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…
I’m always running a few seasons ahead in my mind.. a few weeks ago I was dreaming about spring with my silvery pastel eggs and robin’s egg blues.. and now I’m dreaming about summer… and real nests.. Images of the lake and hiking along woodland forest paths trickle through my imagination and the remembered scent…
I am always so inspired by your amazing photos and ideas, thank you for sharing them 
Thanks, Andy! I’m back on Reader… it’s so much easier!! I’m off to visit your site!xx
Happy Easter Smidge and what a beautiful table setting you have created. I love that long stemmed glass bowl as it is the perfect showcase your cute little nest. I hope for the kids sake you will be stuffing that gorgeous little nest with lots of Easter treats for them. Wink wink wink. I hope the Easter bunny is good to you too. Take care, BAM
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You make the seasons incredibly beautiful, no matter what time of year.
Looks like a magazine spread to me.
Happy Easter.
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So very pretty! I could never do that…I’d knock something over in a minute
I love the flowers intertwined in the nest and the burlap is casual yet nice. I’m ready to pull up a chair to all that spring has to offer! Thanks for sharing your table.
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I love the combination of textures, Smidge! Spring is finally here xx
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I remembered it at the last minute.. it was for a cake I believe, from Winners.. a great find for sure! I think the Easter Bunny will like it:D Happy Easter, BAM!! Thanks again for all your help with the transition!xx
Loving that tablescape – simply beautiful:) Have a Great Day!
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Smidge – this is pure undiluted loveliness! So much so that a person might even forget to ever wish for Summer! Your house is a vision of Spring! Joy! Life! Happy Easter my good friend! xxx
I can’t imagine your home needing spring cleaning Smidge! I’m glad you turned up such inspiration though. Your table is beautiful. The little egg cups are my favorite.
This is just so pretty and I love the soft, muted spring colors that could easily translate into a summer tablescape, with a few summery additions. The embellished nest and the hyacinth planter are beautiful. I’d love to dine at your pretty table!
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So lovely!
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Exquisite. Exceedingly sweet. Hurray for Springtime! xoxo
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Such a beautifully presented post, Barb. Although I’m not quite ready for Summer yet, looking at that table setting of yours certainly could put one in the mood. You are just so creative and talented. Thanks for giving us a peek into your home. I hope you and all of the Smidgens have a wonderful Easter.
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I love your little nest and your table looks stunning. You have such a gift with presentation and styling and basically, all things creative. Happy Easter to you and all your friends xx
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Loved your work here Barb and thanks for stopping by
Your table is just gorgeous! The simplicity is in the details, and you’ve certainly added lots of beautiful detail! I love the little nest. Happy Easter to you and yours, Barb. You’ve created a stunning oasis over here at your site, and I linger over it when I stop by!
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Happy Easter Smidge xxx
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Thanks, Deb! I hope your family has a wonderful Easter as well!! xx
I love finding new blogs.. thanks for stopping in:)
Barbara, this is so beautiful … love that table setting – because you are not willing to open that cafe .. why not become a stylist – for interior magazine – you have it in all your senses. love the small jars with the daisies – I love the rustic setting and the white to go with it. If I sat down to a table like that I would never want to leave it.
Many years ago in Bruge, Belgium there was a restaurant owned by 2 gay men, one was a chef .. and the other was front of house and he had decorations like this on the tables .. that must been about 15 years now. What ever he could find in their garden: stones, twigs .. moss. They sold their restaurant 10 years and the new owner don’t have that touch or cooking skills. The most romantic little restaurant.
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Your creations are so beautiful…such a gift you have…Diane
Beautiful and I love hyacinths!
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Beautiful way of bringing the outdoors in to your home
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My lord where do you find the time. I honestly need to hear how you schedule your days. Your ideas, decorating and posts are totally inspiring but I’m thinking how you fit it all in – well even more so.
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You’re sweet.. I totally gave up watching television (most of the time) and it was amazing how much time I got back in the day.. plus my kids are, well, not kids any more so that makes things so much easier:) xx
Just gorgeous, I love it all! I think you need to fly to NH and help me decorate.
I’m on my way, April (be careful, I don’t need much encouragement;) xx
Inspiration can pop up just about anywhere.. with bundles of tulips.. or waiting in-line at the check-out and spotting glossy magazine covers brilliantly dotted with Easter eggs. I definitely had to pick up some baby pink tulips and a few ruffled tulip bunches for home. I hadn’t seen this type of parrot tulip before.. I…
Nice work!
