My poor cello was languishing in the corner of my studio for 6 months. All four strings were loose and hung limp off the pegs.. the listless bridge shifted as I tried to pull things back upright into position. One snapped D string later, I knew it was time to take my poor, neglected friend…
Can you say.. A N G I N E T T I ? CLICK HERE if you can’t.. I think he’s hysterical? { Or maybe I’ve had just a little too much wine tonight? } The weather …”blah blah blah”… is just about the same as last time we spoke, er, I wrote, and this…
These look like spring on a plate! I will have to try both.
Smidge, there are perfect for my gluten intolerant nephew!
Fabulous, thank you.
Mandy xo
Mandy – The Complete Cook Book recently posted…Peach Cobbler
I’m sure they would cheer you up. We call those sprinkles, ‘Hundreds and Thousands’. The weather here hasn’t been the best either. It’s been the wettest start to April in years and we’ve had nothing but rain, rain and more rain. April is usually very beautiful in Sydney with warm days, blue skies and plenty of sunshine xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted…Nasi Goreng and…the Police
This is spring pretty …
Viveka recently posted…f stands for filippa k
Either version looks good to me! They’re beautiful Barbara.
I remember these from my childhood, though Mom never baked them. Rather than waste time trying to remember where or how I came to know these tasty cookies, I’ll just bookmark your recipe and make them instead. All things considered, I think this a much more rewarding way to go. Thanks, Barb, for both the recipe and this touch of nostalgia.
ChgoJohn recently posted…Bourbon & Cola Sauced Ham
How delicious and delicate looking!
yummychunklet recently posted…ffwD: Pierre Herme’s Olive Sables
Thanks, Viveka!
The more lemony the better!
Tandy recently posted…Sunshine Award
These cookies look delicious! I love anything with lemon flavor. Lovely post.
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Buttermilk Banana Bread
Happy funfetti day to you… I think I can see some sunshine and daylight coming into you kitchen. Just like John, my auntie used to make these as well- mile high piles of these cookies for our family reunion. Sometimes she would make them lemon flavored but many time she would make them anise flavored and she would dunk the whole Italian cookie into the icing. I love these cookies and they are quite nice with an espresso or a limencello. Thanks for the memories. Chow, BAM
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Veggie Crisps with Chestnut Hummus Dip
Mmmm these cookies are so springy 
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted…Guest Post #8: Diabetic Friendly Taco Pizza
Had never heard of these so it was exciting to find a new Italian sweet! And although I’m not gluten intolerant, I love the sound of using almond flour
Chica Andaluza recently posted…Chinese Spiced Aubergines & Cast Iron Excitement
How totally Smidge that you made both versions and that both were delectable. Totally loving both of these recipes and the food writing (pillowy lemon clouds sound pretty awesome!)
I LOVE the gluten-free versions Smidge !
Carolyn Chan recently posted…Bario Ramen @ Bugis+
I love baking with ground almonds – and so I would plump for the second one for sure, love the colour of the blue glass and the hundreds and thousands all together. You take the most beautiful photos Smidge ! xx
I’ve had these before – wonderful cookie! Never made them, though – I should do that (or rather beg my wife, who’s really the baker in the family). I’m totally in love with lemon, so this is one of those cookies that really speaks to me. Great job – thanks so much.
john@kitchenriffs recently posted…Caesar Salad
How pretty your cookies are! I am always taken by your photos! B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!
And I just bought one of those cooling racks the other day too! This just looks tooooooooooo nummy!
I really love the flavor of ground almond flour, much nicer than white rice as a substitute, I think. xx
They’re so easy, especially for a talented chef like you, John!
They come in handy.. I have one even larger, lol!
I love the looks of both of this cookies and the fact that they are lemon cookies make me want to eat every one of them! I bet the house smelled good while these were baking. Gorgeous job in the decoration of them. They are definitely irresistible!
mjskit recently posted…Roasted Bell Pepper Cheese Spread
Thats a really nice looking cookie, I want some
Raymund recently posted…Menudo
Oh I cute do they look! Mr Chocolate is doing some insane fitness SAS sort of thing on the weekend with a bunch other fellas. I’ve threatened to send him with the girliest looking cupcakes I can muster…perhaps these cookies should be added?
cityhippyfarmgirl recently posted…Rocky Road birthday cake
Making these once the lemons come in on our tree – we’re just in the bud stage now.
I laughed out loud over the pronunciation of these cookies…wasn’t just the wine that made that funny! But these cookies are no laughing matter. Fun, yes, but seriously delicious looking. And more lemon just couldn’t hurt!
betsyb recently posted…There and Back Again: Some Mud and Fire.
