October 12th was my 13th wedding anniversary. I remember so well picking out my wedding china. My wonderful groom went with me and we picked it out together. We wanted something that was classic and would stand the test of time. We decided on Lenox Citation Gold. The crystal we chose accented it beautifully (in my opinion) and we also chose an Onieda pattern as well. I set the table on the porch with the wedding china. I didn’t have red as one of my colors, but I thought this accented the china beautifully.

Lenox China

I loved the cup of the coffee cup saucer

The crystal

The crystal candlesticks are in the same pattern as the crystal stemware

A glass frame with a picture from our wedding reception

I was singing along with the big band and my wonderful friend Denise White who was singing "You Made Me Love You"

Here is a closeup of the Oneida flatware

Wonderful memories of a wonderful time

Join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for some lovely tablescapes.

Today’s Lagniappe: Emeril’s Homemade Worcestershire Sauce
We made this for our wonderful chef at the Crescent Hotel to serve with the beef tenderloin, which was one of the choices at our rehearsal dinner. It was delicious! The other choice was Trout Meuniere.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups coarsely chopped onions
• 4 jalapenos, with stems and seeds, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
• 4 (2-ounce) cans anchovy fillets (or an 8-ounce can), drained of oil
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 whole, medium lemons, skin and pith removed
• 4 cups dark corn syrup
• 2 cups 100 percent Pure Cane Syrup (recommended: Steen’s)
• 2 quarts distilled white vinegar
• 4 cups water
• 3/4 pound fresh horseradish, peeled and grated
• 3 pint-sized canning jars

Combine the oil, onions and jalapenos in a large stockpot over a high heat. Cook, stirring, until slightly soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic, pepper, anchovy fillets, cloves, salt, lemons, corn syrup, cane syrup, vinegar, water and horseradish and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture barely coats a wooden spoon, about 6 hours. Strain into a clean container.

Worcestershire Sauce may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, or processed as directed below and kept for up to 1 year.

Sterilize 3 pint-sized jars and their metal lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Spoon the hot mixture into the jars, filling to within 1/2-inch of the rim. With a clean, damp towel, wipe the rims and fit with a hot lid. Tightly screw on the metal ring. Place, without touching, on a rack in a large, deep canning kettle or stockpot of rapidly boiling water; water should cover the cans by 1 inch. Boil and process for 15 minutes. Using tongs, remove the jars, place on a towel and let cool completely before storing. Test the seals and tighten the rings as needed. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before using. After opening, store jars in the refrigerator.

Yield: 3 pints

with Between Naps on the Porch

vignette friday

Wow, I had big plans this week, but it is still SO HOT!!!! Heat index of 110 today! So, no cooking again tonight. We have actually done some grilling this past week, but absolutely no turning on the oven.

Remember last week’s takeout? Well, after working all day, I’m thinking of doing a repeat with different takeout. Tonight we are going really easy with pizza in the living room, on the coffee table with, horror or horrors, paper plates. I rarely ever use paper plates but they really actually have some pretty nice ones these days.

Red plates with red and white napkins.

The roses were on sale at the grocery store for $4.99. They aren’t opening up real well, but hey, they were only $4.99 and I think they add a nice touch to the table.

The placemats are too big to fit horizontally, so, I just turned them the other way.

This looks pretty good for pizza! No need for flatware either. How easy is that?

One for you . . .

one for me.

A closer look at the roses. They are pretty nice!

Staying in . . .

and staying cool!

That is what we are doing around our home. What are you doing to stay cool?

Today’s Lagniappe: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
This one is from Mama. She says it is delicious and very easy. It is supposed to feed 4. She said if you are really hungry, it won’t go that far!

* 8  ounces  Dried Fettuccine
* 2  tablespoons  Butter
* 1  cups Whipping Cream
* 1/2  teaspoons  Salt
* 1/8  teaspoons  Black Pepper
* 1/2  cups  Parmesan Cheese
* 12  ounces  Shrimp, cooked
* 1  teaspoons  Dried Basil

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan melt butter. Add cream, salt, pepper, shrimp, and basil. Bring to boiling: reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes or until sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in the 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Drain pasta. Add pasta to hot sauce. Toss to combine. Transfer to warm serving dish. Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese.