Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Breakfast in the Master Tablescape For 1 & Foodie Friday Combined!

A Duo Post Today~
I'm combining Foodie Friday with "Designs by Gollum" & Tablescape Thursday with "Between Naps On The Porch" in my post today! Be sure to drop on over to "Gollum" and visit all the other favorite foods by other blogs on Friday! And, you can visit Susan at "Between Naps On the Porch" on Thursday to see all the other shares! Thanks Ladies, your both great hosts!

One of my favorite recipes to make when I have out of town guests are German Pancakes! This recipe is in my favorite book, The Home Experience, by friend & authors, Devi Titus and Marilyn Weiher. The book is a coffee table size book and is filled with super great recipes and chapters on Home Essential Principles, Vital Relationship Skills, Home Order, Home Lifestyle, and provides a Mentor's Guide in it. The first time I experienced these pancakes was in the home of Devi's and she prepared them. There is "nothing" like these! I love them even better than crepes! Come on, let's get to the real thing, German Pancakes and how to make them~ I prefer to use an electric mixer to combine all the ingredients, since I typically triple the recipe. I then grease round individual Teflon round cake pans for the batter to be poured in. Devi mentions in her recipe that she uses a jelly roll pan, and you can also do it that way. The reason I like to use the cake pans is that it makes a perfect round large single cake and it creates a nice presentation on the plate. Then, in the oven they go. Here's a view of them baking in the oven. Here one is after it was removed from the oven., ready to transfer to the serving dish.Next, I use melted butter and spread on the cake, I squeeze lemon juice over that and then coat it heavily with confectionery sugar (Devi offers a lemon sauce if you prefer to do it that way) The first time she made them for me, she prepared them the way I did for this post. Either way is superb!Next, you add your favorite fresh fruit...she prepares them with Strawberries, my favorite! Here we have the finished product placed on a green platter and it's ready to serve! Since I'm having breakfast in my Master Suite by the fireplace, all I'm waiting on now is the pot of tea to finish brewing...ah, I think that's the tea kettle whistle I hear... ;) On to my Tablescape...Breakfast will be served in my Master Suite this week for "moi"! The place where I love to treat myself...in my Grandmother's chair that I tried my hand at reupholstering a few years back. I recall her sitting in this chair everyday when I was a little girl. I didn't refinish the wood handles on the arms, I wanted to remember the worn areas where her hands would have rested... I love my favorite "Francois & Chic" lamp by the chair. Here's a closer look...I found this in a consignment store years ago with the original price tag still on it, $137., the consigner only was asking $27 for it. I was thrilled to bring it home! This tray was a hand made gift from my friend Kathleen from "Kathleen Ellis Life Style Designs". It's the perfect tray to use since she created it to go with my bedroom theme that has animal print here and there. Isn't it precious? I love it!

I selected a black charger, a porcelain dinner plate from Germany, and the smaller center plate is also from Germany.A closer look at the smaller plate. I found it in the GW a few months back for only $2 in perfect condition.
This is a step by step process that I'm sharing as to how I created my Custom Napkin ring using things I had in my closet and drawers. I love to crochet, and a few weeks back I made this smaller doily out of a spool of ivory crochet thread.
I took a clean small sheer black neck scarf and pulled it through two side center spaces
I then pulled the napkin in between the top of the doily and the black scarf is on the back., I then pulled the ends up around to the top and tied a nice knot to allow the edges to flow softly. The napkin itself is a white damask napkin.
Since my tablescape location has limited space, I'm using a small shabby chic side table next to the chair to hold another bed tray. This is where I have my teacup, "Frenchy", purchased when I visited France. The sugar bowl, a miniature brandy sniffer, is being used. I am always reminded of Grandma when I use a brandy sniffer, she always loved them.
Lovely seasonal petunias are always on my menu for ambiance! ;)
Here's a close up of how the textures look on this tablescape...I love texture in my outdoor gardens and in my indoor decorating, including my tablescapes!
Another view...
Ahhh...just let me slip right in to this chair now, the fireplace is lit and ready for me to enjoy my breakfast while enjoying the flame!
Ahhhh....This is the way I could start everyday! "Ringing of the breakfast bell"...I'm ready for you to bring the German Pancakes in now please! =)
"How sweet it IS"
Don't forget to enjoy all the other Tablescapes on Thursday and Foodies on Friday~~CC Catherine

