Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Tea and Shortbread on a Late Autumn Afternoon


Hello, Dear Friends - Autumn is moving along
and the days are getting shorter and shorter,
 here in the north-woods of Washington State. 

Won't you join me for a walk in the golden forest,
 then come inside for a hot cup of tea,
with some home-made shortbread? 


The foothills have a new dusting of snow, 
but there is still some fall color among the 
evergreen fir, cedar and hemlock. 

We've had fierce winds the last few days, 
which has blown the leaves off lesser trees, 
but our native maple and black cottonwood
are just coming into their prime. 


A sturdy raincoat and warm scarf are in order - 
this beautiful hand-knit was a gift from 
my dear, talented friend, Pat, who blogs at Lily, My Cat
It's so soft and warm.

Temperatures are dropping into the 40's now. 


The ground is a tapestry of color. 





Nature's beauty. 



The sun hangs low, even at high noon. 


Vine maple illuminates the gloom of the forest.


A late afternoon sunbeam as we step inside. 


xoxo


Let's make some shortbread! 


My pretty spatula is a gift from my sweet Sis-in-law <3 


Here's the easy recipe:

Lemon-Vanilla Shortbread

Preheat oven to 325 degrees 


Lightly spray an 8-inch shortbread pan 
with nonstick cooking spray. 
(or an 8-inch round cake pan)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp lemon extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
pinch of salt 


In a large mixing bowl, 
cream the butter and sugar together. 

Add remaining ingredients and mix until 
soft dough forms. 


Pat dough into prepared pan. 

Bake @ 325 degrees for 35 minutes. 



Remove from pan after cooling for 10 minutes. 


Cut and enjoy! 
These are so buttery, light and delicious! 


These beautiful Johnson Bros., 'Friendly Village'
plates were once my dear Mother-in-law's,
just sent to me all the way from New Hampshire,
 from my sweet Sis-in-law for my birthday. 

We lost my dear MIL last December. 

These will be so treasured. 


A covered bridge scene. 

When I was a child, my family vacationed 
at 'Butler's Cabin' - a log cabin in the 
White mountains of New Hampshire.
(I grew up in Massachusetts)

Mr. Butler was my Father's friend and boss. 

The cabin was located at the base of Black mountain, 
in Jackson, N.H. and we had to travel 
over a covered bridge to get there. 

Those lovely days were the best memories of my childhood.


I had this little dish already :)


I've used my 'new' vintage Kate Greenaway tablecloth 
that I just found at Virginia Retro - etsy




I had seen this tablecloth on Pam's blog
 (Virginia Retro) months ago, 
when she featured it in one of her wonderful table-scapes,
and I promptly fell in love with it. 
When she opened her Etsy shop recently, 
there it was for sale and I couldn't believe my good fortune! 




Kate Greenaway was a wonderful children's book
illustrator in the late 1800's and I have a few of 
her lovely books reprinted in the 60's and 70's. 



Lemon tea and shortbread. 

xoxo






Some lovely pages from 'The Language of Flowers'.


Time to clean up <3


Ramblin' Man will be so happy tonight!
Shortbread is a favorite!

xoxo



Thank you for joining me, Dear Friends!


If you are interested in buying one of these
beautiful shortbread molds, you can find
many examples for sale, Here.

xoxo


Wishing you a lovely week! 

36 comments:

  1. Hi Karen what a lovely walk ,gorgeous pics,love your tablecloth and your scarf is beautiful,thankyou for sharing your shortbread recipe my friend 💋

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  2. I'm joining! Sounds like the perfect afternoon and your home looks so cozy and inviting. And I can bring some biscotti, just out of the oven.
    Amalia
    xo

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  3. Your recipe looks yummy.Love your sweet books and the pretty tablecloth!The plate is just gorgeous!Hugs,dear Karen!

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  4. Hello, your shortbread look and sounds delicious. I love the pretty views from your home, the trees and colorful leaves are beautiful. I love your scarf, it looks warm. Have a great day!

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  5. Lovely post! I have always wanted a shortbread mold- I think it is time I got one!

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  6. Great post, what a beautiful home you have. The shortbread looks and sounds delicious. Shortbread is a favorite of my husbands.

