What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Tag Archives: Poetry
A fire.. friends.. music.. and earthy nourishment surfeits the heart’s own hunger… To begin.. To continue… The main… And to finish.. It would be remiss of me not to thank my fellow bloggers for the wonderful blogging awards they’ve passed on to me. Although I can’t seem to get around to playing by the…
Barbara, thank you so much – honored – by the way you will be nominated by my tomorrow – so keep out for my post. That mushroom toast I will do – you’re the biggest temptress I know and the most lovely one too. Your soup is very close our yellow split soup that is our national dish every Thursday. You would love that.
Will send the shortlink.
Your poem is beautiful and touching. Just the love the word – snow-crusted. Thanks for being my friend.
Scrumptious tartines!
Jimini criminis Batman! That looks delicious. And lovely as usual 
Lovely post Smidge. The food looks sooooo delicious.
Regards Florence x
beautiful, where do you find the time for such sumptuousness .. have a glorious day, now i shall poddle off and see a few of your other friends! c
Awwwwwwww thank you so much for the shout out, Smidgey Poo! But you had me at Tartine. Yummmmmmmm xo
Oh Barbara, the sumptuosness of your posts bowls me over every time! I know exactly what you mean because I was midway through responding to a challenge post when the little speech bubble appeared in my top corner. I never can resist seeing who’s there, and here you are, in all your glory. Fabulous! (if only I could cook)
Seriously, I am thrilled to be mentioned in one of your posts, and I shall pop this in my favourites so I can visit all your lovely friends. (but not before I’ve completed my post- there’s a deadline, for goodness sake!) Thank you so much, Smidge. I love your work.
Lovely poem and beautiful post, as always, Barbara. The meal looks wonderful and I especially like the tartine.
What a beautiful post, Barbara! The first image with the poem is like a greeting card. You should print it and use it this Christmas.
Thank you very much for your words about me and my blog, I’m content knowing that people read it and enjoy it, despite the limitations expressing myself in English.
I too enjoy so much reading other blogs, and sometimes I can’t do it in the same day, so don’t be surprise to recieve a comment a week later… but better late than never 
Have a wonderful day Oh! Almost forgot, congratulations for the award, you deserve it
I always appreciate kind and grateful gestures towards fellow bloggers. Funny! I saw that Anthropologie bowl last year and I was tempted to buy it. Now, that I see how it photographs, I regret I didn’t Congrats on your award.
Really loved the poem.. quiet filling of feeders – watching… very nice… That’s some feast! All wonderfully done.
Mmmm! Perfect for the fast approaching colder winter season. Thank you
Nice shots and very cleverly balanced menu. Very sexy tastes.
Firstly, the soup looks delicious well done on being an amazing blogger!
Okay, now I am really hungry… Love the crostini!
Your poem is wonderful!
You are so welcome, it is fun to recognize bloggers that have been great conversationalists:) I’m happy to be your friend.. xx
My french is so weak.. I thought tartines were desert:D
Thanks, Sue.. and thank you for your last blog post shout-out:) xx
Thanks, Florence:)
I love your invented words.. “poddle” that is invented isn’t it? I hope your writing goes well today! xx
A deadline.. where does this deadline come from? You’re so welcome:) xx
You’re welcome
That’s a great idea, I’ve not decided on what cards to do this year, so thanks for the idea! You do a great job.. I can’t imagine speaking and writing in another language as well as you do!
They have so many cute bowls, don’t they? xx
Yes.. quiet is me:) It’s how I love to spend my days.. Thanks!
I’d like to think so ;D
Oh, Tandy, you’re a sweetie.. these little awards had accumulated over about half a year.. or more:) xx
That crostini.. was much better than I thought, I blame the wine:) xx
I suppose that was a compliment *laughing.
What a beautiful poem dear Barbara, you pictured so beautifully as your camera. Should be all so delicious they are all. Thank you, love, nia
Congrats on your awards!
Congratulations to you and your awards! You deserve every last one of them. The way you feel about Sue’s blog is the way I feel about yours! So gorgeous and delicious! YUM to that dessert!!
What a lovely poem, Barbara. And the line up of fall gourmet goodies is just beautiful. You know how I love split pea soup too, the crème fraiche is a beautiful addition, I’ll have to remember that.
Your post is making my hungry – that pie is amazing! Have a Great One:)
It’s a competition, to win a book voucher. I won’t win but don’t want to let the person down who nominated me, and it’s fun to do.
I’ve been back and forth now (half the morning it seems!) between here and some of your friends places and been filled to brimming. (Thank you for the introductions! I’m a soon-to-be-fan for the reasons you’ve stated!) I love the way you feed us here Smidge. Such goodness! Your poem (and the way you’ve presented it!) so Beautiful; your crostini (sumptuous earthiness we crave this time of year!), and that pie of yours (man!) – I go back to where I started…How very well you feed us here! xx
I need to read this again when it snows here. It will remind me of all the good things about winter – which sometimes is hard to do. Beautiful poem. And this meal looks delicious. I could fill up on starters alone! Congrats on all the awards. It’s a joy stopping in your kitchen/home/world every time Smidge.
I love stopping by for a visit! You always have interesting company – the comments are an extraordiny testament to a community that shares knowledge and encourages creativity. In a world that is fast losing the ability to have face to face connections, you have created a space to celebrate accomplishments and nurture friendships. By the way, did you change your blog look? Looks fantastic!
I love mushrooms on any sort of toasted bread – this recipe sounds yummy I especially like the sound of cream cheese. Beautiful poem and equally beautiful picture behind the words.
Beautiful post, Barb, I was oohing and aahing as each dish scrolled onto the page. Just the crostini and soup would have been enough for me, and then there was the beautiful chicken and dessert! Stay warm in this cold weather! xx
Another beautiful poem Smidge with wonderful words and I love the background behind it. I love the crostini with the cremini mushrooms. I think I could eat more than a few of those. Thanks for promoting some new blogs for me. I’ll be sure to hop on over and take a look xx
A beautiful poem, so evocative of the turn of the seasons. Such lovely looking comfort food for the cold wintertime, too. xx
Lovely post…from beginning to end.
