Baking and Chatting at The Last Homely House, lots of mess

Here is the link to Mary Berry's Florentine Recipe. I was thinking that a little bit of chopped crystallised ginger would have been a good addition. Maybe next time!
www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/marys_florentines_49833
Tomorrow night the video about Anna and I delivering these around the place will be posted.
Also tomorrow at 8 pm. GMT over on Patreon will be the First Zoom Party for Christmas for all patrons from $5+ I'm really looking forward to it!
www.patreon.com/thelasthomelyhouse
If you join us for this you can also see the Advent Poems that I am posting for everyone as my Christmas gift.
The last posting date to all international's destinations has passed now. Last date for the UK is 16th
www.thelasthomelyhouse.co.uk
(Its not - its the 18th, but I won't be here after the 16th for a couple of days, so it's my last posting day!)
The little bit of music is called Winter Time from Epidemic Sounds

[@susanslottke8297]

I learned to sew on a treadle machine at my grandmother's house. My mom didn't sew, but a neighbor lady did, and since she had only sons, no daughters, she adopted me into her sewing room! I was probably 13 years old. Then when I was in 7th grade and took sewing in home economics class, my teacher made me rip out everything all the time! I almost quit sewing!! Lucky for me I just stopped taking those home ec classes and did my sewing at home. For years I made my own clothing, quite well I think, and sewed for my family. Then I discovered local sewing experts and took independent classes and have never looked back. I'm teaching my granddaughters because home ec has been reduced in schools. My youngest is taking to it quite nicely. Thanks for the stories Kate!

[@CraftyTeaLife]

I have great memories of my Home Economics classes in grades 7 and 8. I would have been 12 and 13 years old. We learned how to sew and cook, and in grade 8 we also took some shop classes in conjunction with home ec. and learned how to weld! I still have many of the recipes from those two years, one of which is called Donut Muffins and has always been a favourite of my kids! I remember being so proud when I learned how make a ruffle for a pillow that I made. Fond memories!

[@JeaWis]

I don’t have walnuts so I’ll use more cranberries and almonds. Now let’s make the recipe exactly as written. Double the recipient. No 4 times more. Not enough butter, not enough syrup oh well that will be fine. I love your free wheeling style!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I like to wing it a bit - usually works out ok! ha ha ha! xxx

[@macsmiffy2197]

I looked up the recipe. Mary says it’s really important to get the measurements correct! 😂

[@ireneclai578]

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Cantley, she taught high school art, ceramics, drawing, commercial art, photography. Oh I loved that teacher.

[@brendamartinez3068]

Beautiful memories of your parents and your childhood made me smile. Sounds like a happy childhood. Enjoyed the video.

[@judyl3492]

Your lime green couch has been a life saver for me and I thank you for this. I sit and take a deep breath and sip tea and eat try a florantine. Mmmm good. You are a good person. Look forward to the videos

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

it has been the same for me - quite a lovely community we have here! xxx

[@ymanajohnson5330]

I enjoyed hearing about your early years at home with your parents...learning sewing, cooking, working with your Dad. Thank you for sharing a bit about your childhood.

[@deekay1641]

I so enjoy your stories, they make my heart smile. Thank you

[@iletaherberg4832]

Love hearing your stories and memories. I can relate to some of your memories. I grew up in Minnesota on a farm and I know I was blessed. Had wonderful parents and 11 siblings. Listening to you brings back some of my memories. Thank you

[@lynnlockhart6226]

The florentines look delicious. Enjoyed hearing the childhood memories.

[@nancisailormoy9135]

If Mary Berry made them they must be delicious. The cherries reminded me of the video I just watched of all the cherry trees of old in Britain. I have been watching The Victorian Farms and the Edwardian Farms. It was sad how little is coming out of the farms these days once the rail line stopped bringing things into the city. Enjoyed the cooking, Kate.

[@irhonda31]

I love the way you’ll tackle anything! I wanted to take drafting (now, all done on computer!) in jr. high school, but not allowed and had to take cooking and sewing. I became an engineer, not a chef or seamstress! Drafting would have been very helpful. Thank goodness girls and boys aren’t pigeon holed like that now!

[@charissatroup5611]

I had a little chuckle at your memory of your home economics class. I can't remember what my teacher's name was, but I still do make a few things I learned back then. It's kind of sad it's not offered to young kids anymore.

[@margm4]

Finally here for one of your shows that’s current! It’s cold and wet here in “sunny Queensland”. Last week temps were in high 30s, today it’s 18c! Hello cats and others here.💕🇦🇺

[@lindagunter8339]

The same in the USA when I went to school in 1960's.Girls took home economics ( sewing and cooking.) and boy took shop(which was building with wood).