Barb, I love coming to your blog, it’s like a breath of fresh air! It’s fun, funny, and beautiful. The cookies look amazing, too. From your descriptions, I can’t decide which I would like better, so I’d better make both! Have a great day!
Debbie
Debbie recently posted…April Dandelion Watercolor Calendar
You’re so lucky! I’d love to have a lemon tree!!
I actually tried to pronounce it the same.. but couldn’t:D
Haha.. but they weren’t too pretty to eat;D
They were both great.. I’d love to find out if there’s a way to make gluten-free cookies rise a bit more? Off to do some research now:D
Gawd. Even your cookies are pretty.
Aww, those really do make you happier just looking at them. I can only imagine what eating them must do!
Korena recently posted…Leek and Bacon Quiche with Wholegrain Pastry
What an absolutely beautiful cookie, and relatively simple too. Thank you for the gluten free version, we all have friends/family who are gluten intolerant so it’s lovely to have them both in one post, so clever. I was just looking at my sprinkles in my pantry…what to do with them? Well, Smidge, you definitely gave me something to do with them, thanks! My brother’s family is coming for “Easter” dinner on Sunday and I know the kids and adults alike will love these pretty, festive cookies.
We’re being beaten down with gallons of rain, I guess it’s better than the alternative — snow! I just wish it would warm up already. The bulbs are really trying to come up, but they keep retreating for the cold. We had to put the heat up last night, my feet were so chilled. URGH!
They were so yummy.. I wish I still had a few:)
These look so fun and festive! And I bet they’re delicious as well. I love the taste of lemon.
Wow!
Your work is delicious enough to provoke a response from WP Support!
Good for you!
Haha.. no, it’s a goofy system, where my comments look like that if I respond using that little box on the top of the screen. Very annoying, Hook, it also doesn’t “nest” comments.. so you’ll have to scroll through to see this likely:D
Ooh. These look so good… I love lemon this time of year. (thanks for sharing on Project Inspire{d} this week!)
Shannon at MadiganMade recently posted…Crafty nerves and excitement
Thanks, Shannon, they were so yummy and not difficult at all like I thought they’d be:) xx
It snowed today.. that’s about all I have to say about that.. oh, did I mention it was cloudy too? Pretty dirty trick, going from +20C down to minus something in one day! As I learned from my mother, there is only one thing to do when the day is a bomb.. make muffins and…
Ok, I normally am not a fan of cooked cherries – but you totally are winning me over! Just this weekend I was lamenting that I didn’t have a new muffin recipe! And now: Voila! And I love muffin recipes that use frozen fruit – so much easier to have on hand and prepare!
Gretchen O’Donnell recently posted…A Short Post About a Serendipitous Tradition
I love the concept of a good book and a muffin. This is a cheerful combo. Kudos to you and your Mom.
Barbara, looking good and jummy – and I’m glad you didn’t use fresh cherries.
This I will try, because I’m a muffin-monster.
I tried both your egg dishes, bacon onces and the dutch babies …. beautiful, but I had guests – so there was no time for taking photos – will do it again. Very popular both.
Those looks so fantastic! Gosh. YUM!
Misky recently posted…AprilPAD Day 3–Mayonnaise Weather
Oh, what a wonderful post! Snow, a fascinating book, AND muffins! Hope the temperature rises – at least the kitchen was nice and cosy, I bet! 
Luckily for me it did not an easy yesterday. Even luckier for me I have cherries in the freezer
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It’s finally warming up to +10°C today and thank god we haven’t had any real snow fall (bit of flurries early this week), but I can tell you that we are all sick to death of the cold! Last year our cherry blossoms were in full bloom about 2 weeks ago, this year they will be about month late.
I love cherries but never think to get them frozen; they would be so much nicer than the bottled cherries since the bottled is so full of sugar. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for frozen cherries in the future, thanks Barbara!
Eva Taylor recently posted…Appelkaka, A Swedish Apple Cake
It’s rainy and grey in my area again. So much for the sunshine! I think baking sounds like a good way to spend my day today!
Well, you can keep the snow! I’m all settled into spring. Thanks for the book recommendation. Sounds very interesting and obvious a real page turning. Love the muffins! We should start seeing cherries in a couple of weeks or so and I can’t wait. A muffin with cherries and a crunch sounds wonderful! Stay warm.
mjskit recently posted…Braised Red Chile Chicken and Vegetables
Mom’s always have the most wonderful pearls of wisdom and I love what your Mom says about cold weather days and it’s easy to see why this is your new favourite muffin recipe – delicious Smidge.
Mandy xo
Mandy – The Complete Cook Book recently posted…Peach Cobbler
Ooh cherries – will have to wait a while in Spain for the local ones but I am sure I can get frozen or tinned for the moment as these sound amazing!
