What to give the girls today? First a song . . . Come and get your Happiness . . . click here for a little bit of heaven, and come back to be serenaded while you read the rest of this.
I thought we might need a time-out from the Travel Log because we just passed a milestone, it’s really Fall now, even our calendar agrees — and it was raining here, soaking everything when we got off the train yesterday in Sunny California! At my mom’s last night, I happened upon a recognizable calendar on her kitchen wall and was reminded of this:
The other day one of our brilliant girlfriends wrote us with such a good idea about this leaf garland; instead of threading the leaves with a needle, she hangs a piece of yarn or twine in her window, and uses clothespins to hold the leaves; easier to replace as they wither! I have a box of miniature clothespins I found at Michael’s, so I’ll try it when I get home. I like the thread because it’s almost invisible, but the clothespins might even be cuter!
Even before we left the island, the first little nip of fall was in the air, and I knew it would be progressing right along while I was out and kitchenless, so I cooked up a few treats, recipes I wanted to show you before Autumn slips through our fingers, whether I was traveling or not! So, here’s the first one, delicious, tummy warming, fall-catching Corn Chowder . . . come and get your happiness! ♥
First I cooked 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a large heavy pan, s l o w l y, until it was very crisp, drained it on paper towels. Cut it into 1″ pieces with scissors, and set it aside (hide it from yourself, cover it with a paper towel, you know you ♥).
Pour off most of the bacon fat, then saute chopped onion and celery in the same pan, scraping up all that bacon goodness, until the veggies are softened, about 10 minutes. While that’s happening . . .
. . . cut about two cups of fresh corn off the cob, into a wide bowl (frozen corn kernels, unthawed, would be fine too). (See that knife? I can’t say enough good things about it, it’s my favorite, you would love it too I think, made by Henckels.)
Stir the corn into the sauteed celery and onion; then add sliced carrots, one can of creamed corn, and 4 cups of milk. Simmer all of this deliciousness gently for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender. (The green measuring cup? Vintage, gotta go looking for it next time you’re out and about!)
Out to the garden I went to collect chives for the finishing touch on this soup. A moment to feel that cool breeze (soak it up to last through the month of travel!), smell the garden, and back to the kitchen all cozy with bacon and onion in the air. Mince the chives . . . and set them aside.
When the 25 minutes is up, stir in a half cup of heavy cream . . .
Then add red pepper flakes, ground sage, and half the reserved bacon pieces. Stir well, heat through, and either refrigerate until later and reheat, because it’s just as good! Or serve immediately . . .
Ladle the chowder into soup bowls and garnish with bacon and chives. And that’s all there is to it! What’s not to love? Well, maybe one thing, like lactose intolerance, if you have it. . . I will have a recipe better for you later on; this one is for the milky corny people! You know who you are. 🙂 Now for the recipe!
C O R N C H O W D E R
- 8 strips of thick-cut bacon
- 1 lg. yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 c. fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 large carrots, cut into 1/2″ coins
- 1-14 oz. can creamed corn
- 4 c. milk
- 1/2 c. heavy cream
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (to taste; I use almost a half tsp.)
- 1/4 tsp. ground sage
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 Tbsp. chopped chives
In a large heavy saucepan, slowly cook the bacon until very crisp; drain on paper towels; cut with scissors into 1″ pieces and set aside. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp. bacon fat. Put onion and celery into pan and cook over med. heat until softened, about 10 min. Stir in corn, carrots, creamed corn, and milk. Simmer gently for about 25 minutes; stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender. Add cream, red pepper flakes, sage and half the reserved bacon pieces. Heat through, taste for salt and pepper. Serve in soup bowls, garnished with bacon and chives. Plenty for six. It’s the recipe on page 72 of the AUTUMN BOOK…this is just the soup version, so I added more milk and cream to thin it, but the recipe in the book is wonderful for a company dinner on a cold blustery night!
If you need still more to be happy about, a way to start the day just right . . . watch this . . .
We’re dancing off to Costa Mesa for a street fair with the family today…wishing you all a great day. We do belong together, your comments make me know it, we’re just like pie and ice cream . . . xoxo
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Oh man, that’s not my Momma’s corn chowder. LOL! This looks heavenly. I’ll have to make it for her when she comes down from Maine and see what she thinks!
Thanks for the recipe.
HUGS!
So glad you’re having a great trip! Love your Daddy’s hands<3 LOVE Willard. I saw it come across my phone last week, but waited until I had time to sit and savor it so I could thoroughly enjoy and become immersed in it. Thanks for reminding us about your yummy corn chowder receipe in our fall books:) Safe travels, lots of fun, family, friends and happiness!
The chowder looks so wonderfully delicious. I’ve enjoying snooping around some other posts as well!
Oh, corn chowder is delicious! Bacon. Yummy.
That IS a good idea to garland up the leaves with tiny clothespins. I have some, too. I was going to hang a little clothes line in my fairy garden, but I didn’t so I shall use them to hang leaves. Thank you!
Time to pull out the Autumn book now! Fun!
Happy travels. It’s been fun for all of us!
It’s not over yet, we have about two weeks here in California, we get back on the train around October 11 for the 3-day ride back to Boston, and home, to house, kitty, fall, and art table! Happy you can come along!
Pom Pom,
Just noticed your name. That is what we called my paternal grandpa. Not sure how he got that name, so wondering how you got yours? :o)
Good question! Been wondering that too!
