Weekly Recap

Amelia doing tricks.

We been trying to eat more fish. I made a tarragon and tomato sauce to cover the cod.

Tried out a grain free and sugar free brownie recipes.

Enjoying picnics

Wordless Wednesday- An Angel With Bedhead

Crochet Doily Baskets

 Making crochet baskets are so easy. My nana used to make them and she would cut a small hole out of the bottom and place it on a lamp like a lamp shade. It was very pretty and romantic. This method can be used to stiffen crochet ornaments and snowflakes. 

I found the crochet doilies and Stiffy fabric stiffener at Micheal's Craft Store. I have some old doilies I want to make into baskets to keep out all year long. These colors are great for Easter tables and decoration. Amelia has already claimed them for herself. She uses them in her play kitchen.

 

Saturate the doily with the fabric stiffener. Squeeze out the excess liquid.

Spread the wet doily over a bowl that has been covered in plastic wrap. I used different sized bowls. Make sure to line up the middle of the doily with the bottom of the bowl. Let it dry over night.

I like using a small bowl so I can spread out the scollops flat so that the basket has a fluted rim.

Vintage dresses

I found this 1950s dress for about $20! It's in great condition. It fits really well and is so soft and flowy. I would like to hem it though. Right at the knee or a little above the knee would feel better to me. I want to make a matching belt with the fabric I cut off the bottom. I may take in the bust a little too. Who knows. I'm hoping to get an adjustable dress form for my birthday or mother's day. That would be a tremendous help!

Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake

 Chocolate marble cakes are so retro. I love the combination of vanilla and chocolate together. I made mine gluten free. Next time I will make sure I swirl the batter together a little better.

I found this 1953 Better Homes and Gardens cookbook at an antique store while visiting family in Va during our Christmas vacation. It is in amazing condition. The pictures inside are bright and almost cartoon like. So fun!

 Chocolate Marble Loaf Cake


1/3 cups non hydrogenated shortening
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups sifted cake flour or gluten free flour with xanthum gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk
3 stiff beaten egg whites
1  1-oz square unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water 
1/4 teaspoon baking soda


Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add to creamed mixture alternating between the milk and flour, a small amount at a time beating until smooth after each addition. Fold in egg whites. Combine melted chocolate, dissolved coffee and baking soda together. Add this to half the batter. Alternate light and dark batters by spoonfuls in a greased and floured 10x5x3in loaf pan. Swirl the batter around with a knife or skewer. Bake at 350 about 45-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and frost or serve as is.

 I made a simple chocolate ganache to frost my cake. You can see Amelia couldn't wait to taste it.

Wordless Wednesday- Me and My Girl

Link Show and Tell

Link Show and Tell

 

1. Modern Retro Woman talks about war time meal planning. Here and Here. Very interesting! You can see how important a "Victory Garden" was during WWII. She also discusses WWII food rationing and better health and Balanced Meals-1941. I like the idea of "Eating Like my Grandmother Did".

2. Making this vintage inspired crochet collar as well as this one is on my to do list.  They're adorable!

3. Casey made a simple and beautiful blouse. I have to make one!