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Many times our kids decorated eggs with sharpies, they always had a large assortment of sharpies for their art projects so it was perfect–far easier than Ukrainian eggs we did too. Ah, pink tulips, a basket of decorated eggs, spring is such a welcome friend.
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So beautiful. If I tried that it’d be a runny mess!
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I like having Easter decoration about the place but I am not sure I have the patience to attempt these. But I wish I did as they are so very pretty.
Very nice.
I adore ruffled tulips. Easter must be a festive and beautiful time in your house, Smidge! xx
My oldest son would love to tackle this Easter egg art project. A little more interesting than dipping them into dye. I love the frayed edges of your tulips and their citrusy colors. So pretty!
They’re beautiful Barbara and I love the gorgeous wire basket in one of the photos.
I know we’ve never met but I can imagine you would be the most wonderful kindergarten teacher!!
I feel inspired by your incredible spring no doubt 
Cheers
CCU
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Aren’t your eggs lovely? Your whole post encourages me that Spring is just around the corner. Have a wonderful Easter. I am with my sister and then we will go to the rest of the family for Easter. Can’t wait.
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I cannot remember the last time I blew an egg out of the shell
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What pretty Easter eggs ! Very fitting of your home, Smidge and OMG what beautiful tulips ! They are one of my favourite flowers and I have never seen them with those pretty ruffled edges.
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Eggcellent! – Sorry couldn’t resist Very pretty. I like the viney one best.
Now ain’t that something! Such a simple idea, Barb, and such wonderful results. In fact, I prefer them over the traditional dyed eggs. And rather than have kids messing with dyes, I’d give them markers, a dozen eggs, and tell them to have fun. No telling what they might come up with but I bet there’d be plenty of giggles in the process.
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Your home will be lovely for Easter with your pretty decorated eggs and flowers.
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Vewry pretyy indeed, am feeling inspired!
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Vewry pretty indeed, am feeling inspired!
a.dor.able…and of COURSE you taught kindergarten! Makes Perfect sense now! (And I do mean that as high compliment!) I’ve decorated our eggs with markers before too SMidge, after first putting on a pale dye of aqua, yellow or pink. Yours are cute as can be…kids Love making eggs their own! (Which no one likely knows better than you!) xxx
Great photos! And those eggs are so pretty – much better than the eggs one gets from those grocery store kits. Good stuff – thanks.
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These eggs are exquisite, Barbara! And your website looks even more lovely than usual. Happy Easter, when it arrives!
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Oh Smidge, how beautiful! Tulips AND eggs! I didn’t know we had Kindergarten in common! I taught Pre-K, K, and 1st grade at various times, and for many years. I had so much fun with the arts and crafts elements, not that I have great artistic ability, but working with that age I could get right in there with them and not feel intimidated. LOL! Beautiful post, my friend. Debra
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Such beautiful photos. You are so talented!
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They are indeed very pretty Barbara. Absolutely adore those tulips, simply gorgeous.
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They’re so beauuuuttttifullll….Diane
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Happy Easter to you and your family Smidge! Your little DIY project is a adorable and so creative. I bet even your big kids would like some of these in their baskets this year. Take Care, BAM
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The beauty that emanates from your site Smidge…it’s always such a happy feeling when I stop here. Those eggs are adorable and Miss A would surely LOVE them!
How lovely Smidge! I really love those parrot tulips! I have never seen them before either..They look really pretty..
and those eggs are really pretty and timely for Easter! happy Easter to you and your family!
Love those Easter eggs! They’re so adorable.
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Hi there – oh what fun you’ve had! I love the Tulips and heir frilled edges, I must buy some fresh flowers for the weekend! Hope you have a super Easter
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Barb these eggs are simply too cute. I don’t know what to do this year with my eggs. Thanks for the ideas
Gorgeous work!
What fun you had with these, Smidge. Mine would be smudged, not smidged!
So pretty! I was captivated from the first moment I saw them. Finding out how easy it is to make them is a bonus!
Who wonderful, Barbara – those eggs are far too pretty to eat … never seen anything like it. *smile
The shade of those tulips are stunning. This is true Spring for me and outside the sun has been shining for 4 days now, but chilly.
