La-de-da, la-de-da, another day ♫, and here comes the weekend! No snow for us, but I know lots of you are socked in! Perfect! It’s cake baking weather! Cake baking, with this music, and soon, a pair of darling green salt and pepper birds winging their way to one of you lucky girls. ♥ What a day!
Just in case anyone forgot how truly darling these birds are, here’s the photo again! You can almost hear them tweeting a song about spring! ♣
Also, I wanted to show you another item I designed for Wedgwood that I really wish I had today!
It would have had the thinnest glass top, etched lightly with flowers, and would have been perfect to cover and keep our delicious M I L K C A K E fresh!
So! I found this “old Vineyard recipe” for Hot Milk Cake in our local paper. I’m always attracted to interesting old recipes that say, “This is plain food, simply prepared, and absolutely delicious.” What’s not to like? Thought it could be perfect for a tea party; had to try it. ♥
Here’s the original recipe as printed, although I finished up the directions with suggestions for things such as what size pan to use, what is “a little salt,” and what temperature to bake it at. I’ll rewrite the recipe and put it at the end of this post so you can print it out. I broke the rule and “thought” about frosting it, but didn’t; and since I was “fresh out” of yellow tomato conserve, I made a sauce to puddle in the bottom of a bowl full of cake. Y U M ! It’s still not fancy, never fear . . .
So here’s what you do:
Set the temperature for 325 degrees. See how easy it is? Piece of cake!
T H E C A K E
First you get yourself a “rounded teaspoon” of butter (love the way old recipes are written — this was much easier than one that reads add a “knob” of butter!); drop the butter into a half cup of whole milk and heat it on top of the stove until hot.
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Whisk a couple of eggs within an inch of their lives.
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Gradually whisk in the sugar . . . beat well.
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In goes the first half cup of flour, the baking powder, salt, and vanilla.
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Stir well . . . then add the other half cup of flour and the hot milk with butter . . .
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And that’s all there is to it! Pour the cake batter into a buttered 8″ square (or round) cake pan. Bake 40-45 min.
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Pull it out of the oven when the edges start to pull away from pan, or check it with a toothpick in the center . . . allow your kitty to watch . . .
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Let the charmingly plain little cake cool while you make the sauce . . . (There’s Jocelyn’s two Love books, all ready to send to her! Remember? She was the winner of our last drawing!)
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So, for the sauce, which is also really easy, scrape the seeds from a 1″ piece of vanilla bean, put it in a small pan with heavy cream and sugar, bring to a boil, stir and cool. Chill.
I tried the cake, as suggested, plain and unadorned, and it was wonderful. I have to say I would like to bite off all the chewy edges first (like corn on the cob), so good! BUT . . .
. . . then I added the sauce and this is when the heaven’s parted and this cake melted in my mouth becoming God’s Gift to the World; I was proud to be human and able to cook. The sauce turns it into a kind of pudding cake. Just delicious.
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You could also add the zest of either one orange or one lemon to the cake batter if you wanted. Probably currants too and even mini chocolate chips if you were so inclined. It’s a plain cake — and if it would be good with yellow tomato conserve, as the original recipe says, I think you could put it with anything. Mmmm, strawberries and whipped cream! ♥
OK, I guess that should keep you busy — that, and then of course, you have to leave a comment at the bottom of this post if you’re interested in the birds! We’ll let our Random Number Generator choose a winner for this drawing in a few days. See how the bottoms twist off for easy filling? Pretty wonderful!
OK girls, off I go. Scroll down to get the recipe if you want it.
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Also, btw, not sure if you know, but I moved the list of my Favorite Movies up to the top of the blog, under where it says, “All About Me” — click there, you’ll see the movies in the drop-down. In case you’re looking for them!
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Had to toss in a photo of this cheerful little cupcake. I bought the cupcake pan with the deep narrow pockets and the cupcake papers to go with it a while back at Ikea. I just found them on their website — the cupcake pan is red and only $10, and that’s the cupcake papers in the upper right hand corner of their page; aren’t they cute? I love mine and thought you might like them too. I bet you could make plain cupcakes from the milk cake recipe! I forget what recipe I used here; it was last winter, there were no flowers, so I stole this one from my African violet! I think I was thinking “spring” then too! Have a wonderful weekend girlfriends! XOXO
S A U C E for H O T M I L K C A K E
- 1″ piece vanilla bean
- 2 c. heavy cream
- 1/4 c. sugar
Slit vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape seeds into small saucepan. Stir in cream and bring to a boil. Add sugar, stir well, let it cool. Chill well.
