CONGHAILE COTTAGE

CONGHAILE COTTAGE
"The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies" ...Gertrude Jekyll...

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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

" Welcoming Spring" WITH Bunnies & Chocolat sprinkled with Pink & Green

I have been drawn to the color combo of soft pink and pale greens since the first time I saw wire edged French Ribbon...It was back in the early 70s I received a gift from an inspirational friend Tied with this RIBBON! I hate to confess that I don't remember the contents of the gift, BUT I still have the RIBBON! 
Let's add some "CHOCOLAT" to our scheme too...We can NEVER have too much of this!
This pretty little plate is a Theodore Haviland Regents Park "Rose"! It was acquired while thrifting my days away last fall and thinking of "You All"...There were only two BUT for $1 for the set, "They literally JUMPED in my car"! ANYTHING with a rose "Is a MUST HAVE", don't you think???
The Pink bottom plate is also a thrifting treasure... Not my best buy but $5 each was more than fair for "Bordallo Pinneiro" deep rose pink plates made in Portugal... they remind me of Majolica with a timeless tone!

Look at that "CUTE" little pale green cloche! It's one of two and I have been VISITING it regularly at a local consignment shop! I was convinced that one day it would be mine!!! and after setting this vignette I called the shop and "Made an offer they DIDN'T refuse"...Then I trotted down to fetch my treasure and enhance my setting! "LOVE THEM"!!!
"Sherry" do you see your little green sherbets? I won those beautiful green sherbets from Sherry @ Back 2 Vintage...If you've never visited Her Land of Blog YOU MUST click here...AND if you live in her area YOU MUST visit her shop... "How fun is that"!!!
Reed & Barton "Harlequin" serving pieces...I only have "3" of the set of 5...BUT those of you who KNOW me "KNOW" that I look at "THREE" as a perfect set...
Oh My! More bunnies are Hopping in!!! He's going to need a BIG MUG!
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This beautiful serving bowl is "HUGE and STUNNING"!!! It is Mexican Pewter and every bit as intricate as Arthur Court(I have both)... I ALSO think that silver/pewter blends a table with pink...
What are we quenching our thirst with this morning??? "CHOCOLATE PU-ERH NuMi TEA"!!! I also have a pot of Artisan Coffee Roasters "Tiramisu Coffee"...Oh My it tastes like Heaven, the BEST I've ever tasted!!!What else would chocolate bunnies drink?
I stopped into TJmaxx today "AND" they had the Artisan Coffee Roasters "Tiramisu Coffee" for $4.99 a bag!!! OH MY GOODNESS...They also had Carmel, BUT the Tiramisu is the one that has WON My HEART!!! I'm going to go back and buy every bag they had! "YUMMMMMY"!
I Love to use tea towels as little table cloths... If you line them up down your table, they are PERFECT as a runner by covering over the seams with flowers and teatime goodies... This group  I've had FOREVER and they've been tucked away for a special occasion...Of Course a Tea COULD NEVER be more special than "Spent with You"!!! 
See that big beautiful rabbit, laying there, in the linen?
We can never have too many bunnies at our tea!
My big bargain joining us is the vintage"Daisy dot MARCREST"...I have LOVED this pattern since the 60s when Mom brought home a casserole and one large chop plate from "The First National Grocery Store"...Dad remarked on how she didn't NEED any more dishes AND that was the end of her MARCREST collection...I DO have the casserole that was used for EVERY picnic, road trip, etc we went on. It seemed to be ALWAYS full of sausage &peppers, meatballs, stuffed peppers, Boston baked beans, bread pudding OR various other goodies invented by Mom(Yum,Yum,Yummy)...OK, now for MY bargain Marcrest...I found a VERY LARGE stack of it in a local thrift shop. It was SO DIRTY that you couldn't even tell if it was chipped. I juggled the WHOLE pile to the guy in charge and told him I'd use them for my plants if they were unusable. He sold me ALL of them for $2. Which was even a bargain for plant saucers. When I got home and gave them all their hot bubble bath...THEY WERE MINT! not even a scratch! Can you picture me "Happy Dancing" at that point! Dishes and Cups&Saucers AND that wonderful "BEAN POT"!!! You ask...Is it full of BEANS? Is it full of MAYBE "Jelly Beans"? No, It's full of "Carrot Cake Scones"!!! AH, Isn't life wonderful! to give us the NET to find such things...I just typed in "I Want Carrot Cake Scones"...BINGO, there they were, HUNDREDS of them... I will add the recipe here Below...
Did you notice how Marcrest "Looks like Chocolat"? It's one of the things I LOVE about it(other than all the MEMORIES of Mom)...
Did I mention we can NEVER have too many roses? David Austin thought so too...One can ONLY dream to absorb all his knowledge...I faithfully DO READ all I can about him and his techniques...Did you know that you should feed each of your rosebushes a "banana peel" every year...I cut one WHOLE banana peel PER PLANT and work it into the soil around the plant making sure it's beneath the surface! Plants use lots of potassium, this is an easy way to replenish it!
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On St Patrick's Day I always adorn the table with Fern Leaf Anemone in my favorite pale greens, then after the Leprechauns have left the premises The TULIPS join the vase... My favorite for this display is Parrot tulips of pink & Green! The Fern leaves mingling with the Strap leaves are a perfect marriage...
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LOOK what happened!!! God graced me with "What's left of my cherry tree" In blossom!!! It's a whole month early. It opened March 22nd... 
Carrot cake Scones! 



