Here is the recipe to do these delicious Italian Biscotti

• 3/4 C sugar
• 1 stick of salted butter room temperature
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional almond extract)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 C of sliced regular almonds

Mix sugar and butter until it's creamy, then add eggs, vanilla extract. Then add flour and baking powder to it mixing it all. Last fold in the sliced almonds and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Put parchment paper on a baking sheet and roll into a cylinder ( but flatten one side to look like a biscotti log). Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, then remove from oven, wait a few minutes to cook down and cut into slices (about 1 inch thick). Then put them back in the oven and bake until they look golden, 8-10minutes.

Remove from oven and let it cool down, enjoy.

You can share these Italian Biscottis and use one of these tags along with them.

"Made Especially for you" Tags, this is what they look like. Get yours below.

Have you downloaded these adorable Preppy "Made for You" green and pink tags yet? If not go HERE to get them.  

More blue hydrangeas are coming soon.

I also have other art.

Have a great day.

Hi friends,

Christimas in July is another time to get organized and be surrounded by lots of vintage inspired blue and white and Chinoiserie!

The most fluffy & best pancakes EVER!

Ceci's Best Pancakes Ever!

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose sifted flour
• 4 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3 tablespoons of butter melted plus 1 teaspoon to cook the pancakes
• 1 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 egg

Directions:

Mix the dry ingredients on the right of the bowl, then add the wet ingredients on the left of the bowl mixing them together. Then mix it all together and cook in a bit of melted butter about 1 teaspoon on the pan until cooked with a light brown color. I doubled the recipe.

PRINT THE RECIPE ABOVE HERE

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To make our thin and delicious crepes: I have always taught the kids to remember this recipe like this (1+1=2) and they still remember how to make them. Don't forget the toppings like bananas, strawberries or whipped cream they are so good!

• 1 cup of flour
• 1 egg
• 2 cups of milk

Mix all together and cook in a pan with a bit of butter about 1 teaspoon. I hope you can tell the kids this easy and delicious recipe as well. 

Christmas in July Inspiration! 

Rarely do I give out free downloads on the blog, they are usually reserved for my VIP subscribers only. However I am still celebrating my Birthday and Diga Linda's Anniversary (which if you are a subscriber you already know that, and so I am offering one here now which I find very useful). Take advantage of this one below because it's very useful, specially if you have visitors and you want to plan a couple of weeks ahead, print so everyone can see and know what is coming. I put mine on the fridge so we know what we are eating and when.

😍 On my blog (E-Newsletter Say Beautiful), I often share a new product, family recipes, free downloads and coupons, so join the VIP list and subscribe!

The link for the Weekly Meal Plan is HERE

Get organized with this free printable, just click the file and print!

Thank you for your support. Please let me know in the comments if you like this printable and if you would like to see more printables from me. 

I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Thank you for reading and following along, I appreciate you!

😍 By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful

Recently I went to Turkey for the first and was absoluted delighted with that huge city of over 15 million people! It's much bigger than New York city and is on two continents with about 90% on the Asian side and 10% or less on the European side. 

Here is a great recipe from our Turkish Theme event that we had with family and friends where we were able to remember our great trip to Turkey.

Sigara Böreği

Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• Olive oil to brush

Instructions:

1. In a bowl combine well the feta cheese, chopped parsley and egg.
2. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on the clean counter top and brush with olive oil. Place another sheet on top and brush again. 
3. Cut the phyllo in half or into strips about 3 inches wide and add the cheese mixture with a tablespoon on the beginning of the strip then roll until the end. Seal the ends with wet fingers (water) to make sure mixture does not come out while baking. 
4. Repeat the process with the rest of the cheese mixture.
5. Fry them in a bit of olive oil and turn once they turn light brown and cirspy. 
6. Place a paper towel on a plate and drain them there once cooked on all sides.
7. Serve warm.

