Monday, June 22, 2015

A CELEBRATION, RAMBLINGS & A RECIPE


 
What a great last few days we've had and I'll be honest, I'm so tired.  I don't put myself up there with the 9-5'ers, but I'm on the go most of the day.  I really should get a new pedometer, mine broke.  The Husband and kids simply don't believe my lifestyle adds up to a whole lot of moving.  Grrrr...
 
 Emily and I hung out on Thursday.  I found some cool 4th of July decorations at The Dollar Tree for my cookout and then a trip to Party City and Michael's garnered her some inspiration and items to decorate for Elsie's christening on Sunday.  Em was designated Party Decorating Extraordinaire!  And what a great job she did with everything  I love the banner.  She used cardboard pieces, attached scrapbook paper, some sparkly embellishments and strung them on  twine to spell out "God Bless Elsie"  I have to admit, I've always used fabric to make banners but these cardboard pieces did not fold or flip or blow in the wind.  Just a tip.
 
 
 
Mary Clare had some lightweight white tablecloths and then Emily layered those with pastel plastic 'runners'  Then she used inexpensive Baby's Breath in Dollar Tree vases (that she had), with clear pastel glass 'stones' to anchor the flowers in water.  Some candles and bows here and there and it looked festive, and a little on the girly side. 
 
We had a lot of fun at the after-party; great food, drinks and desserts.  A fabulous celebration for our baby girl.
 
 
 
 
Of course there was the baptism beforehand!  Just some family pictures here.  We were the only baptism so it was lovely and so personal.   Elsie was totally chill and never uttered a cry.  She was content in trying to eat her dress.  One of her endearing traits is trying to stuff everything and anything into her mouth!  And the dress.  Mary Clare found a fabulous seamstress/friend who fashioned a christening gown for Elsie out of a section of MC's wedding gown.  Isn't this gorgeous?  I've never seen anything so beautiful and the idea and sentiment is phenomenal. 
 
 
 
The proud godparents.  MC's older sister, Nora, and my son, Jeffrey.  I'm in awe looking at Jeff holding Elsie, he has always said, "Nah" when offered.  He's great with kids, fragile infants make him a bit nervous. 
 
And we grandparents, The Husband, me and Peggy.  Peggy lost her husband years back, and MC and her siblings their father as well.  So we are a party of three.  I hope all the loving and loved family members are looking down proud and happy.   
 
 
 
Finally, my four kids and the new, very loved addition to our family.  Wow, look at those smiles!
 
 
 
As if you didn't get enough gardening pictures last week, I thought I'd show you some daylily's in full bloom.  And I have another area of these surrounding a big walnut tree that will bloom later as they are in the shade.  What an easy, pretty and so loved plant.
 
 
 
I just submitted my July column for the lake newspaper.  I really love writing it and I use my own pictures.  I included my recipe for potato salad so now I'm sharing it with you.  After all, it's finally Summertime. 
 
Blondie's Potato Salad
 
I have to say something about tradition.  Family recipes are sacred.  One Christmas I decided to make a sweet potato soufflé instead of my regular sweet potatoes tossed with brown sugar and butter.  You would have thought I tried to re-write the bible.  People like tradition.  And whether you are having a small group or a crowd, you just don't need Aunt Sally or Papa Joe rocking the boat because you changed one single thing.  So where does that leave those of us who like creativity?  Make small changes.   Be subtle.  But take advantage when you have company like you might have in the summer when there are a variety of dishes to choose from.  If they don't like that you're adding red pepper to your pasta salad instead of green, they can skip it and go for another side dish.  Most times they are totally happy and inspired by the 'new' way of doing the same old blah dish. 
 
So here is my latest rendition of potato salad that came as an epiphany one morning at the lake as I was cleaning up a big breakfast that had included some thick sliced bacon.  It was such a hit at our lunch on the patio with friends that day that I've made it many times since and it never fails to please.  I've changed it around a bunch of  times so feel free to do so yourself!
 
***
 
***Blondie's Potato Salad***
 
6 medium size Idaho potatoes*
1 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup diced shallots
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1 to 1 1/2 cups mayo (no salad dressing!)
3 slices of thick bacon, cooked, cooled and crumbled
2 tablespoons of bacon drippings
3 tablespoons of potato skins**
2 tablespoons of chopped chives
One hard boiled egg, roughly chopped in small pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
 
***
 
Scrub the potatoes and add to a large pot of salted boiling water.  Cook until an inserted knife finds them firm all the way through.  Do NOT overcook* or they will crumble when assembling the salad.  Remove to a colander and let cool and dry.
 