Author: Karlynn Johnston
Serves: 18
Spicy carrot cake scones drizzled with tangy cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup of Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 4 cups of flour
  • 1 cup of white sugar
  • 1 cup of raisins
  • 3/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup of cold margarine or butter
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • sprinkle of nutmeg
  • sprinkle of cloves
Instructions
  1. Kick the tires & light the fires to 350 degrees.
  2. Whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and spices in a very large bowl. You need the space to cut in the butter and it is a rather large recipe.
  3. Shred your carrots and then blot them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  4. Take your Greek yogurt – mine was honey sweetened but really you do not need the extra sweet- and mix in the baking soda.
  5. Cut your cold butter into the dry mixture using two knives criss-cross or a pastry blender. Butter most definitely tastes the best in scones, but you can use margarine as a substitute, just make sure it’s cold!
  6. Take your egg and beat it, then add the Greek Yogurt and egg to the dry ingredients at the same time. Mix them in well, then take the raisins and carrots and dump them into the bowl.
  7. I used my hands at this point to work the dough. It may seem like there isn’t enough moisture, but trust me and keep kneading the dough. You will get a perfect non sticky scone dough like below!
  8. Roll the dough into a stumpy log.
  9. Cut that log into three equal pieces.
  10. Once those three almost equal circles are flattened into one inch thick circles, which are about 6 inches wide, cut them into 6 pieces each.
  11. Lay those 18 scones onto parchment lined baking sheets, you only need two. They will fit and they do not expand sideways as much as they bake upwards.
  12. Bake them in a 350 degree oven for 20-24 minutes until the bottoms and tops are a delicious golden brown.
I'M LINKING TODAY TO THESE FUN PARTIES! PLEASE COME SEE ALL THE FUN

"LET'S DISH @ Cuisine Kathleen" 

"VINTAGE THINGIE THURSDAY @ Coloradolady" 

"THRIFTY THURSDAY @ Tales from Bloggeritaville" 

"THIFTY THINGS FRIDAY @ The Thrifty Groove" 

"TREASURE HUNT THURSDAY @ From My Front Porch To Yours" 

"FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY @ French Country Cottage" 

"BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH" 

"SHOW & TELL FRIDAY @ My Romantic Home" 

 "PINK SATURDAY @ How Sweet The Sound"

"SEASONAL SUNDAYS @ The Tablescaper" 

"MASTERPIECE MONDAY @ Boogieboard Cottage" 

"NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY @ Coastal Charm" 

"BUNNY BLOG HOP @ DIY by Design" 

"TEATIME TUESDAY @Rose Chintz Cottage" 

"TABLE TOP TUESDAY @ A Stroll Thru Life" 

"HOME SWEET HOME @ The Charm of Home" 

    67 comments:

    Lynn said...

    That's a beautiful table Donna! Love your candy molds and look forward to the Carrot Cake Scone recipe-enjoy:@)

    Olive said...

    Donna, I love your love for sets of three. I am so glad you and the chocolate bunnies are back. hugs, olive

    ~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

    I have one chocolate bunny! And I'm trying to make a tablescape this year! You've given me some good ideas! I love your serving pieces! I'm having a giveaway that you will love! Visit soon! Hugs!

    Micupoftea said...

    Beautiful photos...what pretty dishes. Love the molds. Scones sound yummy~

    Maggie said...

    How I've enjoyed my visit to the cottage today, chocolate, roses, bunnies and tiramisu coffee, you really are spoiling me!

    Babs said...

    Donna, your vignettes alway amaze me.. bunnies, chocolate and roses are a lovely combination and what great thrifting finds. Thanks for the tip of banana peels for the roses.I'll definitely add those to my roses. The carrot cake scones recipe is on I can't wait to try!

