Would you like to come in for a little story or two? Some treats and perhaps even a super secret recipe. I will share my recipe with you if you promise never to share it with another soul??? (Thrift store find doll, Catherine The Great)
Okay then. Come take a seat in my chair that has become known as "the treasure chair." Any treasure I bring home sits in the chair before becoming a part of my strange little family.
So, you get to cozy up now too. Now, when you wake up, emerging from your private boudoir quite early in the morning… And you find that the Mr. Lovee in your house has brought home wonderful goodies, without being asked to, without you having to give him a list even, you might feel compelled to be extra nice…(see those curtains and yellow walls? Well, they were like that before I came along. And, yes, he did choose it all himself. Giggly cute, right?)
You will want to be especially nice, when the man brings home extra good stuff. Where on earth did they grow him, and can I get an extra one just in case? This is too wonderful…(Just don’t tell him I said that, I mean the man was a peacock in his past life, so no need to fluff the feathers anymore…) He makes it so easy for me to never want to go to my own home. Makes me a private boudoir, a studio, a little space to call my gallery. Trust me I am thankful. But sometimes, you just miss home. Your big luxurious shower, your stuff. It’s just that with such goodness here, it’s no shock that I stopped going home regularly a very long time ago. (A tiny snippet of home below)
Anyhow, back to the reason you are here… It got kind of chilly today. Can you believe it, heat since May. And really today was the first true break in the heat. I am actually wearing a cardigan. So, with the good behavior as mentioned above and the nice weather… I started the fall/winter regime of regular fruit crisps. Today it was a berry crisp… (sorry we nibbled in the right side before the photo)
There is really no measuring in my recipe. I created it myself over two years of trial and error. But, there might be some cookbook out there that makes it like this, who knows…
The first tip I have is, the filling can be anything you want it to be. Apples, Peaches, Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries. And you can add cinnamon to any fruit mixtures that might taste good with it, Apples, etc…
Here we go. We had some left over strawberries, so I sliced them. There were about 20 small strawberries or so. The way I measure it, is I only use enough fruit to fill the bottom of a pie plate. If you are using apples, peel them, core them, and slice them rather thin. I also like using peaches in heavy syrup(drain before using). You can use a glass or metal pie plate. Your choice.
You will need two bowls. One for the fruit and one to make your topping mixture in. Put your sliced fruit (use the whole berry if using blueberry or raspberry) in a bowl and sprinkle about a tablespoon or large spoonful of granulated sugar over the fruit. Then put it aside while you make your topping. (Preheat your over to 350′ F)
The only other ingredients you will need are brown sugar, a pinch of salt, 1.25 sticks of real butter (salted) & oatmeal.
In another bowl you will make your topping. Now, this is easy, for every two handfuls of oatmeal you use, you will use one handful of brown sugar & half a stick of butter.
For one pie plate you will use, Four handfuls of oatmeal and 2 handfuls of brown sugar. Add a pinch of salt to the brown sugar and oatmeal, and mix it all up with your hands.
Slice a stick of COLD butter. Now, if you want it to be really buttery & carmelized, you can use 1.25 sticks of butter (feel free to only use 1 stick if you choose). Cut it up into little squares and dump it in your bowl.
The next step is to mash the butter into your mixture really well. Mix it in until the mixture is like a lumpy dough and there are no dry bits of oatmeal or sugar lingering in the bowl.
Now, butter your pie plate really well and throw in the strawberries.
Next put the topping on top of the fruit without squashing it into the fruit too much. Layering it evenly.
Now, its time to put your crisp into the oven for about 35 minutes. Make sure to put a piece of foil or another pan in the bottom rack of your oven, so that any fruit that might boil over won’t fall into the bottom of your oven.
Let cool for 10 minutes or so & enjoy! (Mr. Lovee ate the whole thing almost!)
So now that you have some treats to nibble, come sit down and I shall read to you from my book. This book was a major find. The reason? There is a story in this book that my Mammie and I have been searching for, forever. My Grandmother has been telling us a story about 6 swans since my mom was little. It is engrained into my childhood memories. Guess what? The story is in this book I found for one dollar. My mom and I were screaming about it! How exciting right? My mom took my grandmothers giant silver lined fairytale book in a velvet box, to school, when she was in 5th grade, and someone stole it out of her desk. That is how long the search for this story was on….
I am also sitting reading this with my magical necklace from MaryContrary, in my lap. I love it! I have worn it twice now… Her blog is pretty darn fun, she works at Etsy in NYC, and she is just a doll!!
Sadly, I have to go now… But I will be back soon. Did you have fun??
Back to my studio, to work…
Oh my!! What a treat to sample such yummy treasures for the tummy and soul! A feast, it was! I always enjoy visiting you and you are SUCH a wonderful hostess! Thank you for such a nice time! : )
VB
fun? ALWAYS! i love the bibidi-bobbidi-boo! cinderelly music! i gained a pound reading about your yummy goody! so, does mr. lovee have a brother? for my sister! really! ;]
Thank-you for the recipe, I think I’ll try it. It’s a bit like Mum’s Apple Crumble, but she uses flour & dessicated coconut, rather than rolled oats (oops, oatmeal).
