“A Few of My Favorite Things”

Sandra

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” – Norman Vincent Peale

It is difficult to believe Christmas is just a few days away.  It seems like only yesterday the peonies were blooming. So, before another day slips away, I thought I would share a “few of my favorite things.”

 

I love Christmas and every drop of magic the beautiful season holds.  From glorious store windows to the smell of wood smoke curling from chimneys. Even the mess in the kitchen from baking cookies.  I love it all, and everything in between.  

And, there is my special fondness of gorgeous packages which have been lovingly wrapped.  I love to look at them and wonder – “What could that be?”  The child in me  always shows up at Christmas.  

 

But I especially love what I refer to as “Elf Work.”  I once belonged to a Secret Elf Society.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Our society had 12 members.  Members were carefully invited, because no member could ever disclose the names of the other elves, or names of those our elves may have helped or were planning to help. Our belief was, ” It mattered not that a name be attached to an act of love, but that our actions lifted spirits and offered hope.” 

 

Sometimes we placed an entire Christmas, (tree, lights, presents and food) on the porch of a family who needed a helping hand. And, we hung gorgeous prom dresses on the front doors of many a princess who thought she would never own one, and delivered lots of bicycles at birthdays throughout the year. There were winter coats placed in strategic locations for the homeless and money for gas, along with a nice lunch placed at the door of someone who needed to travel to check on a loved one.  I lost count of the gazillion loaves of nut bread baked, tied with a pretty ribbon, and left on the porch of anyone we knew who could just use a sweet surprise. And, we always left a card which read: “Always Believe, Love Santa.” Even, if the delivery was made in June.

I can’t begin to tell you the fun we had, the strong friendships we formed – not to mention the wonderful fellowship we enjoyed.  Truly, we received far more than we gave.

They say, “What goes around, comes around,” and I now know that includes Elf Work.  The other evening our door bell rang and it was the gorgeous daughter of a lovely Elf named Suzie. You see, Elf Suzie is Belgian.  She made and brought to us, a tin of Galettes. Galettes are a Belgian waffle type cookie, most usually made at Christmas, and absolutely delicious. And, if you haven’t tasted one of these little gems since the early 1980’s, they are even more delicious.  My husband, who is also Belgian, and I so enjoyed this special treat. A kind and thoughtful treat from an Elf – just because.  Now, there is a real twist to this story. So be sure you remember the name Suzie, because you will want to read (later post) “The Story With a Twist.”  Elves are always at work – even when they are no longer with us. 

But, with all the things I love and enjoy about this season, Margaret Hendley so elequently expressed my feelings about one of my “most favorite things” when she said:  “At least once each December I take a few precious moments to sit alone in our darkened living room, illumined only by the lights of our Christmas tree, and in the quiet, remember the voices of those I love who are all now silenced, while I ponder the mystery and wonder of this most blessed of celebrations.”

Wishing you and yours all the joys,blessings, and wonder of this most glorious season !

 

Always Believe !

Love, Sandra 

 

Photos:  Facebook, Pinterest, M.S.Lambiotte

 

Christmas at Maison De Jardin

Sandra

” Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Welcome to Christmas at Maison De Jardin, The Garden House ! 

Today, I would like to welcome you to our home, Maison De Jardin, tell you a little about our tree and a “Few of Our Favorite Things.”

Let’s begin in the living room.

One of my most favorite things is our clock.  It was a special gift from my husband – Christmas, 1985.  The case is flame mahogany and the clock is an English Bell Chime.  It was made by Thomas Lees in Bury, England.  Mr. Lees made the clock sometime during the period of 1795-1836.  Today, with her original works, she still keeps perfect time and her lovely chime is truly music to my ears. 

And, should you be wondering about the sweet child’s rocker, it belonged to a little boy named Mike. Mike is now the king of this castle.

The tree is from Balsam Hill.  It holds a gazillion lights, and is easy to assemble and disassemble.  She is dressed in gold, silver and pearl, and wears garlands of pearls.

As I believe is the case with most people, many of our ornaments hold special meaning for us. But, today I will tell you about just a few, or this post would be never-ending .  So, first is the reading cherub, a gift from my husband. Because I so love to read.