H O T M I L K C A K E
- 1/2 c. hot milk with 1 rounded tsp. butter melted into it
- 2 eggs
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 c. flour, divided
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
Butter an 8″ square or round cake pan. Prepare milk and butter. Whisk eggs well in a med. bowl. Gradually whisk in sugar and beat well. Stir in 1/2 c. flour, the baking powder, salt, and vanilla. Stir in other 1/2 c. flour, then the hot milk/butter. Pour into cake pan; bake 40-45 min. Pour the chilled sauce into a dish and put a slice of cake on top. Enjoy.
Sleet is hitting my window as I write. Let the cake-baking begin!
I am in love with those birds!
Susan, I totally love your blog. I read it everyday and it is such a bright start for the day. It lifts my mood and shows me the fun things that are so important. I have just moved into a really cute gramma type house that I am decorating ala Susan Branch style. Those birds would have a perfect
nest here. Thanks for making the world a more beautiful place.
Arlene
Sighing. Love the design for the covered cake plate. And the birdies.
I am trying the recipe tonight. Dear daughter is coming home for the weekend from college, it is very cold today and hot milk cake sounds delish!!
I love the little birds. I love to collect S&Ps. I mostly have Christmas and Thanksgiving ones. My favorites belonged to my grandmother and still have the price (10 cents) on the bottom.
The birds remind me of a cup I had as a child – “whistle for your milk” with a little porcelain bird. The bird was broken before I was old enough to really remember it in one piece!
In our family, they aren’t cupcakes unless they are chocolate – but we made some yesterday and how yummy on a frosty winter’s day!
Angela, I had the same cup! I still have it.. small world..
We are receiving snow this afternoon, another 5-7 inches expected. A warm cake sounds heavenly! I think that I would add chocolate chips to that batter. And I know that those cute little green birds would look perfect in my yellow kitchen! Have a great weekend!
Have been waiting with anticipation for the Milk Cake recipe… we are expecting 4-6″ of snow tonight… I do think cake is necessary! And the birdies are most necessary, too! xoxo
I swear…. The photos you include in your posts are simply incredible. You may have a second career in food presentation!
I have to say, it’s a LOT of fun — who knew! The blog made me do it!
I agree! We just want to jump in and join Susan at her table.
Totally agree, ladies! Been house-hunting online lately & I can tell you, most realtors don’t have photos half this good. If they did the housing market would be booming!
I love old recipes! I can’t wait to try this cake, it looks wonderful.
PS ~~~ I absolutely LOVE your typo… that you “WISH IN” the sugar! There are so many things I would like to “WISH IN” … xoxo again!
Oh oh, I do like to make wishes on things!
I better go fix it!
If one “wish in” the sugar, it wouldn’t add calories or affect blood sugar!
Oh, I hope you’re right! I’ll have to “wish in” the flour, too, since I have celiac disease and can’t have gluten. I’m going to try this recipe with almond flour. As long as you’re wishing, please wish me luck with the substitution!
I love the bird salt and pepper shakers – so cute!
We are expecting snow tomorrow – I was thinking of baking some banana bread – I think I’ll wait until tomorrow.
Susan, Thanks for this burst of happiness. I’m “stuck” in Las Vegas unable to get home to central Illinois today due to the snow. Not the worst thing, except when you want to get home…Will make the best of it. My Dad is home watching the furry kids, I told him don’t say a word we won’t be back until tomorrow, I couldn’t stand to imagine the look of disappointment in those soulful brown eyes for all three of them!?! Thanks for the delish photos, I so want to bake when I get home too. And, those darling birdies – can anyone say, “precious????” Hugs and love, Jeanette
Good luck getting home, have fun while you’re there!
Will do! I’ll have fun for the both of us!!! Fingers crossed we’ll be home safe & sound tomorrow.
P.S. another thing I love about the Milk Cake is that the ingredients are something we always have on hand, which makes it very easy to make often. Oh, oh….
Beautiful little bird friends just say HERE COMES SPRING. THE CAKE LOOKS DELICIOUS. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the opportunity to win the little feathered friends.
Hoping to head home before the snow and make cake! Saw little Jack peeking up at the cake
Loved it, this blog that is! We’re running to the store, in the wonderful, fabulous rain, but I had to take a quick peek & see if there was a new blog! Fabulous, mmmmMmm good, great little birdie S&P, so sweet of you to have a contest & give us all a chance, thank you….gotta run! Have a fabulous, cozy weekend all! xoxoxo
I plan to stay inside with a cup of hot tea this weekend and the cake sounds like it would be perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I would love the little birds, they are so sweet.
Icey cold winds here 16 below we have snow on the ground from a blizzard the other day ! These little birdies are cute. My sister has collected salt and pepper shakers for years . The Hot Milk Cake sounds YUMMY ! Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day !