    Johanna Gehrlein said...

    Dear Donna,
    that is what I missed all the time so dearly. Your extraordinary posts with so much love, care and thoughts. How long does it need to create such charming vignettes. I really love all the items and please, a Tiramisu-Coffee for me. The Reed & Barton-Spoons are very special for me as I found, that those started once the idea of a rose handled spoon. I have an reprint of a Reed & barton catalogue from 1894, which shows your spoons.
    Hugs and greetings, Johanna

    La Vie Quotidienne said...

    It's such a joy to have you and your wonderful blog posts back. This is all so pretty ~ there can never be enough bunnies!

    xinex said...

    Your table is so pretty, Donna. I love the plates, the green cloche and I love and colors you used including the addition of the chocolate brown. Beautiful ceneterpiece! Your cherry blossoms are gorgeous!....Christine

    Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

    Hi Donna, It's just too funny that you remember only the ribbon--but think of the influence it has had on your taste! I must try to find your wonderful thrift store. Your green cloches would look good in my house too! Never enough roses, but my trees are not blooming yet! I lost several in August and October. Linda

    Sarah said...

    Donna, I am soooooo happy you are posting again. I've missed your gorgeous table vignettes and peeks at all your wonderful treasures. This post delights! Every detail is wonderful.

    Alycia Nichols said...

    Very nice! How wonderful that you still have some cherry tree left to enjoy! GREAT Harlequin serving pieces!!!!!!

    FABBY'S LIVING said...

    Oh sweet Donna, how gorgeous and artistic creations are your vignettes, they have that special Conghale Cottage touch!!! I love your rose plates and your Portuguese plates too, they add that spring note perfectly! Your silverware is stunning and the cloches are great. Lovely post. Lots of hugs,
    FABBY

    c. Joy said...

    Your post is beautiful. Thanks for the recipe. Yes, I have a beautiful red ribbon - don't remember the gift (I got many years ago).

    LBP said...

    Wow! What a beautiful tablescape. Pink and Brown (chocolat) are one of my favorite color combinations!

    YUM Carrot scones. I copied that recipe, thanks!

    Blessings
    Linda

    Pamela Gordon said...

    HI Donna, your tea table with all the sweet bunnies and chocolate (very important!) looks lovely. I also love pink and green together especially in china and flower patterns. You have a sweet collection of bunnies. Hugs, Pamela

    Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

    So many of my favorite things, green, pink, bunnies, chocolate, david austin roses AND memories of Mom!

    Gloria said...

    Very beautiful images! I love that chocolate brown with the pink...:)

    Happy Thursday to you.
    xoxo...Gloria

    Keetha Broyles said...

    Do your chocolate bunnies LAST through the Easter season, or does some chocoholic come along and nibble their toes and ears?

    Yummmm - - - carrot cake scones sound delish!

    Rosemary@villabarnes said...

    Carrot cake scones? Oh yeah. Love the tablescape.

    Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

    I love the bunny tea towels and the floral plate with the peachy pink plate and cloche is so pretty!

    Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

    The sweet little rose on your plate reminds me of a design that's on an old keepsake box my Mom has. Brings back sweet memories.

    Jacqueline said...

    I remember your chocolate molds from last year. I just got mine out today and tried molding a white chocolate bunny and things weren't going as well as planned! I laughed and said that I was glad that in blogging I didn't have to show the white chocolate stripes all over the place that I now have to clean up!

    What is it about bunnies that we find so attractive! You have so many cute ones from chocolate to wicker.

    Ivy and Elephants said...

    What a gorgeous table! I'd never be able to eat because I'd be having a feast for my eyes! Love those cloches and the chocolate molds are fabulous! We'd love to have you share with us at WIW,especially those yummy looking carrot cake scones!
    Hugs,
    Patti

    joyh82 said...

    The scones look really tasty and I love the tablescape too. Have a wonderful weekend!!

    Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

    OF COURSE, I noticed those green sherbets you won!!! I see they have found the perfect home. I also noticed the Marcrest "Daisy and Dot"!!! I love it and have several pieces...though not as many as you after that HAUL you made!!! I think you are right...Marcrest is the perfect shade of chocolate!!! Gorgeous tablescape!!!

    Shabbyprimdelights said...

    Beautiful Floral centerpiece...and the choccy bunny looks good too. Thanx for visiting.
    HPS
    Mchelle

    Kathleen said...