Next, I would like you to meet Priscilla.  Priscilla was a treasured ornament which belonged to my mom and she now belongs to me.  My sweet mom loved frogs and felt this frog looked as though she should have the name, Priscilla. I love the pearls on her toes.

I can’t fail to introduce you to Rocky.  Rocky was on our first Christmas tree, 1972.   He is beginning to show some wear – but, I am too.  He is loved, and it wouldn’t be Christmas without him.

The precious Sand Dollars (there are several on the tree) were found and gather by us many, many years ago.  We sailed our Hobie Cat 16 Catamaran across Chesapeake Bay to what is referred to as ‘Little Island.’  As we pulled our Catamaran up and onto the beach, we discovered the beach was covered with beautiful Sand Dollars.  There were literally hundreds of them.  This was most unusual, as Sand Dollars are not usually found as far north as Virginia.  I always felt we were meant to find them.  So, I gathered as many as possible, and tied them in a shirt for the sail back to Virginia Beach.  For those of you who have been on a catamaran, you know it can be quite a ride.  Knowing they were going to adorn our tree, I held onto them as if they were gold.  The legend of the Sand Dollar is beautiful. If you are unfamiliar with it, you may Visit here. 

And, you must see our garden fairy.  She is complete with a wand and hydrangea petals on her dress.  She was purchased at a magical Christmas shop in Portsmouth, VA – Coleman’s Nursery. Sadly, Coleman’s is no longer in business. Visiting Coleman’s was a yearly tradition for so many residents of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

Last on the ornament tour today is one of our many Fenton Glass Ornaments. Fenton Glass began their long career in 1905 in the little West Virginia town of Williamstown. Today, they continue to operate on a small scale, but closed their factory in 2011.  

As we make our way to the kitchen, you will see Sophie.  Sophie enjoys the quiet of the dining room. She is wearing a lovely satin ribbon which once was tied around a gorgeous piece of needlepoint, made and given to me by my dear friend, Janet. Sophie (the name I gave her), is signed by the sculptor – Grinam Niam/Paris. 

So here we are in the kitchen. I baked these  fruit cakes this morning and I am sorry I didn’t make them earlier. We could have enjoyed a slice together.  But, they must soak for at least another week.  I drizzled them with Calvados, a French apple brandy.  They will enjoy a wee drink once a week until Christmas, and are one of my husbands most “favorite things.” 

The kitchen window wears a fresh boxwood wreath, purchased from a garden center in North Carolina.  And, it is double-sided.  Therefore, it shows beautifully from outside, as well as the inside.  I purchase these wreaths every year.  To be honest, I am in a serious  love affair with boxwood.  So much so, that there are around 50-plus of these beauties in our garden, which include several different varieties.  This most likely stems from my years in Virginia.  To this day, boxwood’s adorn the grounds of many Virginia colonial plantations and homes.

Remember me talking about a gorgeous piece of needlepoint tied with a beautiful satin ribbon?  Well, here it is.  ‘Merry Christmas’ is the first thing I see every morning when I come into the kitchen.  It is my ‘good morning’ from a treasured friend.  I have many of these lovely pieces, stitched by my friend – you will see them from time-to-time.  Also, should you be interested in a piece of her work, contact me and let me know.  I will be happy to put you in touch with her.

Before you leave, I thought you might enjoy a few outside photos.  First, is a fresh boxwood wreath on the front door.

Next, a sled which belonged to my husband’s mother, and sits happily under the plaque bearing the name of our home.  This sled has been down many western Pennsylvania hills during its life.

My Boxwood Boys, wearing their red bow ties. Also, in this photo you can see the French blue on the front door.  Many French homes wear the color blue on the front door or shutters.  The French believe it keeps away evil spirits.

And, finally – “Silent Night.”

I hope you have enjoyed your time with us today.  I want to thank all of you for following me this past year.  My goal on the blog is to create beauty and scatter joy.  And, to inspire others to do the same.  Because, in the words of Henry Louis Mencken, “Life has many moments when the heart is overwhelmed with beauty.” If we share such moments, we can create a never-ending ripple.  Our world needs that.

Joyeux Noel,

Sandra

 

 

all photos: Michael S. Lambiotte

“Peace on Earth”

Sandra

 

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”  –  W. T. Ellis

 

 

Good Morning Dear Friends:

Today is December 1st, and quite a special day for me.  It is the beginning of what I personally feel is the most beautiful month of the year.  I had plans to write a post about all the many reasons December 1st holds such meaning for me, until I came across something so wonderful it immediately changed my thoughts. 

