Anzac Biscuits

Yep, I made Anzac Biscuits

It's Anzac day!

Today,  April 25th commemorates the 100 anniversary of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Gallipoli landings in 1915.

During the First World War, sweethearts, wives and mothers baked these biscuits to send to "the boys" overseas.  So I made a batch for my sweetheart with a recipe from Australia's  Donna Hay.  

 Lyle's Golden Syrup

You'll need Lyle's Golden Syrup to make these cookies.  Lyle's Golden Syrup is thicker and sweeter than corn syrup.  Lyle's cane syrup gives the biscuits a chewy and sticky texture along with a wonderful richness.  Here in America, you can find it at World Market or a local British import shop if you have one. 

 Anzac Biscuits with Coconut

I just learned yesterday from my Australian friend Sally, that early recipes for these biscuits did not contain coconut.  We love coconut so I have always used recipes which contain coconut.  In previous years, I have baked Anzac biscuits with a recipe from Cooking Light.  

Anzac Biscuits

Here is the link for Donna Hay's Anzac biscuits recipe:

Anzac Biscuits.  Enjoy!

Long May She Reign!

 Coronation Chicken Sandwiches

I'm doing my best planning and preparing to serve up a 

"proper" English tea

this Diamond Jubilee Weekend.

Yesterday between polishing the silver and starching the doilies, 

I practiced making Coronation chicken tea sandwiches. 

My tea sandwiches are inspired by the famous Coronation Chicken recipe 

created by Constance Spry for the 

Queen's Coronation lunch in 1953.

Coronation Sauce

Coronation Chicken Tea Sandwiches

Makes 6 sandwiches to cut into smaller tea sizes

2 chicken breasts, rubbed with Madras curry paste 

and roasted in a 350F oven until a meat thermometer registers 160F.  

Let the chicken cool.  Next shred the chicken and cut into a small dice size.

For the sauce:

1/4 C. Mayonnaise

1/4 C. Sour Creme

2 T. Mango Chutney

1 T. Madras Curry Paste (I used Patak's brand) 

2 T. Chopped fresh Coriander

6 Dried Apricots chopped

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and season to taste.  

(I prefer a bit more spice and if you do, too,

just add more curry, chutney and coriander.)
Add the chicken, mix well.

For the tea sandwiches:

Lightly spread softened butter on the bread slices
and then a light spreading of mayonnaise.

Fill with the Coronation Chicken mix.

Press down slightly and cut into squares, triangles or fingers using a serrated knife. 

Garnish with watercress.

Serve and enjoy!

As for Queen Elizabeth II,

I truly admire her. 

Long May She Reign!

As for my Wedgwood Embossed Queen's Ware
1953 Coronation Tea Set...
can you believe I found it covered in dust in an Oregon antique shop
last year.  It had never even been used.
I think it would have made a lovely wedding gift to
the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge don't you?
Sorry Wills and Kate,
I'm keeping it!

(In the photos:  Vintage Wedgwood 1953 Coronation Tea Set and

Wedgwood Queen's Ware Edme Sandwich Tray.)

Fit for a Queen!

Victoria Sponge Anyone?  

It's Queen Victoria's birthday today...

so I think this calls for some Victoria Sponge!

 Queen Victoria

Yes, Victoria Sponge is named after Queen Victoria

and it was her favorite cake!

Whenever I visit London, 

I love to walk the grounds of Kensington Palace and see the 

Queen Victoria statue.  

Last year after tea at the Orangery, 

I could not find the Queen Victoria statue.  I discovered after our trip that the statue 

was being re-stored during Kensington Palace's two year refurbishment. 

The Queen Victoria statue was erected in 1893

celebrating Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. 

The statue suffered shrapnel damage during World War II 

and has been now restored to her former glory.  

 I will look for her again on my next trip to London!

 Victoria Sponge 

On our trip to England last year,

I tasted Victoria Sponge for the first time at

 The Orangery at Kensington Palace 

(photo above)

and  at 

The Regency Tea Room

in the Jane Austen Center in Bath, England

(top photo).

Both Victoria Sponges were

 "fit for a Queen"!

Did you know that,

Queen Elizabeth II 

is Queen Victoria's great-great-great granddaughter and 

 Victoria Sponge

 is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite cakes, too!

