FABBY: Spring Luncheon 2014

Hello sweet friends!

        I did this table to greet my daughter Sofia, her husband and my two grandgirls that were coming over for a long Carnival weekend. We were seven, with mother and the two of us.

The menu consisted of Barley Soup with milk and cheese and it's wonderful and good for your health and a fav of the girls. The main course was a OvenTender Loin I make, a favorite of all; with a gourmet mash potato that has cream and mushrooms...really fine and elegant, lol.. A big lettuce and spinach salad with avocado. I have mentioned you that lunches are big in this part of the world and dinners very light. 

"The cake you see here is for dessert, paired with ice-cream; chocolate for the girls and vanilla for us, adults.
The sponge cake is made out of 'Arrowroot flour' (Canna-edulis flour). You can look it up in the Internet.

"This cake was taught in "Colonial times by the Spanish Monks and they had to make it in those days with this ancient Inca food crops, it was one of the first plants to have been cooked as you would a potato, or used as a flour or thickening agent. This sponge kind of cake is amazingly delicious and very popular as it is a local recipe."
 
The recipe comes from my dear Mil's family and from her own published cook book. I'm sharing it at the end of the post, if you would like. Very easy, but the Canna-edulis flour is the secret, though. Although, you could make it with potato-flour too, I did it once that way and it was fine too.





I love blue for spring...light blue that is; therefore, I used it for the table linen here... along with my everyday dishes that come in different colors, even the salad plate which is not set here as I had them in the kitchen ready with a warm salad.

I love the blue in the tablecloth with the thin white lines going across all of it. I bought this lovely table topper several years ago on sale for just $12, plus 12 blue napkins!

Little bunny playing with flowers. Porcelain Capodimonti flower baskets and some made at our past ceramic company too.

Bunnies and birds to greet Spring.

 

Butterflies in the ceramic napkin rings that were made by us.

A green soup plate, next an orange one, than a blue one and finally there's a yellow one to bring together the orange dinner plates.

I'm joining the 'Spring Mega Linky Party' over at Ivonne from Stone Gable and some other wonderful hostesses as well. 

The plate set with the orange dinner plate and the orange striped soup plate, bring the table setting together. The flatware set for 12 place settings, plus 12 steak knives, was bought in Bloomingdale's, Orlando on sale for just $60 bucks and they're Reed & Barton.

I bought two of each color of the soup bowls and salad plates noy shown here... so I placed the blue ones for the two men, the 2 orange for my DD and me, one green one for mother and the 2 yellow ones for the grandgirls...

The Ecuadorian specialty, taught by Spanish Monks couple of hundred years ago. The recipe bellow it's easy and delish, it's a sponge cake like no other!

Oh, oh!  I hope he leaves us a piece, this mischievous little bunny!

Birds singing cause Spring is coming! Adorable small German crystal flower vase.

I love this strip of what it seems like white tulips all around the four sides of the cloth. 

I love this cake, specially mother! 

The pic seems crooked but my table wasn't, lol!

Thank you so much lovely friends for your sweet and kind visits, as you always make my day!

Thanking the generous and gracious hostesses for having me at their great parties!

                                                                    LOVE,
                                                                    FABBY


ANTIQUE RECIPE FOR ECUADORIAN SPONGE CAKE  ( from my Mother in law's recipe book)

10 egg yokes, and only 5 egg whites (preferably country eggs)
6 ounces of Canna-edulis flour, or 'Arrowroot,' if not, potato sifted flour. NOT the all purpose one!
8 ounces of powder sugar , sifted
1 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of Spanish anise liquor, or anyone you have.

Instructions:

I place the 5 whites in the Kitchen Aid, or you can use any beater you prefer. Beat the 5 whites until soft peaks and start adding  the egg yokes one at a time while beating and than slowly the sifted powder sugar.

Meanwhile, pre-heat oven to 350F for 10 minutes; turn oven off and place the sifted potato or better, the Arrowroot flour in a peace of wax-paper and warm it up for 5 minutes, take it out and start slowly pouring it into the egg mixture while you have the beater running. Make sure it's thoroughly mixed so there are no lumps in the batter. Finally, add the lemon juice and the liquor and beat to mix well.

Pre-heat oven to 250F.

Grease and flour an 11inch, spring form pan. Pour the batter evenly and place inside oven and bake for 45 minutes, or check your oven. Stick in center of cake a toothpick to see if it's dry, but this sponge cake is very moist and yummy...really! 

 The Arrowroot plant, or Canna-edulis plant, where the flour is made for this sponge cake... by Indigenous people of Ecuador.

