Augusta Quilt Show - 2012

The quilts are all amazing!

 Here is Beth's group quilt.  Each did a section and then it all was joined together.  Beth did the mailbox and part of the house.

 Such excellent work and so much detail.

 And some were funny and cute!

Visiting Beth

Started with visting and eating at Rocky Ridge Orchard, in Bowdoin, ME.  They are known for their wonderful pies - A+ in my book; especially the blueberry. The store/bakery is filled with homemade jams, pickles, honey and more;all made by Maine locals. They are open Fri-Sun., for breakfast and lunch.  During the fall, Beth said, they are opened for apple and pumpkin picking.  Well worth the stop.  Right on Augusta Road.  

4th of July visit to my ancestor's home

My mother's ancestor's home.

 the faint markings on the walls were found after removing clothe that was originally applied to the walls to keep out the drafts.  The markings were made by the Indians and for decorations.

More markings by the Indians.  

The children's rooms were at the top of the house.  Very hot, but it had two windows (LOL), which would allow good ventilation.  Yeah, right.

The front door, with many metal studs, which showed that Mr. Humphrey was a wealthy member of the town.  Now, it is used for the back door.

Went to visit my mother's relatives house.  Amazed that it is still standing.  It was originally in another location, but moved to Swampscott - Pleasant Street location.  I had to view it July 4th...only day it is open to the public!

Boston's Best Banana Bread is here!

Here's Kevin's newest baked good - Nana Inez Allen's Banana Bread.  The hubs wants to bake and mail them. so here's his link: BostonsBestBananaBread.com

Georgetown Cupcakes - Boston

My friend, Debbie, had requested a Coconut, upper left and loved it.  I believe (sorry, I'm guessing) the top is birthday cake cupcake and the bottom in this box, is a chocolate with cream cheese frosting.

 This is box: Earl Gray, bottom left, Peanut Butter, above the earl, top is Red Velvet and bottom right is the Raspberry.

 This was the Boston Cream Pie, and everyone has asked was it white or a cream center.  Sorry, can't remember.  However, it looks white in this photo.  Disappointing.

Boston's Georgetown Cupcakes - Review Time by Cupcake Chicks (myself & Lauren).  I purchased a dozen, which included their June Specials: Earl Gray and Raspberry.  Both excellent.  The Earl Gray was a mild flavor, which would have been excellent with tea.  The Raspberry for me, was excellent.  A mild raspberry flavor, which almost made me feel like they had add walnut to it.  Other words, it didn't have a true 'cupcake' texture, more of a cake or coffee cake texture.  I really enjoyed it.  The most disappointing was the Boston Cream Pie, which for my son was truly disappointing.  He was right, pretty blah.  The surprise, was the peanut butter, which was truly a delight.  It's frosting was like eating a whipped reese's peanut butter cup.  I'm not a big peanut butter flavored person, so for me it was OK.  However, everyone else was impressed!  I gave three away and two were doubles.   Last, is the Cup Cake Gold Standard: the Red Velvet, which I test everyone by.  It was good, soft, but the frosting, for me wasn't outstanding.  The cake was excellent for the texture, but lacked a great Red Velvet flavor.  So, I'd give it a thumbs up or a B.  Over all, I'd recommend going, trying and testing all their cup cakes.   It's a great way to spend an hour, bring home dessert or just go off that diet.  

One of my favorite blogs - The Lettered Cottage

This is a wonderful blog and must be shared.  Enjoy!   Theletteredcottage.net

Donut Time

Time to Make the Donuts!

Lauren, my daughter, my mom and my self traveled to York, Maine and picked up a donut making box for our Chef Kev.  Here's Stonewall Kitchen's donuts.  Then, tonight, I'm blogging, and ten minutes (I swear) went by and I smell something yummy baking away and the smell is making it's way from the kitchen to the parlor.  Low and behold, Chef Kev is cooking more donuts, but this time they are small,round ones!

BELOW is the recipe Chef Kev made tonight!

Time to Make the Doughnuts aka Baked Doughnut Holes!

These little goodies are from Cooks.com under Baked Doughnut Holes.  Yummy!

BAKED DOUGHNUT HOLES  

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1/2 c. sugar

2 egg whites (or 1/4 c. egg substitute)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2/3 c. skim milk

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

2 c. plain flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In large bowl beat oil, sugar and egg whites until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and milk; stir well. In medium bowl sift flour and add gradually to sugar mixture.

Lightly coat small muffin tins with vegetable cooking spray and fill 2/3 full with batter. Bake until golden, 15-18 minutes. While doughnuts are baking, prepare topping.

TOPPING:

1 1/2 tbsp. butter

1/2 c. sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

Melt butter and place in small bowl. Mix together in another small bowl sugar and cinnamon. Brush warm doughnuts with melted butter, then roll in cinnamon mixture.

Nutrition information per doughnut: 59 calories, 1 g. fat (20% of calories from fat), 39 mg. sodium.

**Chef Kev rolled some in coco powder than added a bit of granulated sugar to boot!  Well done Chef Kev!

 

Passing Open Windows: Modern Home

Passing Open Windows: Modern Home: Gorgeously bright kitchen towels by Avril Loreti .    They go perfectly with my new blog header, don’t you think?  I’ve decided to make ...

Flee Market Finds

 Crazy quilt.  My cousin Beth is a big quilter.  She actually participates and has won in the Maine Quilt Show. I think she'd like this one.

A nice mix and match of items.

Sleds were popular finds.

Here's what to do with your husband's old work boots!

This Pottery says: H Walsh & Co., 7 Charlestown St., Boston
FYI: Charlestown Street is now Washington Street in Boston.
I did some research and it is great having google to find some old maps.

boxes of letters, I thought this might make a nice photo or a painting.  However, still not sure.

The Beatles are found on a barn wall.  Aren't these something to see!