I'm off now to my kitchen to practice making 

Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes

for my upcoming Diamond Jubilee tea parties!  

Raise the Buntings!

Celebration Time!

Every Diamond Jubilee celebration needs a 

Union Jack bunting...

and I've got mine!

Whenever I travel to England 

I love seeing Union Jack buntings everywhere 

from the "quaintest" tea rooms to the most regal "high street" shops.

Last year in England, I almost bought a Union Jack bunting until I read the package and saw that is was out-sourced and made in China.  I just couldn't bring myself to buy it.  I'm so glad I didn't buy it because I recently discovered a brilliant bunting shop on Etsy called, 

Betty and Barclay.

The moment I saw Betty and Barclay's buntings, 

 I knew the owner had to be British.  

Sure enough she is and Carol James is a retired Brit, 

now living in France.  

When Carol's not busy sewing her adorable buntings 

she's out scouring the French countryside for vintage treasures 

to sell in her other Etsy shops,  

Le Moulin Bleu  and Chateau D'Aulnay 

Betty and Barclay

Since most Americans are not that familiar with buntings, 

I asked Carol to explain what buntings are and tell us a bit about her buntings. 

Here's our chat:

Carol, can you explain what a bunting is and how they are used?
CJ)  Buntings originated in Suffolk, England in the mid 1800s and were traditionally used by the navy for signalling purposes and even today the ship's officer in charge of communications uses flags known as a "bunt".   As time went by the flags then moved on to being a decoration for boats and yachts with colors being red, yellow, blue and green. Buntings then became popular with patriotic celebrations, moving on to home party decorations and now today to being home decorations for use all year...celebrating or not!

I had not thought of hanging bunting myself until last year when I was hosting a family birthday party.  It was October, full of the colors of Autumn and so I decided to hang two of my "fall buntings' and seven months later they are still hanging because I find them most cheerful and mesmerising...maybe it's time to change to summer ones?

 How did you become interested in making and selling your signature line of buntings?

CJ) Just over a year ago my niece was getting married and commented that she would like to have bunting but it is so expensive....I like sewing so thought I would make her some as a surprise. I looked on the Internet and was surprised at just how expensive buntings can be so thought I'd have a go at trying to sell some. 
One of my first buntings was my Nautical Navy and White Stripe Bunting.   I thought as bunting has its origins with a naval theme this would be a good one to start with and it has become my most popular bunting...I don't know exactly how many I have sold but I have used about 50 yards of fabric now so it is quite a lot!  Three orders have been for "nautical themed" weddings and my nautical buntings have been featured in over 100 Etsy Treasurys. 

Do you have any tips on how to decorate with buntings?

CJ)  In my experience, I always think that buntings look better when hung in a space as opposed to being flat against a wall...say from one wall to another across a corner, not flat against the wall.  The uses for buntings are endless but I always say that "less is more" if you choose colors correctly.   You don't need loads of bunting to make an impact in rooms where you might need a lot of buntings.  For example, say if you were going to fill a marquee for a party, decorate a shop, a tent stall, across a street, etc.  then certainly bunting with spaces in between the flags is so much better...not so much like shark teeth!  Also, fewer flags are needed and the cost of the banner should be less expensive.  I've made all sorts of buntings from a New York fashion show with 300 yards down to a string of five little flags for a baby's  room.  I make many customized buntings which is always a pleasant challenge!

Because I always have to ask, are you a tea drinker?  If yes, what's your favorite "cuppa"?
CJ)  Yes, I am a tea drinker...although since living in France I have become a coffee drinker, too.  Coffee or tea, it has to be made in the correct way.  Coffee is always freshly percolated and I am still experimenting and trying new flavours and densities.  But tea, well I'm English and have always been a tea drinker.  I have English Breakfast in the morning and in the afternoon Earl Grey.  Tea is most definitely the most refreshing drink...only in a cup and in a pre-warmed pot!
Love that!

Betty and Barclay

Who are Betty and Barclay?

CJ)  Betty and Barclay are the names of my vintage Teddy Bears!

Barclay was found at an antique fair in England.  He was under a stall with his head in a polythene bag...we had to rescue him!  A year later we found Betty with a broken neck and torn ear...another rescue and a mate for Barclay!

Carol, what a pleasure getting to know you 

and "thank you" so much for taking the time to chat about buntings.  

I can't wait to get more of your buntings for other celebrations! 

