Films for Family and Friends: Meet Me in St.Louis (1944)

(photo courtesy of imdb.com)

Meet Me in St. Louis is the classic that almost wasn't! 22-year-old Judy Garland was not interested in playing another teenage role in anyone's upcoming film. However after some coaxing from exectutives and director (and future husband)Vincente Minnelli, she accepted the offer to be involved in one of the most- loved musicals of all time!

Based on the book by Sally Benson, the movie Meet Me in St. Louis tells the story of a year in the life of the Smith family living in St. Louis, Missouri during 1903-1904. All is well for this tightly-knit brood; Lon Jr. (Henry  H.Daniels Jr.), the only Smith boy, has been accepted to study at Princeton University. Rose (Lucielle Bremer) has a few potential suitors, but has her heart set on Warren Sheffield (Robert Sully). Esther (Judy Garland) is busy capturing the eyes and heart of John Truitt (Tom Drake), the boy next door. Agnes and Tootie are the younger yet more brazen of the Smith clan who enjoy creating mild mischief.  Wisecracking Grandpa(Harry Davenport), no-nonsense Kate (Marjorie Main) and mother/wife Anna (Mary Astor) are the backbone at home while Alonzo (Leon Ames) keeps his family provided for. Everything is looking up for the Smith family until, Alonzo comes home with the news that he's been promoted and will be moving the family to New York; away from the friends and familiarity they've always known. This dissheartning news comes right before the holidays....and The World's Fair.

Meet Me in St. Louis  is a classic musical that:

* Showcases one of Judy's best performances

* Is best known for, "The Trolly Song"

* Intoduced the world to one of the most well-known holiday tunes,

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." 

* Has the best, and my favorite, rendition of "Skip to my Lou".

* Illustrates family and a simpler time in turn-of -the century America.

*You will surely love

Enjoy,

Neah B

Open House

Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

1 Peter 4:9

(picture courtesy of ipadforums.net)

As you all know, tomorrow is not only Thanksgiving but the kickoff of "The Holiday Season".

Friends and family will be arriving by the droves. It's time for opening your home and welcoming your guests with warmth and seasonal salutations. Let laughter and the smell of comfort food fill the air along with your favorite holiday tunes and shows. No matter how humble your home is, as long as it is clean and filled with holiday spirit you will make Thanksgiving and many holidays to come memorable for all who enter your abode.

"The joyous spirit of the season radiates from the home, where family and friends gather for fun and food."

-Celebrate the Holidays with Campbell Soup Company (1990)

"...Your home reflects who you are. When people leave your home, the should leave with a sense of knowing something they didn't know about you before. When people walk into your apartment or house, their mood should change.The atmosphere of your home should reflect peace and well -being. People should sense the presence of God in your home. It should be an oasis for thirsty,weary souls."

-The Power of being a Woman by Michelle Mckinney Hammond (2004)


Happy Thanksgiving,
Neah B

Homemade Cheddar Biscuits (a.k.a "Red Lobster Biscuits")

A definite favorite of mine to make and a favorite of all who come to dinner.

Whether you choose to make them as drop biscuits or roll them out, they are simple to make.

You may use your favorite biscuit recipe; I usually use the White Lilly Flour recipe but I decided to use the Clabber Girl Baking Powder recipe.

Hope you enjoy wour very own "Red Lobster Biscuits"

Love,

Neah B

Serve 8-10

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp Clabber Girl Baking Powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup milk

1-2 cup cheddar shredded cheese
4 Tbs butter or margarine melted
2 tsp garlic powder or miced garlic
a few shakes of dried parsley, basil, or oregano

1) In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour baking powder and salt.
2) Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3) Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the milk all at once. Using a a fork,
stir just until moistened and dough pulls away from the bowl (dough will be sticky).

* Add cheese and mix
* From here you can proceed to make drop biscuits by scooping small portions onto a lightly greased baking sheet and bake  at 475 degrees for 11-15 minutes

4) On a floured surface, lightly knead dough with floured hands for 30 seconds or until nearly smooth. Lightly roll to 3/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter, dipping cutter into flour between cuts.