Chica Andaluza recently posted…Lamb & Beef Meatballs with Broad Beans & Lemon – The Colours of Spring on a Plate
These muffins sound perfect for getting me through my exams
Yum!
Cheers
CCU
CCU recently posted…Guest Post #7: Gluten-Free Double Choc Brownie Cookies
I love the name anything with “bomb” in it gets my full attention. cherry in muffins? yum!!!
I love the sugar sparkles. I bet you must be so over the winter. It has gone on and on and on. Snowing in April? Unbelievable. And our weather has turned quite cold recently. I’m going to have to seek out my doona to put back on the bed. So with our temperature drop I would have thought there’d be a rise in Toronto. Maybe next week! Lovely looking muffins and yes, it’s always so good to find a great book – something to keep me up all night as well xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted…Lime and Garlic Chicken and…A Miracle
Muffins and a book? It doesn’t really get much better than that. Oh unless you were curled up by the fire reading your book and eating your muffins while the snow falls which is how I picture you!
How did you know, Claire?? xx
Hey Barbara! We’ve been having the same odd weather over here too. Mother Nature sure likes to show us who’s boss! I could sure get into one of these darling muffins right now! I’ll be over in 20 minutes I love the sparkling sugar on top too. Such a sweet touch xx Em
I swear the weather around the world is going nuts – it’s Spring/Autumn ! My friends in London have said it snowed overnight and here in Singapore it is unbearably hot – even with a tropical storm it just seems to steam up the place more. Airconditioners are working overtime – but that means that I can bake – without dying of heat – something yummy for weekend teatime ! These cherry bombs look fantastic !
ps – I almost NEED a book to grab me from the first paragraph and I am like you – if it does, I can’t put it down
Carolyn Chan recently posted…Carolyn’s Fried Rice
my goodness: say the words “cherry bomb muffins” to me and i’m yours. add in the word “crunchy” to the mix and i’m just going to have to make these for myself as soon as i locate some gigantic black cherries. Barbara, they’re beautiful.
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Lovely muffins! I bet the whole cherries are wonderful. We are just now starting to see a “smidge” of spring here in New Hampshire. Today we’re supposed to reach 50 degrees. I don’t think I’ve been warm once since we moved here. Ha!
Your book sounds very intriguing. My favorite books tend to be the ones that capture me within the first few sentences and never let go. Looking forward to reading your review. The muffins sound delicious! I have pinned this and look forward to giving it a try.
Thanks for sharing,
Suzanne
Pieced Pastimes
Suzanne recently posted…Easter Blessings!
I will have to check out this book. I love when books capture me in the first chapter. I bet you will be up all night finishing this book. I am currently reading, “Bend not break; A life in two worlds” and it is hard to put down. No worries you will have lots of delicious moist cherry muffins to keep the hunger pains away.
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Veggie Crisps with Chestnut Hummus Dip
Things are looking up for us with warmer weather this weekend! But, it was 40 degrees here this morning (no snow) and tons of rain. Your pretty photos and lovely muffins would be so nice while sitting on our front porch with a big cup of coffee tomorrow morning. I have lots of frozen berries, but no cherries. May experiment with what I have on hand.
I miss having home made muffins by my mom.
Hello, Grace.. and welcome to Just a Smidgen.. it’s nice to see a new face here. Your comment really touched my heart tonight. Food is so inextricably tied to loved ones.. at least for me it is. It conjures up memories in an instant. Sending you love and peace.. xx Barb
As much as I love cherry muffins, I’ve never used anything other than tart cherries. Considering their short season and rarity in the frozen foods department, I don’t make them that often. Why have I never thought to use these cherries, Barb? And why do I always chop my cherries when using whole cherries is definitely the way to go? Well, I’ll leave you to ponder your answers. I’m going to need to find some cherries if I’m to make your delicious muffins.
ChgoJohn recently posted…Bourbon & Cola Sauced Ham
Homemade muffins with cherries… The best! Now you have me thinking about cherry season! Have a wonderful weekend!
Tessa recently posted…Radish Sesame Salad
I hadn’t either, until I went to find the frozen blueberries gone and cherries were called up for muffin duty. They were originally purchased for shakes, John, but I thought.. why not?
Oh yum! Never had dark sweet black cherries in a muffin before. Will have to be on a lookout for them. Were these cherries fresh and you just pit and freeze them or did they come frozen?
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Buttermilk Banana Bread
Where oh where do you find frozen cherries?? I’ve looked and looked and had no luck in any local grocery stores. Too bad because these look lovely!
