Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Foodie Friday and "Home: A Memoir of My Early Years" Bookclub Luncheon

To see other great foodie items go to Gollum's blog!









For my bookclub luncheon, I made chicken and asparagus quiches, a green salad with walnuts and cranberries, strawberry and cantaloupe side dish and some mini lemon poppy seed muffins.






INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 cup cooked chicken, cut in pieces.
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup half-and-half cream

DIRECTIONS

  1. Saute onions until browned.
  2. Cut eight asparagus spears into 4-in.-long spears for garnish. Cut remaining asparagus into 1-in. pieces. In a saucepan, cook all of the asparagus in a small amount of boiling water until crisp-tender; drain.
  3. In a bowl, toss the chicken, onion, asparagus pieces, cheese, flour, salt and pepper. Pour into pastry shell. In a bowl, beat eggs and cream; pour over chicken mixture. Top with asparagus spears. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean and crust is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.








I adapted this recipe from one I saw on Allrecipes. com. It used bacon instead of chicken. I increased the number of eggs, from 3 to 4 and the cream from 1/2 to 3/4C.





























When my bookclub selected the autobiography of Julie Andrews, "Home: A Memoir of My Early Years", I was delighted and excited to read her story. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to hostess that month and had so much fun in creating a table scape to go along with the book.

The very first movie that I saw after to moving to the US was The Sound of Music. I was 8 years old and didn't know the English language very well, but I fell in love with the big family with that charming and funny governess and I wanted to be one of those kids.









We all enjoyed the book and were fascinated by her childhood situations, but I was a tiny bit disappointed with the fact that it ended before she spoke about filming The Sound of Music.





I was all too happy to have a purpose for this antique typewriter that was one of my favorite finds in a "sailing" adventure.



All of the bright flowers on the table reminded me of "My Fair Lady".














Although the guest of honor "couldn't make it", I framed her picture for the tablescape.



































Thanks for joining me !











To see other great foodie items go to Gollum's blog!
To see other wonderfully creative tablescapes, run over to Susan's blog!

48 comments:

Domestic Designer said...

What a wonderful idea! I love your china. I am going to suggest this book to my book club. I love all of Julie Andrew's movies. The first movie I saw in a theater was The Sound of Music. I still love to watch it!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Love your table setting. It was beautiful. My Mother used to have a typewriter that she typed letters on which was just like yours! That asparagus quiche looks divine. Do you share your recipes? Maybe Julie will write a book and title it "the Later Years" and include the Sound of Music stories in it. Love & blessings from NC!

Donna said...

Really pretty colors! How many times did you see SofM? I lost count for me. :)

Bridget said...

Oh my, you have given the other gals in your book club something hard to live up to. Your table is just beautiful. I'll be that quiche was fantastic, I made an asparagus casserole that tasted very much like a crustless quiche and I loved it.

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

I really enjoyed your unique tablescape. The photography is excellent. I also love the colors you used. I'm also a big fan of the Sound of Music, but who wouldn't be?

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Rose...

I just love Julie Andrews. I think that I've seen all of her movies! The very first movie that I remember going to (in a theatre) was Mary Poppins! She's a lovely lady!!!

I just love your beautiful tablescape and so befitting of Ms. Andrews! I loved the old typewriter, what a fabulous touch! Love your bright and colorful place settings...those fruit plates are so pretty! Ohhh...and all of your blue & white transferware with the beautiful flowers...gorgeous!!!

Rose, your spinach pie looks fabulous...it's so pretty!!! You're a great cook, my friend! Your menu sounded soooo yummy!!!

Have a terrific Thursday, my friend...thank you for sharing this lovely table with us!!!

Chari

artis1111 said...

Oh, I have always loved that movie!!! Your table is just lovely, and I took a bite ~~~yum!It looks delish!! Kathy

Jewel Sauls said...

What a great table and meal!!! I have been wanting to read that book. Your typewriter is wonderful and the framed photo is a cute touch. Love the flowers for My Fair Lady. :D Jewel

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

It's so good to see a post from you! And what a post! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! The whole tablescape, typewriter vignette, everything is really pretty. The food looks and sounds wonderful. I love Julie Andrews too. I saw her first in Mary Poppins, then the Sound of Music. I'll have to get that book now. God Bless! Lauralu :)

bj said...

Oh, Rose...I think we all fell in love with The Sound of Music.
Your delightful table must have been a HUGH hit with your book club friends. It is just beautiful. As with everything you do, it has a touch of class added to all the other wonderful features.
Would you believe I sold a typewritter just like this one at a garage sale many, many years ago?
bwaaaaaaaa...now I want it back.!! Maybe YOU bought MINE!!!!???