Oooh…lovely mouthwatering food…love the mushroom tartines, yummy…the poem is beautiful and touching, Barbara:) Thank you for your wonderful words for Peri’s Spice Ladle. xx Peri.
Nice menu – I especially like the tartines!
What a beautiful post…I was transported into the cold, brisk air and snow, could hear the birds and could touch the ice on the limbs of the hawthorne. Then taken inside where it’s welcoming and warm to have some of those wonderful tartines and split pea soup. Thanks for taking me along!
It was a great meal, nia:)
I will be right over to enjoy this feast made for a king. Am I too late? Thanks for introducing us to your friends and looking forward to giving them a visit. Take care, BAM
The Snowbird Hawthorne is wonnnnnnderful, Barb. I love it. What a beautiful poem.
You guys are making my week with these recipes. Thank you so much! I love both of these. Between you and John, I can officially stop complaining about not having something good to eat (and something I’ll actually eat) at lunch time. Hubby will be so happy
Barb, where do you find the time? That is such an impressive line up of dishes. I especially like the Soupe aux Pois et Jambon. We just had this soup tonight for dinner — it is hardy, delicious and always very popular with the ponytails. I hadn’t thought of adding a little creme fraiche. Great idea! (And it sounds so much nicer en Franciase.)
Thank you from Down Under: such a delightful post to follow . . .
My ponytail is 21.. and my son is 19.. that’s how I find more time:D Although they still require a fair bit of supervision these days, lol! xx
Such a beautiful post, Barb. Here, we are so busy dreading the onset of Winter that we forget that, like all Seasons, it has it beauty. Your poem is a gentle reminder of that. Now this is some feast you set before us, made all the more enticing by your photography. The tartines would be the perfect appetizers. The spilt pea soup is a favorite, with the creme fraiche a very nice touch. And love the idea of bringing puttanesca flavors to baked chicken. Can there be a better way to end this fabulous meal than with a slice of your heavenly pie? I think not. This is one sumptuous meal, Barb. You spoil us.
Other than because I live in Singapore and there is no winter, I couldn’t have put it better than John ! Another gorgeous post Barb !
Because you are a true star … have I nominated you to “ ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ – http://wp.me/p293Pw-4c9
Lovely post Barbara! You are very kind, your dishes are gorgeous and I love your photography and poems!
Heavenly, from beginning to end.
Mandy xo
A feast for the eys and ears! Am having a bit of a love affair with mushrooms at the moment so loved the crostini!
First, that lovely, lovely poem. Then the mushroom tartines that immediately made me think of including them in the holiday open house I’m planning. I own Laura Calder’s cookbook and love it, but sometimes I need to see one of the recipes on a beautiful blog like yours or Spree’s to really wake up to it. And after that, the split pea soup with the surprise of cloves. Cloves? Now I’m intrigued… And throughout your post, tantalizingly beautiful photos. Then finally, the jolt of delighted surprise when I saw my blog mentioned and your generous comments. Thank you! What an amazing post this has been!
I love mushrooms, I love split pea soup, I love pie…what’s not to love in this post?!!
By the way, two questions: could I use lentils instead of split peas? Just curious if they’re interchangable. Also, I can’t ever get creme fraiche here – is sour cream the best alternative?
I’m not sure if you can substitute lentils.. Yellow split peas for sure. The soaking overnight process helps the thin skins to pop when they cook the next day. Then the soup almost becomes a puree all on it’s own. I’m not 100% sure, but maybe check a few lentil soups to see the texture? You could always use an immersion blender, but I don’t think it would be as creamy? Green split-peas are a little different.. All with a caveat.. I think:)
Thanks, Barbara!
This all looks absolutely delicious. Right now, I’d love to have some of that soup! X
Oh, and maybe just a swirl of heavy cream? I think sour cream could work as well, it’s not even necessary, just a garnish:)
Thanks again. I have attempted to make creme Fraiche, but haven’t succeeded in my two attempts…
I am in awe of your prose, young lady. Thank you.
Une bonne soupe aux pois et jambon… Quel bonheur! Reminds me of my Grand-maman… what a nice memory. Your delightful spread is surpassed only by the lyricism in your poetry Smidge. And I have to say, I just love the design, layout and feel of your blog. There is so much originality and beauty here.
Wonderful bountiful feast for friends.
Thanks Kelly.. I love the creative side of blogging.. Wish I could change it often, but then no one would recognize my blog:D
Wow.. I haven’t ever tried making that.. I should ask ChgoJohn.. he’s adept at making cheese.. maybe he could teach us how to make creme fraiche?
Oh, do ask, that would be so great!
Can I come for dinner at your house? It all looks amazing! (I love that soup bowl!)
There is no stopping by here for a quick visit. You’re definitely a destination and after consuming this entire post I have all sorts of new people to visit!
What a beautiful poem, Barbara. I love the way you introduce a calming tone and then invite us in to sample your delicious recipes! You have a hospitable blog site that represents you so beautifully. Each recipe is incredible, but right now I would just love some of that soup! And I read as many blogs as possible, too, for the pure enjoyment of experiencing life from new vistas. But I haven’t yet admitted just how many to anyone…It’s hard to explain to anyone not already a committed blogger, isn’t it? oxo
Firstly what a beautiful poem, secondly what a fest, thirdly I adore that bowl, did I say ADORE clearly enough? And what a lovely way to respond to awards, gently you.
I know what you mean about reading blogs – so many tales an dsights to be told and sahred. As Debra says above, its hard to explain… x
Thanks for reminding me of the beauty of winter through your poem, I am feeling wamer already. Did you make all those dishes for one meal? I am coming over right now.
beautiful words and beautiful food Barbara. (and like Claire said, the little bowl is gorgeous!)
Beautiful poem Barbara. You must have a beautiful heart to be able to write this way.
The line up of recipes are beautiful as well…and I have to say those little bowls are cute. Dishes are my weakness besides other things.
When I read your posts it makes me want to crash your house for dinner. (And then breakfast the next day.) (And possibly lunch.)
