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.
♣
Whisk a couple of eggs within an inch of their lives.
♣
Gradually whisk in the sugar . . . beat well.
♣
In goes the first half cup of flour, the baking powder, salt, and vanilla.
♣
Stir well . . . then add the other half cup of flour and the hot milk with butter . . .
♣
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.
♣
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 . . .
♣
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!)
♣
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.
♣
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.
♣
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!
♣
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.
It’s even a good cake-baking day in Georgia. Rainy and coldish. I love plain cake. The fruit sauces sound good too.
Just made a new recipe for banana bread for my Mom’s 75th birthday brunch tomorrow. She and my 14 yr old daughter and I had fun meeting you last spring in Mission Viejo!
Am I interested in those adorable little birdies? You bet I am ♥♥♥ So put me into the random mixer picker thingy, and I’ll try the milk cake (with accessories!) on your Perfect Tea china plates this weekend 🙂
You know, I just have to say, Susan, that no matter what sort of a day it has been, your posts always, always, always, lift my heart and put a smile on my face ~ thank you! Happy weekend ahead!
p.s. and may The Patriots win! 🙂
GO PATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I absolutely LOVE the birds – I can only imagine the looks on the faces when (if) I put them out on the table. And am now going to Ikea (the site) and ordering the cupcake pan and multiple cup cake papers. So glad you’re here to help make my home more “homelike” (LOL)… Hey to Jack and to all.
I cannot wait to bake this cake this weekend. Thank you for the recipe and I do love the birds. 🙂
Susie-belle, did anyone ever call you that? That was a nickname from my childhood, of course you know me as Cocoa!!! That cake was making my mouth water, I will have to bake one! And the little birds could sit and watch us fill our mouths with yummy and warm cake! Until next time! Hugs, Cocoa
Hello Susan… please include me when the Random # Generator selects a new home for those sweet little birds. If I’m lucky enough to get them they will be part of my Spring & Summer dining room “hutchscape.” Can’t wait to try Milk Cake too! I love to cook/bake & most of the time find myself drawn to simple recipes with a small number of good simple ingredients. That’s [just] one of the reasons I love your books [have them all]. I can think of very few that needed more than one page [Boston Cream Pie?] So love the blog and website too. Just started last December and am certifiably addicted now. One of the best times of my day – hope you never get tired of doing it, run out of ideas/things to share etc.
PS – the “girlfriends” here sound like just about the Nicest People in the World. I think we should all have a Susan Branch convention someday!
What a wonderful idea… a convention for us all! I 2nd the idea!!
Yes…I think a Susan Branch convention is a definate must! I read all the responses and always think what a wonderful, spirited group of ladies!
Ditto to Susan Branch conference!
Janet! I love this idea!!!! A Susan Branch Convention! Complete with seminars with all different topics… collecting… displaying… tea parties… maybe even blogging or scrapbooking! maybe we could each bring a little treasure with us (like Susan is doing with her llittle green birdie S+P shakers) and we could have a grab bag swap. Oh What FUN!!! Can’t you just hear the laughter and feel the excitement!!!
We could plan one during a Full Moon, or even a Blue Moon and we could all walk down to the water’s edge and watch it come up together and oooh and ahhh!
Georgie
I love the shakers! After finding fallish ones and Christmasy ones, I have yet to find any non-holiday ones I like. Too cute!
dear susan,
i love the little birdies. they would be happy here in Texas with our friends, the sparrows, that we feed everyday. thank you for sharing your heart with us and for the delight of your blog.
warmly,
ashley
Tweet, Tweet….Sweet, Sweet! Love that song and love those birdies! How I would love to have them sing on my table, too! You are sweet to want to share your tweets, Susan! I’m baking this weekend, too. Even though Christmastime was cookie time, I am craving chocolate chips, so will bake some cookies tomorrow. Here in PA we are waiting for snow changing to a wintry mix after midnight tonight. Don’t mind the snow, but they can keep their “wintry mix” of ice and sleet. Hard to drive and hard on the power lines as well. Your cake recipe sounds yummy! I think I’ll try that one after I’ve satisfied my craving for cookies!
