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…
With Christmas coming up.. there are Craft Fairs and Art Markets popping up all over our city! The Telus International Christmas Market began just this past weekend and takes place again next weekend from November 23-25th. The 2012 Cochrane Ranche House Christmas Market takes place Saturday, November 4 from 10-6. November 29 – December 2…
Cherry walnut cookies sound like the perfect accompaniment to a nice cup of tea.
Mandy xo
Those biscuits look and sound wonderful.
Those cookies look lovely and are a perfect fit for the teacup.
Pretty, pretty, pretty plates!
Very pretty and romantic – have seen this on TV – how to turn plates into cake stands on foot. Yours are much prettier than the ones on TV. Love the cookies too – so perfect choice for the post about your romantic plates. I don’t like those cherries – I nearly hate them … *laughing. Terrible product – I think it goes back when I started as a chef and all desserts were decorated with them – sweet and sticky, but still they came out excellent in your cookie.
Did you couscous the other evening – excellent dish – love the dressing. Couldn’t find Lebanese’s couscous – but I found what we call full corn couscous – there will be a post.
What fun – would love to do something like that! And the plates and cookies both look so very pretty
What an incredibly awesome Christmas round up my friend
I don’t know which photo I love the most!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
When I saw the china I thought these would be perfect for you to use as props and then I scrolled down and found the recipe! How beautiful does all of this look. Just gorgeous. I love all of this elegant china xx
Those plates do have your name all over them. Great cookies!
Pinterest has so many amazing people and ideas. Lovely choice. These little plates look perfect with your tasty cookies!
Gorgeous china, perfect to serve your cookies for afternoon tea with a friend.A lovely way to start the holidays.
This years Christmas cookie at our house
I hope you like it was much as we do:)
We will definitely try these cookies, Smidge, they are so pretty and sound so good! I’m LOVING your trays! What a wonderful idea….I can think of a lot of ways to use these. The dishes, etc., that you chose are incredible. The colors are so romantic and beautiful. I applaud your craftiness!!
Very pretty pastel china.
Such fragile and pretty pieces, Smidge. They look great. Here I go to the cookie jar. Can you eat cookies in the bath?
All that crafting sounds wonderful! I can tell you’re looking forward to Christmas. Last week I discovered the best craft shop I’d ever visited. It was in the middle of the countryside, not on a main road, tucked away, and it really was a treasure to find. They had a lovely display of Christmas decorations apart from other things.
Yum! My kind of cookies.
daisy
I’m not sure what’s prettier – your cherry walnut delights or your enchanting craft – what a success; it has a soft whimsical, romantic feeling to it. A snow white set would be gorgeous!
What beautiful dishes! I love the idea of repurposing vintage cups, plates into cake stands. What a great gift idea. I’m not crafty, at all. But I think I could this. So cute! Thanks for sharing Smidge.
Another beautiful post, Barb. I doubt you could have found a better match for your cookies than the cup & saucer that you chose for that photo. This post could be used to exemplify presentation. It really is that well done. Beyond that, I really love the combo of cherries with nuts. I bet these cookies are really tasty.
Barb this sure doesn’t look like frugal crafting. Your cookies and platters are well suited for one another — as they are both beautiful. Now I’m torn between adding these cookies or Nell’s sugar cookies, which have been on my mind for a few weeks now, to my Christmas baking list. Can’t believe baking season is just around the corner . . .
These cookies look so beautifully old-fashioned! It makes me want to revisit some of the recipes of my girlhood — all those things I used to make with Maraschino cherries before I decided they were passé. It would be fun to take a trip down baking memory lane! And I can add lovely new recipes, such as yours.
Thanks for sharing the crafting ideas. The cake stands you made are so pretty. I like your idea for a temporary bond – not only can you mix and match, but these things are much easier to store disassembled. I moved into a bigger house earlier this year, and already I’m running out of space for all my dishes (maybe because my collection keeps growing?).
I was also thinking about Nell’s sugar cookies when I was looking at this recipe; I think I’ll have to make both for my Christmas dessert tray! I love the old-fashioned vibe of both recipes.
What lovely little cookies! And, I just love your collection of rose dishes. Beautiful!
What a sweet idea! I’m looking forward to local craft fairs, too – but holy cow, Christmas already?! Where did the time go??
Love your tea cup and saucer set. Beautiful! Even better that you actually re-purposed them as cookie and cake stands. What a terrific idea! And those cherrry and walnut cookies are so reminiscent of Christmas! They look really addictive! I doubt they will last till Christmas though! =)
This is one high styling, high tea time biscuit. I feel so girly just reading your post and looking at your beautiful China tea saucers and cups. However, I can just tell from the picture these are the kind of cookies that just melt in your mouth and are super buttery. You should give a call to the Peninsula hotel in HK and see if they want to add this to their 4pm high tea menu. Take care, BAM
those cookies look so good! I want to figure out a way to grab one
Oh you are so terribly busy and what gorgeous little morsels those cookie are.. have a lovely day barbie.. c
Hahaha.. they’ll be gone on Friday:D
Clever! – and the cookies look so festive!