I think I just need to copy and paste my last comment I left!!! What did ! say!? “You are surrounded by fairy tales…and fruit!” Life imitating art-blogs!I “heart” Mr. Lovee
D.
Oh man that looks soooo good, I could almost taste it from here! Thanks so much for your kind words…the necklace looks like it has met all of it’s life’s goals now that it has come to live with you!
Mary
Oh! finding that book was almost as good as berry crumble on a fall day. Lucky you. Send the chair to me so we can share it. I’d ask for Mr. Lovee too but my hubby would not be pleased. Maybe Mr. Lovee could write a blog for men to read about doing sweet things like buying nice treats and leaving pears at the bed side. You Lucky girl!
um, yum.
I’m back- I posted before I was done. That is so cool about finding that story. You must have been crazy excited about it. I love when that kind of stuff happens. MORE than coincidence I always think, you know? Little fairies making their way into your life once again!
D.
Hi Vanessa! I loved this post! Your recipe looks so great, I really want to make that with all kind of red fruits. Is it possible to mix fruit? Like forestfruits in this recipe?
The story about the book is just so great. The story how you have been looking for it sounds almost like a fairytale itself right? That story really makes me happy!
Over here in the Netherlands it’s freeeeezing! Well it’s the temperature has not dropped below the freeing-point but still it’s very cold! But the sun is shining over here aswell! I don’t mind though, I love all the seasons and now I’m really looking forward to the holidays!
How nice of Mr Lovee to bring back such nice things for you. I love your house, it looks so magical!
Have a really nice sunday Vanessa! Hope you are feeling better! xxxxxx Les
I’ve missed visiting your treasure chair. Good to be here again 🙂
Wonderful recipe…I love to cook so I will try this one for sure. Mr. Lovee sounds like a true renaissance man…a rare find indeed.
How did I miss two entries? Your Mr. Lovee sounds like a dream, love the Cath Kidson style home decor. Congrats on finding the long lost childhood story, what a beautiful book and necklace. Thank you for sharing such a delicious looking recipe…now I have to learn to cook 🙂
There seems to be some magic afoot….did you find the book AFTER getting the chair? Because the minute I saw that chair(when you first posted it) I thought it looked enchanted. Perhaps calling it your treasure chair means more than just a place to put them for a moment. Perhaps it is a treasure chair because it BRINGS treasure. Since you bought it have you sat in it and thought about the Six Swans story? Did sit in it and think lovely thoughts about Mr.Lovee(another treasure)? Did you sit in it and hope for a cool day? It may work on subconscious thoughts. OH what a chair you found!
I hope you sat in it while nibbling that delicious crisp and reading the story. I can feel the joy you and your Mom must be feeling to have it.
May the magic continue….
Love,
Lisa
XOXOXOXOXO
I really enjoy your posts!!
Your Mr. Lovee sounds like a dream 😉
I think it’s awesome you found that book with the six swans story!!!
And the strawberry crisp mmmmmmmm!!!
we have a family story search also…for snow white and rose red…my daughter found one a few years ago…so i know the thrill…love the new doll…and everything should sit in the chair before finsing it’s new home…the strawberry crips look lucious…and thanks for the link to mary…love the fock bracelets…i am off to find forks now…blessings, rebecca
I hope you had fun shopping with your mom! And it makes me happy you use Quaker Oats, because they are made in my home town. A little bit of Iowa, sitting on your counter! *hug squeeze love*
Books books books…food, someone to bring home such lovely things (and decorate with) and a comfy chair…what more could one ask for?
Yum!! You live a most delicious life Ms. Fanciful! Tell Lovee too!!
Will go to check out MaryContrary now. Her necklace is parfait!
Bet the Heart of the Nest will appreciate it too!
Mr. Lovee is a lucky chap! Such delicious goodies you exchange – and you with your recipe. I shall be making that this week. How extraordinary that you found that story! I thought about you today amidst the ultimate hats at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. You would have loved them – I’ll post photos tomorrow. And Omar Sharif was there! xoxox
That strawberry crisp looks so yummy! I’m gonna try and make it tomorrow! 🙂 And all your thrift store finds are amazing! How on earth do you find these things!?
I loved your LOVE – your cardigan –
🙂 i love cardigans – i collect them-
(i imagine it might be fuchsia)
and your gorgeous photos:)
hmmmmmm – how do you spell “fuchsia?”
have a lovely day eating those goodies:) with
Mr. feathery – sweet – man:)
Yum! Warm Stawberries! Sounds sooooo good! Love it all as usual. My heart just breaks for your poor little mom! I picture this sad little 5th grader and I want to beat up whoever took it, they are probabaly in prison though.I mean if you start your life of crime in fifth grade it just can’t end well right? So happy that you found a new one, finally!