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful and creative tablescape. I especially love the typewriter and the framed photo of Julie Andrews. She is very special and so elegant. I enjoyed seeing her performance in the Princess Diaries. Your asparagus quiche looks so delicious.

Thank you for sharing

Tina

Salmagundi said...

Such a pretty table. The colors are stunning!! Sally

Four Paws and Co said...

What a beautiful idea & your tablescape is gorgeous! I love asparagus anything & your quiche looks so delicious. Are you going to share the recipe for Foodie Friday, hint, hint! ☺♥☺ Diane

Justine said...

Oh wow Rose, the colors you used on the table just popped right off the screen. gorgeous!

Ooh, I'd love to have that quiche recipe if you ever get a chance!!!

Justine ;o )

Chandy said...

She definitely would have loved that tributary table! Wow, all are so so beautiful!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Your blog is just beautiful...I love all the colors you have used...I enjoyed reading your blog...The blog world is so new to me...Hope you will stop by for a visit. I am posting on our Disney trip now and then on to a new grandson in two weeks..

Blondie's Journal said...

Having a themed tablescape with your bookclub is such a novel idea! No pun intended! What fun!! Everything looked perfect, the china, flowers, the framed picture (!) of Julie. Beautiful table!!

Your quiche also looked wonderful...just delishious and definitely a perfect dish to serve to your friends. And I would have loved to have been there just for a little bite of a lemon poppy seed muffin...mmmmmm!

Have a great Thursday evening! :-)

xoxo
Janie

Cottage Rose said...

I too love Julie Andrews she is just the best, I never miss one of her movies. I did not know about her book, sounds like a very good one. Your table scape is just beautiful, and how you decorated it with the book theme, how creative of you. Your dishes are just lovely.....

Hugs;
Alaura

Mary said...

Oh what a beautiful table!!!

The Muse said...

I have missed you so much!
Lovely...you are a gem...any gal who can tablescape with a typewriter is a KEEPER!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Rose, I want to join YOUR book club! What fun! Those plates are just fabulous! I want some of those too. Your table runner; the typewriter; the beautiful blue and white shoe..not to mention that beautiful quiche! It is so all so clever and so beautiful! laurie

Charlene said...

I loved your post today. I too love julie Andrews. Your table was fabulous! And I so loved your typewritter. I ust bought an old Underwood a couple of months ago. What kind is yours? Thanks for sharing. I am sure your entire book club loved the whole afternoon.

imjacobsmom said...

Rose, Thanks for sharing your recipe. Have you ever read any of Julie Andrews books other than her autobiography? I cherished a children's novel she wrote called "Mandy". Your table setting was also stunning. ~ Robyn

Shellbelle said...

I love your creativity and your photos are just beautiful. BTW, I also volunteer for Meals On Wheels and just love it, the people I visit bring such joy to my day.

Sherrie said...

Hi!
That's a beautifully set table! Love all your beautiful plates and place settings! I'll have to see if my library has this book. Have a great day!

Sherrie
http://100sweets.blogspot.com/2009/06/strawberry-salad.html

Mary Bergfeld said...

Well...where to start! This was a happening and I loved every bit of it. Your attention to detail is amazing and that quiche is to die for. Thank you for sharing it all with us. Have a wonderful and restful day.

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Oh asparagus and chicken...too of my favorites! I am going to make this soon! It sounds delicious! Julie Andrews book sounds interesting ...Sound of Music one of my favorites too! Happy Foodie Friday! Have a great weekend ~ Susan

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

I've been wanting to try a good quiche recipe and this sound delicious! My kids love quiche, so I'll probably have to make 4! I also use allrecipes.com. It's my favorite recipe site! Thanks for the recipe.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Rose! Everything is so beautiful! You know I love all of your blue and white and all of your provençal touches! The book sounds like one I would enjoy, too. Love that typewriter! Great find! Have a wonderful weekend...hugs...Debbie

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Hello~I've just strolled into your blog for my first visit...I've enjoyed taking a peek at your past posts. What beauty! You've got so many wonderful treasures.
Your tablescape is exquisite!!
The vibrant florals really enhanced your setting.
I adore Julie Andrews too. she's is so talented.
I've bookmarked you my favs.
I look forward to coming by your charming blog again.
Come by for a visit. The company would be nice.

Sweet wishes,
Sara

Pinky said...