Brush the olive oil lightly on both sheets. Notice that I cut the sheet halfway horizontally it's about 3 inches on each stripe.

Mix the feta cheese, parsley and olive oil.

Place a tablespoon on one end and start rolling. Make sure you brush with olive oil the sheet underneath as well and roll them together, it takes 2 sheets.

Dip your fingers in water and wet the ends so that the dough closes and does not open when you fry it.

Flip them so they can brown on both sides.

So crispy and crunchy! Serve warm, it's simply delicious and just the perfect appetizer! 

To celebrate this event I was looked for a tulip dress and table linens, but since I did not find it, I designed and made all my own, but that is a blog for another time, lol. Enjoy!

Inspired dress design by one of my paintings.

These are the napkins and there are other products like tea towel etc.

Also created all the stationary related to the theme and I hope you like it. I will give you a sneak preview below.

You can see above "Turkey Facts" which I framed, food label table cards (see below) and 5"x7" table cards. Folded cards, Table runner, our itinerary in Turkey and recipes and dress making will be in a different blog. 

Don't you just love having everything match for your theme? My next one will be hydrangeas so stay tuned!

Remember to sign up for my newsletter below to get exclusive early access to all my new products including new paintings.

What is coming next? Hydrangeas! There will also be there a link to download a pretty blue hydrangeas phone screen saver for free on the next newsletter (for my subscribers only, so sign up below). Below is my latest work, enjoy and let me know what you think. 

Get my free hydrangeas Phone Wallpaper screen saver in your inbox. These watercolor hydrangeas just make you smile, just sign up below (subscribers have exclusive access to offers, downloads etc)! 

Hi friends,

Who else is obsessed with hydrangeas? Many believe that these flowers originated in Japan. In Japan legend has it that the flower became associated gratitude and a heartfelt emotion, an apology after a Japanese emperor gave them to a girls family who he was in love with, to make up for neglecting her in favor of business and how much he cared about her. 

It's hydrangea season and these look so good on an Alfresco Tablescape!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ENTIRELY PAINTED BY HAND TABLECLOTH HERE

The meaning of Hydrangeas:

• The pink hydrangeas are associated with genuine and sincere emotions of the meaning of love and symbolize true feelings making them a great fit for spring and summer table arrangements or wedding bouquets because of their shape resembling a heart! 
• Hydrangeas come in different shades of blue, pink, green, white and purple.
• Hydrangeas are associated with an apology since they go back to ancient history of that legend where the emperor earned forgiveness by offering these flowers. So when you owe someone a sincere apology, you can convey your feelings by offering them and arrangement of blue hydrangeas.
• The flower has many meanings, from heartfelt emotion to boastfullness, to gratitude. Each culture has their own interpretation of the flower according to their stories and beliefs.
• Green hydrangeas can show your appreciation of the deep connection you hold with a friend while these flowers convey sincere emotions and deep understanding so if you have a friend's birthday coming up, then you can give them these wishing them prosperity and good health. 
• Victorians considered white hydrangeas as a negative plant used for boastfulness, bragging or vanity. Since they produce massive flowers but very few seeds, these magnificent blooms were also given to women who turned down the man's love interest as signs that they were cold or frigid. So women who grew these in their gardens were thought to be unlikely to find a romantic companionship.
• If you have a friend who is going through a difficult time, you can give the purple hydrangeas since these convey a deep understanding. 
• Alabama designated the hydrangea as the state's official flower in 1999.

Follow these steps to prolong the beauty of your cut hydrangeas:

• Once you cut the blooms outdoors, place them directly in a bucket with water, once they are inside boil a pot of water. Remove it from the heat, cut the hydrangea to the right length and place them in the water for 30 seconds. Use alum to help preserve the hydrangeas by cutting stems to length dip the end of each stem into about 1/2 inch of alum powder them place them in the vase in room temperature water. OR if you don't want to use alum, put one table spoon of bleach (to kill bacteria and one tablespoon of sugar ( to feed the blooms) into the vase and mix with water, then add the flowers.
• Revive wilted hydrangeas, change the water and use the boiling water method above. 