5) Place biscuits close together on a lightly greased baking sheet on 475 degrees for 11-15 minutes until golden brown.

* While biscuits are baking, place butter,garlic, and herbs into a small bowl and melt togther in microwave or in sauce pan over low heat. Brush butter mixture on buscuits when the are finished.
Serve and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

While perusing for a new addition for this years Thanksgiving recipe repetoire, I ran across this holiday  dessert worthy of trying. I  will be preparing this Sweet Potato Cheesecake recipe from the booklet Celebrate The Holidays with Campbell Soup Company (1990). I have a feeling that this will be a new favorite and I hope it will be for you too.

Love,

Neah B

Makes 16 servings

1 package (12 oz) Mrs. Paul's frozen candied candied sweet potatoes (or 2 small sweet potatoes)

1 1/2 cups light cream

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 22 crackers)

1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted

1/2 cup sugar, divided

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 eggs

1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel

Optional:

Whipped cream, mint leaves, candied violets, cranberries,

 orange peel and sugared rose petals for garnish

1) Prepare sweet potatoes according to packages directions; cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In covered blender or food processor,combine cooked

sweet potatoes and cream. Set aside.

2) In small bowl, combine crumbs, butter and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Press mixture firmly onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of 9-inch springform  pan.

3) In large bowl with mixer at medium speed, beat cream cheese, vanilla and remaining sugar until

light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth, scraping bowl. Add pureed sweet potato mixture and orange peel; beat until smooth. Pour into crumb crust; place on jelly-roll pan.

4) Bake 60 to 70 minutes or until center is just set. Cool on wire rack. Cover; refrigerate at least

8 hours. Garnish with the garnishes suggested above.

TIP: To make sugared rose petals, brush pesticide-free rose petals with lightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Let dry on wire racks for a few hours. Store in airtight containers.



Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce...from scratch!

I always wanted to make fresh cranberry sauce...and I finally did!

It's rediculously good and so simple to make you may not go back to canned!There are so many variations but I went with this one from Ocean Spray and its absolute heaven. Enjoy this homemade holiday staple from scratch.

Love,

Neah B

Makes 2 1/4

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 12oz package Ocean Spray fresh or frozen cranberries

1) Bring water and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cranberries and return to a boil.

2) Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 minutes,stirring occasionally. Pour sauce into a bowl, cover and cool completely at room temperature.

3)Pour sauce into a bowl, cover and cool completely at room temperature.

4) Refrigerate until serving time.

To make jellied cranberry sauce...

Prepare as directed above. Before cooling, place a wire mesh strainer into mixing bowl. Pour contents of saucepan into strainer into. Mash berries with back of spoon, frequently scraping the outside of the strainer until no pulp is left. Stir contents of bowl. Pour into serving container. Cover and cool.

Note: I was able to use a regular collander over a mixing bowl. I also used a potato masher, mashed all the berries and returned them to the mixing bowl and comined all the contents for a rich sauce.



Films for Family and Friends: Little Women (1949)

(photo courtesy of allposters.com)

Jo- the aspiring author and determined tomboy (June Allyson). Amy-the glamorous drama queen and socialite- in- training (Elizabeth Taylor). Meg- the smart and lovely domestic diva (Janet Leigh). And Beth- the sweet petite pianist (Margret O' Brien). These are the March sisters; Growing into little women as they and thier mother Marmie (Mary Astor) hold down the fort while their father is fighting in the Civil War.

With all the changes brought on by the war, the girls (like the rest of the nation at that time) hope that life will return to the way it was. However, as inevitable as it is, time goes about its business and life progresses...especially for the March Family. Of all the girls, Jo takes it the hardest that nothing will ever be the same. She even pushes away Laurie (Peter Lawford), a dear friend who has fallen in love with her, just to avoid change in the relationship and their lives. Little does she realize, fighting change does not prevent it. Jo soon discovers that when you try to avoid life's alterations, you risk missing the good things to come...especially love. 

Enjoy this beautiful rendition of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel. The film is so charming and enjoyable at anytime of the year, but it (like hot cocoa) is most soothing during the holidays and winter months.Grab a blanket, turn on the Christmas lights and curl up with Little Women.

