rewind I love… ♥ time-worn gently reused clothing.. my favorite woolen sweater wraps its arms around me ♥
Monthly Archives: April 2012
today’s word impulse “crumbs” ♥
I have rhubarb in the garden.. but I am more shocked that you have SNOW?! really? Poor you. My strawberries are flowering which is good .. you can come rob my garden anytime!! c
I love the outdoor dining shot with snow in the background. How very Calgary!
Beautiful.
I love rhubarb! I also love how you set your lovely table outside in the snow. Beautiful!
Great post, Smidge! I was about to choose the first recipe but then the second recipe also looks fab. I go for both. I’ve always been curious about the rhubarb because my mom-in-law used to have it in her garden. Never tried to cook that before but with your amazing recipe, now is the time to try it. 
I love the ‘muffin’ tray! I will come and help you get the rhubarb as I’ve never tried it!
I’ve always wondered what rhubarb tasted like, now I know it can at least look delish! 
The gorgeous snowy shot compliments the beautiful petit cakes! Absolutely adore them my friend, what an awesome flavour combo 
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Such fab photos as usual! I will be making these since I have rhubarb all summer.
My rhubarb is already up! We are at least one month ahead! I just looked at the link for 4/20 for my blog and there is a photo of Boulder on 4/20 from 2010 and there is not one leaf out on a tree. We are fully leafed out already and every spring plant and tree is blooming! I wonder if I can pick some of that rhubarb before it snows this weekend. That storm is heading our way!!!
More snow? Yikes! I hope spring comes your way soon (along with that rhubarb). Your photos are luscious.
Sounds delicious, especially on the gray day we are having here today:) Have a Great Weekend!
Oh Smidge, oh Smidge. Those look exquisite. You put such an awful lot of work into every post – I’m really always very impressed.
We have neither strawberries nor rhubarb locally yet. I am sorry that you cannot yet make your glorious cake (you will), but the photo of the snow-covered tree is extra-gorgeous.
That is a very beautiful scene but I can imagine perhaps more beautiful if it had arrived in the right season! That is definitely not very spring looking. It’s always frustrating when you can’t cook what you want to cook because one ingredient is too difficult to source. But you have done well in coming up with not one but two replacements. I’m just waking up and those muffins would be wonderful right night. xx
Oh crumbs I can’t believe you have spring snow. I hope you find the elusive rhubarb soon. As always the recipes sound yummy and the photos are lovely. Happy Weekend
Those little muffins look like an absolute treat! Great improvising Smidge.
Good on ye Barbara, I can do with as many rhubarb recipes as possible. Can’t wait to try these!
Beautiful snow (though I must admit I’m glad it’s gone from here)!
Yum. Steusel crumbs make the muffin!
Just look at these mini decadent cakes that you have definitely teased us with lol. I mean tease because I can definitely eat a couple of these and have a huge smile on my face . Enjoy your weekend
Crumbs indeed! I have rhubarb available at home, but it will be a while before I get strawberries. I’ll choose the first recipe please, they looked so delicate and I love the pairing. Lets hope for a rapid thaw!
Yikes! SNOW!?!?! So sorry, Barb, to see that outside your door. The crumb cakes and muffins look oh, so very delicious. If only they were made of strawberry, raspberry, or cherry, i”d be so thrilled. But, crumby rhubarb? Not so much. That’s ok, though, I still very much enjoyed your post today, crumbs and all.
Oh, you take the most beautiful photo’s Smidge and everything looks so tasty and so delicious! Thanks for another awesome post hon!
Anything with a crumble topping is good as far as I am concerned and these recipes both look wonderful. But snow? I feel for you! Mind you, it does look beautiful…
Snow is beautiful but not at this time of the year. I haven’t seen rhubarb in the market either but using frozen seems to have worked great.
Good morning Smidge! Your snowfall is beautiful. Surprising though!
The email with this post came to me yesterday while we were in the parking lot of the grocery store. Talk about impeccable timing, right! You’re so good Hubby was SO excited to see rhubarb anything, that we wrote down the recipe for the muffins before we went inside. Nope, no rhubarb here either, so we bought the frozen kind. We are making rhubarb muffins this morning! Thank you so much for these Smidge! You’ve made Hubby so happy
Happy weekend!
I hope you like them.. the muffins were my favorite!!
Great photography this week!
Even the simplest dishes are works of art over here!
Hope that is the last of the snow for you out there in Calgary! All of your little strawberry rhubarb treats are sure to bring the nice weather. I’m going to have to make something with rhubarb very soon because I have a craving after reading this post. The hardest part will be deciding on just one of your recipes!
Not only do these look delicious but they are so adorable! What a lovely addition to a brunch or lunch. And a snack too. Actually if they were in my house I’d have one with each meal.
I just printed off both of these! Can’t wait to try them! I was SO SAD to discover today that some of my rhubarb got frosted to death – as did some of my asparagus – so terribly sad!!!!!!!! BUT…there is more on the way, so life isn’t all bad. Will make these when it’s ready!
I have to admit that I have never had rhubarb, but these, like everything else you post, makes it irresistible. Thanks for sharing again!
Oh look at that snow! Wow! I almost forgot what it looked like. These little muffins are just delightful and so full of wonderful spring flavors. Such a contrast to the snow – yet perfect!
Sounds like the snow really came as a surprise! I think “crumbs” is a good response to that…Spring delayed indeed! The recipes are just wonderfully crumby Perfect for any weather, and clever you for just getting in there with the frozen rhubarb. And I have to say that I haven’t used the word “transmogrified” in such a long time that I had to read the word twice! I simply forgot what a great word it is…you write beautifully–and with great taste! Debra
…. finished all of them in the plate…. How sad… I loved your decoration, there is always a wonderful romance… The colours are so beautiful… And sure so delicious too. And your beautiful poetical touches into the words complete and strike this post. Thank you dear Barbara, with my love, nia
I want to try all those baked treats!
I know the feeling, we suddenly got 10 cm of wet snow yesterday, Gone today… nice recipe.
You lucky lucky gal! I’ve made another rhubarb recipe last night.. with frozen.. I should book my flight.. it would probably be the first time anyone booked a flight to steal rhubarb, lol!!
Hahaha.. yes… picnics in Calgary usually involved some snow:) Even when hiking in the summer.. you can find some snow in the mountains to picnic on!! Lol!
Thanks!
It’s one of my favorite flavors.. made another dish with it last night!
I urge you to try.. I really love it, especially stewed as well…
It would be fun to go looking together!!
You should def give it a try, I love it!
Thanks so much my little Uru:)
I find it incredible reading all these blogs and reading about the “weather” everywhere.. it’s cool that you have rhubarb already!! You’re very lucky to have spring.. is it usually this early??
I had hoped it was a one day affair.. but.. it’s snowing this morning again:(
Gray here as well, time to get cooking and baking for me!!
Oh Frugal.. it’s snowing again!! And thank you so much for your compliments:)
Thanks, Sharyn.. it’s snowing again, so I think I’m just going to submit and go photograph some more snow shots today! Time to get out the mittens!
That’s so true.. we have so many new grocery and organic food stores opening up that there’s a bit of competition and we are starting to source better produce these days… but still no rhubarb!
Yes.. crumbs.. it’s snowing again right this very minute! I hope the rest of your weekend is awesome!
I think the more we improvise, the better we get at baking.. I know you’re a master at improvising!!
Well.. stay tuned, there’s more on the way!