[@carolynrockafellow417]

Exactly right

[@lindagates9150]

Linda and Carolyn thank you for the memories that your comments have elicited I too had home economics in the 60’s. When my mum went to a vocational high school in the 1940’s she learned how-to fix sewing machines I remember her neighbour asking her to come over to fix her old singer machine when I was a child in the 50’s. In 1970 they moved to an old house and were having their electric panel updated luckily she looked at the electricians work and pointed out the mistake that he had made. I remember writing an essay about my do it yourself mother she could do it all except for finished carpentry she installed the plumbing in the house as it had an outhouse. I remember how she would make lamps, bowls and a baseball bat on her lathe. My first cake I was about ten she left me in the kitchen and went to the living room while I got on with the process I made an error in the amount of salt that I used I went running to her and I told her what I had done she told me to go back you can do it yourself to fix it all I had to do was multiply all the other ingredients by three so my first cake became multiple cakes. This has been quite a trip down memory lane thanks 😊🇨🇦👍👍

[@kassrripples3659]

I went to high school in Melbourne Australia in the late 80s and had compulsory classes Home Economics which was really cooking class in year 7-9 then I chose it as an elective in year 10. I took a subject Human Development in year 11. I took “craft” and “art” in year 7 then Craft as an elective in year 8, but not year 9... I don’t remember why, maybe there was a different elective offered, perhaps Commerce, or Music. My son is now year 8 and we live in Houston Texas and he has a subject Hospitality and Tourism which has included some cooking components. Older son did a subject in 2019 as part of tenth year which was “Nutrition”, but he did “cooking” as part of the topics.

[@margaretbedwell58]

@@lindagates9150 What a talented Mom you had. And a wonderful teacher too. She taught you how to save the cake and that has stayed with you your entire life.

[@lindagates9150]

@@margaretbedwell58 Mum was a great person there are so many stories she and Daddy were a wonderful match. their talents complemented what one could not do the other could . they both could cook I still remember Dad’s raisin pie and mum’s blueberry bang belly (it made the eyes light up and the tummy say howdy. I remember Mum put up a shelf in the kitchen to hold her old radio and her friend said that it was a horrible shelf Mum replied I know but when David gets home he will replace it with a better one. His CPR job took him from Maine to southern NEW Brunswick and over to Digby Nova Scotia 🇨🇦 so when he got home her friend spilled the beans he never did replace it. He was a welder. No fear of heights he could dance across the reversing falls bridge in Saint John but he would not accompany Mum on the jet boat ride up the wild water under it. One last story Mum and her friend had to go to the village bank so they took the back way to the railway line and drove their snowmobiles, they Loved snowmobiling to protect their thumbs they would wear rubber gloves under their snowmobiling gloves. Well, one wore gloves , Mum never used them she would put a French Safe on her thumbs. I expect you might not recognize the term but that is what she called them! Myrna was a bank clerk and she introduced Mum to her new boss. He started to put out his hand to shake her hand she hesitated for a nanosecond and removed her glove in hopes that the safe would stay behind it didn’t. Myrna loved to recount that “my friend Joan story” oh I just thought of another one it has an unhappy ending though one Halloween the village council thought that they would ban trick and treating Mum was a guide leader, the first Brownie meetings were in our house (still setting the stage) her group of children in the neighbourhood were 😭 so they made a banner save our Halloween and Mum marched with them through the village. When the Guide officials for the area found out about the parade it was her saddest moment the Girl Guides found some one else to take over mum’s girls. They could not stop her involvement with children in the winter she would take groups out to boil the billy and have hot chocolate in the early spring they would go out to tap trees if a child wanted to tap a pine tree she let them go for it. Okay I can hear Mum say “enough of that” “let my people go”! The last quote is from another my friend Joan story. It is 3:18 good night oops internet’s down! times ticking away insomnia is a great thing I get to write comments while I wait to take my eye drops in less than forty minutes , thirty five, by the way the insomnia is a side effect of the drops. The “let my people go” involves another neighbour. Jessie would arrive at breakfast and leave around supper time all the time saying that she had to go. Good thing she didn’t drop in very often. Twenty six minutes can you tell it takes me so long to do one finger typing. I can type much faster on my ergonomic key board but that is in my office when I worked in the public library I was so glad that I took a personal typing course in high school. I am an old age pensioner who still runs a business doing personal income taxes they are usually all done in the spring . this month I’ve completed two 2019 returns and have one on my desk for a new, old, as in former, client who moved back east from Alberta. oh right the let my people go she would stand at the door it would take her ages to close it behind her. When I had a bed and breakfast I resurrected dad’s comment he would say to mum after Jessie was safely out the door let my people go as if it was her fault that she was so good natured to put up with the elderly neighbour . Was it? My late husband loved to talk with our guests at the breakfast table I had to keep an eye on the clock because many would be taking the early ferry to Digby if the time required it I would tell him let my people go. It worked.I am off for the drops. Oh the internet is back had my drops bye bye

[@sead705]

You are hilariously funny in the kitchen Kate!!!! I adore you!! Relax,have fun and laugh at yourself. Thank you for teaching us to love ourselves right along with you. You’re so dear!!

