homemade apple butter

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

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If you still haven’t got a hostess gift for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving gatherings or if you don’t know what to do with your leftover apple cider that was on sale these last few days, I suggest making apple butter.

While the apples are turning into autumn awesomeness on the stove, you’ll have plenty of time to decorate, prep food,… for the upcoming feast.

I also found these adorable apple butter tags over at Money Saving Mom.

Homemade Apple Cider Butter by Baking Bites

6 large apples peeled and cut into large pieces
4 cups apple cider
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar

Combine apples and apple cider in a stockpot or a dutch oven. Cider should almost cover the apples. Bring to a boil and cook until apples are very tender. Use an immersion blender (or work in small batches in a blender/food processor) to puree the apples until mixture is very smooth. Add sugar to the apple puree in the stockpot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Reduce heat to medium and cook until mixture has thickened and reduced by 40-50%.

The apple butter will bubble thickly and splatter as it reduces, so I recommend keeping a splatter screen on top of your pot to minimize the cleanup. The butter should be thicker than most jams, with an almost honey-like quality to it when it is finished.
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Makes about 3 cups.
Recipe can be doubled or tripled or larger batches.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Sara

october gave a party

Friday, November 7, 2014

picnic3 Collage1 picnic2

October gave a party,
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand. 

The most delicious pizza and a homemade apple galette?Yes, please!

Love,
Sara

flowers of the soul

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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When we reflect on the meaning of love, we see that it is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer's year.
It brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul.
 - Billy Graham

Nothing makes me happier than to spend long warm summer evenings working on my plot at the community garden near my house.

Chatting with fellow gardeners, exchanging tips and fresh produce or helping each other out by sowing rows of spinach seeds.

Creating friendships and filling our hearts with love. 

Best,
Sara

tuesday

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

pancake day pancakes and the mountain view from the chalet in France


Happy Mardi Gras/ Pancake Day/ Shrove Tuesday !

Celebrating Mardi Gras (dressing up, partying, …) is kind of a big deal over here in Belgium but I’ve never been really into it.

The only thing I do enjoy on this day are the pancakes!

Yes to all the pancakes!


Love,
Sara

King cake

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

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Last Sunday, my family and I celebrated the Epiphany. The tradition consists in eating a ‘Galette des Rois’ (King cake) in celebration of the arrival of the Wise Men.

Inside the cake there is a little porcelain figurine and whoever finds it becomes the king or queen for the day (and gets to wear a pretty gold crown).

This year I decided to make the galette – speculoos & pear frangipane – myself. I also decorated the table with gold (chocolate) coins and frankincense & myrrh scented candles (representing the gifts that the Wise Men brought with them).

Love,
Sara

second breakfast

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

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Startled, Pippin asks, "What about second breakfast?" Strider says nothing and walks on. Soon though he tosses an apple from behind a bush, which Merry catches. A second tossed apple smacks Pippin in the forehead.
J.R.R Tolkien (Lord of the Rings – Fellowship of the Ring)


These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago when we went apple picking. 
Such a fun family tradition during the autumn months.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and survived Black Friday/ Cyber Monday.
I bought a couple of books (duh) and ordered prints made by the very talented Chris from HandLetteringCo.

Also, only ten (seven if you live in Belgium) more sleeps until ‘The Hobbit – The Desolation of Smaug’ comes out in theaters. Can’t wait!

Love,
Sara

winter snack

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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Pomegranate seeds and satsumas make the perfect winter snack.
Lots of vitamin C!

Love,
Sara

Note: Here is a little pomegranate seeding trick.

Happy Holidays

Monday, December 24, 2012

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(postcards by Rifle Paper Co.) 

May you and your family cherish the wonderful memories, of love, care and hope. May you live life in joy and peace.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.


Love, 
Sara

Recipe: nutmeg maple butter cookies

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Untitled Untitled Let's celebrate autumn with nutmeg maple butter cookies!
These with also would make cute little snacks for Thanksgiving ...

nutmeg maple butter cookies by Smitten Kitchen
1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (118 ml) maple syrup
1 large egg yolk
3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (because it packs more tightly)
1 1/4 teaspoon flaky salt or 1 teaspoon table salt

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. With mixer running, add yolk and slowly drizzle in maple syrup. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, nutmeg and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix until just combined. The dough will be in loose clumps. Gather them together into a tight packet with a large piece of plastic wrap and chill dough for at least two hours (and up to four days) until firm.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a few baking sheets with parchment paper. I like to roll out a quarter to half the dough at a time, leaving the rest in the fridge. On a floured counter, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.

Arrange cookies on baking sheets and bake for 8 to 11 minutes each, or until lightly golden at the edges. Transfer to racks to cool.
Cookies keep in airtight containers for a week, or in the freezer until their dance number is up.

Serve with tea.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Sara

Recipe: rhubarb galette

Monday, October 15, 2012

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Before I start making pumpkin flavored desserts, one last taste of summer with the very last rhubarb from the farmer’s market.