You are killing me with the drawings of “what might have been”! Love the cake plate. So delicate and pretty. Such a shame your ideas never came to be. I’m a bird lover and a cake lover, so loved this post.
Ah, those little birdies would look just lovely in my kitchen. Well, so would that darling little cake plate! No snow around here, but it’s been abnormally cold, so I think a cake with the name of HOT milk cake will fit the bill!
Ooh, sounds perfect for a snowy weekend….they say it is headed our way so we are hunkering down and have books, movies, tea…..all we need is cake and you shared the perfect recipe. The birds are SO CUTE….they would look great on my windowsill over the sink…that’s where I look for Spring ! Thanks for being so generous with your give aways…always something to look forward to ! Happy FRIDAY !
I love the little birds and your cake looks scrumptious on your Rose Chintz!!! Makes me want to bake something, too
Ohhhhh, cake sounds and looks wonderful! And the birdie s & p….
be still my heart! Marie
Hello Girlfriend:
I can almost hear those little green birds sing. Love your blog! It is just like sharing a visit with a long time girlfriend. Hugs, Fran
Rain comin’ in tonight, over in the West! do I need another excuse to bake? not a chance! thank you for the recipe, the movie list, and the chance at those sweet, neat birds!
Ev
It’s nice here in Florida but I would still love to have a yummy cake! It’s my birthday this weekend! Thanks for the recipe and enjoy your day! ♥
Happy Birthday Lavender, enjoy your special day and your nice warm weather…..,most of us in the Mid West are getting wintry mix and temps. in the teens. My parents live in Venice, FL and bless their hearts they think the 50’s are cold?? Enjoy your Special Day!! love your name
How sweet! Birthday greetings here on Susan’s site! It doesn’t get any better than that! ♥
Happy, happy birthday!
Thank you so much! I feel very special! ♥
Happy, happy birthday to you! Kick up your heels & celebrate you!!
Best Wishes ~ Jeanette
Thanks Jeanette! I’ve had a lovely birthday weekend! ♥
Rain is finally here in California! Perfect day to bake a cake…
Those sweet birdies take me back to my Aunt Jane’s breakfast nook window overlooking a pond. We would spend many an hour in awe of nature. Lovely early childhood memories.
I love the domed cake plate!! Add that to my cart along with the lemonade pitcher and—–! The cake sounds great and we are having a quiet Friday night in tonight. The milk cake would be perfect! Is it okay to use skim milk?
You have a fun cart!
Count me in — those darling little birdies would be perfect with my sweet but small collection in my “hideaway/quiet room” where I’m gathering my art supplies and all the little things I love. The cake sounds marvelous and I’m going to make it this weekend. Going to browse through again and take in more of your lovely pics and prose!
OMGOODNESSSSSSSSSS — those teeny tall cupcakes — and that lovely pink edge on it’s plate. I simply MUST investigate those pans and papers on ikea’s site. While I haven’t purchased any new cook/bake items for several years, these might just be my little treat myself splurge for next month and you say they are red — oh my, so perfect for Valentine baking. You do find the cutest things beyond your own marvelous creations to share with us — thank yo u, Susan. I am croassing all my fingers and toes that I will see those lovely birds in my special room soon.
Thanks for the recipe, I’ll have to give it a try.
Oh, this cake is just tasty goodness, adorableness and super yummy
I’m going to bookmark this recipe in my recipe file 
I just LOVE those sweet little bird salt and pepper shakers. It’s full of vintage charm
Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather
Susan: I just knew what the song would be today when I saw the cute bird salt and pepper shakers again! How cute. And the cake recipe sounds wonderful and so easy. Thanks for sharing.
And I agree that your photography is awesome.
Sounds de-lish!!! …and those little birds would make nice company in the kitchen. I love to make cupcakes and like to add a twist; so your suggestion for the cupcake pan is a fun one. After reading your blog, I just might have to put baking on my list of to-do’s for this weekend! Thanks for all the fun sharing and making your blog such a ‘treat’!!! …Happy weekend =}
The birds are lovely. Your blog warms my heart.
I want that gorgeous and gracious cake plate…It would add such elegance to anyone’s baking!!!
No snow, ice or cold temperatures here ( it’s sunny and 74 degrees) but I consider that cake baking weather, too. The Hot Milk Cake + sauce really does sound delicious, Susan. Plus, I won’t have to go out and buy anything special because I have all the ingriedients ready and waiting!
I also like your idea of jazzing it up with mini-chocolate chips, currants or citrus zest. Yummy!
To all the girlfriends in the path of the storm, please stay safe and warm.
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Love those birds! Thanks for the sunshine in my day!