Something to make you laugh…The last time we had a serious ice storm, my dad (always the engineering mind) could not melt it with salt or break it up with his ice chopper. He was worried about people falling on the side walks, so he came up with the ingenious idea to use his garden rototiller on the walks. It worked! I don’t know what the neighbors thought, but it sure made me laugh to watch him out there breaking up that ice! My dad seems to live for winter weather, as he also puts his snowblower on a hydraulic lift which he has, raises it to my garage roof, which is flat, and then he walks all over the roof, blowing the snow off of it! LOL! 77 years old and he’s still going strong, just like the Energizer Bunny! It’s a blessing!
Have a great weekend!
~xoxo~
My dad will be 90 this year and he sounds “alarmingly” like your father. I HAD to laugh at your father’s antics. HILARIOUS AND FAMILIAR TO ME!
Love the bird salt and pepper shakers – so vintage and cute! My grandma made hot milk cake – thanks for reminding me of good memories.
It’s raining finally here in California and I think Milk cake sounds wonderful for an after school snack its Friday! No homework! Happy kids time to bake.
This darling set of salt and pepper shakers would be a perfect addition to my collection which I started over 60 years ago! Can’t wait to try the cake.
Thank you VERY much for the recipe; the cake sounds devine….
I would love, love, LOVE, to win those darling birds; quite the charming pair.
Enjoy your weekend.
Jeanne Murray
Cute birds!
I love old fashioned simple recipes… no foo foo silliness. 😉
Hi Susan,
Oh gosh, I really love the birds. They are so precious!! I have never seen salt and pepper shakers that unscrew from the bottom in order to fill them. How sweet and the music you chose for today was fun too. Thanks for the milk cake recipe. I have never heard of milk cake. I am so excited to try it this weekend. It is on my “to do” list!! Oh dearest Susan, I love your cake plate drawing and so wish it was available for purchase. It is absolutely beautiful and I happen to love cake plates!! I have 7 of them…tee hee 🙂 I really wish as several of the “girlfriends” mentioned last post that some company would pick up your line of beautiful artwork dishes!!! The lemon-aide pitcher was one of my favorites besides the cake plate..ok, who am I kidding…I love it all!! tee hee 🙂 Thanks for always giving me (all of us) delightful blog posts!! You are such a gift to all of us!! GOD Bless!! Love and Hugs, Tricia B. XOXOXO
I’m a recipe collector…this is a keeper. Also I would love to have these sweet birdies in my kitchen to keep me company while I cook!
My dear Grandmother collected cute little salt and peppers from all over. I always enjoyed them so much as a child and even secretly as a too cool teenager. I have always wondered what happened to her lovely and fun collection, always hoped they were being loved somewhere by someone. At the time I was too upset to ask for more than her biscuit warmer pan, enamel strainer and the little mirror she always used on her dresser. Later my sweet uncle gave me her and my Grandfather’s wedding rings and Great-grandmother’s rings. I am afraid they didn’t think the Knic-Knac stuff anyone cared about. I so wish I had asked. But here and there I will find things that tug at my memories and I bring them home to love and feel a little bit closer to her.
xoxoxo
Well, Susan, you have done it again. . .brightened a gray and wintery day with a delightful post and oh so sweet “Spring Around the Corner” set of birdies ready to wing their way to a new Girl Friend’s home soon. Friends coming for dinner tonight, table set with a vintage table cloth and napkin set I gave myself for my birthday several years ago, apple tart baked and Engagement Chicken ready to pop in the oven to roast. I am counting my blessings, and I count you and having found your blog very near the top. You are generous, funny, inspiring and soooo creative.
XOXO
Sharleen, which book did you get the Engagement Chicken recipe? I remember something about this, but I can’t remember from where. I’d like to try it. I think I remember that whenever it is served by a single gal to her boyfriend, it usually ends up to be an Engagement to follow. I’d love to share this with my single neice. Thanks, Debra V.
