Quiet Fishing Days in Autumn

As we wrap up the busy and hot summer, it is time to plan and enjoy a few quiet weekends on some of the inland lakes.  Whether it is kayaking, canoeing, rowing in a fishing boat, or just sitting on a pier, the calm waters and fresh breezes makes for perfect relaxation.  As the long days begin to wind down and become shorter in day light, an afternoon of fishing brings serenity to a hectic summer schedule.

To help celebrate the finale of summer and the onset of the colorful fall season, an Autumn fishing themed tablescape captures those lazy afternoons on the silent, blue waters of the secluded lakes.  So grab your pole, net, bait and tackle box and join me as we sit among the cattails.  Gather at the table for some spicy and hearty Indian Samosas with Coriander Sauce and, for dessert, some sweet and juicy Peach Crisp and help bid farewell to the hot and frantic days of summer.

Some Fall mums, leaves, fruits, berries and pine cones arranged in a fishing creel basket surrounded by cattails in stone filled cylinder vases is the focus of the Autumn fishing tablescape.

These colorful sporting salad plates top off the pine cone dinner plates and galvanized steel chargers and are the inspiration pieces for this theme which can be loved by all.

Who can't resist some homemade zesty, pungent flavored Indian Samosas with Coriander Sauce?  These savory bundles of joy are packed full of wonderful flavor and learning how to make them was one of many cherished memories of working among international students from all over the world and sharing in their cultures.  It was during a Samosas-making demonstration with the students of India that I was able to join in on a truly delightful culinary experience.  Afterwards, I have been making these mouth-watering treats for my family ever since.  Watch for my next posting for the recipe and how to make these spicy little treasures.

To complete this over-the-top meal, some warm Peach Crisp topped with whipped cream helps to conclude a wonderful day at the lake.  The Peach Crisp is made with fresh, juicy peaches that are slightly sweetened with maple syrup.  Topped off with a crumb topping and served warm, it is a perfect dessert to serve after the delectable Samosas.

Was it FISH ON?  Or did the trophy fish escape?  Time to try again next week.  Sweet dreams and don't let the BIG ONE get away.

Thank you for visiting The Little Yellow Corner Store. 

An Ice Cream and Frozen Fruit Pop Tablescape

Ice cream!  That luscious summer time dessert that for most of us has so many childhood memories tied to it.  As a child, how often did you hear the tinkling of a bell and run after the ice cream truck in your neighborhood on a hot summer day?  Were you one of many children who went racing to the ice cream truck with a handful of dimes and nickels only to hesitate at the hard to make choice of which rich and creamy treat to pick?

If there is one dessert I can never say no to and still creates a difficult choice, it is a bowl of soft, smooth ice cream.  For years I enjoyed the same selected flavor, chocolate peanut butter.  However, as I grew older, the simple taste of vanilla with salted pecans has me in ice cream heaven.

One other frozen delight that was enjoyed by children and adults alike were mom's homemade fruit pops.  This brightly colored fruit pop recipe has a burst of full flavor and can be made in an assorted variety.

So lets dash to the nearest ice cream shop or to this week's table to celebrate these delectable frozen treats.  In addition to this yummy refreshing dessert, the bold ice cream and popsicle pattern tablecloth was the inspiration for this tablescape.  With its multitude of colors, it becomes easy to choose a dinnerware setting and accessories, don't you think?

As an ice cream table decoration, a faux sundae with tissue "whipped cream" topping makes for a perfect embellishment.  You can also use the instructions to make faux ice cream in my previous post:  Faux Ice Cream and Zesty Peppy Love.

For something real, perhaps you are someone who happens to love chocolate covered ice cream.  In that case, you may want to try the recipe for homemade hard-shell chocolate in my previous post entitled Homemade Hard-Shell Chocolate Coating for Ice Cream.

And who can't resist the adorable floral and tulle pom-pom table centerpiece including a yellow polka-dot ceramic watering can in the fun and whimsical shape of a piggy.

Perhaps you may enjoy a mini cupcake cone decorated to look like an ice cream cone.  Just fill the inside of the waffle cone with fruit, top it with a fun and festive mini cupcake and place it into a champagne flute filled with Sixlets colored chocolate candies.

An ice cream napkin fold makes this table irresistibly detailed.  This ice cream napkin fold uses two napkins.  The "cone" is folded in cloth and the white "ice cream" insert with the sprinkles and a cherry is a paper napkin (to lessen the bulk when folding).  It is ideal for inserting your fork, knife and spoon.  At meal time, guests can simply and easily remove the flatware and paper napkin in order to use the yellow cloth napkin.

A gooey rice cereal treat in the shape of a popsicle makes a memorable gift for guests to take home.

Nothing brings back more memories than my mother's recipe for homemade summertime fruit pops (see below for recipe).  They are loved by everyone, young and old.

Mom's Homemade Fruit Pops

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1 small box of jello gelatin, flavor of choice

1 envelope of Kool Aid powder without sugar, coordinating flavor with gelatin

3/4 C sugar

2 C boiling water

2 C cold water

plastic treat molds or small paper cups with aluminum foil squares and wood craft sticks

Place gelatin, Kool Aid and sugar in a bowl and dissolve this mixture with boiling water.  Once dissolved, add the remaining cups of cold water and pour into molds or small paper cups topped with foil to hold wood craft sticks in place.  Place in freezer until throughly frozen.  

And, of course, if you want to give a gift to someone that will put them in frosty bliss, give them a gift card for ice cream of their choice at your local ice cream shop in a ice cream themed gift card holder you decorated yourself.  (See Mom It Is Hot Outside for more homemade gift card holder ideas.)

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Celebrate summer and get happy......and watch for the ice cream truck!

Thank you for visiting The Little Yellow Corner Store.

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