Oh how beautiful your cake stand would have been! Love, love, love that green color! please include me in the drawing for the sweet salt and pepper birdies. So cute! XO
We are getting snow after midnight, cannot wait! There is nothing more beautiful than falling snow, especially at night. Those birds are so cute! I have the perfect place for them, if I am lucky enough to be chosen to have them.
Thanks for the cake recipe, I am going to make it in the morning. I bought blueberries today, they will go perfectly with this cake. Enjoy the weekend!
Looking at that ethereally beautiful cake stand – I feel like Sally Tomato (from Breakfast At Tiffany’s) when he was compelled to tell Holly, “It breaks the heart…” It does – it breaks the heart that these gorgeous pieces were never made!
However, something that will be made is your cake!!! Woohoo!!!
Idea!!!
The sketches of the glasses, china, and cake stand all remind me of a company called “Southern Living at Home.” It was sold by Time Warner a couple of years ago. The new owner renamed it “Willow House.” Just an idea… Why not contact them with your ideas? They seem like a perfect fit with the type of product they offer! (You might want to check out their catalog online.)
Thanks for the recipe. It reminds me of one my grandma used to make when we visited her in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Only yours is fancier – and most likely “yummier!” Will be baking it tomorrow when it cools off here. Too warm for January – 80 degrees today!
Hope you have a great weekend, too.
Sue (in Big D)
Another reason to love you, but another HUGE temptation! Why oh why are all the happy things fattening. I can feel my butt expanding just looking at your photos! But it won’t stop me from making it!!! XXOO
ooooooohhhhhh, I’m not gonna beat around the bush (cause the birds might be hiding there – sorry, had to): I love the little bird S & P shakers; because
1.) I have an affinity for vintage-y s & p shakers.
2.) I have an affinity for little birds.
3.)They’re just so darn cute.
They are gonna make some GF very happy!
I LOVE the cake plate you’ve designed – ADORBS (as my daughter would say )
RR
We are expecting snow this evening and this cake will be just what the doctor ordered. Yum. AND I happen to have all the ingredients in the house – LOL!
Love all your designs you showed – so sorry they never came to fruition.
ooooooohhhhhh, I’m not gonna beat around the bush (cause the birds might be hiding there – sorry, had to): I love the little bird S & P shakers; because
1.) I have an affinity for vintage-y s & p shakers.
2.) I have an affinity for little birds.
3.)They’re just so darn cute.
They are gonna make some GF very happy!
I LOVE the cake plate you’ve designed – ADORBS (as my daughter would say *but won’t, now that I’ve used the word*)
RR
Like “adorbs” — cute!
Looks like cake delish. I’m loving those birdies too. I was dusting my Beatrix Potter mousies and my Bunnykins and thinking of your blog.
I also am mad about your cake plate design. Delicately gorgeous.
I would love to have the birdies perch on my kitchen windowsill.
Hi Susan and girlfriends!
Sadly the IKEA muffin pan and cupcake papers are not available online.
The cake is being made tonight! Snow to arrive at 1:00 am!
Ohhhh, I see what you mean. Sorry!
We were on the northern edge of the storm and only got about an inch of snow. Just enough to slick the roads up good and cause a lot of car accidents!
The hot milk cake reminds me of my grandmother’s recipe for “cottage pudding”, actually kind of a cake (not really pudding). Will have to try baking it–yum, if I don’t get to the store to get more vanilla bean, will thaw some frozen Montmorency cherries and cook with a little sugar and cornstarch to make a sauce! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I love the way the bottoms screw on the birdie salt and pepper to fill–no trying to pry off those tight little cork or plastic stoppers! Funny how some of the old designs were better… 
The milk cake looks luscious, and just the right thing to be baking on a cold blustery day. The West Coast has been in a deep freeze for the past week, but hopefully, it lets up soon. I have been looking forward to spring and those beautiful birds are a sweet reminder. Thank you, Susan for being so generous.
Oh Susan – you always brighten my days. Those birds are adorable. A sad story to tell – I love in a condo and have a lovely wooeded area behind me. I had 4 feeders hanging in the trees and loved to sit at my window and watch the birds – as do Buster and June Bug (obviously cats). I returned home on Wednesday to find the condo association had chopped off all the branches that had my feeders hanging from them. I cried. Apparenlty they didn’t want me feeding my feathered friends. I was so upset I emailed a rather terse note to them – – and was told they were pruning – but they only pruned my trees. Odd I would say. So now I scatter seeds on the ground and do the best I can. I was especially sad when I looked out yesterday morning and the little birds were on the higher branches looking at where their feeders used to be. I hope they didn’t think I did it! I don’t understand people sometimes. Anyway – your birds made me smile and I know you love your feeders as I did. Have a lovely day.