Korena recently posted…Leek and Bacon Quiche with Wholegrain Pastry
My girlfriend asked me this today.. I’m pretty sure it may have been Calgary Co-op. But I definitely saw them today at Blush Lane.. so maybe a whole foods or natural food store like that? Good luck.. if I could only send them to you I would:D
I’m in muffin heaven.
I’m glad:D
Great name for a delicious dish!
You need this recipe if you’re baking Easter Brunch.. or just making breakfast.. or just craving something new! Sometimes a recipe just sets my heart jumping.. this is one of them and I couldn’t wait to share it. Because it’s Easter this weekend! I just know you’d be craving something like this.. { I can…
Oh I love these babies! They look SO good and I bet the orange curd just makes them extra special. These are perfect for any brunch! I can’t wait to test them out on my baby.
mjskit recently posted…Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese with Asparagus
… Happy Easter, I truly hope that I will get a breakfast try like that when I come and visit *laughing – wonderful … pretty and looking too good. I don’t need the sugar jar.
Look a bit like popovers to me – this I will try … now for Easter. Get visitors. Never heard about dutch babies. Have to serve it with maple syrup and strawberries.
My friends will love this. Thanks a million.
Viveka recently posted…why couldn´t they be wrong ??????
Oh yumminess!!!!!!!!
I have just bought some cute mini ramekins… can’t wait to try these beauties! amazing how they pop and without any rising agent. beautiful post, pictures and… Happy Easter! Barbara
These are lovely! What a beautiful breakfast to wake up to.
What delicious looking treats!
Scrummy! They look fantastic
Tandy recently posted…Friday’s Food Quiz Number 80
Happy Easter to you and to the family, Smidge! Oh my these little beauty’s puffed up like popovers. How fun is that! Love the blood orange curd and the 2 little recipes together would really be a nice spring dessert on any special day.
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Nectarine Chocolate Tart
We were away for a few days so now I’m just catching up. These look absolutely wonderful Barbara, and what a gorgeous breakfast tray. Happy Easter to you and your lovely family too.
Eva Taylor recently posted…My Easter Menu
Happy Easter! Gorgeous photos and recipes! Thanks for bringing a little spring to the weekend…
Wow! Ok first, I need some of these amaaaaaazing Dutch babies because they look so light, fluffy & delicious. Yum. Secondly, I need some of that blood orange curd because the color alone is just GORGEOUS!!! (I’m working on some curd at the moment too…) And lastly, those little pastel ramekins are just perfect- I think my heart just skipped a beat Loved this Smidge! I’ll definitely be making this sweet treat!!! Happy Easter to you and your family xx Em
This looks like an amazing start to Easter. In one photo where they’re all puffed up they look like Yorkshire puddings! I love the look of the blood orange curd. I haven’t made a curd with blood oranges before. I’m so looking forward to seeing them in the shops this winter. I started cooking with them last winter and they’re a great orange to cook with. Happy Easter to you and all your family xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted…Spelt Hot Cross Buns and…The Emergency Meeting
This looks outstanding! It’s beautifully presented and I love the idea of blood orange curd with this. Lovely post Barb and Happy Easter!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Banana Crumb Cake
Sharing a breakfast tray- now there’s an image! Fabulous job, as ever, Barbara. I came via the woodland and was enchanted by your table decoration and the whiter than white eggs too. (did you paint them?)
Your posts are always perfection and such a treat for sad old eyes. Happy, happy Easter to you.
What lovely pictures! I’d love to awake to that tray on a spring morning.
Your Dutch babies look fabulous! Have a wonderful Easter!
Tessa recently posted…Radish Sesame Salad
It would be a lovely breakfast served in bed, at the kitchen table or at a lovely decorated dining table. Happy Easter.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted…Panna Cotta With Balsamic Strawberry Sauce
These little babies look so cute! Those are 4 ounce ramekins, I assume? (They sound like the size of mine, but I’m too lazy to run downstairs and actually measure them!) Great pictures – really good. And both recipes are seriously good stuff – thanks.
john@kitchenriffs recently posted…Egg Salad
Late again to the party …
You have such a knack for these things, Barb. It’s not just the delicious recipes that you share with us. It’s the way you present them and your attention to detail, making your posts a pleasure to read. Today’s post is another of a long series of beauties and the breakfast tray you prepared would delight any one lucky enough to be on its receiving end.
I hope you had a most memorable Easter with your loved ones, Barb.
ChgoJohn recently posted…Broiled Halibut with Mushrooms
this is so lovely! i’m loving the pastel colours of yr ramekins.
have yet to try dutch babies. i should give this a go soon.