I wish you a wonderful Spring .. and thanks for bringing prettiness and joy to my sunny day too.
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[...] Barbara at Just a Smidgen. She really does seem like a lovely person, but you must check out this post to see how lovely her blog is. She’s a fabulous photographer, and obviously very creative, [...]
I have been called many names in my life.. nicknames, that is. ♥ Smidge, Little One, Barbie, Barbie-doll, Barbarian, and Pup-face. But one thing’s for certain, I will always be ♥ “Kid Sister” ♥ Being the only girl in a family of three rough-and-tumble boys had certain advantages.
You strike again! Great story, great photos, great recipe! I am the youngest of 6 and I am sooooo not going to tell the names they called me, especially what my brother called me. Not happening! t
Beautiful bread and a great trip down memory lane!
Thanks for sharing such priceless photos, memories, and recipe!! You are absolutely awesome. Hope you had a very blessed Easter
I love that photo of you all dressed up in the yellow dress – you were so cute! And what a wonderful childhood you had. I can’t relate to having brothers as I had four sisters but I can relate to a carefree time where we played outdoors and created our own fun. Great post! And you have certainly done John’s recipe justice. Great plaiting. xx
Great post, full of great love! You are all blessed to have each other! Despite being called Barbie, I’m willing to bet that with three brothers, you’d be pretty good in a fight, Smidge.. 
Beautiful story! I love reading your blog because it’s always full of captivating stories (: I have a younger brother and we shared a love-hate relationship haha. We used to fight a lot but we grew to appreciate each other (: The bread looks really lovely and delicious!
Your awesomeness is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your recollections of your childhood. I especially love how you capture the essence of needing to fit in whie maintaining your sense of self.
Childhood stories always have a resonanace that cuts through cultural differences and time because they are honest. I think that the appeal of such stories is that they remind us of the honesty and innocence that we look to recapture all of our lives.
Now that’s some mighty fancy braiding ya got there, Kid Sister! Before going further and as happy as I would be to welcome you to the family, understand that Sis may have something to say about this. Oh, it’s not that she’d mind having a sister. In fact, she spent much of her childhood wishing for you. Her response to you now, however, would probably be something like, “Where was ya when I needed ya?”
I am so glad you made this bread for your Easter dinner and hope you all enjoyed it. I myself baked 2 loaves last night (just finished snacking on a slice) and gave one loaf to friends. Now that I know the “Easter” recipe, I’m going to try adding different cheeses and some herbs. I’m not through with this bread yet!
I hope you & yours shared a wonderful Easter, Barb!
What fantastic photos Smidge! I love the stories and could just picture every game/scene. And I too was super impressed by John’s bread – and now yours! Love it.
And forgive me. I was so excited about your coming to our family that I forgot to thank you for the shout out. That was very kind of you.
Barb you kitchen looks so beautiful, I just want to pull up a chair and watch you bake! I was called Barbie and Barbie-doll too (and sometimes I still do!). Hope you had a nice Easter weekend!
Hahaha, I can just imagine;) I had a few of those along the way as well… xoxo
Those were great years:)
We did.. I’m sure you did as well?
My mom was here tonight, when she saw the photo she remarked that she had made that dress. She (and I) used to sew many of our outfits.. I hope you had an awesome Easter!
There was this one time I punch a school patrol for bumping me with his stop sign and I got called down to the office.. (shhh, mom doesn’t know about that one;) xoxo
Oh, man, the fights.. I left that part out. I think that would be good for a whole other post;) The bread (as everything of John’s) was just the best!
I’m sure she was the kid sister I was longing for my whole life as well! And I would have done an excellent job braiding her hair for her;) I can’t wait to see what else you do with this bread. As for me.. I’m thinking of a sweeter challah type bread for my next project. Everything rises so beautifully now that I use my little heating pad (Misk’s technique) ! It’s hilarious, but it works! And.. I love doing shout-outs.. for my newest “big brother”:) (Or maybe it’s little??) I hope your Easter was awesome!!
Thanks, Kristy, I’m sure we all have some of these (well, maybe not as long ago as mine;) The bread was as great as John promised.. and it did smell like heaven baking in the kitchen! xo
And I would love to have you over.. a cup of coffee too? That’s right, Barb, you would have had the same nicknames.. all in good fun! xo
I loved reading your post Barbara, I come from a small famiy only one yonger brother but we had our share of adventures and memories.