    This is lovely! I love the pink Bordallo! And your bargain finds, wow!
    I hear that all the time about needing more dishes! My answer, he doesn't need that glass of wine every night with dinner!
    He doesnt even say anything anymore. That's a lie, he mutters about it to himself! :)
    Thanks for sharing your treasures , love the cloche too.
    Glad you joined us at Let's Dish! Don't forget the challenge on the 18 th, the Good Earth! I can't wait to see how you set yout table!
    The scones look great too!
    Enjoy this rainy day! At least it is not snow!

    Leslie's Garden said...

    So glad I detoured here! Your beautiful dishes and adorable bunnies made my day! I love the three silver (Or pewter?) serving pieces and the basket with the bunny handle - how cute! I would love to serve myself a little snack at this wonderful setting!

    Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

    Oh I am so glad you are posting again. I always drool over all of your vignettes. This one is stunning as usual. Love the dishes, linens and all of your accessories. Beautifully done.

    You asked about the onion rings. I am not sure what liquid to use, I bought one can of beer for them and then just used vegetable oil to fry them in. They really are wonderful and so light and crisp. They weren't greasy either. Love that. Hugs, Marty

    Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

    Hi Donna,
    What a wonderful table with pink, green, and chocolate! Love the green cloche! The pewter dish is gorgeous and well, I could go on and on about how gorgeous it all is! Thanks for your visit and do stop by on Monday afternoon to link up to my Tea Party. Would love to have you! Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Pinks!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    The Tablescaper said...

    I so love your vignette. The color scheme is just spectacular. Wonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

    Chubskulit Rose said...

    Absolutely fabulous and gorgeous!

    Visiting a little late for Pink Saturday. My entry is a product of creativity. Have a great weekend!

    Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

    Donna,
    Here I am, able to comment!! It worked. Sorry I didn't come back sooner as i went to bed early last night. I was exhausted!
    Now this tablescape is so darn pretty!! Love the pink, white and green with the chocolate brown accents!! Stunning, Donna!
    Glad a could help with the comment problem! After all, I don't want my friends to think I am ignoring them when I can't comment! LOL!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

    Snap said...

    Beautiful Easter table. Love all your bunnies, the chocolate, your lovely roses and TEA! Happy Spring!!

    Diann said...

    Okay, can I just say I love every detail in this beautiful vignette! The Haviland plates are gorgeous and what a steal! love the silverware. So sweet! Thank you for joining TTF this week. And have a great day!

    Anonymous said...

    Hi Donna! What a beautiful table. Love your bunnies, dishes and the chocolate! Not to mention your roses. Just a perfectly gorgeous setting.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

    Tablescapes By Diane said...

    Hi lovely lady.
    Wow! What a beautiful tablescape. Pink and Brown are one of my favorite color combinations! I also love your cherry blossom so lovely this time of the year. I would love to have just one scone right now with a cup of tea. Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my Easter Tablescape so sweet of you. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter.
    XXOO Diane

    Sharon Lovejoy said...

    Hi Donna dear,

    Thanks for the quick stop by and visit. Wish we could sit in Mockingbird Studio and overlook my little pocket paradise. That is just my side yard, which is a few steps from our kitchen, but it is used CONSTANTLY. I love it.

    Loved visiting with you and I too love pink and green, the palest new spring or late fall colors. I guess I love most color combinations that are diametrically opposed on the color wheel.

    Your cottage is THE MOST CHARMING house ever. Honestly, how old is it?

    Love to you,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

    Coffee Mom said...

    Wow, everything is just lovely!

    Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

    An absolutely charming post, Donna! Thank you for linking up with me for tea. Happy Easter, my friend!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    Beth said...

    Hi Donna, Thanks for the tip on the roses! I have quite a few rosebushes but no David Austin - I hope to add one or two of his this spring. Your tablescape is lovely. I adore the rose plates! Happy Easter, Donna!
    Beth

    Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

    This is all beautiful Donna! I love pink and greens together too...in fact my dining room is done in those colors and I love it. Beautifl table setting!

    New Follower :)

    Lou Cinda

    Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

    Oh I loved taking a second look and yes the cloches are fabulous and green of all things. I love that. Thanks so much for linking to the party. Hugs, Marty

    Susan said...

    Oh you have so many pretty things!! I love the Rose plate and pink plate underneath! I don't blame you those plates would have had to come home with me as well.
    Your little bunnies are adorable!! I am your newest follower!

    Custom Comforts said...

    So glad to see your lovely table so perfectly set and coordinated for Easter. I have missed your posts and glad to see you again.
    Cindy

    L'Heure Bleue At Home said...

    Oh my, so much eye candy and pretty things to look at! Your bunny figurines are just darling.