Hydrangea Uses:

• The leaves of the hydrangeas are poisonous if ingested because they contain cyanoecic glycosides which release dydrongen cyanhide when chewed, however the roots ar used for medicinal purposes. Hydrangea root can be used as an antioxidant and is also used to treat kidney problems.
• This beautiful flower is a favorite among florists and home gardeners everywhere! Because they produce magnificent large blooms and beauty, they are great to use in many different occasions, including heartfelt moments, apologies and thanks.

Hydrangeas facts:

• The name hydrangea comes from the Greek words hydros, meaning water, and angos meaning jar, which makes sense since these flowers require so much water. However if you water too much, you can kill these flowers. The signs of watering are yellowing of the leaves, wilting, leaves falling off or slow growth.
• Hydrangeas bloom in different formations. The most popular is the mophead hydrangeas whose flowers grow in big ball clusters. Panicle hydrangeas which grow well in cold climates have flowers that grow in cone-shaped clusters. Lacecap hydrangeas, which grow well in the shade, have clusters of tiny blooms and larger blooms.
• Hydrangeas are often given o the 4th wedding anniversaries to symbolize appreciation and heartfelt emotion.
• The largest diversity of hydrangeas species exists in eastern Asia which includes Japan China, and Korea.

For the love of hydrangeas

Maybe you did not realize that hydrangea colors had so many specific meanings but these brilliant blooms are highly commendable to give to someone since they convey so many sentiments. Whether you choose to give them as a plant or floral arrangement to a friend, your recipient will surely appreciate and admire your magnificent blooms! 

READ MORE

Delicious soup to feed a crowd!

This family recipe that I am sharing with you is not only delicious but very healthy. We call it "Sopa de Legumes" back in Portugal and the veggies are made into a creamy and smooth soup. It's quick to make (less than 30 minutes) and you can make ahead as well. It's great from the freezer as well! It pairs really well with any sandwich, salad or any meal. 

You will absolutely love this soup!

Portuguese Vegetable Soup

INGREDIENTS

6 tablespoons of olive oil

1 leek (or you can substitute for 1 medium onion)

5 large potatoes cut into pieces

5 large carrots cut into pieces

salt and pepper to taste

1 lb or spinach (optional)

5 cups of vegetable broth ( or water)

In a large pot (or dutch oven), place all the items except half of the spinach and cook until all is translucent and the vegetables are tender.

Remove from heat and puree with an hand blender until all is blended. 

Return to heat and stir in the other half of the spinach (which was optional) until it's cooked, it should take about 5 minutes and you are all done!

In Portugal we eat vegetable soup about 99% before any meal, it's very healthy and delicious. I hope you enjoy it! 

 PRINT RECIPE HERE

I have 1 set of these German fruit plates for sale, how darling are these? 

Vintage Bareuther fruit plates with gold trim

LEARN MORE

Look at the instant download I have for you below!

I designed a weekly meal plan and you can just print and plan your week with this FREE instant download HERE

NEW ART IS COMING...

Also I have room for 2 more commissions this summer, inquire at cecimasonart@gmail.com

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful

 Portuguese Culture and History

Here you can see some of my blue and white designs that were inspired by my travels by to Portugal, specially the "Vincentian Coast" in the South of Portugal.

Vincentina Coast

LEARN MORE

Here I used the napkins to decorate the bottom of a tray.

Caprese Salad, regular or on a stick as appetizer - Make ahead

Caprese on a stick directions:

Regular salad directions:

Pesto and Parmesan Sticks

Also since I love vintage so much here is a beautiful Spode plate that I have for sale!

LEARN MORE HERE

Make a delicious meal (Cacciatore family style) with a Portuguese salad. The recipes follow. I love the fresh aroma of herbs in my dishes! Each Spring I grow different herbs so I can have them fresh for meals.🌿

Chicken with Vegetables in a tomato sauce.

