FYI

My NEW blog address is
bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com

and I have a link to where you can receive
SWEET NOTHINGS posts in your EMAIL ACCOUNT.

Please go to the NEW BLOG.
thanks, bj

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

AN EARLY LUNCH or is it BRUNCH?


Hope you'll POP OVER sometime and have lunch or ....is it brunch.......
:)
THE MANY FACES OF POPOVERS...
Some are like little wells, to be filled with luscious jams, jellies, syrups and always... butter!
Some are tall and straight and full of light  tenderness insides, to be broken open,
filled with your choice of goodness...ummmm...like blueberries, strawberry freezer jam,
cream cheese and pecans...just to name a few.
I've just been dying to try my hand at making such a delicious, light, fluffy treat
for a mid-week BRUNCH or LUNCH 
for Mr. Sweet and myself.
and....SO I DID.
 OMGosh...aren't they just 
ADORABLE !!
As usual, I didn't have the correct POPOVER pan to use
so I used just an average size MUFFIN TIN...
so these are somewhat smaller than the regular popover..
but they surely aren't small on FLAVOR...
and they are so stinkin' cute...
Go HERE for a recipe...
Just the day before, I decided to
cook some dried apricots down into a
preserves-like state.
MR. SWEET'S mother used to do this all the time...
most of the time with fresh apricots but...
sometimes with dried.
Just cut in pieces (I use my kitchen shears) and cover with water..
boil gently for about an hour or maybe even two...just test after an hour.
You want them mushy, sweet....like preserves.
I cooked two packages of dried apricots..
after cooking for about an hour, I added my sugar (to taste...we like ours really sweet)
a small cap full of Almond flavoring.and cook awhile longer.
You will know when they are ready..
 You end up with a large bowl of
luscious wonderfulness....
a lot like sunshine..

  We eat most of our meals on this adorable
black and white tile table that MR. SWEET and his talented hands,
made for me.
The bottom is an olden SINGER SEWING MACHINE base
that belonged to my sweet little mama.

My sweet friend that lives in THE LITTLE RED HOUSE
sent that adorable black and white polka dot pitcher
to me several years ago.
I have used it for so many things and sometimes, it just sits, empty, on my counter and looks amazing!
Thank you again, Mary
...the scene for the mid-week
EARLY LUNCH or is it BRUNCH?
SOME of the white serving dishes I am using are thrifted from
♫♫♪GOODWILL...
♥♥♥
OOO...and those amazing bookshelves you see in the background...
THRIFTED...
can you believe it ?
In case you don't know the story on them,
I'll post about them again soon. 
  MR. SWEET said these apricots took him right back
to his mama's kitchen on a cold, winters morning....awwww..that's so sweet.
O HONEY
we do love these 
POPOVERS and APRICOTS...
...just reach in there and grab you one !!...
the little touch of crispy bacon
and hot cups of coffee
made our morning (or is it early afternoon)
sooo delightful.
These late meals are indeed such a perk of retirement..
especially when you are enjoying good health
 and have a LOT
of reasons to get up in the morning.
We are blessed !
We must cut down on sugar, butter and other unhealthy things so our
arteries won't be blocked.
Since Mr. Sweet just had his arteries "all cleaned out", now is the
time for us to switch back to SPLENDA and such.
  I wonder why we NEVER had popovers when I was growing up.?
Not anyone I knew, did.
Strange, because they are really good.
Popovers, full of golden goodness, are very VERY hard to beat.
...aren't they little beauts !!
 NOW, I am wondering how to make the TALL, rounded popovers...
can you help me on this one?
**
 THE BEAUTY ABOVE belongs to my good friend,
KATHLEEN...
She is such an awesome cook, hence her blog name of
** 
I know a very hot oven is needed...
maybe a REAL popover pan?
O, and I also know that when you are mixing the batter, you mustn't
work it too much..keep a light hand, mixing only until all ingredients are blended...
this is what keeps the popovers light and airy.
...and I've read that a REAL popover pan gets much hotter than
custard cups or muffin tins.
 SOOO, KATHLEEN,
I will be waiting for your 
INSTRUCTIONS on how to make a KILLER POPOVER.. :)
and I am serious...I really want to make some like yours....please....and thank you. 
 
I hope your day is as 
SUNSHINY BRIGHT
as this bowl of luscious and sweet apricots.

I am linking with
TABLESCAPE THURSDAY
FULL PLATE THURSDAY
VINTAGE THINGY THURSDAY
TIME TRAVEL THURSDAY
FOODIE FRIDAY with GOLLUM
FRIDAY FAVORITES
VINTAGE INSPIRATION FRIDAY
THRIFTY THINGS FRIDAY
HOME SWEET  HOME FRIDAY
SWEET TOOTH FRIDAY
FOODIE FRIDAY at THE RANCH

Thank you, ladies...
xoxo bj

43 comments:

Karen said...

