can appreciate the family pattern in the plate, with the father a bigger figure in center stage, at left mother, at right child..both smaller than the family "patriarch".
The recipe if anyone would like, is at the end of the post.
The tea cups and saucers are so like "onion skin, or eggshell.." bone china, which is very transparent if you pick it up to the light.

I think I'd like to make believe these lovely ladies are my dearest, Oriental-Philippine blog friends..Chie and Christine! The set came with one big tea pot at your left, a smaller tea pot, both with handle sand spouts in a dragon shape..and a sugar bowl, plus the eight cups and saucers. Here I'm showing four plates and four tea cups and four saucers.

Here you have it..a tea party with two lovely ladies as guests.

Thank you very much wonderful friends for your sweet and kind comments, they always make my day!

Thanking the gracious hostesses for having me each week at their great and exciting parties.

LOVE,
FABBY


"The Perfect Coffee Cake"



1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
3 Cups, plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 Cup chopped pecans
1/3 Cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
3/4 Cup butter or margarine, (1 1/2 sticks) softened
2 1/2 tsps. vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 container (16 ounces) sour cream
1 Cup confectioners sugar
4 to 6 tsps. milk

Pre-heat oven to 350F. Grease and flour 12 cup fluted baking pan
2) On waxed paper, combine baking powder, baking soda, salt and 3 cups flour. In small bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon and remaining flour.
3) In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat granulated sugar, butter and 2 tsps. vanilla until creamy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Alternately beat flour mixture and sour cream, beginning and ending with flour. Beat just until just blended, occasionally scraping bowl. 4) Evenly spread 2 cups batter in prepared pan; sprinkle with half pecan mixture. Top with 2 cups batter. Sprinkle with remaining nut mixture, then spread with remaining batter.
5) Bake cake for 55 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center come out clean. Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Loosen the cake on the sides and invert onto rack to cool completely. 6) For Glaze:  In small bowl, stir confectioners' sugar, milk, (I use lemon juice for that sour-sweet taste) and 1/2 tsp. vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cake with a Tbs. spoon and stick on top some slivered almonds, (optional). "Look at my pictures for the decoration of the cake". Enjoy, it's really wonderful!





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Sandi for Tea Time at,  http://rosechintzcottage.blogspot.com
A Return to Loveliness at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
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Get in my Tummy Recipes and party at;  http://isabellethortonlechateudesfleurs.blogspot.com
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62 comments:

  1. Absolutely exquisite Fabby - really!
    I've never seen anything like these!!!
    Have a great wknd,
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  2. Bonsoir ma chère Fabby,
    Tout plein de poésie dans ce dernier billet. J'aime le charme du mouvement de bras de ces merveilleuses statuettes. Quel joli service à thé ! sans compté que ce gâteau me semble si succulent que je m'inviterais volontiers pour une dégustation et un agréable bavardage en ta compagnie.
    Je te souhaite une belle fin de semaine.
    Gros bisous

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  3. So lovely!
    I don't have any tea sets. I have some lovely coffee sets.

    Yours is very very beautiful!

    You are a brave soul. Whenever I have to handle with them I shiver ahahahah they seem so fragile.

    What a wonderful occasion to put up the exotic pieces and a treasured cake recipe.

    Thank you for sharing, Kind Soul!

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  4. Your china tea set is so beautiful. I love to see really thin china but don't dare use it. :) The coffee cake looks delicious! Have a wonderful weekend Fabby. Hugs, Pamela

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  5. Hello Sweetie Fabby,

    OMG! this table is definitely me and my background. La chinita pequinita LoL*

    Love you Asian collection. Both ladies are adorable. Hope you'd enjoying their company. Every Asiana makes their company happy, in a way.

    Besos from Lissabon,
    /CC girl

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  6. Dearest Fabby,
    Any good porcelain for teacups should be like egg shells so thin. That also keeps the tea hot for a while instead of a thick cup that takes all the heat away.
    Lovely setting, you have such treasures all the time for showing us.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  7. Yummy table and yummy cake, yum, yum. Richard from My Old Historic house

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  8. talk about a tea party that was amazing. thaks for linking up to friday food frenzy this week. hope to see you again next week.

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  9. Looks divine! I'd be afraid to get the china dirty! The cake sure looks like a yummy one!!

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  10. Would love a big, warm slice of that cake in your goregous home.

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  11. That looks gorgeous, Fabby. You have so very many beautiful pieces. What a special treat for your family to celebrate birthdays. That coffee cake sounds wonderful and I am copying the recipe to try later- xo Diana

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  12. Love your china and that cake looks scrumptious!