(In the photos:  Betty and Barclay Union Jack Bunting, Emma Bridgewater Union Jack and Diamond Jubilee pottery and Spode Blue and White china)

The Duchess Movie

The Duchess Movie

Have you seen The Duchess movie? Teased by the movie trailers for weeks now, I could wait no longer. I drove over 100 miles to see The Duchess last Friday when it opened in the SF Bay Area. Let me just say...it was worth the drive!

The movie is based on Amanda Foreman's biography Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. The story of Georgiana was certainly meant for the big screen. You know a movie is good when you are still thinking and talking about it days later. This is that kind of a movie.

The movie is superbly cast. Ralph Fiennes as the cold Duke of Devonshire and Keira Knightly as the beautiful Georgiana are so convincing I was transported right back to the late 18th century. The movie can't help but be beautiful with it's English scenery, classical stately homes and period Georgian furnishings. I loved the Wedgwood-style decor and the exquisite English tea sets throughout the movie.

Since the movie is based on a true story I was deeply stirred by the oppression of women in this era. Trapped in a loveless arranged marriage, Georgiana is forced to tolerate her husbands mistresses and denied herself to be with her true love, Charles Grey. In one scene Georgiana says "I am a prisoner in my own home". The movie clearly delivers the message that women were bound by traditon and had no rights. Any notion of womens rights were tightly cinched just like their corsets!

A cameo revival!

Speaking of corsets...the fashions, hats and jewelry in this movie are gorgeous. My eyes were glued to the screen admiring all the Georgian jewelry designs. I loved the chokers and the cameos. Get ready to pull out your Great-Grandmother's jewelry box...I think this movie will start a fashion trend revival of romantic vintage and costume jewelry.

The movie still in limited release will open everywhere this Friday, October 10, 2008.

Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman

Georgiana

Duchess of Devonshire

by Amanda Foreman

This is the book that inspired the movie... Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman.

I am so thrilled! Best-selling author Amanda Foreman just commented on my post about the soon-to-be-released The Duchess movie! Amanda loved the movie and says that it is pretty faithful to her book, for a movie. How exciting for her to see her very first book come to life on the big screen! Congratulations, Amanda!

For more information about Amanda and her other books check out her website. I loved reading how she became fully engrossed in Georgiana as she researched and wrote her biography.

Whenever we visit Britain, I always try to include a visit to a historic stately home in our itinerary. I think it is the Interior Designer in me! Now I can add Kedleston Hall to our list of sites for a future visit. I loved reading Amanda's account when she visited the filming of The Duchess at Kedleston Hall!

Thank you Amanda for bringing Georgiana's life story to us in your book and in the movie it inspired!

The Duchess Movie

The Duchess Movie

Coming Soon

This movie is just my cup of tea! I love British period movies.

The Duchess movie is based on the best-selling novel Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman. The Duchess was born Lady Georgiana Spencer (1757-1806). Yes, the same famous aristocratic family the Spencers, ancestors of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Reviews say the The Duchess is sure to be this year's period drama. Starring Keira Knightly as the Duchess and Ralph Fiennes as the older Duke of Devonshire. It was filmed at National Trust properties across England.

Like her ancestor Princess Diana, the Duchess was famous for her beauty, sense of style and adored by the people. She was also in a loveless marriage to the much older Duke. Set in the late 18th Century the movie's storyline is about her search for love.

It will be in cinemas in England on September 5, 2008 and in American theaters on September 19, 2008.

Keira Knightley as

Georgiana, The Duchess of Devonshire

I can't wait for it's premier. Oh the history, the scenery, the stately homes, the costumes and, of course, the drama! I will probably go on opening day!

Celebrate Bastille Day!

Celebrate Bastille Day!

We Americans have the 4th of July. The French have Bastille Day. Bastille Day is the French national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.

The Bastille was the King's prison in Paris and a symbol to the French people of the absolute power of the King Louis 16th's rule (Marie Antoinette's husband). The storming of the prison by the peasant class was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all the French people. This day in history marks the beginning of the French Revolution, the birth of the Republic and a new government.

Place de la Bastille
(early 1900's vintage photograph)

The Place de la Bastille is a monument where the Bastille prison once stood. (The Bastille prison was demolished two days after the outraged Parisians stormed it in 1789.)