You’re very lucky then! I love snow.. in the winter, not the spring!
So true.. I think streusel on any muffin is the best!
I’m smiling right now, can you guess why, lol?! I hope your weekend is awesome so far!
That’s what I thought.. rhubarb then strawberries.. but our stores have it the other way around…
Oh, dear.. then avert your eyes tomorrow, you may see a wee bit of rhubarb making another appearance (sadly, not fresh still, thought:) I’m averting my eyes from the snow right now!!
Thanks so much, Sonel:)
I agree.. I should just make the crumble and pick up a spoon, lol! It’s pretty, sigh, but I’m so tired of it!
That’s exactly it, Karen! I’ve found a good organic frozen bag of rhubarb so it’s worked out all right..
Thanks!!
I’ve always loved decorating:)
I’ll lend you a hand.. the muffins are a great breakfast recipe and the cake would be nice after dinner:) or lunch, well, or mid-morning, lol! I give up!
Hahaha and I have managed to do so:) Thanks so much!
Oh no!! You and c both had a late frost. I think that’s just so discouraging to lose those new sprouts, especially asparagus! I hope you like this recipe:) If not there’s one tomorrow I loved!!
Thank you, rhubarb is so delicious, I hope you try it one day!
I know!! I want to forget what it looks like, lol!! Thanks so much Kristy!
I love “transmogrified”.. I love lots of words, lol.. and it’s great to use them here:) Thanks so much for visiting, Debra!!
Thank you so much for your pretty words, nia, and I’m glad you’ve finished them for me:)
I’m glad to have a teenaged son to help out:)
I thought ours would be melted.. but it’s still snowing!! Why??!!
We are at least a month ahead this year and even the Wisteria blooming! I didn’t think it would survive here in CO let alone bloom!
Wow.. Wisteria!! I hope it all keeps on blooming for you!
I’ve not seen rhubarb in my local market before… I will definitely try your recipes out if I managed to find them! Yours look utterly delicious! I’ve nominated you an award, hope you’ll like it!
I will definitely have to!
How do you knock this stuff up so consistently well? It would take me weeks of desperate trial and error to get even one of your creations right!
To keep us grounded!
I stand corrected! I looked at the pics of us in England and darned if a rhubarb crumble wasn’t one of the little deserts we had! As I recall it was pretty tasty
I don’t believe it for a second:) it does seem like people either prefer or gravitate towards baking or cooking.. not often both? Thank you so much!
Hahaha.. it just snuck in there..
It is discouraging – as sad to see those poor drooping, sagging sprouts. But…at least it’s early enough that more should be coming along. I’m looking forward to your next recipe!
They both look so good, I wouldn’t even know which one to choose…so I guess that means both, right?
I love this! Spring will come, but enjoy that surprise bit of winter while you have it!
As always a beautifully put together post! I will have to make these for my hubby – the only rhubarb lover in our home.
Mandy
I choose it all Smidge, and all of it in my parka on your sunny snowy patio! Such is Spring! xoxo!
Oh we both did. What a wonderful fresh flavor! I’m addicted, and definitely in love with rhubarb now. I see why Hubby has been asking for me to try to cook with it now. Simply wonderful!
Oh my, those are some tasty crumbs! We had snow this weekend too–spring pause, we call it. Though the sun is out the air is still too chilly to soak your toes in. My motto: bake and freeze … because I will be in no mood to bake once the air is warm again. Sounds like you weathered the storm just fine–lovely recipes.
Xoxo that would be fun!! A parka party!! xoxo
Wow.. You’re husband’s converted?? That’s awesome!
I love your point of view.. So this is a Spring Pause and I shall take it as an opportunity to bake!! Thanks for this!!
Hi smidge, it’s quite rare for me to see recipes for a cake using confectioner sugar instead of just plain white sugar. Whats the difference? Can I substitute the sugar to confectioner sugar to most cake recipes? Thanx
Food-Induced Coma (Food Coma, Common) The Facts A Food-induced Coma is a condition resulting from the sudden abnormal over-consumption of an excess quantity of food and, on occasion wine, typically ingested over a very limited period of time. Symptoms listlessness, a feeling of weakness and low energy a decided lack of ambition, often accompanied by…
Beautiful and so good post, I loved it, and I noted too… Thank you dear Barbara, the photographs are so nice but your lovely dog is the best. Blessing and Happiness, with my love, nia
DOC…I think I have it! lololol…wonderful article!
After a two week holiday, followed by Easter, I definitely could do with a spinach salad remedy.
I know exactly how your adorable dog feels but sadly I don’t look that cute sprawled on the floor, groaning over my very full belly!
This morning as I sluggishly peeled myself out of bed, I was thinking it was time for some salad days to recover from all of the Easter eating. Then I wake up to your beautiful salad!! It was meant to be.This will be my lunch today. I have everything but the pine nuts and will substitute those with sliced almonds maybe and use vegan parmesan.
Very nice. I call it the food slump.
Oh I do love your photos! And this post reminds me that I should get to the grocers for some spinach
Oh yum! I could survive on salads — I might have been a rabbit in a previous life, or more likely a cow…..
Yes.. The Pupster is the best.. He’s been out of sorts lately, so maybe he was slipped a little too much ham as well;)
Hahaha.. Glad you enjoyed it!
Hahaha.. Yes, the slump around the table, when conversation gets a touch “blurry”.. And loud!!
I hope you like it.. It’s easy to substitute for sure:) I’m trying to get motivated to go to the gym!!
I love spinach salads.. All sorts of them:)
Hahaha.. I think a bunny would be the right fit;) I, sadly, was not a bunny in a previous life, I’m not certain which animal survives on sweets.. But that would be me…
he he he…. Blessing him. and kisses too Love, nia
Love the photo of your pup, says it all! Oh yes, a salad week is the perfect cure from too much … anything. I think I’ve got everything here, looks like this will be lunch today.
I hope you like it:)
Dr Smidge, I’m suffering from newbaby-love-induced coma. (The scientific name escapes me.) Would you recommend the same remedy? (oh please!)
(and Smidge, you are such a clever gull! I loved this post! xoxox)
I love your jars! And there is such a simple beauty in the salad, it’s great.
Very clever indeed and both we and our pups can relate to you and your pup! Big Man is out digging the veggie garden right now and has just called out to me that the first of the spinach is ready for picking – how opportune is that?! We can now give your lovely salad a go and I am sure the bacon is good for replacing essential salts (or something)!
Love, love, LOVE the photo of the pup, made me melt like a dark chocolate in warm cream… ooops, maybe I should not be using this image… sorry! Go eat your spinach, and be a good girl!
Oh.. Spree.. I have devastatingly wonderful news.. Your condition has no cure.. It will be a life sentence of pure and utter joy, the only way to reduce symptoms are lots of baby cheek kisses and cuddles. Unfortunately the remedy usually creates even further inflammation of the symptoms:) xoxoxo Smidge
Yum! You are right. After overeating, a salad is just the right thing to take the sluggishness and guilt away!
Thanks:)
Hahaha, yes, essential salts are important. I know your pups can relate.. I’ve seen them sleeping:) Sooo cute!
Hahaha.. Now craving dark chocolate and cream.. In little pots.. Oh heavens, get thee away.. Temptress!!
Brilliant. First a cut photo of lovely white woolly doggie, followed by an analysis of over eating and the symptoms to a wonderful non-recipe. Love it all (except the symptoms)
What a clever, witty post you shared today, Barb! I fear, however, that PETA may not be pleased that you “used” your pupster to exemplify one suffering from a food coma. I’m sure you have his signed consent form handy, just in case.