I subscribe to the fabulous and inspiring magazine, FLOWER –  House|Garden|Lifestyle. Do Visit Here.  Seeing this magazine in my mail always turns an ordinary day into an extraordinary day, truly an absolute treat.  The Editor-In-Chief of this outstanding publication is Margot Shaw. She always writes a lovely column at the beginning of each issue, but her words in the November/December issue were so inspirational and held such truth, I felt, if possible, they should be shared. She so eloquently speaks to the exact purpose of why I created this blog.  Therefore, as we begin this most beautiful month, I am pleased to share, with her permission, her inspiring column.    

 

“Peace on Earth,” by Margot Shaw

“As I leaf through this issue one last time before press, I’m transported by the warm, lustrous imagery of the season – the season of goodwill toward all men (and women).

But in the midst of the peaceful beauty, I experience a jarring disconnect while contemplating the culture.  I find I must speak of my heartbreak at the switches and ashes I witness in public discourse today.  There has been a jettisoning of simple, common courtesy and an adopting of vitriol and blame-casting that borders on barbarism.  There’s no willingness to hear differing viewpoints or feelings-only an immediate rush to judge, harangue, label and condemn.  I know there are terrible things happening in America today-worthy of condemnation-and I don’t presume to have solutions.  But I do know that inflammatory and hateful words and actions only exacerbate the problem.  I also know that no political position or policy (left or right) can heal our land.  You cannot legislate peace.  You cannot legislate love.

While we are just one voice at Flower, we make an effort to celebrate the good things in life – nature, creativity, home, and relationships – which we hope speaks to the message of goodwill.

So I ask all who read this, whatever your beliefs, to join me and our staff and light a candle, love a neighbor, forgive a trespass, say a prayer for this great nation, and perhaps, follow the words of the late, great Charles Dickens from A Christmas Carol;  ‘I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” 

I believe beauty, love, and kindness holds great power – power to create a movement for change toward a kinder and better world. 

Thanks for visiting.  Wishing you and yours a most beautiful December !

 

Au Revoir,

Sandra

 

ps/ If you enjoyed this post, please share.

 

Photos: Facebook

“Gifts Tied With Heartstrings,” And…

Sandra

“The best gifts are tied with heartstrings.”  Susan Branch

Ready or not, it is almost the first of December.  Which translates to, it is time to become busy making things merry and bright, and doing some of my ‘favorite things.’

One of my favorite things is creating what I refer to as ‘treasure bags.’  They hold small treasures of all sorts – made for those I love.  Perhaps I so enjoy creating them because I know how special it is to receive one. They bring out the child in all of us, as we wonder, “What is in this sweet bag?”  They are most special when they hold something homemade or handmade. So, today I am sending you a recipe for one of my favorite things to place in a treasure bag – Jezebel Sauce.  

I have made this for years.  Place it in a pretty jar, tie with a ribbon and a candy cane and you have just created a bit of magic.  If you use jelly jars, this will make several jars. But, be sure to save enough for you and your family to enjoy.

Jezebel Sauce

1 – 18 ounce jar pineapple preserves

1 – 18 ounce jar apricot preserves

1/2 cup orange marmalade

1 – 5.25 ounce jar prepared horseradish

1 Tbls. dry mustard

In a large bowl, combine preserves, marmalade, horseradish, and dry mustard.  Cover and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.  Serve with cream cheese and crackers.  This is also delicious on ham biscuits.  Note:  Often, I have been unable to locate pineapple preserves.  I have substituted peach preserves and it is just as delicious.

In the spirit of the Christmas season, and because I love to create treasure bags,  I thought I would create one for you.  I am dreaming of a little bag which will hold all sorts of sweetness, perhaps a French item or two.  You know how I love all things French.  So, if you would like to win my bag of treasures, simply tell me some things  you think just may be in this little bag.  You can do so under the “Comment Section” at the bottom of this post or send an email via the “Contact Section” of this blog. All entries must be received by Sunday evening, December 3, 2017. The winner will be announced on Monday morning, December 4, 2017.  As always, I will not be the one who selects the winner.  Isn’t the Christmas season the most fun?  I will be anxious to see your thoughts of what may be in this little bag!