This cake looks sooooo good! I will try it. Thanks for the tip about getting this unusual cup cake pan from Ikea – I’ll do it. Sure to be a hit this Spring or whenever us gals gather. I could see it made with a lemon yogurt cake and blueberrie sause. Or this wonderful milk/cream sauce you gave us since you gave us the recipe. I made your wonderful Almond Brittle covered with brushed on melted dark chocolate. Yummy! I have a question though…Mine didn’t get real brittle, it stayed a little soft, so I’ve kept it in the refrigerator. Has this happened to anyone else? Did I do something wrong? I used a candy thermomiter, and it reached the 295 degrees. Oh well, it is delicious and it is disappearing from the frige, with everyone who opens the door has to have another little sampling of the stuff. Very delicious too. Oh and before I forget, Yes Yes Yes, please put me into the drawing for those cute little birdie salt and peper shakers. I promise if I win them I’ll next them near my Old Stove so I can enjoy them every day too! Thanks for everything – you’re my BFF. Really!
Thank you Susan! Oh, how I love to bake. 🙂 You are the best!
I meant to say if I win these little birdies I will “nest” them on my old O’Keefe & Merritt Stove – so I can enjoy them daily. Thank you again.
These two sweet birds could well be the start of another collection. 🙂
Oh! I want to make this cake!! It looks and sounds delish! My husband made some strawberry syrup (for his Sunday morning crepes) … I think a drizzle of that on the bottom of the plate seems a good idea..and pretty. Love the tall cupcake.. will look that up. BTW, I hoped that your wee shop would be at Road to California Quilt Show, but sadly it isn’t. The birdies are darling S&P shakers we will all hope to be the one to receive them! I keep thinking you are already off for that lovely anniversary in NYC! Wishing you two a wonderful time!!
Well I am still in Florida…. and it is soooo NOT cold here 🙁 But I do LOVE those birdies!!!!!!!! So pleeeeeaaaaase put me in the random picker 🙂 AND I think I am positively going to make that most delish cake this weekend!
Greetings from Missouri!! Ohhhhhh . . . but I would just LOVE to win those lovely birdie salt and pepper shakers! They would look just perfect next to the vintage sunflower shakers I have in my kitchen. Your recipe sounds so yummy . . . can’t wait to make it!!
Cute, cute, cute! Love these little guys! So precious!
Cake… I feel that it is going to be a cake day in the NC mountains tonight. Earlier this week it was sugar cookies I cut into darling goats and sheep! Have to try the lovely white creme sauce, too!
Tweet Birdies! Please toss my name into the hat.
I have that same milk cake recipe in my box. I like it plain, just a little warm from the pan or topped with a little sweet whipped cream. Heaven!
Jody
Oh, the weather outside is frightfull….but inside I smell CAKE baking!! I LOVE the snow when I don’t have to work tomorrow…YEAH! My husband called me at work today to tell me a box had arrived in the mail for me. I knew right away it was the Emma Bridgewater heart cocoa mug I had ordered. I told him “it’s my mug I ordered from Susan Branch” Of course he reminded me that just yesterday I was complaining that we didn’t have room for anymore coffee mugs and needed to donate some. So I explained to him that this was a very SPECIAL mug and it was his Valentines gift to ME! He than replied “why would you be happy with JUST a $10.00 coffee mug as a gift?” Again I explained to him that this is just not any old mug. He of course says “what, did you spend? $25.00? I just laughed and said “Thank You SO much for my beautiful Valentine’s gift!” I am still LOL!! Since my birthday is in Feb. I will see if this works again!