I love your mushroom tartines! I love that kind of food. That puttanesca chicken looks really sumptuous too! Your poem is really beautiful. Now I have this beautiful winter scene in my head.
The joys of reading food blogs, its travel and cuisine in your desk.
First of all congrats to the awards!
I enjoyed reading through your poem, lots of soul in it. But then I dont only know you as a great food blogger but also as a great writer and player with words. Please never stop any of these 2!
The Tartines make me feel hungry and the pea and ham soup reminds me of my grandmother.
I can taste those mushrooms though that image. Delish!
Lovely in every way, Smidge!
♥ “gâteau au café café cake caffè torta císte caife kaffe kaka” this coffee cake by any other name would smell as sweet.. though I’d much rather be wandering through a town in Europe this morning, visiting on a bistro chair, bundled against the chill air, in a tiny café with…
Pumpkin yumminess!!!
So much to say, Barbara: what a great idea doubling the recipe and making two cakes! Why didn’t I think of that years ago? And as for Europe, I do hope you make it over here to England one of these days. It’s worth the wander…
I’ve been there a few times.. but it’s never enough, is it:) I can’t wait to visit again!
I want . Love the poem…
Thanks, Boomie! xx
Years ago, I purchased an old, battered copy of Thomas Carlyle’s Sartor Resaurtus (I had to read it for a class), Tucked inside its pages was a piece of paper note. On one side were scribbled notes about Carlyle and his background. On the other side was a recipe for cake and frosting. I always though of the note writer–a woman from the late 1890s–mixing a cake and propping the heady book up to read as she did so. Somehow your poem reminded me of that strength.
Everything about this post Smidge, gorgeous. The poem has a haunting beauty about it, and the way you’ve “mounted” it feels simply perfect. Your photos are so lovely and set such an autumn mood, rapidly waning light, chill outdoors, huddling in, and the smells of baked pumpkin and cinnamon! This is just about all a person would crave or need on a wet and blustering day like ours…just this, and a fire and someone to share it with. Thank you for sharing you with us! xx
A stunning poem with mounting excitement for the big entry of the double batch of pumpkin coffee cake. What perfect timing! I have to bake for the bake sale this upcoming week and your have already doubled the recipe for me… Sounds like the perfect treat for this task. Take care, BAM
I have some pumpkin puree in the freezer (Ooooo … the real stuff) from Thanksgiving just waiting for the right recipe to come along. THIS one will make my kids sing for their dessert. Thanks, B!!
I have some pumpkin puree in the freezer (Oooo … the real stuff) from Thanksgiving, just waiting for the right recipe to come along. THIS one will make my kids sing for their dessert. Thanks, B!!
This looks so wonderful! Can’t wait to try it!
What an incredibly lovely cake, and freezing the second one is pure genius, Smidge. Perfect spices too for this dreary rainy day— of course, it’s still better than a foot of snow
This looks utterly scrumptious
Your poem is beautiful and the pumpkin coffee cake looks absolutely superb!
How wonderful a memory.. the book, the recipe.. the note you’ve found. I think there’s a poem in here too… thanks for visiting here this morning! xx
It sounds like your weather is not ideal, too, spree.. although, I think I see hoar frost gathering on the chickadee-filled branches of the tree outside my window this morning.. I have a lot to be thankful for:) xx
Thanks.. it was a lovely cake, I can’t wait to defrost the other! I hope it works for your bake sale! ps.. the first poem was spectacular too, until a wordpress glitch deleted it when I hit “save”.. I was quite distraught!! Lesson learned.. to copy and past to Word first before hitting save! Have a great day! xx
I’d love to hear them sing!! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did! xx
Thanks.. it’s a pretty one!
Haha.. trying to get smarter about my baking:) Yes, rain is better I think, well, the snow is looking awfully pretty.. just freezing!!
Thank you, Tandy:)
I loved how it turned out just as I saw in the other photos.. it’s a photogenic cake, I think;)
I love that poem, so evocative of the moment. And I love the way you framed it on the manuscript paper. It’s lovely to see an unusual recipe featuring pumpkin. Here, I usually only hear of pumpkin pie or soup, and since I’m going to have two pumpkin centres to use up in a household that’s never really eaten pumpkins before it’s nice to know there are all sorts of ideas. xx
Beautiful Cake – thanks for sharing a great recipe, especially for during the holidays and get togethers. Happy Sunday:)
Gorgeous cake! I’m sure that it’s going to be the hit of your EO meeting!
I love reading your recipes because they are always so inventive. I wish I could write poetry – your poem is a wonderful and thoughtful gathering of words – I especially love the vivid imagery in the last verse.
I love that cake, I really, really do…..but….that poem Barb. It is just perfect…beautiful. I love it so much.
You certainly have a way about you that just makes my day….
Your first couple of photos sent me to heaven my friend, brilliant
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I am thankful that looking at your photos doesn’t put on weight…because I would have been a little heavier since following your blog….every post is filled with joyful expectation. Yummy comes to mind…
Just beautiful!
Barbara, another stunning post .. love your poem and the layout of, so beautiful.
Then we come that stunning cake – wow …. !!! Next time I go to the states do I have to buy pumpkin puree.
Not to be find at any supermarket. Thanks for the indulgence
Such a beautiful post, Barb. The verse, photos and that cake. Oh, the cake! Everything fits together so perfectly but that cake! It’s the streusel. I see streusel and my heart skips a beat. Get this: for the first time ever, I actually have 5 cups of pumpkin purée that I made yesterday in the fridge. (YAY!) So, this cake, this wonderful streusel-topped cake, is very close to becoming my reality. Now, all I need do is finish the apple pie I baked so that I can clear the deck, so to speak, to make room for coffee cake. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet and I can feel the belt tightening around my waistline. (You’d think in this day and age they’d figure out a way to make leather that doesn’t shrink in Fall & Winter’s cold weather.)
I will let you know how mine turn out. In the meantime, I’m “pinning” this recipe so that I can keep track of it. Thanks for sharing.
Loved your poem, got mesmerized by the words and “atmosphere”
great cake too, coming to your blog is always such a pleasure!
