Linderhof


Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas


Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Company for Lunch


We love having company for lunch -- so we can get out special dishes and glassware, to cover the table with a cloth and use the linen (rather than the cotton) napkins.

I met Francie on a food board and we connected because we both grew up in the City. She north of the river and I in the south but we shared a lot of the same memories -- of shopping and lunching downtown, the Plaza and some favorite restaurants.

We've met before and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company and so when Francie informed me that her Texas friend, Sally, would be visiting, I, of course, issued an invitation to come to Linderhof for lunch!


What fun it is to set the table for company. A fine cloth (this one is Quaker lace), the linen napkins (Irish linen preferred). These were bought a week or so ago in Minnesota -- blue and white and never used -- until now.
Blue and white, of course, and beside the Spode plates my new Spode soup bowls. So I could use them soup had to be part of the lunch! And a menu at each place -- a Linderhof tradition!
My hydrangeas are blooming away and they look so pretty in this lovely blue vase which was a gift from another member of that same food board. It is as if she were at the party as well!
I always love the expectant look of the table and the quietness of the house just before the guests arrive -- the hustle and bustle that sometimes is the preparation is done -- we're just waiting for the company to come.

It was a summer ladies luncheon -- fresh spring pea soup, a chicken and pasta salad with vinaigrette and an herbed roll . . . and dessert . . . .
Strawberry pie. Kansas City Tea Room Strawberry Pie. I've had the recipe for eons and eons and I make it usually every spring when the berries are at their best. It's simple and delicious and tastes so like strawberries!

Francie and I shared remembrances of this pie and which tea room or lunch room served it (we think they ALL did!) It was pricey for pie at the time and served only in May and June. Then it was gone until the following year.

It is a simple pie to make although it does take a bit of standing and stirring to get the glaze to thicken.

KANSAS CITY TEA ROOM STRAWBERRY GLACE PIE

6 cups strawberries
1 cup sugar
3 T. cornstarch
1/2 cup water
red food coloring
baked pie shell
Whipped cream

Cut up 1 cup of strawberries. Take the green stems off the rest of the strawberries.

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, water and mix until smooth. Add the cup of cut up strawberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. Cool. Pour sauce mixture over strawberries and pour berries into baked pie shell. When ready to serve top with whipped cream. (whipped with sugar and with a splash of vanilla). Top with a reserved berry for garnish.

It's Thursday which means that Susan at Between Naps on the Porch is hosting Tablescape Thursday -- please join her and see what everyone has on their table this week!

26 comments:

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

I love seeing your table settings. You have such beautiful pieces and really set an amazing table. I didn't realized until this post that you print the menu as well. That is splendid!

9405018--Pat said...

What a wonderful pie....Love it... may I ask where did you go to high school???? Mo or Ks side..Pat H

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh your table is just stunning. YOur linens are exquisite and the menu sounds sooooooo good. I love the strawberry pie recipe. Thank you, I will definitely make this one. Such a fabulous setting for a wonderful lunch with friends. Hugs, Marty

Martha said...

Pat -- I'm a Missouri girl now living in Kansas -- but my Kansas roots do go deep (as do my Missouri ones, actually!)

Allie and Pattie said...

Martha, so very pretty as always. Funny- I, too, always love walking the house right before company arrives. It's a special time
xoxo Pattie

Suz said...

Oh Martha...a dream to gaze upon
I had a friend like you long ago...she knocked herself out setting a table...and the dishes she had! She liked me because i oogled over them...excuse my drool
You are a delight

Donna (Timeless Settings) said...

What a beautiful table, and the pie-yum!

Donna (Timeless Settings)

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh this is all lovely and elegant as always. Love your new bowls and those pretty napkins.

Pondside said...

I had strawberry pie for dessert today at a restaurant - it had a custard layer between berries and pastry crust and was yummy!
Your table is beautiful.

The Charm of Home said...

How pretty! The pie looks very tasty.
Sherry

Sherrie said...

Beautifully done! Thank you for sharing your recipe. Sounds so yummy!

Atticmag said...

You set a lovely table. I'd be thrilled to come for lunch at any time. And that pie, how wonderful it also looks. Jane F.

Barbara said...

That tablecloth is such a treasure. Thank you so much for the pie recipe. I think I will try that for Father's Day.

Marlis said...

That tablecloth is incredible. As your your table setting. Thanks for the recipe!

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Martha, I love your table. What a precious table lace you have. It looks gorgeous with the dark brown table. Your table is so elegant and I always like to have a printed menue. I keep them as a charming souvenir for a nice evening. I would have loved to be your visitor. Thank you for your visit on my blog and your sweet comment. It made me happy.
Greetings, Johanna

Marigene said...

Lovely as always, Martha.

Cynthia said...

Your table is absolutely lovely. Everything goes together so well. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!

Chandy said...

Lovely, lovely table! Glad I stopped by to see it!

Amy said...

Oh...I love setting a lovely table and entertaining but I just don't do it enough. You're right...there is a special feeling you get prior to when your guests arrive.

Southerncook said...

Martha, your table as always is so very elegant. I am lusting for that tablecloth. Oh dear, did I just write that but it is absolutely gorgeous and I like your new napkins too. The oakleaf hydrangeas look beautiful in your blue piece and yes, I did feel like I was there. {{HUGS}}

Carolyn

Kathleen said...

How beautiful the table looks, Martha! I covet your tablecloth, it is gorgeous!
Dessert looks so good!

asunny said...

Very pretty table. I'm in love with the napkins and the pale hydrangeas look perfect in the blue vase. Menu sounds delish too!

Beth said...

Beautiful table, Martha and I love how you print up a menu - very elegant and impressive! The pie looks great; thank you for sharing the recipe.
Blessings, Beth

JEANNE said...

Hi Martha, thank you for your visit yesterday. Your table sooks beautiful. I have a lace table cloth that looks so much like yours. Very old. I too love company and a reason to set a beautiful table. It is also a motivator for cleaning. HA!

Have a wonderful day.
Hugs, Jeanne

Bill said...

Hi Martha,

Your table has that wonderful quality of being elegant, but welcoming. Your tablecloth and napkins say "family heirloom," and the overall feeling seems to me to be very Old World. Lovely ... as always!

Bill

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Oh, what a fun lunch for you and Fancie! Gorgeous table and fantastic dessert...