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.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

First Lunch of 2016


Amidst a forecast of freezing rain,
the Lunch Bunchers braved the forecast 
and came to Linderhof for lunch.

We had not seen each other since before Christmas,
so we had a lot of Christmas to catch up on
Many tales of grandchildren!

As always, lunch in the dining room


One extra because I invited Husband Jim to join us
The lace cloth covered the table.
I adore that tablecloth,
bought for little of nothing at an Estate Sale
because of old  red wine stains.
Our Ace Hardware sells a product that removes red wine stains
And for $8.00 I have an extra long and extra lovely vintage lace tablecloth!


Tulips were at the grocers today
And a pretty bouquet makes for a lovely centerpiece!


My grandmother's Noritake china,
Jim's grandmother's cutlery
And our workhorse glasses that we bought years and years ago.
(And we still have all 24 that we bought!)


A table set for a ladies luncheon
And a fire in the living room fireplace!


On the sideboard awaits dessert!

The luncheon:


A salad of mixed greens, blueberries, candied pecans, feta cheese with a poppy seed salad dressing


A luncheon dish of curried orange chicken and rice.    


Dessert was Francie's rum cake and coffee

We visited, we got caught up, we ate, we laughed . . . 

And while we were lunching, the forecast came true
Precipitation fell and froze on the sidewalks and street

It was slick getting out to the car
(and we're thankful they parked in the drive -- much less footage to slip and slide!)

The first luncheon of 2016 was a big success.

We're looking forward to February!

CURRIED ORANGE CHICKEN

3 whole chicken breasts on the bone, split
2 T. butter, cut into two pieces
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 c. orange juice
1/2 c. dark raisins
1/2 c. chopped almonds
1/2 t. curry powder
1/4 t. dried thyme, crumbled
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preheat oven to 425.

Arrange chicken breasts in a greased shallow baking dish, dot with the butter, season with salt and pepper and bake 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the orange juice, raisins, almonds, curry powder and thyme in a saucepan, bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes.

Pour the orange juice mixture evenly over the chicken, reduce the heat to 325 and bake till tender and nicely glazed, about 20 minutes.

NOTE:    The sauce was wonderful!    I would double it the orange juice, curry powder and thyme the next time I make it leaving the raisins and almonds in the same amount.

I also used boneless skinless breasts so they were not as browned as a chicken with skin would be!

8 comments:

Bernideen said...

What a lovely meal Martha. The sideboard, table with tulips and food all look delicious!

Francie Newcomb said...

Martha, you are the best!

Pat said...

Martha,
Gorgeous china, stemware and flatware, dear friend!!!
Love you lace tablecloth!!!
The menu appeared divinely delicious!!!
Wonderful time spent with friends in January, indeed!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Pondside said...

One should never, ever read your Lunch Bunch posts on an empty stomach!! It all sounds delicious!

Cindy Lou said...

Looks delightful! Beautiful table!

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

How beautiful your table looks! It all feels especially warm and springlike for this time of year! And what a good find with the tablecloth. But for me, the tulips are the star!(Well, at least I had one sentence without an exclamation point.)

Entertaining Women said...

The family Noritake pattern is gorgeous. I'm sure that you're guests felt very special sitting at your table. I've copied you Curried Orange Chicken recipe, and I'm going to use it for an upcoming birthday party luncheon. Sounds delicious! Thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay

Angela McRae said...

What an elegant table setting. You definitely seem to have "the touch" that I am thoroughly lacking. Everything is so beautifully appointed … and I cannot believe you still have all 24 of those wonderful glasses! You must have been extra careful all these years!