You are an angel Smidge! Shall we go and sit in the cafe and watch the world go by while sipping a coffee and eating a cake?!
Looking rather amazing – seriously. Beautifully decorated!
So let me get this straight: you write beautiful poetry, you raise wonderful kids, you bake and you’re no slouch in the looks department, either? To top it off, you even find time to visit Wattpad and comment on your friend’s stories?
How do you do it all and stay sane?
Beautiful cake! And I feel your wanderlust.
The top of your cake looks absolutely gorgeous!
Hahaha.. I work too, don’t forget that one;) You’re awesome yourself.. I’ve been sick, so that means lots of time home tucked under a blanket with my computer! Thanks!
Oh no… Barbara. However I am sure the words were all still there in your mind, just had to get them back on to paper. IT glitches are the worst. Take Care, BAM
I love the idea of the cinnamon in the glaze, I can see how that would be amazing flavours with the walnuts. And you did such a pretty job of drizzling it too, looks so decadent.
I made a pumpkin spice cake, but I will definitely try this! I must have had a premonition since I looked on your blog for it on Monday before I made it from an online recipe! Hahaha!
A fantastic poem, Smidge, and you’ve baked not one but two cakes! And this coffee pumpkin cake looks so delicious and just perfect for an afternoon tea. I’m about to start making my Christmas cakes. I always make more than one as they are a wonderful gift and so like you, I’ll have my kitchen benches full of ingredients with many cakes on the go at once xx
Looks like a wonderfully moist cake.. and I cant say how much I actually love streusel on coffee/tea cakes. Love the addition of a different texture which makes it lovely to eat. and that poem of yours is simply dreamy and beautiful! xx
Thank you.. it’s fun finding backgrounds. A blogging friend suggested I do so to enable her to click and print out a poem if she likes it. So now I get to be creative with the setup:) I know you’ll have fun with your pumpkin.. it can be used in so many recipes! xx
Thank you!! I hope you have a lovely week.. are you anywhere near the storm? xx
We’ll see about that, I think they will like it.. but these gals are on different dietary restrictions;) Thankfully I’m not:D
I think anyone can write a poem.. it is your own voice we would enjoy “hearing” when we read it. Everyone has the right to their own style of voice and poetry, I think… and thank you so much!! xx
I have to thank you.. because of you I look for poem backgrounds know that will fit the poem.. so much fun:) I hope you have a wonderful week too!
Thanks CCU.. but I thought you were already in heaven.. you seem like an angel to me.. or maybe the chocolate fairy;)
Oh, dear, I have to share my treats or I would be heavier as well:) Thanks so much!
Thanks!
I have the same problem here.. I read about so many neat ingredients and I can’t believe no one carries them.. it’s time I opened a store, lol!
Oh, I knew you were making puree! It’s just the best because it’s so versatile! No need to clear your apple pie deck too soon.. slowly and savoring every bite would be my idea of a way to enjoy that pie!! I keep forgetting you haven’t had Thanksgiving yet, I’m so glad our Christmas and Thanksgiving are a little further apart… it gives me more time to exercise before Christmas, lol! I’ve given up on leather.. gone to cotton and stretchier fabrics:D Have an awesome week!
Thanks, Sally.. I’m always so glad when you visit:) xx
Now that would be just fantastic.. what sort of cake would we find in, say, Italy, at this time of year? I can only imagine!
That’s what caught my eye when I saw this recipe.. it’s simply the effect of the nuts covered by lashings of glaze, but it looks pretty striking. It was fun to do!
Soon, I hope! Wouldn’t it be great?!
Thanks:) xx
The drizzling was fun, I have to admit:) xx
Too funny.. we must be on the same wavelength!! xx
Christmas cake!! Yay!! I haven’t made one for years.. decades actually, what is wrong with me?! I can’t wait to see your recipe and photos!!
I love the streusel bit as well.. I almost could have put more in the center and less on top, but it was hard to judge with two cakes on the go:) Thanks so much for your kind words!
And when you share, the calories shrink in proportion to your sharing. It really is the best of all worlds…
We must be! Hahaha!
What a beautiful cake. I love the glaze that drips so perfectly over the streusel. The poem is really perfect for the occasion! You are so multi-talented, Barbara!
Wow, looking at that just made me speechless…..
Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Coffee Cake sounds just perfect and looks the part too!
Mandy xo
how beautiful poem… and your cake seems that I can eat them all Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia
the poem evokes a feeling of satisfaction a yet longing. And the cake is just perfect! We have enough pumpkins to add this to the rotation! Just lovely!
Fantastic photos Barbara, just makes me want to take a big bite out of this scrumptious cake!!
Stunning, photos, poem and cake! I wish we could sit down for a slice and a cup of coffee right now Barb!
Wow, that coffee cake looks downright professional, gorgeous, and delicious!
Oh YUM! Mail me a slice?
So beautiful, Smidge! I was drooling when you first put the photo up on IG!
Wow Barbara! That cake is beautiful… you are an artist
Your muse stands close to you at your writing desk and in the kitchen… Both pieces, your writing and your cake are full of depth and lovely. …x
Beautiful, both the cake and the poem.
Another lovely, lovely post and a beautiful cake. I love coffee cakes. I always used to make a cinnamon coffee cake for my Dad. He’s gone many years now, but when I make it my daughter still exclaims, “Petje’s cake!.” Recipes hold so much more than instructions for baking … memories, a sense of family, a feeling of being in the company of a loved one gone but somehow near.
Thanks so much, Debra.. it was an easy one to make pretty!
Hahaha.. if you had a piece, you’d be speechless to.. busy eating:) Wish I could send you some!
It really is a great seasonal recipe.. that’s why I had to make it!
Thank you nia.. I wish you could have a piece with me!
Thanks.. it’s great to get a bit more detailed feedback on the effect of a poem:) I can just imagine how many pumpkins you have!!
Yay for Instagram.. it’s a great place to visit when I’m out and about!
I hadn’t thought of it that way, Wendy, thank you! xx
I think that’s why there are so many food writers/bloggers out here.. it is so much more than about the food! xx
Thanks, Richard!