I will be joining:

Spring Flowers and Mega Link Party at,  http://www.townandcountryliving.com
http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com  http://theverydayhome.blogspot.com
http://stonegable.blogspot.com

Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com 
Ma. Elena for Tuesdays at our Home at,  http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com
Kathryn for Make it Pretty Monday at,  http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
You're Gonna Love it at,  http://www.kathewithane.com
Tuesdays with a Twist at,  http://http://backtobasics.blogspot.com
Terri for Teacup Tuesday at,  http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com
Wordless Wednesday at,  http://createwithjoy.blogspot.com
Deborah for What We Accomplished Wednesday at,  http://www.greenwillowpond.com
Mary for Masterpiece Monday at,  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Debi and Charly for Wednesday's Adorned from above at,  http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Party on the Porch at,  http://www.theshadyporch.com
Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party at,  http://sewcraftyangel.blogspot.com
Cottage Style Party  & a Tea Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Paula and Patty for What's it Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Riverton Housewives Roundup at,  http://www.housewivesofriverton.com
Party on the Porch at,  http://www.theshadyporch.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  www.adelightsomelife.com
The Homemaking Party at,  http://www.hopeineveryseason.com
Wildly Original Linky Paty at,  http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Create it Thursday at,  http://www.lambertslately.com
Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://cloradolady.blogspot.com
Thrifty Things Friday at,  http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Fabulously Creative Friday at,  http://www.jenniferrizzo.com
Michael Lee for Foodie Friday at,  http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com
Lucy for The Inspiration Gallery at,  http://www.craftberrybush.com
Foodie Friends Friday at,  http://livingthegourmet.blogspot.com
Beverly for PINK Saturday at,  http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com
Sally for BLUE Monday at,  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Mostly Food and Crafts: Friday Frenzy at,  http://www.mostlyfoodandcrafts.com
Chain Linky CLIMB at,  http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com
Say G'Day Saturday at,  http://www.natashainoz.com
Show and Tell Saturday at,  http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com











 I will be participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.















 I will be joining Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.






































   

FABBY: Last Wednesday Rosary Prayer

Hello sweet friends!

      I did a post back, almost a month ago, about a group of lovely friends and Sils which we gather together for a group Rosary Praying here in my house and we pray for our needs, for others, for the countries that are going through hardship in the world, etc.

There is so much to pray for now days... Matthew 18:20 says: 
 
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them!"

I can pray with my friends for your special needs too, just let me know and you do not have to be Catholic, we are all children of our Father in heaven, Jesus Christ.

 Than after we retreat to the dining room for a simple tea with bread, butter, cheese and marmalade. Here is my table for the ladies. We were ten, three of them had to leave after praying, therefore, we were ten in the table.

Since we were only ten for tea, I set up the large dinner table for all of us, which is nice and cozy...otherwise I'd have to fix the breakfast table as well, like last month.

Home made bread, mother's great bread recipe, which brings me lots of childhood memories, specially of my dear dad, who just loved it and my mom baked it often specially for him!

The bread recipe makes two loaves. The recipe is at the end of the post; it's not difficult at all!

In the back there's pieces of cheese, ready to just place on bread.
Cookies I made from the Cookie Factory machine.

This is a pretty small German cut crystal flower vase. I know it looks big in the pic, but it's not and... it's so cute!

I love these German tea dishes I 'gave myself for my birthday' three years ago, lol

A placed the two teapots along with the tea chest with a pewter top; here in the breakfast table.

The pewter top tea chest was made by my good friend's sister and she sells them in her shop.

I gave one as a giveaway for my first year of blogging and Jacqueline from the 'Purple Chocolate' won it, and it made me so happy, she's such a good and talented blog friend!

In the back some pink and purple water glasses. I bought them cause they had them displayed with the dishes in the store's window and fell in love with the entire thing, lol!

Thank you so much for your sweet and generous visits, as you always make my day!

Thanking the lovely and gracious hostesses for their great parties!

LOVE,
FABBY

Mother's Two Loaf Recipe Bread

4 Cups all purpose flour
2 eggs room temp.
1 ounce of dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 Cups warm milk
1/2 Cup dissolved margarine or butter  (I use butter)
1 Tsp. of aniseed, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds...whatever you wish.

Dissolve the margarine, or butter in the microwave. Add it to the warm milk, plus the 1 tsp. sugar and mix with a wire mixer.
Place these mixture in the K. Aid, or electric beater of your choice,or even in a food processor... and now add the rest of the ingredients and mix well with the hook feature, if it's a beater machine.

Grease and flour two loaf kind of molds and pour the batter evenly between the two. The batter is very loose and sticky, almost like a thick cake type!

