La-De-Daa ♫ Perfect Cake-Baking Weather!

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.


This entry was posted in Blog and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

1,422 Responses to La-De-Daa ♫ Perfect Cake-Baking Weather!

  1. Terry says:

    Hi, Susan!

    I am making that cake tomorrow! Yum! What is yellow tomato conserve? Thank you for the song! My dad, Bud Warble, used to sing that song. Gee, I wonder why? 🙂
    Thank you for that beautiful memory.

    Happy baking,
    Terry

  2. Linda says:

    Everything you bake looks so delicious–would like to try them all but other things await me! THe cake plate and cover are wonderful. At the request of Friends of SB site I wrote to Wedgewood and requested they reconsider their decision not to produce your items. I told them I would buy them especially the whistling teacups and added that even though this economy is not the best most women still manage to eke out money for pretties for their kitchens! Hope enough people do this to make a difference as your talent should never go to waste! Thanks for always uplifting us each time we open your blog!!

  3. Amy says:

    The cake looks yummy.We are snowed in so have my PJ day…smile…I love the little birds they would be perfectly happy with me I’m sure.Warm Blessings!~Amy

  4. Kathleen Morearty says:

    I just love the color of the birds. So delightful!

  5. Marion Powell says:

    Such fun, happy, and excting blogs. I love them! THANK YOU!

  6. Christie Ray says:

    Those little birds are just too darling for words, and would go with all my spring green things…if perchance they fly south to Tennessee;). I can’t wait to make the milk cake for the valentines tea party I’m planning….so excited!! My Johnson bros Rose Chintz tea pot and set for 4 will be arriving soon, dear husband downloaded French music onto a cd (Edith, Sidney, Louis Armstrong…fabulous!) and inviting a soon to be best friend, who is sad that yet another tea room has closed. I told her that I just decided to make our little cottage look like one, since good tea rooms are few and far between. When I saw the china pattern here on your blog, I thought it would be perfect for our little home we call Rose Water Cottage. I found replacements.com and found several pieces on sale;)
    Thank you for all you do for the girlfriends, all the ideas, all the recipes, little snippets of art, and lots of inspiration, always!
    Tickled pink,
    Christie

    • Charlene Hisayasu says:

      This sounds absolutely wonderful! What a fortunate “soon to be best friend” and what a wonderful friend you are, Christie!

      • Christie Ray says:

        My sister kept telling me we needed to get to know each other, that we would have so much in common….so we’ve been leaving comments on each others Facebook posts…I always call her my future bff..she loves it…so cross your fingers we can pull this off, and actually get together:))). You are so sweet to reply!

  7. Suzanne Franz says:

    Please pick me!!

  8. Ann Alger says:

    Susan,

    THANK YOU for your website and blog. Opening my email and finding your blog or a Willard waiting for me, MAKES MY DAY! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    xo, ann

  9. Cindy Throne says:

    Wow I would love the little birds. my house inside and out is full of bird deco. Plus two live
    Birds!!
    will definitely try the cake recipe.

  10. Vicki says:

    Another wonderful feel good post! Cake looks delish and I will be making it soon. I`d love to have those pretty birdies to perch on my windowsill!
    Thank you for such happy thoughts!

  11. Sue says:

    The cake is going to be made first thing tomorrow…have to wait..don’t have any vanilla bean….:(
    You have made a grey rainy day…sunny and bright…as always
    xo

  12. Gill says:

    I so want to try this recipe. It sounds delicious.
    Can anyone tell me how to get just part (i.e. the recipe) of a blog to print?
    Thank you for the opportunity to win that really cute salt & pepper set. I have a small collection of salt & peppers, mainly bought on holiday in the US, & would love to add this set to my collection.

    • Charlene Hisayasu says:

      Hello Gill! This is what worked for me. I wanted that recipe, too! 🙂
      1. Highlight the recipe.
      2. Right-click on your mouse. Select “copy”.
      3. Open your Word document program.
      4. On a blank page, right-click on your mouse, again. Select “paste”.
      5. The recipe should appear!
      Hope this works for you…Charlene

      • Kirsten Wichert says:

        Thank you, Charlene! This worked for me too! (I didn’t want to ask……I keep forgetting how to do stuff.)

      • Gill says:

        Charlene, Thank you so much for taking the trouble to teach me this. It has worked. I’m sorry I haven’t responded sooner – husband has had operation & life has been busy – but I am very grateful. Gill

  13. Pamela says:

    Love, love, love these darling birds and would be thrilled to give them a home! Thank you for the cake recipe, can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks, too, Susan, for all the ways you enhance our lives 🙂

  14. Catherine says:

    These little birdies would be so cute in my kitchen! I will have to try that recipe and thanks for the link for the cupcake pan.

