Welcome to Downton Abbey!

Just coming down from the high of my new favorite series, Downton Abbey, which airs on PBS Sunday nights at 9pm EST.  Have you seen it?  If not, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!  In my opinion, it's the most addictive Masterpiece series since Upstairs Downstairs which I remember watching as a little girl with my family over a bowl of chocolate ice cream, slowly drifting off as the calming British series lulled me to sleep.  It is not just me who adores this series...it's so popular that articles have been written about how to host a Downton Abbey style cocktail party and dinner, as well as jewelry and home decor in the style for sale on the PBS website. 

By now you're probably wondering what all the excitement is about.  Rather than try to sum up the series in my own words, I enlisted the help of the PBS website and found a brief synopsis to share with you:

It's 1912, and life in the Edwardian country house of Downton Abbey is idyllic and bustling for the Crawley family, aided by their cadre of servants. Robert, Earl of Grantham, his American heiress wife Cora, and their three daughters, along with Robert's mother Violet, have lived largely uncomplicated lives. But the sinking of the Titanic hits home in an unexpected and dramatic way — Lord Grantham's heir, James Crawley, and his son Patrick have perished.  It's personally agonizing (momentarily) for daughter Mary who was supposed to marry Patrick. On a grander scale, suddenly all the predictable succession plans have gone terribly awry, and unheard of questions now loom large — Who will be the new heir to the earldom? And what will happen to this distinguished estate, now in jeopardy?

Okay, if that's not enough to pique your interest, why don't we take a look at the real life estate that is featured in Downton Abbey:

And last but not least, a glimpse of the cast...

I do hope I've convinced you to catch up on what your Sunday nights have been missing, even if it's just for the scenery and the costume design!  Speaking of which, these are a few favorites from the Downton Abbey Collection available through the PBS website:

{Kings Road Redux Mugs}

{Queen Victoria Canvas Tote Bag}

{Wool Felt Cloche Hat with Rosette}

{"Notes" Objet D'Art Paperweight}

To view the articles I mention above, visit here and here.  As for another great Masterpiece series, I recommend you delve into The Forsyte Saga (2002).  You won't regret it!

Have a great Monday!  xo, Alicia

credits: pbs.org, shine.yahoo.com

Café Au Lait Pudding

I hope you'll join me in trying this recipe for the holidays.  It looks delicious, decadent, and elegant...let me know how it turns out for you!

Cafe Au Lait Pudding

Courtesy of acozykitchen.com

Per Adrianna of A Cozy Kitchen:

If you like things on the sweeter side, I’d advise upping the sugar to 1/2 cup.  If not, then stick with the 1/4 cup sugar.

2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon of Dutch processed cocoa powder
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoon sugar, divided
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, divided
Cinnamon for sprinkling

Do a little prep action by making your ice bath first. Grab two metal or glass bowls, one slightly smaller than the other. Fill the larger bowl with ice and a bit of water and place the smaller bowl inside it.

Whisk together milk, coffee granules, cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, cornstarch, 1/4 cup sugar (or 1/2 cup of sugar–your choice), and a small pinch of salt in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then boil 1 minute, whisking constantly.

Adrianna Note: Be sure to scrape the corners of the pot with your whisk to ensure all the cornstarch is properly combined.

Transfer the pudding to the smaller bowl in your ice bath so it can cool, stirring often, about 10 minutes. If there are lumps in the pudding, simply run it through a sieve or strainer. Then pour the pudding into cups or ramekins and chill for 20 minutes. Since I really despise any skin on my pudding, I placed a piece of Saran wrap on the surface to stop that from happening. If you’re a freak and love it, then by all means keep it uncovered.

While the pudding is chilling, beat cream with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoon sugar using an electric mixer just until soft peaks form. Spoon whipped cream onto puddings and dust cream lightly with cinnamon.

If you keep the pudding in the fridge overnight or even for a few hours, I’d take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving. I found the consistency was the best when it wasn’t super cold. Enjoy!

xo, Alicia

Last Minute Thanksgiving Inspiration

  Cranberry Caramel Apple Tart anyone? 

Wishing you a safe, happy, healthy Thanksgiving! xo, Alicia

photos: one, two, three, four, five & six