I think the cake pretty much decorates itself it’s so quick.. but I still say Thank you!!
How does one mail food? I know companies do it.. but to make it survive the ordeal and look pretty? I’ve always wondered!
It’s such a pretty and easy cake to make.. I like that in a cake;)
Me too, Geni.. it would be great to have all of us meet for a cup of joe and some cake one day!
Thanks, Rhoda.. I took a few big bites:D
I’ve never really thought about it, actually… I suppose with custom-made packing boxes and refrigerated cartons? (And exorbitant shipping costs! lol)
Barbara if you ever end up in europe then I better be there to meet you and then I can take u to some cool places to hang out! =D
If you do come please bring that coffee cake, it looks so perfect addictive and wanton!
Looks absolutely unbelievably delicious! Might have to try a gluten free/dairy free version. Beautiful poem.
Thank you for this gift, Smidge. The beautiful cake, that gorgeous poem and the way you made something lovely from loss. How perfect all of this love is for a fall day.
You are so clever with words, sure wish I had a tiny, tiny bit of your words talent.
Great idea to double a recipe and freeze, doesn’t take much more time at the moment but sure saves a great deal of time and comes in so handy at a later date.
I know … I come and help you !!!!! We can sell beautiful cakes … and fantastic salads too … *smile
Simply gorgeous Barb. Your photos convey the same feeling as a warm cozy blanket — you just want to curl up with a piece of that cake and a cup of tea . . . and then call in sick. Lovely.
Heavenly Smidge! And I can just get lost in your poetry. It always makes me think, relax and feel inspired.
Oh I do love me some coffeecake and that topping looks heavenly to me!
I have tasted pumpkin pie for the first time a few weeks ago and I found it lovely. this looks and sound even better! thanks for sharing. xox
[...] “caked-out” from my daughter’s birthday and the Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Coffee Cake [...]
You know what??? I would happily have 2 slices of this cake… it looks amazing! I was so tempted to buy a slice of coffee cake when we were in the US last week, but I resisted. This one has got my name all over it. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
I have missed so many of your posts, I made myself a cup of ginger honey tea and I am ready to catch up
This blew me away! this has to be the most amazing cake I have seen with pumpkins in a long time!
I have guests coming over tomorrow and I have already made everything but I just might get up early just to make this!
Perfect pairing of food and words!
You forgot the butter in the batter ingredients- (I think it’s 2 sticks or 1 cup)
Thank you!!!
I have entered the Canadian Top Blog 2012 Awards Please, please, please click this link: http://cdnba.wordpress.com/ Then click on the top left hand tab for “Best Blog about Arts, Crafts, Cooking and Other Creative Activities”. Scroll down to “Just a Smidgen” Select it then scroll down to click Vote! Egad!! Just saw I was Nominated…
Done deal….
Do I get an I voted sticker? I did it. And it was easy. Good luck to you!
I am cheering you on! Done.
Done – good luck!
Fixed. Sorry. Thought you were a midgen.
Wishing that was a word.
Jk
Of course. Just voted for you. Good luck and I would think you certainly deserve to win xx
Ok, Midge, I’ve voted! Who deserves this more? Simply None! xx
Voted –good luck!
Hahaha I always wanted to be called Midge or was it Madge? Thanks Spree!!
Sent from my iPhone
I wish I could vote for u a million times – deserves it much?
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
They’ve added the S. Do I get a cookie for voting? LOL
Voted…good luck!
Good Luck dear, Love, nia
Done!!
All the best!
And Happy Thanksgiving!
Good luck–will keep an eye out for your results.
I voted for you!! I hope you win =)
Done! And congratulations!
Done! Good luck!
Done
I’ve got a few ideas in mind, lol!
Thanks
Hahaha.. you can call me “Midge”
Now that’s an idea!
Voted !!!
Done and done! And always! All the best to you Barbara… And this is exciting! Keep us posted!
Done! Best of luck to you Barbara! And please let us know : )
You have my vote. Good luck Smidge! BAM
You have my votes ! GOOD LUCK !
Done. Love it when you don’t have to log in, register or “like” something to vote. Easy is good.
Done, all the way from Australia and with great pleasure! Keeping my fingers crossed for you !
Got you covered!
You’ve got my votes, Barb. We’ll talk about my fees later, once you’ve won.
Good luck!
Hahaha.. I’m thinking about that one actually
Done!
You definitely deserved to be recognised/rewarded for your lovely blog, I’ve voted for you Good luck
I have voted for you midge xox
Done! best of luck
Right, voted for both Smidge and Midge – seems they had it right in the first category. Best of luck Smidge, you are most deserving of a win!
Mandy xo
Done and done.
I’ve voted.. Good luck Barbara!
Done Smidge/Midge
I hope you win!!!
Done dear Barbara! =)
Voted at both sites. Good luck!!!!!
I have just voted. Here’s wishing you and your lovely blog lots of luck. xx
Gave you the arts, crafts, etc. vote, Smidge. Had to go with Shira on the food and drink list though — good luck to you!
Am off to click for you “Midge”!
Thanks so much, Sharyn.. it’s a tough competition for sure! xx
CONGRATULATIONS! I am so excited for you!!! Just voted! Boy, they made it EASY to vote! I like that they didn’t ask me for a Facebook page, twitter account or credit card! Lately, these voting things require so much nonsense. Good luck!!!
How great! Good luck. I’d love to see you progress right up to the top! Debra
That was exciting!!! Voted for you with my very best wishes! I love visiting your amazing blog!!!
When I went over to vote for you I saw that our blog had been nominated for best travel and expat blog! Just voted for you in both categories, I’m at http://www.thelocaltravelerns.com if you would like to consider voting for us. Good luck!
PS – they fixed your name now!
Absolutely! I wonder who else is there and doesn’t realize!? Off to vote !!
Sent from my iPhone
Have voted. Good luck!! xx
Done and good luck! Hope you win them
Done, good luck!!
Have voted for you !!! Good luck hun
Done and here’s hoping the best person wins…YOU….Diane
ooooh, how exciting. I was just there and voted. It looks like they fixed the typo! Good luck!