Gorgeous cake plate! Would buy it in a heartbeat. Come on Wedgwood! Those old fashion cakes are the best. My Mema and aunt used to make us fruit cocktail cake, dump cake (dump in everything but the kitchen sink!), and the best buttery German chocolate cake. mmm So glad I was able to acquire their recipes before they were no longer here, some are even in my aunt’s handwriting. So special. Ok, miss Susan, I promise to take very good care of these charming, sweet birds if your random generator happens to pick me. Such a sweet give away. Now I must head over and check out those tiny, tall cupcake pans! Have a lovely evening Susan.~
The milk cake looks delicious. Why are your vanilla beans so dark? Do they come that way? Usually when I see them they are stiff and pale. Am I shopping at the wrong store? Anywho, the birds are adorable. The screw bottoms are ingenious–I seem to “misplace” the rubber stoppers of mine waiting for the insides to dry after giving them a good wash. This solves the problem.
I was reading all about this yummy looking cake so intently that when I scrolled down a little, I thought the one little birdie tasted it and fainted from delight! Ha! These birds are so very darling and one can just imagine them on many a tablescape and holiday happening. How generous of you to offer them and perfect timing during these winter months. Can’t wait to try the cake and vanilla sauce. My family will be dazzled to be sure. Hope no one faints though. Lol! Thanks again, Judy Z.
Those birdie s&p shakers make my heart swoon….. they need to come and live with me! on my shelf beside my vintage cinnamon & clove shakers…. they really need company! 🙂 <3
In my second year of 4-H, hmmmm maybe 1968ish, we had to make a butter cake. Very similar to this gem. Yummmy. I promise, if the birdies come to live with me, I’ll bake them a milk cake. Heck, I’ll bake YOU a milk cake and ship it! 🙂 xoxoxo You ARE my sunshine!
I wish I could meet the wise woman who gave you this recipe, verbatim. : ) and talk to her about all the things she loves.
The birds are so cute. I found a copy of your Love book and one of your Christmas books at my local bookstore and can’t wait until they tell me they are ready for pickup. I have some craft items that I have purchased over the years because I loved the sayings or the art and it has just suddenly clicked that they are Susan Branch designs. Yeah I guess I am a little slow sometimes but now that I know who you are, it makes them that much more special to me. Your genuineness shows in your art and your writing. Thank you for sharing with us.
Susan, I <3 you! You are such an inspiration. Your little birdies made me smile today. Thanks for sharing the Milk Cake recipe; I'm looking forward to trying it soon!
Hi Susan,
What a wonderful cake recipe. Thank you. We’ll have it for dessert tonight. It looks like it would be a nice “base” cake for Boston Cream Pie. Yum!
The sweet bird salt and pepper shakers are adorable. Must be fun looking for things like that. This is a favorite past time of mine 🙂
xoxo Pam
Wow those birdies are adorable and the cake YUMMMMMM!!!Of course it’s on my diet this weekend…back to diet on Monday.
Thank you
Oh my…..that cake. And tomorrow is Saturday. I see a cake in my future. Thanks Susan. I will be baking tomorrow and the whole house will smell luscious. You ARE the best.
Can’t wait to try the cake (and the sauce)!
You always have the BEST ideas, Susan!!
Hi Sharon.
I think the muffin with the African Violet on the top – – might be
the cutest thing I’ve seen since you first showed the darling
bird salt and pepper shakers in your last post.
I love your blog.
sandy
Hi Susan
Love the little bird salt and pepper shakers – they are so cute. Would just love to win them. The cake sounds delicious and will try it when I get some time.
I LOVE THOSE BIRDS!! They are simply divine! they would feel at home with the bird collection that I ( yep you guessed it) got from my Grammy! I really have a thing for birds!! must have been ingrained in me since birth, from her!! hope you are enjoying your chilly January! Xoxoxoxoxoxox Pollyanna
Love the birds! Just love your cake plate also. Would race to the store to get one if they get made.
YUM!! You know what else would be delicious with this cake…some of your chocolate sauce drizzled on the plate. Thanks for the recipe! It is going to be snowy weekend here in Ohio, so baking is definitely on the agenda. And I really think those little birdies would love living in my kitchen 🙂 Happy weekend everyone ♥
Those little birds are sooo cute!! And the cakes looks really yummy! Susan, I’m totally amazed at how you find all the music!!!! Am I the only one who hasn’t heard of so many of the songs you have played??!