[@janeferguson8678]

I could watch you make cookies and listen to your stories all day. I love it so much. Thank you, dear kate.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I edited out about half an hour of this because it seems to go on forever! xxx

[@janeferguson8678]

@@thelasthomelyhouse oh no! I loved it. I would have listened. Have a lovely day, Kate, and hug Eileen for me.

[@judithburke1539]

@@thelasthomelyhouse I'm pretty sure that we would have enjoyed whatever you edited out. Maybe next time you cook you could share more.

[@shonagibson4396]

Love your stories about your tea towel and your teacher!

[@carlenehall2979]

🤗 Thank you Kate, that was fun!🎄

[@anitamorrison5426]

Lol --- been listening to your Sewing events. Here in Cdn we had to take sewing & cooking. I had been doing both for a few years. My Grandma taught me crochet and embroidery so what happen the girls would keep asking me to show them how to sew, then the teacher yell at me. She would have a line up to her desk and the girls would get impatient. So you can see how the 2 years were not enjoyable. Like you i would have like wood work and electrical course. SO my son who knew how to cook -- took cooking and sewing I ask why --- you know the answer--- Yes the girls the teacher said he did better than the girls. His sister took wood working as could cook and sew. She said why take a class when i can take a class on something new. She made a book small stand which I cherish as she was kill at age 21. -- The schools i believe are trying to change to met the needs of today's work force, but they are still behind the time. Unfortunately in this day and age things change far too quickly. I think us older folk enjoyed, learned at a slower pace, absorbed and keep the knowledge we learned. Today its too fast too much and forgot just as quickly. So its up to us older folk to slow down our grandkids days by having a great cooking day or just try?? To show or teach our crafts. Now we are ""stay in place:" i challenge my grandkids to make gifts. I guess one is doing cookie i can hardly wait for my mail..sorry kind of long Thank you Kate for your visit today enjoyed the tea Anita

[@katehenry2718]

BRavo )))

[@chrisc3867]

I wasn't allowed to major in Physics in college in 1969. I had taken 4 yrs of math, biology, chemistry and physics in high school but in college was relegated to English or French as my major "because you'll drop out as soon as you get married". Took a lot of arguing but I finally finagled my way into chemistry and went into research. And now I'm doing covid vaccine clinical trials - not bad for a girl!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

this makes me so furious! you succeeded DESPITE your education not BECAUSE of it! well done you! and thank you for helping get the world safe! we are relying on you! xxx

[@tinatippin5705]

What a brilliant idea! That's our unsinkable Kate. You really inspire me to attempt things I didn't think I could do. There is hope for those spritz cookies yet!

[@susanjanemay5713]

Oh I am so delighted to have found your podcasts! Lots of catching up to do and thank you, thank you for there being no advertisements, this is such a blessing 🙏🏻🙋🏼‍♀️😊

[@noraluisedonnelly]

Now that brought so many memories back of domestic science at school and all the laughter. Thank you Kate. The florentines look delicious 😋

[@suzeezee8196]

I have always enjoyed your cooking shows!! Your friends that receive this yummy treat will be delighted!

[@debbieduh2065]

I loved the stories about your childhood. My mum was a dressmaker & tailoress, so I learned to sew on my Grandma's treadle machine. I made all my dolls clothes from about age 6, made myself a skirt at age 8. We moved from Canada to UK when I was 8 &1/2 & I got domestic science & needle work classes. Like you I thought tacking was silly. Mum used straight pins. I would take my project home finish it & bring it back done. Drove the teacher mad because she never saw me do the work. One time she accused me of getting mum to do it. I was so mad, I made mum come in & tell the teacher off for calling me a liar & thinking I couldn't sew that well. 😆 My poor cooking teachers didn't fair well either. My grandma who we lived with was a professional pastry cook, so when 11 I gave the teacher a hard time for asking me to make pastry with warm hands & telling me not to use cold knives to cut the butter in as it was too dangerous. Worse still I bet her my pastry would be better than hers because her hands were warm too. I won & got detention for challenging her! I must have been an obnoxious child to teach, but when mum went to the headmaster & asked if I could take extra English or History instead of domestic science he thankfully agreed. 😅

[@pebbles8022]

I came from such a poor family, school meals were just the best, more than the best, I’m so grateful for them, it meant that I only needed, a cereal cheap, wheatabix, shreddedwheat , cornflakes, or porridge and milk, for the evening it would have been toast and butter and if lucky jam or dripping,s, both my parents worked. I used to race to the front of the queue, when the bell went, so that I could get through, and get a main course and desert and I would wait in the dining room, until they gave away the deserts that hadn’t been taken, sometimes I took my main meal up twice, to gain an extra dessert. My very Beautiful special best friend got caught because of her looks. Despite me sitting with two deserts in front of me.