Meanwhile, prepare your veggies and parsley. Place in a small bowl.  Perhaps prepare your egg but keep it separate.  
 
Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel the skin with a paring knife trying not to remove any flesh if possible.  Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the skin.**  Chop into small pieces.  Add this to a small skillet with the 2 tablespoons of drippings and gently fry until crisp.  Bacon fat smokes and burns easily so watch the temp of the heat. Remove and drain on paper towels.  Combine with bacon  pieces and set aside. 
 
Cut potatoes into 1 to 1 1/2 inch chunks.  Place in a large bowl and season with about a teaspoon of salt and pinch of pepper.  Begin to fold in mayo by the 1/2 cup (very gently).  How much creaminess you want is up to you so just keep adding slowly.  Reserve about 1/2 cup and then add your celery and shallots and parsley.  Fold in the rest of the mayo along with another pinch of salt. 
 
Spoon the salad into a pretty bowl, top with the chopped egg, then the bacon/potato skin combo.  Sprinkle the chives over and then chill for at least one hour before serving. 
 
There are many variations of this recipe---think of all the ways you like potatoes.  Fried potatoes with peppers and onion for breakfast?  A little cheddar cheese on 'tater skins'?  The toppings are wide open.  Use any sort of herb...go Italian with chopped basil and oregano (dried is best).  Dot with sour cream and chives.  One last bit of advice, going back to the sweet potato debacle of 2012.  Reserve a small bowl of your tried and true recipe for the purists.  It's not going to be a happy meal if someone is grumbling.  On the other hand, you'll have folks raving and asking for 'your' potato salad for years to come.  It's just up to you to remember which version it was.
 
Sorry if the recipe seems loooong.  Just Pin it and print it---it really is so good.
 
I'm off.  We have serious tornado and storm warnings.  Doesn't that seem to be the pattern these past few weeks?  I wonder if the newer technology the weather people have in tracking storms and then the availability of new technology in keeping us informed plays a big role in keeping us ready, if not on edge?  But  safe.  And in my case, worried sick.  I have and always will have a fear of tornadoes.  Growing up in the wide open country will do that to you.  If you have warnings, can I just tell you what we do?  I keep a candle lit in the kitchen which leads to the stairs to our basement, as well as a flashlight.  I keep the same in our laundry room which is the most secure spot in our basement.  We fully charge our cell phones as soon as we have a threat of bad weather.  Bring your pets to a safe place with you and another good idea is to keep a few bottles of water in your secure place.  Lastly, keep your doors unlocked in the event you have major damage to your home and God forbid, you are trapped.  If you want to add to my 'amateurish' list, please do so in the comments.   
 
See you towards the weekend. :)
 
Jane x
 
 

 
 
 

55 comments:

Bluebird49 said...

What sweet pictures of Elsie and her family---she will have plenty of arms and hands to hold her, won't she! Her dress is beautiful...truly a one of a kind.
Emily did a great job at decorating for the after party; of course, I think she takes after her mom! You all look so happy---such a beautiful family, Jane!
The potato salad sounds really good and different. Many potato salads from the South have chopped pickle---making them sweet. It's good to have the old and new to enjoy!
Hope Milo is doing well, and that the tornado did not come your way. We have candles and flashlights around, too! :)
ccc Trudy

Debbie said...

Your little Elsie is just precious, Jane. You can certainly tell she is cherished.
What a novel idea for her dress.
Your potato salad recipe sounds quite yummy with the addition of the bacon.
Love the lilies! I enjoy mass plantings of flowers. They sure do make a statement!
We had some pretty bad weather in Michigan last night. The winds are kicking up this morning.
Enjoy your Tuesday.
Debbie
xo

Theresa said...

What a fun time to celebrate Elsie:) She is a DOLL BABY! I am crazy for potato salad and sure try this recipe! Have a blessed day my friend, I pray you are safe after the storms came thru! HUGS!

Maria Elena said...

Look like you have been as busy as me. :) What a great celebration! She is such a beautiful baby. The recipe sounds so good. Enjoy the rest of your week. xxx Maria

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I love simple and inexpensive bouquets on the tables and your daughter did a great job! God bless little Elsie :-)

Kathleen Grace said...

The christening party looks beautiful, what a precious and beautiful baby Elsie is! I love the idea of using her mother's wedding gown for a christening gown, and now it is a treasured family heirloom that will get used rather than a gown packed away in a box forever. The potato salad looks fabulous!

bj said...