I was blessed with a mom who sang old songs around the house while she worked!
Can’t wait to try this Milk Cake Recipe. I am a professional Cake decorator, and making a cake that is just that simple sounds wonderful to me!!! The birdies are so cute, would love them on my “favorite things” shelf!!!1
I am baking cakes tomorrow for a baby shower – – – always so much fun to celebrate a new little one. The little birds are adorable, I have collected takahashi bluebirds and those sweet otagiri birds for years, they always are just perfect to decorate with – – – thanks for thinking of your girlfriends! My best to Joe and the kitties.
I love the little birdies, I have a few and am always watching for them on Ebay… These would be so cute in my house!
The cake sounds yummy, I always like plain cake better than the frosting, this sounds perfect. Thanks for translating 50’s housewife for us!
As long as the weather cooperates, I will definitely be at Ikea this weekend to get the cute cupcake pan. Love it!! And the birdies are tweet 🙂
Spin..spin…tweet ,tweet ..I think those birdies are mighty neat…! Don’t you just love the simple recipes from long ago…everything you needed was right there in your pantry….and it looks yummy! Waiting for an ice storm to arrive in Nashville, Indiana….Hot Milk Cake and a cup of tea should keep us warm and cozy!!
I baked two cakes yesterday. My favorite chocolate chip applesauce cake and a pineapple upside down cake for my husband’s birthday. The mile cake sound delicious.
I just love your cake platter Susan and all the other items you designed. It is just a shame that they did not get made!! Hopefully the company that took over will listen to us and make them.
I can taste that cake and cream sauce just by looking at it. I am going to make it for my little women’s group at church next month, the girls will love it!
Cant wait for our trip to New York with you and Joe, I’ve always wanted to go!
Thank you for everything.
Wow, hot milk cake. Never heard of it before. How fun to see a recipe in the paper and then just….try it! Looks warm and delicious!
Looooooooooooooove the birdie s&p shakers. Like, to a ridiculous degree. Just cannot get enough of BIRDS in any and all forms! Want. Waaaaaant!
Here in Chicago we got pummeled with snow today. Love being snuggled up in the cozy house with my little fam and our kitties! Happy winter!
Those little birds are the cutest…….and they would just be perfect in my little kitchen…so please include me in the random number generator!
However, at second thought…..a kitty watching you cook a yummy cake, may just be the best addition to the kitchen ever! Jack you debonair little cutie-pie…….hope Girl Kitty was there too……furry cooking buddies!
I am going to bake the cake and drizzle with some fresh strawberries….just picked at the strawberry patch. ( I am in Florida visiting my Mom) in the sunny weather…..so we both will enjoy the treat. And Susan, the cake plate and dome are beautiful…..I can just imagine that cake plate and the lemonade pitcher on the table with a set of the green candlesticks…..beautiful. What a shame they were never produced. Maybe the FOSB should start a campaign….and VOTE for you…and more, more, more……companies to use your designs!
Have a wonderful weekend Susan and girlfriends!!!!!!!
Hi Susan , We are getting snow here and baking sounds wonderful… Love the birds Have a Great Day.
How lucky would I be to hold two sweet little green birds in my hand? Hugs and Smiles enough to share, thank you, Susan!
Hi Susan – I love those little birds. They would great sitting on my oven watching me bake..my daughter and her friend are making cupcakes right now- about 100 of them to bring into school tomorrow for drama club. Their spring production is Suessical, my daughter is student director..they are going to decorate them in something ‘Suessical’ – can’t wait to see the finished product. Thanks for posting the IKEA muffin pan – loving that too – we make a lot of cupcakes and those would be different. Have a nice weekend! XO
Tweet tweet….please come to my home I will bake you a cake all of your own.