47 comments:

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi CC! The German pancakes sound so yummy!! And I love your cozy tablescape...so luxurious!! Ring the bell...lol...and then I get up out of the chair and serve myself!!
I hope you are having a great week...hugs...Debbie

Anonymous said...

Hey Pretty Lady! Thanks for the welcome back. Every time I think I'm going to back on track...I fall behind again. Lol! I've missed blogging and I've certainly missed and you. How are things going?

Hugs!

Unknown said...

Oh how fabulous. I will be making these pancakes this weekend. Your entire post is great but I am so excited to have this recipe! Thanks so much darling. We'll be toasting you with Veuve Clicquot for sure. Merci CC.
Happy Twirls

French-Kissed said...

Would I ever love to have breakfast at your house! Those German pancakes look amazing. And your chair side table setting is wonderful. So great to see the black and white and animal print used together in such an elegant way.

J

xinex said...

Those are the best looking German pancakes that I have ever seen. Great post!...Christine

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi CC,
The German pancakes look so wonderful, that chair you did looks so darling and the table you set is beautiful! I am so impressed with your creative talents, I always enjoy your posts CC. Thanks for sharing and have a great week-end my friend!! Cindy

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Catherine...

Ohhh my...what a delighful menu and tablescape today! To dine so elegantly in your master bedroom...ahhh! My friend, I love your beautiful tray that Kathleen made for you...I certainly can see why it's so perfect to use in your master! Beautiful dishes...oh yes, the crochet doily & scarf napkin holder is gorgeous...what a grand idea! Thanks for sharing that!

I have never had German pancakes and they look so delicious! Are you sure you're planning on dining alone...I certainly would be happy to join you...wink!

Warmest wishes,
Chari

Martha said...

I love German pancakes -- have gotten 4 small iron skillets so that I can do individuals. It's my DD's favorite breakfast and I try to make it for her when she comes home! A delightful corner for a special breakfast.

Kathleen Ellis said...

Aaaahhhh...I wish I was sitting beside you enjoying your delicious German pancakes and your FABulous company!
I'm so glad to see you're using the tray I made in such a special way...if I had thought you would use it for a meal, I would have made it larger!
And do I spy the animal print throw and candle I gave you as well???
I'm so glad you have treated yourself to this most special morning & breakfast!
xo

PS...wish JC a happy b-day for us, will you, please!

PPS...ingenious napkin rings!

Unknown said...

Oh, you've shared your wild side with us today! All that leopard-fabulous!!! I love your fancy tray and your wild surroundings!

Those pancakes look amazing! I've never seen anything like them. I'm going to have to give them a try.

Lois Christensen said...

What a great recipe!! Looks very simple and oh so yummy!!!

Unknown said...

I don't think I have ever had German Pancakes like that... My mother used to make German potato pancakes tho YUM! Yours looked delicious!
Your tablescape is so comfy cozy!

~Really Rainey~

Christi @ A Southern Life said...

I found a recipe for those pancakes in an old brunch cookbook. I tried it and didn't know what to expect. If I had seen your post first, I would have known to serve it with the powdered sugar and strawberries. Much better. They were yummy but your way looks much better. Lovely breakfast tray. Eating the pancake on that tray would put me in a great mood for the whole day!

DesignTies said...

That German Pancake looks awesome!!! I have to try it!!!

I love the touches of animal print in your tablescapes. The plate with the little holes is really cool -- I'v never seen one like it. And that lamp is FUN-KY!!!! Great find!!! :-)

Kelly @ DesignTies

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh CC, this is so lovely. The way you did that napkin is genius! Those German pancackes look soooo delicious! Thanks for the recipe. I can't wait to make these. laurie

Deb said...