A street fair , how exciting!! That corn chowder is pretty yummy looking and would be great lucnch for us.You know when i pick Autumn leaves I use a trick to keep them longer my gramma did.You buy a bottle of gylcerin from the drug store and put the leaves stems in the glylcerin, like you would flowers in a vase,, ( I give sappy instructions) but the end result is leathery leaves which last and last.You can actually do this wth whole branches,, they really keep thier color.I have a garland I made five years ago and they still look beautiful and they make nice book marks as well.
Wonderful! I forgot about that! Where do you get the glycerine?
drugstore,, brown bottle,, its usually in the same aisle as peroxide and rubbing alcohol.I use the glycerine in a sea salt and baking soda and glycerine mixture for my neti pot for allegies so I always have it.
What a great tip. Do you just dip the stems in, if you’re hanging individual leaves, or do you let them “soak” in it? Walgreen’s or any pharmacy would have glycerin.
Even Oklahoma is joining the fall party. My toes are chilly this morning and your corn chowder looks so warm and delicious!
Oklahoma is where the wind comes whistlin’ down the plain, so this might be a good day for it! 🙂
Oh Susan, I don’t know which is more yummy looking – your scrumpitious soup or the gorgeous soup bowl!
LOL!
Totally trying that soup. Wonderful photos! I love your blog.
Yes, I am a milky, corny friend & I will be preparing that chowder! My mom made a good chowder & I was recently trying to find her recipe. But, alas, you sent us yours. Thank you! Enjoy your family & beautiful CA! Sunny & 78 in Maine today.
More fall in CA than Maine? What’s wrong with this picture?
Oh, that sounds heavenly……..put full of calories…and the cream…ooh, I’m one of those people who have trouble with milk products…but like you, Autumn just begs me to make a pot of soup as I did yesterday. I love your vintage measuring cup and the bowl you served your soup in.
Is the Autumn book out of print?
Mama Bear
I’m not sure, but it was going . . . maybe, I’ll know when I get to the studio in a few days. If you haven’t tried it already, make my Bean Soup — I think it’s in Heart of the Home (or maybe Vineyard Seasons) — and there’s no milk in it! But it bubbles away the afternoon, keeping things cozy in the house.
Sammie – I JUST ordered 2 “Autumn” books from Amazon.com – they have new and used (I ordered new) – there are a few left so if you jump on it you may be successful.
Good luck!
You might also try Better World Books, a non-profit organization — just google them.
Have you tried raw milk? My BFF & her son have bad milk allergies, she recently tried raw milk & hasn’t had a single problem. It has been over two weeks now. She read that people who usually have problems do so because of the way milk is processed. Something happens to the lactose during the process & that is what people are reacting to. I don’t know what state you’re in but here in Cali we can buy raw milk in stores.
Cool day here too – we’re off to a picnic by the river in Modesto, with dear old (as in long time) “Camellia” friends. Family & friends, what a great way to spend a beautiful Sunday, we’re so blessed! MmmMmm, can hardly wait to make corn chowder! I’m taking your corn salad to the picnic, but I added black beans & jalapenos, because I had them! BYW, fun game night with your family, hope those twins gave you a chance! Hugs!
Hello to a fellow Modestonian & SB lover. Sunday was wonderful, wasn’t it. We headed up to Apple Hill for the day. I love to see where people are from, but it is best to see someone from your hometown.
I live in Lodi,ca…dying to get to that fab apple hill! We’re there many farms open?
They are all open now. One our favorites is Larsen’s Apple Barn. One of the first apple trees is in their park, planted in the 1860’s. Their beautiful park across the street has picnic tables, water fall, a charming bridge & a little mill with a water wheel. We go every year & picnic then go across the street for dessert & apples. Grandpa’s Cellars has frozen cider pops & High Hill has apple donuts & apple slushies. Susan, I hope it is ok to post a link so…here goes http://www.applehill.com/
My youngest daughter and I are Shirley Temple lovers. She was my curly head daughter with a chubby cheeked face, I have 3 daughters, and one school year she did a report on Shirley and we put her hair up in curlers the night before and she was sooo cute. Wish I could find that picture. Going to try the corn chowder when I get back from my vacation. You are traveling west and I am going East. My best friend and I are going to N.C. to the Sea Food festival, staying at her daughters house, and I am so excited for the trip. Hubs is not a traveler, but I think I may have already mentioned this. Enjoy everyday of your trip I know I am going to.
The Seafood Festival in Morehead City? I don’t live to far from there, well, when I am home in NC. Live in Germany for now… Have FUN! A great seafood place to eat there is the Sanitary Fish Market. One of my first stops to eat when I get home here soon! Enjoy!!
I am not sure. We fly into Riley? Staying with my friends daughter, her husband is stationed close there. I only know it is close to the ocean and that is what I am looking forward to. They have lots of fun things planed for us. Thank you Terry.
Had it wrong – we flew into Raleigh and yes we are in Morehead City. We spent the day in Beaufort – tomorrow we are going to Okracoke. Saturday we have the Seafood Festival. I think on Sunday we will be relaxing.
The soup sounds so good! I plan to make it this week!
I live in the south so the leaves change late for me, but love when they do! But I am always wishing for them to come early after our hot summers. Over a year ago one of my best girlfriend’s mother sent us some beautiful leaves that had already changed where they live in the mountains, what a sweet delight. They become even more important to me when my friend later found out she had colon cancer. I would look at those leaves on my dresser and send her my thoughts and prayers. And now a year later thankfully she is on her way back to good health. So I think making a little garland out of these leaves would be a perfect gift back to her. Thank you so much for another lovely idea!