Wish I can find some blood oranges! the blood orange curd looks really good and i can imagine what i can do with it if i have a jar of it in my fridge!
jo recently posted…Spring time vanilla cookies
So beautiful! And great recipe.
Trifect of awesomeness pretty much sums these up Smidge !
Carolyn Chan recently posted…Restaurant Cal Pep, Barcelona
I just want to say… “Can I come and live with you?”…(just for a week lol) Everything is just so yummy looking and sounding..Diane
writerwannabe763 recently posted…‘Good’ Friday
Oh I would love to have these served to me in bed Smidge! What a great idea. I have a feeling I’d have to make them myself and hop back in bed to be served though. LOL. They look delicious and that blood orange curd sounds divine! Happy Easter to you!
As always, your posts are just SO beautiful, Smidge. Such an eye you have! These sound and look delicious! xx
Celia recently posted…In My Kitchen, April 2013
Had never heard of these but they look so good think I’ll have to give them a try very soon!
Chica Andaluza recently posted…Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey
What an adorable name for such a cute treat!! Dutch babies…I will remember this..thanks for sharing.
Laurie @ Pride in Photos Photography recently posted…Disney’s POP Century Resort…SO Fun!
Wow, Barb! The Dutch Babies and Blood Orange Curd are just wonderful. I do a lot of entertaining with overnight guests. We joke about being an “unregistered” bed and breakfast, so these are definitely going to become part of my favorite morning offerings. I love the look and love the taste they will deliver. I did love the comment made about your husband being absolutely sure photos were complete before taking another Dutch Baby! Your photos are exqusite!
Debra recently posted…More from the La Brea Tar Pits…a treasure-trove of old bones
Oh my goodness, this looks fabulous! I can’t wait to try the blood orange curd. YUM!
Lilly Sue recently posted…Georgia Brews
What a beautiful set up- food and all!
Please do tell who makes these ramekins. x
wendy@chezchloe recently posted…Good eats in NYC
That looks like a better version of souffle. I has risen really well
Raymund recently posted…Beef Ribs Churrascaria
I love your Dutch Babies! I’m going to have to try to make them gluten free and dairy free. I’ve been wanting to make Meyer Lemon Curd…but I keep using them for cocktails instead. Ha!
Beautiful post as always! ~ April
I hope it’s not wrong to love your pretty ramekins as much as the delicious Dutch babies you’ve baked inside of them. Your photos look a little like an advertisement for a wonderful bed and breakfast! I’m anxious to try this recipe for an upcoming weekend breakfast with my family!!
Allison@Main St. Cuisine recently posted…Three Bean Salad with Fresh Mint
There are days I so wish I had a Bed and Breakfast.. and others when I wish I was just at one, lol! Allison, I found these at a neighbor’s garage sale.. I could have bought everything she had, but I ran out of cupboard space:D xx
Ooohhh.. it’s Friday night and I have a couple of blood oranges left.. I’m off to find a cocktail recipe:D
[...] A sweet little blood orange tarty bit from this recipe is spooned in dreamy little browned butter crusts. [...]
It was a magical day, half of our wee family gone on a road trip, the other soundly sleeping. Just the pupster and I were drowsy awake with a steaming cup of coffee and all the time in the world to play in the kitchen. There was a hushed quiet as the mixer hummed and…
Barb, I’m sitting here, just read your blog,and I couldn’t hold the tears back….– a precious, precious gift to many; this blog of yours!! This morning I was the recipient, and I am so grateful that you chose to venture down this beautiful road!! Your ability to discover precious jewels unnoticed by the crowds, and your ability to share these treasures in such artistic ways is truly a gift from God. Wow! Love you, Ruth-Anne
Smidge, there’s is so much to comment on in this post. I don’t want to fill your space with a novelette so I’ll try to be brief, hoping that you will read between the lines and know all that is here. On the loss of a friend, a good mom…my heart goes out. What a perfectly Lovely way to celebrate a good woman’s life. (Really touching.) The little miracle that wasn’t lost on you as it swirled diamonds outside your window! That you couldn’t capture such a ephemeral thing with your camera but instead was asked to store it in your heart. Anemones (one of my favorites too!) The beauty, sweet dear beauty of your cupcakes. So much! xxx
I don’t even know where to begin my friend. Your beautiful writing, passion and emotion is overwhelming. You enjoy life through transcendent moments and reflect on that in your posts. Thank you
Cheers
CCU
So beautiful! Both the post and the cupcakes! I love how simple yet elegant they are and what a fitting tribute to what sounds like a lovely lady.
Barbara, I love anemones … our wild spring flower belong to the family .. we call it “vitsippa” and in the spring it’s like a white carpet in the forest. don’t have a photo myself yet .. give you a link to a stunning photo. http://www.cartinafinland.fi/sv/picture/95633/Vitsippa.html
How lovely aren’t those cupcake .. Barbara, open that cafe .. soon.