  15. Can’t wait to try the cake recipe. I am dieting but can justify a small piece!!!!
    The little green birdies are precious. I am staying in today due to buckets of rainfall…. here in the south, we wished it were snow. Could you northern friends blow some our way? I love days cozy at home with the family all in one spot for more than an hour. The kitchen smelling of the goodies I am making, laughter, chatter… all is well with the world.

  16. Cindy Richards says:

    Your postings are like a breathe of Spring Air….I just sit, read and SAVOR.
    I giggle when I see Jack the Cat peeking in the pictures.
    I hope some smart company manufactures that darling cake stand with dome.
    The Green Birdies are adorable! Thank you for your charming posts–They make my day!

  17. Margot says:

    I just got home from a woman’s retreat and it is so damp and cold here. Snow would be prettier, but not safe to drive home in. Thank you for the recipe. I love old recipes. I just have to warm up the house by baking a cake. mmm!

  18. Karen chamberlain says:

    Hi Susan, the birds are wonderful! Colors so soft and gentile they make you feel cozy just looking at them. Cake recipe definitely on my make list, thanks for sharing so many wonderful recipes. Your talent is truly a gift to all of us who are starved for such a heartwarming, creative connection – and I would buy all if your Wedgewood designs, they’re like a breath of fresh air! Happy day, Karen

  19. dee says:

    they are so cute! Thank you for the chance to win :o)

  20. Yvonne Shafer says:

    Hi Susan! Every day after the 7 of us got home from school we’d have a piece of freshly-baked cake! No frosting, just cake that our mom made for us as a good snack! After I left home she made that cake for me for my birthdays as long as she lived. The recipe you gave us is similar and I long for mom and a bit of cake now. I think I’ll make one and celebrate her life and your recipe! Thank you!

  21. Julie Cavrich says:

    Those birds would look lovely in my light green kitchen. The domed cake plater would have been great too. I will be making the cake next week. Have been out in the snow most of the day. Winter is here!

  22. Diane says:

    Susan, I am going to have to try your delicious cake! It looks and sounds very yummy! I didnt get a chance to comment on your last blog entry about your gorgeous Wedgwood designs, but they absolutely took my breath away! I get very moved by “art” and when I saw what you had done …in such perfect detail for one of my very fav. companies, I was blown away because they are exquisite designs. Very lovely and I would have loved to have purchased every single item. Just gorgeous. I have a few Wedgwood pieces of my very own, and treasure them. I so appreciate that you shared them…it may sound very corny, but I am one of those believers that art “feeds the soul”….and yours gave me a very special treat! Thank you….have a wonderful weekend! We are just getting over our snowstorm and enjoying going here, there , and everywhere again ! 🙂

  23. Shawn says:

    Tweet tweet the salt and pepper are so sweet
    Would love to win!

  24. mary says:

    Hi Susan! Thanks for the great recipe, I’m going to bake one tonight. It finally snowed here, and I’m going to warm the house with this delicious cake! Thanks for sharing and I really enjoy the pictures of your cute kitties!

  25. What a treat! How about a little lemon curd….yum! The birds are very cute as well~thanks for the yummy post Susan~♥E

  26. Kathy says:

    Your salt and pepper birdies would be the finishing touch on my church tea table in April. I’m decorating with a bird theme.
    Thanks for the recipe. I like simple and delicious!

  27. Sherri Fabbri says:

    Hi Susan!
    I soooo look forward to your blogs everyday! You collect everything I love! Also we have a love of the same things and are from the same generation. My mom and I met your hubby at his SLO resturant, as my family all lives there – except me (darn!) I would love to win the little birds to give to my mom as she especially loves birds!

  28. Debbie says:

    Snowed in, but I can hear the little green birdies sing.

  29. Holly says:

    The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow……winter is here! 🙂 Hope you got some snow too, Susan! I would love to win the sweet little birds. We love birds here – watched them all day today!

  30. Janny Baby says:

    This whole post reminds me of visiting my grandmother at her home in the Lake District. The colour of the cake is gorgeous and comforting. It is as if the birds are twittering away to each other. Just lovely! Thanks so much for your blog!