I think you’re the classiset blogger on WordPress, dear lady!
Yum to the cookies! One glance at them and they put me in the holiday spirit. And I love tea cups and saucers like the ones in the photo. We have a local store that sells overstocks on dishes and kitchen stuff. I love perusing the aisles checking out the interesting patterns! I always say I’m going to collect teapots and such, but oh what a collection that would become . . .
What a fun and pretty set of stands you made. And your cute little serving dish was perfect for those cute little cookies. I love the combination of the dried cherries with the walnuts. Sounds divine!
My husband strongly dislikes candied fruit…the silly.
Beautiful photos. I’ll have to pin these cookies because cherry desserts are my husband’s favorite
I’m glad there arn’t many of those store here in St. John’s. I’d be broke over broke buying dishes.
They are beautiful and has a festive charm. So does those cookies. So Christmasy. Love the festive air even on this blogsphere!
Love your teacup creations! And the cookies look heavenly. Going to share with my crafty friends.
Looks so English, I feel like having some tea just by looking at it
Nom, nom, nom, nom. nom. It’s breakfast time here and somehow fruit isn’t as appealing as your cookies !
Those plates look gorgeous, and complements really well with the cookies..I’m buzzing for some crafty time now
You have Christmas markets in canada? wow I think so I have to take my husband there one day. We have family members there but I am not sure where they all live. I love Christmas markets, they are the most wanted markets in Europe. I mean, how wonderful is it to see all those pretty goodies, sweets etc, drinking some hot spiced wine watching the snow falling and experiencing the happy atmosphere altogether.
Nice plate set Barbara. Is there a stamp on the back?
Oh I wish I could have your Cherry Walnut Cookies to chew on right now.
Barbara, I love the cozy antique places. I could spend days going through them. Love the markets!! Thank you for the gentle reminders of how wonderful these places are to shop at and learn about history. I love your style of writing~beautiful.
Your cherry walnut cookies are absolutely holiday and sweetness all together! I love them!
Aren’t you just the cleverest with these beautiful cake plates and tea accessories! You’ve given me wonderful inspiration! I have so many of these “odd pieces” sitting around. Many belonged to my grandmother and have no real value beyond sentiment, and this would be so fun to do for my nieces and daughter! Thanks for a relatively quick project! And I love the cookies. I’m big on cookies with fruit in them. And these would be Christmasy, too! By the way, your blogsite just gets more and more beautiful, Barbara!
Smidge, my husband is crazy about this type of dishes – I warmed up to them quite a bit after marrying him, because back home my family’s style (or lack of… was not quite like it. Now they seem charming, cozy, comforting, and sensual to me.
Loved the cookies too…
but I meant to ask you about the nomination for the best blogger in the Canadian contest… Please let me know what happened, my fingers are still crossed and it’s starting to hurt
Many hugs going your way, your blog is simply amazing! (but you knew how I felt already…. no big news)
What a glorious post, Barbara! I love the idea of making cake stands like this.
A pure white Christmas. the very best kind…
Hi, I have nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogging Award! Check out this link for details. http://helpwithyourlife.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/super-sweet-blogging-award/
Enjoy!
Those cookies are so beautiful! Look really tasty. Enjoy your blog!
I can think of a few women in my life who would appreciate some these items as Christmas gifts!
And I yours:)
Well there you go.. one present done;)
Thanks so much! As you might have noticed on my last post.. I am often very late in getting to respond to awards and such, but it doesn’t diminish the pleasure I feel when I receive one.. I’m always grateful.. thanks again!
I would love to see pure white contemporary done too.. it would be pretty:)
I’m glad you’ve warmed up to them. They’re pretty to look at.. I try to leave little things like this around, it cheers a person up on a bloody gray and snowy day, lol! Hey, the voting ends at the end of November.. my fingers are crossed to, but in the end, it’s all for fun:) I sure appreciate you voting, Sally! xx
You’re lucky if you have odd bits.. I was thinking I’d love to have an online website for that sort of thing.. there are so many crafts like mosaics that can be done with bits of china. Glad you liked these:)
I’ve become a bit of an “addict”.. every now and then I love just wandering and looking.. not necessarily buying. But I see items and love that I remember them in my house growing up:)
Oh, hot spiced wine.. I’d forgotten about that! Yes.. that’s exactly what feels like Christmas for me.. not the big malls, etc. Stamp… I’ll go look, just a minute, lol! I’m back.. the transferware says RS and Germany:) and the other says “English Rose”. xx
Me too.. must be the Christmas spirit.. I’m working on my next craft, lol!
Oh, but Claire.. now you’ve saved room for Christmas party food, yay!
