Sweet and Stubborn Swine:The Honest Story of the Three Pigs

George Morland born London 1763-1804. He was known for is animals and rustic scenes. He was exhibited at the Royal Academy at the age of ten. He had a severe dislike for formal education.  He painted what he knew, whether his wife or subjects in the world around him.  He was one who led a hurried life and was know for sacrificing perfection in his haste to finish individual works.  He brought interest and prominence to the most ordinary of subjects.  He and his wife were a life long love that ended very close together.

        It all started years ago in Mr. Souwee’s barn.  The night was dark and cold, despite it being April.  Mrs. Souwee stood with her small son holding blankets and water as Mr. Souwee crouched next to the family’s old sow, Betsy.  The sweet old pig was laboring with her most recent litter of piglets.   Mr. Souwee, though a baker, had always kept the prized pig to help pull his bakery cart, and tenderly cared for her through the whole night. 

Sam, the Souwee’s only son, insisted that they name each piglet as it was born. The first and largest was to be, Hamish.  In no time at all Chop was brought into the world as round and pink as fresh cotton candy.  Yet Betsy still labored for what seemed eternity, until finally a tiny piglet was born, he was immediately named, Riblet- being the runt of the litter.

Both  the Souwee and the new pig families were now exhausted.  Mr Souwee quickly put out fresh straw for the old sow and went inside to start baking the loaves of bread that had been rising, despite  his weariness the night’s lofty events. As the sky started to glow with the first rays of dawn, three piglets had survived the night with Betsy glowing with pride over her small brood, While inside the smell of the oven’s latest delight filled the chilly morning air.

Summer Stuffing- yummy light stuffing great for filling up tummies of all animals

1 small pan of day old cornbread- Recommend using half of the 9x13 pan or an 8x 8 pan on its own to provide the base. If the bread is not stale at all cut off top half and then cut into large cube.  Place all cubes- there will be some crumbles on a cookie sheet in an oven turned to 350 for 15-30 minutes- depending on how moist the bread was to begin with.

1 large washed peach cut into a large dice no larger than 1inch pieces. Peeled if your preference

1 cup frozen corn kernels

6-8 slices cooked bacon (option if not feeding to pigs) drippings reserved

2 TBs dried Parsley or 1/3 c finely chopped fresh parsley

Combine everything except the bread in a large bowl and stir to mix.  Gently add in and incorporate the bread into the mixture.  Drizzle with below recipe while dressing is still warm folding the mixture gently. Use only half at first to determine if you want the stuffing to be more wet or dry.

Dressing:

½ cup small diced red onion

1/8 tsp ground cloves

½ cup bacon drippings  or an equal amount of canola oil if not using bacon.

2 tsp cornstarchmixed with 2 tsp water

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ water

2 Tbs white sugar- or more to taste

salt and pepper

Add onion to oil or bacon fat in medium sauté pan and cook 5 minutes until onion is soft. Remove onion from pan leaving fat.  Set onion aside. Add fat/oil to cornstarch mixture and set aside. 9 Combine vinegar, water, sugar, cloves salt and pepper in small saucepan and heat to a boil. 10 Add cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened about 1-2 minutes.

In no time at all it seems both the piglets and the small boy from that cold night grew up, relying on each other as only the best of friends do.  Sam tried his hardest to make each pig the happiest on earth.  He would feed, and wash, and play with the piglets daily to make sure they grew up strong. Then one day, Sam realized that he needed to protect his pigs from the animals that roamed in the woods. Sam took the extra bricks from the old brick oven and built a quaint little shelter for all the pigs, but Hamish and Chop refused to sleep on the hard cold surface. 

Peanut butter Mortar

Combine 1 cup of your favorite peanut butter, 1 cup of powdered milk, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves and ¼ to ½ cup honey-depending on how sweet you want your masterpiece to be. Mix well, and add baking chips, dry cereal, or nuts to taste. Portion out into marble sized balls and chill until ready to enjoy. This combination also works great as ready eat play dough if you would like to try your hand at making a home for your own pet.

Despite the difficulty in finding sticks of the right shape and size, Sam built a wood shelter next to the other in the backyard for the two more picky pigs.  Sam was concerned  because no matter what he did to make the shelter as safe one of bricks.  No matter he thought. It was steady and would not fall down any time soon.

Thankfully, Chop walked straight in and made it his own, but Hamish went straight into the grassy field and laid down. Hamish Refused  to sleep on the uneven sticks.  Sam was so frustrated with Hamish, but Sam worried that if the pigs could not sleep in the open where animals could grab a free meal. 

Grudgingly, Sam went out into the field and cut the tallest grasses, braided huge matts large enough to house a pig, and glued the whole construction with clay. No matter how Sam tried he could not figure a way to secure the door with a lock to protect Hamish at night.  Sam figured that as long as he tied the door shut with string each night that the giant pig would remain safe. Finally, Hamish was in hog heaven, soft grass made the perfect bed.