I admire John’s talent, cooking, style and dedication too and I can’t wait to give this bread a try
The forts on Spy Hill! I remember tromping about up there. It was the wilderness at the edge of the city. Kick-the-can…I got to play with my older siblings and their friends (I got to hide anyway) they just didn’t bother to find me! Thanks for the memories Smidge!
The egg photo is amazing: the yolks look like they are floating in the measuring cup. I’m sure the bread was delicious (and beautifully braided).
Awwww…so sweet! Great photo’s as usual hon. Love it!
*hugs*
What a fantastic post Barbara – I loved the stories and memories and the photos were incredible! When I saw this recipe on John´s Blog I decided I wanted to try it and now you´ve inspired me again. I don´t have enough parmesan to hand (maybe Celi at the Kitchen´s Garden could pop one in the post to me!) so will have to wait until my next “Big Shop” until I tackle it, but tackle it I most certainly will
Another great post, with your precious memories and beautiful photographs and delicious recipes… Thank you dear Barbara, it always so nice be here, Blessing and Happiness, with my love, nia
What a beautiful family! And that bread looks amazing : )
Your childhood sounds so cute and made me smile – scratch that, grin
I have one older brother and he treats me like a princess sometimes and like a nobody at others so I can relate
Also such cute nicknames – I love the change from Barbie to barbarian 
– wonder why they never released that doll version…
Anyways this bread… Oh wow this bread looks like a masterpiece – thank you for sharing
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
This post just warmed my heart and filled me with my own memories of growing up. Thank you for that, Smidge, and a very happy Easter to you.
What beautiful memories and stunning photos
Absolutely LOVED looking through all of your photos and taking a trip down memory lane with you. What fun, and how lucky you were to have such fun brothers that were willing to have you come along.
And the bread…just gorgeous and sounds delicious! You and John may just have to start a long distance bakery.
Oh how I enjoyed this Smidge!!! What a fabulous way to start my Monday, thank you so much for sharing your photos and memories. This was fun!
I love your bread too, it’s gorgeous! I hope mine looks as good as yours when I try it this week. Don’t you just love John’s blog? What a find it is!
What a gorgeous blog you have here!!!
Lovely read, childhood is the best time indeed. I was the youngest among my cousins, I had my share of names and bullies… But now thinking back, I loved every moment of it.
Lovely Recipe….
Lovely post! Happy Easter!
And your bread looks amazing too. I love how you braided it.
I was so happy to see you are from Calgary! Me too! I am moving back home in July and I am absolutely counting the days. I miss it so much. It is unlike anywhere else in the world and coming home is going to be wonderful
Thanks so much.. it’s so fun to reminisce… I’m sure it was as much fun back then as I recollect:)
We all have adventures:) He is a very talented chef and baker!
Hahaha.. I forgot you lived close to me back then.. It’s a wonder we didn’t find each other on the hill! Well, my brothers found me.. but I could never find them! Glad you enjoyed this today!! xoxo Smidge
John hit on a winner with that recipe.. it was so fluffy and the cheese wasn’t overpowering at all! Perfectly colored for Easter as well! Thanks for your comments, Sharyn!
Thanks, Sonel.. *hugs* back!
I highly recommend this bread. I hadn’t tasted it at the time of posting, but it was delicious.. fluffy, light and gentle in taste if that makes sense, lol! I thin Celi would do that for you!!
Many blessings to you as well, nia!
Thanks so much!
You’ve nailed it, we go from Princess to Frog in no time flat! Haha, imagine what a Barbarian doll would be dressed like? I’m glad you liked this recipe:)
I’m glad it did that for you.. we all have some great memories, don’t we? Still using your heating pad trick.. so cool!
Thank you, Tandy, I hope you had a wonderful Easter!
They were/are great brothers.. sometimes they welcomed, others they tolerated, but that’s to be expected:) A long distance bakery.. now that would be interesting!
Thanks, Sarah:) xo I do really enjoy his blog and everything I’ve ever tried comes out just as he has said it would! That’s not always the case with some of the baking websites I’ve found (none of our lovely WordPress ones, though:) I hope you try it, it was so delicious and smelled great in the kitchen!
