I Dream Domestic

I am that girl who revels in all things domestic (though that doesn't necessarily mean I'm good at all things domestic, but that doesn't stop my heart from longing for them).  Clean sheets, a full oven, and a garden of flowers make my heart beat a little faster.  Now that we have been in our Mississippi home for over three weeks, I have gotten settled enough to finally be able to do some of those "little things" that to me, feel like really big things.

For instance:

Arranging fresh-cut zinnias that I grew myself back in my garden in Georgia, that were so graciously picked and delivered to me by my cousin when she visited over the weekend.  What a nice "hello" from home!

Crocheting.  Thank you, Grandmother, for teaching me this wonderful skill! Hopefully this blanket, which I started in Iowa, won't take too much longer to complete and can be enjoyed in the upcoming cooler months.

Baking. We have enjoyed these wonderful (and puffy!) moon-shaped teacakes (in honor of Halloween, one of my favorite holidays!) for dessert the past few days. 

We had these fantastic garlic cheese biscuits last night.

This last picture is my favorite.  Coffee, candles, and cats.  Could that be the ultimate summation of my domestic bliss?

What's your idea of domestic heaven?



Teacakes

1 c. butter, softened

2 c. sugar

3 eggs

1 t. vanilla extract

3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. sald

Beat butter until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition.  Add vanilla.  Combine flour, sad, and salt; gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended after each addition.  Chill dough until firm.  Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness on floured surface. Cut out cookies to desired shape and size, and place on greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, and let cool.

Garlic Cheese Biscuits

1 1/4 c. Bisquick baking mix

1/2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 c. melted butter (1/2 stick)

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. dried parley flakes

Preheat oven to 400.  Line a baking sheet with wax paper.  Combine the Bisquick and cheese in a small bowl.  Ad 1/3 cup water and stir just until combined.  The dough will be slightly moist.  Drop the dough by spoonfulls onto the baking sheet.  Bake for about ten minutes until firm and beginning to brown.

While biscuits are baking, make the garlic butter.  In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, salt, and parlsey flakes. Mix well.  As soon as you bring biscuits from oven, brush then with the garlic butter, and serve.