In a sauce pan brown with some olive oil:

* 4 heads of garlic

* One medium onion

* Half of a sliced red, yellow, orange and green pepper

* 1/3 C of white mushrooms sliced

* Add fresh herbs towards the end - basil, oregano, sage, parsley and rosemary.

 Place it all on a pan and cook let it cook. After it’s cooked about 15 minutes take out of the pan. Add more olive oil and add chicken breasts ( cut in half to make them thin), put a little salt and pepper on each side and cook completely.

* Cook rotini pasta (half a box) according to directions and drain.

* Add one jar of marinara tomato sauce and warm up with chicken. Add vegetables and transfer to a big platter that already has the rotini pasta cooked and drained in the family platter.

* Put cooked chicken with vegetables on top.

Portuguese salad recipe

* I head of red lettuce

* 1/2 of one sweet med onion

* 1/3 of cilantro chopped

* 4 or 5 Tablespoons sprinkled in the salad.

* Sprinkle a bit of red wine vinegar on it, salt and mix it all.

 PS: Since mom is visiting and does not like mushrooms, I used Zucchini and yellow squash instead.

You can do this dish on the slow cooker as well by placing the chicken in first then the rest after. Cook on low for about 6 hours or on high in about 4 hours. Cook pasta according to package directions separately, then serve on large dish placing pasta first the chicken on top with veggies from slow cooker after. It’s so delicious!

Herbs that I suggest you grow in the Spring: parsley, sage, thyme, basil, oregano, cilantro and mint (this one is invasive and needs to be on it's own pot).

Enjoy and if you make it, please let me know how you like it!

Let's Collaborate! Email:  cecimasonart@gmail.com 

 

The "Landon School" Forever school print designs are on the website for a limited time, there are over 20 products available. If you don't see what you are looking for, please let me know. If your child went to Landon, get a special graduation gift or thank you cards for the teachers with the same print.

Hi friends,

My recipes are tied to my family and the heart beat of my family is the kitchen. Food brings people together, it connects us and it's an expression of caring, love, of nourishing, and sometimes creativity. We love sharing not only with the family but also with neighbours and friends. This specific recipe is from my dad and by sharing this Portuguese recipe, and these intimate moments, feelings with you and your dear ones, I hope you and your family gets to enjoy some of our flavors and customs. May your beautiful table be filled with delicious good food and also by the people you love and love you in return.  I love sharing delicious recipes and table top inspiration for you and your friends to enjoy, I hope many good meals and memories will be created.

This simple and fast soup is so healthy and it only has a few ingredients! It's made of carrots, lentils, chicken, rice, cilantro, olive oil, onion, garlic and salt, I love simple and delicious food!

 I used lentils (which I soaked overnight) and put that on my pot covering them with water, and a dash of salt and olive oil, then I added organic rainbow carrots (yellow, purple and orange). Add the chicken and then the rice and cilantro last. 

Super easy and super fast equals delicious! 

 Ingredients:

- 1 cup of lentils (soak overnight).

- 1 package of rainbow carrots, cut into little pieces

- 4 chicken pieces (I used 2 thighs and 2 legs)

- 1 medium onion ( sliced thin)

- 1 cup of rice 

- 1/2 cup of cilantro

- 2 Tablespoons of olive oil

- salt to taste

Directions:

Fill a large soup pot halfway with water then put all the ingredients together and cook for about 30 minutes on medium heat. Put in the cilantro (optional, and you can use parsley if you prefer instead) in the last 10 minutes of cooking. If you have any questions, please comment below.

Placemats, napkins and dress are by Sailor Sailor.

SHOP SAILOR SAILOR HERE

Shop these darling antique porcelain blue crescent moon dishes HERE

Let's Collaborate! Email:  cecimasonart@gmail.com 

 

Festive Spring Feast!

