{sunday dinners} a series - i hope!

The tradition of the Sunday dinner is strong here in America. Every Sunday, really every Sunday my husband always had Sunday dinner with his family at his grandmothers. It was tradition. Now their dinners always consisted of 7-10 items. Beans, salad, another veggie, potato, corn etc.... My dinners are ... well more simple! Whether simple or elaborate it is a time for great food and relaxation (possibly a little family stress if we are honest - but that's ok too!).

Well here we are... 2010 ...and this wonderful tradition is fleeting. A year or so ago my goal was to reinstate the family tradition and host Sunday dinner every Sunday. That was a bit too lofty. Life is just a little busier now. Now my goal is to have as many as possible.

Last Sunday we had friends, lemonade, wine, some veggies and dip, brisket, cheese grits, green beans, and mixed berry shortcake. We talked about music, our first concerts, bands we liked, are lyrics more important than beat etc... The kids ran, and played hide-n-go-seek. They all had sweaty heads, dirty feet and smiles on their faces. They didn't want to leave.

Summer is here and I hope there is more time for casual gathering, relaxing and fun!!!

Happy summer sundays to you!

Mixed Berry Shortcakes

1-2 lbs strawberries, blueberries and any other in season berry

cut and sprinkle with a little sugar - let sit for 1/2 hour or so.

place half the berries in another bowl and drizzle 1 -2 tbls grand marnier on top.

whip 2 cups whipping cream with a tbls of sugar or 2 until thick but not too firm.

Shortcakes:

2 cups flour

1 tbls baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup sugar

1 stick butter

1 tsp vanilla

pinch of nutmeg

3/4 cup buttermilk or whipping cream

corse or superfine sugar for topping

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine all the dry ingredients and cut in your butter. Pour in your buttermilk or whipping cream and work into the dough. Hand shape your dough into one big round to cut or small individual rounds. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.

If you have a biscuit recipe you like simple add a little sugar. That is all you need for a wonderful shortcake!

enjoy!

{delightful} strawberry icing

I have just made my daughters 13th birthday cake. She wanted a yellow cake with chocolate icing. A classic! I wanted to post this recipe because it is one of her favorite icings as well. It is really good and it make a beautiful cupcake too. I usually would say fresh is better ... but beware... when I tried it with fresh strawberries it didn't work. This icing has a shorter shelf life than others... but who cares it is usually not around long enough to matter. enjoy!

strawberry frosting by ann west

1/2 c. frozen strawberries - thawed

1 cup unsalted butter

pinch of salt

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1-2 tbls whipping cream

In a mixing bowl or with a food processor cream butter powdered sugar and salt. Add the strawberries and vanilla and whip. Add whipping cream. You may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to get your right consistency. Have fun!