Homer Laughlin Love

 I bought this lovely set of Homer Laughlin "Virginia Rose" dishes at the thrift shop this evening.

 

Can't you imagine a family sitting down to Roast Chicken for Sunday dinner with these dishes?  I just love them....  I had already purchased a few place settings a while ago, so was thrilled to be able  to add a few more to my collection. 

I keep imagining using them for an outdoor formal tea ....

 

 

In addition to the dishes,

I found another vintage linen to add to my...

 

 

... growing collection!

(I'm envisioning a quilt out of these embroidered linens some day, similar to this one featured on this blog.)

 

Love the detailed stitching,

 

and how cool is this - initials from 1957!

 

Picked up some rick rack, a few vintage buttons,

and this pitcher as well.  Makes me thirsty for some lemonade!

 

 

Baked Banana-Pecan Oatmeal

I don't eat bananas very often simply because of my commitment to eating local, seasonal foods.  But, this recipe is a nice treat from time to time, and is a delicious variation on steel-cut oats.

Source:  Everyday Food , December 2012

1 1/2 c. steel-cut oats

1/2 t. fine sea salt

2 T. whole milk

1 t. pure vanilla extract

2 firm-ripe bananas, sliced 1/4" thick on the diagonal

3 T. packed dark-brown sugar, whisked to remove lumps

1/4 c. pecans, roughly chopped

In a medium pot, bring 4 1/2 c. water to a boil.  Stir in oats and salt and cook 1 min.  Let cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Bring oatmeal to a simmer over medium-high heat.  Cook until tender, about 10 min.  Stir in milk and vanilla.  Transfer to a 9" pie plate.

Heat broiler, with rack 4" from heat.  Top oatmeal with bananas and brown sugar and broil until bananas are caramelized, 3-4 min.  Sprinkle with pecans to serve.

*Cook's note:  Soaking steel-cut oats overnight shortens cooking time in the morning.  A sprinkle of sugar and a pass under the broiler give this dish a caramelized top layer.

Serves 4

Fall Fun

 

 

Isn't this a fun fall decoration (made out of canning jar rings!)?  My friend Denise picked up for me - it makes the perfect gift for someone who loves to can!