I have a sweet tooth and my Mom was a great baker so that lead to my love of baking. My Canadian background gives my baking a slightly different twist but I have definitely learned to fuse my baking with some New Zealand classics. Who doesn’t love an Afghan Ice Cream Sandwich!
I am a true home baker and my recipes are some old family recipes and ones that I have accumulated over the years. Please excuse me as I am a no fuss and make my own rules baker, pretty carefree and just like my vintage taste my recipes are an eclectic mix !
A whoopie pie is a combo cake and sandwich cookie- an American classic but time New Zealanders discovers them : )
For cookies
3 1/2 cups all purpose flours
1 1/2 unsweetened cococa
1 tbsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
250 g butter
2 cups of sugar
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tsps vanilla extract
preheat oven to 180 c . to make cookies, line baking trays with baking paper.
Cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs ,buttermilk and vanilla. Beat until well combined. On low speed, slowly add dry ingredients mix until combined.
Drop 1 1/2 Tbsp of batter onto baking sheetd, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake until set, about 8 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Next make filling
For the filling – 7 minute Frosting
1 cup plus 1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp glucose syrup
1/2 cup water
4 large egg whites
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
In a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup sugar , glucose syrup and water. Bring to a boil and cook without stirring until candy thermometer reaches 230 F
Meanwhile beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar until peaks are very fluffy and soft.
when the syrup reaches 230 F, reduce mixer speed and pour syrup down the side of the bowl. Increase speed to med-high and beat until cool-about 7 minutes. Add vanilla and beat until fully incorporated
The frosting should be shiny and fluffy and hold stiff peaks. use immediately
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a 1965 animated television special, and is the first TV special based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. The program made its debut on CBS on December 9, 1965.
It is a true North American Christmas classic and it always felt like Christmas when it came on TV.
Here is the original 1965 version – it has been broken down in 6 parts, possibly to correspond to TV ad? Actually I wish they would have left them in, how fun would it have been to see them though possibly disturbing with cigarette and alcohol ads in a kids show ; )
Arthur Umanoff was an American designer who studied at Pratt Institute in the 1950’s
His very first furniture designs were produced by Post Modern Ltd a company he was a partner in in the early 50’s. At the very start of his career he was involved in all phases of the design process from concept to prototyping and use testing through to merchandising and marketing.
These Post Modern Ltd designs were marketed and distributed by Elton, along with work by Tony Paul. In 1954 he started designing for Shaver Howard producing the Wrought Iron and Wooden Slat chairs, tables bars and bar carts for which he is best known. He will continue designing for Shaver Howard through to the 70’s.
Freeport, Maine is known for it outlet shops and of course the iconic LL Bean however being the constant thrift shopper I hit the Freeport’s op shops and vintage shops.Â
This is the most amazing antique market- more than you can imagine. Acres of treasures from every time period, if you love flea markets this one is a must.
There are 3 markets each season in Brimfield Massachusetts, Summer 2019 dates are May 14- 19, July 9-14, and September 3- 8th. Apparently the busiest market is actually the earliest one in May but we attended the July market and there was far more than we could see in our 2 days. To be honest, I had no idea how impressive and vast this flea market is!
Next time I will be more prepared and have more time as this not just one flea market but several. Acres of different fields of amazing treasures along the main road for about a mile, its worth researching to know which market might suit your interest and time schedule.
How to prepare for the Market
1. Know the dates and time each market starts, earlier you go the better. — Vendors can start packing on the Sunday afternoon so probably best to plan around that possibility.
2. Bring a cart/wagon- there are amazing treasures but they aren’t always easy to carry
3. Vendors are cash only, prices vary from high end to op shop finds. You just never know what you will find and wish I had of actually bought more at the time. Yet, do be careful just because its at the market doesnt mean it is actually genuine vintage, much to my dismay when I got my first purchase home -it had a “Made in China” sticker that I hadn’t notice!
Brimfield Market videos
Check this video to give you an idea of whats on offer for one of the many markets. See the next video to see the scale of the entire Brimfield Market
Acres and acres of amazing treasures!
To see more from our USA road trip/Treasure Hunt check this out
Often you come across amazing vintage chandeliers, some can easily be tested and rewired to live another life as a chandelier. Some unfortunately just can not be saved but can be upcycled into interesting and useful objects like this outdoor Candelabra.
They might just be hanging in your shed!
It’s easy to convert to a candelabra if you find the right chandelier, again it’s always worth looking to see if it can be properly savaged as a chandelier. If not, there are a few key features that the chandelier needs to have : an upward light bayonet, it should have a size suitable to hold a candle and an upright glass shade to protect the candle from the wind.
Now all you have to do is put the candles in the light fitting, make sure the candle is secure. It helps to place a few drops of wax in the socket to hasten the candle. It’s important the candle doesn’t touch the glass as it will crack it. Next step is to put it up with some nice chain and viola a beautiful candelabra-Easy!
These would look amazing on mass for a wedding or party!
McDonald’s released a set of four Muppet Babies Happy Meal toys (plus two “Under Three” toys) in 1987 in New Zealand.
The main set had the Babies riding wheeled vehicles. The figures and vehicles were removable.
Baby Kermit on a skateboard
Baby Piggy in a pink car
Baby Gonzo riding a green Big Wheel tricycle
Baby Fozzie on a yellow hobbyhorse on wheels
In Canada, Baby Animal in a red wagon was added to the set. Some of other figures were sculpted differently: for example, the American Baby Gonzo wore shoes whereas the Canadian Baby Gonzo was barefooted.
The “Under Three” toys were one-piece PVC toys. McDonald’s often makes special toys for young children when the main toys include pieces that could be swallowed.
Under Three Toy: Baby Kermit on roller skates
Under Three Toy: Baby Piggy on roller skates
We were lucky and found some of these cute Muppets! Check them out
NZ Home Baker