This is such a great salad recipe! Of course, anything that combines both cheese and bacon must be good and can only help to dispel a food coma. I mean, anything that tastes that good must be good for you, or so I’ve heard. (If only I could remember when and where…) Beyond that, your photography is, once again, stellar. All in all, a wonderfully enjoyable post.
When I eat too much Barbara, I definitely have to try your solutions in this post lol. First I have to pig out first lol. I also LOVE the spinach salad. I am such a huge spinach person and this would be perfect for lunch
This looks beautiful in that last photo, Smidge. But if I ate bacon in salads I’d have to go running. Shudder. Without the bacon, this looks like lunch or dinner.
This looks more beautiful than any spinach salad I’ve ever ordered in even the best of restaurants! Trouble is, I want it NOW (it’s lunch time). But I can gather the ingredients soon and after this past weekend, both my husband and I need to detox. Your suggestions regarding food coma prevention and suggested deterrents are noteworthy! You take beautiful photographs of all your ingredients, Smidge. Debra
Poor pup- is he responding well to spinach salad???
Yay, a recipe not beyond my capabilities and done with such style. Thanks Barbara.
Love your write-up! Been there…done that…the food coma. Totally LOLed!!!
I recently got back from Portland and talk about eating and drinking – WOW!!! I made a nice stirfry for dinner last night and am trying to drink plenty of water and get back in the gym too. Have a Great Day:)
Oh well, if I lived there I would have those kind of coma’s every day from over-eating for sure! What a lovely sweetie you have there! Absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing hon. *hugs*
Hi, I’ve been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award. I’ve nominated you in turn. If you’re interested check out the rules at http://www.susartandfood.wordpress.com. Great blog!
Hahaha!! I know the ailment well. Too well, but I feel I can conquer it from here on out with this oh so special spinach salad. Ohhhh, it sounds so good right now! It’s pretty too. Thank you for sharing this one Smidge. You must be reading my mind again? It’s a terrific post!!
Your puppy is downright adorable. What a sweetie you have for a sous chef! Lucky girl
Hugs for a happy Wednesday Smidge!
xo
Lol, Smidge! I definitely suffered this holiday — and felt like laying on the floor like your pup! This salad is a perfect remedy.
Oooh yes, Easter eating often leads to a food induced coma – at least in adults. In small people, all the chocolate seems to lead to hyperactivity! Maybe we need to feed the adults chocolate to bring them out of their coma?
Although I do think your delicious salad would be a much more sensible option. And bacon is healthy – we all need a little protein.. xx
Cute puppy!
I’ll remember your advice doctor! I think I have had this illness more than once 
– I will follow your treatment (and this delicious recipe) to the T
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I feel kind of like your pup after this past weekend. I LOVE your spinach panacea salad and that it’s warm, which is lovely. I’ve bookmarked this one…it would be great any time!
Great salad and intro, Barbara! I don’t eat enough spinach, that’s why I have such puny muscles!
That is very funny Smidge. Arabella was moaning and groaning all day yesterday, lying in bed with half eaten Easter eggs and foil wrappers all around her, saying she couldn’t do any study and could I take her to the doctor and do I think she’s a binge eater and ‘Could you get me a water?’ and I just yelled, ‘Self-inflicted’ and closed her bedroom door. I guess if I was really kind I would have made this delicious salad!
Post Easter I am definitely suffering from excessive consumption of sweet things and I appear to have more than two symptoms from the list. Oh dear I hope I will not have to remove excess chocolate for too long. Your puppy is gorgeous.
Hahahaha.. nor do I, trust me on that one!
I’m not sure the guilt ever goes away, lol!
Thank you:) yes.. those symptoms are not fun;)
Hahaha, trust you to act on behalf of my pup’s animal rights! I wouldn’t expect less! I’m not sure he’s suffering from a food coma, or just sulking because he wanted even more snacks to be offered down to him while we ate;) Yes.. bacon and cheese are dubious “healthy” ingredients.. but I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind these days! xo
I can’t imagine you pigging out, Kay:) It’s a great lunch salad because it’s easy to prepare for sure.
Oh, my, we wouldn’t want that to happen! Does that mean I have to run now! Drat! That was not in my plans, running and I don’t see eye to eye these days;)
Oh… if only the detox lasted.. someone needs to rehide these chocolate eggs..
He would appreciate the garlic in it.. and he would manage to take out the bacon, the rest.. he would neatly leave strewn around his bowl, I’m certain!
Thanks Gretchen! If we didn’t laugh.. well..
Now.. I’m certain you’d be able to this for sure!!
Looks delish! Such a fun post. I’m continually amazed by your creativity!
I love it. Well, OK. The picture of the dog won me over. Everything else was gravy. Not real gravy that’s coma-inducing.
Ohh. Ohh, I have 2 or more of the symptoms. Sounds like this is serious. Various pastel wrappers are laying about the house. I also feel like if I look at anything chocolate for a while i might pass out. Ok! I’m on my way for a power walk to the grocery store to get some supplies to make your spinach salad. Take Care, BAM
What a fun read Smidge – I have had to learn to go very s l o w l y on the chocs as they skip the coma part with me and just hang around my hips and tummy! Your pup is the cutest fluffy furry child and I love the salad – scrumptious!
Mandy
I seem to have a need for this every time I visit with my friend Erica
Wow!
I’m not in a FIC, but I have to try this salad ASAP It looks great, tasty and easy to do.
I wonder whether I could have persuaded the kids to try this cure for excess chocolate…
I’ll take a food induced coma, thank you! And that salad looks very pretty but also fits into my style of eating. Lovely photos as usual!
Looks delicious and I love the way you photograph food? Do you use strobes or natural light or both?
This absolutely could be my favorite! Perfect cure for the food coma.
I laughed out loud at the symptoms of food induced comas ! It’s such a common thing with someone like me who seems that have eyes bigger than my tummy.
I have been called many names in my life.. nicknames, that is. ♥ Smidge, Little One, Barbie, Barbie-doll, Barbarian, and Pup-face. But one thing’s for certain, I will always be ♥ “Kid Sister” ♥ Being the only girl in a family of three rough-and-tumble boys had certain advantages.
You strike again! Great story, great photos, great recipe! I am the youngest of 6 and I am sooooo not going to tell the names they called me, especially what my brother called me. Not happening! t
Beautiful bread and a great trip down memory lane!
Thanks for sharing such priceless photos, memories, and recipe!! You are absolutely awesome. Hope you had a very blessed Easter
I love that photo of you all dressed up in the yellow dress – you were so cute! And what a wonderful childhood you had. I can’t relate to having brothers as I had four sisters but I can relate to a carefree time where we played outdoors and created our own fun. Great post! And you have certainly done John’s recipe justice. Great plaiting. xx
Great post, full of great love! You are all blessed to have each other! Despite being called Barbie, I’m willing to bet that with three brothers, you’d be pretty good in a fight, Smidge..
Beautiful story! I love reading your blog because it’s always full of captivating stories (: I have a younger brother and we shared a love-hate relationship haha. We used to fight a lot but we grew to appreciate each other (: The bread looks really lovely and delicious!
Your awesomeness is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your recollections of your childhood. I especially love how you capture the essence of needing to fit in whie maintaining your sense of self.
