by Helen Kain | Mar 25, 2023 | Blue, Easter, Pink and Red, Recent, Spring Tablescapes, White
The Easter Bunny approacheth. And we’re ready to give him a great big welcome. With iced sugar cookies, baskets of treats and a whole fluffle of bunnies. Bunny Hollow by Fitz and Floyd was manufactured from 1989 to 1993. I’ve had the covered bowls for...
by Helen Kain | Mar 12, 2023 | Green, Purple, Recent, Spring Tablescapes
Our bedside clock got a jump on us. Maybe it thinks 2023 is a leap year because, unbeknownst to me, it moved itself ahead overnight on Friday. I rose Saturday morning at what I thought was 4:45 am, ridiculously early enough as it was. My decaffeinated brain did not...
by Helen Kain | Feb 25, 2023 | Beef, Recent, Savoury Pies, Winter Recipes
We are big fans of hot, savoury pies in our house. There is something deeply comforting about a gravy-laden pastry and hot buttered vegetables on cold wintery nights. They freeze beautifully, so if you are so inclined, double the recipe and make some small pies for...
by Helen Kain | Feb 25, 2023 | Green, Recent, Spring Tablescapes, St. Patrick's Day, White
We’re coming up to the end of February, and spring beckons. The days are noticeably lighter and warm(ish) enough to tempt me outside to set a bright spring table. With St Patrick’s Day around the corner, I wanted to try my hand at a suitably seasonal but...
by Helen Kain | Feb 5, 2023 | Blue, Pink and Red, Recent, Spring Tablescapes, Valentine's Day
It’s getting on for Valentine’s Day, so I thought I’d share a table all gussied up with pink flowers and a Chocolate Mousse Cake with Raspberries (of course). Famille Rose (“rose family”) Blue by Williams Sonoma is a modern rendition of a...
by Helen Kain | Feb 4, 2023 | Cakes, Desserts, Recent, Spring Recipes, Valentine's Day
An intensely moist and fudgy cake filled with chocolate mousse and fresh raspberries smothered in rich chocolate frosting. Could anything say “Valentine’s Day” more eloquently? The original recipe is from Sharon Kurtz of Emmaus, PA, who took top honours with it...
by Helen Kain | Jan 21, 2023 | Cakes, Desserts, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Tea, Winter Recipes
Zesty lemony, buttery cake studded with tangy blueberries—a perfect afternoon pick-me-up or dessert. It could even qualify for an indulgent breakfast at a stretch (ok, a large stretch). It would certainly fit the bill for brunch, with perhaps Asparagus, Tomato and...
by Helen Kain | Jan 21, 2023 | Black, Grey and Pewter, Recent, Winter Tablescapes, Yellow
The jumping-off point for this table was a runner I picked up from Williams Sonoma at the end of the season a few years ago. Apparently, the matching napkins had been more popular than the runner because they were all gone, and the runner was in the “get it out...
by Helen Kain | Jan 21, 2023 | Desserts, Recent, Spring Recipes, Winter Recipes
A silky smooth, tangy lemon sauce sits below a light-as-air soufflé. What could be more delightful? Easy to make, this is the perfect bright citrus dessert to finish off a rich winter meal. The boxed version doesn’t come close, so whip up those egg whites and...
by Helen Kain | Jan 3, 2023 | Fall Recipes, Holiday, Mains, Pasta & Rice, Recent, Winter Recipes
Who could resist such a gorgeous display of Swiss rainbow chard? Not me! It was in my grocery basket before I had time to think about how to use it. But wait…I’ve got the Paprika app on my phone! So pull up the recipe portion and enter Swiss chard. There...
by Helen Kain | Jan 3, 2023 | Blue, Orange, Pink and Red, Recent, Spring Tablescapes, White, Yellow
It’s back to the workaday world for me this morning; some floral cheer is in order. Thank heaven for tulips. Inexpensive, long-lasting and readily available, they’re the perfect cure for the January blues. And speaking of inexpensive, I bought Pioneer...
by Helen Kain | Jan 3, 2023 | Fall Recipes, Holiday, Recent, Salads, Sides, Winter Recipes
Winter darkness calls for bold flavours. The bitter notes of arugula and radicchio are tempered with the sweet-tart flavour of thin apple slices, all enrobed in a Dijon mustard dressing and topped with salty, rich parmesan crisps. Perfect for a starter or in larger...
by Helen Kain | Dec 30, 2022 | New Year, Recent, White, Winter Tablescapes
Shimmery, sparkling silver and clear, icy glass to ring in the New Year. This table came together from several different directions. First was the bespoke tablecloth from The Enchanted Home. briefly on offer last fall, following the receipt of a shipment of some truly...
by Helen Kain | Dec 30, 2022 | Libations
Who doesn’t love a glass of bubbly? This festive cocktail has the rich, fruity flavours of pear and cinnamon, perfect for the holiday season and ringing in the New Year. The Pear Simple mixes up quickly and is delicious with sparkling water, drizzled in a cup of...
by Helen Kain | Dec 16, 2022 | Christmas, Cookies & Bars, Winter Recipes
Cranberries and Christmas are practically synonymous. These buttery, crunchy, nutty bars showcase the tart flavour of fresh (or frozen) cranberries. They freeze beautifully, too. Hands up if you’re too impatient to wait for them to defrost. Yup –...