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  7. Fabulous pictures of your home and area. Yes that wind storm was fierce, the power was out for 5 hours. I have been raking for a month now and it seems it never stops. I could really go for some tea and delicious shortbread.

    Hugs Diane

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  8. Tea and shortbread are just the thing for a chilly fall afternoon/morning/anytime! The wind howled in from the ocean here, too, but we didn't lose any power. Not many leaves left on the trees. Have a cozy day.

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  9. The Kate G. book is beautiful. I have her shop in my favs too. Love seeing your home and the sun streaming through the windows! Hugs!

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  10. Homemade shortbread! Yum! Visiting you would be such a joy, with your amazing surroundings, your warm heart and sweet disposition, and that great baking! :-) Love the photos of the outdoors that you shared, but I was thrilled to see the dinnerware your sis-in-law sent for your birthday...family treasures! Enjoyed hearing your memories of vacationing in the cabin as a child, and also seeing that awesome Kate Greenway book. What a lovely late Fall post! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week!

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  11. Oh I was in til the recipe. Conf. sugar is full of cornstarch and corn is an allergen for me. I used to make shortbread with flour and sugar and butter. I love the embossed try to bake it in. And the whole post so pretty.

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  12. Karen! I'm catching up on my blog visiting and was oohing and aaahing over your nature photos, and then your shortbread, oh my, and I love your fab pan! Then I see that you bought the Kate Greenaway from me. I didn't make the connection. Oh I can't tell you how happy I am that it went to you and your lovely home! Your Kate Greenaway display is just wonderful.

    Thank you so much for including me in your post! I am very grateful to you. I need to make your wonderful shortbread this weekend. :)

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  13. Always love seeing the beauty of your yard and that pan is so sweet, I have to check out that link! The scarf is absolutely beautiful!! What a lovely gift and the plates and the books...treasures indeed! Really enjoyed this post, thank you for sharing.

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  14. Can’t think of anything nicer than a walk and taking afternoon tea with you:) Love the shortbread dish, will have to look out for one. Your home looks so cosy despite the cold weather outside. B x

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  15. Autumn is definitely here with the darkness coming early. The shortbread looks delicious and I love the pan. The table cloth you purchased from Pam is gorgeous and I love how it goes with the books. My mom had Friendly Village dishes also, she is gone now but my dad still has them. It's so nice that the covered bridge on it takes you back to special memories. Those are the best.

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  16. Your shortbread looks so delicious and beautiful! Also, I ADORE your stove!!

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  17. I just love shortbread but I have never made it nor do I have a recipe! I am not sure why! Thanks so much for the recipe. I have added a shortbread pan to my Christmas list...why not! Your forest pictures are so lovely as always.

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  18. Karen, where do I start? Your scarf looks so soft and lovely. And your walk of the woods very refreshing! It has been ages since I made shortbread. I have a pan somewhere. You've stirred my heart to bake some again. Thank you for sharing your day with us! xx

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  19. Dearest Karen,
    You are quite a MASTER CHEF in baking perfect looking shortbread; can't taste it from here but I trust you!
    That is so perfect for a colder autumn day with tea.
    We had lovely sunny weather and it felt balmy when we biked a short route together. Lots of wind though... We got off the bike several times as for Pieter to rest.
    Today I've launched my opening post about our trip to South Africa where Pieter did a series of lectures. Want to complete all this so Pieter can read it and relive each moment!
    Cleaning house comes later; first this project completed and also one about Australia etc.
    We just trust God that he will grant us ample time.
    Sending you hugs,
    Mariette

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  20. I love shortbread, but for some reason I haven't made it in years. I'll have to give your recipe a try and maybe order one of those pretty pans. Have a great weekend!

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  21. You still have some scenic color and it is so lovely! I do not like how early it gets dark! Makes for a long night! Your place probably always smells delicious!!!

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  22. Dear Karen, my sweet friend, such a lovely post! Autumn is such a beautiful time .... thank you for all the wonderful pictures!
    Your scarf gift is beautiful, how sweet from Pat!
    Also I love your Shortbread tin! It looks wonderful with the pictures in it! I must do some shortbread too, I love it!
    Have a wonderful weekend, my dear friend, enjoy the time and take care!
    Sending much Love and hugs for a blessed weekend!
    Claudia xoxo

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  23. Thanks for showing us beautiful moments of the autumn.