In the center is the column called the Colonne de Juillet (July column) honors the Parisians who died during the July 1830 Revolution. At the top of the column stands the cherub like figure of the Genie de la Liberte (The Spirit of Liberty).

Today in Paris there will be a grand military parade down the Champs Elysees. There will be festivals celebrating all over France. There will even be French celebrations in major cities across America.

You can celebrate, too! You could cook a French inspired meal...or dine out at your favorite French cafe. Easier yet....

pop open a great bottle of French wine or champagne

and toast "Vive la France"!

General Lafayette and Freedom

General Lafayette and George Washington Statue

Paris, France

The French love the Marquis de La Fayette (1757-1834).

He is best known to Americans as General Lafayette. He was a French military officer and aristocrat who served as a General and diplomat during the American Revolutionary War. Alongside George Washington he helped America win the American Revolution. The two became lifelong friends.

I am honored to say that my French ancestry has a link to Lafayette!

My Dad was told growing up that he was related to the Marquis de Lafayette. Fast forward to when I started going to Paris, my Father told me that I was related to Lafayette. I was fascinated with this connection. In checking my genealogy, I am not a direct descendant of Lafayette but from his Mother's Sister's line. That's good enough for me!

In 2005, at a Paris flea market, I was searching for old post cards of Lafayette. The French antique dealers spoke English and loved hearing of my Lafayette connection! They were very kind and told me where there were two statues of Lafayette in Paris. I couldn't wait to explore more of Paris and find them.

The Place des Etats Unis

The Place des Etats Unis is a street in the 16th Arrondissement in Paris. It is a wealthy residential neighborhood with stately homes. In its public park is the statue of Lafayette and Washington in the center of the park's square.

General Lafayette & George Washington Monument
The Place des Estats Unis

The statue of Lafayette and Washington (1873) is by French sculptor, Frederic-August Bartholdi (1834-1904). The same sculptor who did the Statue of Liberty for America! Interestingly, it was Lafayette's grandson, Edmond de La Fayette and a group of Frenchmen in 1865 Paris, that came up with the idea of the Statue of Liberty as a gift of friendship to America.

The Childrens Statue of Lafayette

Right Bank, Paris

The Americans love Lafayette, too. This statue of Lafayette was a gift to France in 1908 from American school children. It is by sculptor Paul Wayland Barlett. It is along the Seine on the Right bank in Paris between the Pont de l'Alma and Pont des Invalids. The inscription on the base reads:

Erected by the school children of the United States
in grateful memory of Lafayette

statesman, soldier, patriot.

Lafayette is buried in Paris, France. Since the 1890's an American flag has flown at his grave site. He loved America!

The Statue of Liberty and Freedom

The Statue of Liberty.

A symbol of friendship and democracy between France and America.

Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was made by a French sculptor and was a gift from the French people to the American people?

Her official title is Liberty Lighting the World. She is the most recognizable monument and symbol of democracy and freedom that is recognized throughout the world. She commemorates liberty and friendship between France and America.

The Statue of Liberty was constructed in Paris by French sculptor, Frederic-August Bartholdi (1834-1904) and 50 workmen. He began work on her in 1871. She was transported to the United States in 350 individual pieces in 214 crates. She was reassembled in four months time and erected on Liberty Island, New York. She is supported by an innovative metal framework by Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower.

Lady Liberty's base is 65 feet high, her pedestal 89 feet high and she is 151 feet and one inch to the tip of her torch. She proudly holds a torch in one hand for freedom and clasps a book of laws in the other inscribed with the date July 4, 1776.

On October 28, 1886 thousands of spectators watched as she was presented and dedicated in a ceremony to the United States of America.

The Statue of Liberty

Liberty Island, New York

The French people intended the Statue of Liberty to represent the French contribution to American independence. That original intent seems to be lost and unknown to many. Instead the Statue of Liberty gained fame as a sign to immigrants from all over the world as a promise of a new life in America and a symbol of political freedom.

To me the Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom. In 2005, I took my oldest nephew Taylor to New York City. We stood in line forever to make the ferry journey across the harbor to see Lady Liberty in person. I'm glad we did. Now I know how my ancestors from Europe felt as their ship pulled into the harbor on their way to Ellis Island. I can only imagine that when they saw the Statue of Liberty and the United States of America for the first time, that one thing came to mind. Freedom.