Valentine's Day is drawing Nigh...

Valentines day is drawing nigh... and it just happens

to be one of my most favorite holidays.

This special day is associated with some of the most lovely things

such as red roses, beautiful cards and chocolate.

Yesterday I spent a pleasant afternoon

menu planning and cutting out a few "vintage

valentine cut outs" in preparation for this wonderful day...

Oh the endless possibilities.... indeed.

How I love vintage roses...

I had fun breezing through a magazine of

some beautiful floral arrangments, too.

Awww.... beauty indeed. *sigh*

"The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of

birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land..."

-Song of Solomon 2:12

Our little vintage valentine sign is hung once again.....

Isn't it the cutest?!

"Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Sugar is sweet;

And so are you."

Hope you are having a delightful week....

Special Chocolate Post coming soon.

(..for what would Valentines day be without a little chocolate?! :)

~Many Blessings~

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,

or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...

But in all these things we overwhelmingly

conquer through Him who loved us."

Romans 8: 35-37

Lord's Day...

Rock of Ages

Augustus Montague Toplady

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure;

Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands

Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;

Could my zeal no respite know,

Could my tears forever flow,

All for sin could not atone;

Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,

Simply to the cross I cling;

Naked, come to Thee for dress;

Helpless look to Thee for grace;

Foul, I to the fountain fly;

Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,

When mine eyes shall close in death,

[originally When my eye-strings break in death]

When I soar to worlds unknown,

See Thee on Thy judgment throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee.

~Wishing all of you a Blessed Sunday~

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

-Psalm 18:2

painting by~ Thomas Moran

Oyster Soup with~ Frizzled Leeks...

There is nothing like a creamy soup

on a cold, crisp, wintry day....

This one has a creamy leek broth base

with little oysters that make for a delightful surprise.

The frizzled leeks are a tasty

treat and yeild a scrumptious presentation.

This soup's flavor becomes even richer

a few days after making it.

Oyster Soup with Frizzled Leeks

Gourmet | December 2003

Makes 8 servings

(about 11 cups)

It's very important to use small oysters — such as Kumamoto or Prince Edward Island — in this soup. The oysters themselves (not the shell) should be no more than 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. When we tested the recipe with larger ones, the flavor was much too briny.

For fried leeks

• 2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), trimmed
• 4 cups vegetable oil

For soup

• 1 1/2 cups shucked small oysters (6 dozen)
• with 1 1/2 cups of their liquor
• (if necessary, add enough bottled clam
• juice to bring total to 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
• 2 large russet (baking) potatoes (1 pound total)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup half-and-half
• Pinch of cayenne

• Special equipment: a deep-fat thermometer

Fry leeks:
Cut leeks crosswise into 2-inch lengths, then cut lengthwise into enough very thin strips to measure 2 cups. Wash leek strips in a bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out and pat dry. Heat oil in a deep 4-quart heavy saucepan until it registers 360°F on thermometer. Fry leeks in 8 batches, stirring, until golden, about 10 seconds per batch. Transfer as fried with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Cool completely (leeks will crisp as they cool).

Make soup:
Pick over oysters, discarding any bits of shell, and rinse well. Wash chopped leeks in a bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out and drain well. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook leeks, potatoes, and salt in butter in a 4-quart heavy saucepan, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until leeks are golden and potatoes are beginning to soften, about 15 minutes. Add water and simmer, covered, over moderate heat until potatoes are very tender, about 10 minutes. Purée soup in batches in a blender until very smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), transferring to a bowl. Return soup to saucepan. Add oyster liquor and half-and-half and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Add oysters and cayenne and cook, stirring occasionally, just until oysters become plump and edges curl, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. Serve soup topped with fried leeks.

~Bon Appetit~

"For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands:

happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee."

-Psalm 128:2

Hope all of you have a simply lovely Saturday!!

~Many Blessings~

Thoughtful Thursday...

"It is Christ who is to be exalted, not our feelings.

We will know Him by obedience, not by emotions.

Our love will be shown by obedience, not by how good

we feel about God at a given moment.

“And love means following the commands of God.”

“Do you love Me?” Jesus asked Peter. “Feed My lambs.”

He was not asking, “How do you feel about Me?”

for love is not a feeling. He was asking for action."

~Elisabeth Elliot

Wishing all of you a very... "Thoughtful Thursday!"

~Blessings~

"And when he had called the people unto him

with his disciples also, he said unto them,

Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself,

and take up his cross, and follow me."

-Mark 8:34

Painting~ Reading, c.1865 by Jerry Barrett

In Remembrance of....

Norman Rockwell
February 3, 1894 – November 8, 1978

Remembering a birthday of a talented painter
who showed the world so much
love, laughter and meaning with paper and paint.

"I'll never have enough time to paint all the pictures I'd like to."

-Norman Rockwell

What's your favorite

Norman Rockwell painting?

~Blessings~

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."

-Philippians 4:4

This delectable dessert is a lovely ending to any savory feast...
Sweet, refreshing, creamy and scrumptious,
these key lime bars are sure to be a treat.

Cheesecake, lime bliss, creamy white chocolate
and a rich chocolate crumb~ all make
a unique and wonderful whole.

White Chocolate and Lime Cheesecake Bars

Bon Appétit | October 2007

7 ounces high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt),
chopped, plus white chocolate curls (optional garnish)
27 chocolate sandwich cookies (about 11 ounces)

1/2 cup chilled whipping cream
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon finely grated lime peel
Lime slices or lime twists (for garnish)

Line 8x8x2-inch square baking pan with foil, extending over all sides. Stir chopped white chocolate in small metal bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Finely grind cookies in processor. Add 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate and blend until mixture clumps together. Firmly press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Chill while making filling.