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  24. Lovely to see the Autumn colour in your photographs, I love this season.
    That book 'The Language of Flowers' is quite delightful, as is tea and shortbread ... I'm sure Ramblin' Man appreciated his!

    All the best Jan

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  25. A wonderful post Karen. I LOVE home made shortbread! Your home always looks so welcomming and I loved seeing the beautiful autumnal colours of the trees in your photos.
    Your scarf is stunning!!!
    Have a fantastic weekend with Ramblin Man and your family xx

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  26. Karen, I always wondered how shortbread was made. The shortbread mold has a pretty design. I really like shortbread, and especially with tea. There's one that I get all the time, Walkers Pure Butter Shortbread. They're so good. The village plates that belonged to your mother-in-law are such a treasure. How special that they were passed on to you. It's so pretty around your neck of the woods, and still some Autumn color left. That scarf looks so soft and warm. The girls love scarves and wear them all winter.

    Have a peaceful weekend, Karen. Enjoy those cookies!

    ~Sheri

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  27. Oh friend, what a sweet and cozy post! I know I always say this, but I love seeing inside your home as I find it very charming and peaceful :)

    Your shortbread look ever so tasty! And the tablecloth your purchased from the lovely Pam looks perfect on your table.

    Have a wonderful weekend and a most blessed Thanksgiving. Love and hugs to you!

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  28. Such a pretty scarf you were gifted, so special, love the wonderful dishes you were given of your mother in laws, it is always so special to be given something that gives you such great memories of the past.
    The shortbread looks so neat with that mold, I may have to try it for my hubby he loves shortbread also

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  29. I am glad that storm has passed calmly dear Karen!

    you have really lovely and cozy home that reflects your inner shine of love and wisdom!

    Sorry about you Mother in law who loved you lot and sent you gifts from far ,may she rest in peace .life is short and all we leave behind is "memories"
    i consider them lucky who leave in good memories of others.

    Raincoat and scarf looks beautiful gift from friend ,she must be very sweet friend to you dear!

    I am glad that you shared this recipe which is your hubby's favorite !
    In such cold weathers enjoying the togetherness with loved ones over nice delicious homemade food ,what else one need .
    liked your kitchen and table cloth ,it is so pretty!

    have more joys ahead my friend!

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  30. I love shortbread but seldom get it. However, I did buy a small package at the Dollar Tree store and have been nibbling away. I've saved the last two for when I'm watching my Alabama football this afternoon... with a little tea, of course.

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  31. I loved my walk with you and then stopping by for shortbread afterwards. Your new tablecloth is a beauty, and your treasured Friendly Village hold such special memories from your mother in law. I love your shortbread mold, too, Karen. Happy weekend to you. Love and hugs, Kitty

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  32. I really loved your shortbread mould, I must try and get one and follow your recipe. I do love your kitchen, so homely, just as it should be xx

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  33. I love shortbread....really love shortbread. But if its in the house I eat it all which is never dangerous! Its been pretty cold here in IL too...much cooler than normal and tons of rain that turns to snow. Last year was such a nice winter I wonder is this year will be harder. What a gorgeous scarf your blog friend gave you. Your secnary makes me jealous so enjoy it every single day!

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  34. I just love how cozy and at home you make me feel when I visit for tea and goodies in your lovely kitchen. Such lovely treasures this post. From your beautiful scarf, to that awesome tablecloth and those pretty dishes that will always mean so much. And I can almost taste that delicious shortbread. Perfect with our tea!

    Hope you're having a blessed weekend dear Karen. Love our time together! Xo

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  35. Your table surely looks inviting!! Cute spatula! I like shortbread but I have never made it. Shame on me! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

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  36. Hi Karen, I so enjoyed my visit today seeing your beautiful fall photos and sweet decor in your home. I'm writing down the recipe as we love shortbread but I've never made one in a square pan before. It will be nice to try. How wonderful you received your late mother-in-law's Friendly Village china. I'm sure you will enjoy using it. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and week ahead. Hugs. Pam

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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