For my husband's birthday, I had some help whipping up homemade blueberry pies.
It was pretty exciting. But anytime Sugarwings does some baking, its a joy-fest.
I tried something a little different with the pies. We filled a shell with fresh berries, then topped it with a mixture of butter, organic brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. We drizzled a little water over it, added a heart cut out of pie dough, and baked it. The berries' juices mixed with the topping as it melted into the pie, and it was really yummy. It left a slight, crispy top, but not the same as a crumble, because I used very little flour in it.
Along with the pies, I made fried chicken,(catfish for the vegetarians too) mashed potatoes, gravy, corn (fresh from the cob) green beans, coleslaw and rolls. Plus a strawberry cheesecake.
whew.
4 and a half hours in the kitchen, I made it all the old fashioned way, like my grandma and mom used to. What a lot of work. How on earth did they cook like that on a regular bsis???
It was a good party, and the kids gave Pop Pop a book to read to his littlest grand fairy, plus he got plenty of hugs and cuddles, so he had a happy birthday.
They made him some flower pots, and he got a mint plant and lime tree to grow his own garnishes for cocktail hour.
He's one hot grandpa, isn't he?
ps- you can still enter the drawing to win this collage by leaving a comment
I know Karla, right??? How in the world did women cook all the stuff they did from scratch??? PLUS they probably didn't even have air conditioning either! Good grief, I would have just died. Happy Birthday to your sweet hubby...I know he must be wonderful because he loves you ~ sending you hugs and love, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn Edmonson | June 14, 2012 at 02:24 AM
Karla...loved the heart shaped pie pan that Sugarwings was proudly watching over! Everything looks luscious! Many happy returns for your husband's birthday. Patty in Kansas
Posted by: Patty in Kansas | June 14, 2012 at 02:41 AM
love the celebrations you share from your home! fantastic.
Happy Birthday to your hubby.
Posted by: Gypsy Rose | June 14, 2012 at 05:53 AM
I bought two of those pans at Bottoms Up. They are old, and really nice. Everything we bake is heart shaped now!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | June 14, 2012 at 08:29 AM
I cook from scratch all the time, but not to this extent. There were a lot of people here for dinner, and it was a ton of food. I had four frying pans going. My grandma had nine kids, so this would have been an every day thing for her, not a special occasion! Plus she would have killed her own chickens. And you are right, Dawn, no air conditioning. Or dishwasher!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | June 14, 2012 at 08:33 AM
Hi, Karla! Glad your hubby had a good birthday; sounds like a great time. Those pies sure look yummy!!
Posted by: Debbie Juillerat | June 14, 2012 at 10:11 AM
I love the second picture of Sugarwings. That smile!
Can I ask you a question about antiquing in St. Joe? Is there another mall there besides Jesse James? I sure would appreciate it if you could let me know by email. My friend and I are heading up there Saturday.
Posted by: Maddie | June 14, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Hi Karla, I hope this finds you well. Oh my what a wonderful meal you created, your pies look so good and to have little helpers how fun. Happy Birthday to your husband, and yes he is handsome and so young, you both are. I would love to win your beautiful collage, I love your beautiful work. I just wanted to let you know that your blog has helped me so much, I know I have not commented on it much in the last couple of months, as I have been taking care of my ill parents, and when I am tired and down it is always uplifting to visit your blog. Thank you so much. I am wishing you a wonderful summer. Hugs, Terri
Posted by: Terri Gordon | June 14, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Happy birthday to your husband -- what a lucky guy! My husband would love that entire menu!! I have had a hankering for blueberry pie myself lately...yum!!
Posted by: Laurie | June 14, 2012 at 12:57 PM
You are right, cooking from scratch everyday was a full-time job! But it all looks delicious! Looks like a happy family occasion!
Posted by: LeeW | June 14, 2012 at 01:26 PM
A new kitchen like yours deserves to have dinners made from scratch!!
Gloria in Virginia
Posted by: Gloria | June 14, 2012 at 01:34 PM
Four and a half hours in the kitchen preparing food for this special bday occasion? Bless your heart! The menu sounds so yummy. Happy belated bday to your hubby!
Sugarwings' hair looks so cute! She looks like a little doll in these photos.
Still admiring that collage . . . . ; )
Posted by: Linda P. | June 14, 2012 at 08:13 PM
I've just killed an hour of middle-of-the-night insomnia by exploring your beautiful blog! What a lovely place! WOuld you mind if I followed you on FB?- as my blog is on blogger so the 'follow' thingy is different.
I better bookmark you too so I can come back here :)
Posted by: HELENA | June 14, 2012 at 11:43 PM
I've finally got some quiet time to catch up on my favorite blog!
I can't believe how grown up Sugarwings is getting! She just gets more and more beautiful!
Posted by: Rebecca P. | June 15, 2012 at 01:05 AM
Happy Day to Handsome Husband -- and boy, Sugarwings is growing up!
Posted by: jeanie | June 15, 2012 at 03:36 PM
Yes, your hubby is a handsome man and the two of you make a beautiful couple. So glad he had a happy birthday. You always make everything so special with the thoughtful things you do.
Posted by: Joyce | June 15, 2012 at 11:59 PM
Happy birthday to your hubby. Just loved the picture of Sugarwings with the pies. So Cute!
Posted by: Sheila R | June 16, 2012 at 07:29 AM