HI Rose, your table is beautiful! I am sure you got alot of OOO's and AAAAH';s from your book club friends! YOur china is SOOO pretty and the FLOWERS! Oh, be still my heart! As a floral designer I am so in love with FLEURS:):) Have a great weekend, I ahve saved this to my favs so I can keep these recipes! Thanks!!! Pinky

Justine said...

I'm so glad you included the recipe for the quiche. Yummy!!!!!!!

Justine :o )

all about paper said...

The quiche, the setting, the theme, typewriter and all, simply beautiful. Really enjoyed visiting your blog space today full of lovely inspiration.

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Rose, this is exquisite. I love the pattern the asparagus makes--and your ingredients sound SOOOOO good! Love your antique typewriter.
XX 00

Sharing with Sherri said...

The quiche looks so scrumptious!
All your photos are a feast for the eyes! such vibrant colors! and gorgeous ceramic dishware too!

Thanks for such a lovely presentation!

Have a great weekend!

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

I totally loved your tablescape and the book club theme showcasing Julie Andrews. The Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies. Your choice of colors, flowers and food were just perfect! I love all the vibrant blues and yellows. Your flowers were beautiful. The photo with the typewriter is awesome. Great job and thank you for sharing! Huggy Hugs!

squawmama said...

Hey Rose... What an awesome post! Loved the recipe and all your beautiful decor... A great tribute to the wonderful Julie Andrews...

(((HUGS)))
Donna

Jill said...

My father loves Julie Andrews! I love your table settings. I am going crazy over here for a piece of quiche now. It looks so yummy! My grandmother used to make the best quiche with all kinds of veggies. mmmmmmm!

abeachcottage said...

love love the typewriter nestled in there, I am on the lookout for one, not had any luck yet

and I'd love to come to one of your book meetings to enjoy the surroundings!

Sarah

Picket said...

Morning girl...oh I bet your guest felt like royalty sitting at that beautiful table setting and that recipe...ohhhh you needed a scratch and sniff patch for that one! lol

That old typewriter is a treasure for sure and I love the detail you used to showcase the book...beautiful girl!!

Thanks so much for coming by and how sweet of you to offer to look out for me some more wheat dishes...but I have a set now and I am content with all I have...but thank you so much for your kindness...right now I am looking for some of that creamy ironstone but oh my word it is scarce around here and if you do find a piece it is so expensive!!!!! lol lol

Maybe I should just send money to Gloria (Happy To be) she finds some every month for just a few dollars!!!! lol lol Thanks so much for coming by sweetie...I hope you have a glorious week! ~♥~

Sue said...

That quiche looks fabulous...You are a cook!! Are you maybe considering joining in on the Viking cooking class...it should be alot of fun...I would love to see you come and you did say things around here are boring???

Bo said...

Hi Rose...oh how I wish I could have joined you for this beautiful luncheon back when....you have such style & dare I say panache!!
I have missed visiting your beautiful blog since I've been gone a while...but I hope to find some time to backtrack & catch up on your previous posts...I did see Kathryn graduated...please give her my congratulations & a wish for her very bright future!
;-) Bo

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Girl I loved this. Wish they had bookclubs around here. A great reason to get together and make sure a person reads. I personally love to read. Love the tablescape...thanks for swinging by girlfriend. Your visit means the world. Now, it's only 94 here today.. so you know some electric lemonade sounds pretty good right about now...hugs ~lynne~

Diana LaMarre said...

Oh, that quiche looks absolutely delicious--the whole meal sounds like one I would love.

I have an old typewriter just like that one. They are such fun to use for vignettes. Yours looks great.

bj said...

Thanks so much for coming by..I have been wondering if all was ok with you..it's been awhile since you posted.
It was good to hear from you..
xo bj

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I'm new to your blog I think..but have seen your name on someone else's and decided to pop in and say hello. Just your name is enough to interest me. And now that I am here...I wish I had come sooner. That quiche is perfection and so is your tablescape...

I think I will go looking for the Santa's you make. :)
Nice meeting you!
~smiles~
Mona

Picket said...

Morning girl..just came by to check on you and to say I hope all is well on your side of the mountain...times just gets by us so fast I feel like I can't keep up woth everybody but I do think of you sweetie...I hope you have a great week and a fantastic 4th!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Goodness...as i was peeking around again...this yummy quicke jumped out at me! so. will stop a minute (even though I really need to making dinner, instead of dreaming dinner with some of your quiche!)

anyways, I've bookmarked this post for a quick future frerrence! :o)

Blessings & Aloha!

(also, thank you for commenting...I still hadn't made it to all the rooster parties! and my head is still spinning! but how great is that? haha the connections are growing! Dental daughters and Portuguese ;o) Love that! I can't wait til I tell our girls :o)