They are yummy.. I’ll be slicing up more for work tomorrow:D xx
I love that you call them biscuits..
I wonder if cookies can be dunked in tea..
Thanks! I fell in love with them:)
Maybe that was Martha Stewart’s show:D That’s where I found the idea.. she’s got a great website for this sort of thing. Yes.. you’d think someone would have figured out a better fruit substitute? Full corn couscous sounds intriguing!
I like crafts.. as long as they’re pretty easy:)
Thanks xx
Me too.. as much as I love cookies:) xx
I’m worried that I’m turning into a granny.. I’m too young to turn into a granny, lol!
It really is a cool app/website.. what did we do before? I guess just magazines?
Thank you, Judy, that’s a great compliment coming from you:)
That’s me.. a hopeless romantic:D
Thank you xx
Of course.. but I must caution you.. you risk not catching the crumbs that fall and eating those as well:)
That is totally the sort of store I’d love to find! Lucky you!! I hope you write about it for us to see!
Thank you, Daisy!
It would.. I wish someone would make one.. or I just might have to:) xx
They are good.. not too sweet, and the cherries were remarkably not too artificial tasting.. thankfully:) And thank you, as always.. your kind words are appreciated!
Oh, dear.. decisions.. Nell’s are a bigger cookie.. that I think kids would love because of their size. These ones are tinier/daintier, more for a small adult treat after a big dinner:)
Me too!! I’m thinking I need to move into a small house that has a separate studio in the yard.. so my home isn’t overflowing with dishes:) xx
Thanks, Tessa!xx
High Tea!! I’ve got to do that soon! Thanks for the reminder! I think the Palliser Hotel here has a high tea.. it would be so fun! xx
Some day I need to figure out how to ship these without having them break:)
These are busy days, aren’t they c? Take care! xx
Well, a girl’s gotta make up for her lack of a garden;)
Well, thank you!!
What a great store.. that’s what I think we need here. Tea pots.. those would be hard to store. Plates lay flat and cups stack.. it might be a little easier for you:) xx
I thought about changing the nuts.. but I do think the walnuts are the best choice for this cookie.. xx
Haha, more for you I guess!
I hope you have the chance to try them. I’ve been pinning like crazy, I now realize there aren’t enough meals, snack times or hours in the day to cook/bake everything I’ve pinned, lol!
Now you’re the second person to mention St. John’s today! Yes.. it can be addicting, especially for food blogging:)
I wish I had thought of these when I was a teacher.. the Kindergarteners could have made these:)
You’re right.. it is all very English:) Now I’m off to make some tea! Night!
It is so easy.. and the possibilities sure are endless:)
Yes, and I can’t wait to make my Christmas Stollen…even though I am afraid of yeast. It’s not Christmas without it! And since he won’t eat it…IT’S ALL MINE!!!
I haven’t written about it, but I’ll send you the FB Page so you can see some of their photos from previous years. I don’t know that they’ve got any festive ones though.
No it’s was a Swedish TV show, in Sweden we don’t have Martha*smile
Had your couscous dish twice now – because I had some dressing left. Stunning – will do a post about it. So easy to make too.
How festive! I can’t wait for Christmas and Christmas markets x
Doh’t forget, if you go with the smaller, daintier options then you can eat more of them. There’s something so appealing about going back for seconds (and thirds
Oh yes, I’m with you there. I definitely a test kitchen/studio/writing sanctuary in my backyard. Must get started on the plans …..
Holy cow! Comment city! Good for you, Barbara! Love the tea cups and the dainty propriety of the post. Mom used to make a almond cherry shortbread that looks just like this cookie. Now I make them. So yummy! V
Love the biccies! Must make some soon as we love cherries and walnuts
I received a thank you gift similar to what you have made but the top was another teacup. It had been filled with a homemade candle. It is very lovely as are your cookies.
What beautiful dishes! I love going into antique stores! I usually don’t buy much but I love to look. Your cookies look and sound quite delicious! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
OMG I lovelovelove that cake stand made from the plate on top of the glass candlestick – and would make storing something so odd shaped so much easier ! Such beeeaauuutiful plates and such a great idea. I wonder if there are any such stores in Singapore… I must go and scour – I may not find anything as pretty but I’m sure I would be able to find some old Chinese plateware to replicate.
It’s easy to get creative in the kitchen at the lake with so many fresh ingredients a short bike ride away! ♥ Cherries rarely make it past the kitchen counter where they’re scooped up by the handful when anyone walks by… ♥ I tend to linger at the counter… hoovering, hovering over the cherries, my gluttonous…
Looks absolutely delish!
Oh lucky lucky for us, cherries still abound! This is going to the table for a lazy (sadly, lake-less) weekend! Really luscious looking, Smidge and I love how you’ve paired it with the creamy cheese and the crusty bread! my friend, you really know how to eat! (and I mean that as high compliment!!) xox
cherries AND goat cheese? you had me at hello… yum!