Happy Viewing,
Neah B

Films for Family and Friends: Four Daughters (1938)

(picture courtesy of eMoviePoster.com)

Four Daughters is the first installment of this Warner Bros. Classic Trilogy (Four Daughters, Four Wives, and Four Mothers) that has quickly become a new favorite series of mine! This wonderfully written story by Fannie Hurst called Sister Act made its way to Cosmopolitan Magazine and onto the big screen.

Four Daughters tells the tale of the musically talented Lemp family. Adam Lemp (Claude Raines) is a dean at the local Musical Foundation. He is also the stuffy, old- fashioned yet loving father and conductor of his beautiful quartet of equally talented daughters; Kay-Angelic Vocals (Rosemary Lane), Emma-Harp (Gale Page), Thea-Piano (Lola Lane) and Ann-Violin (Priscilla Lane). And of course, you have Aunt Etta (May Robson) who helps her brother Adam keep his head together.

Their usual routine is suddenly interrupted when Felix Deetz (Jeffrey Lynn), a young composer and fellow colleague at The Musical Foundation,comes to live with them.Felix is handsome, charming, talented, and kindhearted... and has smitten all of the Lemp sisters! However the one he has his marital sights on is Ann.When they announce their engagement and wedding plans, more surprises and changes come along...for better...and worse. Despite these changes, nothing can change the love and strength between Adam Lemp and his four daughters.

You will certainly enjoy this great, engaging, and unpredictable story of love and family.

What I like best is that they kept the same fabulous cast throughout the series and 3 of the 4 daughters (as you can tell by their last names) are real-life sisters! You can find this film and the rest of the series on Amazon.com and TCM.com.

Happy Viewing,

Neah B

And We're Back......

As you can see, I took a small break from the blogging/publishing world.With the birth of my nephew Jacoby and a long overdue visit from my dear Grandmother, I took a much needed break. But now I resume my duty to give you the best in vintage culture and inspiration.

Love,

Neah B 



Give Thanks, Give You

Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
Mother Teresa

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

Thanksgiving (along with Christmas and New Years) is fast approaching. Although its a time of thankfulness and counting the blessings given to us, we often neglect the "giving" part of Thanksgiving. Like Chirstmas, Thanksgiving is about giving gifts, but of a different kind. This season give your kindness, your love, your thoughtfulness, your helping hand,or....YOURSELF.

Just your time, your presence or the sound of your voice will speak volumes to those who haven't seen you in awhile. So send a card, call them up or just show up!

I myself, experienced that today. My Grandmother Charlotte, who lives clear across the country, literally showed up on our doorstep! She was just going to send money but decided it was more important to send the give the gift of herself. She refused to miss the birth of her first great-grandson.

Along with the gift of self, don't forget to contribute to making someone else's holiday special by giving to shelters, donating food or time to serve food to those who won't have the bountiful feast that you have.

Give thanks, Give You, Give Love,

Neah B

The first year my husband and I held Thanksgiving at our home, I decided I wanted a different twist on standard stuffing. After much research, I hit the jackpot when searching the archives (November 2004) at http://www.cookinglight.com/. I loved the mushroom and sausage concept and thought that it would be a hit and it certainly was! I have been in love eversince! Hope you will be too!

Love,

Neah B

Herbed Bread Stuffing with Mushrooms and Sausage

Becky Luigart-Stayner; Melanie J. Clarke

Making your own bread cubes is easy and yields delicious results. You can prepare the toasted bread cubes two to three days before Thanksgiving; store at room temperature in a zip-top plastic bag. If there's space in the oven, bake the stuffing while the turkey roasts. Otherwise, bake it in the morning, and reheat it while the turkey stands.

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 pounds peasant-style white bread
• 4 (4-ounce) links sweet turkey Italian sausage 
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, quartered
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups chopped onion 
• 1 1/4 cups chopped carrot 
• 1 1/4 cups chopped celery 
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 400°.
• Trim crust from bread. Cut bread into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on 2 jelly-roll pans. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until toasted.
• Reduce oven temperature to 350°.
• Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 10 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove from pan; cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.

Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes. Combine bread cubes, sausage, and mushrooms in a large bowl.