What a great idea! Just wonderful!
♫♥ Come & Get Your Happiness ♫♥ Morning California Girl! Oh How I Love Shirley Temple! Thank You for this Song…I’ll be Humming it all day…Yay! & Corn~Chowder….Yummy… Herbster will be wanting Me to Make this for Sure! & I Will! 🙂 I Love the Idea about tiny clothes~Pins to Hang The Autumn Leaves…then you can Switch them Out…Alas…My Autumn Leaves are Silk…. :-)….(Poor Me…Silk Leaves In Florida) hahahahaha They Still make Me Happy…Cause Autumn Lives in My Soul…Forever…& We Actually do have a “Change of Seasons”…Now I Await The Temps to get cooler…(They Will) I Have “Autumn~Faith”….Anyway…Sweet Sue…I Know You & Your Family will Have The Most Magical Day ♫Twirling♫ at The Street Fair in Costa Mesa! Yay! Sending L♥ve & Lots of Street~Fair Pixie~Dust for Your Day…from One Pie A La Mode Girl~Friend to Another….( We are All Scrumptious aren’t We? ) 🙂 xoxo Poof!♫♥♫♥♫♥
Yes we are!
🙂 ♥
Yum!! The corn chowder looks devine!! How wonderful of you to take the time to share while on your vacation! Gotta love Shirley Temple! She sure was something as a child. I always enjoyed watching her movies and my daughter as well. Lots of rain here too! Off and on all day yesterday and so far today. The leaves are just starting to change around here. I will have to go collect them when they really get pretty and thread them with my two tot grandkids that I watch two days a week! That will be fun. We made applesauce last week, made the house smell Heavenly! Enjoy your day.
p.s. That soup bowl is so cute I can hardly stand it!
I love it, too !! Looks like a Spode possibly…
That’s it!
Me toooooo! I LUV LUV LUV that bowl!!!! I luv the glycerine idea also. Can’t wait to try it! Luv this blogging thing. FUN! Feel like God gave me a whole bunch of new girlfriends in a weekend! Thank you for this . . .
It’s not Mason’s Vista?
I see why you say that! But it’s Spode all right.
Oh for corn sake! That looks fabulous! I think it looks like JUST the ticket for breakfast this fine Sunday morning!!! ;}
m ^..^
ps. when does your cookbook come out? ;}
I need to get home and work on it!!! 🙂
I am in love with that soup bowl – would that perhaps be Old Britain Castles from Johnson Bros.? Anything that has bacon in it just has to be delicious – and this will be on my list this week. Time to bring out the Autumn book – I never get tired of that book. Have fun, travel safe and enjoy the journey. JudyC
It’s Copeland Spode. Thanks Judy!
Love the recipe! Go to Roger’s Gardens Newport/Corona del Mar border to check out their fall and Halloween display. You won’t be sorry….gives you great ideas. ♥
Love Roger’s , good idea!
Soup sounds delish! What street fair in Costa Mesa am I missing? I live nearby and maybe I still have time to make it. I googled but only came up with the Orange County swapmeet, is that where you are going? Have fun where ever it is.
I think that might be where we’re going…Brother in Law is leader of this, he calls it street fair, but I think it might be swapmeet. Then maybe Old Town Orange . . .
Try Piecemakers Quilt shop! Everything you could ever want from fabrics, quilts, gifts, Buffet lunch served every day or soup and sandwiches. Located in Costa Mesa.
Yum..corn chowder is such a great comfort food, and we all need that warm, cozy, comfort….don’t we? 🙂
Summer is staying on in Texas. Yesterday, the high was 96 here in Dallas, but as soon as we start to get some Fall-ish temperatures, I’m making that corn chowder, Susan!
Enjoy your visit and the street fair.
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Oh yum! Wish I had that chowder right now! Will try it later, for sure! And “hide the bacon from yourself” is so true! Ha! It’s a cool, rainy 57 degree fall afternoon here in Wisconsin. The leaves are well underway with their color. Can’t wait to hang up a string of pretty fall leaves (I’m a little sad because the hummingbirds are now gone and I will have to take down my hummingbird feeder in the window above where I sit at the computer, so a string of pretty fall leaves will be a nice replacement!). Shirley Temple movies and songs remind me of Sundays growing up….ALWAYS watched them on Sundays. Ahhhh….love it! Thanks! xoxox….kp
Karen, put a regular bird feederup in its place outside your window. I get such a kick out of watching them push each other off the perches in order to get to the seed. I love to watch the activity at at the feeder right before a winter storm, all the fluttering and flapping going on….just so wonderful to watch. I can’t believe I’m talking about winter when I’m down here in Florida awaiting the temperature to change a little so it feels like fall. Well, enjoy your corn chowder…I know you’ll make it! Corn Chowder is one of the things I make alot during the fall and winter months. Susan’ recipe and mine a almost identical. Enjoy your Sunday “Girlfriend” ! FOSB 4~Ever!