Creativity indeed at its peak my friend, what a lovely crostini!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
YUUUUUMMM! Its breakfast time here but I would totally devour that right now. Beaut photos!
This is so good … and I’m drooling now over those pictures – who … cherry relish sound so good. Love cheese and sweet … this goes on file – think there will be a problem with fresh cherry now. All gone.
I have never tasted or known this one… But fascinated me, you are amazing dear Barbara, Thank you, love, nia
Oh yum. The colours are amazing. I’ve never had cherries made this way before. I think these would go so well with goat’s cheese. Beautiful images Smidge xx
Cherry relish?!?!? I am so in!!! That looks so good Smidge. I adore cherries, and we’re planning a trip to cherry-filled Door County, Wisc soon so I’ll stock up for lots of cherry relish! YAY!
Looks absolutely delicious! What a gorgeous contrast in color too with the goat cheese. I’ve never had anything like it but I bet the cherries are amazing with the jalapeno and mint!
This sounds amazing!
http://www.glitzgirlzglamourguide.com
What a wonderful idea for cherries – taking this on board! How beautiful!
All of fav things in one recipe! Love it!
What a tasty, sweet twist to relish!
No cherries here until next May — I can’t believe you have them so late. I’m saving this post though, because the flavors look fabulous (mint! brown sugar!)
And just as I was wondering what to do with those cherries in the fridge! Yes, I could eat them straight up. That’s one of the dividends of summer. But scallion and jalapeno? That’s the hook right there!
But only 1/4 of a J-Peno? Girl, you gotta get yer heat on. Use the whole thang! 
This looks really good, Barb, and love that it can easily be prepared, oerfect for when you’re on vacation. You’re not supposed to fix complicated dishes on vacation. You’re supposed eat out or eat simple. It’s a vacation, after all, and not just a kitchen swap. Ya know, cherries are still in our groceries; I saw some this very morning. I’ve still time to make your relish. Now, if I could only find a cabin on a lake …
Oh Barb! I’m almost giggling this sounds so good. I don’t think we have any cherries left, but if I can find them anywhere he we go! If not, it goes in the save file! I love the jalapeno addition! Debra
Your title alone had me drooling. I actually commented out loud at your title. Mike inquired what got my attention and it then got his too. This is fabulous!
I am definitely making this! Yummy and beautiful!
Stunning I can’t wait to get some cherries! You have the perfect combo here!
Tasty stuff and yes (I’m definitely Oneida those folks) who’s craving summer fruits and delicious light food and summer. Beautiful
Looks amazing as always. Kind of a random question but what kind of lens do you normally use to shoot food photos? Your pics are always stunning.
Oh boy. My tummy is a rumbling! Gorgeous recipe, gorgeous photos – terribly enticing…
Never enough cherries! I love that relish. I can imagine the taste so well. I’m gonna let you know!
Nice!
I don’t think this recipe could get any better–cherry relish on goat cheese?! Be still my heart. I too love fresh cherries and I can eat bowl full after bowl full as I reassure myself of the same thing–it’s good for me! One of the things I love about summer is the simplicity of ingredients that are so satisfying.
What a lovely combination of flavours, I’ll have to put this on the list for the cottage on the Labour Day weekend. Perfect for a little bite!
Oh la la – what a fantastic and scrumity cherry delight!
Mandy xo
Thank you for a cherry recipe! I’m going to go to the store + get a cherry pitter, so I can try this.
Absolutely perfect! I pinned it! c
Thanks:D
Oh.. but they will be on the table in your pretty new kitchen, just as wonderful I say! 
xx Smidge
They are addicting, just sayin’…
Thanks CCU… I’m off to visit you soon!! xx
This would probably be good at breakfast, maybe on a little toast:D
Truly, we are so far behind the rest of you for the appearance of fruit at our markets. In the spring I’m envious of your fruit and veggies!
xx nia!
They are a yummy combination for sure. Thanks Charlie!
I can’t wait to see photos of your buckets filled with cherries.. you will post them now, won’t you?? Please *begging* , I miss your posts!! xx
It was definitely yummy, almost like jam now that I think about it:D
Thanks for visiting my site, I’ll be off to see yours!
I hope you love it!
xx Thank you!
I think everything here is late.. we’re so far north of your warm country! What’s in season there right now?
Hahaha.. You’re right, next time, I’m throwing the whole thing in!!
Well.. I think it would fit nicely in the shade of your rose garden.. with the scent of flowers blooming all around you?
It was a yummy one.. definitely a keeper from the reaction of people who sampled:D
I’m glad you both liked it, Kristy:D
Great!
