Queen and Crumpet is back!

Life is strange sometimes. You go through changes, and things and people get placed to one side, while you sort out the latest mess. And sometimes, things that are you passion become neglected and forgotten for a bit, only to be brought back to the forefront when you least expect it and perhaps, when you need them most. When you are searching for that focus, something to put your energy into, something to really love again. Something bigger than just you, or maybe not, but something that makes you feel good again and whole. I started this blog years ago, out of a passion and love for all things British. A love born out of summers spent in England with my family there, and many visits since. I needed a place to focus my energy and love - an outlet, and Queen and Crumpet was born. Since I have started, many things have changed in my life. I've gotten a divorce, I've moved to a new city, I've struggled to find a job in a field I love, only to revisit another field that I love and fall in love with that again too. I've made new friends, some of the best I've ever had. I didn't see my life going this way, then again, who ever really does? Most people don't start out a marriage assuming that it will end in a few years in a divorce. But mine did.

I've decided this week, that this is going to be my focus again. I don't know what made that happen, but that's where I'm at. I don't know what that means, exactly,  but I need that creative, fun outlet again. I hope you'll join me on this version of Queen and Crumpet - Version 2.0.

Baby Boy George!

Photo Credit: US Weekly

Well, the name is finally out - and I got one name right! HRH Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge officially made his debut yesterday outside St. Mary's Hospital's Lindo Wing in London. And what a beauty he is! We found out his name today - rather quickly in the royal scheme of things! I couldn't help but get choked up watching William and Kate present the new little Prince to the world. It was truly an historical day, three living heirs to the throne alive while the reigning monarch is.  Looks like we'll all be saying "Long Live the King" after Queen Elizabeth for quite some time! Congratulation to the new parents!

Q&C xxoo

Waiting for Royal Baby...

I've been up since 5:30 pst - when my phone went off to let me know Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is in the early stages of labour. I can't imagine how it feels to know the world know's you are in the early stages, but how exciting! I'm now watching the door (yes, the door) of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's - I've got to say, I'm really excited. Almost on par with the wedding day, which, yes, I took off from work. Keep watching everyone! The next heir to the throne is on his/her way!

A Bit of Thrifting - and a Severe Butt Kicking

I met the lovely and talented Ginny when she was helping out with Blog Shop here in L.A, she's totally fab and creative and just fun! Yesterday, she introduced me to the thrift shop world - and I loved it! Apparently, there are all these amazing little stores in the area, and I had never given them a second look. But if you look close enough, you'll find some amazing things! Royal Doulton China, paintings, furniture, lights, literally everything! Check out Ginny's post here..I was so distracted, it didn't occur to me to take photos. Total sensory overload. I'm so looking forward to spending more time and seeing new bits and bobs every time I go. L.A. is also known for amazing flea markets including Pasadena and Long Beach, so those are on the list too! You never know what you might find!

On another note, I had my first Pure Barre class today, and I can officially say, I am so totally, 100% out of shape. If you are up for some serious excercise - go! They are located all over the country, and you will feel it immediately. I can't walk tonight and sitting up is a task, but it can only get better, right?

Q&C xxoo

Cherry Cobbler Time!

I've never really seen a cherry tree up close. Back in Connecticut growing up, I would get the strawberries, apples, blueberries, raspberries - but never cherries. My in-laws have two gorgeous trees in their backyard, and this year they had a bumper crop.

On our last day, I got the urge to bake, and lucky for me, my father in law loves to bake! It took us about 20 minutes to pick the amount of cherries we would need for our cobbler...taking care to look for the dark red ones. They are pretty sour on this particular variety of tree, Mount Morcy.

Into the sink they go for a little scrub....

And the tedious process of pitting begins. Apparently, the best tool for this is a a bobby pin....this started as being kinda therapeutic, and then got kinda boring!

The mixing of the dry ingredients....

I got the pleasure of mixing all the dry ingredients, cherries, vanilla, nutmeg, and lemon juice to a boil...it smelled amazing.

The topping is complete!

The finished, delicious project!

Recipe:

1 1/4 cup of Sugar
3 tablespoon of Cornstarch
4 cups of Cherries
1 teaspoon of Lemon Juice
3 tablespoons of Shortening
1 cup of All Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon of Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon of Salt
1/2 cup of Milk

We also added a dash of vanilla extract and a dash of almond extract

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix 1 1/4 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a sauce pan. Stir in the cherries and lemon juice. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Here's where you can add your vanilla and almond extract... Boil and stir for one minute. Pour contents into ungreased 2-quart casserole, pop in oven to keep hot if you wish.

Cut shortening into flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, the baking powder and salt until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in milk. Drop dough by 6 spoonfuls onto hot cherrie mixture.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Serve warm, and if desired, with some vanilla ice cream!

Enjoy!

Q&C xxoo

Chicago on My Mind

The hubs and I haven't been back to Chicago in a loooong time. Like four years. Which isn't really that great, when you think about it. We haven't been the best son and daughter-in-law in that respect! So it was so good to be back for the engagement party for his younger brother and his fiancé.

We spent Friday in Downtown Chicago soaking up the city and some shopping. Shopping in Chicago is legendary, and I hit up all my usual places, as well as some new ones. The weather was fabulous, not your typical Chicago summer day, and we enjoyed a little gelato and some people watching...I forgot how much I love Chicago in the summer. The city has such a vibrancy to it. And so much culture. 

Saturday brought the engagement party, and spending time with family and friends. Most of whom I hasn't see since I got married 5 years ago! As you can see, the food was phenomenal, and I spent a ridiculous amount of time at the dessert table. Those cookies aren't going to eat themselves!

Cute new brew, done especially for the couple. 

My father-in-law has grown some amazingly beautiful cherry trees in his back yard...they look sweet, but trust me, they aren't!

No trip to Chicago is complete without a trip to see The Bean in Millennium Park.

We also popped into The Art Institute of Chicago and checked out the new exhibit, Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity, which is not to be missed if you are in the area!

All in all, an amazing trip, so much fun and so many good times with family. Till next time, Chicago!