What a great job she did.
The baby is so adorable...I have a photo of me holding our daughter when we had her christened...must find it.
Your potato salad sounds amazing..a must try...
Leaving town for a few relaxing days...no internet...see ya later, alligator.

Barb said...

Janie, Elsie is adorable and all the pictures tell such a story of love.

You are one busy lady it would seem.....keeping up a house, family, and gatherings is hard work, isn't it?

Yes, tradition is so important and so are old family recipes. Can't beat 'em.

Hope your week is blessed, sweet lady.

xo Barb

Sarah said...

Jane, you have some wonderful family photos from the gathering. Elsie is adorable! Love the tent and table set up. Great job!
Fun to see your daylilies. Mine are all but gone. Maybe three or four blooms this morning. '-(

Art and Sand said...

Sweet family pics.

I keep seeing baby stuff on blogs and am restraining myself from pushing my kids. But, I want to be a grandmother!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
Thank you for sharing the family pictures with us. The photo of just you three, oh my your granddaughter has a very loving, caring and protection angel. She is blessed. Jane I think the idea of making a christening gown from her mothers bridal gown is an incredibly beautiful thought. logged it into my mental notes and will one day tell my Grand Gabrielle to preserve her gown for OH .... My great Grand! Of course in the future ...
I normally try all your recipes since we share the love of kitchen and nurturing our loved ones, but I don't eat bacon. but sounds yummy.
Sending love,
Vera

Traci said...

What a great day for your family! That dress is gorgeous! I love all of the family pictures. You can see how much joy that sweet baby brings. I didn't make the cole slaw that I normally make for our summer get togethers Sunday & I thought my mom & mother in law were going to have a fit! I won't make that mistake again!! Be safe!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I thoroughly enjoyed this post, Jane! How sweet is little Elsie! I LOVE that her gown was made from a piece of the wedding dress. Priceless! Good tip about using cardboard when making banners too. I know just what you mean about tweaking a recipe and family members going bonkers because it's different. Lord help me if I dare to make a small change to a holiday staple. Lol! Hope y'all stay safe with all the storms. Sounds like you have a great pre-storm plan in place.

Marigene said...

Sweet photos of your beautiful little one...and kids!
Were you anywhere near the tornado? How horrible.
Have a great week, Jane.

Unknown said...

Oh Jane,
Your pictures are wonderful. What beautiful children you have, and your sweet Elsie is adorable! I know it was a happy time for all of you. The use of part of the wedding gown for the cristening gown is so sweet. The decorations for the party are just lovely. So glad you shared this happy time with us. Take care!!

podso said...

I'm so taken with the baby's baptism gown taken from mom's wedding gown. How very special and hopefully passed down through generations now. Nice pictures!

Kim said...

It's a lot of work, but family gatherings are always the best! I love the banner...I don't use cloth either. The baby is gorgeous and you all look lovely!

Terri Steffes said...

The family gathering was gorgeous! I love the banner, the white, it is all gorgeous, as is that baby! The potato salad sounds so good, too! I love the Dollar Tree, by the way!

Carla from The River said...

Sweet Elsie, just so sweet.
It all is lovely. And very personal and love is just busting from your family, I can feel it just by reading your post.
xx oo
Thank you for the recipe.
How did you fare with the storms?
Carla

Junkchiccottage said...

Loved seeing your sweet granddaughter. They just make our hearts sing. Such beautiful family pictures too. Glad the day was special for all of you.
Have a wonderful week ahead.
Kris

Beth said...

Elsie is so beautiful, Jane! You have a very nice-looking family so no wonder she's gorgeous too! :)
Have a good week - and yes, I KNOW you are busy...I'm not working anymore either and I am busy most of the time, it seems.
Hugs, Beth

Susan Shull said...

Jane-What an adorable little girl! Aren't grandkids the absolute best? I'm going to try your potato salad!

Linda said...

Oh Jane....your kids are so cute! And your grandaughter....well...what can I say? Gorgeous! Aren't we just so lucky!
Enjoy your week...glad you are safe from the storms...
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Your potato salad sounds a lot like mine. It's the bacon that gives it that special touch.

Elsie's dress is beautiful, and how special that it was from a wedding dress. Makes it a bit of an heirloom, doesn't it?!

Glad to hear you're enjoying writing for the paper. I've been wondering about that. I bet they enjoy your contributions too.