Thanks Susie xx
I love eating this sort of thing as a meal in the summer:D So easy…
I have a newer camera and an older lens. I use AP with an automatic aperture setting so I don’t have to do too much to. If I zoom in it puts the background out of focus. The lens says (trying to know what numbers to give you, I’m not an expert) EFS 17-85 mm Macro 0.35m/1.2 ft. Not sure that helps? I always use natural sunlight, there’s no room in my kitchen for a professional “setup” with lights, bouncing, etc. I have just recently begun shooting in Raw.. but I think my computer converts it to jpeg in Iphoto? But I’m still convinced I’m getting more vibrant photos shooting in raw first. I hope that helps. I’m behind in blog reading (again!) and will come say hi soon!!
That says so much coming from you Movita!! School must be starting soon?? Lucky you!!
You’re right.. there can never be enough!!
xx
It is a fine line between an appetizer and dessert;)
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I always forget to pin.. I’m going to start doing more of that, especially your photos.. they’re so beautiful!!
I took a woman’s advice and picked up a cheap one at the dollar store, it works a charm!
I love you “scrumity” word!! xx
That sounds AMAZING! Perfect accompaniment with goats cheese on crostini.
To be honest we don’t have much .. neither during the winter or spring. Late may and june the asparagus are in season and that is the first sign. *smile Going to do your sweet cherry relish .. maybe I will find some fresh still, but not so sweet as our own in summer.
Very creative!
Fresh figs have come in again. We still have peaches, but not for much longer. We have grapes, apples, peppers. Eggplants are beginning. There are lots and lots of melons, including four on my kitchen counter (Sigh).
Wow.. you’re so fortunate! I can’t wait to see what you do with your melons:D
Looks beautiful! I’m all for easy recipes at the moment, it’s soooo hot here! I topped my goats cheese with figs & honey!
Sweet Cherry Relish! You are talking my language Smidge!! Love this and with the goats cheese on crostini, divine! Pinning this one and will post on my FB Page.
Haha! They do make such pretty pictures….hmmmmmm xx
Love fruit, cheese and bread together – YUM:) Happy Day!
That opening shot is just stunning, as is the idea to make sweet cherry relish. If I can find anymore cherries on sale before the season is gone, I am trying this for sure.
Great idea — never thought of combining these ingredients but it all sounds wonderful!
I love cherries and cannot wait for the season after seeing this recipe
I don’t know how you do it, but each photo, dish and post is an absolute stunner!
This is my favourite type of recipe – easy to make. I like the idea of combining goat’s cheese and the cherry relish, it sounds delicious.
Delightful, sweet and sour combinations Smidge!
That sounds and looks wonderful. I must add a cherry pitter to the list of gadgets. I wonder about applying this treatment to other stone fruits?
This sounds so good. I have to add the cherry pitter to my list of gadgets. I wonder how this would apply to other stone fruits?
Totally new for me too. Love it. We processed 20# of cherries this summer. A lot of eating fresh and a lot of pitting to put in the freezer
Gorgeous AND delicious!!! Love. It.
Oh, I can just taste this recipe as I’m reading this! I love the combination of sweet cherries, lime, balsamic and goat cheese. A box of cherries were just sent to me and now I have something new to try out. Unique & easy. My kind of recipe. Thanks for sharing
It works for small fruit like cherries, it has a bowl the size of a typical cherry with a hole in it for the pit to fall through and the top is like a paper punch that pokes the pit through. I try to buy freestone peaches when I have to pit a bunch, makes it so much easier.
I’d definitely be up for figs and honey, yum!
Delicious and adorable appeTEASER as always!! I love this idea. I eat vegan, but would take a “vegan with benefits” day for this bad boy..YUM!
really? thanks for the tip.
It is 10:20pm and now my tummy is rumbling inconsolably
sounds and look gorgeous. and so original to have cherries relish on crostini! and goat cheese is just perfect with sweet and sour.
I wish I had this recipe when I was near Traverse City, Michigan. Awesome recipe deserves some awesome cherries.
Next time:D
Finally made this yesterday. Really nice! But I forgot to get mint at the store. 
No matter cilantro was a terrific substitute. And yes, I used the WHOLE Jalapeno!
Yay!! A whole jalapeno would be awesome:) I think the cilantro would have worked great as well.. glad you liked it! xx
I love the mix of ingredients, I would have never thought of coming up with a mix like that. Thanks for sharing
yeah, you made me look like a real hero. Thanks for the great recipe!
These look just gorgeous Barbara! I am sorry it took me too long to finally get over here I could really get comfy visiting your site, it is gorgeous! Lovely work, thank you!
The cherries have been so sweet this year and I like your simple relish…delicious I’m sure.
Ahhh, sweet and spicy, just like you!
Hands down, the best and most mouthwatering cherry shots I have ever seen…SOOO GOOD!
That looks fab, I will have to remember to revisit next summer.
[...] week I wanted to do Barbara’s “Sweet Cherry Relish” - and when I came to the supermarket they wanted 179.00SEK/$25.55/€21.10/£16.65 per kilo [...]