Cover with a cloth and let it rise twice the volume in a very warm place in your kitchen.

Pre-heat oven to 375F and than after dough it's doubled in size, than bake the loaves for 20 minutes, or until they look golden on top.

NOTE: You can brush each loaf before with an egg wash to make them shine...me, I always forget, lol!

I will be joining:


 I will be joining Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Church.

Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Open House Party at,  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com
Tickled Pink at,  http://www.504main.com
Michael for Foodie Friday at,  http://rattledbridgefarm.blogspot.com
Thrifty Things Friday at,  http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Debra for Be Inspired at,  http://www.commonground-do.com
Jody and Stan for Simple and Sweet Friday at,  http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
Lucy for The Inspiration Gallery at,  http://www.craftberrybush.com
Ladies Only Blog Share Link party at,  http://mommiefried.com
Home Sweet Home at,  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Show and Tell Friday at,  http://theromantichome
Inspiration Friday at,  http://thepicketfence.blogspot.com
Flaunt it Friday at,  http://frenchcountrycottage
Beverly for PINK Saturday at,  http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com
Fabulously Creative Friday at,  http://www.jenniferrizzo.com
Dolly for Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop at,  http://hibiscushouse.blogspot.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescape.blogspot.com
Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Saturday Show Off at,  http://maleviksrosentradgard.blogspot.com
Natasha for Say G'Day Saturday at,  http://www.natashainoz.com
Inspire Me Monday at,  http://www.createwithjoy.com
Cindy for Amaze Me Monday at,  http://www.dwellingstheheartofyourhome.com


























 

FABBY: Our Anniversary No.39!

Hello sweet friends!

I've been a little busy lately and now preparing for my last Wednesday of every month 'Rosary prayer' here at home where I'm having 13 lovely ladies and me.

Our 39th. Anniversary was yesterday, February 25th. and so fast I haven't realized it we're at the door of our 40th. year together; as we married in Las Vegas, Nevada back in 1975, like movie stars in "The Little White Chapel"... and I've been such a blessed woman to have made the 'perfect'choise for me with my wonderful, sweet, handsome, intelligent, good provider, great father and granddad, specially a wonderful human being, who is my Alejandro!

I was living in Los Angeles at the time, that's why we married in Las Vegas than later in Ecuador we married in Church by the Catholic faith; our parents religion.  

I was working in fashion in LA and had gotten there from working in "Fashion town NYC."  I did cated to some movie stars and wives of politicians in NY and LA, as well.  That'll be another show, lol!

Anyway...thank you so much dear God for the happiness you have blessed me with this past 39 years and may You keep my Alejandro safe and sound for me. Amen..

Last year, in 2013, while we visited our daughter and grand girls.

Around 17 years ago on a cruise.

Circa 21 years ago... going to a wedding.

Time has passed by too fast, but as long as we're together always, to fight, or better said to endure the hardships life manages to bring by our path and to enjoy, be blessed and thankful for the wonderful and happy times; for our lovely and sweet daughters and our Little grandaughters too... last but not least, my sweet and beautiful mother...that's all I need in life!

"Nothing perfect, but SO 'perfect for me!!! "

Thank you lovely and sweet ladies for your visits and wishes, you always warm my heart and make my day!

LOVE,
FABBY

Thank you for hosting gracious ladies:

Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday at,  http://www.adelightsomelife.com
Jann for Share your Cup Thursday at,  http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com














 

FABBY: Pewter Tea Set and Carrot Cake

Hello sweet friends!

          This tea table is inspired by my vintage "Royal-Holland Pewter Tea set" and the delicious 'Carrot Cake with cream cheese Icing' I made for my friend's mother who came to visit her from the capital, Quito.

Her mother was ninety just a few days ago.

So, before I take the cake to my real good friend's house, Myriam, I thought I set a table with some antiques and a few different tea cups and not a 'complete set' for a change.

Ok, with that said, here it is, hope you like it.

 

 

Antique "Royal-Holland Pewter" tea set with a pretty tray. I decided to take it out of storage and set a table with it for a change.
 
I've seen lots of them displayed in magazines lately, specially in a couple of Victoria's I have.

'Walnut Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese icing.'

(The recipe is at the end of this post.)

 

The sterling hot tea, 'Samovar' is a treasure heirloom from turn of the 20th. century; that belonged to my Fil's grandmother. Samovars originated in Russia a few centuries ago.

 A few of my tea cups, saucers and cake plates...I chose not to place a complete set of teacups, for a change.

 

The sterling serving cake spatula was my Mil's and as you can see, her initials are engraved, as she was Eulalia de Crespo, thus the 'E. de C.'

I love the idea of the different tea cups and saucers. I think I will do this for a 'real' tea party one day! 