    Millie said...

    I enjoyed your photos and writing. Lovely post!

    Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

    An inspiring tablescape for Easter. I like flavoured coffee and tea too and chocolate anything is right up there on the list.

    Anonymous said...

    A beautiful Easter tablescape and inspiringly written, I was captured in your treasured memories of your mum and yout Manscret Collection,and yes just looks like chocolate. I too love David Austin Roses...always such beautiful blooms. Such a lovely post and vignette.Have a wonderful Easter. Blessings Yvette

    FABBY'S LIVING said...

    Oh sweet Donna, I'm dropping by to visit again, as I need your scone's recipe for Easter Sunday. I love things with carrot, like carrot cake, carrot cupcakes and your scone ones are perfect for my repertoire of carrot recipes...so I'm here at TTT. Wishing you and yours a very HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY and many blessings!
    FABBY

    Schotzy said...

    Perfection in every detail... Love the whole composition....

    Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

    Donna, what beautiful, beautiful bargains! That plate with the rose, and the beautiful pink plate under it are such a lovely combination, and then you added the pretty green cloche to the top of the setting! How lovely. The chocolate colored pottery is wonderful too. Thanks for the recipe. laurie

    PCovi said...

    Those bunnies are multiplying like RABBITS!!!
    I especially love your molds...aww sweet!
    The tabletop is full of intriguing spring things and I love it all!

    Karena said...

    Donna I just astounded at the beauty of your tablescape. Adore the Bordello pieces and so much more!!

    Thank you so much for entering my amazing Cross Bottle Guy Giveaway!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Cass @ That Old House said...

    What a beautiful and FUN post, Donna! I love your "chocolate" dishes -- that bean pot is adorable. And a chocolate bunny? Always a hit.
    Happy Easter!
    Cass

    Marlis said...

    Donna, it is so good to be able to see so much beauty again.. only on your blog! the beautiful table.. so glad you made them an offer on the cloche! I too am smitten with roses.. So happy part of the tree is still there for you to enjoy. And your centerpiece.. ooh drool. gorgeous. Happy Easter, many blessings, xo marlis

    NanE said...

    Hi Donna, Happy PINK Saturday! I must say, every visit to your blog is a feast for the eyes. I love everything you have set the table with but I'm really coveting that little green cloche! Thanks for stopping by my blog and have a wonderful Easter! Nan

    Red Couch Recipes said...

    Donna, such exquisit elements on your table. So many treasures. I love, love the serving pieces. I also have a huge Mexican pewter salad bowl with bunnies on it, complements of Jaqueline. I love the brown pottery. I have never seen this before. I love the color combination of pink, brown, and green. Joni

    Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

    Beautiful color combination! Love the candy molds! Hope you had a fabulous Easter!...hugs...Debbie

    Chari at Happy To Design said...

    Hi Donna...

    I just read the sweet note that you left for me, dear friend! It's sooo good to hear from you! I hope that my note is finding you and your family all doing well! Thanks for stopping by...I have missed you!

    Well dear lady...I sooo enjoyed your fabulous Easter table! Each little detail is beautiful! You always create the most beautiful tables...they always seem to tell a story and I like that! I love, love, LOVE the large pewter bowl with the bunnies! I've never seen anything like it before! BEAUTIFUL!!! I also enjoyed your pretty cherry blossoms! Your home is sooo beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with us...and that pretty Easter table!

    Warmest spring wishes,
    Chari

    a quiet life said...

    this is all so adorable~

    The Charm of Home said...

    Lovely!! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    foreverdecorating said...

    I am fascinated and breathless about your picture of the cottage header. How can I learn more about this beautiful home?

    Brandi said...

    Hi Donna! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. You have a beautiful home. Your table settings are gorgeous. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Your scones look delicious! I would love to try your recipe one day soon.

    Rettabug said...

    This entire post is just Gorgeous, Donna! I love all the lace & pretty flowers & I'm especially fond of your Bordallo Pinheiro plates. My "Good Earth" post for Cuisine Kathleen's "Let's Eat" meme will have lots of them, too.

    You always do such lovely gatherings of all your pretty things.
    I enjoyed my visit.
    fondly,
    Rett

    Red Couch Recipes said...

    Donna your new birdie find is such a great find! I love the idea of a dollar allowance, but around here, you wouldn't get much. I have a feeling that in the East you have better thrift stores. I love the amethyst cups and saucers, especially the swirl on them. I am drawn to WWII stories (Dad served and was wounded in France so I am interested in your book recommendation. Love your vignettes and have a great weekend. Joni