Thank you so much, I am happy you stopped by today. I hope the bullies were few and far between:) xo Smidge
I would definitely have to agree with you, John is absolutely a great big brother. I could definitely visit his home everyday is I lived near for some wonderful meals . I actually love the technique you used to make this bread Barbara. And I loved your photos. I should also tell you.. to me you would be the ultimate big sister
This is all so sweet:) I’m sure John and I are both blushing with pride right now! I think you should drop in on John, and blog about it!! xo
Love all of these old photos…thanks for sharing! Oh gosh, I’m with you–I dunno if I could count the amount of nicknames. People have a lot of fun with our last name for some reason. I admire John as well…he’s crazy talented in the kitchen, as are YOU! This bread is gorgeous. x
I smiled when I read your memoir of childhood – it was happy and highly evocative. I too was only girl with just two brothers so as I read your piece I remembered some of the things we did and the games we used to play. Thanks xo
Now I really must make this beautiful bread! I just didn’t have time over the weekend and I’d been thinking of it since John introduced it to us…you have given it a new boost with that really perfect braid! I don’t know if I can make it that pretty, but this is a recipe I have to incorporate into our family…maybe we can all at least be cousins! The memories you shared with us are just wonderful. What a rich childhood to have so many fun times with your brothers. I hope you all are still close today! Debra
By the time I’ve read all the comments on your blog Smidge I’ve forgotten what I came down here to say…. think I would’ve liked to be a Kid Sis.
What fun photos and quite a trip down memory lane. It’s so nice that you have such fond memories of growing up with all of those brothers…it sounds like it was definitely exciting and perhaps a little dangerous. Your bread looks exquisite. I drooled after reading John’s post as well and guess I better had jump in and try it.
Great recipe and you are so lucky to have such wonderful pictures to go along with your memories. Makes me wish I had been less of a brat every time my mom brought out the camera. Who ever listens when their mom says you will be happy I took this 20 years from now lol
I went to see your blog:) Happy to befriend a Calgarian:)
Thanks for bringing us along while you travel down memory lane! I was also the only girl in my family, but my brothers weren’t as nice as yours (they never let me play!). I was just drooling over this bread on John’s site and now I see it here too…that’s it…I have to make it!!
I love your stories and the pictures are priceless!! Sounds like you had some very creative and fun big brothers to grow up with. (And I can NOT believe your teacher!). This bread looked so good on John’s blog and just as lovely here, too. And you know me and bread…
charming blog! So glad you wandered over so I could wander here Looking forward to following!
Mimo
Love the family history! So fabulous. And darling John’s bread looks and sounds scrumptious. A perfect treat to follow up the wacky adventures of certain adorable youngsters who’ve had a hard day of fort-building, tobogganing, and such marvels!
Smidge, what a beautiful account of your childhood to share with us all and with such brilliant photos! I have twin elder brothers so share some of your sentiments although I must admit mine were not always willing to say yes when I wanted to play.
You did John’s recipe proud! Beautifully done.
Mandy
It’s funny.. nicknames can be awesome.. or not:) John’s an awesome baker, eh?
It’s fun to reminisce for sure.. I think it’s fun for my family to read this too:) xo
I think anyone could make this bread.. the dough hook on the mixer made it easier and the dough came out really silken to the touch, and easy to manage:)
That sure happens here;) I would have enjoyed having you as a Kid Sis:)
Looking back there was so much excitement around our house, at the time I think it might have been a bit overwhelming on occasion, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Haha.. isn’t that true! I hated having my photo taken.. you’ll see I wasn’t in a ton of these photos..
Oh no!! The little stinkers! They’ll wish they had now that see you’re cooking and baking;) It’s a great recipe for sure!
There was just so much more to do, we were left more to our own devices (moms weren’t afraid back then) and no alternatives like tv or computers. I know you would love this bread as we all did:)
Same here, Mimo! Welcome!
Haha, it would have been nice to have a slice of that after a day of play! My mom was a good cook, but her choice of treats for us was Puffed Wheat Squares:)
Yes.. there were times I couldn’t play too.. but for the most part, I was tomboy enough to be included I guess..:) Thanks so much, Mandy!! xoxo
That is the most charming photo of you with the fish, and what a wonderful post this was! Your bread looks perfect, and it reminds me how much I want to try this bread. It’s the top of my “to do” list!
This make me nostalgic for the good old days of childhood! Such a nice, nice story and the bread looks fantastic!