I love the lace border on the Dutch vintage pewter tea set...and to think that more than a century ago, pewter used to be "the poor man's silver!" 

Almost a year ago for our Anniversary I received some lovely antique things from Alejandro and one is this pretty vintage white 'French Opaline' flower vase I love. 

 Organza cut work table topper.

Antique French Opaline flower vase. A gift from hubby for last year's Anniversary. 

 

These are Vintage Dutch, we bought them three years ago in the European Antique shop and we took the 'Duncan Phyfe' we had before, to use in the kitchen nook.

Like I said before; I've been seeing them in magazines the kind of dark pewter pieces, like my "Antique Royal-Holland, Real Pewter "tea set, as I've noticed some of you have them too.

 Therefore, I decided to keep it displayed in the Antique Belgium buffet, along with my other silver things, instead of in the pantry closet!


Walnut Delicious Carrot Cake


2 cups all purpose-flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 cups fine shredded carrot
1 cup cooking oil
4 eggs
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts  (optional)

In a bowl of the K. Aid, or electric mixer of your choice, combine flour, bp, bs, and cinnamon.
Add carrot, oil, coarse walnuts and eggs. Beat until very well combined.

Pour into one bundt cake, like I did, or two greased and floured 9x1 1/2-inch round baking pans.
 Bake at 350F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or check your oven, or when tooth pick inserted in the middle of cake comes out clean.

Let it cool 10 minutes in pan and remove. Let cool completely before putting the cream-cheese frosting on it.

Cream-Cheese Frosting

2-3 ounces packages cream cheese
1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
2 tsps vanilla
4 1/2 to 4 3/4 cups sifted powder sugar  (this amount is perfect for the filling too, but ONLY for icing, just on the top; I make less of the amount the recipe asks for)

 In a bowl beat together all ingredients, until light and fluffy. Check to see if it's of spreading consistency.
Spread on top of cake, or use for the filling of two cake layers and on top as well.

Garnish with some walnuts like in the photo.




Thanking you sweet and kind friends for all the comments you leave me, as you always make my day!

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

LOVE,
FABBY

I will be joining:

Marty for Inspire Me Tuesday at,  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com
Martha for Tea Cup Tuesday at,  http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com
Sandi for Tea Time Tuesday at,  http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at,  http://coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday at,  http://knickoftime.blogspot.com
Ruth for Tuesday Cuppa Tea at,  http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com
Paula for What's It Wednesday at,  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Wake Up Wednesday at,  http://godsgrowinggarden.blogspot.com
Debi and Charly for Wednesday's Adorned from Above at,  http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Centerpiece Wednesday at,  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Deb for Cottage Style Party at,  http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Deborah for What we Accomlished Wednesday at,  http://www.greenwillowpond.com
Susan for Tablescape Thursday at,  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com
Anyonita for Tasty Tuesdays at,  http://www.anyonita-nibbles.co.uk
Ma. Elena for Tuesdays at our Home at,  http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com
Sarah for make Bake Create at,  http://hopeineveryseason.blogspot.com
Riverton Housewives Roundup at,  http://therealhousewivesofriverton.blogspot.com
Natasha for Twitter Hop at,  http://www.serenetyyou.com
Jann for Share Your Cup Thursday at,  http://jannolson.blogspot.com
Terri for It's a Party at,  http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com
Suzanne for Vintage Thingie Thursday at,  http://coloradolady.blogspot.com
Wildly Original Link Party at,  http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Richella for Grace at Home at,  http://www.impartinggrace.com
Cook with Sara at,  http://cookwithsara.blogspot.com
Sherry for Home Sweet Home at,  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com

Thrifty Things Friday at,  http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
Fabulously Creative Friday at,  http://www.jenniferrizzo.com
Debra for Be Inspired at,  http://www.commonground.com
Let's Connect Social Media Round up at,  http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com
Michael for Foodie Friday at,  http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com
Lucy for The Inspiration Gallery at,  http://www.craftberrybush.com
Holly for Tickled Pink Times two at,  http://www.504main.com
Dolly for Farmgirl Friday at,  http://hibiscushouse.blogspot.com
Beverly for PINK Saturday at,  http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com
Alma for Seasonal Sunday at,  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Saturday Show Off at,  http://therosegardeninmalevik.blogspot.com
Natasha for Say G'day Saturday at,  http://www.natashainoz.com
Suzanne for Saturday Spartks Link party at,  http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com
Show and Tell Saturday at,  http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com
Mary for Masterpiece Monday at,  http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Sally for BLUE Monday at,  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com
























 I will be participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.






I will be participating in Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style.