Oh my do your popovers look delish! Served with preserves and slices of crisp bacon for a lovely salty and sweet combination. That's what I love!
Your black and white decor with that Mackensy-Childs teapot is a delight right there to feast one's eyes upon. Love the look.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Vee said...

Ohhhhhh my. My my my. My diet...there it goes. Love all the sweet touches that make your table seem like the place to be from the black and white to the bookcase, the tableware, the apricot jam and those popovers dripping with butter and then just toss in some crispy bacon. Wonder why I'm getting hungry when I just ate my supper...

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

I went straight to the comments and didn't read your post (YET). I just home from work and I am hungry. I guess you can say that I finally learned to visit ONLY after I have eaten. LOL
Hugs.
P.S. Will be back after dinner!!!

Lynn said...

Your popovers look great BJ! Can't wait to hear from Kathleen! What I'm really excited about are those apricots! I've made a lot of jams, but my all time favorite is apricot and you just showed me a short cut! Thanks:@)

Julie Harward said...

I would so love to Pop Over for some of your sweet pop overs! They look yummy and I love your pitcher too! :D

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I never had popovers..or scones! But I make scones a lot now! Love your photos...always makes me hungry! And I just ate! Hugs to you, my friend! ♥

On Crooked Creek said...

BJ,
I was right there with "Mr. Sweet" when he said it took him back to his MoMa's kitchen. Many are the times I cook something and I go back to the security of my childhood...safe and secure! We are so blessed to have had such loving, caring families. You two enjoy life and each other, now, you hear!
Fondly,
Pat

xinex said...

Yummy, yummy, yummy! And the popoyers are even more super yummy in those gorgeous black and white tableware! Love your Mackenzie Childs teapot and Beautiful table, BJ!...Christine

Lori said...

black, white and pink, so good together.

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Lunch,brunch I would be happy to have a glass of water with you!!! x00x0x

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

O.K. I am back. I had my dinner and was able to read your post with some reasonable sanity!

I don't think I have ever had Popovers but they look yummy and fun to make. Your table is adorable and the bookcase caught my eye too. I would like to hear the story.
Hugs, Sue

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, BJ... this is SO cute! You know I adore your black and white. It's just precious. You rocked this table, my friend. ADORABLE, and the food looks yummy, too. Wish I lived nearby.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Beth said...

Your popovers look fabulous and your apricots as well. This is a fun post to read! Love your photography as well. Thanks too for the link on your sidebar to click to backup your blog. Very important information indeed!
Blessings, Beth

Deanna said...

BJ,
I have had this on my mind for a very, very long time young lady....I think you should write a cookbook called Sweet Nothings. I mean, I would be the first in line to buy this cookbook!! You should really think about it. I think all of us would be in agreement that you always have something tasty waiting for us and I know I would love nothing better than to grab my favorite cookbook (Sweet Nothings) and bake up a couple of your fabulous treats in my teensy kitchen ♥♥♥

Deanna :D

Susan Freeman said...

The only thing I can say is ~ I'm on my way over!!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Sarah said...

I'm only serving pancakes over at HFTS for TT so I'm extra happy to be having popovers here on my favorite black and white check table. Yum! I'll be eager to hear what Kathleen has to say, but I think it's the tall pan that might make a difference. But what do I know, I'm only serving pancakes. ;-)
~ Sarah

Anonymous said...

Hello. Thanks for dropping by at my site.Oh these are lovely. I am your new follower.

Anonymous said...

Looks very nice and taste!
Greetings.

Blondie's Journal said...

I think I blow my diet just looking at your pictures, BJ!!

Love your black and white everything and of course, the polka dots. You really know how to work them! Mr. Sweet was VERY sweet to make you that neat table!

Thanks for the tip on the apricot preserves...I have to try it! Let us know when Kathleen shares her popover recipe!

XO,
Jane

Theresa said...

Yummilicious! You always make me soooooo hungry and I am trying to lose a few pounds... STOP:) Love all of your pretties, the thrifted bookshelves are AWESOME!

Enjoy your day dear BJ, HUGS!

Picket said...

Oh my word...my stomach is growling so loud...I haven't even ate yet and you're killing me with all this goodness on a plate! lol I have never had a popover but I know I would love them...love that sweet table and how you have it all special and decorated for you and hubby....I think the older I get the more I love doing special little touches at meal times...gosh you can even make a bologna sandwich look amazing if you put it on a cute little plate with some fresh fruit! lol Now I gotta go fix me some breakfast...I swear I can smell your bacon thru the screen and it is torture...lol...love ya girl...have a fantastic day...Picket

Miz Helen said...