I fear I would have no “off switch” with this beauty …. Absolutely delicious looking!
Hmm.. I don’t think I came with an “off switch”? Were we supposed to be made with one, lol!
This is so simple yet looks so decadent. Will have to wait for next year’s cherry season to make, a looooong wait.
fast friends besties and best of friends girlfriends or best buds ♥ whatever you like to call them, they’re your friends… some friends last a day, a week, a year some last a lifetime and if you’ve ever been apart from your closest friends.. when you meet again, it’s like they’ve never left ♥ my besties…
I just love the title of this post. It sounds so inviting. What a precious time you must have had with these special people in your world. Raising children is just agony isn’t it, every step of the way. I’m sorry you had a disaster but we’ve all had those and look at how perfect your second attempt was! What an awesome looking cheesecake Smidge and it must have been heavenly with that gorgeous cherry topping. Yum, yum, yum xx
beautiful cheesecake!
Well I now know about making a cheesecake more so thank you for that. Too bad your first one didn’t turn out. This ome looks so good though!
Yummm, it look scrumptious indeed!
First disasters come and go but the second perfect result is here to stay
What an absolutely stunning cheesecake my friend, accompanied by a lovely post!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
So we get to learn from your mistakes! your ode to friendship is simple and hearfelt, lucky friends I say. And I’ll confess – I’ve never made a baked cheescake before……..
I love what you say about friends and friendhip – so true, so wonderful! And as for your cheesecake, this is my absolute favourite kind and when I get my next batch of cherries from the village I will be making this (and then sitting in a shad spot to enjoy a very big slice)!
What a marvelous treasure you are to your friends, Smidge! Lovely cheese cake, and my goodness what an interesting website that Joy of Baking is!
This is very impressive. Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
As someone who left my home country more than 20 years ago, I understand too well what it’ s like to be reunited (briefly) with friends, real friends.
Beautiful post, I wish I could get together with my friends a little more often than I do, but it’s not easy to do a 6 thousand mile jump…
I miss some of my friends from back home; now we just burn up the phone lines from time to time. Great post and I’m trying to figure out how to get a digital slice of that yumminess!
I miss my friends back home and the ones that have scattered across the land. Thankfully we burn up the phone lines occasionally. Great post and I’m trying to figure out how to get a slice of that yumminess there.
How fortunate, Barb, that you had enough time to make a new cake. I’ve been in similar situations and used fruit topping to hide the crevasse ruining my cheesecake. I like your way better.
This is a special cake and one that is just perfect for serving when old friends reunite. It shows how much you care and miss them. I know ‘d be touched if someone baked this cheesecake for my return.
Your recipe is very similar to one that I had, and lost, years ago, It was delicious and I’m sure this one will be, too, when I make it. In fact, I’m looking forward to giving it a try. Thanks for sharing the recipe and for the baking tips. I don’t bake often and can use all of the help I can get.
We love our lunches.. we’ve moved from home to restaurants but back to homes again because there’s more confidentiality and intimacy there:) I’ve loved reading your stories about your children.. it is agony.. and I have a feeling it never ends (according to my mom;) xoxo
Thanks so much xo
It feels like such a waste when something I’ve baked fails.. but this one is a sure-fire recipe thank goodness!
Thank you!! xx
Hahaha.. so true my friend, so true!! xx
I hadn’t either.. only the quick no-bake. Our local Italian grocer had a baked one on its shelves the other day.. and I wanted one of my own..Well, I feel more confident to try the Sicilian one next time we have a party! xx
What a lovely image you’ve place in my mind this morning.. I can picture you under a big shady tree with a lovely plateful on your lap.. These cherries were brought in from the states.. I can only imagine the flavor with freshly picked!
It is a good one.. not really a personal flavor like the ones here at WordPress. It’s my “go to” when I’m struggling with techniques… and their recipes always turn out:)
Thank you so much.. it’s a stunner with those cherries on top:) xx
Awww… I’ve never moved and I can imagine your reunions must be quite emotional? I’m fortunate.. my friends seem to have stayed in one place for quite a while. A few have started to find “winter homes” in the the States though. Times are a changin’! Please jump:) I’d love that!! xx
I know!!! I think if only we could at least “smell” through our computer screens.. it’d be a better world, lol! I bet you skype as well? xx
xoxo Thank heavens for phones.. computers.. text messaging..
This crevasse was so massive and crater-like the entire topping would have been consumed, lol! I bet you could do a wicked Sicilian Cheesecake.. it is your homeland after all:) I’d love to see yours done with homemade ricotta.. mmmm Your recipes are so complex, you must be an equally stellar baker, I think!
Beautiful and I love the tips, thanks for sharing. I hope you had a lovely time with your besties.
I’ve been there done that. But oh well. I haven’t made any cheesecakes in over a year and I’ve been meaning to try again, my last one was a ricotta cheesecake actually but it was not for prettiness, more for taste and I didn’t even make it in a springform haha. Worked out fine. I need to find the recipe and make it again.