Thanks for visiting, and have a great week !

Au Revoir, 

Sandra

 

 

All photos/Pinterest

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Sandra

“Please grant us perception of beauty and worth.  Help us look at the things which we see.  That learning the value of life and its gifts, we’ll be evermore grateful to Thee.” – James W. McLaughlin, Home for Thanksgiving

 

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving !

Love, Sandra

 

 

Photo:  Facebook

“When Thursday Vanishes”

Sandra

“On Thanksgiving we give thanks for the gift of having people to love and the great bounty of life to share.”  – Alexandra Stoddard

 

Several years ago, I came across the following editorial. It touched my heart, as all wonderful thoughts and words can do.  So, I thought rather than keeping it in my ‘little book of special things,’ I would share it with you. 

 

Editorial, The New York Times 

Printed on November 21, 2012

 

“Over the years, we have come to love the fixedness of Thanksgiving.  Always on a Thursday, by proclamation, this holiday is unmindful of anyone’s inconvenience.  Even Christmas Day must fall on a weekend some years, but never Thanksgiving.  It causes as much fuss as possible – a stir that disrupts the entire week, year after year.  Yet when the last of the guests have arrived and everyone is seated at the table, there comes a pause, a toast, a grace – long or short, secular or sacred, vocal or silent – that says what this holiday is for.  Thursday vanishes, and in its place is Thanksgiving.

It’s natural to look inward on this day, at the faces around the table, the private rituals that make each family’s holiday its own.  It’s easy to forget that it remains Thursday on the rest of the planet.  For this day, at least, America and Americans everywhere seem to cast off from the world at large, to stand apart for a few moments of contemplation.  Perhaps you know the feeling if you’ve ever lived abroad when late November comes – the way Americans seek each other out on the holiday, the way you proselytize pumpkin pie, the way traditions you somehow took for granted suddenly find a new power to move you.  You dust off the Norman Rockwell corner of your heart, which you didn’t even know existed, and patiently explain the virtues of corn-bread stuffing.

There is an adage that says “enough is as good as a feast.”  We celebrate having enough by having the feast.  Over the centuries, thanks of every sort have attached themselves to this day:  thanks for deliverance from war, from loss, from suffering, from despair; thanks for increase and plenty, for duty and service, for fulfillment and enduring hope, for one generation succeeding another.  That one meal can be so solemn and so joyful, so expressive – always comes as a surprise.”

 

 

 

Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving !

 

Au Revoir,

Sandra

 

Photos: Pinterest and Facebook

Holiday Recipes For You !

Sandra

“Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of  life’s primal and most innocent delights. One that is both soul-satisfying and eternal.” – Julia Child

In time for your holiday menu planning, I thought I would share a few of our favorite holiday recipes.  They are tried and true, and guaranteed to bring you great reviews. I hope you will enjoy them. Should you have any questions regarding any of the recipes, send me a message via the Contact section of this blog.

 

The first recipe is:  Herbed Potato Gratin.  This recipe is from Williams and Sonoma.  Many years ago, I was shopping in one of their stores and a charming young clerk was handing out recipes to all the shoppers.  This gratin is outstanding served with turkey, pork or beef.  

Herbed Potato Gratin – Makes a 9×12 baking dish.

1 & 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 minced garlic clove

1 tsp. dried rosemary

1 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. dried sage

A pinch of nutmeg

2 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick (4 medium size is perfect)

1 large onion – thinly sliced

3 cups grated Gruyere cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

salt/pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375.  Butter a 9×12 baking dish and set aside.  Combine the following in a large saucepan over medium heat and bring just to a boil.  Then remove from heat.  1 & 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp. of rosemary and thyme, 1/2 tsp. sage, a pinch of nutmeg and a good dash of salt and pepper.

Peel and slice potatoes.  Arrange a third of potato slices, slightly overlapping, in a baking dish.  Add enough of the cream mixture to cover the potatoes, sprinkle with salt/pepper.  Add 1/2 of the onion and 1 cup of the Gruyere cheese.  Repeat:  using another third of potatoes slices, salt/pepper, 1/2 of the onion and 1 more cup of the Gruyere cheese.  Top with remaining potatoes, salt/pepper.  Gently press on the potatoes with a spatula to compact them.  Pour remaining cream mixture over potatoes and sprinkle with the final cup of Gruyere cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.  Cover with foil and bake until potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes.  Remove foil and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes more.  Let rest about 10 minutes before serving.