Beat whipping cream in medium bowl until peaks form. Beat cream cheese, sugar, lime juice, and lime peel in large bowl until smooth. Beat in remaining melted white chocolate. Fold in whipped cream in 2 additions; spread over prepared crust. Chill until filling is slightly firm, at least 2 hours. Using foil as aid, lift cheesecake out of pan. Cut into 9 bars. Garnish with chocolate curls, if desired, and or lime slices or twists. ~Enjoy~

Mmmm....

so yummy!

"For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands:

happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee."

-Psalm 128:2

Hope you are having a lovely day... dear readers!

~Many Blessings~

Happy February~

Awww~

'Tis the 1st day of February.

Sweet February blessings to all my dear readers!

May you savor the many delights
of this wonderful month!!
______________________

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
~Folliot Pierpoint

February's Flower is~

The Violet
Meaning~ modesty, faithfulness, virtue & simplicity

"To every thing there is a season, and a time
to every purpose under the heaven."
-Ecclesiastes 3:1


paintings~ Victorian lady &
Bouquet Of Violets Edouard Manet

Lord's Day...

Redeemed, How I love to proclaim it!

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessèd Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.

-Frances Jane Crosby

Wishing all of you a...
Sweet & Blessed Sunday!

"In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide
them to your holy dwelling."
-Exodus 15:13

Painting~ Around the Piano by Walter Firle

A Sweet Blessing...

Oh..... what joy filled my heart when
I received in the mail the other day a

sweet bundle of homemade treasures.
My friend Diane Knott sent me a
delightful package filled with....

Gorgeous embellished tags....

and luscious ribbons,

Her gorgeous~ Cards... *sigh*

"Painting is poetry......."

~Leonardo da Vinci

Darling recipe cards.... ;)

And.... last but not least~

This stunning...

Hand Crafted Fiber Art Pin
Hand-stitched, beaded
and filled with lavender from Provence

Thank you~ Diane...

for your lovely, gorgeous, thoughtful gifts.

"...for God loveth a cheerful giver."

-II Corinthians 9:7

Just had to share my wonderful

delights with all of you.

Hope you are having a simply lovely Saturday!!

~Many Blessings~

Thoughtful Thursday...

"You are as much serving God in looking after your own children,
and training them up in God's fear, and minding the house,
and making your household a church for God,
as you would be if you had been called
to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts."
~Charles H. Spurgeon

Wishing all of you a sweet... "Thoughtful Thursday!"
~Many Blessings~

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it."

-Proverbs 22:6

painting~Picking Daisies by Hermann Seeger

Arugula Salad with Sautéed Pork, Pears & Blue Cheese...

This salad entree is a delightful option for

a weeknight dinner or for a special dinner party.

Simple, elegant, gourmet and tasty it combines~

the delights of warm dressed arugula greens, sweet~tart dried cherries,

pears, sauteed pork and fresh crumbled, creamy blue cheese

~all result in making a scrumptious entree indeed.

Wilted Arugula Salad with Sautéed Pork,

Pears & Blue Cheese

Recipe courtesy~ Fine Cooking

3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 cup plus 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot, finely diced
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 oz. baby arugula, washed and spun dry

(about 8 loosely packed cups)
1 firm-ripe Bosc pear
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 lb. pork tenderloin, trimmed and

sliced 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick
1 Tbs. unsalted butter
1/4 lb. blue cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup dried cherries

In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar and mustard. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of the oil. Stir in the shallot and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Put the arugula in a large bowl. Core the pear and cut it into matchsticks or thin slices.

Put the flour in a pie pan or large plate. Season the pork liberally with salt and pepper and dredge in the flour. Set a heavy 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 3 Tbs. oil and the butter. When the butter melts and begins to lightly brown, cook the pork (in batches if necessary), flipping after 2 min., until it’s just cooked through, about 3 min. total. Transfer to a large plate. Repeat with the remaining pork.

Discard any fat in the skillet and set over low heat. Add the balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette and cook, stirring to pick up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan, until the sauce is warm, about 1 min. Pour the vinaigrette back into its bowl and whisk to recombine. Toss the arugula with half of the warm vinaigrette. Arrange the arugula on 4 plates. Top with the pork, pear, blue cheese, and dried cherries, and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Enjoy!

~Bon Appetit~

"Some people like to paint pictures, or do gardening,
or build a boat in the basement.
Other people get a tremendous pleasure out of the kitchen,
because cooking is just as creative and imaginative
an activity as drawing, or wood carving, or music."

~Julia Child

Hope all of you are having a lovely day...

and savoring the delights of this winter season.

~Blessings~

"She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar."

-Proverbs 31:14

Darling~ Kimono Baby Booties...

I spent a pleasant, crisp, rainy,

Monday afternoon... sewing away.

Awww~ the delight of pins in the pincushion and

rain drops on the window pane.

We have the joy of knowing many

sweet mommas-to-be at the moment

and I am always excited to try out new baby

projects.... thus~ I spent a marvelous time,

devoted to sewing these little...

Kimono Baby~ Bootie/Slippers

I had fun with some orange

animal prints....

some darling polka-dots, too.... ;)

pink with flowers

& stripes... ;)

You can find the pattern ~here at Homespun Threads....

it is delightfully easy and the result is quite adorable.

Don't you just want to hop into them?...

Hope you are having a lovely beginning of the week.

~Many Blessings~

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh

willingly with her hands."

- Proverbs 31:13