Rhubarb galette by Martha Stewart 
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1 Pate Brisee
1 pound rhubarb, sliced 1/2-inch thick
Juice of 1/2 lemon
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground, cinnamon
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 large egg, beaten
Turbinado or sanding sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to a 14-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick. Place rhubarb and lemon juice in a large bowl; toss to combine. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Add sugar mixture to rhubarb and toss until well coated. Arrange rhubarb mixture on top of dough, leaving a 2-inch border all the way around. Fold border over the fruit mixture, overlapping where necessary and pressing gently to adhere the folds. Brush edges of dough with egg, sprinkle with turbinado or sanding sugar, and dot with butter.
Transfer to refrigerator and chill 15 to 20 minutes.
Bake until crust is deep golden brown and juices are bubbling, 55 to 60 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack to cool the galette. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Love,
Sara

Let's celebrate!

Saturday, September 22, 2012

hobbit day
 (picture from the official 'The Hobbit movie' facebook page)

Happy Hobbit Day!

I'm counting the days until December 12th (release date in Europe)...

Sara

summer harvest

Friday, September 7, 2012

Untitled Untitled Untitled Untitled Untitled Untitled Summer is slowly coming to an end.
It’s time to harvest the very last summer vegetables and think about the approaching winter.

In June, I got myself a little plot of land at the community garden.
I was curious. Could I really grow my own food?
Brussels sprouts, leek, rhubarb and salads were planted and I watched it all grow.
Slowly but surely.

I’m the youngest at the community garden. Luckily, the most experienced gardeners are more than happy to give me some tips and help me with my vegetables.

Tomorrow we are having a ‘Goodbye summer’ party at garden.
Vegetables will be exchanged, drinks will be served.
Until next summer.

Happy friday, 
Sara

PS: These beautiful garden tools were kindly gifted to me by DeWit. DeWit has been making garden tools since 1898. You can find them here.

Late summer days

Monday, August 27, 2012

Collage late summer
Late summer days.

Watermelon. San Pellegrino Limonata. Blueberries. Sunsets. Fresh salad from the garden. Farmer’s Market. Cherries. Figs. BBQ. Water fights. Popsicles. Summer dresses. Strawberries. Redcurrant. Pink nail polish. Vanilla ice cream. Salt Water Sandals. Sunrise at 5 am.

I will miss this.

Follow me on Instagram

Sara

Recipe: strawberry-rhubarb sundaes

Monday, August 13, 2012

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It takes only 10 minutes to create a colorful ice cream topping that makes the most of a well-loved just-before-summer combo: sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb. - marthastewart.com

Untitled Untitled The strawberry-rhubarb sundaes have become a summer favorite at my house! 
It’s perfect if you want to serve something homemade at a picnic or BBQ on those hot summer days without spending the entire day in the kitchen. 
It is delicious with a scoop vanilla ice cream and shortbread cookies or even on pancakes. 

Strawberry-rhubarb sundaes by Martha Stewart
1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered
2 rhubarb stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1/2 cup sugar
2 pints vanilla ice cream 
Shortbread Wedges or store-bought shortbread cookies, for serving (optional) 

In a large saucepan, place strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and 1/4 cup water; bring to a simmer over high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb begins to break down, 6 to 8 minutes.

Refrigerate until cool, at least 1 hour and up to 1 week.

Spoon strawberry-rhubarb sauce over scoops of ice cream; serve with shortbread, if desired.


Enjoy! 
Sara

London, according to my iphone pictures (part 1)

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Collage london 1 cop Collage london 2 cop Collage london 3 cop Collage london 4 cop Here are some more pictures of my London trip last month.
All pictures were taken with Instagram.
  
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1. Apricot muffin
2. the British museum
3. touristy outfit
4. more coffee
5. beloved Queen
6. I don’t look scared in the picture, but these were some scary chairs at V&A
7. streets
8. dinner at Hard Rock Café
9 & 10 Edvard Munch at Tate Modern
10. PRET for lunch
11. Victoria
12-16 Liberty, my favorite store in London

happiness

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Untitled Untitled Lilac and a strawberry rhubarb pecan loaf...

Strawberry Rhubarb Pecan Loaf from Smitten Kitchen
Makes one loaf
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon rum
1 cup flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup diced rhubarb
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Topping (Optional)
1 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 to 3 1/2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Beat together the brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla and rum. Combine the flours, salt and baking soda; stir. Add dry ingredients to first mixture with the sour cream. Stir in strawberries, rhubarb and pecans.
Spread into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan — the batter will be very thick. Combine topping ingredients except the pecans, they should be thick and clumpy; add the pecans last and sprinkle over the loaf.
Bake at 350° for about 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Love,
Sara

PS: this also makes me very happy

Jubilee

Monday, June 4, 2012

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 Follow me on Instagram
 
What a weekend! On Saturday, I went to a Jubilee picnic hosted by one of my favorite shops near Brussels. It was a beautiful sunny day in the countryside…

Of course, I also made a Victoria Sponge cake.
A Jubilee without a Victoria Sponge cake? One is not amused!

How was your Jubilee weekend everyone? Did you do something special?

Love,
Sara
Come a little bit closer, hear what I have to say. Just like children sleepin', we could dream this night away.
Harvest moon - Neil Young

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