Here is some table inspiration for a memorable family meal. Each year I take the time to decorate for Easter and use our special wedding china for the table. The tableware with the floral details in the plates and hand painted custom tablecloth bring out the abundant beauty and eye-catching centerpiece where I got the opportunity to get creative by adding birds nests. Gold accents on flatware and floral straw chargers add a luxury charm, elevated by the personalization on the tablecloth with our family's last name. A few bunnies with bows, and tea jars with hydrangeas put the finishing touches on the affair sure to be remembered for years to come.

The Flowers are from The Fresh Market

Since this is the year of the"Bow", the bunnies are happy to comply by wearing some bows. The Botanical Garden Tablecloth adds all our favorite elements that we enjoy seeing such as the birds, flowers and of course bows.  Notice how the theme is all tied together, even the birds from the tablecloth connect to the birds nests on the centerpiece!

I took the time to personalize and add our last name to this tablecloth, this adds a special touch to any table. I design these for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions.

The dishes are a great color collection inspired by the famous embroideries of the Castelo Branco region. First produced in the 17th century in the central Portugal town, rich embroideries are creafted in silk tread on linen using a unique slack stich. The Portuguese  artists take classic motifs and translate them into timeless and elegant dinnerware. are from Vista Alegre, a royal porcelan manufacturer of Portugal since 1824. Entrepreneur and visionary Joao Ferreira Pinto Basto founded the company and it's part of the Aveiro district.

The placemats are from Ballard Designs

Here you can see me paint the tablecloth print.

There are so many pretty blue and white details with a very light touch of yellow inside a few flowers giving it a delicate look.

 These are all the different ways that you can style your napkins. I designed the on purpose this way. I can call these tea towels as well since they come in a very large size of 22" X 22' made of 100% cotton.

Watch the video of the table HERE

🎀The YEAR OF THE "BOW"🎀

🎀 Also remember to get your FREE gift! This link works now.

With the Bible verse 1 Corinthians !3:"13 GO  HERE! It's a darling iPhone wallpaper download filled with bows and love!

🌸🌸🌸

 Also are you planning a party, birthday, dinner or just a gathering?

💌"I just released the FREE "PARTY EVENT DINNER PLANNING GUIDE!" Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get this free set in your email inbox. Just click on it and subscribe! 💌

 🌸 Thrilled to have Tea Time Magazine feature one of my photos yesterday on their Instagram! To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

The Cherry Blossom Trees are starting to bloom over here and I always enjoy creating a table with a theme! There's plenty to decorate and celebrate with cherry blossoms and anytime you can add pink and flowers to your table, it becomes a memorable occasion, besides the Japanese festival Hina Matsuri (Girl's Day) is celebrated this Sunday March 3rd and that is another reason to celebrate!

"Cherry blossoms lovely pink hues represent a time of renewal, optimist, and surely are a beautiful spectacle to behold bringing us joy." C. Mason

In the background you can see my recent tulip paintings!

Here is the recipe: Easy Portuguese Roasted Chicken Recipe

I say it's easy because you just put everything together in the oven at the same time.

Ingredients:

One cut up chicken or chicken pieces (about 6, I usually do thighs or leg quarters)

Ingredients:

One cut up chicken or chicken pieces (about 6, I usually do thighs or leg quarters)

4 garlic cloves, cut up

3 tablespoons of olive oil to drizzle

2 bay leaves cut in half

1 tablespoon of fresh oregano

3 tablespoons of paprika

2 pounds of potatoes cut up ( I like cutting up the small red ones in half)

1 green pepper and one yellow (sometimes I use a bad of frozen different color peppers)

1 can of crushed tomatoes (or you can use organic fresh tomatoes)

2 tablespoons of fresh parsley

1 yellow onion medium

4 or 5 carrots (or a bag of baby organic carrots)

salt and pepper to season

Put it all in a large oven pan, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Then remove the foil and cook an extra 10 minutes to brown the chicken. 

