The Ball

Finally, the three women were out the door on their way to the ball. Tears twinkled down the fourths cheeks as she sank to her knees in the hall. Cinderella looked at her hands, at her hair, at her feet; and realized that she simply had to admit total defeat. Now if you were in the room seeing this pitiful show, you might have noticed the oven had started to glow. Cinderella was not aware of the light streaming forth, until she heard a cry for help, “Please open the door!”

Startled, Cinderella rushed toward the sound, she opened the door and guess what she found. Out came a miniature woman in the twinkling of an eye. Released from her too warm prison, she grew to full size. Thus, revealing a smiling, wrinkled, enchantress who seemed very wise. “Dear Child I’m your Godmother, here to make wrong things right. What is the wish that’s not come true tonight?”

Cinderella, so humble and fair dared not ask, she didn’t know if this woman was up to such a task. In an instant the Godmother read the darling girl’s mind, she whipped out her wand, and looked around planning out her design. The dear woman started painting the air, but as she made her large strokes enchanted figures would appear. She drew a coachman, a driver, a footman, and a dress. Outside stood a carriage so stunning it seemed, to have been drawn from a masterpiece, or an impossible dream.

Magic Frozen Carriage
In a microwave safe mixing bowl combine 2/3 c baking chips of your choosing- try milk, dark, butterscotch or whatever strikes your fancy.
Add 2 Tbs. butter and 2 tsp. canola oil
Melt all together in microwave at 50% power for 2min stirring every minute until creamy and smooth.
Allow to cool for a few minutes, then pour over the top of your favorite frozen treat. The chip mixture will harden and create a shell around your scoop of ice cream, perfect for carrying anyone to a ball.

When the happy picture was finished each detail came to life, bewitched by magic and ending Cinderella’s strife. Quickly, Cinderella dressed and primped with such speed; unfortunately, she looked down to find her toes were still wiggly and free. Her gentle godmother smiled to herself and painted a pair shoes like you wouldn’t find on the shelf. They shined in the dim light as if it were day. Cinderella tried on the small shoes—they fit right away.

A kiss on the head was their parting good-bye. The gentle godmother had to wipe the tears from her eyes. She cautioned young Cinderella that all magic can’t last, and pleaded for her to return home before midnight had past. The girl promised to be careful and not forget the fateful hour. Then she vanished from sight with the wand of great power.

Cinderella, realized that the sun was almost down, so she raced to the carriage to hurry through town. They bounded over streets, made of cobbles, and stones, finally ascending the hill where the great palace shown. The guards at the gate only looked in surprise, as the beautiful carriage was so late to arrive. Yet, imagine the scene of those very same men, trying to get a glimpse of the beauty that was carried within. She descended with grace, seemed to float up the stairs, looked down on the gala where all were dancing in pairs.





“The Festival of Herod y Peter Paul Rubens
Rubens was a Flemish artist who lived form 1577-1640. He was born to a wealthy family , but due to the early demise of his own father grew up under the loving hand of his mother. His are known by their use of color even during the Baroque period. He is an artist who became so popular during his own time that his students often filled in his sketches of religious scenes only to be quickly worked over by the artist himself, once the majority of the painting had been completed. Due to his popularity he became a diplomatic influence in Europe during his lifetime. Furthermore his influence trickled down through a generation of important artists who took the opportunity o study under him during his life time.
Without warning the whole crowd stopped their dancing to see, the unexpected entrance of this simple beauty. The young Prince looking up, was smitten by her bright smile. He quickly, offered his hand to Cinderella and to the dance floor they filed. The couple pranced and they twirled all around the castle floor. It seemed the two talked as if friends from long before.

As they talked she admired his love for everything in life. He noticed her sweet manners, sweet as cinnamon and spice. Their love blossomed in the dark of night for all the guests to see. Their souls got acquainted while their hearts were set free. The two cared not to notice the grumbles and groans emitted from each mother and daughter who had dreams of the throne.

