Does She Bake an Apple Pie?

“What do you want to do for your birthday?”
“Um.  Nothing.”
“I was thinking we could have a few people here.”
“Maybe it would be easier to go out.”

“I was thinking I might cook.”

“What?”

“I was thinking I might cook.”

“The dinner?”

“Yes, the dinner.”

“What were you thinking of making me?”

“Happy?”

“I’m already happy.”

“I’ll figure it out.”

So I am making Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon, a Brussel Sprout Salad with arugula, bacon, cranberries and parmesan with honey mustard dressing and a Triple-Layer Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting.  Favorites all.  I am hoping that I can pay as close attention to detail as Mr. Gambrel has here.

All images from srgambrel.com.

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25 thoughts on “Does She Bake an Apple Pie?

  1. Beautiful rooms. I would love to have the Brussels sprouts salad recipe! Could you share it? Thanks.

  2. I love the menu–I made Julia's Boeuf Bourguignon for Christmas Eve and it was delish. I used tritip for the beef and arabiata spaghetti sauce instead of the tomato called for. And I made it the day before…….it was divine and I basically took it easy Christmas Eve, I love Steven Gambrel's work (I have an antique French wallpaper screen in the same scene as the photo of the dining room), but the view of the stairway in making me very dizzy. Have a wonderful Bday party–you rock!
    Mary

  3. I love your writing style, the photos are beautiful and the carrot cake sounds divine (as the rest of the meal does)! Happy Birthday, Mr. Blandings!

  4. The meal sounds lovely. I fear that Mr. Gambrel's work is starting to look like stage sets. Over-decorated. But I'm sure I'm alone in that sentiment.

  5. Gorgeous details I love the bedroom with the blue alabaster lamp.

    Your dinner menu sounds delish! Perfect for this frigid Kansas City weather. Happy Birthday to Mr B!

    Xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

  6. It all sounds lovely, and then some. Can't wait to see your salad recepe. But Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon . . .that dish was the focal point of so many special occasions in our house when I was growing up; I can smell and taste it as I type. Thanks for the warm memory, and a v happy B'day to Mr. B.

  7. Happy Birthday to you + good luck with the dinner party sounds delicious. Beautiful images. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

  8. Foodie – you are not alone, and I agree, in fact. The last project that seemed personal to me at all was the previous Sag Harbor house. That said, his use of color is often magical and I appreciate so much his unapologetic, strong masculine tone. Nothing muddy, always crisp.

  9. All around great post- menu sounds perfect- You do know that carrot cake is a vegetable, right?

  10. Oh, that meal sounds delicious. Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon is my favorite, especially at this time of year.

  11. Mrs. Blandings and Foodie,
    I was getting a bit tired of his work, but some of this townhouse left my mouth gaping….Wow! The dining room is to die for…it is almost colonial totally modernized….love it! Also love the blue door at the end of the hallway and the use of black. Thank you so much for posting.

  12. First I read the dialogue as though YOU were the lead. Then I read the dialogue as though Mr. B were the lead. It worked both ways, except in the former you were quite the better wit. Happy Birthday to either and both of you, the menu also works both ways but God I'd die for a slice or two of that cake. Still trying to work out the titular apple pie, somehow to no avail, but loving Gambrel's use of colored bookcase and ceiling inset panels. Inspired, even!

    -Flo

  13. this is one of the most darling posts i have ever read… and may i come for dinner? or save me the leftovers? xx

  14. Sorry to cause any confusion. I've mentioned now and again that I don't cook much and Bill cooks really well. It was his birthday.

  15. i love that – "happy" incredible.

    wishing there was a picture of the dining room though.

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