We actually had a tornado watch today. Who would ever imagine in massachusetts that would be an issue. It just turned out to be windy and a bit of rain though. Of course, we had friends for dinner and my plans to eat on the deck went kaput! Seems to be the norm lately.

XXX

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Your potato salad sounds a lot like mine. It's the bacon that gives it that special touch.

Elsie's dress is beautiful, and how special that it was from a wedding dress. Makes it a bit of an heirloom, doesn't it?!

Glad to hear you're enjoying writing for the paper. I've been wondering about that. I bet they enjoy your contributions too.

We actually had a tornado watch today. Who would ever imagine in massachusetts that would be an issue. It just turned out to be windy and a bit of rain though. Of course, we had friends for dinner and my plans to eat on the deck went kaput! Seems to be the norm lately.

XXX

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Your potato salad sounds a lot like mine. It's the bacon that gives it that special touch.

Elsie's dress is beautiful, and how special that it was from a wedding dress. Makes it a bit of an heirloom, doesn't it?!

Glad to hear you're enjoying writing for the paper. I've been wondering about that. I bet they enjoy your contributions too.

We actually had a tornado watch today. Who would ever imagine in massachusetts that would be an issue. It just turned out to be windy and a bit of rain though. Of course, we had friends for dinner and my plans to eat on the deck went kaput! Seems to be the norm lately.

XXX

Linda said...

Beautiful family photos filled with happiness!
I made a potato salad two weeks ago using a sister bloggers recipe and it was delicious!
Next week I shall make YOURS! Sounds wonderful and I love that potato salad doesn't always have to taste the same! I make a good one myself but it's fun to try different versions!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hope those storms aren't or weren't as bad as predicted. Looks like a lovely family celebration of sweet little Elsie. My Aunt Betty made the best potato salad. Lots of black pepper. Then when I was in my 20s, I fell in love with my girlfriend's mom's potato salad. She put dill pickles and green pepper in it. Yum! I don't use mayo anymore so now make more of a German style potato salad. Have a great rest of the week. Tammy

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow / Sacred Eclectic said...

OH Elsie & and gown...just love her! :) I'll have to try potato salad your way next time I make it! :) I suddenly have a craving for it, too!

Susan Freeman said...

What a wonderful Christening! I will be trying your potato salad recipe. I always love potato salad in the summer. Stay safe. I remember well those tornado warnings in the suburbs of Chicago when I was growing up. We sure did spend a lot of time in the basement. Take care!

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Susie said...

Blondie, I almost missed this post. I think you have a very happy loving family. I just think the idea of making the christening dress was awesome. What a wonderful time in your lives. You look so pretty holding the baby. :):) Blessings to all of you, xoxo,Susie

Kelly said...

Congrats on your grandbaby's baptism! So sweet and pretty in her gown! The party looked like it was very nice afterwards. I love outdoor parties with heat from the shade! We haven't had much in the way of storms at our house, but I think it's coming our way this weekend. I will welcome the rain and cooler temps from it!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Beautiful family Jane...congratulations!!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Decor To Adore said...

Oh that Elsie is a cherub! I just bought 3 daylilies yesterday to plant. Fingers crossed they grow.

Melanie said...

Elsie is an absolute doll...and I loved seeing the pictures of your family, especially all four of your kids together! They sure are a good looking bunch! Your potato salad looks and sounds yummy...pretty much how I make mine. Good eats. :-)

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

What sweet photos of Elsie's big day. My day lilies have buds but none have opened yet. To me they are summer. Your potato salad reminds me of a stuffed baked potato and I love them.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful family you have. I love all your photos, and your potato salad looks so good!

Kathy

Courtney@Golden Boys and Me said...

What a beautiful family, Jane! Your sweet granddaughter is precious. As are your grown children! I am pinning your potato salad. Thank you for the recipe. The tornado warning must be scary. Take care! Courtney

Leslie Harris said...

Jane I can't tell you how much I enjoyed seeing these family photos..it so nice to put faces to all the stories. And it sounds like a beautiful day. Elsie looks so adorable and what a great looking family you've got. Congratulations on your article, the recipe looks delish. I looove a good potato salad recipe!
hugs,
Leslie

Curtains in My Tree said...


Great family pictures for sure. I love baby baptisms and adult baptisms
She is a precious doll baby

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I thought I had commented on this post but I guess I didn't:) How sweet Elsie is and I love the dress something she can really keep!
Did you get my email? Please let me know!