I’m going to have a good long look at that site with a cup of tea tomorrow. It looks very interesting indeed!
I think my favorite part of the post was the bolded reminder that you just have to take the hit and make the cake with full fat ingredients It is dessert after all!
I miss my friends terribly, I now just what you mean, and I expect many happy reunions when i go to NZ in december.. your cheesecakes are divine and i loved the tips on how to get it just right.. my cheese cakes are never as beautiful as yours but they are tasty! c
We always do.. I’m around more this summer.. so lots of morning coffee I hope! I was sure you’d have something I could make out of that failed cheesecake…
I suspect it doesn’t hold together otherwise?? And of course.. the flavor..;)
How lovely you get to go back and visit.. now how and who takes over your farmy while you’re away?? Hmmmm Smidge at the Farmy… now that would be hysterical, since I have absolutely no Farm Talent whatsoever…
Lightening has struck a cheesecake or two in my day. That’s what the cherry topping is for! Thanks for sharing what you learned in good old JoC. I do love a New York cheescake.
Barbara … you really make me sick – *laughter – all this goodies and here I’m working my through cupboards and freezer. Haven’t had any cherries yet this season – not really ready yet, at least not the Swedish … love cherries … that bowl – could eat all those on my own. Pretty, delicious and tasteful … eye candy your website. An no calories.
I would have been so tempted just to cover up my “mistake” but you made it again! I really admire that you wanted to serve the very best for your friends. The recipe is great, and I appreciate that you have provided so many great tips on how to make an excellent cheesecake. I have friends coming this weekend for a reunion…we see one another about once a year, and have been friends since we were in the second grade! One of the gals is an excellent cook and wants to do some cooking for ME! Isn’t that fun! But you’ve really made me think about how preparing and serving special favorites is a gift to our friends. You do it so well, Smidge! D
Such a lovely post Smidge! I love the photos, words and that recipe is right up my cheesecake loving alley Thank you for sharing!
I’ll be your best friend if I can have some cheesecake
I was just going to write that I wanted to see the insides of that cake but then of course right at the end there it was – the money shot (so to speak)!
Smidge – one of the best looking cheesecakes I’ve ever seen. I adore cheesecake and could eat cherries all day long… I definitely once ate them all evening long. Lovely.
Friendships are among the best things in life – where would we be without them. I like the look of the cheesecake. And I love the collection of bottles and jars in the first image.
yummy! I will try this recipe when I get a chance. I hope ypu’r enjoying your summer. And I love those jars and bottles.
Delicious! Both the friends and the luscious cheesecake.
that looks so delicious
Incredible photography and design! This cheesecake is worth every calorie! Z
I was afraid the center hadn’t set.. in hindsight I should have left it overnight.. oh, well, live and learn:)
These cherries weren’t local but were very sweet. In our city, if we waited for local only, we’d have so little throughout the year, lol! Nope, not one calorie.. I’ll tell anyone you want..
Aren’t you lucky! I do want it to be perfect for guests.. my own family.. well, they’re used to being guinea pigs:) Thanks so much! xx
Thank you Sarah.. if you were any closer I’d send you over some, then you’d be over your sinusitis!!
Deal:D
Ahhh.. I had to wait for light the next day.. and there was just enough left for the shot! You can’t cut into the cake before the party just for your blog.. or can you?
Coming from you, this is the highest of compliments.. you’re such a talent cook/baker, frugal.. Yes, I remember one summer day when we picked cherries and ate more than we took home.. I was in heaven!
They are my best supporters.. I love my friends. I picked up 3 more amethyst jars today.. I love collecting these!
So far (day one) so good! I went antiquing and read my book and read blogs.. my favorite way to spend a day! I hope you are as well!
They are delicious (my friends)
Thanks!!
It had better be.. I’m trying to eat less today as a result:D
My mouth was watering when I read your post on FB this morning – YUM:) Thanks for sharing & Have a Lovely Day!
The images — that gorgeous deep red/black against white — and that gift of sisterhood. Oh, thank you, Smidge, for this. And that cheesecake must be amazing.
those cherries would never have made it onto anything in my house! Thanks for the tips Smidge. It is so good to have great friends you can rely on
I like this recipe.
You take such amazing photos, such vibrant colours… and then that recipe. I could eat the photos… but then I would need a new laptop
I got hungry just by looking at your post! =)
Your posts just keep getting more and more beautiful and special Smidge.
Mandy xo
That looks so wonderful, and the cherries are so plentiful right now, it’s a complete treat!
This cake is gorgeouuusss!! LOVEEE.
Drooling over here. I love cheesecake (who doesn’t??) and this looks so yummy I wish I could reach the screen and have a slice.