From Mrs Brownie: Thank you for allowing me a leave of absence. I have settled in our new home in Texas, and have a thriving 10 week daughter. I appreciate your patience in awaiting this next story.

As always smile and savour.

....Ever After

Upon reaching Cinderella’s home the royal group was greeted with sickeningly advances.  It seems the sisters had set their sights on each securing royal chances.  The first pushed her way beside the Prince to sit and try the slipper, but her foot was so long in the toes, there was no way it would fit her.  The next sister felt that she had won the crown and prince’s love, so she snatched the shoe from the messengers grasp and forced her heel in with quite a shove.

 At just that moment the night’s magic wore off and the shoe turned into dust. Such detail was a blessing, for the prince was filled with distrust.  The flustered Prince bid adieu to the group and left discouraged from the day. He mounted his horse and turned to lead his troupe away. Unbeknownst amid the clamor still within the house, the faithful messenger had snuck away. He had gone around to the kitchen, to see if the smell of cinnamon would all secrets betray.  The Prince was angry, his courier was nowhere to be found, but stopped short when he beheld his love standing tied and bound.

 Cinderella heard the horse’s sigh, as she struggled with the ties. She looked upon the brave steed’s back, and there her prince did find. He knew Cinderella at first glance for he knew real love was blind.  While Cinderella’s family glowered at her kissing their royal guest. The happy couple felt he had undoubtedly been blessed.

Sweet Cinderella was freed the stool and chain were dashed. They headed to the castle, a happy wedding come to pass. The Prince and his new princess lived on through sin and storms. Their joyful marriage filled with hope, made “Happily Ever After,” the norm.

  Now if you are still wondering about the aftermath of that fateful time.  Just know the smell cinnamon warms the halls of the castle as the new queen bakes something divine.

Cinderella’s favorite recipes

Appetizer

Cinnamon Spiced Nuts- ie. Step- sisters coated in  Cinnamon- the only way to make an evil step sister tolerable.

1 egg white added to 1 tsp. water beaten together until frothy

4 cups whole almonds, cashews, or pecans.

½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon mixed in a small bowl.

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.  Line a jelly roll pan with parchment, or foil and set aside. Toss  nuts with the egg white mixture then add the sugar mixture little bit little while still tossing the nuts lightly until well coated.  Spread the nuts out in a single layer on the prepared pan and bake for 30 min, then stir and bake 15 minutes more. Remove from oven and let cool on pan.

Before bed Strata- Ie  This fabulous breakfast dish allows Cinderella to get breakfast on ready while she takes care of all the other chores she has in the morning.  Just get it ready before bed and preheat the oven when you wake it will be ready in just under an hour.

8-10 1 inch slices of day old bread- Italian or French work best

 3T softened butter

  1 container-8 oz. ricotta cheese with excess liquid pour off.

Zest one lemon then cut in half and juice set aside separately

1 T cinnamon mixed with 1/3 c sugar

 1 pint fresh blueberries- 2 cups

1 ¾  c half and half

6 eggs well beaten with 1 t. real vanilla extract

 Butter on one side of all bread slices.  Arrange half of the slices in a 9 inch square pan.  In mixing bowl combine ricotta zest and juice, and sugar mixture until well combined. Spread over bread then sprinkle with half of berries. Cover with remaining bread slices butter side up.  Beat eggs with half and half until no streaks of egg, then gently pour over the entire pan ensuring total coverage by pushing bread into the mixture.

Cover the pan and place in fridge overnight, at least 2hrs.  Remove pan from fridge.  Preheat oven to 325 F. Bake on middle rack for 50-55 min. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into.  Serve with remaining blueberries,  syrup, or softened cream cheese.

Spiced Bacon

12 slices thick cut bacon- or your favorite brand.

2 Tb granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 F. Lay all bacon slices out on large rimmed broiler pan or sheet pan.  Sprinkle with sugar mixture. Bake 6 min, then rotate pan and bake 6-9 min longer depending on preference of crispness.

Wishing eyes- Cinderella’s take on the famous Buck-eyes

½ c soft butter

1 c. Almond or Peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

 ½ tsp. cinnamon.

 ½ c. graham crackers crushed finely

 Combine above ingredients. Slowly add 4 cups powdered sugar with a pastry blender or 2 butter knives (alternately this recipe can be totally prepared in a large food processor.  Place in air tight plastic container and chill thoroughly.  Once mixture is stiff, it can be formed into 1 inch balls and dipped in melted white chocolate or white confectioner’s coating. To melt chocolate chop finely and place in a metal bowl above ( not touching)  very hot water or barely simmering water on the stove stirring constantly- have an adult to help in this process to make sure no water gets in the bowl on the top. Let candies dry on wax paper/ parchment until coating has hardened.

Yummy Savory Cinnamon Seasoning- great with chicken lamb or pork

1 Tb. Ground Cumin

2 Tb chili Powder mix- this is not cayenne pepper

1 Tb Allspice

 1 Tb Black Pepper

1 tsp. white pepper –optional

1 tsp.  ground cinnamon

3 Tb salt

Mix all spices together in small bowl.  Sprinkle on meat prior to sautéing, grilling, or baking in your favorite method.

