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, January 19, 2011

Luncheon on a Winter Day

The Lunch Bunch came Tuesday to Linderhof for lunch. Since it was a winter lunch and the paperwhites were blooming, I decided to do a Winter White lunch. Alas, no blue and white for the January lunch!


Well, perhaps just a bit -- for the paperwhites are in a blue and white bowl!!!! But one of my mother's lace tablecloths sets the White tone for the luncheon.

White Irish linen napkins in silver napkin rings and husband Jim's grandmother's silver.
And my grandmother's white plates (white and gold -- Marcasite by Noritake). The menu at each place -- a Linderhof tradition!

And the menu?

Salad of Mixed Baby Greens, cherry tomatoes and Linderhof Vinaigrette

Apricot Curry Chicken Breasts
White and wild rice

Meyer Lemon Tartlets
Freshly Brewed Coffee

As of Monday, I had decided on the menu and it did not include chicken -- but then I found this wonderful recipe in a cookbook (one, actually, that I was about to donate to the Library booksale -- it has since been rescued) and my entree changed completely!!!

It's an easy dish to do and you can do it with breasts or like the original recipe with whole chicken. It's also portion friendly and is an easy thing to do for one or two people without having to have a lot of leftovers!

APRICOT CURRY CHICKEN

Chicken breasts or a whole chicken, cut up
1 cup orange marmalade
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350. Mix orange marmalade, curry and water. Grease a casserole dish. Lay in chicken and pour marmalade mixture over chicken. Baked, uncovered. The recipe for a whole chicken, cut up was 45 minutes. I baked the breasts for 30 and they were perfect.

Serve with rice (we like white and wild mix).

It's Thursday, so please join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

14 comments:

On Crooked Creek said...

Dear Martha,
M~m~m~ this is a feast for the eyes! Sounds divine! I adore your linens, silver and china. What precious memories they hold for you and Jim. Thank you for sharing this lovely tablescape with us!
Fondly,
Pat

Ott, A. said...

How fun! I love the paperwhites, the dishes and the menu. Great touches for what I'm sure was a great lunch.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This is not only pretty, but the food looks delicious. I love your china and all the special heirloom touches. I have to smile because I have the same Mottahedeh bowl for paperwhites, but you actually grew some. I was bad and didn't.

Happy Tablescape Thursday,

Sheila

Marlis said...

Those dishes are stunning. How lovely that you can treasure them. Your linens are amazing. Love the menu touch too. I always enjoy visiting.

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Don't you just love having family china and silver...think of the gatherings they have seen!

The Tablescaper said...

Such gorgeous plates.As much as I love blue and white, it is nice to have a change.

- The Tablescaper

Alycia Nichols said...

Your grandmother's plates are just gorgeous!!! She had VERY good taste indeed!! I hope you are staying warm and cozy where you are! Have a great weekend!

Karena said...

Martha what a beautiful tablescape! I am sure your luncheon was delish! I will try out your chichen recipe.

Come and join in my Gorgeous Giveaway from Blydesign!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a lucky lunch bunch! This is beautiful -- I can't wait until my paperwhites are in bloom.

Tricia said...

I love to see you using the grandmothers' beautiful treasures! They set such a gorgeous table. I know your Lunch Bunch felt very special while enjoying your delicious food!

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a lovely table and delicious menu. I'm sure your guests felt special and had a marvelous time. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Brenda Pruitt said...

You set quite a lovely table! I keep forgetting to do paperwhites inside!
Brenda

Linda Q said...

Hi Martha,
Love to see what wonderful food and atmosphere you have created!
How are you doing in Winter there? I hope good!
Linda

Entertaining Women said...

Aren't family treasures always the very best! I'm looking forward to trying the Apricot Curry Chicken. Thank you for sharing your recipe. Cherry Kay