Friday, June 8, 2012

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

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