Loved the story and photos. I think everyone that grew up like that were very lucky. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. You did a wonderful job with the bread.
What a beautiful post – I really could feel all those memories and was transported back there with you. The bread was almost the ‘dessert’ for this post, beautiful as it is!
Thank you, kind lady! Sounds like fun.
You took me right into your family, growing up, your games, your trips to the hospital. You name it, you took me along. I remember sledges and go carts and other ridiculous but fantastic games. Thank you. And now I’m looking forward to the woodstock phase
I saw John’s bread and thought about how much I’d love it, you’ve confirmed it! I’ll wait till I get home to do some baking though, I still don’t trust this oven!
Aw! Thanks for sharing such great photos from the past!
Hahaha.. Not sure I have too many photos of Woodstock, I was still a tad young, but remember the clothes??!! Awesome!
This bread is incredible, Smidge, I made it on the weekend too and am making it again for the Titanic dinner party! What a nice little trip down memory lane. It sounds like you had a great childhood.
Well.. There’s always a few bumps along the way, but it was a great one.. I feel blessed:) Glad you’ve tried the bread.. John is awesome!!
What a beautiful family you have! You just can;t go wrong with John’s recipes. They are also spot on. Take care, BAM
Oh, Smidge, what a lovely post! The memories and the pictures – marvelous! (I especially love the one of you in the huge yellow/gold dress and the one of your brother in his hockey gear – so approopriate, being from Calgary!!!) And I can’t believe your teacher did that to you. Jerk.
Also, I’ve told you before about my yeast fear…but this uses INSTANT yeast! I’ve been moderately successful with that! OK…I am promising you that I will try this…SOON!!!!!
You make the entire journey of cooking look so beautiful and enticing !
oh! being a girl growing up in a family of boys is world-expanding, wildly adventuresome, and crazy fun…mostly! it can also be confounding (nail polish on army men’s wounds, intentionally inflicted? really?!) and annoying (what IS their fascination with all possible body noises?) But the physical play, the inventiveness, the forts and adventures in the woods and mysterious “gangs” that lurked there (which of courses they didn’t) was SUCH a fun way to grow up!! I’m with you all the way Smidge, and LOVED being brought into your girlhood world!! Your (and John’s) bread looks amazingly good too!!! xoxo
Oh, spree… Did you grow up with brothers too (I should know this already, but my memory these days..). Yes.. What is it with those noises anyway, and the laughter was/is so infectious.. Unlike any other laugh, I think!!
[...] the bread gods must’ve been looking out for me because soon after, Smidge, at Just a Smidgen, made it, [...]
I don’t know if I can resist this bread either, Barb – it looks fantastic!
She rapped gently at the door that stood slightly ajar, the television emitting a low staccato of voices into the darkened, sparse room. Bending, she gently touched the soft flannel of the elderly man’s sleeve and asked if he was doing well and it seemed that today he was. The medications had been adjusted to…
I used to love the Velveteen Rabbit. Come to think of it, I still do, except that parts of it have faded in my memory now. But the excerpt you’ve chosen is exquisite and nostalgic.
What a great start to my day. Two very beautiful stories which really struck a chord, and bought a tear to my eye. Then an amazing recipe…wow your HC Buns look great…and a lovely mention too! I may have to make another batch and will give your recipe a go, before we officially declre Easter over. Or I could just make them without the cross! It seems it has taken us all a few goes to get them right….glad we all persevered
The velveteen rabbit is one of my most beloved childhood stories – still, your caption made me ache with need for the rabbit to be real *sad smile*
On a different note, once more a to die for picture post with such a festive and delicious take my friend – great work
Happy Easter!
Choc Chip Uru
Wow! Stunning post as usual hon!
They look fantastic – mine were all different shapes, but I didn’t get one that was heart shaped
Oh, your first story was so sad! I love your hot cross buns though. How delicious they look. I’m sure they’d be amazing straight from the oven xx
A dab hand with words and in the kitchen – a wonderful combo. Your hot cross buns are gorgeous! Thank you for the mention, and a very happy Easter to you, Smidge. xx
Thanks, Tandy.. What is the link for your buns so I can put it in my post:)
It’s my favorite Easter story.. I thought many would recognize it:) Happy Easter!! xo
My daughter wanted to make a batch.. and came home after I’d started. So it really made it easier to improve on the technique. I should do this with all recipes.. it was like getting a “second chance”:) I thought your looked gorgeous.. and I laughed when I got the crosses everywhere too!