How mean! You should screw a little hanger into the tree. (I’m bad.) I’m so sorry, I don’t understand that either!
I hope your were “terse” enough (love that word) Lynn, isn’t it ridiculous how people try and make decisions for you?? I would say neighbors complained about the little “droppings” the birdies leave?? If you live in areas where there is an Annex like my brother does he can’t have feeders, swingsets etc. I would think maybe you could sink a post in “your” yard and possibly attach your feeders at different levels down the post?? or hang the feeders off of your condo…I’m like Susan (bad giving my opinion)….Sorry it made you sad, and the birds won’t blame you because you are scattering seeds on the ground.
That is such a sad story…I’m with Susan on this one, put a hook there:}
After reading your story I really hope you win the cute little birdies instead of me now. Best of luck to you.
Love from…just one of the girlfriends:)
Right on ladies! I’m really surprised management “pruned” away your birdfeeders, Lynn. Downright mean. Where I live residents are very welcome [even encouraged] to plant flowers, have container gardens, display the flag, put up Christmas lights etc. They even have annual contests – with prizes! You should absolutely put a hook in for your feeders! You go girl!
Obnoxious….maybe you can find a way to hang them off the eaves of YOUR condo!!
I think there are also window feeders with little suction cup things that will attach directly to YOUR windows:). Where there is a will there is a way!!
Ooooo – I absolutely love the cake platter design….. anything would look delicious on it! Maybe if we all wish really, really hard Wedgewood will reconsider…. meanwhile….. I’m going to give that cake recipe a go this weekend – it looks so good! (love how Jack supervises your kitchen activities – my two boys do the same thing) And I think the bird s&p’s are worth begging for (please, please, please! Choose me!) – I can already visualize them at the breakfast table…. have a wonderful weekend! Chin scratches to Jack and Girl Kitty! xoxo chm
Sounds delicious! And I love the birdies. My 2-1/2 year old son always loves hearing the birdies when your web page loads
I collect green things and would love to win the salt and pepper shakers. I really enjoy your blog.
Dearest Darling Adorable Random Number Generator,
I sure hope you will be looking for my number so I can have the beautiful green birdies. We are having a wonderful day here in Texas, but we’re not baking cakes, we’re enjoying the great outdoors with 77 degrees and the biggest blue and sunshiney sky in the world.
It is a snowy cold winter day here in Minnesota…I can just hear those sweet birdies singing…just like the birds at the bird feeders in the back yard…Curly the goat who had been on the loose since fleeing before the Christmas eve church service~guess she did not want to participate in the nativity this year!!!~was found just before the temperatures hit -30*…I hope I am as lucky as Curly and find my name posted for the sweet birdies…
“been on the loose since fleeing before the Christmas eve church service”…..ok…that made me laugh out loud….smart goat to come home and in out of the cold!!
Oh, those little birds are precious. I’ve never seen a pair that you unscrew the bottom to fill. Beats the old ‘remove cork’ method. And I’m definitely gonna order the slim cupcake pan from Ikea.
OK. Now I know I can’t get the cute cupcake pan through the website but I spoke to my son in Seattle and he’ll get them for me. Problem solved.
Hi Susan! It’s snowing here!!! Lovely if you’re in looking out. I have minestrone soup simmering on the stove and a loaf of bread in the oven. Part of my “teach yourself to make bread this winter” lesson! It sure smells good. Love the darling cakestand. They still should consider making all the items you designed. I know ALOT of your girlfriends would be interested! Thanks for the recipes! The little cupcakes are darling. Love the bird salt and pepper shaker set. So cute! Tweet, tweet! Have a great weekend.
My mother will be celebrating her 91st birthday this weekend and I am going to surprise her with this lovely cake.
Thank you for all the joy and happiness you send my way!
The cake sounds yummy. I love the birds. They are so cheery on a gray winter day.
I’m loving your blog so much. It’s such a peaceful and soothing place to come to.
I love the bird salt and pepper shakers. I have a bird border and bird curtains in my kitchen!
The birds are so sweet -I see spring tablesetting but ALSO valentines displays with these little green fellows surrounded by red hearts on a shelf. What’s my favorite holiday? Whichever one is coming us next!
Now, I’m hungry. I will have to give that cake recipe a try. We had a little snow last night, just enough to cover the ground. More is due tonight, but last time I checked it was less than an inch. Of course, all that can change, as weather forecasts are sometimes off.
We went to Trader Joe’s today, oh what fun! We discovered one that is about an hour away in CT – closer and easier to drive to than the one in New Jersey. We were like little kids, my husband and me, oohing and aaahing over all the great deals to be found. We used to live about 2 miles away from TJ’s when we lived in Southern California and we missed it so!