[@barbwilson1422]

I washed dishes to earn my meal at school in 5th grade. My aunt was a cook in the kitchen. I ate very good.

[@gjones9409]

I'm sitting here watching you and making Arne and Carlos bird feeder ball sack. Thank you for introducing us to them😊

[@mytrueserenity5666]

My dad always put the towel on his shoulder when he cooked. He was a fabulous cook. :-)

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

of course he was! I still do it so Mrs. C didn't put me off! xxx

[@mandybiddle2001]

I made chocolate almond biscotti for my 2 legged friends and banana peanut butter biscuits for my four legged friends as a gift .... such fun to do !!

[@susanchesworth9705]

Domestic Science at my school was 4 years sewing and 1 year cooking. Cooking began with learning how to wash your dishcloth and tea towel, scrub your table and draining board, cleaning your hairbrush? scrubbing the floor. I remember making pineapple meringue pie one week and the meringue wouldn't rise, it was awful. The same teacher taught sewing, which was her preferred discipline and she was a tartar. I spent more time taking things out than I did sewing I think, but she didn't manage to destroy my love of sewing, which my mum and a lady at junior school had instilled in me. I used to make all my own clothes as well as do embroidery. Over the years dressmaking has fallen by the wayside, but I still love to embroider, cross stitch, patchwork (machine and hand).

[@melaniesettle9353]

Your stories about learning to sew and cook has brought back my High School memories of my teacher. I remember taking out the seams of a little sailor outfit so many times, that the material frayed. I didn't see what she found that I was doing wrong each time I sewed a new seam. Still that didn't discourage me from sewing. I also remember her liking the looks of my kitchen group's apple pie so much, she took it to share with faculty. We didn't get to try it. We were so disappointed. She told us the next day that the faculty loved our flaky crust, and we would all get an A+. What is funny, is she didn't know I modified her pie crust recipe. I had the other girls keep her busy, so she didn't see I had changed the amounts on the ingredients. I wanted to make my Mom's crust recipe. My Mom through trial and error, and throwing the dough against the wall as the story goes, had found the pie dough recipe she wanted. It has more shortening than most recipes. Also, my Mom taught me to roll the dough between two piece of wax paper with a tiny amount of flour. That way there is less flour used that could make the crust tougher. Nice to go back to the memories. Thanks Kate! Your Florentines look yummy!

[@sherriekeller319]

That was most enjoyable watching you make the florentines and chatting about your childhood and school. Those memories are the best, aren't they. Those were the good ol' days. I am a child of the 50s. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in that decade. 'I'm so thankful I had a childhood before technology took over.' Thank you Kate.

[@sharonzolna3375]

I love hearing about your memories! The florentines look yummy!

[@catharinakanninga-degraaf3575]

I think you're so nice and I love your way of telling stories, how you do your things that your videos are never to long for me. I like them very much.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Thank you so much! xxx

[@sueduquemin7119]

My sewing teacher was a real battle axe. told me that I would never make a sewer. I proved her wrong I made my own clothes when younger and clothes for my sons and now I make quilts for family and friends. F

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

what a terrible thing to say to a child! you can be anything you decide you want to be! xxx

[@sarahchang2835]

My sewing teacher told me I was not a 'natural needle woman', so that made me determined to make things and love doing it and I have! Well done to you Sue for ignoring your sewing teacher too!

[@mecraftytoo]

Ooh Kate they do look yummy, I’m craving florentine’s now. 😊x

[@paulaarthur57]

Kate, the cookies look delicious. I look forward to giving them a try. Your reminiscing about your teacher brought back memories of my home economics teacher Mrs. Heffernan. She taught cooking the first semester and sewing the second. I lived in California, USA, yet she was British and she taught such great recipes. It was one of my favorite classes and teacher. Thanks for the wonderful chat. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@joharmon2148]

Like the way you saved your Florentines with the cutter. They look so good,

[@sunrhyze]

In 7th grade (1975) in my junior high in southern CA all students (girls and boys) did six weeks each of cooking, sewing, drafting, wood working, electricity and printing. I remember making pumpkin bread (so good), sewing a backpack (teacher commenting loudly about how long my arms were, in front of the whole class), drawing many straight lines with a plastic triangle without quite knowing why, never ever being able to get my bell to ring or my light to come on in electricity no matter how hard I tried, and the printing teacher exclaiming that he was "busier than a dog scratchin' fleas." That was 45 years ago and I lost the pumpkin bread recipe, but I still have the big wooden key I made in wood shop (I was allowed to use a jigsaw which I thought was fantastic), that has little metal hooks all over the front for hanging up actual keys. It's a "key key." I never made anything out of wood again, but maybe I should give that Christmas star a try.