Yay!! I didn’t mind being Midge (Barbie’s best friend) for a while, though:D
Hey Midge
Done!
My vote has been cast!
I still don’t get why I’ve never heard of these awards; did you have to nominate yourself, or did someione else? I hope you win; you deserve it!
Good luck to you with the awards. I have a Canadian coworker and she is a RAGE. She makes me smile every day – so happy because of her, at work
Your pages are really professional – they look marvellous. How could I not click & vote. Good luck.
Thank you so much!! Your friend sounds awesome!! It is sweet of you to vote! xx
How cool is that!? Congrats..good luck!
♥ Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous day of giving thanks for those who are near and those in our hearts. ♥ I searched far and wide (not really, they were at the second store I phoned) for Sugar Pie Pumpkins { I ♥ their name! } and found some at Planet Organic Market I…
Looks like heaven! mmmm. I can smell them through your pictures.
These looks so seasonal and wonderful, warming and full of the good thoughts you put into them, Smidge! x
What touching words! I love the name of those pumpkins
Beautiful!
Mandy
Thank you for sharing your words of thanksgiving wisdom. They remind me to live, to love and to thank.
Thanks for sharing! These look great!
They did smell like “autumn”!
Thanks!!
Me too.. just says it all:D
Those cookies look adorable! Thanks so much for this triple-recipe post! : )
There sits a draft
On my heart
Where your head
Once lay.
Just too beautiful, I had a hard time going back to a cooking mode and pay attention to the recipe…
Thank you for another beautiful post!
So sweet! I love the cookie idea, mmm.
Happy thanksgiving to you to my friend (has it snowed there yet?) he he he! We’re getting to the single digits at night this weekend in cottage country which is where I will be. Someone else is baking the pumpkin pie otherwise I would have been all over this recipe. I’ll be backing up a storm tonight to take to my brothers…no rest for the wicked!
These look heavenly my friend, what a other gorgeous post
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Yum!
OMG – mouth is watering reading your post – loving your post – great photos – thanks for sharing! Happy Friday:)
Lovely poem – very poignant last line. Happy Thanksgiving – I am not sure exactly what day it’s on in Canada but enjoy your time with your family. xx
Can’t decide which I want to try first — they both look beautiful!
I love the look of your organic pumpkins. I wish that variety was available here. I’m always so aware of Fall in your part of the world as I start to see so many pumpkin recipes. I’ve never heard of pumpkin cookies! It all looks so beautiful as always. (I just had to google the date of your Thanksgiving and found out it’s always the 2nd Monday in October). So have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and it seems such a wonderful holiday I wish we had it here xx
Pumpkins say fall, don’t they? I love them. Your cookies look chompable. Your poem is heartbreaking.
Happy Thanksgiving! Your poem was poignant and your recipes sublime – particularly the muffins! YUM!!
Well this really has moved me to get some pumpkins. Fortunately, there is a farmer down the street…I’ve heard he’s got beauties for carving and cooking. I’m calling him tomorrow!
gorgeous, Barbara – love the photos!
Another great post. I’ve never made pumpkin puree as I always thought it was a lot of work but actually it’s not. Will have to give it a try. Thanks for the lovely recipes too
Oh, what a golden post, Barbara! I have never cooked pumpkins. Those cookies look really inviting though….
I hadn’t either.. it was so simple I wish I’d tried before. The taste is much more subtle as well:) Thanks!
I hope you give it a try:)
Thanks!
I think straight from a farmer would mean that your pumpkins would have the most flavor possible! Good luck!
I’m glad you enjoyed all of it:D Happy Thanksgiving to you!
It was a tough one to write.. but it speaks of the loss we feel at celebrations like Thanksgiving when not everyone is at the table with us as we’d wish it. Have an awesome weekend!!
I’m surprised you don’t since we share so much in common? I saw a princess pumpkin that was just like cinderella’s.. I almost bought it just because;) xx
The cookies were the show stopper for sure.. but the muffins were the healthy ones:D
Thanks.. We are celebrating it tomorrow! So I have to get cooking today:D
You’re welcome
xx
Thanks CCU
Hahaha.. laugh away, it did snow but thankfully it has melted. Even with single digits, I’d love to be in cottage country for Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful celebration!!
My mum thought they were muffins;D
It was a bit tough to combine poignant with happy.. I’m glad you liked it Sally! xx
It’s hard to get writing often enough these days.. so I figured the only solution is to combine recipes on one post. Thanks for stopping in! xx
I’m glad to have reminded you.. I’m always trying to remind myself when I’m running around baking and cooking:) xx
Thanks, Mandy! xx
This has Autumn written all over it and I thorough enjoy it!!
Have a wonderful weekend!
http://TheSquishyMonster.com
Thanks:D
Lovely Barbara. Teamed up with a little espresso, I’d happily have 2-5 of your little pumpkin cookies
Those pie pumpkins are just too adorable for words! We went to a local pumpkin farm this morning, and bought 6 of them. So, according to your calculations, I’m going to have LOTS of pumpkin puree (I plan to freeze mine). That’s a good thing, because pumpkin is the only pie all my offspring can agree on. I am REQUIRED to provide pumpkin pies for holiday meals. My daughter made pumpkin cookies last night, and I’m going to try a variation of them soon. I’ll probably look at her recipe and yours, and then cobble together something of my own. Part of the fun of cooking, isn’t it? Happy Thanksgiving!
Love pumpkins and I share the love alone in our household 
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your near and dear ones Barbara! I hope your home and your heart is filled with the blessings of Thanksgiving.
That does sound good right about now!! Well.. maybe decaf;)
Awesome.. if ours are about the same size you should have twice as much as I.. perfect for freezing! I love pumpkin pie but may not get to make it this year. But there’s always next week:D I’d love to see your version.. there were several online to choose from! xx That is the best part of cooking/baking! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
You’ll just have to share it online with us:) Happy Thanksgiving to you.. love and blessings!!! xxx
You spoil us, Barb. The verse and recipes are perfect for the Thanksgiving Holiday and time of year. As you can tell, I’m a bit behind in my reading but I wish I had seen this before I went to the market this morning. I really like your idea of using roasted pumpkin for pies, muffins, and cookies. It’s a real improvement. Next week, pumpkins are on my shopping list.