You also can’t beat the inexpensive fresh flowers. I came home with 2 bouquets.
Love, love those sweet little birdies.
Have a wonderful weekend, Susan.
xo
Claudia
Oh Susan I loved the dome cake cover you designed! Gorgeous! That cake sounds so yummy! And how I’d love to have that cake for my birthday tomorrow!
We had 3 or 4 inches of *snow* last night…so we have a beautiful setting outside! smile…
Those cute little birdies would be a great addition to my collection!
Blessings,
Gert
Happy Birthday Gert!
Well I WAS going to bake a loaf of bread today, but now I think it will have to be cake! Cannot wait to give it a try- the boys will be so happy for a special Friday night treat. It’s dark and rainy here- I really need those two darling birds to come to my house and add some much needed color and cheer!
Blessings on your day, Susan!
I love the green glass cake stand…I would have bought one as I collect green glass – it is beautiful. We should all write to Wedgewood and ask them to reconsider. The salt and pepper shakers are too cute – love all things “old”. Yesterday my SB order arrived – valentines and the heart necklace. Now I have to decide, quickly I’m sure, if I should order three more necklaces for my best friends (from kindergarten) – we all turn 70 this year – perfect gift.
From Kindergarten??? JoAnn – you have friends you’ve known for 65 years?? That is absolutely terrific! And a real accomplishment these day. Happy 70th and God bless you all… :>)
Jo Ann, How wonderful to have life-long friends like that! I have 4 girlfriends I have known since third grade – age 9 (in Bellevue, WA) and we all turn 65 this year. We are all still very close and have “reunions” as often as possible since we are spread out over the west. Enjoy your year, ladies. Jackie in Las Vegas
Can’t wait to try the cake recipe. I all ready have fresh strawberries and whipped cream. YUM!! I think we need to get those petitions to Wedgewood going. How can they disappoint us any longer? Happy Weekend, girlfriends. Kathy
Love the salt and pepper shakers, but oh, how I wish you had been able to have the cake keeper finished. I would have bought it in a second. It’s absolutely gorgeous and just the right size.
his looks like a wonderful cake to have at tea time of=r with a cup of coffee in the morning. The vanilla sauce must taste so good , like ice cream, on top!
Your pedestal cake server would have been exquisite, Susan. I like the green glass and the etching on the clear galss dome.
I also love the parakeet S&P shakers and would be thrilled if the generator picks my number! Did you know that there are wild parakeets that live in Brooklyn, New York? The story goes that they escaped from a shipment container at John F. Kennedy International Airport years ago and the parakeets have become accomplished city dwellers, building their nests on power line transformers and on high towers and steeples. They are very noisy when they congregate in groups so they are hard to miss.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs,
Pat
Have a wonderful weekedn
How would a girl be selected to win the drawing for the adorable shakers?
Thanks,
Lisa
You must perform an interpretive dance to the musica selection chosen by Susan and post said dance on you tube to be judged by a panel of experts.
Naughty, naughty!
Cute, Laura! Where’s yours? I’ll be sure to look for it!
xoxo….kp
Lisa, these girls are sassy!
Did you get your question answered? You just leave a comment following Susan’s blog, which you did so you’re entered! Good luck!!!!
I am on the panel of experts and therefore cannot perform…….:):):)
P.s….Karen, were you the lucky girl who was going to Paris? Did you go yet? Tell all!
No, that wasn’t me!
I have been to Paris twice, though, and wish I could go back! It’s magical!!!!
I am sad we will not be able to see you perform, Laura!
I know, but I have to respect the integrity of my position on the panel
LOL Laura!!!
Hello Susan,
It’s snowing lightly in southern, OH. Thank you for the recipe. I look forward to trying it. If I’m lucky enough to win the salt and pepper shaker set, will give to Patricia because she mentioned in her post that her mom had a blue set. Have a safe, restful weekend everyone.
THose sweet little birdies must fly to my home.
They will love it here, nevermore to rome.
I will love them, feed them and give them a name.
How ’bout Millie or Minnie or Mame.
Tweet, Tweet. !!!!
Those little birdies would love to perch next to the yellow ones I have on my windowsill! It is such a pleasure to read your blog!
THose sweet little birdies must fly to my home.
They will love it here, nevermore to roam.
I will love them, feed them and give them a name.
How ’bout Millie or Minnie or Mame.
Tweet, Tweet. !!!!
Well, I want that cute little cupcake pan.
Susan, I LOVE that cake plate and dome lid!!!! I want it, please?! Am going to IKEA next week so will look for that adorable muffin tin and papers. Did you see the cute cookie cutter set with woodland animals? I bought that the last time I was there because it had a hedgehog in the set and I LOVE hedgehogs!
