Blue Nigella

I never found nigella flowers particularly pretty (I thought they were too simple) until I actually took a moment to look at them.

I think blue nigella is one of those flowers whose beauty cannot be noticed at a glance. You need to study them closely to see the loveliness of delicate layered petals, feathery leaves, and deep blue color. That is what I did last summer at a local park. Since then, these flowers are one of my favorite annuals.



I collected the seeds at the park, and now I can enjoy blue nigella growing in my own yard...



Or cheering up my garden table.



To share my pretty nigella flowers, I am joining the following link parties:

Cottage Flora Thursday @ Fish Tail Cottage,
Home Sweet Home Friday @The Charm of Home,
Fertilizer Friday @ Tootsie Time
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home.

Thank you for stopping by.

Tea in the Garden

I have a beautiful tree in my front yard that is in full bloom now. What is unique about this tree is that its blooms start purple, then turn lilac and eventually white. Unfortunately, I don’t know its name. Perhaps someone can help me to identify it.



I thought I’d better find a moment to enjoy the splendor of my tree before its blooms fade out. Having a cup of tea by the tree is a perfect way to do so, especially since I have a new tea cup to enjoy as well.



I received this tea cup for my birthday. It traveled all the way from Denmark. Made by Royal Copenhagen, it has “Blue Fluted” pattern that was adopted back in 1775.





What a delight to relax by this tree with a cup of tea, a slice of banana bread, and some grapes.



Thank you for stopping by and if you have a moment, please visit these tea parties and their gracious hostesses.

Martha's Favorites @ Martha's Favorites,
Tea for Two @ The Plumed Pen,
Teacup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations,
Teapot and Tea Things @ Silken Purse,
Teapot and Tea Things @ Breath of Fresh Air,
Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage,
Teatime Tuesday @ Lady Katherine Tea Parlor

as well as Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home.

Treasures from Denise

Last month, Denise from All Over Roses had a blog anniversary. She had a giveaway to honor the occasion, for which she offered a dainty hand towel that she embroidered.

When I found out I was the lucky winner, I jumped with joy and excitement. And what a marvelous coincidence was to receive the parcel from Denise precisely on my birthday!

In addition to the hand towel, Denise sent me a darling tea towel and beautiful butterfly soap that smells heavenly. All these treasures were wrapped in pale pink paper and tied with pink ribbons. A lovely card was in there for me as well.

Thank you Denise! I will cherish your beautiful gifts!

I'm joining Cindy's Show and Tell Friday.

Quick and Easy Eclair Cake

Not long ago, on allrecipes.com I discovered the recipe of a delicious dessert that can be quickly made with only few ingredients. The recipe proved to be very handy in the situations when I didn’t have time to bake a real cake and didn’t feel like going to the store to buy one.

The cake can be made in less than thirty minutes, but it needs to be chilled in the fridge for a few hours.

The recipe suggests making the cake in a baking pan, but I actually make mine on a big dish. And if I have raspberries or strawberries at hand, I decorate the cake with them.



2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
3 cups milk
1 (16 ounce) package graham cracker squares
1 (16 ounce) package prepared chocolate frosting

In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the pudding mix, whipped topping, and milk.

Arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares in the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking pan. Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. Top with another layer of crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.

Spread the frosting over the whole cake up to the edges of the pan. Cover, and chill at least 4 hours before serving.

I am joining the following link parties:

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle,
Mouthwatering Monday @ A Southern Fairy Tale,
Tasty Tuesday @ 33 Shades of Green,
Made from Scratch Tuesday @ From Mess Hall to Bistro,
Tuesdays at the Table @ All the Small Stuff,
Two Maids a Baking @ Two Maids a Milking,
Foodie Friday @ Designs by Gollum.

Cheddar Cheese Puffs

It has been a while since my last kitchen experiment. And even though I spend a lot of time in the kitchen every day, it is only occasionally that I try something new. For me to attempt a completely new recipe, I need to be in a special jolly mood. Only then the recipe will work out for me.

I am in such mood today. And why not to be? The weather is wonderful, the roses are blooming, and my sweet children are sleeping soundly.

So to the kitchen to bake savory cheddar cheese puffs with a hint of rosemary!



½ cup water
¼ cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
2 eggs
½ cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
Freshly ground black pepper

Put the water and the butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

When boiling and butter has melted, remove from the heat and add all the flour at once. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add grated cheese, rosemary, and a few grinds of pepper and beat again.

Put dessertspoonfuls of the mixture onto a lightly greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes.

Let cool on a wire rack.



I'm joining:

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle,
Mouthwatering Monday @ A Southern Fairy Tale,
Tasty Tuesday @ 33 Shades of Green,
Made from Scratch Tuesday @ From Mess Hall to Bistro,
Tuesdays at the Table @ All the Small Stuff,
Foodie Friday @ Designs by Gollum.