I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Barb, the memories of which you’ll all cherish for years to come.
Looks like you and yours are going to have a yummy thanksgiving. Lucky people. I won’t be making thanksgiving dinner this year but will be making the gluten free muffins on my return home.
I could just eat that roasted pumpkin!
That sugar pie pumpkins look amazing!
Fabulous – I shall enjoy punmpkin pie vicarioulsy through your blog!
What a beautiful post all around!
I’m so glad to see your technique in baking the pumpkins! You even do pumpkin baking with style, Barb! And the recipes are lovely, too. You’ve been busy. The verse is wonderful, and i’m back to encouraging you to continue with your beautiful poetry. I wonder if you have any opportunities for public readings? I think you’re so talented! Debra
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Love the words and photographs as always. So incredibly inviting and lovely.
Lovely pensive verse. Love the simplicity of the roasted pumpkin!
Those sugar-pie cookies look positively divine… with a big mug of hot tea, they look like just the thing I need to ward off the early autumn chill!
I tip my hat to you for taking the extra time to hunt down some sugar pie pumpkins to make your own puree. I’ve been meaning to do that for a while, though I fully admit to cheating with the canned stuff in the meantime… it’s just all too convenient. 
those sugar pie pumpkins look adorable!! thanks so much for the tip to make homemade pumpkin puree i’ll be sure to try it!
[...] end of October. And then it happened…. I received an email update from Barbara Bamber from Just A Smidgen with a recipe on how to roast and puree a pumpkin. Thanks to Barbara, I got a big chunk of my [...]
I know what I will be doing this weekend . I have three sugar pie pumpkins sitting on my counter. The cookies look really good and I think I will start with that. So true the flavor is so much better than canned. I don’t know why I keep picking up the cans! But no more now!
These look awesome!
Mmmm….looks delicious! I bet your house smelled just like Fall. And who can resist something called a “Sugar Pie Pumpkin”.
I utterly love your blog. I am about to put my adorable little pumpkins in the oven. <3
[...] need of sugar pie pumpkin recipes, I’ve got just the blog for you. My friend Smidge, from Just a Smidgen, posted several most delicious sugar pie pumpkin recipes recently, and as well, gives a lovely [...]
Beautiful poem!!
Both the muffins and the cookies sound gorgeous. Sugar pie pumpkins are wonderful! I can’t get them in the UK, but I remember them from when I lived in Canada.
[...] around Just a Smidgen the other day and saw her lovely way of roasting pumpkins and I knew I had to try [...]
[...] was just too tempting to resist! And why would I anyway? I had wonderful little frozen packets of roasted sugar pie pumpkin at my fingertips.. all I needed was some time and a bottle of white wine.. oh, and to be sure.. a [...]
I have never roasted a pumpkin for pumpkin puree. Have been scared of it. But you had me at “it’s as easy as roasting any squash”! Now, I am inspired. And 10 1/2 cups of puree from 3 pumpking? I am sold. All of these dishes look amazing and Iove how you shared various ways to use the puree!
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
This just hit me at the right time…THANK YOU so much for this you have no idea…
It was a difficult one for me to write.. but I promised to be authentic here. I’m so glad it helped you in some way? xx
Very beautiful Barbara ~ could feel the emotional charge with each verse. x Robyn
I have a tear running down my cheek and I have goose bumps! Barbara it is beautiful. Hugs to you. BAM
Beautiful Barbara! Lovely poem & quote – thank you! Happy New Year!
Yesterday was but a cancelled cheque and tomorrow a promissory note: it is the today which counts . . . when we were small . . . when we learned what it all was about, this > brought us to today . . . .
So beautiful Barbara x
And so we continue…
A beautiful and special post, Barb. Your verse, the photo, Emerson’s words. You’ve combined them all to create a moving piece. Thank you.
Amazingly put. As always beautiful words!
Moved me. Touched me. Made me think of my daughter. Thank you. I always enjoy your posts.
BEAUTIFUL!
Mandy xo
What an apt quote and beautiful poem Smidge! Last night my sister found photos of us as kids so this title was perfect for me today
What a beautiful post, your poetical spirit talks into the words and also in these amazing photographs. Fascinated me so much, Thank you dear Barbara, with my love, nia
Lovely post. Glad we haven’t got that much snow – I’m cold enough as it is:)
Wise words, Barbara. Gorgeous photos, too.
What an amazing piece
Beautiful – very moving…
That was simply beautiful my friend…
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
While my hands are often pressed against crayoned papers these days, I know it won’t always be this way. Thanks for the reminder to embrace and enjoy each stage, as each one leaves an imprint on our hearts differently. Beautiful post Barb.
What beautiful words, Smidge. I love browsing through book shops – it seems such a great way to spend time. One day I found a children’s book, ‘When You Were Small’. It was beautifully illustrated with great words and I loved to read it to my son. Your beautiful words reminded me of that book xx
Very touching, as I read your poem, I thought of the different growth stages of my kids, thanks for a trip down memory lane. Love the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote.
What a heart-grippingly, hauntingly beautiful poem, Barb. What parent doesn’t know something of this? I’m grateful for such honesty as you bring to this space Smidge. Such quality and integrity mark your work. Thank you for it. And your photos break my heart wide open!! Exquisiteness here this morning. xxx
Beautiful
Beautiful poem! Wonderful quote, wonderful photos, made me think and look inside.
How do you do that, how do y?ou write from my heart
Barbara, is there anything you can’t do ????? Not a poem girl, but I really like this one – and the photos – stunning, especially the last, the close up. Always so wonderful to visit your world.
With my first child about to turn 21, this rings so true. Thank you for the gentle moment.
Brought tears to my eyes. I’m hanging this one on my office wall. It’s a beautiful reminder of the important things in life. Thank you Smidge.
This brought so many images to my mind, things remembered, cherished, some forgotten until your words stirred them awake again. Thank you.
You are one of my favorite writers Smidge. You make the written word a piece of art. Love!
