Friday, December 30

Brentwood TN Last day of 2011

We've had a few, nice, warm, sunny days to end the year 2011 here in Brentwood TN.


The neighborhood is quiet.



Except for the occasional sawing from a house nearby being renovated.



It is nice to stop and have a cup of tea and piece of Victoria Sponge for a special treat.



The recipe is our Auntie Leslie's in Saltash, England



and it is THE BEST and OF COURSE... you cover it with clotted cream!



 Here are a few clips from her garden.



This is a warm sunny spot on even the coldest days.



Now you know where I fell in love with the look of geraniums in a sunny window.




I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE small spaces! Look how much is going on here!
It looks and feels great!



Izzy gives the garden character. Yes Izzy, we know, you are moving soon. Don't worry, you will love your new home.



Izzy has raised several children, is a devoted friend and a comforting presence in the garden. He is important. Make sure that you have an Izzy in YOUR garden!


Nice little retaining walls make use of tiny spaces.



This one creates a pathway...and it is a pretty view from the conservatory.

Well Done!



Right then, enough dawdling . . . Back to work!



I hope you and yours have a Happy New Year.

Auntie Leslie's recipe for

Victoria Sponge

6 oz. all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
6 oz. butter (3/4 cup)
6 oz. sugar (3/4 cup)
3 eggs
raspberry jam for filling
icing sugar (confectioner's sugar) for top
clotted cream ( sometimes Harris Teeter or Fresh Market has it.)

Sieve flour and baking powder.
Cream butter & sugar until fluffy.
Beat eggs.
Add 1/4 of beaten eggs to the creamed butter, beat.
Add flour gradually, beat and repeat. A little egg, a little flour until all is well beaten.
Pour mixture into 2 greased and floured 7" sandwich tins.
(I had to go all the way to England to get 7" sandwich tins. What a hardship!)

Bake side by side on middle shelf of a 375 degree oven for 20-25 mins.
Cool on a wire tray and sandwich together with jam or butter icing.
Sprinkle icing sugar on top.
Serve with clotted cream.






2 comments:

  1. Your cottage looks so pretty with the Geraniums in the windows! It looks like a spring day over there. I love Auntie Leslie's back yard and her roses are huge!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Barbara,

    Everyone loves her garden. Do you remember being there in June and having tea in the conservatory?

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