This next recipe is from my dear friend, Janet.  I promise, if you make her recipe for Cranberry Sauce you will be so happy you did.  It is not only the best I have ever tasted, it is the easiest I have ever made. So, don’t skip this one!   

Janet’s Cranberry Sauce – Excellent served with turkey, pork or beef. 

1 – 12 oz. bag of whole fresh cranberries

1 cup orange juice – fresh squeezed or the type purchased in the refrigerator section of the grocery store

1 cup sugar

1 Tbls. orange zest

1 Tbls. Grand Marnier – (orange flavored liqueur and is optional)

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

Rinse and drain cranberries well.  Bring orange juice and sugar to a boil.  Add cranberries and bring back to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer over medium to low heat, about 10 minutes, until cranberries begin to pop.  Add orange zest, pecans, liqueur and stir well.  Remove from heat and cool completely.  Note:  This can be prepared a day ahead.  You may also want to double the recipe if you are serving a crowd.

The last recipe today, is my grandmother’s Sweet Potato Pie. She was from Collins, Mississippi and this recipe was clipped from a local newspaper and tucked in the back of her cookbook.  It is a fabulous recipe and a treasure to me.  I hope it will become a treasure for you as well.

Sweet Potato Pie

 – Preheat oven to 400

2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened (take out the night before)

2 eggs, separated

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1/4 cup white sugar

1 unbaked 10-inch pie shell

Whipped cream for topping – optional

Combine sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, egg yolks, spices, and salt in a large mixing bowl; beat until light and fluffy.  Add evaporated milk; mix just until combined.

In another large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy; gradually add white sugar, beating until stiff.  Fold into potato mixture.  Pour filling into pie shell.  Bake at 400 for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 350 and bake for an additional 45-50 minutes or until set.  Cool and serve with whipped cream.

I will be posting additional recipes during the holidays.  For your convenience, all recipes posted are on the recipe archive section of this site.

 

Thanks for visiting. Wishing you and yours a wonderful week !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

 

Photos: Pinterest

 

The Winner is…

Sandra

“Lay me down in sheets of linen, you had a busy day today.” – Elton John

For those of you who entered the Giveaway, the time has arrived to announced the winner of the beautiful Saphyr French  Linen Pillowslips.  https://saphyrpurelinen.com/

And, the winner is… LINDA !!

Linda, if you would send me your mailing address under the contact section of this blog, your pillowslips will be in the post by Friday, November 10, 2017.

 

Selecting a winner was not easy and I am happy it was not my decision.  Just to give you an idea of why Linda was chosen – listed below are two of the reasons she desired to win.

“I imagine sleeping and dreaming on luxurious linens would be more like sunlight and clouds rather than just regular pillowcases and sheets.”

“In these sometimes difficult times, my eyes have been opened to the world of kindness, love and grace. I realize how precious life is everyday and I’m passionate about creating the best time ever for myself, my family and friends.”

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter.  And, for those of you who didn’t win – don’t loose heart.  There will be several small Giveaways (French things) during the month of December – so stay tuned and follow along.  Additionally, be sure to check the Events section of this blog, which has recently been updated.  There are some lovely things happening across the country and some may be in your corner of the world.

Thanks for visiting.  Have a wonderful day !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

 

Photos: Saphyr Pure Linen and Pinterest

 

 

The Beauty of Simplicity

Sandra

“There is a certain majesty in simplicity.” – Alexander Pope

With the holidays fast approaching, certainly we are all beginning to give thought to our celebrations. If you are hosting  one or more of these special celebrations, you are most likely thinking of: the table, food and other decorations for your home.

While we all want our food, tables and decorations to be spectacular, what is really important are those family members and dear friends who will be seated at our tables, celebrating the holiday with us.  It especially matters that we take care of ourselves, so as not to be so exhausted from preparations that we are unable to enjoy this special time or create those Norman Rockwell memories.  So let’s keep it simple. Understand, this is the voice of experience speaking.