Beautiful and beautifully haunting. You’re so gifted, Smidge. Thanks for sharing those gifts with us.
What a beautiful blog you have! I tried to do a photo index but found it took a lot of time. Are you on WordPress? Is there an easy way I just haven’t yet discovered? I’m a member of food bloggers of Canada too but haven’t participated yet. Looks like it has done well by you – not to mention your wonderful content!
Incredible photos, it looks like you’re getting hit hard with snow. All of our snow melted last week when we had our warm front move in, now it’s chilly again and we’ll be getting our’s on Friday. Wish us well.
Wonderful poem, Barb. Brought back a lot of memories. The pictures are great also. Are they recent – are you really getting that much snow? Luckily, ours has come more in the form or rain recently. We still have Feb/Mar to go though.
Best to ya.
Paul
Lovely.
Beautiful – gave me goose bumps – brings back the memories for me:) Have a Great One!
This is a powerful poem. I want to print it out and keep it close. It is very special. oxo
your poem is beautiful, Barbara; just beautiful. I have tears in my eyes.
Beautiful post Barbara . .
So touching and beautiful…Diane
If you want to email me I can go into more detail. If you have categories.. Click on the category you want (eg. Appetizers) and copy the url in your browser. Then select and upload the photo you wish to use as the button for your photo index Appetizer category. Once it’s uploaded, change the url (at bottom right) and paste in the url you’ve copied. That makes the photo redirect to your category page Appetizers when you click on it. As long as you have each of your posts categorized.. They all automatically appear for you:)
xxx
Beautiful poem Barbara! Reminds me of my children whom are now 20 but still need a hidden hand of help. I know I have said this many, many times.., your blog is so elegant and lovely. The horse pictures are stunning, and I love the quote!!
WOW !! Thank you xx
Just wow. I’ve been speechless since I read this the day it came to my email. I’m still speechless, but wanted to let you know that it’s beautiful….and sticking with me this week. xxoo
Both of my big kids moved out of the house since the new year so this poem is so touching and meaningful. Thank you for arranging these mom feelings into such beautiful words
What beautiful words, Barb. And some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen! xoxo
Mine are still at home thankfully.. I’m glad you enjoyed this one:)
Thank you, April:)
Thank you Sarah.. I’m glad it touched you:) xxx
Your lovely poetry touched my heart. Sometimes I almost cannot bear the achingly sweet nostalgia of looking back through photo albums of my children when they were little. I treasure them now, but miss those little hands and sweet upturned faces. But, oh, how I am blessed to have new little hands to hold, sweet voices calling “Nana!” and outstretched arms reaching up for hugs that fill me with joy and take me back to when my children were little. I hope you have the blessing of grandchildren someday.
gorgeous, gorgeous.. I would love to have a horsey.. c
I loved that quote, I found it first and it inspired me.. plus personal events did the same. xx
It was an emotionally difficult one to write.. thanks so much, Robyn xo
Thanks, Bam.. hugs to you too xoxo
Thank you, Shira.. Happy New Year to you as well:)
I can always count on you to have such beautiful words in response.. xoxo
Thank you so much, Claire:)
Thanks, John, I love Emerson’s work.
Thanks, Brittanyxo
You’re welcome xoxo
xoxo
Time certainly flies.. I love seeing our old photos from when we were young:) xx
Your words are so lovely too, nia, thanks so much xoxo
These photos were taken after a heavy snowstorm up on Silver Star Mountain.. just before an afternoon of snowmobiling. Calgary had snow.. and now it’s gone, it’s been chinooking these last few days:) Stay warm!
Thanks, Miskyxoxo
xo
Thank you
xoxo
Those are just some of the most beautiful years of joy! I remember them well! xxoo
I looked for this book.. I wondered if it was one from my teaching days.. but it is a newer one, I’ll have to look for it:) I love remembering my kid’s books. xx
He’s one of my favorite poets. I’m glad you enjoyed mine today, Norma. xxoo
spree.. you are always so generous with your words.. they bring me joy:) xx
xx
Thanks, Sally! xxx
I’m lucky if I’ve done so.. xx
I thought those horses were so sweet.. they were quite friendly and curious:) xx
We have children the same age:) so you understand..
I always love seeing you play and cook with your children.. it’s a joy to see! xx
I’m glad to have brought you these.. those are cherished years for sure.. xx
Thanks, Karista.. and you’re one of my favorite chefs:) xx
Thank you, Betsy! xx
We did have snow.. but these photos are from Vernon on Silver Star mountain. It had just dumped and the area was magical! I hope your snow isn’t too bad tomorrow!! xx
Just over Christmas when we were in Vernon for X-Country skiing. I would love if it was rain here.. it would be nice and green, not to say warmer:)
xx
Thanks so much
One day I will have to put these in a little coffee table book to look back.. so many memories:) xx
I did as I wrote this one.. it is very close to home.. I’m glad you enjoyed it. xxx
Thanks, Diane xx
xxx to you!
xxx
You’re welcome
I can’t wait to have grandchildren and I hope I am blessed with at least one:) Thank you for this reminder.. there is so much to look forward to, isn’t there? xxx
Oooooh, you need one for the farmy:) xxx
Your shots are good, especially the last … personal am I a bit afraid of horses. Stunning animals, but when they come closer they are really high and big.
I know, not enough room for that big a pet though! c
Really affecting, Barbara. A beautiful poem and just gorgrous pictures.
Beautiful and well written…thank you for sharing.
Beautiful! LOVE the second photo!
Barbara, the words and images a truly wonderful. Is there to be a book soon?
I’ve made my own hardcover.. it’s so wonderful to look through the past year in print:)
Wonderful!
My heart is full – and breaking. Lovely and rich and full of mother-truth.
This one was difficult to write.. there is a story behind it and many tears as well. Some day I’ll share the rest of the story. I hear there are poetry books called Chap Books, where an author publishes a small, inexpensive book of poems. Thanks so much for your kind words.
Barbara, this poem, I have read over and over again. It has this capacity to reach deep down into your heart and tug it and squish it…I don’t even know if I can explain how beautifully it lays in my head and heart. You have a special talent, very special.