You are hiding away in that kitchen of yours .. you should be out there – showing of what you can do.
What happen to my comments ????
Such a beautiful tribute to Emily. How touching – just lovely. Your cupcakes are stunning perfection. I am so sorry for your loss of your friend. Your blog is inspiration for your readers, Smidge!
Barbara you write so beautifully. If only more people could see the world like you do. The cupcakes are just gorgeous, so delicate and pretty. x
What a touching post and beautiful cupcakes.
Hello Barbara, Beautiful story, photos and recipe. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. I bet she is smiling up there now… Very adorable little cakes and perfect for spring. Also love the new recipe area. Have fun doing the interior decorating on your site… LOL Its kind of like a house, new curtains, paint, and even new furniture… Take care, BAM
Another gorgeous creation from the House of Smidge !
Barbara, I love the new site and format. As always the photos are beautiful I always wish mine were as nice. The recipe is also wonderful. It’s such a joy to read your blog. This post, however, made me want to cry. My Mom has been gone from this world for 5 years now and I miss her terribly. Whether I was home or elsewhere, a child or parent of my own children, she always was by my side and greatest supporter. I was with her in her illness when she died. It was a difficult process for all yet her greatest pride were her 3 sons. It is through us and our children she lives on.
Lovely post, Barb. And the cupcakes look beautiful. I would never have thought to use blackberries and poppy seeds, but they are perfect!
Such a beautiful post and loving tribute, Barb. And these cupcakes are the perfect accompaniment. Lovingly prepared and beautifully decorated, they’d make any anemone proud. This post was both touching and wonder-filled, one to remember. My sympathies for the loss of your friend, Barb.
I’ve not had to say goodbye to very many people in my life. And I’m sure for you, (this sounds like it was a peer) it wasn’t easy. But the time you spent writing this post felt like a window of acceptance and grace. It’s takes some thought and talent to transpose that to words and for it to be felt by the reader. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Peace to you Barbara- xx
This is such a beautiful post!
I absolutely love your cupcakes. They are exquisite and look scrumptiously beautiful. You are incredible!!
Love the tutorial at the end. Lovely Spring mood – and am I ready? YES. Gorgeous cakes!
Valerie
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Such a beautiful tribute and cupcakes that look like they grew instead of baked. Your blog always makes me smile.
I’m going to keep this short, Barb, because I’m having trouble leaving a comment. But we’ll get this worked out soon, I’m sure. Your cupcakes are indeed awesome! As is everything you share. Debra
How pretty and festive!
Very touching and beautifully written.
This post is so beautiful in it’s content and feelings expressed..Diane
writerwannabe763 recently posted…DP Challenge – Show and Tell – A Message to Children
Such a beautiful post as I have come to know as your signature! A feast for the eyes.
How beautiful to celebrate the life of a mother. We should all embrace death in such a wonderful loving way…
I just love the piping and thanks for showing us how to do it! I still use my old gravatar account as I didn’t close my .com account
Tandy recently posted…Salad Burnet
Beautifully written and so touching. These cupcakes are exquisite. Thank you for sharing this lovely post.
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Bangers and Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy
Wow you made a good job here, perfectly presented
Nice one!
Raymund recently posted…Tom Yum Goong
Smidge, peace and beauty are guaranteed on every visit to your stunning pages. I need to kick my WP sometimes to find you, and when I do I’m always so happy that I have. Bless you, honey.
Hi Barbara, this is such a lovely post. We celebrated my dear, beloved Mother’s life a couple of months after she passed (she passed March 7, 2005) and it was by far the loveliest event I have ever been to. I had arranged for a few of her closest friends to speak about their relationship and how they saw her, and I was surprised to have others volunteer and speak of their love for her. It was so much more therapeutic than a traditional funeral.
These cupcakes are beautiful and I’m sure were so delicious. Their decoration is very spring-like and delicate, your friend is very fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people.
Eva Taylor recently posted…Celeriac Velouté (or soup)
Hi, Smidge! Your new look is gorgeous. I love this post and hope your celebrations and reminiscing were aided by these beautiful cupcakes, making them, sharing them, eating them. Sounds like she was a beautiful woman. I always love your dreamy photos. You have a sense of decor that makes me want to sit down to tea with you, just so I can see your table. xo
Jenni recently posted…Rustic onion date tart
Your blog is so classic and adorable. I feel like it describes you perfectly!! SUCH a classy lady!! YUM to these cupcakes!!
