In the Kitchen| Blackberry Cobbler

Special treat for you all that I am posting another In the Kitchen, but I could help doing it since I already had this one ready;)

Time: 1hr. 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. water
1 1/2 c. self-rising flour*
1/3 c. milk
2 c. fresh blackberries, washed
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp. sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 10in round or oval baking dish, melt 1/2 c. butter; set aside. In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until sugar melts; set aside. 
2. Place flour in a mixing bowl; cut in remaining butter until fine crumbs form. Add milk, stirring with a fork until dough leaves side of bowl.
3. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead three or four times. Roll out in an 11in by 9in rectangle 1/4in thick. Spread berries over dough; sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Cut into 1/4in or 1/2in thick slices. Carefully layer slices in baking dish that has the butter. Pour sugar syrup around slices( syrup will be absorbed). 
4. Bake for 45minutes. Sprinkle sugar over top and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm or cold. ( *If self-rising flour is not available, use 1 1/2 c. flour plus 1/4 tsp. salt and 2 1/4 tsp. baking powder). 

Hands down guys, this is the best cobbler!! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream  and voila!!

Happy Baking!
Samantha

In the Kitchen| Banana Walnut Bread

I am starting a new series here on the blog where I will be sharing my adventures in the kitchen! Today's goodness is banana walnut bread! Oh how I love it;P 

I got the recipe from our worn, but well used Good Housekeeping Cookbook.

Yield: 1 Loaf

1 3/4 c. Flour( I used white wheat)

2/3 c. Sugar (I used 1/2 c. honey)

1 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 c. (1 stick)  Butter, softened

1 c. Bananas, mashed (about 2 ripe large bananas)

1/2 c. Walnuts, coarsely chopped

1 tsp. Grated Lemon Peel( I don't usually put this in the bread)

2 Eggs, slightly beaten

1.  Preheat oven to350 degrees. Grease 9" by 5" loaf pan.
2. In a mixer, blend eggs, butter, sugar or honey, and bananas. Next add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix until well blended. Finally, add the walnut and lightly mix. Spoon batter evenly into loaf pan. 
3. Bake for 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in to center of the bread comes out clean. Cool bread in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; remove from pan and finish cooling on wire rack.

I usually triple the recipe since I have a large family! Makes a great breakfast!

Happy Baking!
Samantha

Spring Tea-Dressing Mr. Darcy

The Jane Austen Society region of North Texas hosted a delightful Spring Tea last Sunday! I had the pleasure of attending it! The Spring Tea was held in the stunning French Room at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas!!

You have bewitched me, body and soul. -Mr. Darcy

My Regency ensemble, that I sewed, consisted of a drawstring gown made from dotted swiss, my straw bonnet, and a reticule.

Isn't the French Room stunning!! I couldn't get over its beautiful architecture!!

Stunning chandelier!

Lovely place setting!

The delicate food was very scrumptious! Almost to lovely to eat!

Itty bitty little desserts!

Mr. Darcy *aka Brian Cushing from Beneath the Layers * did his excellent presentation on men's Regency clothing! This the was main highlight and reason for the tea!

I found Mr. Darcy! :P

I made my mom's ensemble too!!

Playing the piano forte on this 1860's Steinway!

I had a lovely time and look forward to going to their next event which is June with Jane and the Netherfield Ball!!

Samantha