[@dianecunningham4787]

You have cheered me with your easy going videos…thank you so much Diane, from Australia.

[@utekrause8501]

Thank you for your inspiration. I took out the recipe I got from my mother. I had all the ingredients in my kitchen and after a short time I noticed the delicious smell of childhood und christmas. And also a warm Thank you for those looks in your life during the last awful months. Have a nice xmas

[@susandorrington7623]

GENIUS idea with the biscuit/cookie cutter - that tip has definitely been stored away in my brain! I love Florentines and yours look delicious numnum

[@ToyotaFJOntario]

Your reminiscences of domestic science brought me back. I also loved my teacher. We would have a fashion show and twice, I made my little sister the same dress and we would both be in the show. We stole it! Nice memories.

[@margaretbedwell58]

What a wonderful big sister.

[@denisefoster6865]

Kate, what a fantastic idea using the round cutter to pull the cookies together - they look gorgeous.

[@brendaholder2260]

I really enjoyed your stories , It's really interesting to hear you speak of your past🙂

[@karentzn]

Kate that is very clever using the round cutter. That’s awesome. Your cookies look delicious

[@calliecordoba532]

Love the Mrs.Crocksford stories. Lol. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe and lovely memories. 😀

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

she was lovely - and I still have a tea towel over my shoulder when I bake - so her telling off didn't work. ha ha! xxx

[@calliecordoba532]

@@thelasthomelyhouse 😂

[@JB-pd4ni]

WONDERFUL stories! I'm getting the holidayspirit...

[@mrsplumbridge4888]

So lovely looking back on your teachers 😊 my needlework teacher Mrs O'Neil totally frightening put me off that for years. It wasn't until I was in my 20's I had to make my own Flamenco dresses when I became a flamenco dancer, as they were too expensive to buy, that I developed my love for it. 😅 oh the days eh x

[@lucy7b]

Thank you

[@nannettmcdougal-dykes9339]

Thanks for sharing....they looks amazing...take care and be safe

[@donnaseeton3568]

Domestic science or home economics was one of my favorites, but those teachers never took me at my word. When we were to knit house slippers, I told her I had made them before. The next day I brought mine in with one done; had to take it apart and learn to do mittens with a cable stitch down the back. And you’re right, who takes a semester to make an apron??? We did!😂😂😂

[@carolynhoover9444]

We also knit. Problem was my mom was German so I learned the continental way to knit and the teacher insisted I do it the American way. Messed me up but I argued the point what difference did it make? I continued the way my wonderful master knitter taught me.

[@debbieduh2065]

Hi, yes my needlework teacher tried to teach me how to knit as I could sew, crochet & embroider. I hated it, still don't like knitting. 😉

[@deenawatts3257]

My great grandparents worked in the Lancashire cotton mills before they came to America.

[@adelechicken6356]

Oh, I do enjoy your chat as you work, your memory sharing brings back my own. They are very like yours, except there were 8 children. We were all taught to do all the things one does on a small farm with chickens and other small livestock. My brothers all learned to cook well, and we girls pitched hay and split wood, along with all of us doing the gardening. I started experimenting with recipes at about age 12, and 60 years later I'm still doing it, with very few failures in all those years. Mostly because Mom taught well, and had us help from as soon as we were old enough to stir. I would have liked to take architecture in school, but not allowed. I got to design and help my husband build a large addition on our small home, and I love it and loved doing it.

[@tuthillg]

Such fun memories, Kate! Yummy goodies! TFS the inspiration!

[@jjudy5869]

Your tale of the messed-up dish made me chuckle. My dad had resigned himself to eating burnt offering while his three daughters learned to cook. Dad was not mentally prepared to eat my younger brother's burnt offerings when Bro decided to learn to cook after Mom went back to work.

[@susanfryer1616]

They look good enough to eat , I,m with you with the sewing at school , French seams come into mind

[@dyannevandenheuvel3511]

Like you, I always wanted to take the “shop” courses in school but was not allowed. Girls cooked and sewed. But, like you, my parents made everything and I helped. Although I was always a good student in school, I learned the most from my parents and grandmothers at home. I was an elementary teacher for 33 years and always made things with my students. When I see them out and about they tell me that is what they remember most. Thank you for reminding me.