Hello sweet friend,
What a beautiful post. Your writing is amazing and your photography a work of art! Thank you for sharing your heart today!
blessings,
karianne
Thistle recently posted…Spring Fling Linky Party
Beautiful post and beautiful cupcakes! Thanks so much for linking up to Monday Funday!
Kelly @ View Along the Way recently posted…Next Big Project: Moving on out(doors)
Oh my what a beautiful post. The cupcakes are just divine and I know that the sweet family that received them felt the love that went into making them. Thank you for all of the gifts that you bestow upon us with your writing and talent.
Take care,
Trish
The new site is gorgeous! As are these wonderful flowery cupcakes.
what a beautiful post!
what lovely cupcakes.. I need to do this frosting for my cupcakes. They look stunning! Perfect for spring!
Stunning cupcakes and a beautiful tribute to someone who sounds like she was a wonderful woman.
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What gorgeous cupcakes for such a peaceful Sunday! I am definitely going to try my hand at those buttercream flowers! They are so adorable!
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Mmmmm cupcakes. These looks so scrumptious and the recipe is music to my ears . You already know I love the butter-cream.. Heck I love all of it lol
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I dub thee the Prime Minister of Pretty! Another lovely, lovely post, Beautiful!
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Pretty. Pretty. Pretty. I aspire to make my posts this good (I hope that comes across as sincere as I mean it).
It’s wonderful to be catching up here this evening.
Barb, this is such a visually beautiful, emotionally stirring post, so tender and full of love. A touching tribute to your friend, to the magic of snowflakes spinning through sunshine and to the sweet delight of a whimsically decorated cupcake.
I’m just catching up on your new blog now – so impressive! Congratulations on it, and good luck working through the technical issues that seem to plague us each time we make a change like this.
Best wishes from a faithful follower in London …
Marlene (aka Musing Mar) recently posted…From My Mother’s Kitchen ❤ Butter Horns
[...] I love these beautiful anemone cupcakes from Just a Smidgen [...]
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Your measuring spoons are so nice!
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I went through a rollercoaster of emotions when reading this post, Smidge ! And it’s so true that your true passions never die completely – and how great that you have so many passions that you can devote your time to. We benefit because we get all these amazing inspirational recipes and ideas from you. Maybe one day you could share a recording of you playing the cello ?
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My friend, everything in your post was so true. Honestly, you describe the loss and regaining of passion so wonderfully!
If it is true, it never really dies
Beautiful and delicious recipe to top it off too!
Cheers
CCU
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The pictures of those blood orange curd tarts seem to have been done with passion, so all’s well, I guess:)
So well written, I too would love to hear a recording of you playing the cello.
I have a similar relationship to my fiddle!!! I need to try to play the mountains, the sea, the swaying grass. Beautiful (as usual!). xox
Sue Schlabach 129twigandvine recently posted…Heartbreak on the Hill
Beautifully written and the blood orange tarteletts look amazing!
Cello, I can see you as a cello playing girl … instrument that suits you – so glad that you will be playing again.
Your tart’s are pretty as ever … *smile
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These look so divine and precious…you have made me literally want to grab one thru the screen♥
Laurie @ Pride inPhotos recently posted…“Go Ahead” Tarzan…
Though the outcome was different, I can so relate to your lament here. When I was much younger I found solace and fulfillment in painting — my art. When children came along and the twists and turns of life took me away from that deep longing satisfied, my brushes lay dry and deserted. Few people even knew of the sidelined dream. My family required food, so I cooked. Solace found a new home of expression. Fast forward some 20+ years later, close friends got together and bought paint and canvas and wrapped it in encouragement to return to my first love. Their sentiment was so touching, so deeply personal.
I sat down to meld lines with brush stroke only to realize the skill and verve for this beautiful act of passion had been lost. I grieved only momentarily. The exercise taught me “My passion was never lost, it had just found new pathways to wander.” And that I had precious and dear friends who really saw me, knew me, and cared about my dreams–what a tremendous gift.
Oh, love your blood orange curd tarts too!
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I didn’t know that about you, Judy! You really have found a wonderful new passion, I love your site and recipes. Your food photography truly is art! xx
I think there is a lesson for me here as well Smidge. So glad that you shared this. I’m going to have to reread and take a ponder over things quietly this evening. There is something in this story that is resonating with me. And those tarts look fantastic – a browned butter tart shell?! Yum!
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Thank you, Sibella xx
Such pretty little tarts!
What sweet little tarts and I really love that they are so small, bite-size. How pretty.
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What a great message! I have a friend who often says she feels guilty for not devoting time to all her numerous hobbies – I think I will direct her to this post because you have got it right! Don’t feel guilty – instead feel great that you are fulfilled by everything else you are doing
Love the browned butter in the tart crusts. Brilliant!
