Treat of the Week: Tassie Pie

Here’s all the goodness of a Pecan Tassie in one giant package.  A delicate, cream cheese based, hand-made crust sets the stage for a luscious filling of pecans, chocolate chips, butter and brown sugar.  It’s a wonderfully tender confection which is filled with the rich flavors of our favorite Pecan tassies, but with the visual impact of a pie.  If you’ve ever eaten a Pecan Tassie and thought, “That was good, I wish it had been bigger,” then, here’s your answer. 

Painting of the Day: “The Adoration of the Kings,” by Jan Gossaert, 1510-1515

Adoration of the Kings
Jan Gossaert, 1510-1515
The National Gallery, London

Jan Gossaert, also known as “Mabuse,” was one of the first Sixteenth Century Flemish painters to travel from Flanders to Italy in order to study the work of Italian Renaissance painters. He employed the methods that he learned from the Italians to produce stunning, monumental paintings upon returning to his homeland.


This tremendous painting entitled The Adoration of the Kings dates between 1510 and 1515 and was painted as an altarpiece for the Lady Chapel at St. Adrian’s at Grammont which is near Brussels in present-day Belgium. As was typical of Italian paintings of the era, Graesart has included a contemporary sitter into the composition. The figure of the king, Caspar, was modeled after Johannes de Broemer who was appointed Abbot of St. Adrian’s in 1506 and who most likely commissioned the painting.

The scene shows the Christ Child and the Holy Family being visited by the Magi. Above the Holy Family, the famed star shines brightly—symbolizing God, the Father. From the star, the Dove of the Holy Spirit, descends toward the Holy Family as throngs of angels hover above.

The painting has always been heralded for its magnificent colors and Gaesart’s ability to render realistic looking fabrics and textures. Today, the piece is housed in the National Gallery in London.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 126

“Here, Ogress,” Mr. Punch frowned. “Just step aside, would ya? I already had enough trouble for one day and I don’t ‘spose I can stand for much more. I been good, I have. ‘Xcept for hittin’ your little troll with the lamp, I’ve gone and done all this as a proper gentleman should, and I don’t see how gettin’ in me way is gonna help none of us.”


“You hit Mala with a lamp?” Iolanthe laughed.

“She ain’t dead or nothin’, says Barbara anyway.” Mr. Punch added defensively, straining under the weight of the Duchess in his arms.

“So, my little English rose, Barbara Allen, has been helping you?” Iolanthe asked, her eyes wild.

“Don’t ‘spose you could call her a rose. More like a briar. And, she ain’t been so much help neither.”

“I tried to stop him, Miss Iolanthe,” Barbara lied.

Mr. Punch rolled Julian’s eyes. “See. Now, come on, Iolanthe and let me pass. This woman ain’t so very light. Her dress alone’s gotta weigh two stone. How you women can stand to wear all this foolishness is beyond me. Seems to me that…”

“Silence!” Iolanthe snapped. “You’re a thief is what you are. You’ve come into my home and stolen from me. I don’t take kindly to thieves!”

“Can’t steal a person,” Mr. Punch grunted. “See, that’s where your thinkin’ is all wrong. You got this notion what people are things what you can trade. People are people, they are. They’re their own creatures what’s got minds and souls. You can’t trade them like you would paintin’s or bowls or even puppets. I ain’t stealin’ nothin’. I’m helpin’ this lady what gave birth to Barbara and to me body. She may not be no prize, she’s not, but she’s a person.”

The Duchess moaned. “Julian, do be quiet.”

“Here, you want me to put you down?” Mr. Punch growled.

Mala came staggering toward the doorway, rubbing her head. “He hit me!” She screamed.

“See, I didn’t kill her.” Mr. Punch smiled. He looked over his shoulder at Mala. “Listen, ugly girl, sorry for hittin’ ya, but, come on, when you go ‘round sneakin’ up on a bloke, what’s he gonna do? You’re gonna get yourself smacked with somethin’, you are. Can’t go ‘round grabbin’ at a fella from behind. Only gonna make him angry. ‘Specially when he’s doin’ somethin’.”

