Thursday, July 19, 2012

Purple Haze











This weekend I need to get out in the garden. Things have been a bit neglected lately and it's gone a bit wild - taking on a mind of it's own! The weeds have gone crazy, the snails are having a field day and the garden paths have turned into jungles. So it's about time I donned the gardening gloves and put some law and order back into this unruly mess!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 23, 4, 5-6, 7

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Summer Trifle





HOW AMAZING DOES THIS 
CHERRY, PEACH, VANILLA AND LEMON CAKE TRIFLE LOOK?
and apparently it's simple to make ~ which I'm loving even more!

Here's how...
Lemon sponge cake 
 3 large eggs, separated 
 1/2 cup (100 g) natural cane sugar, divided 
 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 
2 tablespoons (25 g) unsalted butter, melted 
1/3 cup (45 g) millet flour 
1/3 cup (35 g) almond flour 
 Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment and grease the sides with a bit of melted butter.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the egg yolks, 1/4 cup (50 g) natural cane sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whip the egg yolk mixture in high speed until they are thick and pale, about 5 minutes. 
 In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites with the sea salt. When the egg whites are whipped and start forming peaks, gradually add in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar in three batches. Fold a third of the egg whites into the egg yolk batter until they are well mixed. Fold in the rest of the egg whites being very careful not to deflate the batter. 
Fold in the melted butter and the millet and almond flour carefully not to deflate too much. Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until top is golden. It will feel springy. 
 Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert it onto a plate, and let it cool completely. Cut it into 1/2-inch cubes and reserve.

Vanilla Custard 
 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk 
1/2 cup (100 g) natural cane sugar 
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped 
6 egg yolks 
1 cup (250 ml) unsweetened coconut milk 
4 teaspoons cornstarch 
 In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk, half of the sugar, and vanilla bean over medium high heat until it simmers. 
 Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks, rest of sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the coconut milk and whisk. 
Add a bit of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking. Add all the milk and whisk. Return the custard base to the saucepan and cook until it thickens while whisking constantly. Remove from heat and pour into clean bowl to cool slightly. I like to use custard while still a bit warm, but you can refrigerate it at this point. make sure you cover it with plastic wrap (the plastic must touch the custard so it doesn't form a skin).


Assemble the trifle 
8 ounces raspberries 
2 saturn peaches, sliced 
1 cup heavy cream, whipped 
2 cups vanilla custard 
2 cups diced lemon sponge cake
 Layer the ingredients amongst 4 glasses and serve immediately.

Yum!

{Source:  Cannelle et Vanille via: BellaMumma }


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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Colourful Details











I am addicted to colour!

It's just as well as I'm a designer because I get to work with it all day long so I get my daily fix! However as much as I like colour I generally like it tightly controlled, well coordinated and in small doses. I generally like neutral spaces - white or cream walls and low key flooring then splashes of colour for the details and accessories. Even small amounts of colour can be uplifting and have the power to totally change a room. 

Look at the impact that these small colourful details have on these spaces.

Melissah xox

Images via Period Living

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Monday, July 16, 2012

Green & White Vintage Chic








 
I just love green and white ~
 it's one of my all time favourite colour combinations
and so perfectly suited to country style living.
Depending on the style ~ it can look chic and elegant
or dress it down for a rustic, vintage feel - full of country charm.
Whatever your preference ~  it's a combination that always feels
fresh and uplifting.

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 23, 4, 5

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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Winery Day Trip











Yesterday was a perfect blue sunny Winter's day so we decided to take a drive to the country and have lunch at one of the stylish wineries in the Yarra Valley. Domaine Chandon is always a favourite and a glass of their bubbly always goes down so well at lunch! It was a beautiful drive in dappled sunshine past rolling hills with cows lazily grazing in lush, green pastures. As we admired the rows of vines in  the picturesque landscape we washed down velvety reds with some of the local cheeses and felt very contented with ourselves. As the sun began to sink we 'merrily' headed back to our cosy house and warm fire.

Happy Sunday!

Melissah xox


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Saturday, July 14, 2012

White, Rustic Farmhouse










What a perfect country escape!
I would just love to have a holiday
in this cute and cosy rustic farmhouse.
I love the tumbled stone pavers and the stone wall,
  I love the all white interior 
with the rustic farmhouse table, 
the slip covered furniture and patchwork quilt.
I could happily see myself in that kitchen cooking up a storm!

Melissah xox

Images via My Paradissi 


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