Cinderella "The Invitation"

One sunny day while hanging the laundry to dry, Cinderella saw a horseman galloping hurriedly by. Such a thing was quite odd in those days—that’s for sure. Curiously, Cinderella crept out from behind the hedge to find out more. The rider jumped down from his strong trusted steed, but caught as he climbed down his leg couldn’t get freed. Struggling he squirmed to set himself right, luckily Cinderella ran forward and untangled the man obvious plight.
The messenger thanked her for saving his pride, but Cinderella scurried away when her stepmother stomped outside. She commanded the man to hurry and finish his business, so he handed her a crumpled envelope in silent distress. The woman tore open the seal to behold such a thing, as an invitation to the royal gala in behalf of the king.

The courier turned on his heel and tried mounting his horse---- but before he could get up his stomach grumbled with force. The smell of sweet cinnamon filled the warm summer air. He followed this nose around the house to find cookies cooling there. Cinderella had spied the messenger’s want from behind the curtains, so she wrapped three cookies up a large napkin. The king’s courier thanked Cinderella and considered himself a fortunate fella.

Cinnamon no bake Cookies
In a medium saucepan combine: 2 c. sugar, 1 stick (1/2 c.) butter, ½ c. milk, 2 T cocoa powder. And 1 tsp. ground cinnamon. Measure out 3 ½ c. quick or rolled oats and put in a large mixing bowl – set aside.
Bring sugar mixture to a boil over high heat stirring off and on. Once it reaches a boiling point set timer for 2 minutes- be careful boiling mixture is very hot. When timer goes off remove pan from heat and carefully pour mixture over oats and mix with a wooden spoon until all is evenly coated. Let set for 2 minutes. In the mean time line 2 baking sheets with parchment, then portion the oats onto the sheets using a small cookie scoop. Set pans out of the way to cool for 1-3 hrs.

A shriek shook the air as the stepmother screamed, “ Girls the King’s throwing a party. You know what that means.” You see the grand ball would commence on that very night, so she dragged her distasteful daughters on a grand shopping plight.
The messenger rode his horse with a weary, wry smirk; for his lips still tasted of sweet cinnamon dessert. He stopped at 87 other homes in the kingdom that day, but the memory of Cinderella’s kindness would not go away. When the messenger returned to the castle later that eve he rehearsed his sweet encounter to all of the girls generous old.
Back at home Cinderella knelt scrubbing the floors, she polished and buffed around on all fours. Once finished, she climbed up to her room tucked away, so she could inspect her one gown and mend it right away. She opened her trunk, and removed a large parcel. Gently slipping the dress on to admire its sparkle.
The looking glass reflected a beautiful creature. It had been so long between glances that Cinderella did not recognize a single feature. Upon closer inspection Cinderella discovered… a gap in the hem that would need to be covered. Still she spun and she twirled around the room with such grace, not needing a dress of beads, pearls or lace. Sharp needle threaded, and ribbon in hand; Cinderella began to execute a newly formed plan…
Just then a door slammed in the foyer below, immediately the sisters’ orders rang out without even a ‘hello. Cinderella laid down her gown and ran down the stairs. She grabbed the packages quickly, before curling up hair. Rushing between rooms she ironed, and preened, creating false beauty for her stepfamily.


Before the women could dress in their party finery, each sister fought over which sister was most hungry. Just imagine the scene of thrown curlers and bows, strewn around a room full of unwanted clothes. In the middle of the chaos, Cinderella fled to the kitchen to get her mean sisters something yummy and filling. She took the days’ bread mixed up sugar and spice, before her stepsisters could complain twice. Two dolled up sisters brushed sweet crumbs from their lips, then they tied boned corsets to contain their ample hips.

Quick Streusel Snacking Bread
Take one baguette- preferably less than 5 inches in diameter with a good crust
Slice into ½ pieces, and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
In medium bowl mix together ¾ c. unbleached flour, ¾ c. white sugar. ½ c. brown sugar,
2 T. ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp. salt, and 2 T . Cold unsalted butter. Mix into course crumbs. Optional add in 1 c. of any of the following chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.
Place a spoonful of topping on each slice of bread. Place in Preheated oven for 1-15 min until topping has light golden appearance. Remove slices to a cooling rack with a spatula, so they don’t sweat on the baking sheet while cooling.
Eat warm, room temperature or warm.