Love that milk cake recipe…I will have to try it this weekend! I adore those sweet little bird shakers! How pretty they would look on a spring table! Be still my heart! I just love your blog and your illustrations are just beautiful!
Miss Bloomers
Such sweet little birds! Please include me in the drawing! They would go so perfectly with my mostly white and green decor!
Love the cake recipe too. These simple cakes are the best! Looking forward to trying it out!
The birds would be a wonderful addition to my salt and pepper collection 🙂 I have some china birds, but they are white. I would post a pic, but I am not sure how to do that here or if it is allowed. But I love my birds!
I have been feeding the real birds outside and they are so much fun to watch. We also have 3 indoor birds; A Hahn’s Macaw named Kiko ( he talks and sings—so beautiful and so much fun), a Cockatiel named Cookie (she is a rescue and a beautiful yellow color with peach colored cheeks), and a Parakeet named Devon (after Devonshire Street in Boston where he was found–he was a rescue and is blue). They all live together in a very large aviary in our family room. They delight me everyday. My daughter thinks they are her pets, but I spend the most time with them and adore them, singing to them and talking to them. I never thought I would love having birds so much. I highly recommend them. They are wonderful. And we have a cat, too, named Russell (a lovable one and a half year old orange tabby). He doesn’t bother them much. Just watches. So you can have both.
We also have 3 dogs, but they pretty much ignore the birds. Kiko (the macaw) yells at our biggest dog Shadow. He yells out, “Shadow, sit down.” And then he repeats “Shadow” over and over again. Shadow doesn’t like it much and comes over to me to see if he is in trouble. For such a big boy, he is a 129 pound mixed breed, he is quite a baby! Our other two; Pico, a 3lb. teacup Chihuahua and Picasso, a very spoiled Lhasa Apso, could care less about the birds. But poor Shadow is afraid of his own shadow. Poor thing was abused and is a rescue dog. How anyone can abuse animals is beyond me.
Janice, you sound like you have a menagerie like we do…the only thing I have that you do not is a yellow bellied turtle (from daughters college days) and a newt!! We lost our beloved beagle Goldee Meg last year and she will be our last dog which is hard for me because I LOVE DOGS!!! People who abuse animals have no heart and they will have to answer to that someday because the Lord wants us all to love his creatures. Shadow found you and the love you give him (minus Kiko) ha….at least lets him know what love is and I praise you for that. Give Shadow a hug from me!!!
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beagle. We lost one of our beloved dogs last year, it is so hard to lose a true blue friend.
It sure is; we had Goldee for 16 yrs. and she was the first dog that my husband and I shared together so she was so special. I have recently moved and have been very lucky to meet a very sweet elderly lady with 2 dogs and of all things one of her dogs adores me and will look through her blinds across the street to our house to see if I am coming over to visit. I truly think that animals know when you love them and they give so much love back to us. Nice chatting with you Janice.
I just did my cake baking awhile ago – before I had a chance to read the blog today! Mine is a trial to see if it will do for the Groom’s Cake at our daughter’s wedding in March. Oh, she would truly love the bird salt/pepper shakers!
It has been a busy time here, and I’ve been a bit out of touch.:-(
No snow here, just rain tonight.
Enjoy your week-end! xoxo
Of course I’d love those darling little birdies! What a cheery pair!
Those birds are too cute and GREEN! Want. That cake looks heavenly. Think I will make for v-tines day.
You had me at “cake “…..then I remembered the birds that would be lovely in my birdy-bird kitchen….birdhouse wallpaper, birdhouses on cabinet tops, nests scattered about and outside the window, real goldfinches,cardinals, chubby wrens, titmice, feeding and singing. I’ll cheer for anyone who wins…what’s not to like when a BFF gets a prize!
I am a bird lover from way back when(whatever that means ; ). I really am a bird watcher and I could find a place for those darling shakers! Can’t wait for your NYC trip.
This weekend will definitely be a cake-baking weekend around here.
