With the ending of one season comes the much anticipated beginning of another. I always enjoy what seems like a subtle shift both inside and outside of the house this time of year. Longer days, fruits and vegetables from the Farmer’s Market, and many gatherings at the house are a few of the welcoming events that summer brings into our lives.
When I was asked by my friend Julie from Julie Blanner to participate in her Summer Home Tour I thought what a fantastic way to celebrate the start of this time of year. There were two things I knew from the start, I wanted to include my mother, and note the changes that take place outside. Fresh flowers, seasonal ingredients, and lots of baking were all at the top of the list in making this happen.
I decided to make a call to one of my favorite flower shops. I explained my vision for the summer feeling I wanted to create in my home to the owner of the shop, Mary. She immediately understood and suggested flowers and flowering branches that would help me create summer in my home.
Jumbo hydrangeas, magnolia branches, and a cotton branch of sorts all made their way home with me. They sat for a bit in the mud room while I came up with the vessels that I thought would suit them best. There was a lot of arranging and rearranging, but in the end I think every flower found its place.
Light Source: Barn Light Electric
While I was busy with the flowers my mother was busy in the kitchen putting together some of the same baked goods that I remember from so long ago (recipes below). We discussed a menu of sorts, but I always trust her and know everything will always come out just right.
My mother also has the talent of a great seamstress, something I did not inherit from her unfortunately. She made both of the aprons we are wearing in these pictures. I honestly can not recall a time that my mother was in the kitchen cooking without an apron on.
These moments in the kitchen with my mom make it seem as if no time has passed. We chat, laugh, and always get side tracked like we did many years ago. Even though the kitchens have changed throughout the years and we are older now, the moments feel the same in a way.
Pat-In-Pan Pie Crust
Ingredients (standard 8″ pie crust)
- 1 1/2 cups plus 3 T. flour
- 1 1/2 t. sugar
- 1/2t. salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 3 T. cold milk
Method
Place flour, sugar, and salt in pie pan. Mix with fingers until blended. In large measuring cup combine oil and milk. Beat with a fork until creamy. Pour all at once over the flour mixture and mix with a fork until completely combined.
Pat the dough with your fingers to fit the pie pan.
My mom always pre bakes her crusts at 425 F and starts to check it after 7 minutes of baking.
*Prick the crust with fork prior to baking*
Shortbread
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1t. baking powder
- 1/2 t. salt
- 3/4 lb. unsalted butter
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 1/2 t. vanilla
Method
Preheat oven to 325 F
Sift dry ingredients together in one bowl.
In a mixer cream butter, then add confectioners sugar and vanilla. Beat well. Turn mixer to low speed and quickly add dry ingredients. Stop mixing as soon as all ingredients are combined. Do not over mix.
Shape dough into a disc and wrap in plastic. Chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. When ready, roll out and cut with your favorite cookie cutter. Bake 12-14 minutes (start to check at 10 minutes).
* I want to thank you for stopping by and visiting my home. Please be sure to visit the other homes on todays tours and Julie Blanner to see the full Summer Home Tour.
- Chloe from Boxwood Avenue
- Sue from The Zhush
- Laura from Finding Home Farms
- Kari Anne from Thistlewood Farms
- Tomorrow: Liz Fourez from Love Grows Wild
Your house is gorgeous! Would you be able to share with me the details of your mud room cabinets? Thank you!
Would you please tell me the paint color and brand–blue/gray–in your kitchen and dining room? Lovely shade! I am in the process of remodeling my kitchen and dining area. Love the “feel” of your home. Thank you for sharing photos and paint color. Diane Robertson
This is just beautiful. Could you please tell me the color and sheen of the mudroom lockers? Also, the type of slate flooring in the mudroom? Stunning.
Thank you!
Your blog is absolutely stunning. Thank you for the time you spend sharing your beautiful photos. Thank you also for sharing your journey of creating a home filled with love and traditions.
What a fun way to launch the season! Thanks for the inspiration to begin to plan here at home.
Karen
Good morning Karen! I am so glad you found inspiration in my summer afternoon. You are always so kind and supportive. Take care, Melinda
Beautiful as always friend! Love your home and loved getting a sneak peek into time with your mama!
I love the feeling of your home. And there could be no better way to state it then baking with your Mom. Just beautiful!
What wonderful feedback Peggy. Thank you for taking the time to write me. Take care, Melinda
Love, love love that you made this a story about you and your mom in the kitchen – and she is the cutest! Your home looks so inviting and lovely for summer!
Thank you for the feedback Laura! It means so much coming from you. And yes, she really is the cutest!
Thank you Laura! I love making a story element a part of my writing. I think it allows people to get a true sense of the feeling I am creating in my home. Take care, Melinda
Thanks for inviting us!
I noticed the aprons on the first screen on your mother at the front door. Will you share the pattern? What is the fabric in your aprons?
How does she care for all the kitchen aprons? Ironing? Where does she store them? Can you tell I am an apron girl? Thanks!
PS thanks for the recipe
Hello! Thank you for your kind words. I will ask my mom for the answers to your questions and get back with you. I am so glad you enjoyed the post! Take care, Melinda