    :)
    mikky
    www.todaloos.com

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  13. You are so artistic in how you present your tables! This is a lovely tea set and I like the tablecloth too --- and the two sweet ladies!

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  14. Oh Fabby! That cake looks divine. I'm going to pin it so I can remember to make it sometime. :) That tea set is AMAZING! And even the easiest tea gathering is made a little more special with a sweet bouquet of flowers! LOVE IT! Thank you so much for sharing at Fresh-Cut Friday! :)
    ~Liz

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  15. Fabby,
    Exquisite, dear friend!!!
    Love the elegance of your "ladies" figurines! This is such a dainty tea set...I know your Sister~in~law will be pleased when she blows out her candles!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  16. Such a beautiful tea, dear Fabby! Thank you for sharing the recipe for the Coffeecake. It looks wonderful and I'm sure was delicious.

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  17. Oh, what a fantastic antique tea set. Something to really treasure! The colors are exquisite. And thanks for the recipe for the cake. It looks and sounds delicious.

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  18. Oh, my goodness -You always set a lovely table. The cake looks amazing, Fabby- thx for sharing the recipe! Happy Sunday :)
    Shawn

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  19. Hi Fabby! Thank you for linking up :) When I read that your China dishes was from WWI, wow! Such a priceless treasure. The coffee cake looks great but eating it with the finest dishes, is indeed priceless.

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  20. How gorgeous! The colors are so rich and the pattern has beautiful details. What a lovely way to treat your family! Happy Sunday my friend!

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  21. Beautiful and the cake looks delicious too! I'd love to have you stop by and share your post on The Creative HomeAcre Hop today!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/04/the-creative-homeacre-10.html

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  22. Thanks for being one of your guests, Fabby, lol.How lovely! I love your antique tea set, so delicate and stunning! I also love your Oriental ladies. I know how delicate they are cause I have at least 4 of them, of different patterns though but they all have the tiny bracelets and the dainty fingers. In fact, John broke off fingers from 2 of the ladies. Ugh! But I still have them displayed on my bookshelf because they are all still very pretty. Have a great week, my friend! I did not get to join Let's Dish this week cause I was busy with guests who drove 15 hrs. from MS...Christine

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  23. Love your darling table. I fell in love with your dishes too. Thanks for sharing the recipe I hope to make it soon. fondly ~lynne~

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  24. How wonderful it would be to come to one of your tea parties! Beautiful dishes and the cake looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe! Amaze Me Monday is up, hope you'll come share this!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  25. What fun to be sitting at your able with the pretty ladies and beautiful china. I'm always interested to see what you have to share with us.

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  26. Lovely - as always, Fabby! The cake looks yummy... Too bad I don't live closer, or I'd drop in for a piece :) Hugs Pernilla

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  27. Beautiful table setting...yummy recipe...thanks for sharing!

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  28. Fabby: Those teacups are so lovely! When I was a little girl, I remember my mother had a set of teacups of the most delicate china, and when you held them up to the light, you'd see a beautiful chinese lady on the base of the cup! We were not able to bring them to the U.S., unfortunately. Your cups brings back those beautiful memories. What a nice idea to spend some time with family! There is never enough time, so it's good that you make the effort to do this! I hope you had a wonderful Easter!

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  29. So pretty. So elegant.

    Great to have you at Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  30. Hi Fabby, What a wonderful new tradition, getting together with family celebrating birthdays. The antique Chinese tea set it beautiful! Such a lovely pattern and colors. I really enjoyed all your photos of these lovely pieces.
    Have a Happy Week,

    Emily
    The French Hutch

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  31. What a lovely tablescape, and that cake looks yummy!

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  32. What a nice SIL you are! I love your blues; in fact, I have some tea cups almost identical. The blue is intense, and they're trimmed in gold. They are precious. Thanks for sharing.

    Happy Blue Monday, Fabby.

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  33. Hi Fabby,
    thats a lovely Chinese tea setting. I love such Chinese and Japanese egg shell cups. I found the tea tastes better from them. The setting sis just beautiful and the cake look really like "The perfect coffee cake". Thank you for sharing tea and cake.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  34. Lovely. The cake looks so delicious!

    Jocelyn @ http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  35. Wonderful setting Fabby. Love the china and the figurines. So pretty! So nice to have special family occasions. The coffee cake looks wonderful. Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  36. Beautiful tea set and table setting. Would love a slice of that delicious cake.

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  37. The Chinese tea set is stunning and I really like the figurines to complement your theme.
    Judith

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  38. Exquisite, Fabby. I love anything oriental and the onion skin porcelain -- fabulous. Thanks for the coffee cake recipe. What a good idea to use it as a birthday cake. Happy Tea Day!

