HI everyone,
Of all the hundreds of doll dresses I have made, there are only a few that I’ve made using peach fabric, so I decided to showcase just these two on Janie and Katie Effanbee. They are made from the same fabric, but two totally different designs. I have been searching for a fabric like this ever since a friend gave me a ladies dress made from it, and I cut it up. It’s like a cotton gauzy fabric, super soft and very lightweight, absolutely delicate and printed with these sweet peach colored flowers.
First up is Katie Effanbee, a doll I used to have but have since sold. I adored this dress on her, and the second picture of her is one of my VERY FAVORITE. I just LOVED her in this shot.
When I received Janie, a 13″ Dianna Effner, Little Darling doll, she had such a peaches and cream complexion, I just HAD to make her a dress using some of this fabric. These are some of my favorite pictures of any doll dress I’ve ever made. I thought she was so beautiful in this. (I guess I’m allowed to say that, aren’t I?)
Okay… so that was one part of the Peaches and Cream title… and Charlotte will give you HER version of Peaches and Cream!
Thanks SO much, Charlotte! Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!
Hi Jeanne,
The other day I mentioned my peach pie recipe, and some of the sofa sisters sounded interested, so here it is, plus a photo of one I took a couple of years ago. Enjoy! Charlotte
Peach Pie
Peel, pit, and halve peaches. (Actually, it’s easier to cut the peaches in half first, twist the halves apart, then peel and pit them.) Place in an unbaked pie shell, pit side up. Sprinkle over the peaches a mixture of:
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 Tbsp. flour
Pour over all: 1/2 pint (1 cup) heavy cream. Bake at 325° for 1 hour, or until knife comes out mostly clean. Cool. Keep leftovers in the fridge.
Notes: I always use a teaspoon and dip the cream over all the sugary areas before I put it in the oven, so it gets more or less covered in the cream, and the sugar gets more absorbed.
Peaches should be nicely ripe and sweet! I always do the sniff test–if they smell like peaches, they are ready to be used! 😉
This pie needs to be completely cool before you cut into it–chilling it in the fridge for a few hours will help it set up faster (although it really IS wonderful slightly warm, too!). You will probably need to use a sharpish knife to cut thru the peaches, as they can kind of slip a little under just a table knife. It kind of depends on the peaches–some seem to bake a little softer than others.
Enjoy!
Charlotte
I’m hungry for Peach Pie, aren’t you?
Blessings, Jeanne
I don’t remember Katie Effanbee’s dress, Jeanne, but I certainly remember Janie’s, and yes, it was just perfect on her!!
Thank you for sharing my recipe for Peach Pie–it’s a family favorite that goes back to the 1950s!! I believe my mom got the recipe from our dear neighbor, Mrs. Nadeau, but I’m not sure where she got it.
The first time mom made it, my brother and I were probably still in elementary school–I’m guessing 2nd/3rd grades or thereabouts (I’m older by 18 months), so old enough to know how to behave at the table. We each ate our first piece–and Paul picked up his plate and licked it afterwards!! He was scolded, of course–he knew better!! His reply? “But, mommy, it’s So Good!!” and it is. Plate-licking good!!
I wanted to thank all my Sofa Sisters for the kind words and prayers for us. It is not an easy time. Today I called and talked to a woman who has an agency that coordinates the needs of patients with the kinds of help available, and as I told her about Ron’s difficulties (he really is now seriously at-risk for falls), she thinks a family care home or group home type situation would be best for him. The ones they recommend all have a 1-to-3 nurse-to-patient ratio, 24/7, so would be the safest setup for him. Even the so-called memory care units don’t have that good a ration (more like 1:7). So she is going to gather some information and get back to me, and I will be touring places for him in the coming days/weeks. I will keep you all updated. (I did talk to Ron about this very real necessity after his last fall, and I think he will be okay with it.)
Dear Charlotte, I feel that you are being led to the right decision for both of you. I will continue to pray for guidance and strength for you.
Thank you, Dorothy.
I absolutely love peaches, Jeanne! The color even makes my mouth water! The dresses are just adorable, and perfect for this time of the year!
Charlotte, your pie looks so good, and better yet, easy to make! I have tried using canned peach pie filling, but it just doesn’t have the same taste as the fresh peaches, so, this is one I can try now, while peaches are at their peak. Thanks for that tip of first cutting the peach in half before peeling. Anything that makes it easier to do is fine with me, and makes it faster to get to the final results! 😉
Do you make your own pie crust? If you did, you sure have the knack for making a pretty edging!
Thank you so much for sending the recipe to Jeanne!
Thank you, Linda, and you are welcome. The first time you try to pull apart halved peaches that have already been peeled, you quickly learn it is Not a good idea!! 😂 They are slippery, and so messy!!
No, I used a Pillsbury piecrust (the kind that come rolled up in a long box in the refrigerated case), but I have made my own crust in the past. I’m at the point in my life now where I’d rather sew or read than cook, so I do things the easy way!! I did roll the crust Slightly, as my pan is fairly good-sized, and then turned under the crust a bit all around (a dab of water here and there will help it stick together) before crimping it. (the pan, by the way, is an oldie but goodie–it used to belong to my mother-in-law, and it has a clear plastic lid that sort of clamps in place; there’s a handle on the top, too, but I try not to use it too much, as one of the plastic clamps is just taped in place, and if it let go while I was carrying it…!!! 😮)
I seem to have been writing at the same time you were, Charlotte, so missed what you wrote. That is wonderful that you will have help in finding a place for Ron to keep him safe and to give you some peace of mind.