Childhood stories always have a resonanace that cuts through cultural differences and time because they are honest. I think that the appeal of such stories is that they remind us of the honesty and innocence that we look to recapture all of our lives.
Now that’s some mighty fancy braiding ya got there, Kid Sister! Before going further and as happy as I would be to welcome you to the family, understand that Sis may have something to say about this. Oh, it’s not that she’d mind having a sister. In fact, she spent much of her childhood wishing for you. Her response to you now, however, would probably be something like, “Where was ya when I needed ya?”
I am so glad you made this bread for your Easter dinner and hope you all enjoyed it. I myself baked 2 loaves last night (just finished snacking on a slice) and gave one loaf to friends. Now that I know the “Easter” recipe, I’m going to try adding different cheeses and some herbs. I’m not through with this bread yet!
I hope you & yours shared a wonderful Easter, Barb!
What fantastic photos Smidge! I love the stories and could just picture every game/scene. And I too was super impressed by John’s bread – and now yours! Love it.
And forgive me. I was so excited about your coming to our family that I forgot to thank you for the shout out. That was very kind of you.
Barb you kitchen looks so beautiful, I just want to pull up a chair and watch you bake! I was called Barbie and Barbie-doll too (and sometimes I still do!). Hope you had a nice Easter weekend!
Hahaha, I can just imagine;) I had a few of those along the way as well… xoxo
Those were great years:)
We did.. I’m sure you did as well?
My mom was here tonight, when she saw the photo she remarked that she had made that dress. She (and I) used to sew many of our outfits.. I hope you had an awesome Easter!
There was this one time I punch a school patrol for bumping me with his stop sign and I got called down to the office.. (shhh, mom doesn’t know about that one;) xoxo
Oh, man, the fights.. I left that part out. I think that would be good for a whole other post;) The bread (as everything of John’s) was just the best!
I’m sure she was the kid sister I was longing for my whole life as well! And I would have done an excellent job braiding her hair for her;) I can’t wait to see what else you do with this bread. As for me.. I’m thinking of a sweeter challah type bread for my next project. Everything rises so beautifully now that I use my little heating pad (Misk’s technique) ! It’s hilarious, but it works! And.. I love doing shout-outs.. for my newest “big brother”:) (Or maybe it’s little??) I hope your Easter was awesome!!
Thanks, Kristy, I’m sure we all have some of these (well, maybe not as long ago as mine;) The bread was as great as John promised.. and it did smell like heaven baking in the kitchen! xo
And I would love to have you over.. a cup of coffee too? That’s right, Barb, you would have had the same nicknames.. all in good fun! xo
I loved reading your post Barbara, I come from a small famiy only one yonger brother but we had our share of adventures and memories.
I admire John’s talent, cooking, style and dedication too and I can’t wait to give this bread a try
The forts on Spy Hill! I remember tromping about up there. It was the wilderness at the edge of the city. Kick-the-can…I got to play with my older siblings and their friends (I got to hide anyway) they just didn’t bother to find me! Thanks for the memories Smidge!
The egg photo is amazing: the yolks look like they are floating in the measuring cup. I’m sure the bread was delicious (and beautifully braided).
Awwww…so sweet! Great photo’s as usual hon. Love it!
*hugs*
What a fantastic post Barbara – I loved the stories and memories and the photos were incredible! When I saw this recipe on John´s Blog I decided I wanted to try it and now you´ve inspired me again. I don´t have enough parmesan to hand (maybe Celi at the Kitchen´s Garden could pop one in the post to me!) so will have to wait until my next “Big Shop” until I tackle it, but tackle it I most certainly will
Another great post, with your precious memories and beautiful photographs and delicious recipes… Thank you dear Barbara, it always so nice be here, Blessing and Happiness, with my love, nia
What a beautiful family! And that bread looks amazing : )
Your childhood sounds so cute and made me smile – scratch that, grin
I have one older brother and he treats me like a princess sometimes and like a nobody at others so I can relate
Also such cute nicknames – I love the change from Barbie to barbarian – wonder why they never released that doll version…
Anyways this bread… Oh wow this bread looks like a masterpiece – thank you for sharing
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
This post just warmed my heart and filled me with my own memories of growing up. Thank you for that, Smidge, and a very happy Easter to you.
What beautiful memories and stunning photos
Absolutely LOVED looking through all of your photos and taking a trip down memory lane with you. What fun, and how lucky you were to have such fun brothers that were willing to have you come along.
And the bread…just gorgeous and sounds delicious! You and John may just have to start a long distance bakery.
Oh how I enjoyed this Smidge!!! What a fabulous way to start my Monday, thank you so much for sharing your photos and memories. This was fun!
I love your bread too, it’s gorgeous! I hope mine looks as good as yours when I try it this week. Don’t you just love John’s blog? What a find it is!
What a gorgeous blog you have here!!!
Lovely read, childhood is the best time indeed. I was the youngest among my cousins, I had my share of names and bullies… But now thinking back, I loved every moment of it.
Lovely Recipe….
Lovely post! Happy Easter!
And your bread looks amazing too. I love how you braided it.
I was so happy to see you are from Calgary! Me too! I am moving back home in July and I am absolutely counting the days. I miss it so much. It is unlike anywhere else in the world and coming home is going to be wonderful
Thanks so much.. it’s so fun to reminisce… I’m sure it was as much fun back then as I recollect:)
We all have adventures:) He is a very talented chef and baker!
Hahaha.. I forgot you lived close to me back then.. It’s a wonder we didn’t find each other on the hill! Well, my brothers found me.. but I could never find them! Glad you enjoyed this today!! xoxo Smidge
John hit on a winner with that recipe.. it was so fluffy and the cheese wasn’t overpowering at all! Perfectly colored for Easter as well! Thanks for your comments, Sharyn!
Thanks, Sonel.. *hugs* back!
I highly recommend this bread. I hadn’t tasted it at the time of posting, but it was delicious.. fluffy, light and gentle in taste if that makes sense, lol! I thin Celi would do that for you!!
Many blessings to you as well, nia!
Thanks so much!
You’ve nailed it, we go from Princess to Frog in no time flat! Haha, imagine what a Barbarian doll would be dressed like? I’m glad you liked this recipe:)
I’m glad it did that for you.. we all have some great memories, don’t we? Still using your heating pad trick.. so cool!
Thank you, Tandy, I hope you had a wonderful Easter!
They were/are great brothers.. sometimes they welcomed, others they tolerated, but that’s to be expected:) A long distance bakery.. now that would be interesting!
Thanks, Sarah:) xo I do really enjoy his blog and everything I’ve ever tried comes out just as he has said it would! That’s not always the case with some of the baking websites I’ve found (none of our lovely WordPress ones, though:) I hope you try it, it was so delicious and smelled great in the kitchen!
Thank you so much, I am happy you stopped by today. I hope the bullies were few and far between:) xo Smidge
I would definitely have to agree with you, John is absolutely a great big brother. I could definitely visit his home everyday is I lived near for some wonderful meals . I actually love the technique you used to make this bread Barbara. And I loved your photos. I should also tell you.. to me you would be the ultimate big sister
This is all so sweet:) I’m sure John and I are both blushing with pride right now! I think you should drop in on John, and blog about it!! xo
Love all of these old photos…thanks for sharing! Oh gosh, I’m with you–I dunno if I could count the amount of nicknames. People have a lot of fun with our last name for some reason. I admire John as well…he’s crazy talented in the kitchen, as are YOU! This bread is gorgeous. x
I smiled when I read your memoir of childhood – it was happy and highly evocative. I too was only girl with just two brothers so as I read your piece I remembered some of the things we did and the games we used to play. Thanks xo
Now I really must make this beautiful bread! I just didn’t have time over the weekend and I’d been thinking of it since John introduced it to us…you have given it a new boost with that really perfect braid! I don’t know if I can make it that pretty, but this is a recipe I have to incorporate into our family…maybe we can all at least be cousins! The memories you shared with us are just wonderful. What a rich childhood to have so many fun times with your brothers. I hope you all are still close today! Debra
By the time I’ve read all the comments on your blog Smidge I’ve forgotten what I came down here to say…. think I would’ve liked to be a Kid Sis.