  31. Jacqueline Van Horn says:

    Oh, yumma licious!!!! Milk cake is my new fave.
    So are cute little birdie salt & peppers, BTW!!!!
    luv ewe,
    Jacqueline

  32. Tamar Weaver says:

    604 responses? geez…….people must really love those birds. they are very sweet. Hey everyone 🙂

  33. Patricia Cash says:

    What a wonderful recipe to share……and thanks for the chance to receive
    the little birdies.

  34. janise talley says:

    Hi Susan, I finally realized where I needed to go to post a comment!! I am not too great on the computer! I am so happy you have a blog and it is the first thing I read in the morning! Ok I love the birds and would love them in my kitchen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for years of wonderful reading!!

  35. downthelanegirl says:

    My Mom made hot milk cake and I have used her recipe for years. Haven’t made one in a while. Makes me want to go and whip up one. Love the birds!

  36. Sylvia Johnson says:

    I love this color of green. Perfect for the spring table. Very cheerful

  37. janise talley says:

    Hi Susan, I am trying to leave a comment but it says something about moderation. I love your blog and read it daily! Thank you for all the wonderful years you have shared your art and life with us. The birds are adorable and I would love them as a keepsake from you. Janise (a sunny californian)

  38. B. J. H. says:

    Little birdies please come my way! 🙂

  39. Alice says:

    I love the little birdie S&Ps and I love the recipe with photos. Sounds delicious, kind of like the Spanish Tres Leches cakes which are fantastic. Susan’s daily emails are a treat I look forward to each day. Thanks so much Susan for your cheerful, charming emails!

  40. maryb says:

    it’s not too “springy” here in northern illinois! tons of snow and cold! i couldn’t read your blog this morning til i went out and brushed the snow off the satellite dish! the cake looked divine and i loved the little green birdies! thanks for your thoughts!!

  41. Paula Yantorno says:

    Thank you for the recipe, Susan. Enjoy your weekend!

  42. Joanne says:

    The birds are adorable, and would love to have them in my kitchen! I have enjoyed your books and drawings for years, but only recently was introduced to your blog by my daughter. I in turn shared your blog with a friend who now loves you, too. Thank you for giving such comfort and joy to all of us girlfriends!

  43. Rachelle says:

    I LOVE the cute birdie salt & pepper shakers! Adorable.

  44. Nancy Sussan says:

    Very pretty little cake. I’m always collecting recipes for sponge cakes, which are my fave, and do have a hot milk sponge cake recipe that I’ve never tried. In Chinatown they sell my fave sponge. They’re baked (I assume) in some sort of deep muffin tins and they come wrapped in bakery paper, so they look like cones, very tall, about the size of my hand. Next time I go I’m going to demand to see the pans and ask more about them, but they’re very lovely and I crave them daily. Yours looks like a very nice cake to make, plus easy as it requires no mixer. Wish I had a slice! I saw those Ikea pans but never got as cupboards are full, but not too full to add birdy S&P!

  45. Linda L. in Texas says:

    Yummy looking cake and sweet little birds!
    Thanks Susan.
    Linda L. In Texas

  46. Beth in California says:

    I have enjoyed seeing your designs for Wedgwood. They are lovely and it is a shame they never came to life.
    I am going to make your yummy sounding cake tonite for the hubs. I can’t think of a single recipe of yours that he(we) don’t love. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes.

  47. Melissa Olson says:

    Susan ~ since I know you like tea, you should visit Alice’s Tea Cup while you’re in NYC later this month: http://alicesteacup.com/
    My friend Stacey and I are going there tomorrow for “Alice’s Mad Morning Tea” ~ they have a 3 tiered stand of scones and such to go with your pot of tea 🙂

  48. Kathy says:

    Hi Susan, I have been reading your blog for a few months now. I decided the first of the year that I would start commenting. I am finally following through with my decision. I love seeing your dish collection, ( actually all your collections) and I love the recipes with step by step pictures. I have admired your illustrations for a long time. I am going to try the cake, it would be something sweet without the extra sugar in frosting it.
    Kathy

  49. Tamara Scire says:

    Love the birds, love the cake! Went to the California Roadshow yesterday in Ontario Ca, missed the Susan Branch booth, but loved all the creative ideas there!!

  50. Tanya says:

    I could just smell and taste the Milk Cake! Perfect for a cozy rainy day here in Southern California. But… what is Yellow Tomato Conserve?
    Thanks for such a happy blog!
    Tanya

    • sbranch says:

      I Googled it and didn’t find something that I thought would taste very good with cake! Like a tomato chutney.