Those little bird salt and pepper shakers are the sweetest things! I just love them!
Blessings and good thoughts to Cynthia Nolan – I read 65 comments
before supper – Cynthia had written she just had a round of chemo and
I wanted to wish her well – now back after supper and there are so many
comments. Birdies are darling…and as always I love your blog.
Oh my gosh, Susan…. do you know what you are doing to me??? yer killin’ me with those pictures and recipes. Mmmmm!! I want to go make them now… YUM! Hope I win those cute little birds….me and a zillion other women. I can’t believe how many people wrote in for your last give-away. sigh.
Hi Susan,
We used to make a cake similar to this out of my Grandma’s c.1950’s Pillsbury Cookoff book….we used it as the cake part of Strawberry Shortcake. We had ALOT of strawberries to use up, as my Dad grew strawberries to sell. I Loved It! Thanks you for your messages of love and light in this dark January!
It’s raining in central California and it is good cake making weather, Really, when is it not? Thank you for this retro recipe. I can’t wait to gather, assemble, create, then eat! (btw)….Happy Chinese New Year, gals! Gung Hay Fat Choy! Let’s never miss an opportunity to celebrate!
Hi Susan, I’ve never commented here before, but wanted to say that I am going to try the cake this week-end. It’s cold and rainy here, so it will be perfect, I’m sure. Also, you’ve inspired me to pick my drawing back up. It’s been years, so I am pretty rusty.
Love those sweet little birds! Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you for sharing the cake recipe, I hope to try it this weekend. How sweet Jack looks, as if he wants a piece and in the Romantic Homes magazine Girl cat too looks like she’s ready for a delicious bite of cake. The salt and pepper shakers are lovely and so were the pictures of the china in your kitchen. The designs you created and shared with us are just beautiful! Years ago, I bought several of your pieces from Michel & Co. I would love to add some of those other pieces to my collection. Maybe someday……..we can only hope!
I so enjoy reading your posts! Always so positive and really lift my spirits, especially in long, cold January. This last summer my 13 year old son traveled with his uncle and brought me the sweetest red bird salt and pepper shakers. We have a bird feeder in the small tree in our front yard and he knew how much I enjoyed watching the red birds. It would be a treat to add those adorable green birds to my collection!
Yum!! Cute candied violets would be pretty too! In Cali the violets are blooming so time to candy some of the sweet little violets!
Smiling again!!!
I love these birds and love different salt and pepper shakers! Going to try the cake soon.
The cake receipe sounds wonderful —- I’m planning to make it this weekend. Yummy !!
P.S. Those little green birds are calling me !!
Little green “love birds” – so adorable. Thx for the recipe. Can’t wait to make it. It looks delicious and perfect on your china. They go together perfectly. Happy Weekend girlfriends!
Those little green birds are sooooo sweet! I would dearly love to be included in a chance to win them and give them a new home! Thank you!
Good evening Susan,
Been cooking up a storm here in western PA this evening waiting for the real storm to hit. We are under a winter storm warning with a 1/4″ of ice and up to 3″ of snow predicted. I made French beef stew, pumpkin damp and chocolate frosted brownies to help us weather the storm. I’m going to print the recipe for the milk cake. It looks like my kind of cake. I like simple. Thank you for sharing it. I’ll let you know how much snow we get. Stay warm.
I just discovered your blog this week. What a treasure!! If anyone ever had a bad day a visit to your blog would cure them of the blues. This goes to the top of my bookmarks.
This is a first for me, I never ever have written on a blog before! Since I found your website (all because of your calendars and the one book I own by you) I check it everyday! I collect lots of birds- including owls and crows-so I would love to have the s and p shakers. Even though I use my computer at work all the time, I never really enjoyed it before. In fact, I have a bumper sticker on my car that reads: WEBS ARE FOR SPIDERS. (I also teach 4th grade and my favorite subject is science). You’ve made it interesting and enjoyable to log on to my computer. Thanks!
You are very smart Joanie, there’s a lot to be said for silence!