About the Artist: "The Fitting"
Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was one of a handful of Americans, and even fewer women who took up and popularized impressionism. She was born in Pennsylvania and studied both at home and abroad in Europe. Where she became good friend with the famous artist Edward Degas She was known for depicting woman and girls in everyday situations. Mary Cassatt became blind late in life leading to her giving up painting entirely a decade prior to her death. She neither married nor had children, but gave time to her extended family, and the women’s suffrage movement.

Remember to smile and savour. --Mrs. Brownie

CInderella- a Girl made of Cinnamon & Spice and Everything Nice

Not all stories begin with “once upon a time,” but many of the great ones do. That being said, it is up to you to determine the quality of this tale. Therefore, I can not begin it with the legendary phrase. Nevertheless, Every story has to start somewhere; and so we begin in a land across the sea where lived a beautiful girl named Cinderella.

Now it has often been thought that Cinderella obtained her unique name from sleeping in the cinders of the fire her shivers to tame. The tellers of that tale didn’t live nor did they pay rent to the cruel stepmother who was the poster child of a life not well spent. She cared only for looks, one’s heart didn’t matter. That’s why most would say, “her soul was in tatters.” On the contrary Cinderella, was cooking so often, she couldn’t escape the sweet scent of cinnamon. It was not ash that crafted the unique name, but the sugar and spices that followed the dame.

You see Cinderella was maid, laundress, and cook for her step –family. She kept up the Widow’s mansion, where her bitter stepsisters groaned despite their lives of luxury. The two spoiled sisters spent their days being pampered, privileged, and preened; yet, no matter their opulent life they were quite often mean.

+++ See how Cinderella calms a disgruntled stepsisters with Cinnamon milk 30 minutes before bed. In a small sauce pan, mix 2tsp. ground cinnamon, 2 Tbs. sugar( or the equivalent sugar substitute) and a long strip of orange zest. Slowly add in 4 cups milk of your choice. Warm over medium heat until milk is hot but do not boil or scald milk. Remove from heat. Add in 1 Tb butter and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Stir until thoroughly and serve in 4 mugs to those who need some calming before bed.

For a quick version combine ½ tsp. cinnamon and 1tsp. sugar in a microwave safe mug. Add 1 c. milk. And warm in microwave for 45 seconds to 1 min. (until warm.) Add just a drop of vanilla prior to drinking to soothe a troubled mind or aid in digestion.

One might say that the only sweet things emitted from the grand rooms, were those coming from the small kitchen and the closet of brooms. The brave Cinderella stayed serving for she had nowhere to go; her father had died, leaving her all alone. So she cooked savory breads, spicy meats, and sweet fruits to fulfill her family’s wishes. Only to be pummeled by the leftovers of the delectable dishes. Her repulsive relatives refused to eat anything that was not sweet, so getting in one balanced meal was a great feat.

Cinderella’s days were each the same filled with sisters’ tantrums and mother’s chores. It seemed she was always putting out fires, and making goodies in scores. She dreamt while she worked, praying one day to find… a way to escape, and leave this nightmare behind.


What is the Picture?

Woman Reading a Letter, with a Maidservant, which depicts the woman reading his words in a more modest domestic setting by Gabriel Metsu
Gabriel Metsu was the son of a Dutch painter who lived most of his life in that country. He married three times, and was known for his poor reputation as a gentleman. Despite this some of his paintings still reveal a glint of true love and family life, as he is known for his ability to capture expression and movement in his art. He influenced the better-known artist Vermeer

THis Story will be released section by section to allow you and your family a chance to try some of the recipes. Feedback on how your kitchen experiences are welcome. Please also let Mrs. Brownie know if the recipe was a success at your home. Smile and Savour.