[@jennil7797]

My headteacher in primary school was a very enlightened man for the early 60s, especially considering he was close to retirement age so was born in late Victorian times himself. He said he hoped we would all be capable of caring for ourselves, no matter what life threw at us. Both boys and girls were taught basic woodwork, sewing, gardening, cooking and simple repairs such as how to change an electric plug. I loved doing it all, so much more interesting than grammar and giving a reason for all the arithmetic we endured!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

what an enlightened soul! xxx very rare!

[@annakozlowski1774]

Oh Yummmy💌 Christmas Blessings Kate and family 🎄💌

[@jackierudd2010]

Yummy 😊 wish I was on your list for a drop off 😂 Kate I felt as though I was in your homely kitchen with you. sadly I didn't enjoy cooking class at school, my older sisters class was on a Wednesday, mom would get all her fresh ingredients on Tuesdays but my cookery class was Monday morning, mom wouldn't let me do it because she hadn't got any fresh ingredients left after feeding a family of 7 over the weekend (50 years ago) my teacher made me wash all the other girls pots and pans up instead, I still struggle to enjoy cooking and really dislike washing up. Thankyou for spending your time with us, you are such a tonic 😊💖 Oh I forgot to say, I too wanted to do woodwork but that wasn't taught in our all girl school, at the age of 62 I started woodcarving classes 😊👍👌 love it and also I've completed a 10 week course of woodturning. ....I really wish I'd started when I was younger BUT better late than never 😊

[@kathiep.7734]

Wonderful video.felt like I was visiting you in your kitchen ..nice of you to share..and I really really loved your reminisces about school and life at home..I’d love to hear more! Greetings from Nebraska,USA..middle of the country..where we just had heavy wet snow 2 days ago....brrrr

[@lindaprice9242]

I really enjoyed your video watching you make the florentines. Thank you so much for sharing regarding your mother and father and your memories as your teachers. I love to reminisce.

[@johannawilliamson649]

Thanks Kate and Anna, I loved the video and the little road trip. Wishing you Avery Merry Christmas from Huonville, Tasmania

[@carolynrockafellow417]

Oh they looks wonderful..may have to make them for Christmas. Funny I had similar incident with my sewing teacher..my mom taught me to sew when I was about 8 years old. When I got in Junior high school about 14 or so..I wanted to make a dress..I would sew the seam in class the way my mom had taught me. I get to class and the teacher had ripped it out..I sew it again and she'd rip it out..this went on until finally the fabric was wearing out. She said I needed to change my stitch lenght and just tie off the thread ends and be done. Not sure what I learned..but the covered belt I made covered up everything that "wasn't to her liking" and I worn the dress just fine. I still sew to this day..my way and I'm in my 70's. Lol

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

how silly! oh and I remember tying the threads! ha ha! such a bad time for us creatives! xxx

[@sharonoconnor7769]

Kate what a lovely video. It was so sweet to hear you reminisce about your childhood. We have quite a bit in common. I to learned to sew at my mother’s sewing machine an Elna. Spent so many hours on that, sewing clothes and dish towels even my prom dresses. We lived out in the country on 40 acres so there was always lots of work to do in the yard and beyond. I always hung around with my dad when I could too. He helped me make a bookcase and desk for 4H. I loved every minute of it. We would work out in his shop with him, sweep floors and do odd jobs. I didn’t take domestic science, my mom felt it was a waste for me, since, as the oldest of eight I had plenty of homemaking experience. I asked if I could take Drafting class!! I loved looking at blueprints, something I also learned from my dad, so the idea of making my own and dabbling with any kind of mechanical drawing fascinated me. I was the first girl to ever do that in our school...1965 my senior year. Well this was a long comment but it’s all to say I enjoy hanging out with you and learning from you. I’m across the pond but I fell cozy on the couch or in your kitchen. Take care!!! Sharon

[@yvonneiversen8749]

Kate, these look & sound delicious! Oh and as far as teachers go, they can really make or break a child's spirit! Instead of finding out the reason why you do thing's the way you do... they assume it's their way or the highway. I'm so very glad you kept your spirit. You are a wonderful teacher yourself explanation of why or how this or that within the lesson. I should have adored having parent's such as yours teaching at their knees all they had to offer. Bless them & you!

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

Your sewing at school sounded like mine. Mum made most of our clothes, beautiful dresses and the sewing teacher had the audacity to tell me I was doing it wrong when I was copying what my Mum was doing. I just thought well she didn't know what she was talking about. I still love sewing =-)

[@carolynhoover9444]

Hi Kate, loved the cookies 🍪 but most of all how you are able to troubleshoot and remain calm. I have not had these cookies but I am sure they taste drlicious. I am old enough to have had home economics in school. Younger generations did not as schools changed the curriculums. I too had a strict teacher for sewing. As a result, I never touched a sewing machine for big projects. I like when you share family stories as well. No, you are not Arne and Carlos. You are the fabulous Kate with a fantastic sense of humor watching 2nd part for the delivery of gifts. Stay who you are from the very first video using your tablet! Say hello to cats, hens and my favorite, Elaine!