I printed off the picture that you posted of the original recipe, too, laid on top of one of your cute hot pads. Will put that in my Susan Branch recipe binder, along with the recipe you posted at the bottom of the blog! Thanks, dear, you’re wonderful! Can’t wait to try the cake and the sauce you created. xoxo…kp
P.S. It’s gently snowing here as I look out the window behind my computer desk….lovely…wintery white….sending some your way…WHOOSH! did you catch that snowball?!
Woke up to snow this morning (in SE Mass), more on the way for tomorrow. I may have to bake something while I watch it snow. I love the S&P shakers. My parents had quite a bird collection (mostly glass), so it makes me think of them.
Love little Jack watching you… ( I think he wanted some milk) … This dishaholic loves your dish designs..
Sandy’s parents also had a REAL bird. She does a great imitation of the bird talking…I’m sitting here laughing just remembering…:-)
That lovely cake with, hmmm, raspberry sauce, will top my to do list this weekend and the English paper will just have to wait. The birdies? Me, please!
Great design for all the dishes. To bad they haven’t been made, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be one day!!
I can almost hear the little birdies singing while sitting in my kitchen window!!
Thanks for all the inspiration!!
Hi Susan!
How did you know I broke my very favorite and so well loved and used salt shaker yesterday? I did……it would be loverly if I didn’t have to go shopping for one now so you can send those cute birdies right to my door. They match my kitchen colors so nicely……..oh well, I know it won’t happen but just feel better mentioning it. thanks for this recipe. Looks like one I wish to try that won’t add on the pounds………I hope. Still no snow here where I am in Vermont but it is freezing cold though. Have a great weekend and stay bundled by the fire. great weather for doing some artwork wouldn’t you say? Blessins to ya!
I just love the birds. Aren’t they cute!
The cake sounds really good to me right about now. I’m still feeling a bit overfed from the holidays and I’m really only interested in simple foods right now. I may have to try that cake tonight!
Hi~
Snowing like a banshee here~ very fluffy (not fat!) flakes. I have a Hot Milk Sponge Cake recipe that is very similar~ pinch of salt~add butter ~about the size of an egg ~that I got from my mother ~in~ law. There were (are) so many “secret” recipes that I was lucky to get when I married into the family. I can’t get divorced~ they’d have to shoot me! (Only kidding!)
2 favorite recipes were my husband’s great grandmother’s ~way over 100 years old~ hot chocolate sauce & tomato soup (juice) which is better than V8~ and you don’t put it in a hot water bath~it self seals.
Thank you for another wonderful post & give~a~way~the little green birds are adorable!
As for the cute little cake stand~
I tried to write another “addiction”!
~Wishing you snow~
Lynn
You generator has a lot to do! I love the little birds, the screw off bottoms and the little handles; how sweet.
Thanks for the cake recipe. Gotta try that today!
Hugs,
Please oh please oh please oh please randomly pick me! Thank you so much for tell us whatever happened to your line of dishes. I eagerly awaited and I only saw one piece one time. I would have bought the plates for sure and the domed cake plate-1 each for my best 3 girlfriends! Keep pursuing it-I love it all!
Happy Weekend!
Looking at the base of your cake plate reminds me of the glass at the Sandwich Glass Museum – have you been there? Next time you make it from the Island you should come by! Sandwich was the largest glass producer during the Victorian era and they have a nice display of how those Victorians set the table (quite elaborate ritual – look for the celery vases!). http://www.sandwichglassmuseum.org
Hi Susan,
I LOVE to bake when it snows, some kind of nesting thing I guess. (I am only supposed get around 2 inches in Northwest MA). And speaking of “nest”:
Dear little birdies,
I would love it if you would come and live with me! I have a cozy little nest all prepared for you on my Nana’s little hutch. You will be very happy there along with a changing array of vintage china. Please won’t you choose me as your new caretaker (I know Susan says it is a random name generator that chooses but I know little birdies, you have something to do with it!)
OOOOHHHH already planning my trip to IKEA for the cupcake pan….tooo cute, who can resist a cupcake? Cupcakes just seem to have a need to be given as a present don’t you think? I love sharing cupcakes, it’s just a simple pleasure among friends. I give all you girlfriends here a cupcake now covered in pink sugar sprinkles. Loving the darling S&P shakers, they would look beeauutiful in my GGma’s hutch I inherited last spring (she is still alive at 90:). Thank you sooo much for your blog, presents, who you are, your kindness and love for each one of us, (we feel it you know), for sharing your talent and wisdom with us each day. You help fill my soul Susan. Thank you.
Sharon<3
Thank You for the pretty pink cupcake!!!
The little cupcake is so cute !