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper; sauté 1 minute. Add to bread mixture. Combine eggs and broth, stirring with a whisk. Add to bread mixture; toss to coat. Spoon into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until browned.

Diane Morgan, Cooking Light
NOVEMBER 2004

Grandma Carol's Corn Cassarole

This is not an original recipe,but it is my grandmother's take on it and it has always been a staple dish for just about every holiday and many a Sunday dinner (and weeknight dinner too!) eversince I can remember. Hope you enjoy this soft, golden, buttery treat.

Love,

Neah B.

Serves 8-10

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (2 boxes)

eggs (2)

milk (1/3 cup)

cream corn (1 can)

sour cream ( 8 oz container)

butter (1/2 stick)

Tip: Because this is not traditional cornbread, don't worry about it not being firm in the middle.

If you place a toothpick in the center of the casserole at the end of your 20-25 minutes and it doesn't come out clean that means you're on the right track. However, it should not be soupy either; So if your toothpick doesn't pierce anything, let it bake a little longer!

1) Preheat oven 425 degrees. Grease your favorite  pie dish or 9 x 12 casserole dish.

2) Blend Jiffy Mix, eggs, and milk.

3) Add cream corn, sour cream, and butter. Mix well.

4) Pour batter into greased casserole.Spread evenly and place into oven for about 20-25 minutes.

5) Take out to cool.If you'd like, you can spread 2 tbs of butter across the top of your golden beauty.

6) Cut a square (or triangle) and let it melt in your mouth!

Bring on the Food!

We are getting close to the time of the "Great Feast"!

Hope you're inspired these fun food clips....

Rosemary Clooney " Come on a my House"

1951.

Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman singing "In the cool cool cool of the evening" from the movie

 Here Comes The Groom

"Cheesecake" by Louis Armstrong

"A Knife, a Fork, and a Spoon" from the movie Pot O' Gold

Enjoy,

Neah B

Films for Family and Friends: Pot O' Gold (1941)

(photo courtesy of Wikipedia.com)

Jimmy Haskel (James Stewart) is truly content living his life as the heir and owner of his father's small town music store. However, his bubble is soon burst when his Uncle Charlie (Charles Winneger) blows into his shop telling him that he's wasting his time in "this whistle stop". He also feels that because he and Jimmy are the last of the Haskel name, they should carry it on in his healthfood business, not music. Uncle Charlie offers Jimmy a pot o' gold if he were to "stop chasing rainbows" and work for him. If that isn't enough, he is then served papers to pay rent (that he doesn't have) and is forced to close up shop.

Charlie Haskel further complicates things because because of his distaste in music.The McCorkle Boarding Home (which is next door to Haskel Health Food factory) is home to a fledling swing band accused (by Uncle Charlie of course) of "disturbing the peace". He not only wants to get rid of them, but buy the McCorkle property to expand his factory. Little does he know, his nephew Jimmy is a resident of this loud but loving home, has joined forces with the band and has fallen in love with in-house singer Molly McCorkle (Paulette Goddard).

Pot O' Gold is one of the first musicals my Mom introduced me to when I was 7 years old. I still enjoy the music, but most of all I enjoy the love and commradade of the bandmates, the McCorkle family, and Jimmy and vice versa. Although they weren't a literal family they stuck together as such. Join the battle for love and music in Pot O' Gold. 

Roll Film,

Neah B

Films for Family and Friends: The Harvey Girls (1946)

This film follows Susan Bradley (Judy Garland) on her journey to Sandrock, Arizona. As a result of answering a matrimonial ad, she is on her way to be married to H.H. Hartsy. While traveling on the Acheson, Topeka, and the Santa Fe, she befriends The Harvey Girls; a group of waitresses helping Fred Harvey spread his restaurant chain called The Harvey House throughout the west. When Susan arrives in Sandrock, she and her husband-to-be both find that the marriage is not what they want and call things off. She is also informed that the love letters that brought her 2,000 miles from Ohio were not written by Mr.Hartsy but by a man named Ned Trent (John Hodiak).He tries to pay her back for her trouble, but Susan will not be pitied. Infuriated, she give Mr. Trent a piece of her mind and then proceeds to become a Harvey Girl herself! 