This milk cake recipe looks easy and delicious. Tomorrow may be a good time to give it a try as we are expecting a snowy Saturday here in New Jersey. The green bird shakers are very cute and would fit perfectly in my kitchen decor! Would love to be the lucky winner….
Just loved the little salt and pepper birdies, I collect salt and pepper shakers. Have one set of red cardinal birds, my pisces fish, smores marshmallow snowmen on their graham cracker bases and several others. The spring birdies would be a great addition to my collection. Just love your blog.
This will be the next cake I try, perfect to cheer up a winter day. Those birds will cheer up a winter day too.
I would love to win the little green birds. I would add them to my Jadite dishes for a pretty table.
Thank you for sharing the recipe. I’m sure I will have to try it out on my family very soon. The bird salt and pepper are simply adorable!
Dear Susan,
I loved seeing all of your wonderful china. I purchased your lovely Minton Montrose dishes. We were moving to Montrose, Colorado so when I saw them they seemed like an omen. They are in a home where they are treasured.
I’m so sorry that your wonderful designs were not used. Don’t give up…maybe another company will see how beautiful they are and create them for us. The bird candle holder is my very favorite. Thank you for sharing your personal treasures with us on your “Vintage site”. Your posts brighten my day. I feel like I have traveled to your amazing island. You make the world a much better place Susan.
xoxo!
Hi Susan ~ We’ve just returned from an antique show and didn’t see anything half as cute as the little birdie s & p shakers. Oh how I would love to have them. The milk cake sounds yummy…it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so that would be a perfect afternoon treat. Thanks for your inspiration.
.
Can’t wait to try the cake! Thank you so much for the recipe. And I really want those precious green birdies to land in my home! I’ll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed that your “Random Number Generator” chooses me! 🙂
Sign me up for those Birdies…I already have a space for them on my self with
Jadite dishes that I’ve collected for almost 30 years from here and there! That cake looks yummy, would be delish with the Beef and Veggie soup thats simmering on my stove right now! Later girlfriend!
8 inches of snow at my house…Whidbey Island WA I made chocolate crack cookies this morning. Your darling milk cake is next. I only have buttermilk in the fridge. I’m sure it will be wonderful! Thank you Susan. I love your blog:)
Love your blog! I appreciate you!!!
Great vintage birdies!
The best recipes are the ones that I have all the ingredients on hand and ready to go at a whim. I’ll be trying this one out to “warm up my kitchen”- it is cold here! Having those birdies on my kitchen window sill would make Spring seem that much closer.
Thanks for sharing the recipe!!
Here in the Pacific Northwest we’ve had a bit of snow, and yesterday I baked a chocolate chip struesel cake. It was most definitely cake baking weather! Today it was hot cocoa topped with caramel whipped cream. I just couldn’t resist those adorable birds! Nothing says spring like birds! I can hear them chirping now. Thank you for being practically perfect in every way!
Happy Happy Friday! With SNOW finally on it’s way here in NJ I can’t wait. It’s like Christmas all over again 🙂 Your precious green birds would make the perfect little gift… to me!!! Oh what a silly happy mood I’m in tonight. Reading your blog is like taking a stroll through a favorite little town where everyone waves and calls out your name with a cheery “Hi! Good to see you!”
I am so hoping Wedgewood is reading all the little notes. I gave them a little nudge towards the singing bird tea cup. There’s always more room in the cupboard for a smile and a song!
Have a beautiful weekend girlfriends. I hope to be baking this cake, and counting snowflakes!!! And Susan, here’s hoping you’ve already taken your suitcase out for your special trip! Georgie
If only Wedgewood would recreate those birdie shakers so we could all run out and buy a set!
Thanks!
Maria
Id would love to have those sweet bird shakers, I collect shakers and most of mine are cats and kittens, I would give them a loving home!!!!! I am off now to make the milk cake. wonderful music and post. Thank you for all your inspiring ideas, I look forward to them every day!!!!