~ Doreen ~
Thanks, sweetie….maybe I will do the birdfeeder! xoxox….kp
I love it all! Thank you Susan for your website and blog I read it everyday! It’s all wonderful…kd
Oh Susan–come and get your happiness!! Love it! What a wonderful mantra for life! I needed that today! How did you know? I got your Autumn book a couple weeks ago and saw that yummy chowder in there along with lots of other goodies. Running out to the farmers market to pick up some corn. xoxo
thanks for the sunny post this Sunday morning – it’s been raining here in coastal Virginia for days now – love Shirley Temple and that soup looks fabulous – and easy! Enjoy your day!!!
p.s. since leaves change so slowly here, I found very realistic silk autumn leaves – I know it’s not the real thing, but in my kitchen window, no one knows the difference, and everyone wants to know where I got the beautiful strand 🙂 plus I can change leaves out and then pack away for next year!
Oh, Susan! You’re in my old neck of the woods! My Brother lives in Huntington Beach, and we grew up in Laguna Beach! If you get to Laguna, go to the Cottage, I know you’ll love it!
Your corn chowder looks delicious! I never had mine with carrots, always add potatoes, have to try yours!
Have fun
xoxo
Oh boy! You’re in Cali! Nice and drizzly here in Santa Monica this morning. Have a great shopping for treasures day out there, and thank you for the Shirley Temple hit this morning. Isn’t youtube fantastic? So much extra fun with your song choices in the background!
I cannot wait to fix this Corn Chowder. You had my attention as soon as I saw the bacon. Hummm, think I may fix the cornbread to go with it! Bless you!!
Jane Alexander
Yum! I love me some chowder on a chilly day, but it’s been 90* every afternoon for the last couple of days. And we’re up north!
Jody
It is a rainy and chilly day here in Indiana. Nothing like a little Shirley Temple to warm your heart and a bowl of chowder to warm your belly. Thanks!
I woke up wondering what to do today…. corn chowder and a Shirley Temple marathon sounds perfect. Thank you, ladies. And we love you, too Ms. Branch (you are just so warm and cozy). Thanks for the love and the inspiration.
Oh, my! What a scrumptious idea! Yummy corn chowder! I hope it will taste almost as authentic with turkey bacon.:-)
Have a wonderful day at the street festival. Time spent with family is rewarding, in our opinion, and we have had a marvelous week-end with each of our three daughters, our only son-in-law, and our 2 grandchildren visiting. It passes too quickly.:-(
My afternoon plans include lots of time spent reviewing the Autumn book. xoxo
Susan, I am with Mary Ellen – drooling over the soup AND the soup bowl. It’s definitely cooler here in central California today, but still not soup weather. 85 degrees today and I am so ready for soup weather. Thank you for the yumptious (yummy and scrumptious) recipe and as soon as it drops a few more degrees I am so making this!
The soup sounds (and looks) scrumptious! Perfect for a fall day. I think I need to go looking for fall leaves – they are just starting to turn color here.
Enjoy the street fair!
Hi Susan
I have never had Corn Chowder. I can’t believe how yummy it looks. Of course I will be trying out the recipe now
Love the leaf garland in the window. Love both ideas, the string and the clothes pins.
My favorite part of Fall is the leaves changing, how I love that but because of the hurricane we had, there are not much leaves on the trees and what is left is all dying and brown. I have never seen anything like it. Sad right.
Enjoy your time in California.
deezie
Hello Dear Susan,
Thank you for the sweet Shirley Temple love! The recipe looks awesome and will make it soon. Live in Torrance, CA and it feels like we have not had our Summer yet.
I collect your books and love to gift your books to my daughter-in-loves (Christmas coming!), will you be able to sign them (to them) if I order from your site in the next couple of days? I’m ordering regardless if you can or not.
Love ya!
Debbie
When I’m in California I sign all the books, so they should be all signed, but if not, I’ll be there in a week and can sign then.
Thank you Susan!
You have signed several of your books to my sweet newlywed Daughter-in-Love (Kimberly) last year for her bridal shower. Christmas is around the corner and I wanted to get her the ones she is missing.
Well, I’m just another ‘Karen’, anyway… every Christmas Eve our dinner at my Mother’s house was Corn Chowder and a Shrimp Salad that was to die for. Everyone loves that recipe, except I’m not a shrimp lover so, not-so-much. I think it is the dressing that people are ‘bonkers’ for. My Mom has been gone for 7 years but we still do the same Christmas Eve. Karen Saunders
We “Karens” need to stick together! Have a wonderful week! xoxox….kp
My mom puts mini shrip in avocadoes and pours Italian on top. It’s sooo yummy! I’m blessed to say she is still going strong at 81 and has been taking a train ride through the South West (CA to New Mexico) to see my step-sister this past week. She and her husband will then drive up to Colorado to see my brother and then a 91 year old cousin of her husband’s. I love when older people are so strong and still going places.
The corn chowder looks wonderful and we had some cool weather today which made for a lovely nap (I had insomnia again from 2am on).
Made this chowder about a month ago and put the leftovers in the freezer. Just discovered it this week and had a real treat. It’s good!
Susan..oh my gosh that corn chowder looks just so yummy! Even though we had a pancake (& bacon) breakfast at church and salads for lunch I could still eat a couple bowls of that chowder! Yumm! Darn you are making me hungry…..smile…. Oh & that soup bowls to die for!! (thank you for this wonderful recipe)
I hope you have fun today…making wonderful memories..isn’t that what life is all about?? smile…
Blessings & happy Sunday!
xoxo Gert
Amazing! I can taste it through the screen.