Your little cozy corner is so inviting. As for the pancakes, I believe I tried a different version of them with fried apples. I may have to try these again!

Stephanie said...

This looks delicious and the photos are making me hungry :)

Lady Katherine said...

The German pancakes look wonderful! I want one now! lol Do they have to be served hot? Love the chair and lamp and tray and napkin!!!! I was thinking you were making a hair bow with the doily! lol It is wonderful! Thanks for stopping by. I was going to do the post and go outdoors. But instead I been checking comments to see if I still around in blogland. lol Its is so addictive! I have missed everyone! But still tire easily! I am working on a few easy projects. Hope to show them soon. Send me a pancake!

The Raggedy Girl said...

That you for the book recommend, I love books like that. Your napkin ring is inspired and everything looks so lovely.

From Roberta Anne- The Raggedy Girl

Anonymous said...

Oh, Catherine, you're got me drooling all over the place - the pancakes and the tablescape and the cuties you've made! You've just outdone yourself.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Kammy said...

I really really really want some
of those German Pancakes - they look
so delicious ! I almost forgot
about the tablescape....I loved
it also - but am dreaming of those
soft, fluffy, hot , sugary, sweet,
yummy German Pancakes................ thanks
and ~ hugs, Kammy

Fifi Flowers said...

YUMMMMMM... ooooh if only you were my neighbor... sigh!

Mari @ Once Upon a Plate said...

Beautiful tablescape ~ and oooh, German pancakes are a favorite here; yours look SUBLIME!!

Very NICE. :)

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

I'm so glad you shared the German pancakes with us. They look amazing. The tray is very special I can tell :-) Debbie

Linda Q said...

Catherine, Wow those pancakes look so good with the strawberries!!
And nice little set up there with the animal prints, looks cozy!
Linda Q

Robin said...

What a wonderfully cozy breakfast.....and I love that ottoman. I took the liberty to enlarge the pic of your cookbook page and made a coffee. I would like to try these this weekend. Thanks for sharing....

Hope your day has been beautiful

bj said...

I can not WAIT to try this luscious recipe...they look so so good...Thanks so much for sharing the recipe...
Your tablescape is just PERFECT !
XO bj

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

I have never tried German pancakes before. But, they look so yummy I will be trying them very soon. I love the cozy space you have created for yourself. How awesome to have your grandmothers chair.
Hugs, Terrie

The Bloom Girls said...

Wow those pancakes look delish! My daughter and I were just looking at the pictures and she told me to go make them NOW! I will have to try them soon. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

Blessings to you and yours!

Karyn

Joyce said...

German Pancakes look delicious and I have never had them with lemon sauce and that sounds even better. Tray is so nice. You are so creative and your photos are wonderful.
Joyce

Mary @Boogieboard Cottage said...

I love the place setting in your master suite! I'm going to try your recipe using whole wheat flour, it looks very delicious! :O)

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Oh my, what perfect timing. My son and dil are coming for a visit(this weekend) and I've been racking my brain trying to come up with something special for breakfast that I haven't made for them. Yup, German pancakes with berries!!! It's easy and I really like the idea of the cake pans. What size did you use? How many does the recipe yield? Have you ever had them with orange juice/zest in the recipe? I'm usually drawn back to the traditional. Thanks so much.

Sweet Wishes,
Sara

Candy said...

Can't wait to try the pancakes, they do look yummy.
Glad you left the worn part on the chair, I think it adds so much to the charm. And what a comfortable little corner you have created.
Enjoy it all!
Candy

imjacobsmom said...

Great idea to make them in individual cake pans. They make for a pretty presentation - as yours is! I like how you reupholstered your Gramma's chair and left her worn wood - Robyn

kymber said...

Hi CC,
My mouth is watering! Your pancakes look so good - I will try these out on my men tomorrow - they will LOVE them! Thanks for sharing your great recipe!

Love your beautiful tablescape too.