“Barbara, take Mala downstairs and see that she’s not badly injured.” Iolanthe growled. “Leave me with your brother.”

Barbara looked at Mr. Punch and then to her mother.

“Barbara,” Iolanthe hissed.

“Yes, Miss Iolanthe.” Barbara said, grabbing Mala by the hand and slipping past Punch, the Duchess and Iolanthe.

“Good riddance, I say.” Mr. Punch mumbled. “Now, I mean it, Ogress, this woman ain’t so light. I gotta get by. So, stop belchin’ your vague threats and let me pass.”

“You think my threats are vague?” Iolanthe snapped. “I don’t want you thinkin’ that they are. Is this more specific? I’m going to kill you.”

“No, you ain’t.” Mr. Punch shook his head. He pushed Iolanthe away, using the Duchess as a shield.

Iolanthe lunged forward, toppling Mr. Punch. He fell to the ground, the Duchess landing on top of him with a grunt. Punch rolled the Duchess over and stood up, offering his hand to her to help her to her feet.

“Julian, I can’t.” The Duchess moaned from the floor.

“Sure you can.” Punch muttered.

The Duchess took Punch’s hand and stood up, shakily.

“Good.” Punch sighed. “Now, we can walk out. Listen, if you could stand before, why’d you let me carry you?”

“You fool!” The Duchess growled. “Can’t you see I’m weak? You have always been such an idiot!”

Iolanthe saw that Punch’s attention was diverted and shoved Mr. Punch against the wall, pinning him to it.

He shook his head. “Now, you ain’t bein’ very kind.”

“It isn’t my business to be kind.” Iolanthe growled.

Punch pushed Iolanthe away. “You’re strong, you are. I’ll give ya that.” He looked at Pauline. “Come, Your Grace, let’s get goin’.”

“My things, Julian. I need my things.” The Duchess moaned.

“Your things?” Mr. Punch snorted. “You can get new things. Come on.”

“I need my things.” The Duchess wailed. “You imbecile, I need my things!”

“You gotta maid, don’t ya?” Punch grunted.

“I sent her to a hotel.” The Duchess said weakly.

“Well, then, we’ll have her come back for your luggage. Cripes! And folk say I’m crazy.”

Iolanthe lunged toward Mr. Punch again, but Punch stepped aside. Iolanthe hit the wall and shrieked.

“Here, I don’t understand. What you want her for anyway? What good can this woman be to ya?”

“I need her.” Iolanthe shouted.

“Like you needed Naasir?” Mr. Punch asked.

“Do you know what it’s like to be stolen from?” Iolanthe groaned.

“Yes, I do.” Mr. Punch nodded. “But, nobody knows more ‘bout bein’ stolen from than me master. And, I ain’t talkin’ bout no blue diamond nor even when me own puppet-self were stolen from him. I’m talkin’ ‘bout when your life is stolen from ya. That’s why I’m here tryin’ to get this woman outta here. Don’t seem fair to let anyone have their life stolen.”

“Stop talking! Julian, get my things,” The Duchess said, stumbling forward and catching herself against the wall of the corridor.

“Still?” Mr. Punch mumbled. “Still goin’ on ‘bout your luggage? Now, I gotta say, I been more than reasonable ‘bout all o’ this. Seems to me you…” He paused and looked at the two women who stared at him—The Duchess and Iolanthe.

Mr. Punch frowned. “Damn.”

“Julian,” The Duchess croaked. “Help me, you simpleton!”

“What am I doin’?” Mr. Punch muttered. “The lot of ya…you all want to be miserable, don’t ya?” He sighed. “You want to be miserable and you want to make everyone else miserable. And, there ain’t nothin’ I can do to stop ya. Not alone anyway. Can’t help folk what don’t want to be helped.”

Iolanthe clenched her fists together.

