An autumn drive to party with friends.
I found this road dazzling --
-- and the sky so blue that the red barn seemed to jump out of the landscape.
My destination? A barbecue!
Anne and Clayton were great hosts and everyone who brought food outdid themselves.
I loved the chicken, as you can see, but the ribs were my favorite!
(My cookie recipe is at the bottom of this post!)A weekend with barbecue, followed by an evening of art! I enjoyed teaching a tag book workshop.
You can find a tutorial about it from long ago right HERE.
Here's Ashley's book...
Dusty will use hers for pot-luck recipes.
Jane had great retro art from an old cookbook!
And mine? Yes, are you really surprised by the graphics?
Here's a versatile cookie recipe that went over well at both the workshop and barbecue. It's fast, doubles or halves easily, and is adaptable to variations.Pressed Shortbread Cookies
2 sticks butter
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1 t. vanilla (if not using variation)
2 c. flour
Cream butter and sugar, add salt, and flour. Scoop or roll into small balls and press with glass, palm or cookie press. (Add colored sugar at this point if you like.) Bake 300 for 15-18 minutes. Leave on sheet for two minutes and then move to rack to cool.
Variations on a Theme: Cinnamon/Apple Version
Add enough cinnamon to taste (I like a lot and probably used at least 4 Tablespoons, maybe more.) Also add apple cider in place of vanilla. You will need to add more cider than the vanilla quantity -- again, do to your taste, a tablespoon or two at a time. But then you will also need to add a little more flour so that you have a stiff dough you can scoop and pat down. These were what I made this weekend -- and delicious. Glaze them with a powdered sugar/cinnamon/apple cider glaze when slightly warm. Colorful sugars or jimmies optional!
Variations on a Theme: Lemon Version
Use lemon juice and zest in place of the vanilla. Adjust flour accordingly. Glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Variations on a Theme: Peppermint Version
Same deal, peppermint extract and/or crushed peppermint candies.
Variations on a Theme: Dried Fruit
Add about 1/2 c. of dried cherries, cranberries or apricots. More if you like!
I love your photo with the Hawaiian shirt and the chicken!
ReplyDeleteYour laughing face just makes me smile. I can tell you were definitely having a good time.
ReplyDeleteThe photos of the drive to the party are fantastic with all that gorgeous autumn color.
Thanks for the cookie recipe. I'll try them when it gets cooler.
fantastic sharing your Autumn and artful weekend....and writing that
ReplyDeleterecipe down!
I'll think of you when I make it
(and make them extra colorful
in your honor:))
-Jennifer
Dazzling indeed! You've captured the essence of fall in those few photos! I bet the BBQ was as savoury as the scenery. ;)
ReplyDeleteWOW your leaves are so gorgeous ALREADY...they are just starting to turn here in N VA
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Jeanie!
Thank you for sharing as always
Happy weekend to you and yours
oxo
oh and we are cat sitting a Calvin who could be your Gypsy's brother ;)
ReplyDeleteoxo
p.s. such a sweet sweet kitty kat too!
Wow, that road IS beautiful! What a lovely photo.
ReplyDeleteI love how easy that recipe is! I should try substituting a gluten free flour & see if the cookies turn out!
I think I would have backed up and driven that road again. Gorgeous! Thanks for the recipe. "Hi Gypsy"
ReplyDeleteWhat fun. Ribs are my fav at any BBQ. Cute tag book. Shortbread recipe is to die for.
ReplyDeleteoh, Jeanie, that picture of you laughing is just the BEST!!! Love you, love the week you've had. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, too, regardless of the fate everyone around here seems to think your team is going to meet.
ReplyDeleteSoooooooooooooo nice to see you Gypsy
ReplyDeleteon your Mommy's blog :-)
Love love love it to see you !!!!
((hugs))
Great pictures. Glad the recipe tag book class went well. The barbeque looks like gret fun.
ReplyDeleteI adore that picture of you, Jeanie! What fun events! Fun events always make for getting through the week. Would have loved being in the class too. And oh my that road with all the color is amazing!
ReplyDeleteGosh - those cider/cinnamon cookies sound delish. My granddaughter, Amanda, would have been fighting you for the last rib, Jeanie! Your fall photos are glorious. Hope your weekend is going well.
ReplyDeleteYou had such interesting posts while I was gone. I can’t believe that you found your grandma’s postcard – that was meant to be. I went to a postcard show here and there were so many! I bought quite a few. Most of those were in the $1 to $2 range – and some were very nice. The art shows you posted had such interesting art – must have been a lot of fun to visit. Autumn is also my favorite season – the colors are glorious. Your photos show the season well.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos and as always I love pictures of the tabby.
ReplyDeleteSooo many GOODIES here today, Jeanie! Love that photo of you! And such pretty art, as always-love your way with paper. And thank you for the cookie recipe. I love shortbread. And your flavor variations are wonderful. I feel like baking now! Give you sweet kitty a cuddle from me. :o) Happy Week ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! Did you take those Autumn images? They are incredible!!
ReplyDelete