Blessings on your day,
Kymber

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

CC I absolutely love German Pancakes and I make them often. They are so good, and like you I slather them with tons of melted butter and conf. sugar. Soooo Good. I love the way you treat yourself with a special breakfast at your grandmother's chair. Good for you. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

Oh, what a lovely tablescape. Love the use of black.

The breakfast looks wonderful.

Chandy said...

Delicious and beautiful! What a combination! Great job!

Anonymous said...

WOW! That German pancake looks so delicious. I remember once eating one of them only they used apples. I love your "grammy's" chair and I think it is so touching that you left the arms as they were to remember your "grammy" as she use to sit.

Very lovely tablescape as well!

Kris

Linda C said...

Wow- looks so yummy and your tablescape is sooo pretty! Very creative:)

Thanks for the great recipe! And those strawberries look wonderful!!:)

Linda C

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Catherine...what a lovely tablescape! How wonderful to have your grandmother's chair and all those sweet memories. Great lamp! Those pancakes look heavenly! I used to make something similar but they never turned out this fluffy and pretty. I like your recipe a lot better! :-) Susan

Thibeault's Table said...

German Pancakes are a favourite of my husbands. Something I haven't made him in a while. Yours look perfect.

I love the fact that you didn't refinish the wood on your grandmother's chair. That touched my heart.

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Hi Catherine,
Haven't been by in a bitty bit. Trying to do some catch up on my blog friends! Your Foodie Friday post looks so delish. I don't think I have ever had German pancakes, at least not prepared this way. I jotted down the recipe and hope to use it soon for a nice breakfast brunch. As for your Tablescape...love it! Animal prints are one of my favorite looks. You created a very cozy setting for a lovely and quiet meal. Ta ta for now!!

claudie said...

Hello from Hot Florida. I'm actually using Deb's computer. Well it took us 2 full long days to get here. We arrived Sat evening around 9pm, tired, exhausted, hungry. The beauty was when we hit West Virginia...OMB the blossoms and very lush shrubs took my breath away. The bad part was the traffic coming in from 95 going the other way. We are going to have to go home on the 75 which would take one whole day longer. So...we found Corey a place late yesterday and now we wait. I have adopted Corey's little baby puppy. An 14 week old Shit-zu (how ever you spell it). I know I know another dog, but it had to be. He is overwhelmed right now with 2 dogs and no room where he is in a mess, and moving on top of everything else. Ok so here's the scoop...not sure what the hell is going to happen now. If this deal falls through we are having to start all over again. Now Deb is thinking of getting Bill to fly in and help Corey move ( he's very unorganized) Corey not Bill. I will keep you posted and I will try so hard to see you, especially going 75 not 95. We were on 81, 77 to 95 to where near you at all. It will add an extra day, buy we would go through Detroit and stop in to see my mom in Windsor.
So there you have it my dear friend.
Oh and those German Pancakes would taste great about now. Did hit Cracker Barrel a couple times. Had my chicken & dumplings, we also listened to 3 audio tapes they rent out...20 hrs. worth!!!!!
Ok will keep you posted in a couple of days.
Love you dearly and I will try my best I promise. I have you signed book in my bag.
Love you bunches and feel like poop but all is well.
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxoxoox

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Dearest Catherine, first of all, I want to thank you for the very sweet comment you left on my blog! You are so darling leaving me an award. I am ever so greatful for your encouraging words. I don't know when I will be able to respond to the award, because I have so much on my plate right now. Hope you will forgive me. Anyway, I love your blog too, and always look forward to your posts. Those German pancakes look like something my German mother made for me when I was growing up. I must try your recipe! I love the way you left the arms of your grandmother's chairs the way they were to remind you of her hands touching that chair. Be still my heart, I hope my grandsons will remember me with such kindness when I'm gone. I adore the tray that Kathleen Ellis made for you and the way you put everything together. Your warmth spills over into everything you touch!

a quiet life said...

i have not been in my kitchen for weeks, this has me so ready to fire up the oven~

Miss Janice said...

Those pancakes look and sound just yummy! I love the cozy little setting as well!