What fun photos and quite a trip down memory lane. It’s so nice that you have such fond memories of growing up with all of those brothers…it sounds like it was definitely exciting and perhaps a little dangerous. Your bread looks exquisite. I drooled after reading John’s post as well and guess I better had jump in and try it.
Great recipe and you are so lucky to have such wonderful pictures to go along with your memories. Makes me wish I had been less of a brat every time my mom brought out the camera. Who ever listens when their mom says you will be happy I took this 20 years from now lol
I went to see your blog:) Happy to befriend a Calgarian:)
Thanks for bringing us along while you travel down memory lane! I was also the only girl in my family, but my brothers weren’t as nice as yours (they never let me play!). I was just drooling over this bread on John’s site and now I see it here too…that’s it…I have to make it!!
I love your stories and the pictures are priceless!! Sounds like you had some very creative and fun big brothers to grow up with. (And I can NOT believe your teacher!). This bread looked so good on John’s blog and just as lovely here, too. And you know me and bread…
charming blog! So glad you wandered over so I could wander here Looking forward to following!
Mimo
Love the family history! So fabulous. And darling John’s bread looks and sounds scrumptious. A perfect treat to follow up the wacky adventures of certain adorable youngsters who’ve had a hard day of fort-building, tobogganing, and such marvels!
Smidge, what a beautiful account of your childhood to share with us all and with such brilliant photos! I have twin elder brothers so share some of your sentiments although I must admit mine were not always willing to say yes when I wanted to play.
You did John’s recipe proud! Beautifully done.
Mandy
It’s funny.. nicknames can be awesome.. or not:) John’s an awesome baker, eh?
It’s fun to reminisce for sure.. I think it’s fun for my family to read this too:) xo
I think anyone could make this bread.. the dough hook on the mixer made it easier and the dough came out really silken to the touch, and easy to manage:)
That sure happens here;) I would have enjoyed having you as a Kid Sis:)
Looking back there was so much excitement around our house, at the time I think it might have been a bit overwhelming on occasion, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Haha.. isn’t that true! I hated having my photo taken.. you’ll see I wasn’t in a ton of these photos..
Oh no!! The little stinkers! They’ll wish they had now that see you’re cooking and baking;) It’s a great recipe for sure!
There was just so much more to do, we were left more to our own devices (moms weren’t afraid back then) and no alternatives like tv or computers. I know you would love this bread as we all did:)
Same here, Mimo! Welcome!
Haha, it would have been nice to have a slice of that after a day of play! My mom was a good cook, but her choice of treats for us was Puffed Wheat Squares:)
Yes.. there were times I couldn’t play too.. but for the most part, I was tomboy enough to be included I guess..:) Thanks so much, Mandy!! xoxo
That is the most charming photo of you with the fish, and what a wonderful post this was! Your bread looks perfect, and it reminds me how much I want to try this bread. It’s the top of my “to do” list!
This make me nostalgic for the good old days of childhood! Such a nice, nice story and the bread looks fantastic!
Loved the story and photos. I think everyone that grew up like that were very lucky. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. You did a wonderful job with the bread.
What a beautiful post – I really could feel all those memories and was transported back there with you. The bread was almost the ‘dessert’ for this post, beautiful as it is!
Thank you, kind lady! Sounds like fun.
You took me right into your family, growing up, your games, your trips to the hospital. You name it, you took me along. I remember sledges and go carts and other ridiculous but fantastic games. Thank you. And now I’m looking forward to the woodstock phase
I saw John’s bread and thought about how much I’d love it, you’ve confirmed it! I’ll wait till I get home to do some baking though, I still don’t trust this oven!
Aw! Thanks for sharing such great photos from the past!
Hahaha.. Not sure I have too many photos of Woodstock, I was still a tad young, but remember the clothes??!! Awesome!
This bread is incredible, Smidge, I made it on the weekend too and am making it again for the Titanic dinner party! What a nice little trip down memory lane. It sounds like you had a great childhood.
Well.. There’s always a few bumps along the way, but it was a great one.. I feel blessed:) Glad you’ve tried the bread.. John is awesome!!
What a beautiful family you have! You just can;t go wrong with John’s recipes. They are also spot on. Take care, BAM
Oh, Smidge, what a lovely post! The memories and the pictures – marvelous! (I especially love the one of you in the huge yellow/gold dress and the one of your brother in his hockey gear – so approopriate, being from Calgary!!!) And I can’t believe your teacher did that to you. Jerk.
Also, I’ve told you before about my yeast fear…but this uses INSTANT yeast! I’ve been moderately successful with that! OK…I am promising you that I will try this…SOON!!!!!
You make the entire journey of cooking look so beautiful and enticing !
oh! being a girl growing up in a family of boys is world-expanding, wildly adventuresome, and crazy fun…mostly! it can also be confounding (nail polish on army men’s wounds, intentionally inflicted? really?!) and annoying (what IS their fascination with all possible body noises?) But the physical play, the inventiveness, the forts and adventures in the woods and mysterious “gangs” that lurked there (which of courses they didn’t) was SUCH a fun way to grow up!! I’m with you all the way Smidge, and LOVED being brought into your girlhood world!! Your (and John’s) bread looks amazingly good too!!! xoxo
Oh, spree… Did you grow up with brothers too (I should know this already, but my memory these days..). Yes.. What is it with those noises anyway, and the laughter was/is so infectious.. Unlike any other laugh, I think!!
[...] the bread gods must’ve been looking out for me because soon after, Smidge, at Just a Smidgen, made it, [...]
I don’t know if I can resist this bread either, Barb – it looks fantastic!
She rapped gently at the door that stood slightly ajar, the television emitting a low staccato of voices into the darkened, sparse room. Bending, she gently touched the soft flannel of the elderly man’s sleeve and asked if he was doing well and it seemed that today he was. The medications had been adjusted to…
I used to love the Velveteen Rabbit. Come to think of it, I still do, except that parts of it have faded in my memory now. But the excerpt you’ve chosen is exquisite and nostalgic.
What a great start to my day. Two very beautiful stories which really struck a chord, and bought a tear to my eye. Then an amazing recipe…wow your HC Buns look great…and a lovely mention too! I may have to make another batch and will give your recipe a go, before we officially declre Easter over. Or I could just make them without the cross! It seems it has taken us all a few goes to get them right….glad we all persevered
The velveteen rabbit is one of my most beloved childhood stories – still, your caption made me ache with need for the rabbit to be real *sad smile*
On a different note, once more a to die for picture post with such a festive and delicious take my friend – great work
Happy Easter!
Choc Chip Uru
Wow! Stunning post as usual hon!