Just to make you feel better – you aren’t missing fall here in New England – because it’s not here yet. Except for 1 day – the entire month of September has been 80% humidity and above – and rain almost every day. The forecast is rain and humidity for the next 10 days too. There is no sun, no crisp weather – it’s disgusting. Enjoy your trip knowing you haven’t missed one beautiful autumn day.
October better get it’s act together! This is my favorite season and I’m looking for it every day! Fall, where are you??
Yikes! We get home October 14th, maybe that means “late fall” which would not break my heart! Want it to wait for us!
Well, we have no leaves here in FL, so I’m going to Michael’s to buy some fake ones…they look pretty real and I can do the mini clothespin trick as well. At the Yankee Candle store they had a mini fall “tree” complete with fall leaves hanging from fishing line. I remembered someone told me you could buy their displays, as long as they had a price tag. So I picked up the fall tree and sure enough, there was a price tag on the bottom. I kept apologizing to the gals at the register for ruining their fall display, but I HAD to have that “tree”. Missing CT in the fall… XOXO glad you’re having a wonderful trip:)
Jacqui
Awwww, Jacqui….I feel like maybe I should send you some “real” fall leaves when they’re ready! I have a small tinsel tree that I keep up all year long and decorate for the different holidays or seasons. Right now I have the cutest fall decorations. I love it! Hope you enjoy YOUR Fall tree, too! xoxo….kp
Thank you Karen! You are so sweet. I just have to “create” fall for myself. When I first moved down here, about 10 years ago, I was soooooooo depressed and it took me a long time to get used to not having the glorious New England fall I grew up with. I’m more used to it now, but I still miss “sweater weather”.
I’ll bet you do! I love it here in Wisconsin and can’t imagine NOT having the changes of the seasons. But, I’m sure you’ve made some other wonderful memories and have found things that only Florida can offer, right??! Like the ocean! I would love to be able to comb the seashore looking for seaglass and shells. Happy Fall in Florida! xoxox….kp
Corn chowder is our family favorite!! My recipe is a little different, but basically the same!
LOVE the Shirley Temple links! There has never been anyone else like her, has there??! I just bought a set of all her videos to give to my granddaughter for Christmas.
Have a wonderful, blessed time here in California!!
Yum yum yum! (and I don’t even like corn!)
The Chowder sounds devine!!! I Can’t wait to try it..
Last night I ordered 3 of your books from Amazon.. I can’t wait to recieve them in the mail!!! It will be like Christmas in September!! I hope you enjoy every moment with your family… I lost my father just before I turned 25… so when I saw what you wrote about your Daddy’s hands, It brought tears to my eyes… there is nothing in the world like the strong, gentle hands of a father especially when they are sweetly clasped by the hand of a daughter… I am so happy for you that you still get to hold your Daddy’s hand!! 🙂 Tina in Ky
I’m sure the chowder is delish (making it tomorrow) but ANYTHING poured into those beautiful soup bowls would be wonderful!!! LOVE!
Delicious! Your recipe looks very much like the sausage soup I love to make – instead of bacon I use Mennonite farmer sausage which we buy in Saskatchewan. It’s delightful.
Love Shirley! Love Corn Chowder! Love my cream soup bowls that look similar to yours…same color, different pattern…makes any soup look devine!
Just made the chowder/soup. Really good – Definitely should cover the bacon though! Oops!
YUM…the corn chowder sounds dee-lish…I’m one of the “hanger-on-ers” in our little strip of cottages in northern Michigan…fall has definitely arrived here…gorgeous color in the trees, a nip of chill in the air…cut down my day lilies today-before the rain arrives tonight…thank you Susan for being such a sweetie and gearing us all up for the next season…
Love the Shirley Temple song! I’ve always had a special fondness for her. My grandmother was a huge fan, so named my mom Shirley. My mom has acquired quite a nice collection of Shirley Temple memorabilia over the years (dolls, books, glassware, etc.) and I always enjoy looking through her china cabinet. Thank you for sharing the song!
WoW…. I didn’t realize what I have been missing!!! I read my Willards faithfully and absolutely loveLOVE your books, art, website, stationery, etc… etc… I have added you to my list of must reads!!! xo ♥
Oh thats looks soo yummy. I will definatly have to make it ! Have a wonderful eve.
Happy Fall to you Susan and to all of your readers in the northern hemisphere!
It’s Spring here and I’m looking forward to warmer weather. You would laugh if you saw your September calendar page on my wall Susan. The top half has a spring flavour, the lower with your pretty autumn leaves! I’ve taken the pages apart and match up the season with our seasons:)
I’m going to make that soup, looks delicious. We are still experiencing cool days.
I always wondered about that and felt kind of bad, very self centered of us!!! I like your spirit though! Happy spring time!
I’m going to remember this, and when we get our first snow, I’ll give you a recipe for something deliciously summery! xoxo
How sweet of you……xoxo….kp
Yes, I keep telling Betty its hard for me to realize that their weather is the opposite of ours..smile.. Love it in the winter to see and hear all about her lovely flowers and time of the year!
Thanks, Susan–that corn chowder recipe looks wonderful. What a wonderful way to use some of the corn we froze from our friend’s farm!!! I printed your recipe out for me–and for them. (Have your book but for recipes I use often, I like to print them out, put them in sleeve-protectors which I use in the kitchen, and protect the book! ) 🙂 We have a couple of maple trees in our neighborhood that in the last week have turned brilliant yellow/orange/red–really are gorgeous! So I’m thinking you’ll be seeing a lot of fall color on your way back in a couple of weeks! 🙂
I know, I will probably hardly sleep, with nose pressed against train window!