Oh.. but he is “real”.. at least I’d like to think so;) Thanks so much!!
Thank you Sonel!! xo
It was, wasn’t it.. but I tried to give it a hopefuly ending.. I’m glad you liked these buns:) They were great straight from the oven.. two times over:) xo
Thanks, Misky… the heating pad worked a charm on helping the dough to rise in my cold house:) Your buns inspired me to try!! xoxo
I still have 3 Velveteen wabbits that used to belong to the kids! You have me sitting here seriously wanting one of those buns now! They look beyond tasty. And your photos? Fab!!! Happy Easter, Smidgey
Smidge – I have a set of those measuring cups. They were my moms and I love them! Have a wonderful holiday!!
Excellent! They are stunning, too. Bon appetit!
Time to pull out my now 18 year old sons copy of The Velveteen Rabbit! I loved being able to share a story I loved so much as a child with my own child and I look forward to one day sharing it with my grandchildren. Thanks for helping to rekindle some beautiful memories! And…lovely writing as usual!
The hotcross buns look really delicious! Your instructions are really detailed, I think I’ll try out the recipe one day (:
Such a wonderful, moving post, Barb. Your obvious skills in the kitchen aside, you’re a fine story teller.
Seeing all these delectable hot cross buns just isn’t fair! I’d love to bake some but I’d end up with far too many. If I decide to settle and buy some, I’d have half of far too many. Maybe if I made 1 big one …
I learn so much when I come here to your site, and it goes way beyond cooking…. these two texts left me fighting back tears, and wondering why would anyone fight back tears… let them flow, that’s the ticket
Happy Easter for you, and thank you again for yet another thought-inspiring post… with the magical photos to complement it all….
What a nice post. Great looking buns too. Just wonderful photos!
Beautiful work – on all aspects of this post!
What yummy buns!
Nice buns. (Sorry — couldn’t resist: someone had to say it). Happy holiday weekend.
The first story is very moving and beautifully told. Happy Easter xo
Grace indeed. Beautiful writing and poignant. I love parrot tulips and I love Hot Cross Buns. I just made a batch. These are my most favorite Easter taste and tradition. Happy Easter!
Wonderful post again… Happy Easter dear Barbara, you almost took me in a wonderful world with your amazing writing… And be sure, if I were there all these delicious buns would have been finished Thank you, with my love, nia
Sometimes, Smidge, I feel blessed to have the privilege of reading your posts – today was one of those times. Thank you for two lovely stories. I think your hot cross buns look most fine, and thank you for the linky. Have a joyous Easter! xx
I am feeling very much like the Velveteen Rabbit, loved but worn out. Went to cash in a gift card for a facial yesterday and she used to strong of a concoction and so I have a new look! A road rash look! Arggh!
Your buns look amazing unlike your new friend. HAHAHA! I know. I’ll heal….
My husband loves your header!
I loved your tender stories today. What gentle, loving treasures.
You’re so lucky.. I would love to have just one, they’re so cute:) Thanks and Happy Birthday!! xo
That’s so cool.. I bought these at a vintage store, they were missing 1/3 cup so no one wanted them.. they’re my favorite <3
Thanks so much.. it seems like yesterday we were reading that book.. Happy Easter!!
It was way easier than I realized, you’d have no problem if you ever give it a go!! xo
I think that’s the ticket.. then you can tell everyone you just had one:) Happy Easter!! xo
Thanks so much, Sally, it felt like a real risk writing and posting this. But my plan was to write what was in my heart.. and this was it today… Wishing you a wonderful and meaningful Easter:) xoxo
Thank you!! This recipe really made it so easy to succeed:)
Thank you, Hook! xoxo
Thank you and have a wonderful Easter!!
I’m very moved by the first writing…tender and sad, and yes, “real”–just hard to think about. And The Velveteen Rabbit always makes me cry! Really lovely post. And those buns look scrumptious! Wish I could make them for tomorrow, but they’ll have to wait. I’ll make them before long, though, I’m sure! Hope your Easter (tomorrow) is a great day! Debra
Happy Easter to you and yours, too, Barb!
Hahaha, that’s awesome;) Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to you and yours:)
Yay!! They will be my new tradition as well! I love discovering new recipes that turn into a family favorite!
