Monday, August 20, 2012

Treat of the Week: 1950’s Carhop Cupcakes and a Modern Meatless Meal




While Bertie didn’t enjoy this past Sunday dinner as much as he did the dessert (doggies like their meat), I have to say that I enjoyed it immeasurably. My mother treated us to the ultimate meatless meal—a symphony of modern produce with firm roots in rustic cooking. 




We began with a feast of marinated and grilled giant portabella mushroom caps—served on ciabatta roles with a luxurious homemade tapenade of olives and sundried tomatoes. These were topped with imported Italian cheeses, fresh spinach and tomatoes. Sides of baby carrots glazed with pure maple syrup and sugar snap peas completed the meal which was exceptionally fresh, delightful and filling. 





Still, we found room for the next course which consisted of gorgeous, huge artichokes brimming over with my mother’s famous bread stuffing. They were delightful. You wouldn’t think that we’d have been able to eat another thing. But you’d be wrong. 



We finished the meal with what my mother called, “1950s Carhop Cupcakes.” With their pink and black polka dots, they really do look like something Ethel Mertz would have picked up at the corner bakery. Tender white cake cupcakes made from scratch have been iced with piped vanilla, chocolate and butterscotch frostings—allowing each little cake to have its own flavor and character. Don’t they look tasty? I wish I could share them with all of you.





17 comments:

Carolyn said...

Ohhhhhhh...I love all of it. All of it! So yummy and the cupcakes look so pretty. Makes me want to get my hula hooooooooop.

Matt said...

That really does look good. It's my kind of dinner!

April said...

I think that's beautiful. The veggie meal is too perfect.

Kathy said...

I love those colors! they're my favs.

Gene said...

I used to get cupcakes that looked like that when I was a kid. I'd take my allowance and go to the bakery and get one, but they weren't as nice as this looks.

Barb said...

Love it!

Barry said...

My my! Quite delicious?

Angelo said...

Wow! Good stuff.

Sam P said...

I'm dying for one of those sandwiches.

Book Gurl said...

This is my favorite type of meal too!

Marsha said...

The cakes looks so cute.

Bonnie said...

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Wendy said...

My stomach is growling. Wish I was going home ot this dinner instead of the frozen brick of thai food in my freezer.

Mark said...

Exceptional!

Beth Ann said...

I think the cupcakes are darling!!!!

Anonymous said...

I'll bet you really don't want to share. I wouldn't.

Joseph Crisalli said...

You're right. I really don't.