They look fantastic – mine were all different shapes, but I didn’t get one that was heart shaped
Oh, your first story was so sad! I love your hot cross buns though. How delicious they look. I’m sure they’d be amazing straight from the oven xx
A dab hand with words and in the kitchen – a wonderful combo. Your hot cross buns are gorgeous! Thank you for the mention, and a very happy Easter to you, Smidge. xx
Thanks, Tandy.. What is the link for your buns so I can put it in my post:)
It’s my favorite Easter story.. I thought many would recognize it:) Happy Easter!! xo
My daughter wanted to make a batch.. and came home after I’d started. So it really made it easier to improve on the technique. I should do this with all recipes.. it was like getting a “second chance”:) I thought your looked gorgeous.. and I laughed when I got the crosses everywhere too!
Oh.. but he is “real”.. at least I’d like to think so;) Thanks so much!!
Thank you Sonel!! xo
It was, wasn’t it.. but I tried to give it a hopefuly ending.. I’m glad you liked these buns:) They were great straight from the oven.. two times over:) xo
Thanks, Misky… the heating pad worked a charm on helping the dough to rise in my cold house:) Your buns inspired me to try!! xoxo
I still have 3 Velveteen wabbits that used to belong to the kids! You have me sitting here seriously wanting one of those buns now! They look beyond tasty. And your photos? Fab!!! Happy Easter, Smidgey
Smidge – I have a set of those measuring cups. They were my moms and I love them! Have a wonderful holiday!!
Excellent! They are stunning, too. Bon appetit!
Time to pull out my now 18 year old sons copy of The Velveteen Rabbit! I loved being able to share a story I loved so much as a child with my own child and I look forward to one day sharing it with my grandchildren. Thanks for helping to rekindle some beautiful memories! And…lovely writing as usual!
The hotcross buns look really delicious! Your instructions are really detailed, I think I’ll try out the recipe one day (:
Such a wonderful, moving post, Barb. Your obvious skills in the kitchen aside, you’re a fine story teller.
Seeing all these delectable hot cross buns just isn’t fair! I’d love to bake some but I’d end up with far too many. If I decide to settle and buy some, I’d have half of far too many. Maybe if I made 1 big one …
I learn so much when I come here to your site, and it goes way beyond cooking…. these two texts left me fighting back tears, and wondering why would anyone fight back tears… let them flow, that’s the ticket
Happy Easter for you, and thank you again for yet another thought-inspiring post… with the magical photos to complement it all….
What a nice post. Great looking buns too. Just wonderful photos!
Beautiful work – on all aspects of this post!
What yummy buns!
Nice buns. (Sorry — couldn’t resist: someone had to say it). Happy holiday weekend.
The first story is very moving and beautifully told. Happy Easter xo
Grace indeed. Beautiful writing and poignant. I love parrot tulips and I love Hot Cross Buns. I just made a batch. These are my most favorite Easter taste and tradition. Happy Easter!
Wonderful post again… Happy Easter dear Barbara, you almost took me in a wonderful world with your amazing writing… And be sure, if I were there all these delicious buns would have been finished Thank you, with my love, nia
Sometimes, Smidge, I feel blessed to have the privilege of reading your posts – today was one of those times. Thank you for two lovely stories. I think your hot cross buns look most fine, and thank you for the linky. Have a joyous Easter! xx
I am feeling very much like the Velveteen Rabbit, loved but worn out. Went to cash in a gift card for a facial yesterday and she used to strong of a concoction and so I have a new look! A road rash look! Arggh!
Your buns look amazing unlike your new friend. HAHAHA! I know. I’ll heal….
My husband loves your header!
I loved your tender stories today. What gentle, loving treasures.
You’re so lucky.. I would love to have just one, they’re so cute:) Thanks and Happy Birthday!! xo
That’s so cool.. I bought these at a vintage store, they were missing 1/3 cup so no one wanted them.. they’re my favorite <3
Thanks so much.. it seems like yesterday we were reading that book.. Happy Easter!!
It was way easier than I realized, you’d have no problem if you ever give it a go!! xo
I think that’s the ticket.. then you can tell everyone you just had one:) Happy Easter!! xo
Thanks so much, Sally, it felt like a real risk writing and posting this. But my plan was to write what was in my heart.. and this was it today… Wishing you a wonderful and meaningful Easter:) xoxo
Thank you!! This recipe really made it so easy to succeed:)
Thank you, Hook! xoxo
Thank you and have a wonderful Easter!!
I’m very moved by the first writing…tender and sad, and yes, “real”–just hard to think about. And The Velveteen Rabbit always makes me cry! Really lovely post. And those buns look scrumptious! Wish I could make them for tomorrow, but they’ll have to wait. I’ll make them before long, though, I’m sure! Hope your Easter (tomorrow) is a great day! Debra
Happy Easter to you and yours, too, Barb!
Hahaha, that’s awesome;) Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to you and yours:)
Yay!! They will be my new tradition as well! I love discovering new recipes that turn into a family favorite!
Thank you, nia.. Have a wonderful Easter!!
Thanks so much, Celia.. and I was happy to find your recipe to link up <3 Happy Easter to you!! xoxo
Oh, dear.. of course that had to happen the day before the Easter weekend when you’ll likely be socializing with bunches of family and friends! Aargh is right! I wonder if that green aloe jelly would do something, it really helps heal the kid’s sunburns.. aloe is a natural healer. On the bright side, I know you’ll turn that into some sort of funny story for your blog soon!! xoxo Happy Easter xoxo Barb
Thank you so much, Ashley. Have a wonderful Easter xoxo Smidge
I’m glad my story touched you.. it was actually difficult to write, it affected me as well. I used to have a Velveteen Rabbit puppet (back in teaching days) and wish I knew what became of him! I can only hope he’s in good hands:) I hope you get the chance to make these, they were much easier than I hoped and any bread that turns out in amateur hands like mine must be a good recipe! xo Happy Easter to you and yours!
Nostalgia about the velveteen rabbit. I loved this story as a little girl and I completely forgot about it until I read your passage. Yes sometimes it does hurt to be real…. I know what your going to have on Easter morning. Your hot cross buns look so yummy and delightful- way better than the half of chocolate Easter bunny I ate this morning. LOL
Already eaten:) and I’m not so sure.. a half eaten chocolate bunny sounds mighty fine to me!! Maybe melt him down in some warm milk..
Next year, I will be trying to make hot cross buns myself. There is so much inspiration on the blog from everyones recipes. Thank you for letting me know what to expect. Your notes are very helpful.
A very touching story today Smidge – thank you.
And I haven’t heard of the Velveteen Rabbit before, another thank you
And hotcross buns – thank you again D)
The Velveteen Rabbit was one of my favorite stories as a child, thanks for the flashback. I’m having such fun seeing all of these different variations on hot cross buns. Yours are the closest to ones I am familiar with because you use the sugar cross instead of a flour one. I think yours look divine! Happy Easter!
Happy Easter Barb, thanks for sharing such a beautiful story. I was planning on making hot cross buns for Easter, but ran out of time! Yours look delicious.
Thanks Smidge! Yep I am going to write about it, but with family still here, probably won’t go out until next week..
A symbol of grace…I like that a lot Smidge. These look fantastic as usual! I’ve never made hot cross buns. Probably time we did though.
They were easier than I thought they’d be.. even those little crosses, once I got the right consistency:)
[...] Just a Smidgen – Good grief I love this woman’s recipes and I am so jealous of her food photo skills. I wanna grow up to take pictures like her! [...]
Your story is SO GOOD! I just love it Smidge, you are such a talented girl. I just love reading what you’ve written. It always makes my day….You never let me down.