“Listen, I came back in here with kindness in me heart. But, it’s kindness what’s wasted, it is. I can’t do nothin’ here. You…” He looked at Iolanthe. “You’re angry ‘bout somethin’ and you want everything in the world what you can’t have to try to fill yourself up to make the anger go ‘way. You want to hurt everyone and everything, you do.” He then looked to the Duchess. “And, you, I don’t know what’s wrong with you, I don’t. You have everything and yet it ain’t enough. So, you do all you can to make sure folk suffer. Maybe it’s cuz you had too much. Ain’t no amount o’ kindness what’ll help either one of ya. I gotta take care of me-self, I do. No sense hurtin’ me-self tryin’ to help folk what don’t want it.” He shrugged his shoulders.



“What are you saying?” The Duchess moaned.

“I’m leavin’, I am.” Mr. Punch grunted. “I’m goin’ back to me family. You two deserve one another. Don’t worry, Ogress, I won’t be stealin’ from you today. So, do what you might. I know you’ll come back at us. I know your rage ain’t gonna be stopped—not by me alone. So, do what you will. We’ll be ready for ya. As for you, Your Grace, you’re your own thing. You got freedom. It’s your place to remember it.”

Mr. Punch turned his back and started down the corridor.

“Julian!” The Duchess shouted. “Come back here at once and get my things. You must help me from this place!”

Mr. Punch kept walking.

“Julian!” Pauline screamed.

Punch paused and looked over his shoulder. “We’ll be ready for ya.” He said plainly. “We will. But, just know, the next time either of you comes knockin’ on my door, will be your last. Duchess, I could take you from here, but in your heart, you’ll still be wicked. So, why try? And, as for you, Ogress, ain’t nothin’ what’s gonna save you from yourself. All the good intentions in the world ain’t gonna change a thing. So, I gotta protect what’s real.”

“Stop this at once!” The Duchess bellowed as Iolanthe laughed maniacally.

Punch turned around. “I came to this land with me master in search of Barbara—to return her to her home, to her inheritance, to her life. Along the way, I found that she’d stolen somethin’ precious from me. I wanted it back. Still, do, I ‘spose. And, if I get it back, I’ll rejoice, I will. But, along the way, I discovered more than I thought. I found out that there’s more to life than diamonds and pride. There’s love and honor. So, now I’m fightin’ a bigger battle. I ain’t fightin’ to get Barbara home. She don’t want to go home! I ain’t fightin’ to get me master’s diamond back. I ain’t even fightin’ for revenge at what all of ya done to me. I’m fightin’ to protect what’s real and important. Me chums—that little baby what thinks I’m his uncle. Me sweet doggy what loves me cuz I pet him and give him sausages and what don’t care if I’m different than everyone else. See, I know love. And, me master should, too. I’m fightin’ for me master’s life. I’m fightin’ for Robert what’s been so kind to me and what looks at me like I’m a real man. I’m fightin’ for freedom so that folk like Marjani can have the same blessings what others got. I’ll fight ya! But, I’ll do it with honor and goodness in me heart. I won’t soil myself with your dirty ways. So, both of you can try to stop me. And, in doin’ so, you may hurt me. But, you won’t win. Cleave me head from me body, rip me open and spill me guts, but you won’t win—not where it’s important. I leave you to yourselves! Draw your swords, fire your pistols, but we’re ready for ya!”

“Julian, I’m your mother! You fool!” The Duchess pleaded.

“Collect your things and go to Blazes!” Mr. Punch spat as he walked down the stairs.

Iolanthe laughed. “I win.”

The Duchess sank against the wall, slowly slipping to the floor. “Do you?”

“He’s weak, your son. He’s a mad weakling! Once again, I am triumphant. And, I shall have what I desire. My own son will thrive. I won’t be stopped. And, you, your Murderous Grace, you will be my greatest assistant. We’ll have everything. Can’t you see? I win!”

The Duchess groaned. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-125? If so, you can read them here.