This meal will feed a crowd, enjoy. If you make it please tag me if you post a picture, I would love to see it!

How about this darling tablescape? Did you notice my linens in there? The "Famille Rose' table runner and napkins goes so well with the cherry blossoms table.

How darling is this print design for the spring? Painted entirely by hand, my designs and timeless and will never go out of style. 

🎀 Also remember to get your FREE gift! This link works now.

With the Bible verse 1 Corinthians !3:"13 GO  HERE! It's a darling iPhone wallpaper download filled with bows and love!

🌸🌸🌸

 Also are you planning a party, birthday, dinner or just a gathering?

💌"I just released the FREE "PARTY EVENT DINNER PLANNING GUIDE!" Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get this free set in your email inbox. Just click on it and subscribe! 💌

 🌸 Thrilled to have Tea Time Magazine feature one of my photos yesterday on their Instagram! To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

How to style a dining room hutch 

Styling a hutch is an opportunity for you to showcase your vintage or new collections of your decor. I use mine in the dining room to display my favorite dishes and I alternate them with the season. You will even have more storage once you display your beauties, so get them out showcase them and use them.

However a big hutch with several empty selves can be daunting. I place the larger plates on the top then go down the shelves with smaller plates for an eclectic look. Then I place the smaller vases and candlesticks on the sides and always add fresh flowers for the final touch. I find that it makes such a lovely addition completing the look. I also added my napkin print design called "Linda's Garden" I have some othe products with this design and you will love it! You can see the video down the blog and follow me along for more tips.

Portuguese Country Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

This bread makes the house smell so good. This is my fast version of "Folar" a traditional cake we have in Portugal for Easter. You can make extra and give as gifts. Everyone will love it. Mix everything and Voilá!

Ingredients

2 cups of flour

1 cup of sugar

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

2 small eggs

1 cup of sour cream 

8 Tablespoons of butter melted warm not hot

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/3 of sugar

Combine the first 5 dry ingredients, mix well then add eggs, sour cream and butter and mix until its all blended.

In a small bowl mix together the last two ingredients (cinnamon and sugar).

Spray a 8"x4" inch loaf pan ( I use glass). Pour a third of the batter into the pan then sprinkle a third of the cinnamon/sugar mixture.

Repeat that two more times and put the rest of the cinnamon/sugar mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes at 350 or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for about 8 minutes before flipping. Enjoy.

Layer the mixture

Sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon and sugar mixture

Turn it upside down

You can do this process in a different platter so it does not leave crumbs on the dish that you are serving this on.

Then flip it again, I have to say that this cake disappears so fast out from my kitchen!

Yummy!! Final result, enjoy!

(fun fact, I was a baker when I was single in Portugal)

Happy cooking and Baking!!😄

How pretty is this "Linda's Garden" design print? Just so perfect for Spring!

Check out all the other times that I offer with this darling print.

Watch me style my hutch here.

🎀 Also remember to get your FREE gift! This links works now.

With the Bible verse 1 Corinthians !3:"13 GO  HERE! It's a darling iPhone wallpaper download filled with bows and love!

🌸🌸🌸

 Also are you planning a party, birthday, dinner or just a gathering?

💌"I just released the FREE "PARTY EVENT DINNER PLANNING GUIDE!" Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get this free set in your email inbox. Just click on it and subscribe! 💌

 🌸 Thrilled to have Tea Time Magazine feature one of my photos yesterday on their Instagram! To read more fun E- Newsletters (blogs) go HERE! OR click picture below!

 Follow me for updates: 

(fun fact, I was a baker when I was single in Portugal)

Happy cooking and Baking!!😄

😍 By leaving a comment, you are supporting my small business.

😍 Thank you so much for reading and I want to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter on top of the page for the latest and the greatest news.

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and more social channels when you click ➡️     https://linktr.ee/cecimasonart

xo Ceci Mason founder and artist

 Diga Linda ✨ Say Beautiful