Oh thanks, Susan:) Please don’t feel bad about it. My visitors are so interested in your calandar and love reading your stories, quotes and lovely art that fit in with the seasons.
Yummy, will have to try this. I have that same knife, my husband bought a Henckels set before I met him. It’s great for slicing tomatoes too.
Hi Susan, you may not believe this but I just got back from our Canadian cruise and really expected Fall up there and guess what! It was hot, humid and sunny in Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Everything is still very green and blooming. The same for Saint John in New Brunswick!! Then in Portland, ME it was warm, muggy and foggy! Then in NYC it was just plain muggy and overcase. Where the heck did Fall go? Can’t think of soup just yet, not with the a/c and fans still running. LOL -Now I’m ready to continue my virtual vacation with you. Blog On!!
Let’s just have our own fall!
Add me to the list of milky corny people! Oh, how I love milk!
I read somewhere on the internet that you could rub the front and back of those beautiful fall leaves with moisturizer and they wouldn’t dry up or curl. Haven’t tried it but thought you might want to add it to your list – along with the glycerin and clothespins. BTY, if you have time, those little clothespins would look cute painted all up in fall colors.
It was cloudy here in Ohio today but the temp was 80+ and it was very nice out so I spent the day daydreaming. I came to a conclusion about the seasons – they’re not spaced properly. Winter should be Dec, Jan, Feb; Spring should be Mar, Apr, May; Summer should be June, July, Aug & Sept and Fall should be Oct and Nov. Just saying…….
Since it just turned fall a couple of days ago, I don’t want to rush things but today is Sept 25th which means it’s only 3 months till CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One thing we all know, time is going too fast!
It actually felt fall-like today. Yay! Went for a long bike ride and got rained (well, sprinkled) on. The air smelled divine.
Love the leaves in the window. I even have the tiny clothespins. But how do you keep Girl-Kitty from tearing it down? She must be very well behaved. I know my two boy kitties would think I’d given them a brand new toy. And one to eat to boot!
The corn chowder of my childhood had potatoes, but the rest is pretty close to what my father made. However, I’m always up for something new. Bacon…mmm. Maybe in November what fall arrives for real.
Sounds like you are having a great time in CA. Will see you in 2 weeks!
Oh my that looks so yummy! And yes, I too LOVE that bowl… It’s been very cold and rainy here the last few days so I might have to try this soup to bring in some warm cheer.
Just earlier today I downloaded a few Shirley Temple songs, so was delighted when I came to visit you Susan, and see I could listen to more with your “Come and get some Happiness” music here. I love coming to visit you and your blog.♥
Enjoy your time with your momma!
♥Lee Ann
Susan: Whoops, I forgot to tell you! I made the Blueberry Corn Pancakes from your latest Willard for breakfast this morning. Served them with an organic ham steak–sweet, not salty. The corn pancakes were REALLY GOOD!!! Using the Jiffy mix was great–fast, no measuring other than the milk and blueberries (which I used the same measuring cup for), and it makes just the right amount for brunch…Really tasty!!! Thanks for that recipe, also! 🙂
I have the long version too, without using Jiffy Mix, but it’s so irresistibly quick, I couldn’t help but give you the mix one!
Well, there are times the “easy and quick” method is really handy! 🙂 The other thing is that here, at least, it is hard to find cornmeal that is ground fine and we kind of don’t like the gritty feel of cornmeal in pancakes as I’ve tried that in the past. (I know, fussy-fussy!) 🙂 The cornmeal in the Jiffy mix is ground very fine…:-)
I liked the 2 songs so much we got out the DVD of Rebecca and watched it on this Sunday afternoon. What a darling she was.
Well, add me to the NON-milky friends. No milk, no ice cream (situation came about 10 years ago and I miss milk!!!) but I do cook for my friends things like your chowder. Most of my friends don’t do adventurous cooking…they leave it for me! I love it. Love your bowl. I have several bowls that I have picked up antiquing that I use everyday. They make the food taste better!! Have a great Monday, Girls!!
Oh my goodness, that corn chowder made my mouth water! I cannot believe I have NEVER tasted corn chowder in my entire life (and I’m not a spring chicken!). It looks so delightfully delicious and I definitely am going to give that recipe a try, it’s a MUST-DO! I love the look of the leaves on the thread, is that not the cutest idea. Another GOT-TO-TRY one. Wow, Susan, you are just blessing and blessing me day after day.
You’ve done it again! You’ve zapped me right back to my New England childhood where corn chowder (the milky, creamy, corny kind) was a staple and a comfort. Off to the kitchen I go . . . I feel a chowder coming on. 🙂
What’s not to love!
My daughter loves corn chowder…actually, we all love corn chowder. But my 21 year old daughter really, really loves it and the only thing she loves more is bacon. I will have to surprise her with this when she come home from school next month!!
Sounds sooo good! I have a question though. Do you put the mashed potatoes in the soup version ? And is there a way of printing just the recipe as posted in your blog? Thanks for sharing! Fall is my favorite time of year. Made applesauce this past weekend from apples off our trees. Enjoy your continued travel !
The only difference in the one with the mashed potatoes and the one without, is the amount of milk and cream. You can use the regular recipe, just add another cup of milk and make it 1/2 c. cream.
