Our FIRST Giveaway!! And it's Tablescape Thursday!!

Happy Tablescape Thursday!! 

We're really pleased to be joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. The perfect excuse to let us all play with our dishes! Susan, thanks so much for hosting! Just click the badge on our sidebar and come join us.

This is a very special day for our Bramasole blogging team. We are so excited to have reached 100 followers (and then some) that we decided it was time to have our very first giveaway! And since there are 2 of us, we're going to have a double! That's right- TWO giveaways. You'll hear all about the first one here tonight and we'll announce the second within a day or 2 (we're REALLY excited about part 2!)

First off, I have to apologize for picture quality tonight. Something is wonky with our camera and I wasn't able to take the time to play with it today. 

This is the cooktop in our kitchen. That wonderful utensil rack was made for me by my very talented husband from a picture I drew

Uggh- this picture is terrible-sorry!

Anyway, do you see those little white jars up there? I know- it's pretty hard

Here they are

Aren't they adorable? They were a score (great sale) from Anthropologie. I was so pleased when I walked out of the store with them. I was strolling back to my car when the lightbulb went off- "Pattie, these would make an awesome giveaway!" (I do talk to myself sometimes. I've discovered that I'm the only one that listens to me)

Back I ran and scooped up the last set. I think the poor guy at the register thought I was a little loony. I'm sure not too many people get so excited over spice jars- I was dialing Allie to tell her as I was paying!

We also decided to give away something that several of you have told me you now associate with me. I've done several posts on kitchen tools and gadgets and the one item that I've gotten the most emails on is my mezzaluna. Those of you who follow us know that I consider this one of my most valued tools- not the least reason of which is that I have so many memories of my Nonna with hers in hand.

Now this is going to be a shameless plug for a local business here in Chapel Hill. I went to no less than a half dozen stores looking for a mezzaluna- I should have known where to find it from the start. Kitchenworks here in town ALWAYS has what I need and with a knowledgeable and pleasant staff, it's fast become my go-to place for needed gadgets and baking needs.

 Here's what I got- made in ITALY!

and a mezzaluna is useless without a cutting board, so you'll be getting that too

The winner of our  First Giveaway- part 1 will get all of the following:

a bamboo cutting board, a mezzaluna, and 5 Anthropologie spice jars

and our everlasting gratitude to all of you who have welcomed us so warmly to the world of blogging- and stay tuned for Part 2!!

Here's what you have to do to enter:

1) Leave a comment on this post- 1 entry

2) Become a follower and let us know you did- 1 entry (you don't have to be a blogger to follow!)

3) Become a fan of Bramasole's Facebook page- 1 entry (let us know!)

4) Blog about this Giveaway on YOUR blog and link back to us- 1 entry (make sure you let us know)

5) If you Twitter and tweet about the Giveaway- 1 entry (please let us know- Allie tweets, I don't)

There you go- you can have up to 5 entries! This Giveaway will close on Thursday night, May 6th at 10 p.m. (eastern time- we're in NC)

Good Luck to all and stay tuned for part 2!

On to the table!

Originally, I was planning on an island-scape (as in kitchen island), but as usual, things changed a bit. Last night I got a call from a client I've been working with on window treatments. She asked if I might be interested in catering a Ladie's Luncheon celebrating a dear friend's birthday. She wanted something feminine and "Spring-y" . I invited her for a sit-down to go through some options. I decided to throw something together quickly to give her an idea of some options.

I chose to use the large kitchen table so we'd have room for notebooks :)

Cream of Asparagus Soup with Crab

I love these napkin holders- tiny whitewashed flower pots with the bottom cut out

Those roses are from a huge bush on the side of my house

Leek, Carrot, and Pea Risotto and mini Brioches

Mini cakes of risotto...

Mango Puree with a glazed strawberry and mint

Blueberry Green Tea Scones

(these ended up going home with my client!)

Everything was pink, white, and green

a mix of white ironstone

Light and creamy...

This recipe is a keeper- enjoy!

Blueberry Green Tea Scones

about 1 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided

3 Tablespoons blueberry green tea leaves ( I found these at Whole Foods)

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar, divided

2 tsp. baking powder

pinch of salt

1/3 cup cold unsalted butter cut in cubes

1 large egg

1/2 cup blueberries

1/4 cup sliced almonds

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

Bring 1 cup heavy cream to a very low boil in a small suace pan. Add tea leaves and steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a small bowl and add enough cream to make 1 cup again.Refrigerate about an hour till cold. 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

In a large bowl, sift  together flour, 6 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter ( I use a pastry blender) until mixture resembles carse crumbs. Whisk egg into cream/tea mixture and add to flour mixture. Stir till combine and then give a quick, light knead till dough holds together. On a lightly floured surface, pat out to 1/2 inch (don't make these too thin). Cut out with a 2 inch cutter (a flower is nice) and place on parchment lined cookie sheets. Brush tops with cream, decorate with almond slices and put 1-3 blueberries in the center. Sprionkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake about 12-14 minutes till golden. Remove to racks and brush with melted butter when cooled

Remember to come back for part 2 of our Giveaway. And thank you so  much for visiting with us! Join us tomorrow for Foodie Friday at Gollum's

As Always,

Buon Alimenti, Buon Amici,

Pattie and Allie