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I’m so glad to read, Barb, that you and your cello have “reunited,” for lack of a better word. I imagine it like meeting up with an old friend, a very satisfying experience. These tart shells, made with brown butter, sound fantastic! Such a great way to fill them, too. You always write such wonderful posts, Barb, but this one was exceptionally so. A real pleasure to read.
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Smidge serendipity indeed!!! I didn’t know that you play cello? That’s wonderful. I think you’re my hero
Sometimes it’s good to walk away for a bit, you know? Especially when you need to whip up a batch of GORGEOUS blood orange curd tarts! These photos are STUNNING! You go girl. I have the same spoons too xx
That video about Instagram cracked me up. So exciting about the cello, once you brush the dust off your fingers perhaps a video can find its way on the blog! Yummmmmm to these tarts!
Your work is So so beautiful, i crept in today .. as you remember for some reason your site swamped my old computer, so with this little new one I have tip toed in and VOILA! we are back in business and while i was away your work has just got more and more beautiful.. you are truly gifted.. now darling, are you terribly far from canmore? i am going there in july to my eldest sons wedding.. will it be cold?..what shall i wear? love love and so thrilled to be back in touch.. your old blogging friend celi
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Lovely little tarts! I’m thinking that these tart shells will be delicious filled with fresh picked strawberries and blueberries. Thank you for the inspiration!
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I want a few of these for my dessert right now! I just love the tart shells. I can imagine how the browned butter provides such a nutty flavor and that they would go great with lots of different fillings.
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Your cello was not lost or abandoned. Your cello was just waiting for you patiently like a long lost friend. Sometimes life is like this we get busy , work, family and other obligations and we completely neglect the things that we really are passionate about. Don’t lose your passion.
Delicious little tarts. Take care, BAM
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Slow Roasted Pork Tortillas
I’m so glad you’re getting back into the cello but I do understand periods of absolute frenzy and other times of the instrument gathering dust. You have so much going on in your life and so many talents, I can just imagine you having an impossible juggling act fitting in time for everything xx
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“Play the contour of the mountains.” These words are going to stay with me today.
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Love your message here. It falls right into my Aries nature and it’s nice to have a positive look on how I can move through different projects:)
And the video is a hoot.
xx wendy
wendy@chezchloe recently posted…What happens when the freezer door is left ajar? #1
It’s just wonderful how things seem to fall together and your old ‘love’ of playing can be part of your life once again. Timing and Divine Intervention probably woven together…Diane
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Beautiful images – I love the idea of blood orange curd.
Your little pale orange tarts look delicious…a perfect little bite of goodness.
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I hope I wasn’t too late to be of benefit in clicking on the video! And I loved what you had to say about creativity being fulfilled in other ways that perhaps have prevented you from having the same passion for your cello. I’ve had similar questions. I don’t play the piano with the same amount of time and attention as I have for my whole life, but I can’t be as attentive to absolutely everything I find fulfilling. I’ll have to think more about that!
The tarts look just wonderful, Smidge! I must make them at some point. They strike me as very good to serve at a tea! 
Debra recently posted…How is it that staring at a rock is so good for the soul?
Those tarts look amazing, I loved how you shaped them
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I felt the same way as I shifted into writing. Now I know this is what I am supposed to do!
Good for you!
Gorgeous colour..it reminds me of champagne, absolutely beautiful.
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It was just the right time Barb, just the right time. And look at this tart. I think I would eat a bunch of these and deny I ate them lol. That’s how good they look.
You are so wise – I totally agree that creativity can be satisfied in many ways. I grieve sometimes for the creative stuff I don’t have time to do…but the truth is, one simply cannot do everything. Even if one wants to! So…I have zero scrapbooks, my rubber stamps languish in a big bin, and I haven’t touched the piano in more than a year. BUT…I have a book that I’ve written!
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I am full parenting mode with my young family and I’ve had to set aside several of my passions since there just isn’t time for it all. I hope to pick those things up later on. There’s a time for everything, I suppose.
Your little tarts are simply captivating, especially the way you’ve styled your photos.
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Such needed wise insight in this Smidge! Thank you for it! I (very) recently have been grappling with similar feelings – was counseled by my also-wise husband on how to reframe and see differently – and your words here are the (always lovely) icing on the cake. Wishing you abundant joy, refreshment and passion in your time away! xoxo
Those brown butter tart shells look so lovely! I am adding to my list to make this summer. Your blog is just amazing!!
daisy
daisy recently posted…vietnamese spring rolls
Now I’m curious about how your tarts taste and feel like. They look amazing – the creamy colourful filling really makes a nice contrast.
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