Thank you, nia.. Have a wonderful Easter!!
Thanks so much, Celia.. and I was happy to find your recipe to link up <3 Happy Easter to you!! xoxo
Oh, dear.. of course that had to happen the day before the Easter weekend when you’ll likely be socializing with bunches of family and friends! Aargh is right! I wonder if that green aloe jelly would do something, it really helps heal the kid’s sunburns.. aloe is a natural healer. On the bright side, I know you’ll turn that into some sort of funny story for your blog soon!! xoxo Happy Easter xoxo Barb
Thank you so much, Ashley. Have a wonderful Easter xoxo Smidge
I’m glad my story touched you.. it was actually difficult to write, it affected me as well. I used to have a Velveteen Rabbit puppet (back in teaching days) and wish I knew what became of him! I can only hope he’s in good hands:) I hope you get the chance to make these, they were much easier than I hoped and any bread that turns out in amateur hands like mine must be a good recipe! xo Happy Easter to you and yours!
Nostalgia about the velveteen rabbit. I loved this story as a little girl and I completely forgot about it until I read your passage. Yes sometimes it does hurt to be real…. I know what your going to have on Easter morning. Your hot cross buns look so yummy and delightful- way better than the half of chocolate Easter bunny I ate this morning. LOL
Already eaten:) and I’m not so sure.. a half eaten chocolate bunny sounds mighty fine to me!! Maybe melt him down in some warm milk..
Next year, I will be trying to make hot cross buns myself. There is so much inspiration on the blog from everyones recipes. Thank you for letting me know what to expect. Your notes are very helpful.
A very touching story today Smidge – thank you.
And I haven’t heard of the Velveteen Rabbit before, another thank you
And hotcross buns – thank you again D)
The Velveteen Rabbit was one of my favorite stories as a child, thanks for the flashback. I’m having such fun seeing all of these different variations on hot cross buns. Yours are the closest to ones I am familiar with because you use the sugar cross instead of a flour one. I think yours look divine! Happy Easter!
Happy Easter Barb, thanks for sharing such a beautiful story. I was planning on making hot cross buns for Easter, but ran out of time! Yours look delicious.
Thanks Smidge! Yep I am going to write about it, but with family still here, probably won’t go out until next week..
A symbol of grace…I like that a lot Smidge. These look fantastic as usual! I’ve never made hot cross buns. Probably time we did though.
They were easier than I thought they’d be.. even those little crosses, once I got the right consistency:)
[...] Just a Smidgen – Good grief I love this woman’s recipes and I am so jealous of her food photo skills. I wanna grow up to take pictures like her! [...]
Your story is SO GOOD! I just love it Smidge, you are such a talented girl. I just love reading what you’ve written. It always makes my day….You never let me down.
Those hot cross buns! Oh dear! They’re gorgeous! I really should try those once too. I know we’d both love them.
It looks like you’ve had a wonderful Easter. I’m so glad! I hope your week is just as good!
xo
What a sweet tale of time and tulips and congratulations on the buns, they look fabulous
My sweet, that was a truly moving story. Deeply touching.
Lovely, Barbara. I’ve got The Velveteen Rabbit right beside me! I’ve been meaning to blog about it! I think it will wait. For now…I’m resting in your story.
I’ve only ever heard about the Velveteen Rabbit and it sounds just gorgeous. I must buy it for my niece’s next birthday and we can enjoy it together.
Smidge, as sometimes happens, I nearly missed this treasure of a post. Beautifully, tenderly told, I felt it as much as heard it. Thank you for a lovely start to a day – and a reminder that Each of our days (however corny it sounds) is precious and to be held and breathed and lived heart-forward and fully.
And your h-c buns are beautiful too! My mom makes them each year, filling her counters to over-flowing until she gives most of them away. xoxo
I think you are the sort of person who already knows all of this, already, in your heart:) xoxo I would love to see your mom’s counters laden with Hot Cross Buns.. Such a wonderful fragrance too!!! xoxoxo
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
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.
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… 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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So beautiful! And great recipe.
Trifect of awesomeness pretty much sums these up Smidge !
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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
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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.
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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!
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What a beautiful set up- food and all!
Please do tell who makes these ramekins. x
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That looks like a better version of souffle. I has risen really well
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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. [...]