      • Pat Mofjeld says:

        That is what I thought–think I’ll stick with your wonderful vanilla sauce or chocolate sauce or my idea of Montmerency cherry sauce. Don’t you sell the latter still in your store? 🙂

  51. Rhonda Orozco says:

    Susan,
    I always look forward to reading your blog! The cake looks delicious!! The birds salt and pepper shakers are absolutely adorable!!

  52. Kathryn says:

    Susan, how can you bear to share these little birdies? They are irresistible!

  53. Gale Hill says:

    Susan:

    I love your salt & pepper birds! I love birdies and feed the real ones outside every morning. Those darling green birds would warm up my kitchen on these cold winter days watching the world go by on my window sill over the sink. Susan, you feel like a good neighbor I could go and knock on your door for a cup of sugar. You are so blessed with your artistic talent and I just feel drawn into your words and art. Thank you for sharing “you.”

  54. Diane P says:

    Oh, my gosh! The *perfect* cake to make for tomorrow night… we’re having friends over for dinner and I plan to make chocolate fondue with cake and fruit and pretzel sticks for dipping. I was thinking Angel Food cake (to be “good” haha!) but this sounds wa-a-a-a-a-ay better! Thank you for sharing this little piece of yummy Vineyard history! 🙂
    And, ohmy!, just to have a chance to win those adorable birds has my heart all a-flutter! xoxox

  55. Eloise says:

    I enjoy reading your blog. It is always interesting and cheerful. Thanks for spending time to write to all of us.

  56. Cheryl McNeely says:

    Those little birdies remind me of my grandma. Plain, simple and old fashion. The only thing that wasn’t plain was when she wore her eye catching lime green tennis shoes with her little home made dresses!

  57. Marilyn Holeman says:

    I’d love to win those bird salt and pepper shakers. Thanks for the opportunity!

  58. Linda Piotrowski says:

    Your blog brings such joy into my life. Your lovely drawings, the way you include your kitties in all your comings and goings, and the beauty, warmth, and loveliness of your home encourages me and gives me ideas for my own home. Thank you for the wonderful cake recipe and your generous giveaway of the beautiful bird salt and pepper shakers that puts it all over the top. Enjoy your winter Sunday.

  59. Bev Eckert says:

    I love those little birds, how neat!!! The cake looks yummy, must try it soon, thanks for sharing. Love your blog……….most times it’s my “pick me up” for the day. Hope you’re having a great weekend!!

  60. CarolC says:

    I just love the color of those bird salt and pepper shakers. Just wonderful. Just like your blog. Thanks for the chance to win them.

  61. Karen chamberlain says:

    P.S. I don’t know where the comment regarding your reply came from! Karen

  62. CindyK says:

    Can’t wait to make the cake! Sounds wonderful. Those birds are soooo sweet! I have a thing for birds so it would be a total joy to be randomly chosen!

  63. Linda Joan says:

    Dear Susan,

    These have to be the cutest S&P shakers I’ve ever seen. Thank you for once again thinking of us!

  64. Lori says:

    Winter is here in full force. I am ready for thoughts of spring and little birds!

  65. Kathy says:

    love the little birds…would love to give then to a friend who is very ill.

    Kathy Raley

  66. Nellie says:

    Delicious cake and adorable bird salt-n-pepper shakers. I wish Wedgewood had made all of your dishes. I want that cake plate and dome!!!

  67. Gail says:

    Would love to have the adorable birdies! We got six inches of snow today and it looks so pretty covering the colored outdoor Christmas lights which I leave up all winter long. Enjoy your evening, dear friends.

  68. Pamela Riordan says:

    Oh dear – my Yahoo email account was compromised and so I’ve needed to create a new account (new email listed above) and it has been so time-consuming (but worth it) to alert all of my friends, etc. The spammer was using my account to send out links for Viagra– EGADS!

    At any rate, dear Susan, oh how I would adore welcoming these two birds into my home… I know I would whistle while I worked (or tweet, perhaps) just in using them with love.

    Thank you for this drawing – I wish good luck to all!

    Sincerely,
    Pam, Franklin, MA

  69. Jerri Ellen says:

    Friends of Susan’s….

    Let’s start a campaign to get Wedgewood to make some of Susan’s designs! I would think if enough of us expressed our profound interest, we could make it happen. I, for one, would love to have the small domed cake plate she designed for them. Perhaps Susan could tell us who to contact and how…email, letter, phone call, candygram, etc. Who’s with me on this???

  70. Sheri says:

    Delurking to let you know much my Mom and I enjoy your blog. The bird shakers are darling.