Those hot cross buns! Oh dear! They’re gorgeous! I really should try those once too. I know we’d both love them.
It looks like you’ve had a wonderful Easter. I’m so glad! I hope your week is just as good!
xo
What a sweet tale of time and tulips and congratulations on the buns, they look fabulous
My sweet, that was a truly moving story. Deeply touching.
Lovely, Barbara. I’ve got The Velveteen Rabbit right beside me! I’ve been meaning to blog about it! I think it will wait. For now…I’m resting in your story.
I’ve only ever heard about the Velveteen Rabbit and it sounds just gorgeous. I must buy it for my niece’s next birthday and we can enjoy it together.
Smidge, as sometimes happens, I nearly missed this treasure of a post. Beautifully, tenderly told, I felt it as much as heard it. Thank you for a lovely start to a day – and a reminder that Each of our days (however corny it sounds) is precious and to be held and breathed and lived heart-forward and fully.
And your h-c buns are beautiful too! My mom makes them each year, filling her counters to over-flowing until she gives most of them away. xoxo
I think you are the sort of person who already knows all of this, already, in your heart:) xoxo I would love to see your mom’s counters laden with Hot Cross Buns.. Such a wonderful fragrance too!!! xoxoxo
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Thank You.
Love these little beauties…and love the mini bakers. Creuset? I just did rhubarb with blackberry. I’ve had one a day for 3 days. My compromise for not eating cupcakes!
It’s rhubarb time again!
Yummy!
Yum! I think these are much healthier, right??
Smidge, your loose verse “poem” that opens this post is beautiful! I’ll read it again as soon as I finish here. I love the sounds of your menu!! Such lucky friends to share the table with you! And your rhubarb crisp is a color riot in a pot and I’ll be making it this week! And maybe the week after too, since I’m all for repeating something so gorgeously good!! (Funny, we just repeated those cumin roasted carrots again last night.) xoxox! spree
Hahaha.. just can’t get enough.. it just feels like spring then:)
They look so pretty and yummy and I adore those pots!
What a delightfully wonderful post.
I feel all inspired to eat now…
What beautiful, vivid color, Smidge! And you are so right in all the ways you say — good is worthy of repeating again and again. I would eat that crisp for breakfast. And then again for dessert.
They look delicious….I also love to constantly update and revise my recipes..I made eggplant parm for my family this wknd but grilled my portion since I’m watching my weight…almost as good…:)
My Pete would LOVE this!
Mandy
Such a beautiful text, many parts echoed really deep inside me….
I only cooked with rhubarb once, these crisps look so appetizing, maybe even my beloved, the anti-rhubarb guy would fall for them
Seredipity! I love those carrots! xoxo
Hahaha.. you might have to substitute the rhubarb, perhaps a little apple?? for your beloved.. xo
Thanks, Mandy:)
I sure that your friends were thrilled with the meal from beginning to end.
I am seriously craving some Rhubarb now. Great post and beautiful pictures.
Your poem beatifully expressed, I loved it. And your recipe… Oh my dear I can eat all of them… they seem so delicious and I can’t think anyone who can refuse this. But dear Barbara your cups (or bowl) are so beautiful too… Colourful… Thank you have a nice day, with my love, nia
Your poem is making me think long and hard about the things that used to make me happy, the little things that really mattered at some point in my life. I fear I’ve become too busy in every day life to think about them much anymore…. I’m moving way to fast right now, and really needed this reminder to slow down and simplify.
Which would give me so much more time for new things to love, right? Like those rhubarb crisps! They’re beautiful, and now, thanks to you and your rhubarb muffins, I LOVE rhubarb.
So I will be making those crisps too. In fact, the entire menu sounds incredible!
Thank you so much for this Smidge….you are one incredible girl…
xoxo
Oh my gosh! These would be perfect for my newly acquired baking dishes. They’re not as deep but will serve the purpose. I love the pictures and how they make my mouth water. You never do anything halfway. These are pretty amazing.
Looks delicious! I bet the aroma is amazing!
What a lovely idea for a spring dessert. And the presentation is beautiful. My daughter gave me a set of the little Le Creuset pots with lids and they would be perfect for this dessert. Your poetry was just the thing to read while I’m home for lunch, a reminder of the importance of cherishing what’s special.
What beautiful words, Barb. Lovely thoughts and a special way for me to begin my week. I have several occasions coming up that are beginning to “stress me out” and I need to remember that they are all connected to people and times I really at heart do cherish. You have a graciousness in your hospitality that I’m sure puts all at ease. Thank you for the “print a copy” button…That is so helpful, and with this recipe, I’ve already pushed “print”–it’s a must. Debra
RHUBARBTASTIC!
I agree! This is wonderful. I often like to revisit and improve recipes I made when my blog first started… they were fairly awful in comparison to what I do now and I want to remove the shame
Every time I come by to visit you blog, I leave hungry…Yum!
Do you know how I’ve longed for those little Le Creuset dishes? In purple nonetheless…my color of choice. Your rhubarb crisps look DIVINE. Oh so perfect. My mouth is watering and my eyes are nearly teared with joy…and sorrow for not having one in front of me!
I need to talk my neighbors into sharing their rhubarb – so many great recipes from you over the last couple days!
Oh my goodness, these look amazing. I love the quote, definitely one of my life motto’s!
Oh my!
Love
your blog Smidge
The most colourful
creative food blog
I know xx
What beautiful photos! Thanks – now I’m going to have to make crisp!
I really enjoy how your posts unfold, Barb, and this one is as fine as any. Well there is one little flaw but I won’t let interfere with my enjoyment of this wonderful post. Besides, if anything could entice me to try rhubarb again, it would be one of your crisps. They look fantastic!
Love your words
We used to eat lots of rhubarb but have eased off in recent years, those pots do look pretty though, tempting !
What gorgeous little pots Smidge. I love individual desserts but I don’t always have the little individual containers you need to make them. I think your rhubarb crumble must have been super delicious with the strawberries and lemon added. I’d like to give this a try but I’ll probably have to make one large dish! xx
Divine darling, absolutely divine, if you invited me for that dinner i would die of excitement. People don’t invite people for dinner in these parts, I think it is because they don’t drink wine! Plato was a clever chappy.. I am supposed to be making a chicken and apricot pie for dinner, i had better get busy!! c
This post was awesome my friend! Not only did you tease my tastebuds as you always do but your poem really spoke to me today
Too inspiring!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Good old Plato – how wise he was. I love your repeating ‘r’ in your evocative poem. I am also liking a lot the pretty mini green dishes.
I see we’ve had similar thoughts about crisps and flavorings. Yours sound delightful, as do some of your revisited recipes…some of which I must visit for the first time. That asparagus tart is calling my name.
These look gooey good and wonderful! And I am all for revisiting good things. x
Good old Plato – he was so wise. I love the repeating ‘r’ in your evocative poem. I am also liking a lot your pretty mini green dishes.
Yum, I love crisps made with oats and brown sugar and fruit — one of my favorite desserts.
Just lovely, as always! Makes me rue digging up the monstrous rhubarb beasty plants that were taking over a corner of our yard years ago
Thanks for the feast…for eyes, tastebuds, and soul!
How lovely Smidge! Your poetry, your wonderful dinner for your guests and these comforting warm crisps for dessert! How lucky your guests were!!
Wow, those look amazing! Definitely worth repeating.
Yay!!