I have heard the words, ‘there is beauty in simplicity,’ most of my life. My dear mom preached these words and she was correct. When we keep our tables, decorations and food simple, then we are not exhausted. Therefore, we can enjoy the celebration of the day, and being with the people we love.  And the good news is:  Simple can be quite elegant.

 

Things such as satin or velvet ribbon used as a napkin ring, tied with sprigs of rosemary, boxwood, or a shaft of wheat – adds instant beauty and charm to the table. And for the centerpiece, nothing can compare with the glory of nature.  Add a few candles and you have created magic, setting the stage for a memorable time.

As an extra touch, I have always enjoyed placing a simple gift at each place setting.  Something small, but something for your guests to take home and enjoy, along with their treasured memories of the day. One such small gift is a pomander ball.  They are quite old fashioned, but so lovely.  Plus, they are easy to make and smell divine.  You can be as creative as you wish in your design or just scatter them with a few cloves.  The pretty orange is a blank canvas for your creativity, tie with narrow satin ribbon and voila – magic. Also, this special hand-made gift adds an extra splash of love.

I especially enjoy seeing them hung in a window – they are quite festive, and are a wonderful project to do with the ‘little one’s’ in your life.  Children feel most special when they see their projects hanging about.

One additional small touch I enjoy doing at Thanksgiving is serving dessert on our Christmas china.  This has come to be our custom of ringing in the Christmas season.  If you do not have Christmas china, you could serve dessert with some lovely Christmas napkins, play some Christmas music or sing Christmas carols. 

                                                  The pattern is Merry Christmas, by Johnson Brothers.

Additionally, my husband and I always light our tree on Thanksgiving evening for a while before we go to bed. It is a small indulgence we have come to enjoy. Just like velvet and satin ribbon. And, in the words of Clinton Smith, “It’s the rare quiet moments in our lives that are the most indulgent.”

 Everyone has their own special and unique way of ringing in the season.  What are some of yours?

Thanks for visiting. Wishing you and yours a beautiful week !

Au Revoir,

Sandra

 

Special Notes:  

  • Clinton Smith is the Editor in Chief of Veranda.
  • The Events Section of this blog has been updated.  Be sure to give it a read.  There are some lovely events happening across the country, some may be near you.
  • I will be posting some great holiday recipes soon – be sure to follow along.  Also, you can easily find previously posted recipes by going to the Recipe Archive on the bottom right of the home page. 

 

All photos,Pinterest

Something Delicious For You !

Sandra

“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces ~ just good food from fresh ingredients.”  ~ Julia Child

I don’t know about you, but when the weather turns rainy and cold, it is soup time in our home. So, since I made this delicious soup this week, I thought you may enjoy it also.  It is  super easy, and is wonderful served with a salad and crusty bread.

  

Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

One – 2 to 3 pound butternut squash, peeled and seeded

4 Tbls. butter

1 medium to large onion, chopped

6 cups chicken stock

1/4 cup half and half, or heavy cream

1 large granny smith apple, peeled, cored and roughly chopped

nutmeg

salt and pepper

sour cream and croutons for serving, optional

Cut squash into 1-inch chunks.  In a large pot melt butter, add onion and cook until translucent, about 8-10 minutes.  Add squash, chicken stock and apple.  Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 20-25 minutes.  Next, you can do 1 of 2 things:  1) with a hand potato masher, mash squash and apple until the chunks are smaller.  Then with a stick blender, blend until completely smooth. Start blender on low, slowly moving up and down, to avoid a mess.  Or:  2)  With a slotted spoon, remove squash and apple chunks, process until smooth in a blender and then return to the chicken stock.    Add, cream or half and half, about 1 tsp. of nutmeg, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper. Stir well and taste.  Return to a simmer, just until steamy hot.

Ladle into bowls, top with a dollop of sour cream and a few croutons (optional).  If you enjoy nutmeg, you can sprinkle a little extra on the top. Bon Appetit !

 

Best Wishes For A Wonderful Weekend !

 

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Note:  If you have not registered for the most special Giveaway, you may do so by visiting here ~ the deadline to register is:  Tuesday, November 7, 2017.  The winner will be announced  on Wednesday, November 8, 2017.    

 

All photos:  Pinterest