The Consequence

Love by Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter who lived from 1862- to 1918. This particular painting depicts his most typical subject a woman in a protagonist role- a very atypical them of the time. Gustav was more of a hermit by nature, but did help found the Vienna Sucession, which gave opportunities for the young to come and study under working artists to pass on the craft. He was one of few artists in history to use gold leafing in his often disputed and controversial work.


The Prince started to mention his hope to see her again, and with these last words 12 clock chimes began. Startled, Cinderella turned and hastened straight away. She ran down the steps dropping a shoe in the fray. She dared not to retrieve the delicate stray. She just reached her carriage but it vanished in a blink. Her fine dress returned to the rags, she hadn’t time to think. With no a choice, the girl spotted her stepmother’s coach just steps away. Cinderella climbed on the roof to hide without delay. Her head pounded, her heart raced to get back home and cry, but here she was trapped on the roof, her curfew defied.
She waited and waited so patiently, in fact she waited so long she drifted off to sleep. Inside the ball finally came to an end. The crowd left in carriages their tired feet to tend. Cinderella’s stepfamily was among the throng; angry at their wasted night, where everything went wrong. The prince had hardly noticed either girl’s apparent charms. In fact he spent the night in a fair girl’s arms.
The family all along the road heard something on the roof. Each guessed upon possibilities, but all remained aloof. The carriage shorty arrived home, the women filled with curiosity. They pushed and shoved, to get out the door their stow-away to see.
Cinderella awoke to three angry sneers. They believed Cinderella had wasted all night and shouted out their jeers. Her stepmother enraged, acted quite cruel. She grabbed a sharp chain and tied the girl to a stool. Cinderella would continue cook, and clean, the chain cutting her deep. Her only break from these long tasks would give her a chance to do laundry.

The imprisoned girl bowed her head then set off to make their breakfast, not believing she had enjoyed one enchanted night of bliss. Cinderella worked with fervor, making food fit for a king. Little did she know what this day cursed would bring. The home still bustled with post party energy, while the whole kingdom searched for the Prince’s bride to be. Before bed Strata- Ie This fabulous breakfast dish allows Cinderella to get breakfast on ready while she takes care of all the other chores she has in the morning. Just get it ready before bed and preheat the oven when you wake it will be ready in just under an hour.

Before bed Strata- Ie This fabulous breakfast dish allows Cinderella to get breakfast on ready while she takes care of all the other chores she has in the morning. Just get it ready before bed and preheat the oven when you wake it will be ready in just under an hour.
8-10 1 inch slices of day old bread- Italian or French work best
3T softened butter
1 container-8 oz. ricotta cheese with excess liquid pour off.
Zest one lemon then cut in half and juice set aside separately
1 T cinnamon mixed with 1/3 c sugar
1 pint fresh blueberries- 2 cups
1 ¾ c half and half
6 eggs well beaten with 1 t. real vanilla extract

Butter on one side of all bread slices. Arrange half of the slices in a 9 inch square pan. In mixing bowl combine ricotta zest and juice, and sugar mixture until well combined. Spread over bread then sprinkle with half of berries. Cover with remaining bread slices butter side up. Beat eggs with half and half until no streaks of egg, then gently pour over the entire pan ensuring total coverage by pushing bread into the mixture.
Cover the pan and place in fridge overnight, at least 2hrs. Remove pan from fridge. Preheat oven to 325 F. Bake on middle rack for 50-55 min. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into. Serve with remaining blueberries, syrup, or softened cream cheese.

The Prince had too few clues to know where the mystery girl had gone. Left alone with just a shoe and a smell, his search might go on and on. So he started searching in the bakeries, each to no avail. He sent to the pubs, and incense shops, to find who had put him under love’s spell. The sun was climbing in the sky, so he turned to the last resort. The Prince had his men pass the shoe to every woman in the court.
One lone courier stopped the prince to ask why he searched for just one girl, when as a prince he could have any lady in the world. The Prince detailed a woman’s beauty only poets could recite. He spoke of her grace, and kindness during theirs hours together on the prior night. The Prince said, “I’d give the world just to smell her lovely hair.” The lingering scent of cinnamon seemed to define his lady fair.
The messenger rested on the thought of cinnamon so sweet, and remembered a lovely servant girl giving him cookies to eat. The man did not dare nor did he dream; to suggest a home whose family was known to scheme. Nevertheless, the messenger said “let’s just return to this last home.” They’d use the remaining shoe to single out if one of the ladies would be ascending to the throne. The Prince, without options, followed the group in great despair. He knew of the famed family’s daughters, and loathed everything about the pair.

Next week: The conclusion and the rest of Cinderella's favorite recipes.
As always, smile and savour the rest of your day.
Mrs. Brownie and the brownie bite

So please understand the pause in Cinderella was due to one special princess coming into our home. Dana has made life a completely new adventure. More of Cinderella to follow soon.
Mrs. Brownie and the new nibbler

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.