Back again with butterfly wedding cake photos

Spring has passed, summer is waning, and fall is soon to arrive. It's hard to believe that so much time has passed! While I did mention a few months ago that my posts might become less frequent, I did not imagine that such a long time would pass before posting again. Life gets busy for …

Continuing to share my world…

Dear readers, It is such a gift and a privilege to share recipes, thoughts, and everyday experiences with you. Not only has it been wonderful to share some of my original recipes with you all, but blogging has also given me occasion to write those recipes down and translate them into measurements so that a) …

Taking time to dream and to imagine…

So often when I have some time off I begin to think about what I need to do or should do. Funny thing, sometimes even the things I do for enjoyment can begin to feel like a chore, or something that I must check off the list. Today I decided to take some quiet time …

Creamy leek and potato chowder

1 1/2 lb potatoes1 1/2 large leeks4 Tbsp butter1 onion1 clove garlic3 1/2 -4 cups chicken broth2 3/4 cup whole milksalt and black pepper, to taste1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp flour* Dice the onion, slice the leeks into half rounds, and dice the garlic clove. Sautee the vegetables in the butter for a minute or …

Success that matters: how to be your child’s sure foundation

Is there anyone else out there who feels like being a parent can be a thankless job? So much value is put on achieving, on being seen as successful, on advancing in one’s career, and on making money. Never mind  the problem of maternity and paternity leave! Compared to our European neighbors, the U.S. does …

Six months blogging, 6-“monthiversary”

Dear readers, Six months have passed since I began the blogging journey. A lot has happened in my life since the day I wrote my first post, and a lot has happened here at Susy's Home and Hearth, too. You'll find 33 of my original recipes, several posts on knitted items and DIY projects, several …

Entertaining with the Madeleine cake: gateau madeleine

Recently my sister's fiance came to visit. I wanted to make some sort of cake or dessert to welcome him, but wasn't sure what would be best. My sister recommended a "Madeleine" cake, as she remembered eating a piece together with her fiance one time, and recalled him liking it. I have to admit that …

Spring is coming and other thoughts

Hello there! Is anyone else dreaming of spring? In some areas of the world spring is already in full swing. Here, where I live, the first day of spring is fast approaching but the weather is far from "springy". We had another sprinkling of snow last night. That isn't keeping me from thinking of nice …

Pasta asciutta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and parsley

This pasta recipe is incredibly easy and very flavorful. If you'd like to switch things up a little, this is a light and fresh take on tomato pasta. Pasta of choice (enough for about 4 people)2 cups fresh tomato, 4 or 5 fresh parsley sprigs, chopped2 or 3 cloves garlic, dicedolive oil (2 Tbsp or …

Swiss roll cake with raspberries and creme patisserie

Here is my husband's favorite cake. Well, one of his top two favorite cakes. It's sweet, but not overly so; simple and classic. The homemade creme patisserie is smooth and creamy and the fresh raspberries add the perfect amount of tartness. I guarantee you, this cake is amazing! For the creme*: 1/3 cup + 1 …