Scones, anyone?

Just a typical Friday morning over here...just kidding.  Although my title is Domestic Diva, contrary to popular belief, I do not actually whip up baked goods everyday.  Just when someone asks me for a cake or when the spirit inexplicably moves me.  Or when I buy 2 pounds of organic blueberries.  Lest these beauties lose their freshness, I needed to get baking.  These are the easiest and best, most perfect scones ever.  They achieve the sublime balance of slight crispness on the exterior with incredibly light, fluffy interiors not often found in most scones.  And, of course, they cost next to nothing to make.  I pity those who must procure their day-old scones from Starbucks to the tune of $3 or more a piece. The recipe is below.

The platter is also gorgeous, no?  I have been really digging Mid-Century Modern pieces as of late.  This serving platter is melamine circa 1950s.  The shape of the plate really speaks to its era. The nifty silver handle and Tiffany Blue color adds richness and sophistication to, yes, what amounts to a plastic plate.  It was $2.  The engraved silverplate dessert server is a most elegant delivery system for freshly baked goodies. It was also $2. Since I don't own many serving pieces, I think I will get a lot of use out of these.

Here's the scone recipe.  It's from the bofo Phoenician Resort in Phoenix, Arizona where they hold a lovely afternoon tea for about $50 per person.  With this recipe you can make your own tea and scones for a mere fraction of that cost and have plenty to share!

Scones
3 eggs
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cream (or 1%, 2% or whole milk)
3-1/4 cups unbleached white flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup room temperature butter
1 cup garnish of choice (blueberries, cranberries, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix eggs and cream or milk (the milk is my change to the recipe, because we don't often have cream in the house. The milk works just as well).  Set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and sugar. Cut in the butter (I just use 2 butter knives in a criss-cross fashion) until evenly incorporated.  Slowly add the egg and cream/milk mixture until the dough reaches cornmeal consistency.  If you're adding garnish, add it gradually as you mix in the wet ingredients.  Be especially careful if you are mixing in fresh fruit so as not to crush your fruit.  When it is mostly mixed (don't over-mix or your scones will be less fluffy), dump it out onto the counter or a large cutting board. Knead the dough a bit (watch your fruit!) and then flatten with your hand to about 1/2 inch thick.  Using a water glass (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out as many scones as the dough will allow, shaping any remnants with your hands. Place the scones on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 10-15 until lightly browned on the tops.  Serve with butter, curd, clotted cream or marmelade.  Makes 12-15 (depending upon size). Enjoy!

Ooooo-la-la Le Creuset!

I was just looking for some fondue forks.  Just the forks.  Not the whole fondue set.  But when I stumbled upon this beautiful, never been used Le Creuset Fondue Set...well, of course I had to snag it. And since it's been so unbearably hot, we had just been talking about having a fondue night (to avoid turning on the oven)! Voila! This is the epitome of French cookware, weighs a ton and will last for ages.  I can't believe I own a piece of this heirloom quality cookware for the unbelieveably low price of $4. (Yes, that's not a typo.)  If you want one too, you can get one here http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-fondue-pot/ for just $166 more...Vive la France!

When Life Gives You Lemons ~ Make an Outfit!

So, this cheery little outfit came together nicely.  The summer weight green cotton top is by Banana Republic. The sweetheart neckline and subtle bow detail are just girly enough. The adorable lemon print skirt by Talbot's really channels 50's housewife.  The shoes remind me of the dance shoes actresses in a Broadway show would wear. The flower detail on the strap is adorable! They are exquisitely comfortable and are by Sofft Shoes.  To me this outfit says "garden party", "afternoon tea" or "backyard wedding." I've had the black Monsac handbag for quite some time and don't recall what I paid (but rest assured, I got a great deal on it!). 

The grand total for the outfit (not including the handbag)...$9! (top=$3.50, skirt=$2.50, shoes=$3.00)

Now that's SWEET!

Modern Love

Purple is my favorite color. So fresh, so funky.  This mod vase in thumbprint glass is a beautiful irridescent plum-purple and compliments our steel grey and black furniture. The vase was $2 at a local shop. The flowers are fresh green mums picked up today gratis at a local grocer. I love the way the purple really makes the green flowers "pop" and gives the display a retro vibe. Thrifty tip: Flower shops or floral departments at the grocers frequently have free flowers available just for the asking. These are often single stems that either broke and are too short to sell or are nearing the end of their acceptable shelf life.  Perhaps they'll only last a day or two, but that's no problem considering the price.

Welcome to Tales of a Thriftoholic!

Welcome!  This is just a little place for me to revel in the fantastically frugal finds I pick up along the way -- in thrift shops, at yard and estate sales, wherever my travels take me. I'll also periodically share my thrifty ideas and yummy recipes.  I love to shop locally and recycle. And I love the giddiness that comes with discovering an amazing find for next to nothing...