  71. Jeannie S says:

    Thank you so much for everything you share. Reading your posts just make me want to work on nesting in my home. Those little birdies are adorable!

  72. miriam says:

    Reading your Blog is like opening a treasure,every time! So many things to say but will try to keep short! Your creative drawings of all the pitchers, cups, dishes, covered cake holder, candlestick holder are ALL so BEAUTIFUL. How I hope and pray that they will one day come to fruition so that we can all purchase them. I just love everything that you create!! I just received my order which included your “hand-hooked pillow – A Day For Flowers” and it is exquisite! So much prettier than the picture and it looks lovely on our bed. Also love the little cupcake pan from Ikea….cutest cupcakes ever!!! The giveaway is awesome!! My decor is “everything birds” for Spring, Summer and into Fall and those little green birds would be right at home at our place!! 🙂 Would LOVE to be picked! As everyone else!!! Thank you again for sharing so generously. Can hardly wait to try the cake! Yummmm.

  73. Cathy Geisler says:

    I make myself a cup of tea and visit your blog and feel like I’m having a visit with a dear friend! I love the pictures of your house,especially the video of your dance around your kitchen .It’s just a perfect kitchen. The first time I saw pics of your home I couldn’get over how we had so many similiar things and then I realized it’s because I have so many “Susan Branch” things♥ My Friend Nancy says I should send you pics of my “old” house, she says you’d like it too.That Hot Milk Cake recipe has always been one of my favorites- I like it with chocolate icing sprinkled with coconut(wait till Nancy hears that coincidence). I love those darling little birds and have a perfect place for them to perch♥ Take Care ♥

  74. Cori says:

    Wow! I don’t think I have ever seen salt and peppers with screw off bottoms like those cute little birds! I really love them but then I love everything about your blog. Thank you for your special posts! They always make my day.

  75. debmckep says:

    I have always had a fascination with salt and pepper shakers, my grandma had an extensive collection! Many were extra special to a little girl…two slices of bread in a little toaster – one brown for pepper and the other white for salt, and another was an old fashioned sewing machine – the drawers were the shakers. Lots of fun!

  76. Bernice Patterson says:

    Wow that cake looks wonderful I can’t wait to try it. I dearly love your sweet little birds,they would look great on my old kitchen cupboard. As soon as I saw your post with all your beautiful dishes I went and revamped mine. You are an inspitation. Thanks.

  77. Karen says:

    Hi Susan. Aren’t ceramic salt and pepper shakers just the most fun……I have a strawberry that holds the salt which sits in a green cap stem which is the pepper and one of hotdogs (summer picnics!) one of brie cheese and gouda cheese and of course two Christmas trees and also Santa and Ms. Claus hugging……Just too cute and fun to use when setting a theme table. I also have an adorable cream and sugar from the ’50s which are ceramic lemons. Thank you for bringing such joy to our lives just by being you! ~K

  78. Nancy Narma says:

    Hmmmm….Did the birds eat my previous comment??? lol

  79. Rosie says:

    Great day here to stay in and watch birds out the windows – I have feeders so close to the window I almost feel like I can reach out and touch them. Sure keeps our cats fascinated. Would love to have the birdie S & P’s to add to the ambience. 🙂

    Sunny and beautiful it was today, the crisp white snow sparkling, the cardinals jumping around – after my short day at work in the library downtown, I walked home and baked bread pudding – it smells heavenly, and we’ll be having it for dessert tonight. Will have to try your cake and sauce soon, sounds like something that will get Hubby’s non-chocolate loving tastebuds tingling. ♥

  80. Bernice Patterson says:

    I love your dear little green song birds and I know they would look great on my old kitchen cupboard. I am nxious to try this new old cake recipe. I have a dear little yellow bird that was a final on an old lamp that I gave up on but the bird sits waiting for some friends. Thanks for your inspirations.

  81. Maureen Sheridan says:

    I’d love to create a tablescape featuring the green bird salt and pepper shakers. I’m really enjoying your blog.

  82. Mary Ann says:

    Oh those birds! And cake plate! What a perfect combination: Susan Branch and Wedgwood. When I received your email several hours ago, I immediately wanted to post a comment. Well…..my computer decided to have an anxiety attack and I could not access the blog! OMG! Finally just got it working. Anyway, I would be one of those people buying as much SB/Wedgwood I could. Those birds are absolutely adorable! They automatically bring a smile to my face.

