Thursday, January 24, 2013

Our little Princess

The other day there was a larger than normal envelope in the mail box addressed to me from someone I  didn't think I knew.  Anyway when I opened it in was this gorgeous hand smocked baby bonnet for our little Princess. 

Marlyn was kind enough to send it to us for Our little Princess.  You can catch up with her over at her blog here.  She also welcomed another grand daughter to her family this past Sunday.

Look at the detail here, this will become an heirloom.

On Wednesday I had to go into the city, so of course I called in to see the baby.  She is now back up to 6lb 2oz.  She looks as though she is filling out a bit in the face.  She is a love though, and is a good baby.  She loves to be swaddled though and sleeps better when she's all wrapped up.
I couldn't rotate this photo, sorry.........

At the moment we are going through a very, very cold snap.  So to keep warm I have been making soup.  I made Green Bean, Ham and Potato Soup at the beginning of the week.  I didn't have a recipe I just made it up.


1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken stock
salt & pepper
1 cup cooked ham, chopped
2 cups frozen green beans, or fresh if you have them
2 large potatoes, diced
1 - 2 cups milk

Soften the onion in the butter for a couple of minutes.  Stir in the flour and cook for a minute.  Gradually stir in the stock, mixing thoroughly.  Add diced potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.  Add in the green beans, and ham and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.  Mix in the milk, use enough to make the soup consistency you like.  We personally prefer a thicker soup.  Season to taste.  This should feed 4 to 6 people.

I also made Easy Cream of Cauliflower Soup


Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup chopped onion 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh cauliflower 1 - 10 ounce can condensed chicken broth (or vegetable broth) 1/4 cup all purpose flour 2 1/2 cups milk 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese salt and pepper buttered croutons chopped parsley

Directions:
Melt butter in large saucepan. Sauté onion until tender. Stir in cauliflower and condensed chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 12 to 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.

Smoothly combine flour and milk. Add the mixture to the saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens.

Remove from heat. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into soup bowls. Sprinkle with buttered croutons and parsley.

(I blitzed my soup to make it smooth)


Buttered Croutons: 1 1/2 cups bread cubes 2 tablespoons melted butter
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Toss bread cubes in melted butter. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until golden brown.
Serves 4. 


I have to say I did prefer my Green Bean and Ham soup over the Cauliflower, but both are worth making.

19 comments:

Amanda said...

That is beautiful! How lovely.

-Amanda
www.beringseaadventures.blogspot.com

bonsaimum said...

The work on the baby bonnet is exquisite, just beautiful. Talking about beautiful, Nitara is adorable. :)

Fishcake_random said...

That smocking is just amazing. I've always fancied trying it but it scares me a bit lol
x x x

Anonymous said...

What a cutie and that smocking is beautiful.

onesimplefarmgirl2 said...

Glad you liked the bonnet. I enjoy making them. Your granddaughter is beautiful and looks content. Cold? yes it is. I made chicken pot pie yesterday and the dish was totally cleaned out. I don't know how, but I think everyone like comfort food when it is cold out. At least it is sunny!

j udy said...

I love the bonnet And she is a beauty like her grandmom

Debby said...

Oh my gosh what a beautiful bonnet!! Your princess will be stunning with that sweet hat on her cute head

Little Home In The Country said...

What a beautiful bonnet :) I had one like that for our daughter and she wore it constantly - a true favourite!

That soup looks so good, I can almost smell it! YUMMMMM

Country Gal said...

Lovely baby . What a sweet little bonnet, Oh your soups sound Yummy will have to give them a go ! Have a good day and stay cozy !

Jane and Chris said...

Marlyn's work is amazing isn't it?
My great niece in Australia has one of her bonnets.
The first picture of Nitara looks as though you were singing to her!
Jane x

Connie said...

A beautiful bonnet for a beautiful baby! The smocking is just amazing. Soup here too, I will make Cr. of Broccoli today!

~Carla~ said...

I just *LOVE* that bonnet! What a beautiful & cherished gift that will be!! I used to have smocked bonnets for the girls and just love them! They are the prettiest and sweetest baby hats, bar none!! Bambino is soo precious! I love that first pic.. just melts my heart, Gill!! You are blessed!! :)

Jackie McGuinness said...

Lovely bonnet!!
Pot of chicken soup from carcass simmering on stove and will use some of the stock for a chicken pot pie tonight with the remaining chicken meat before it went into the stock pot.
Love how you can get 3+ meals from a whole chicken.

angela said...

What a lovely bonnet, a beautiful girl and a hearty soup. Looks like your set for a great day!

Aodhnait said...

That bonnet is adorable.......as is the baby!

Evelyn said...

beautiful bonnet!

Cindy@NorthofWiarton said...

Awww little smiles from sweet little Nitara. Looking forward to her modeling Marlyn`s bonnet, it will be a heirloom it is so beautiful.

Rose said...

If you had a diner, I would want to come there to eat every day...that being said, your baby is absolutely adorable. Aren't they the greatest thing ever?

Stella Jones said...

Yes the bonnet is gorgeous and baby Nitara is adorable. Very clever smocking.
The soup looks so good. We are in a cold snap too and soup is often on the menu.

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