Cookie of the Day: “Aunt Ida” Cookies

These delicious pillows are made from a recipe which my mother adapted from one used since she was a little girl.  The cream cheese based dough is tender and smooth.  The rolled-out dough is layered with filling and then folded over and baked.  Some of them are stuffed with dried cherries, chocolate chips, nuts and cinnamon.  Others feature raisins along with the nuts, cinnamon and chocolate chips.  Dusted with cinnamon and confectioner’s sugar, they are a delightful combination of the creamy dough, the smoothness of chocolate, the chewiness of the fruit, the bite of the cinnamon and the crunchiness of the nuts.  Appealing in every way, these cookies are an excellent addition to any dessert table.    

Ornament of the Day: A Silver Shell

I’ve had this ornament for many years. It’s really quite charming. A real seashell has been plated in silver—creating the look of still being wet from the sea. Adorned with red and silver ribbon it makes an interesting and elegant ornament for the Christmas tree.


This is one of two such ornaments from the same designer. The other is a natural pinecone which has also been plated in silver and looks as if its been touched with a lovely winter frost. These clever ornaments remind us of nature and the beauty that surrounds us. They’re also quite heavy! So, they often end up sitting on lower branches since they tend to weight down less-sturdy higher ones.

Object of the Day: A Pair of Vintage Sconces

I am a fan of subtle indirect lighting. I like the freedom to illuminate a room in a variety of ways depending on my mood. For that reason, I enjoy using wall sconces since they light the walls and cast a warm glow throughout the room. When placed near a mirror, wall sconces reflect the light in a soft, charming way.


This pair of bronze wall sconces dates to the mid-to-late 1920’s and comes from France. As is often the case with antique or vintage fixtures, they’ve been rewired for safety. They’re really quite simple and offer a subtle elegance to a dark-toned wall. The single-armed fixtures with Rococo-inspired plaques hold two original pendalogues supported by crystal rosettes. I’ve dressed them with red silk shades. They blend nicely with the large chandelier in the room and add a warmth to an otherwise dark corner.

Sunday Viewing: Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol, 1962

It’s great to be back, back, back. It’s great to be back on Broadway…

This charming short film should not be dismissed as just another animated Christmas special. It was the original Christmas special—the first animated film to be created specifically for television broadcast on Christmas. It predates all of those other Christmas specials that we all grew up with. And, truly, it’s a remarkable little film.

Produced in 1962 by Henry G. Saperstein for UPA and directed by Abe Levitow, the film centers around beloved myopic thespian Quincy Magoo who is about to make his triumphant return to Broadway in a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. While the introductory and interstitial portions of the film which show Magoo as “himself” (not as Scrooge) are often cut for broadcast on television, the approach to the story is that this is Mr. Magoo playing Ebenezer Scrooge—on stage—with a cast of American actors (including frequent Magoo costar Gerald McBoing-Boing in an unprecedented speaking part as Tiny Tim) playing the characters from Dickens’ work. Recent broadcasts which cut the behind-the-scenes theatrical aspects of the film, are diluting the filmmakers’ original intent. They didn’t want us to think that Mr. Magoo was Scrooge, that wanted us to remember that this was part of his ongoing adventures as he played the part in his musch-anticipated return to the stage.

While the plot of the “Christmas Carol” differs from Dickens’ book for the sake of time, the dialogue is surprisingly spot-on, with many of the characters speaking lines directly from the original work. The most magnificent parts of the show, however, are the music and the songs. Composed especially for the film by the famed Broadway team of Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, the music is as good as any Broadway show. Songs such as “Winter was Warm,” “When You’re Alone in the World,” “Ringle, Ringle,” and “The Lord’s Bright Blessing” are epic, sweeping, emotional tunes with as much to offer as any Tony-Award winning show’s score.

With a talented cast that includes Morey Amsterdam, Jack Cassidy, and Paul Frees alongside Mr. Magoo’s usual voice, Jim Backus (Thurston Howell, III/James Dean’s father in Rebel without a Cause—to name a few), the film is humorous and touching.

Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol was recently restored to all of its original 1960’s glorious color and is available on DVD. If you haven’t seen it in years or haven’t seen it at all, you must add this film to your Christmas collection.

Here’s a clip of one of my favorite scenes. The Laundress, The Charwoman and the Undertaker—along with Old Joe—since “The Plunderers’ March” also known as “We’re Despicable.”