  83. Kay L. says:

    adorable birds

  84. Kathy says:

    That is a lot o posts!! I am new to your blog. Quite impressive and now I would not miss a one. The birds are so cute! Thank you for the offer to win them. I love this blog!

  85. Judy Fogelson says:

    What a cheery little pick-me up for our rainy, rainy Oregon weather. The sweet birds are just the right, light feeling for a grey day and would make the perfect addition to any table this time of year.
    Any company would be foolish to have turned down your wonderful china and glasswear ideas. They are lovely and so inviting.
    Thank you for your wonderful blog. I look forward to reading it and being inspired to bring some wonderful “Branch” touches to my home.

  86. Toby says:

    I made the Hot Milk Cake today and just found out that my best girlfriend made it too …. And neither of us had any idea the other was going to bake it!!! Wonder just how many women were baking the Hot Milk today all over the country? 🙂

  87. Cara M. says:

    Hi Susan….love the cake recipe!! On my list to make this week….yum! I love to bake and I really love birds…the theme in my kitchen. I am wishing to win them. Thank you for the wonderful old-fashioned recipe. Love your cake plate design…I would buy that in a heartbeat!

  88. carolyn neal says:

    Hi Susan! It is always such a treat to visit your blog & FB page! I am definitely going to try the simple old-fashion cake recipe soon! It makes me think of my grandma and her old recipes. I am truly hoping all of your designs are created for sale! Don’t they realize that women will always want their pretty dishes even in a crummy economy!!! I especially would buy one or two or three of the adorable bird cups that whistle! Susan, please add my name to the drawing for the adorable bird shakers! They are so adorable!!!

  89. Laurie W. says:

    10+ inches of snow in Chatham! Loved walking in a winter wonderland to Barn Hill Landing and coming home to a cozy woodstove fire. Interesting article in the Cape Cod Times today on the back page of the sports section about feeding birds in winter and the robins that stay around all winter. I would give those sweet salt and pepper shaker birds a good home!
    Laurie

  90. Elaine S says:

    Another wonderful post! You make all the burdens go away with your delightful writings, pictures, sharing! I look forward to reading your blog daily as it arrives in my email. Adorable little birds! Aren’t the smallest little things the best????? While many of you are enjoying the snow and cold weather(which I desparately miss), I try to be content with another balmy winter……from 32 to 80. Craziest place I have ever lived…..San Antonio. Miss my 4 seasons of the midwest!

  91. Callianna says:

    Mmmmmm… milk cake. Must make soon. LOVE the birdies!

  92. Cheryl says:

    I just made the cake. It is perfect. So old fashioned and beautifully plain. I had every ingredient on hand, of course. It is yummy and the house smells homey and inviting. Thank you for this perfect rainy (yes, even here in sunny California) day baking fun.

  93. Vickie from Little Rock, AR says:

    Tweet, tweet, here’s to Spring and cute birdie salt & pepper shakers!

  94. Patty Page says:

    The bird salt & pepper shakers are adorable!

  95. Sharon D. says:

    Good day Susan!

    The birds are just so sweet! I love them 🙂 Thank you for always having such sweet giveaways. Thank you for sharing the recipe as well. My mother used to make a Hot Milk Cake but she would mix melted butter with coconut and brown sugar and spread it atop the cake and place under the broiler. It was called Lazy Daisy Cake.

    Your cake stand is perfect!

    Thank you again Susan and have a blessed day!
    ~Sharon

  96. Carol Anderson says:

    I like your “bird witted” idea and I made brownies with frosting today as the snow deluge got on with melting away! I

  97. Karen R says:

    I dearly love those cute bird salt and pepper shakers but I have a friend who loves birds and I would just be delighted to give them to her for her Birthday. I so enjoy giving my friends something I truly love as a gift. Thanks Susan for your “Slice of home Blogs”. I wish we lived next door.

  98. Caroline Delao says:

    I think I will do the wonderful little cake tomorrow I would love to have that and the beautiful little shakers both on my table. I love the old pan that you made the cake in. It reminds me of grandma’s.

    Thank you once again for being you!!!!!

  99. Barbara T says:

    I just popped my Hot Milk Cake in the oven. Will make the sauce tomorrow and we’ll have it for dessert. can’t wait! I am one of those rare NON-chocoholics and this sounds devinely wonderful – bring on the vanilla 🙂

  100. cynthia mooney says:

    Ohhh, I just love your blog! Everything about it. And those birdies are my favorite color of green. Thanks for your energy and enthusiasm. It helps me make it through the winter.

Comments are closed.