I happened to think that I love peach, and apple pie too, slightly warm, so after the pie has cooled off, and I want a slice, I usually pop it it in the microwave to warm it up. This also works for any pastries that might be a day or two old.
Both the peach dresses are show stoppers but Janie’s is really a treasure. Everything about it works….the colors, the fabric, the style, the lace, and her sweet face. Of course you can have favorites!
Hope George is coming along.
Charlotte…thanks for the pie recipe! We buy peaches through a youth group at a nearby church each year…should be here any time! They come from Colorado…so yummy!
Looking for a good place for Ron will be hard but what good advice you have received. Interesting that someone gets paid to find a facility. 🤔
You are so welcome, Kathie. I hope you enjoy it!
Yes, apparently the various facilities pay these agencies when the patient comes thru their recommendation. There are several such agencies in the area; one that’s highly advertised out here is A Place for Mom. The one we used is Dedicated Care Solutions, and I chose it because it is a Christian agency. Thus far, I’ve been pleased–I will be viewing some places on Saturday!
It is DELICIOUS slightly warm–just more difficult to get out of the pan!!
I normally pass over things in the peachy tones, but Jeanne’s two dresses are lovely on her girls. Hope Jeanne, can conjure up some similar fabric to make something for a Ruby Red girl.
Charlotte’s pie is a lovely sight this morning. Looks so delicious. Glad to hear that she will be looking at possibilities for placement, but know that the placement person gets a large cut from the care home for placement. We weren’t aware of that when we visited places on our own and found a place we liked. When we finally decided to go with one, someone we only spoke to once and did not give us any home names tried to make the care home operator pay the huge fee. Kind of a racket out there. Anyway, we went with a place that was very home like and only had 14 residents. Great meals too which is important. Might want to visit at lunch time to see what they are serving. 🙂
Hoping that Jeanne, sews the next outfit for a doll Ten Ping’s size. Like the old Ginny doll size too. Because, a sweet little Gigi, TP, is going to join the flock here and needs a fall outfit. 🙂
That’s certainly a good tip about looking for a place. Thanks, I’ll remember it when it’s my turn! I’m the elderly one now. I wrote my comment before seeing the above.
I forgot to comment on the darling pictures. Peachy (groan)!
Thank you, Joy.
Yes, I’m aware that that is how the agencies make their money–it states it clearly on the website. We also have a book that has lots and lots of various “senior living” places listed all over our area, but, as I found out when looking for respite care for Ron last winter, it takes a lot of time and energy to do the research–sifting thru the printed info looking for specific things, many phone calls, going to visit places, etc. It is quite exhausting, actually, especially when you are doing all this on top of your caregiving.
Thanks for the tip about visiting at lunch time–or at least inquiring about a menu, etc. Something to keep in mind!
I copied your recipe and entered it as Peach 🍑 Pie Charlotte. It looks easy enough even for me. Thanks for sending it along
Good that you and Ron had the talk. One day too soon is much better than one day too late. My father insisted on assisted living for himself after falling too often, although my mother was resistant. She visited him every day for 2-1/2 years except for two weeks when she had a bad cold. Hoping for the best for you, such a devoted couple.
Yes. Last winter when i first brought up respite care to Ron so I could go to Expo, his first comment was, “It would be unfair if I said no”, and then after that vacillated between “I’m not doing it” and “when I get there, will they…”! This time there has been no resistance, so I think he is ready, and realizes what a struggle it is for me at times.
Dear Jeanne, the dresses are so pretty. I love Janie’s dress also. And yes, you can say that you love your own creation. Your talent is a gift and in liking your work you are being thankful for what has been given to you. That’s my belief anyway.
Now as for the pie, yummy!
Dear Sofa Sisters, we used to have a peach tree in my backyard when I was growing up. My dad would make homemade peach ice cream and my grandmother would can peaches and make peach pie.
Since I am a self-proclaimed non-cook, I have never made a peach pie or any pie for that matter. Sooo, if you would like to send me a peach pie, I would gladly accept it (laugh). Just kidding, of course.
The pie does look delicious. Thank you Charlotte for sharing it!
In my family when I was growing up we were told we were being conceited if we were pleased with something we’d done. Does not go toward building self-confidence I assure you. The Amish call it pride and it is forbidden in their culture. But once I found a wonderful plaque that said it all and it’s what I told my children. “Your talents are God’s gift to you. What you do with them is your gift to Him.”
Dear Barbara, yes, that is exactly what I believe! Thanks for sharing that.
You are welcome, Dorothy; you made me laugh!!
How about this: If I am ever in your area during peach season, I will come over and make one for you! I have the recipe memorize!!
What sweet little peach dresses. Both dolls look absolutely precious. Your Janie has always looked so sweet and innocent. You are so lucky to have her.
Charlotte I printed out your recipe and, if I can find some decent peaches, I will try making it. Good peaches are hard to find around here and we won’t be getting to western Colorado during peach season. Prayers for you and Ron and this difficult stage in life. David’s parents were close to the same age but still had to make a decision at some point when they couldn’t take care of each other. They chose a lovely assisted living facility where they could live together until he passed away. Then David’s sister took my mother-in-law to live with her but she had to hire full-time nursing for her.
Thank you, Barbara; I’m glad you have the recipe printed, and I do hope you find some good peaches!! The nice thing about this recipe (besides how yummy it is) is that it’s incredibly easy to put together!! Not exactly a “last minute” dessert, because it has to cool well before you can cut it, but certainly a handy one when you have lots to do and not much time to make dessert.
I also loved the quote you gave (above) in response to Dorothy’s comment about Jeanne saying she loved her creation.
Thank you for the prayers, too. They are much appreciated!