Thanks!
I made the Autumn book, page 72, version tonight for dinner….with the buttermilk mashed potatoes on the bottom. But, I didn’t use the scallops but rather added shrimp to the chowder and topped it with the bacon crumbles (but, being from Wisconsin, I added shredded cheese on top). So good! I LOVE it, Susan, with the mashed potatoes (and so did my hubby!).
So glad, it’s quite a little feast!
Sure is! Looking forward to the leftovers.
I am here to report that leftovers were as good, if not better, than the “firstovers!” Yum!
Thanks for inspiring our next Sunday night dinner, Susan!
I have to say it (just like all the other fans) your recipes are my favorite and that is no lie. Your Heart of the Home cookbook was the first one I ever recieved when I moved out on my own. It is a bit ripped and stained from years of use- which means my copy is priceless now!
Just baked up your Porkchops, Sweet Potatoes and Apples for dinner last night- a major Fall tradition for my little family. I have to change it a little due to a digestive disorder that keeps me from pork :(- but Turkey seems to do the trick nicely. I had a happy Husband and two ‘content’ boys at the end of that meal! As my oldest said, “Now it’s really Fall”
Swooning over the corn chowder! And I’m going to try the fall leaves decoration – very sweet.
Oh boy..your corn chowder recipe is way better than mine. I’ll definitely be making that soon! Loved the Shirley Temple videos. Boy, that George Murphy could dance too, couldn’t he? And she was just adorable. Very entertaining. Thanks for posting such an awesome recipe.
So enjoyed reading through your posting and the soup recipe but when I got to the red transferware soup bowl, my heart skipped quite a few beats…some of my most favorite china and I always take pleasure in using it. And oh the quietness of snipping fresh herbs…soothing to the soul.
Thank you for dropping by earlier to visit and leaving such a sweet comment. Wishing you a beautiful autumn.
I’m just loving the soup bowl; you said you have a few pieces. Where ever did you find it to purchase? Now I’m off to get some heavy cream for some lovely corn chowder. Thanks
I got very very lucky; when Joe’s Great Aunt passed away at 106 years old, she put the contents of her entire house up for sale….we were there for the funeral, and the people who were removing the things to an auction house said I could buy them. Which I wasted no time in doing.
Morning Susan….day off here, …and want to say thank you for the awesome chowder recipe! I doubled the ingredients for my happy crew…so delicious!! I Received the chairpads I ordered online and am gradually recreating my home on a budget with love and inspiration ( and some gifts from susan branch website ). Thank you for keeping up with this blog. Most of all Susan, thank you for supporting and encouraging family life and homecaring….and reasonably pricing what you sell online.
PS…what brand kitchen scissors are you using in the pic to snip chives???…love the color…easy to find and matches my red tea pot. Happy Day wonderful lady!!…
Not a brand, sort of all-purpose scissors I get at Staples or someplace like that…with red handles! So happy the chowder was good for you!
a blogger friend of mine dips the best autumn leaves she finds in hot beeswax before stringing up for a garland–makes them all shiny and holds their color and shape longer.
Just two more thing.s. Can you freeze this Corn Chowder? I was wondering if I would freeze some of this soup for the next chilly fall say that I’d have some ready for lunch. Don’t know why it wouldn’t freezewell (unless the cream is a factor) and I’d love to have some on hand. My other query is do you cook the fresh corn before you slice it off the cob? Maybe just blanch it a bit? I was drooling over this soup. Thanks
I’m not sure about freezing the chowder, we’ve never kept it around that long. But you could make it and freeze a cup to try it. The corn doesn’t need to be cooked, all cooking will take place in the soup. You’ll love it, it’s delicious.
Thank you! I thought perhaps the soup bowl was a family heirloom. Yes, those treasures make a person very lucky indeed.
I just ate some of the Corn Chowder that I had put in the freezer from last week. It tasted just as good as freshly made! Just thought I’d let you know. Great recipe!
Good to know!
Just finished lunch outside on deck eating the best corn chowder we have ever had!. Did not want to wait for a cold blustery day to try it! K&K, L&M, & new neighbors from the barn all agree that the chowder was superb. Wish you could
have been here with us.
love the leaf garland 🙂 … the leaves haven’t changed up my way on PEI yet, but soon 🙂
corn chowder without potatoes? love that! I’m definitely going to make this tomorrow with fresh corn too 🙂
Thanks so much, Dear Susan!
Love,
Denise of Ingleside, PEI
Just finished lunch on the deck with K&K, L&M, and new neighbors who bought the barn. Best corn chowder we ever had! Did not want to wait for a cold blustery day! Wish you and Joe could have been here with us.
We’ll be home soon! Miss you! Save me all the good gossip!
Probably the thing I like most is that we get to celebrate our two oldest sons birthdays. They have grown into wonderful men but my memory of having a brand new baby to walk on wonderful warm fall days will always linger in my maternal mind. Of course the apple pies after picking and now making them with my wonderful grandchildren is a new favorite which I suspect someday will be on their memory list. What is not to love about fall……???? It is a wonderful time of year here in upstate New York and I really want to win that quilt. xoxo
Going to Oak Glen in California to pick apples! A favorite September/October tradition. And eating lots of birthday cake! We love to take trips to Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Cambria & San Luis Obispo in October. I’m pouting that I will miss the events on Oct. 8&9, but am happy to be visiting the place I hope to retire to one day. I didn’t make it up to Arroyo Grande while your store was open and was so sad to have just missed it! But I got to eat at that delicious Italian restaurant on the corner.