[@cindymeyering1706]

Hi Kate! I discovered your videos about two weeks ago, and I have to tell you that I am truly enjoying them! You’re just what I needed during this difficult time. Thanks for being who you are and for giving me so many ideas for projects to try!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

we are having a tricky time world wide just now, but we can try and be creative ... join us all on the Lime Green Sofa and enjoy some quality snacks! xxx

[@Ladythyme]

YES! Never trust a skinny cook! Enjoyed your stories from your former life!

[@christinesellar3866]

Thanks Kate, home made gifts are so much nicer. I think I might try Florentines this year. Have a great Christmas. Cheers from Melbourne.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

I also had to take home economics and the year I learned to sew, the teacher required me to rip out my stitching so often that my fabric was quite worn out by the time the garment was finished. Also I wanted to join the Future Farmers of America but only boys were allowed. I had to be in Future Homemakers of America.

[@louisechristinelarsen2248]

Thank you so much for taking us with us on your baking journey. Such beautiful 37 minutes.

[@janeevans4758]

Lovely & great to reminisce on the school days,I had a right stern sewing teacher, I also didn't want to sew at school and we did have options for woodwork & metal work so I did those the following year.

[@jenniferjohnson9335]

It is dark here in Tennessee too--rainy. But you had me at "cranberry"--love cranberries!

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

I loved hearing your memories! I was in the 7th grade in the mid-80's and back then boys took wood shop while girls took home ec. I had no interest whatsoever in sewing or cooking so another girl and I asked for permission to take wood shop. We were permitted and I LOVED it! I had a great teacher and took it very seriously. I made A's and constructed some nice projects including a wall shelf which I gave to one of my Grandma's, a lamp stand using a wood lathe, some signs using a router, and a sturdy bookshelf that stands on the floor. A couple of weeks ago I decided I needed a place in my kitchen to store some ceramic bowls and cast iron kettles--so I lugged that book shelf up the stairs from my laundry room to the kitchen. Many (MANY! ;) ) years later I am still using that shelf and I remember what I learned in wood shop classes in the 7th and 8th grades. The cool thing is that, after I married, I decided cooking was pretty fun too and now I make nearly everything from scratch. I never did cotton to sewing, but I have an 11 yo daughter who likes it--so we're covered (literally! ;) ). Thank you for sharing your memories with us. I love your cooking videos!

[@cjane51]

Oh so yummy looking!! My insulin pump was all a flutter. I enjoyed the chat the most!

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

ha ha!! once a year only!!! xxx

[@gilscot100]

Calendar and books arrived in CA today. Thank you Kate. Great memories of Domestic science. Up in Scotland in the 60s at my High School it was mandatory for the first 2 years. One term cooking and one term sewing. But even earlier than that in my village primary school we did knitting and sewing with Mrs Patterson, the headmaster’s wife. A right battleaxe. Who expects a 9/10 year old to knit baby bootees with 4 knitting needles. We hand sewed 2 different types of aprons that had embroidery on. Much better at that. And 55 years on I still have them.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I'm really pleased that all these memories are coming out! Mrs. Patterson. what a sad person! did you ever knit baby bootees again? I doubt it! xxx

[@rossleebaker8842]

In NZ golden syrup still comes in tins. A heated spoon works. I love the way use read the recipe and then change it! Such fun.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

yes - we have tins too - and I should have stood it in hot water xxx

[@bonnieschwegerl6536]

Yummy! Could almost taste! Kate for many years I made all kinds of goodies and gave to friends, my sons helped and would deliver. We would have so much fun! Good memories. Thanks Kate have a blessed day! From California!

[@cherylcarlson3315]

Love hearing you say will follow the recipe and in same breath start changing it all. My son says I just stay in same hemisphere as recipe.In the 70's was not even home ec classes I knew about but was so bad at algebra didn't get physics or shop or ag. so disappointing that I got such a late start on my life. Glad to see someone else thriving in new ways

[@caroljuniper5100]

Love florentines - have tried to make them before with little success but now feel inspired to have another go.

[@mskellycareless]

How about putting the balls in muffin tins or mini muffin tins? They could spread the a perfect circle and most fit 12 spaces. What do you think?

[@ellenrose2533]

I don't think it would make them thin enough, they need to spread out to be crunchy and chewy at the same time❣️

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I think that would work with a broad based bun tin and a tiny bit of dough - worth trying - but this also works - and burns your fingers! ha ha!!!