Good Morning Miz BJ,
I am so excited to see that you have brought us these special popovers and wonderful preserves. I just love Apricot Preserves and your recipe looks great. I am so happy to see that you made the popovers in the muffin pan, as that is how I have to make mine. I always look forward to sitting in your precious kitchen and enjoying time with you! Thank you for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you next week!

Robin said...

Who cares if it's lunch, brunch or midnight snack - those look delicious any old time!

-----------------------------------
My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

Leslie said...

Hi there! I just found your blog, and I was pleasantly surprised whenever I saw these delish looking popovers with homemade jam! Yummy! I love to bake myself, and now I'm inspired to make some popovers for a Saturday brunch. Thanks for sharing!
~Leslie, The Cozy Little Kitchen

LV said...

One thing about it you know how to cook and set an inviting table. I bet you never have many leftovers. Just reading your blogs makes me hungry even if I am not.

Unknown said...

I just found your very cute and "full" blog! I love it! :)

I would like to invite you to join in on my blog for a WEEKLY RECIPE LINK PARTY.

http://larkscountryheart.blogspot.com

"Made it on Monday" You can link up every WED.-SAT.

I hope you will join in on the fun!

The Charm of Home said...

Those look fantastic BJ! It all is very pretty. I love your style with the black and white. I think that was a McKenzie Childs tea kettle. That is so cool. You always have the best food. Hope Mr. Sweet's on the mend and stays well.
Sherry

Shug said...

Oh my Bj....you just made me FAT today!
When I see you in a couple of weeks, I hope you will realize that you are the reason for my weight gain!!
Once again....you have out done yourself...
Shug

CailinMarie said...

wow-eee this post is just divine!!! love your table, your dishes, your popovers, your apricots - so cozy and so perfect (its a grey rainy day here!)

Sue said...

I love all that darling polka dotty black and white prettiness! I've never made popovers. In fact, the only time I've had them they were served with prime rib in a restaurant. I'm going to try my hand at these when my dad is here (we eat better when I'm cooking for him)! My husband loves apricots and he would love your yummy fruit spread...mmm!

Kathleen said...

YES! I really think it is the really hot pan that does it! I have to make them again, we love them and some of your apricots would be wonderful with them!
You and Mr Sweet have the life. You make everything so nice, the table, your surroundings and delicious treats!
PS... I used Ina Garten's recipe! :)

Miriam said...

How perfect! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
P.S. I'm following your fabulous blog now :)

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

My husband is the one with the popover pan. He's been threatening to make popovers ever since we got married -- it will be 16 years next month. I'm forwarding this post to him. Maybe he'll take the hint. Your table and brunch look delicious!

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

I absolutely adore pink and black together. And your popovers are so cute! I've done them in muffin pans too - it works.

Have a great weekend.

Concetta said...

I wish I really could reach my hand in and grab one of those popovers and luscious apricot preserves! I love apricot! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful post.
<><
Concetta

Shirley said...

I always wanted to know how to make pop overs! Thanks for including the link. I just love all you black and white dishes. The teapot especially!!

Amy said...

Wow, those popovers look divine. You're making me craving for some now...in the middle of the night! LOL

I'm hosting a wonderful tea sampler GIVEAWAY! Come check it out when you have time.

http://utry.it/2011/04/two-leaves-and-bud-tea-company-product.html

Amy
http://utry.it

Kendra@Creative Ambitions said...

OK BJ... those popover pics have made me hungry!! Never had them but they look yummy!! Cute table... I love that your sweet hubby tiled it... what a precious piece to preserve for you!! :) Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Kendra

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

I just love visiting you Ms. BJ! It's like receiving a great big, much needed hug. ;)

Of course, if I were visiting you for real, I'd probably be 50lbs heavier from all that delicious cookin' you're so famous for.

Big hug,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Grace said...

I always love your beautiful black and white tablescapes. I haven't had popovers in forever, and likely to not have one anytime soon. I'm dieting (again? still?)
sigh, but I can always come here and feast with my eyes right?

Marigene said...

I always know I am going to find something delicious looking when I visit...I haven't made popovers in months...love all your black and white, BJ.

Anonymous said...

Oh Girl - You just took me back to Maine...and I just got back from their!! My sister lived in Bar Harbor, ME a few years back. She told me we HAD to go to this place that made popovers. The line was out the door and around the restaurant a half our BEFORE THEY EVEN OPENED!! It was my first pop over experience and I remember it fondly...I never thought to try and make them...hmmmm.... Our mission on last weeks trip to Maine was the quest for the perfect Lobsta Roll (lobster for non Maine-iacs) but I sure could have used a popover in between to cleanse the pallet! :)

The Charm of Home said...

Thanks for linking to HSH!
Sherry