I love the bird salt & pepper shakers – I collect all things birds so I would LOVE to win this !
Have a great weekend and stay warm. I’m here in “sunny” California and it’s rainy and predicted to rain for the San Francisco 49er game on Sunday! I didn’t move to CA for this?? LOLOLOL !!
Sue T.
Finally getting some much needed rain here in Northern California. I think this cake sounds wonderful and can’t wait to make it. I LOVE the little bird salt and pepper shakers, they are so happy!
Cold, cold here today, so a nice warm cake would be great! Love the little green birds too!
I just love the little birdies! They have the sweetest faces! Milk cakes is a favorite in our house. I inherited my grandmother’s baking cookbook that she received for a wedding shower gift in 1932. I got the milk cake recipe from that book along with many other wonderful old-fashioned recipes. I have to agree the crust is the best part! I keep going back for little pinches of the crust while it is cooling. Sometimes I pinch so much off that I have to turn the cake on the other side before serving it! I think we are getting snow (or ice) this weekend. Perfect weather to stay home and have tea and milk cake! Happy Weekend Everyone!
Just filled the feeders! The little “snow birds” are getting ready for some white stuff…..let it snow! Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Love the birds, and just ordered a copy of Christmas JOy! Can’t wait to get it
That cake recipe is right up my alley, I’ll be making it for sure, maybe with a raspberry sauce….
Oh happy day! I came across your site completely by accident yesterday while googling “tea party”. I fell immediately in love with all things Susan Branch, subscribed to Willard and placed my order for two books right away. How have I never known about this enchanted world of girlfriends, tea parties and sweet old recipes? May sound a little crazy, but I trust you to understand…I felt like I had come home. I dusted off my favorite tea mug and bought a box of my favorite tea bags and now feel like I’m officially one of the “girlfriends”. You are speaking to my heart, girlfriend; I am simply and utterly delighted!
Love our new friend Dena!
Love you ALL, by the way!!!
Welcome aboard the best blog around, Dena — and to a lovely Susan Branch world of art and words and food!
Welcome Dena, you are in for so much fun and Susan is the sweetest, most loyal girlfriend we could ever ask for and the most generous. Hope you like kitties? cause Susan has two….Jack isn’t camera shy so he visits us regularly and Girl is the Queen who only stops by when SHE wants to!!
Thanks, ladies! I feel like I’ve been wonderfully e-hugged!
Such a dreary pewter sky with rain in the Deep South! Can think of nothing better than a slice of Milk Cake and Prince of Wales tea in my Emma Bridgewater mug! The S&P birds show signs of spring!!!!
No snow… only rain this weekend in Georgia! The movie list made me order about ten old movies and watch them over the holidays. Loved every one of them. Now I guess I will have to go make a “Milk Cake” over the rainy weekend. Love the green birds! They would look so good in my kitchen! Can’t wait every day for new pictures and recipes and sweet words to make my day from my girlfriend, Susan! Thanks for making our lives so much better!
Judy Ann
Jack is so cute… does he like to eat cake… I have one cake and biscuit eating cat, so funny. Thanks for the recipe. Stinking hot here in Australia.
Oh, Susan! I would SO buy all your Wedgewood dishes:) Every piece is a smile waiting to happen. I would “settle” for the sweet little birds:). Have a comfy and cozy weekend!
It looks miserable outside today! A great day to bake! Those little birds are the cutest salt and pepper shakers. I would love for them to come to my home.
How I love the color green. It gives me the happies. Chocolate chip cookie baking for our weekly valentining session tomorrow. Snow predicted at the Jersey shore so I may be working at home alone and not traveling 30 miles to mom’s house. Promise to save most? of the cookies for next week.
Oh my, will it ever quit snowing here in north Idaho? Snowed all week and still more coming. Enjoy your weather there. I cancelled a doctor appointment and have prescriptions to pick up, if I can ever get out. I’m a chicken!
Anyway, the salt/pepper shakers are just lovely – would love to enjoy them on my table. I had a friend who lived in Oklahoma who had a collection of state salt/pepper shakers.
Hi Sue! I think I’ll have to try the Hot Milk Cake. From the pictures it looks wonderful and I can see where you would want to eat all around the outside first…me too! It does sound like a wonderful wintery kinda cake. A nice hot cup of tea with a piece of hot milk cake…how much better could it get? I’m sitting her laughing at the birds at the feeder….they are are trying to get on the same perch to get their seed and knocking each other off. Well, have a great day and don’t eat that whole cake in one day! (Heaven knows I would!!!) FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Oh my what a wonderful recipe. I will be making the cake tonight for my Girlfriend tea on Saturday. Please consider me for the new home for those tweet
birds. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.