[@playme129]

@Kelly. You took the words out of my mouth. I was thinking wide muffins with paper liners for ease of removal. Virginia

[@margaretbedwell58]

@@ellenrose2533 How about a silicone regular muffin form or do you think they might not cool properly baked in the silicone?

[@ellenrose2533]

@@margaretbedwell58 Ive never used silicone moulds before, I think it's a spreading type recipe, the florenines like to just go thin. I've made them and the trick is only cook a few at one time. But try, they will be ummy...I will check my recipe...

[@carmenbailey1560]

Hi Kate, really enjoyed hearing about your younger days at school and home life. Baking also looks interesting, I have decided that the only thing I’m baking this year is actually your biscotti recipe. Thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊

[@ritabrunetti381]

How much fun watching you bake. Great tips and advice. Thank you for this recipe!

[@koalasez1200]

Gasp. My mother was from the Lancashire area; she was in the WRAF and met my Army father in Aden in about 1949. Alas I never really knew her [she passed when I was young], but my cousin found me a few years ago thanks to the internet. She lives in the Kent area and used to be a midwife back in the late 60's, and the 70's or so. We've had a wonderful email correspondence and someday I hope to be able to visit. She's always talking about walking around the moors etc. I'm in the US in the desert and when it rains here, we all cheer lol. Thank you for sharing...I just love watching your videos and listening to your stories. ❤

[@robynsmith4352]

Just subscribed yesterday! Arne & Carlos mentioned you💕. I’m enjoying your videos so much. That looks so yummy! Listening to your stories ... so enjoyable.

[@SaraMc66]

Whoopsy Daisy! 😂😂. Love your giggle, thanks for giving me a chuckle!

[@clairecousins2958]

Thanks to you, I have just made a batch. They are seriously yummy. Your idea of using a pastry cutter was very much appreciated. Thanks for your honest cooking instructions. Happy christmas and a healthy new year from cambridgeshire. Xx

[@susanbaker8023]

Kate, you had me laughing and remembering things I haven't thought of in years. I remember making my Dad dinner, Mom was in the hospital. He was a trooper, he ate it said it was fine. He went to the hospital to see Mom, and told her he was stopping at the local cafe. He didn't get enough and it was not the best. Mom told me years later. I also wanted to take shop with the boys. Wouldn't let us in those days. So enjoy your videos.

[@bad-roomconnection8098]

Thanking you for commenting that way. For no reason I started watching Kate's Advent series this morning. Lots to do in the garden but I grabbed yarn and hopped from video to video. And now, having seen the scene with the lovely meal Kate once made for their brave parents.... my knitting disappeared behind my running tears. Thanks Kate for allowing my thoughts to remember....

[@margaretbedwell58]

Loved hearing about your days at school. I too had a large, very sweet and motherly soul for my Home Economics teacher Her stock phrase every day was "Now ladies, when you get married, make sure someone gives you a Dutch oven". I loved that, but looking back my Mom never had a Dutch oven at all but she was a good cook. Thank you for sharing a bit of your growing up years. I thoroughly loved this video. Have a Blessed day.

[@deedeadman631]

Loved the stories of when you was a child, thank you

[@jackieb7883]

What a joy to watch.lt made a dark rainy sunday morning a real treat.Also brought back my memories of sewing classes, at scool.Trying to get the sewing machine to work the whole morning,! Looking forward to the next video .

[@pamgreen1898]

Florentines looked delicious. I remember Domestic Science but everything I cooked had to be taken home on the bus, so by the time I got home most of the food was swishing around in the tin. Also my abiding memory was making a skirt and having to do a french seam. Happy days ( for the most part)

[@dianapurdy9529]

You can never over-buy chocolate 👨🏼‍🍳😋

[@rebeccawolf3196]

I find the measuring of the ingredients very interesting. By weight! Here in the U.S. it is normally by cups or teaspoons/tablespoons. I have never seen anyone weigh their ingredients. I imagine it does create a lot of dishes to clean. Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed watching.

[@tuto108]

Kate, I love Florentines and thank you so much for the tutorial. I find you to be a born entertainer!

[@carolynmason8678]

I just love watching you and listening to you chat away about things in life. I would like to know about that gorgeous tree on your window. You are most inspiring and I look forward to each day sharing with you all the things I love. I am an American, and have lived my adult life (now 77 years old) in Switzerland, mostly, also South Africa and Austria, too. I went to British schools and I love to hear you speak, British English, using familiar sayings. I chuckle at your humor (written humour, I believe in England). You sort of bring my several worlds together.

[@victoriahanke5086]

Yes, my teacher told us the same! She said hair could get into food, or onto dishes.