The town of Sandrock soon becomes enchanted with the beautiful, kindhearted waitresses, but not by all. The Sheriff, Ned Trent (owner of the Alhambra Saloon), and the tough saloon gals try to sabotage every good effort put forth by The Harvey Girls.However, gunshots, rattlesnakes, and bar fights can't break the bond, bravery, and strength of these pretty pioneers.

 You will love:

* The wonderful songs like The Acheson, Topeka and the Santa Fe, Its a Great Big World, and  the romantic Wait and See.

 *Gorgeous 18th century costumes by Helen Rose.

*The fun and comedic talents of Virginia O' Brien (Du Barry was a Lady), Marjorie Main (Ma Kettle), Ray Bolger(Scarecrow of the Wizard of Oz), and Chill Wills (Best Foot Forward)...and Cyd Charisse. You will also see how good Angela Lansbury is at her bad-girl persona!

This one of my favorites!

1) I LOVE JUDY...'nuff said.

2) Its a beautiful tribute to some of the most unsung pioneers to assist in Western civilization.

3) My maternal grandmother's family name is Harvey. So, before my grandmother and great- aunts were married, they too were Harvey Girls... in a different sense.

Enjoy,

Neah B

Carrot Souffle

I dedicate this dish to my Mother-in-law Belinda.I had never heard of Carrot Souffle until I first visited her and my Father- in -law in Virginia. This dish was part our first dinner together and has stuck with me ever since! This is one of my absolute favorite recipes to make; it's so simple and so delicious! If you were to close your eyes, you would swear you were eating sweet potatoes!

Enjoy,

Neah B

serves 4-6

carrots (1 lb. bag baby or regular.

With the baby carrots, you won' have to peel/cut them)

butter (2-3 tbs)

vanilla extract (1 tsp)

half & half or heavy whipping cream (1/4 cup)
nutmeg (1 tsp)

sugar (3/4 cup)

baking powder( 2 tsp)

powdered sugar ( just for sprinkling;

no more than 1/4 cup).

1) Preheat oven to 375 o and grease a small baking pan/casserole  or 9" pie dish

2) Place carrots in a medium -sized pot. Fill pot with enough water to cover the carrots and boil until tender (or until water runs out; about 20 minutes or so.)

3) When carrots are finished boiling, place carrots, butter, vanilla,and half & half(or creamer) into blender or food processor.(You can still use a potato masher if you'd like). Blend until there are hardly any lumps left and texture is smooth.

4) When carrot mixture is well-blended, mix in sugar,nutmeg, and baking powder. Pour mixture into greased casserole dish and put in the oven for 25 -30 minutes checking periodically.

 5) When souffle is finished, take  it out to cool (about 5-8 minutes). While it is cooling, sprinkle enough powdered sugar to cover the top. Enjoy your sweet treat.

Attitude of Gratitude

November is here and so is the Holiday Season!  I am so excited and ready! It's that time for food, fun, family and friends. Time for preparing for the "Big Feast" with festive favorites and gathering those near and dear.

This month on Virtuously Vintage Vixen....

* On Tuesday's Tasty Tips and Treats, I'll be sharing some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes that are sure to become yours too! ( Including Neah B originals, family staples, and new additions!)

*Thursday's Theories of Timeless Beauty will showcase Judy Garland as the Timeless Beauty of the month. I will also be reviewing  the vintage beauty book that started it all for me, Vintage Hairstyling :Retro Style with step by step techniques  

* Retro Reels will be centered around the theme of "Friends and Family". I'll be reviewing and reccomending films such as Meet Me in St. Louis, The Human Comedy, and Four Daughters.

I hope that y'all will take time to spend with loved ones. Be sure to tell the ones you can't be near that you love them and are thankful for them.Most of all, I hope that you have an attitude of gratitude. Despite the many challenges endured and circumstances that didn't turn out like you'd hoped, there is still so much to be thankful for.

COUNT YOURSELF BLESSED AND ENJOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Love,

Neah B

" Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances. for this is Gods will for you in Jesus Christ"

1 Thessalonians 5:16