OHH Yummm! I sometimes wish I cooked and Baked more….. but that leads to dishes! I hate doing dishes! The Doll is Lovely! My Grandma had a book that she read to us from. Not as fancy, but I can remember just listening to here, and wanting to stay away for the whole story, but never making it. Have fun at the studio. see you soon~
Love Erin~
yum
SUzie Sews
Fun, indeed!!! What a lark! What a drop of heaven! And crisp, too!!? Oh it’s too much!! 🙂 Lovees are lovely, are they not!? Your’s sounds wonderful……I know mine is! : )
Happy Baking and Painting ( yes…..and in caps,too!!) 🙂
Oooo…thank you so much for sharing your recipe. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. My own Mr. Lovee is a rare treasure as well. How did we get so lucky?
xo
ohmyohmyohmy…
i always love coming to your house
🙂
and now *expect*
to always sit in that yummy throne
of a princess chair!
hope you do not mind…
Lovely post,lovely Lovee !! I have been craving one of those lock and key necklaces! I just have to decide on which one,ah well,another fab jeweler to check out!
Dear V,
I’ve been out of town for a couple of weeks and obviously missed out on a lot of great stuff around here. Is that large heart painting one of yours…. GOORGEOUS!!! I have never heard the story of the six swans before.. intrigueing.. I love October! I hope you are having a really fun month! (It looks like you are!)
Love, Tif
Oh what fun you are and a recipe too! I am definitely going to try this one. It looks so tasty.
um yum! i know you are baking more, again! I know so i am not getting up from your red throne.
um yum! i know you are baking more, again! I know !!so i am not getting up from your red throne!
Contessa Vanessa Queen of All Fruit Crisps;
It just so happens that it is Canadian Thanksgiving today, so Olivia and I made an apple crisp. Using apples we plucked from the tree ourselves.
I ate so fast just so I could scarf down a big bowl of that stuff, and man was it good!
I have NEVER thought to use strawberries. At this rate, I will have to try all the fruits and be right sick of it in a week or so. Until then, I have an endless supply of brown sugar and cinnamon.
You are a heck of an inspiration!~
xo
Blue
You have such a delightful way about you! Mr Lovee knows how to treat a princess because he is a prince.
mmm so many wonderful things so comment on from your last couple of posts I don’t even know where to start!! I am so glad you managed to weed out a couple of things – I hope you feel better about it all and cramming all your busy’ness into your life. And that recipe – just gorgeous. we get so many apples and plums with our fruit and veg delivery I have been making this ‘crumble’ as we call it once a week. I also add a handful of ground almonds into the topping misture and sometimes some crushed brazil nuts for extra crunch – serve warm with a spoonful of creme fraiche and we are good to go!!! Come over sometime for a bowl or two and a chat and some tea!!!
sorry I have been a bad blog friend lately….been very sick. Hope you are well…the pie looks yummy, though I am deathly allergic to those strawberries…it was still tempting.
I had fun in the Fanciful Cafe!!!! I love the table and chairs and the lamp and the floor. I make Cherry Crisps…complete with the pits…it is kind of a surprise to find one 🙂 But I don’t pay for dentists visits 🙂
oh yes! great fun!! and a lovely snack. Thank you!
Mr. Lovey sounds like perhaps he spoils you nearly as much as my darling hubby spoils me =) Blessings… Polly (I haven’t sent the doll yet. I’ll try to get to that later today)
Thanks for the great recipe, i love that your crisp has all those fruits!! That maple leaf syrup jar caught my eye! I love those!!! I buy mine by the jug actually, cos i’m a maple syrup junkie. I just made pumpkin pecan pancakes this past weekend and i have a river of syrup surronding the pancakes that i lap up afterwards (yes, i’m a plate-licker when noone is looking!!).
I love the name of the butter ‘Challenge’! ha! I wish we could get Mortons Salt here in Canada, i just love the label!!
Lovely blog,nice to meet you:)
OH MY! How on earth did I miss two posts…are you a blogging madwoman? How are you blogging AND making all of these delicious tasties? I made Pot Roast (yes! i know!) tonight and that is about all I can handle. I’d love some treats but no can do. I still have dirty dishes from the roast.
Mr. Lovee is just a doll. Oh, no wonder you like him!
Happy night!
xo,
Melissa
Oh dear one, I so enjoyed visiting you, sitting in your plump and magical armchair and learning this new perfectly autumnal recipe from you. And I just love how you found that book you had been looking for!!!! Thanks for the magic.
Another yummy treat!! I’ll have to try this one next!!
That was a great story about the 6 swans book being “found” again!
id love to hang out with you and Mr Lovee…he seems like a real foodie and the berry crisp looks delicious! we call them crumbles over here…perfect winter dessert…dont forget the dollop of thick cream! Yummy!
how FAB u found your book that brings back so many childhood memories…mine would be Ramona series by beverly cleary…loved those books as a kid and still do!!