Please keep showing us pictures of your home & how you decorate – I want to decorate my home Susan Branch style! : ) Did you ever design shelf paper? I thought I tried to order some years ago but was never able to get it. Thanks for all you do! Your blog & Willards are one of the highlights of my day.
I think we still have some shelf paper left in the web store. Thanks for writing … I’m still working on the decorating part of the blog — and all the other parts too! Glad you like it Janine!
My favorite part of Fall is the decorations which are full of those beautiful rich colors. I live near Dallas, TX and it is still warm here and never looks like Fall does up north so I say I decorate and pretend it is Autumn!
I love your lovely blog!
SSS Sights, Sounds and Smells of Autumn..but 1st I would like to share my Dad with you. My Dad was my hero but he was also my dentist! ‘Ya all know the joke about I’d rather go to the dentist than ????? He had the most beautiful hands…I miss holding those worn and warm hands. I could easily write for days about him…he was so interesting and enthusiastic about life but I need to get back to SSS……I love the colors of Autumn…the rustling of the leaves on a walk to the pumpkin patch. I have an apple pie cooling now and the aroma is one on the happiest smells of Fall. I am so fortunate to be able celebrate the season right here in the heart of Massachusetts!
Susan,
What do I love most about Fall you asked. Well let’s see if I can keep this short as this and Spring are my most favorite seasons of the year! Fall is a time that reminds me of the birth of my firstborn son, that beautiful, smiling face watching me as he nursed; chasing down the crunchy leaves, something I do year round, ;-); the absolutely FANTABULOUS colors of the leaves; pumpkins, I absolutely adore pumpkins…looking at them but even more, eating them!! Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pies, pumpkin spread, pumpkin bread!! I could go on, but I think htat is enough about pumpkins, lol.
Also, I love the crispness in the air, the hint that winter is waiting in line to remind us that it is time for the earth to take her long nap.
All of the wonderful veggies that are now ready to be canned, dehydrated, etc. so that we can enjoy them for seasons to come! I LOVE Vegetables, especially all the great colors!
Halloween and the adorable costumes with little kidlets in them. Halloween candy, YUM!! Decorating Halloween cookies to share with the ones I love so! Halloween decorations, too as they are so fun to see and experience.
Then comes Thanksgiving, a time when I get to see most of my kids and some of my grandchildren, a wonderful joy indeed!
Fall means so many special things to me, but most of all it means the final push of the year before the rest time of winter…it just doesn’t get any better than Fall.
Thank you Susan for sharing the Corn Chowder recipe, I just adore Corn Chowder!! I think I will cook some up as soon as the weather here in Southern Calif. turns cool (better be soon as I just love chowders!, he he).
>>> hugs <<<
So many wonderful things to love about the fall,and they all been covered so well.My husband and both love the fall and choose October 4,1958 to be married and it was a wonderful day. Now 53 years have gone by and its still our favorite time of year. Our 3 sons have all tried to get married in the fall. one didnt quite make it.(because of conflicts didn’t get to until Jan)
Thanks for so many neat things on your blog
Happy Anniversary Pat!
Autumn has always been special. Vivid memories of trick or treating down streets strewn with crinkly colorful leaves. My mother loved Fall and though she is no longer with me, each brightly colored leaf, every rag-tag scarecrow makes my heart smile because I think of her.
Pumpkin patches,
Crimson leaves,
Hayrides, apple cider and
Susan Branch blogs…
These are a few of my favorite things!
Fall is my absolute favorite season. Living in Southern California fall days can still get into the high 90’s, even 100’s but the nights are cool and there are a few trees in town that have leaves that turn red and orange; I chose the tree in my front yard for that very reason.
Also looking forward to baking pumpkin bread, choosing pumpkins, and especially hoping my kids get to come home for Thanksgiving.
oh my. Just found your awesome blog. Luv it. Oh and my fav thing about fall is ultimately the colors. It’s present in everything and there is nothing more memorable than the colors. xo
I did find the word Comment, so i can place my answer on the blog. Just wanted you to know I fixed the chowder, and it was delicious as expected. While I was frying bacon and cutting corn off the cob, and onions and celery, I sort of wondered why i started such a process!! There was no turning back, sort of like having a baby! My husband came in and made the cornbread. i was so proud of myself, and he was proud of me too, when i served the delicious corn chowder. I went back and looked at your photos, and felt quite satisfied as mine looked the same!! Success!
Love,
Jane Alexander
Fabulous Jane…so good!
I love the vintage potholders. I collect the ones that look like little pieces of clothing and hang them by tiny clothes pins on grosgrain around my kitchen! Love them!!
Cute!
News Flash! My Potted Ladies garden club decorated our shellacked pumpkins, then had a lovely lunch featuring your Corn Soup recipe! They all applauded and said to thank you for such a yummy soup! I made the soup last night, then reheated in the crockpot until lunch time…worked out great. They plan to be looking up the recipe, as I neglected to make copies! So, THANK YOU! xo
Thank you back and say Hi to the Potted Ladies! xoxo Where did you get that name? 🙂
You’re welcome, and I’ll tell them Hi from you! We actually stole the name, shocking, I know, from a wonderful little garden shop that went out of business.
That’s what they get for going off and leaving a perfectly good name to fend for itself!
Yup! 🙂 xo