Rondell♥

Jenny S. said...

Jane..wonderful pictures. I particularly like the one with you, your husband, and MC's mother. Seeing Elsie's little feet makes me smile. :-). Yes, tis the season for storm warnings and all the unpleasantness that comes with it. We all have our little things we do to prepare. Just whatever makes you feel protected. My mother used to get in the hall closet with her radio, stool, and a motorcycle helmet. Where she got the helmit God only knows. God Bless her soul. I sure miss her. But whenever a storm is "bruing" I think of her sitting in her closet and that somehow is comfoting to me. Go figure.....

June said...

A beautiful celebration for a beautiful baby!!!! I love the photo of you holding ELsie SO MUCH Jane!!!!!
The salad sounds yummy and thank you for the recipe. It is a must try!
sending hugs...

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm so behind on blog reading since taking a break, but I'm glad I didn't miss this post! You have a beautiful family, Jane. Your granddaughter is so adorable in her sweet christening dress! What a splendid idea to make it out of the wedding dress!

I will be trying your potato salad recipe. It sounds delish and who doesn't love bacon? Yum. I never thought to add that unless I was making German potato salad.

We have had rain, rain and more rain. Along with those watches and thankfully few warnings. I hate the idea of tornadoes, too. We have a basement and a good spot to be safe in which I should blog about. But the thing I worry about is the storms that brew up while we are sleeping! I'm afraid I won't hear the sirens.

Have a happy weekend!
Cheryl

Elaine said...

Elise is the cutest! What a spectacular idea to use part of her mom's wedding gown.

Will have to try the potato salad. When I was a kid I hated it. Now I love it.

Elaine said...

Sorry I meant Elsie.

sweetbriardreams said...

Elsie is adorable! Do keep safe Jane, the weather over here is pretty weird too and we are expecting a heatwave, which means extreme high humidity! Yuk!! xx

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, what a special time. Your sweet little grand is precious and I love the dress idea. You have a beautiful family and all these photos are special. Love your day lilies. Thank you for aharing your potato salad recipe. Stay safe in the bad weather. We here in Texas are in tornado alley and add a radio and pillows to our safe place too
Have a beautiful day. Hugs, cm

Vel Criste said...

Hope the storm wasn't too bad. Congrats and welcome to the Christian world for little Elsie!! I love the simple and pretty decor, the cardboard banner is a great tip! I used baby's breath for Sophia's baptism decor too! And you know, when dried, they last loong (Still have mine and and use them still to decorate)!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

What a beautiful post Jane!
Your family is lovely, the baby is a doll, and it was so fun to see her in her christening dress.
Oh daylilies..I just love them all!
Your recipe looks amazing too.
I hate tornado warnings too.
My parents home got hit by one (many years ago) and it's a scary thing.
They were lucky, only the barn was destroyed and it wasn't a super strong twister.
But it's always good to have flashlights and be ready.
Do you have big plans for the 4th?
Josh, Dawn and Cali are coming and I'm excited.
Hugs friend...seems like a long time since Door County now?
Cindy

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Elsie is a cutie pie! I always enjoy trying different potato salad recipes...thanks for sharing yours. I hope you stay safe during any storms. You might want to try Key Ingredients.com website. They offer you a very nice way of making your recipes tidy and printable for free. I love it! It will also make your recipes shorter.
Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.xo

Rue said...

Hi Jane :)

Elsie is adorable! And I love her dress and that it was made from her mother's gown. What a wonderful idea :)

I hate tornados too. I lived in Xenia, Ohio for about three years, which just happens to have had one of the worst tornadoes in US history. I did the same thing you dd, but I also had a battery powered radio down in my basement.

Stay safe!

xo,
rue

My Little Home and Garden said...

How exciting to have such a sweet little girl in your life, Blondie.

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Elsie is such a cutie!! Lovely photos of a wonderful celebration, love Elsie's Baptism dress too!! Thanks so much for sharing and I have to try your delicious potato salad recipe!!
Hug,
Jody

An Oasis in the Desert said...

OMGoodness, Elsie is so cute! I hope they live close enough that you get to see her often. It looked like a lovely event, and I like how MC made things look so pretty without spending a lot. I think the idea of the wedding gown made into the christening gown is so fabulous. I've never quite understood why so many women feel the need to hang onto their wedding gowns forever, but that's just me!

Your flowers always look so pretty, Jane. Vincas are about the only thing that does well in our heat, and they really do well.....much, much better than me!