Spree.. I don’t even think of these little “musings” as poem, but think it’s lovely that their perceived as such:) Thank you xoxoxo
They were fun.. I felt like bright colors today!
Sometimes repeating feels like I’m stuck in a rut.. But with blogging I feel like some recipes don’t get a good second chance:)
Than eat you should:) xoxo
That sounds sooo good.. I’ll have to head over to your blog to take a peak:)
I’ve discovered it’s so much nicer having only one other couple.. Less hectic and you really get the chance to catch up. And if you’re behind, they just jump in to help!
I am seriously craving “real” rhubarb.. Do you have any??
Thank you so much, nia, I hope you had a wonderful day as well!! Xoxo Smidge
It’s easy for all of us to get caught up in that lifestyle.. I usually get knocked out with a cold or something like that and it forces me to take it easy. Better to remember with a few words from each other:) xxoo and thank you!!
I made more than the four.. I used various sizes of weck I had around. It was good to offer smaller for anyone wanting to watch their, um, diet (lol, no one took the small one!)
They did smell wonderful baking…
I’m sure these are the same.. Or are yours metal? Mine were just glass, so not very expensive. What a lovely gift from your daughter!! I’m glad you enjoyed my poem/rambling words today:)
Debra, I think we all get caught up in that stress.. I hope you can let some of that go.. Even for just this week:) Spend some time on yourself, I think! I hope you enjoy this recipe. When I’m stressed I gather all the ingredients, put on some great tunes and get into a “zone”.. It’s kind of like cooking yoga, lol!
Hahaha.. Now I can’t believe that wasn’t my nickname in school as well!!
Hahaha.. It’s sooo true.. I went back to look at my old crumble and found horrid orange-tinted photos.. But I guess..it’s good to see where we’ve come from? Well, maybe not!
Ooops.. Sorry;)
Well.. If you lived next door I’d loan them to you:) or gift you some!! I’m not sure they’re Le Creuset, because they’re glass, not metal?? Anyway, the colors are fun!!
Oh, no… You’re supposed to climb the fence and sneak some!!
You’re sooo sweet
Thank you!!! xoxo
It’s so easy and great to inhale when it’s baking:)
Hahaha, you got me for a second, I thought, oops did I type out the wrong measurement? Yes.. If you were my neighbor, I’d be bringing you dish after dish to try to convince you otherwise;)
Perhaps you have another recipe for me to bake in these??
Oh, c.. That sounds like they’re are just no fun at all! No wine, you say!! Blasphemy! I would have you over and pour copious glasses full.. Til you had to fall asleep in the spare room… And then I’d have to get up and help you feed all your little animals. Ok.. On second thought, a wee bit of wine;) I’ll be waiting to see your chicken and apricot pie on your blog!! xoxo
Yes.. How did he know so much anyway?? And back then, before the internet;)
Yes.. Gooey and bubbling over, just the way I like them:)
I just love that tart… My guest didn’t like Asparagus, lol, so I told him he could pick them out.. Much laughter there!!
I bet you do an awesome version of one! I’ll be watching for your painting of it!!
Just look at those strawberry rhubarb crisps. I can’t stop staring at them. Barbara.. you are certainly an amazing baking extraordinaire
They can grow massive.. My husband used to go “bushwhacking” but one year.. There was nothing left!! I coulda’… well, you know…
Thanks so much:) We’re lucky to have them for friends!!!
I wonder which of your recipes you like to repeat???
You’re so welcome:)
It’s a good motto to have:) Thanks so much!!
I think next time.. one large dish and I’d have one large spoon.. and go hide somewhere;)
Thanks so much.. I’m happy to see you back on-line as well! Good luck with school!!
I just love words.. I’m glad you enjoyed it today!!
Well.. it’s amazing what cameras can do.. now if I could figure out how to take better photos of people.. I’m going to have to work on that one!!
These little pots are to die for! I want one now!
Oh, that surely brings back memories Smidge and yes, I love those things as well.
Wow! Jane and Marty sure are lucky! Hmmmm…can I move in next door to you? LOL!
Those Ruhubarb Crisps sure looks delicious! The minute my Rhubard is big enough to harvest I am going to try it for sure! Thanks for sharing sweetie. Awesome photo’s as usual!
*big hugs*
I heart this and I really have to try rhubarb soon
I made your (although slightly modified) recipe for Rice Krispy Treats with chopped up dried cranberries (and/or cherries) with sugar-free marshmallows. Yummy.
Oh Smidgen! How I would love to eat at your house … if all menus are that mouthwatering
I can bring the wine 
I think I like anything that is small like that.. I have miniature skillets I will have to use soon… Thanks, Assia!
Hahaha.. The house next door is for sale!! Wouldn’t that be fun, lol.. In fact a compound of food bloggers.. Oh, there I go getting carried away again.. Thanks, Sonel!! *hugs* back:)
Thanks Tandy <3
Oh.. Just bring yourself, we have lots of wine;)
Lovely, as always! <3
Whahahaha! Oh, it’s good to dream sweetie and wouldn’t that be fun for sure, but do know this…I won’t bake..I will just eat and roll out of your house other day..hee hee.
*hugs*
“silly patterns that revert us back
to our childish
ways”
…my favourite.
What gorgeous presentation, Barbara, I particularly love the first shot with the glass ramekins, just beautiful. My husband love ruhbarb, although I am not so much as fan, hense I haven’t had it or made it in years! Hope you have a wonderful day.
Eva kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
Wow, this sounds wonderful especially that touch of Grand Marnier! I always love a bit of spirit in my dessert.
Yum. They look simply delicious. And, I wouldn’t mind a slice of that pizza either.
Lovely recipe and even lovelier photos as usual! I have never cooked with rhubarb before, but I will definitely give this recipe a try!
I have a dear friend who lives abroad, when she comes for a visit our best pass time is to go for a walk in our old neighbourhood. When we were kids we would spend hours walking and talking and we like to relive the memories
I loved your opening and if we got ruhbab here but if we did, I would make these immediately
My pots are the same as the green and purple ones in your photos, except I have a set of four different colours – yellow, green, red and blue. My daughter is so thoughtful in her gift selections; I just love these. I keep them on a window sill in the kitchen and they look lovely.
Beautiful!!!
You post are always gorgeous…
And it’s rhubarb time…. Keep it coming gal!!
What a fabulous dinner you treated your guests to and an amazing dessert! Can we come over for dinner? LOL. This looks so good. And I loved the opening of this post. It made me smile and gave me a new perspective on a few things this morning. Thanks Smidge!
If they are petite that means we can have more than one, right? What lucky guests to be served such a lovely meal and reminisce about the good old times. I think the cardamon and the Grand Mariner sound like a very lovely addition to this recipe. Take Care, BAM
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Please check in at my website for details. Love your blog! Have a great day! http://www.susartandfood.wordpress.com
Barb, I’m admiring your little dishes — they are so perfect for these little crumbles. After reading your last few posts, I have a definite craving for strawberry-rhubarb…which I’m going to have to take care of very soon! Hope you are having a great evening!
LOVE your post, and I started seeing rhubarb recipes all over the blog.. which means I need to start baking w/ them soon! I love how dainty your cups are… and the pastel green is so perfect for spring! Have a great week Barb!!
Love how the poetic musings lead to the table!
printing this one, too!!
deeelicious! But how cute are those little dishes… with lids and all!
Terrific, mouth watering blog! Love your poem…cheers!
PS Thanks for dropping by my blog. So glad you enjoyed it!
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