WOW! So beautiful, so beautiful… Thank you dear Barbara, this is something I can’t forget… Like a painting in my mind… Have a nice weekend, love, nia
Stunning looking cheesecake!
I’m not usually a cheesecake lover as I find them a heavy dessert but I love cherries so I’m sure I would love this one.
Oooh, cheesecake…I have never made one, can you believe it? And these beautiful pictures are enough to send anyone off to create one! Glad you had a lovely day with your besties
What fabulous changes! I can’t wait to redo my blog after the bar. I adore your new setup and the new header!
A beautiful post as always Smidge. That cheese cake looks amazing! Have a great weekend.
Regards Florence x
Aaah, I see this and I know I still have a long way to come in cheesecake baking! I usually stop at the crust+baked cheese part. Next time I’m totally going to go the extra mile and add a sour cream topping and some delicious fruit on top too.
Beautiful cheesecake Smidge! I bet it’s all gone now
Oh my…. Smidge this is beyond impressive. The colours, the taste (I swear I can taste it if I get close enough to the screen). Amazing post!
Oh my, you’ve really got me drooling Smidge… the cheesecake looks so darn good!
You too!
It turned it as I’d hope.. second time’s the charm I guess! I love my sisterhood…
Isn’t that true.. you’ve got to buy extra for snacking in the car…
Yes… now don’t lick the screen
It’s fun having birthdays.. I get to make something much bigger than anything we’d have here as a family:)
Thanks… it took a long time and was a bit of fussing and rechanging.. but I’m really really happy.. it’s pretty unique now:) Have a wonderful day!! xoxo
You too, Florence! xx
It is all gone.. (ssshhhh) lol! Now I need a run!!
Thanks, Aimee! I can’t wait to get reading blogs again, this has consumed so much of my time!! I’ll be visiting Clever Muffin soon!! xoxo
This cake looks UNbelievable! Glad I found your blog. Loving the photography and delicious-looking treats!
How did I miss this? I’m so behind with my blogs and when I saw this dessert I started drooling. How soon can I have one delivered?
Such is life – if only we could be paid to blog and cook huh? I wish…
Wouldn’t that be incredible??
This looks fantastic! And I can totally relate to the results of the first attempt. Still…I’m glad you wound up with this one.
Wow and wow! Cheesecake is one of my favorite weaknesses and love it paired with cherries. Your photography here is really stunning Smidge! (Not that that’s anything new!) Love especially those cherries on their white ruffled cake plate. Centerfold material! And loved reading of the sisterhood you share…nothing in life compares. xoxo !
Mistake or not…it turned out gorgeous!
Oh my, I’m hyperventilating! I need that cheesecake. But what are Graham crackers? Would good old Jacobs do? No good, I’ll have to go to a cheesecake shop.
Loving the new look, by the way.
I think graham crackers are one of a kind.. they’re what you’d use to make a s’mores marshmallows with chocolate over a campfire??
Nope, have to be the cheesecake shop for me!.
I wanted to say that like the website redesign! Clean and colorful at once. I also love cherries – and cheesecake – and the two together, well, yum. I also wanted to let you know that I added you to my “Community” page. I was surprised to see that I didn’t have you on there already. Thanks for your cheerful and pretty posts, and keep them coming!
We both seem to have a thing for cherries just like everyone else! Ha ha! Very tempting recipe. It has somewhat of a similarity with the cherry cream I posted a few weeks back.
I have nominated you for the TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF blog award. If you accept awards, please click on my last blog entry for more details. Best regards,
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Mary Ann.. it’s always so appreciated to receive awards! xx
Hiya Smidge ! I’m playing catch up with my blogs and I love the new site design ! Glad the delicious recipes and gorgeous photos are still there to make me crave cheesecake at 11pm when I read this
I’m in the same boat.. Always playing catch up!! I have about 100 posts to read still.. And slowly getting through.. I’m glad you stopped by:D
this looks ah-mazing. i really should stop looking at food blogs in the middle of the night. it kills me. i want to eat my macbook screen right now.
Looks yummy! Thank you for visiting my blog.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Beautiful cheesecake … beautiful berries … beautiful blog.
After incessant days of rainfall, the earth occasionally bestows upon us a rainbow. A few days ago, we were gifted with a double rainbow… a more than perfect luminescent arc that spanned from one side of the earth to the other. They were splendid double half moons of refracted light; an optical spectrum of colors…
Thanks for leading me to this post and to your lovely blog. Yes, I paint, but not as much as I photograph, sketch or make mixed media collages. So much I wish to do, and painting gets short shrift. But the words of paint tubes linger always in my head (like they do in yours). I just made an apple blackberry pie, but you have me craving cherry! My pie is looking like raw sienna with touches of rose madder where the blackberry juices popped through the slits.
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
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!
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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!
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Homemade muffins with cherries… The best! Now you have me thinking about cherry season! Have a wonderful weekend!
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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!
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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!