Friday, September 10, 2010

~NESTING~

Today's weather, dare I say was down right CHILLY. The "nip" in the air however, has sent me into a housekeeping mode where I prefer to remain at home and nest. I organize, re-arrange, get a jump on Fall decorating, stroll through the woods, plus fit in a little ironing and baking. The many chores that now need to be addressed became piled up due to the long stretch of heat and humidity. So, this morning I started my Fall decorating by adding this little primitive owl to a trencher along with dried sunflowers and birds nest that I have gathered over the years. Do not be concerned all nests we found on the ground no homes were taken by eminent domain. Speaking of owls, a Barred owl has decided to take up residence in a pine tree outside our bedroom window. Let me just say it is not so easy to fall asleep when the repetition of "who- who-cooks-for-you" is being sung all night long. I don't believe the girls care for it much either. Nothing says Fall like a crow, this little guy finds a home in a wreath made of wheat. I reached for my Tasha Tudor cookbook, donned my Tasha like apron and located the recipe for Blueberry cake. Not only are the recipes in this book mouth watering, but the book itself is filled with memories and antidotes about Tasha's life and family. Also included in the book are illustrations that Mrs. Tudor is famous for. After baking forty minutes here is the end result. Let me just admit I have no will power when it comes to this cake. Hot and right out of the oven with a big old glass of milk is pure delight.
Blueberry Coffee Cake:

3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 farm fresh egg, at room temperature
1/2 cup milk
2 cups unbleached flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen, not thawed


Topping:

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup unbleached flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 stick butter unsalted softened
1/2 pecans chopped (optional) I did not add them.


Preheat oven 375 degrees
grease and flour a 9x9x2 inch pan
In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and shortening
Stir in egg and then milk. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and mix quickly.
Carefully fold in blueberries.
Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
Combine all of the topping ingredients and sprinkle
the mixture over batter.
Bake in a preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes.
Tasha suggests serving warm with butter.


* I did not use unsalted butter, as I had none.
I fetched a warm egg from under Gladys, thank you Gladys
I find no need for butter when consuming, it is perfect just plain
and I bake for forty minutes
I find 45 to 50 minutes is just to long in my oven as the cake becomes dry when cooled.
I hope you try Mrs. Tudor's recipe, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you Tasha, you will always be remember and sadly missed.
(9-28-15)to(6-18-08)

14 comments:

Farm Girl said...

It looks so yummy and I am going to make it Saturday morning. I don't think I would have any will power either. It sounds like a wonderful way to usher in the cooler weather.
I even put on long pants today, I haven't done that in so long. It was nice.
I love all of your fall stuff it looks so nice.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Oh my gosh!! My mouth is watering. I have to make it. I also enjoy decorating for fall. I'm brand new to blogging and loving every minute of it. Please stop by my new blog and perhaps become a follower. It's a work in progress.

Verde Farm said...

Love the fall decorations...too cute. The blueberry dish looks amazing. I can smell it from WV :)
Amy at Verde Farm

Rowan said...

I enjoyed reading this lovely autumnal post. I have the Tasha Tudor cookbook but I confess that I've never made any of the recipes - the blueberry cake looks really good though so I may give it a try next week.

Rural Rambler said...

Julie I call it cocooning here. It's already begun with all the rain. I love that dang little owlie :) I'm glad he has a good home, keep an eye on him. If I was closer he'd go missing. Mmmm bet it smelled good at Dog Trot while that Blueberry cake was bakin'.

Flat Creek Farm said...

I plan to spend the entire weekend, much the same way! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe. Amazingly, I have all the ingredients in stock, including one more bag of frozen organic blueberries from our friends. Give your sweet chickens our ♥ -Tammy

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

While doing some "blog strolling" I happened upon your lovely blog and so enjoyed my visit!! I loved your newest post about your fall decorating and the cake looks SO yummy...I swear I can smell it!! Your pictures are just gorgeous and I loved looking at all of them! How very beautiful! Oh, and I just LOVE your little dog!!

I am going to become a follower and thank you again for making my day!!

Blessings~
Julie

Eve said...

I needed that recipe 3 weeks ago Julie!!
Well what do you expect!!....if you stop cooking all those great baked goods that OWL will up and leave!!! Either that or have DH yell out the window..."MY WIFE!!!!" HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Anonymous said...

The blueberry coffee cake looks delicious' I may just make it for my bridge group Wed. Loved the pictures of the apple orchard and your walk through the woods. Fall is my favorite time of year.

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

I will just have to try making that. Thanks so much for posting the recipe.
Janet

jill said...

I'm a fan of Tasha Tudor too - I have the cookbook (and a number of other books about her life & farm)and each recipe I've made is superb - her stew is probably my family's favorite. So sad that she's no longer around - what a treasure she was. A truly fascinating, talented woman. I miss her!

Genny said...

Your decorations are so beautiful and perfect. And that cake is perfect for breakfast on a fall morning or dessert or dinner, for that matter. I HAVE to make it. Thank you for posting the recipe.

DayPhoto said...

I too have gotten our my fall decorations. Love what you did.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Vickie said...

I'm grabbing this blueberry coffee cake recipe - looks great! I recently did a post on blueberry BISCUITS. Didn't know if you saw it - they were delish!