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  39. OOO, Mercy Me...that coffee cake looks sooo good. I must make it SOON.
    Your table is just exquisite, Fabby.
    Happiest Blue Monday.

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  40. How wonderful to have such a unique tea set. Your cake looks delicious as well and I am so you linked to "Friends Sharing Tea".

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  41. What a lovely setting, Fabby! The two ladies just compliment the table so well. Your cake looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing and joining me for tea.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  42. Such a lovely spread with gorgeous dishes and table! I know everyone enjoyed your hospitality and delicious cake :)

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  43. Oh Fabby! Anyone lucky enough to have a birthday with you would be delighted! You always treat your guests so very well. This cake looks a real treat. As well as your perfectly set table. It is all gorgeous. I do adore the ladies!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  44. Beautiful tea set and decorations. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Hope you have a great week :)

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  45. So much beautiful detail (from the dishes and the ladies) all in one place...just a feast for the eyes (and the stomach with that wonderful coffee cake...thanks for the recipe!)
    I saw your post over at A Stroll Thru Life.

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  46. What a gorgeous tea set Fabby. That set is certainly unique. That cake recipe looks to tasty. I know I am going to have to give it a try. You have created the perfect setting for such a lovely and festive occasion.

    Hugs,

    Janet

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  47. Gorgeous post Fabby...It's in style...A great share from the the house of Fabbys...Thank you...Love and hugs...Sujatha..:):)

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  48. Fabby - what a wonderful birthday celebration! The tea set and the accompanying ladies are gorgeous and you chose the perfect flatware to use with them. I definitely will try the cake - those almonds on top "sold" me immediately. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

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  49. Hello Fabby! Love the antique Chinese set and the two dolls. So beautifully colourful. I know what you mean about the egg shell see thru quality. I have a little set from pre WW1 Japan that I'm really afraid of using for fear that the cups will break when I pour the hot tea into them. My you link up to some fantastic people. I'm going to spend a little time exploring all your links now. Have a lovely week. :)

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  50. Your teascape is lovely, Fabby, and the little teacups are darling, as are the ladies!
    Your cake sounds delicious, I'm going to Pin it.
    Hugs, cindy

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  51. Absolutely gorgeous!!! XO, Aimee

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  52. Hi Fabby,
    I see you're also an admirer of oriental china and decorations, like me :).
    I loved the cutlery you used, so exquisite!
    It's a gorgeous tablescape you share here...as usual!
    Thanks for the pleasure of seeing your treasures,dear Fabby!
    Hugs

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  53. It's a lovely teaset. I've already seen some of that very transluscent china, but I don't have any. And the cake looks yummy.

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  54. Oh wow, that china set is lovely!! I have a soft spot for all things oriental. I've heard of translucent china but never seen any in real life. I just HAD to follow you back because you're such a sweetheart!! :)
    ~April

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  55. Fabby:

    You always set a beautiful table and this is certainly no exception. It's so exotic! And that cake does look like the perfect coffee cake.

    - The Tablescaper

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  56. Hi Fabby,

    As always, you have set a lovely table. The tea set is exquisite, and these Oriental ladies are so delicate and pretty! I really enjoy seeing all your pretty china and porcelain.

    The coffee cake looks delicious; thank you for sharing your recipe! Have a wonderful week!

    Denise

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  57. These dishes are beautiful! I don't think I've ever seen anything like them before. The cake looks delicious as well, I love the icing drizzled on :)

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  58. What fun! Thanks for sharing this on The HomeAcre Hop! I hope you can join us again today at:
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/04/the-homeacre-hop-14.html

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  59. This is so pretty, Fabby! I love the teapots and tea set, and those beautiful figures! Thanks so much for sharing this at the FESTIVE FRIDAY FIESTA! I can't wait to see what you'll be sharing this week! =D Have a great rest of the day!!!

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  60. You totally blew me away with this set! Adorable! Yummy cake, oh and beautiful tablecloth too!

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  61. Thank you so much for sharing this on The Creative HomeAcre Hop! I hope to see you again tomorrow. :)
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/04/creativehomeacre11.html

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  62. I thought for a moment you had two of "our" dragon teapots. I'm sure this one is one of the tourist-sold things in that beaded-china finish.

    Your table is absolutely charming, and my favorite is the overhead shot, with the circles so predominant, and the design of the cloth and all the setting taking on the look of one of those old movie-shots, with the elegantly-dressed dancers swirling around the floor in the most divine waltz.

    I always enjoy dropping in on your LOVELIES.

    rachel

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I love to receive your sweet and generous messages. You always make my day !

FABBY