Christmas Greetings

... from our home to yours. 

vintage image used with permission from here

Mrs. Mac and Family

Week In Review

Thanksgiving meal 2010

Challah bread for Thanksgiving

backyard winter wonderland

turkey hot out of the oven

Jacob ready for a sled ride

Grandson Jacob  studying the Christmas ads

This past week brought crazy cold weather to the North Woods of Idaho.  We had a few days with sub-zero temps.  A few days where the nights were warmer than the days.  Snow and blizzard conditions as well.  I have not ventured outside much .. other than to drop off or pick up someone in town.  No Black Friday shopping for me; sleep is better medicine than rushing around in the middle of the night en mass looking for a bargain.  A meal of scrumptious turkey, ham, taters 'n gravy with cranberries and green beans will be on the menu tonight.  Turkey stock is simmering on the stove to freeze for soups. 

During the quiet moments of the week, I've been sewing a night gown similar to the one in the photo; just have to do the arms and buttons.  It's been a while since I've sewn clothing .. and with my near sighted vision not being what it used to be .. it was rather tedious.  Sewing skills are on the decline .. but I think it's a skill worth practicing.  The knitting needles have seen little rest as dish clothes are flying off at the speed of light ;) 

nightgown pattern I'm working on

What's going on in your neck of the woods?

Rain

... once again.  But ... it meant I didn't have to get up early to water the garden as I had expected to have to do.  A wee bit soggy of a Father's Day!  We had a breakfast down at the local fire station served up by the Lions Club.  A good place to hang out with the whole family and friends.  Mr. Mac & our oldest son, Patrick, were supposed to attend a Spokane Indians (minor league) baseball game today .. but it got rained out.  Happy Father's Day to all of you dads!

pics:  top .. daughter Ann, Mr. Mac, son Nathan
bottom .. Mac family and friends

Easter Sunrise

.... service was awesome!  It's a beautiful sunny morning in the North Woods of Idaho.  The MacFrugal family will be having our Easter dinner on Monday when we can partake in the celebration as a entire family.  Yesterday's weather was dismal with snow, hail, rain, sleet.  Perhaps today, we will have an egg hunt outside.  Enjoy the day.

Day After Easter Dinner Menu

smoked ham with a brown sugar mustard glaze

cheesy potatoes au gratin

angel eggs

ambrosia

asparagus

homemade dinner rolls

fresh banana cake and coffee for dessert

Banana Cake Recipe

In a bowl, whisk together:

2-1/4 cups cake flour (I'll use half ww pastry & unbleached white flour)

1/2 tsp. double acting baking powder

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. sea salt

Cream in a large bowl

1/2 cup butter

Add gradually and cream until light:

1-1/2 cups sifted sugar

Beat in one at a time:

2 eggs

Prepare:

1 cup lightly mashed ripe banans

Add:

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup buttermilk or yogurt

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the banana mixture.  Stir the batter after each addition until smooth.  Bake in greased round cake pans about 1/2 hour.  When cool, place between the layers:

2 sliced ripe bananas

Spread the cake with:

a white icing

If served at once, this cake is good without icing ... just sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.  

Recipe adapted from:  The Joy of Cooking Cookbook

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