The Copley Plantation

This post is a few weeks overdue, but it's one I wanted to share with all of you as this home is very special to our family, especially my Sweet Mama.  On Mother's Day this year my brother, Scott, Fiona, and myself, went with Mama back to her roots and took a trip down memory lane at her Grandparents farmhouse.  This is probably Mama's most favorite place on earth.  She always says she feels like she can just breathe when she's "back home".

Caleb & Viola Copley
 Built in 1885

Isn't she beautiful? The double chimneys, the sun room with overhead balcony, and of course the white wood with black shutters (my idea of perfection). 

Look at these cuties on the front porch swing! 

Pretty special for Fiona to be swinging on her Great Great Grandparents front porch! 

The home is no longer owned by our family, however, we are so fortunate that the new owner is absolutely amazing and allows us to visit.  My mom and her have formed quite the friendship.  

Here are few inside pics I snapped. 

 

I would love to pack our bags and move on in! 

This home just speaks to me! 

All of the original barns have been restored however, recently they moved all the animals to new homes.

And for fun...

 

Fiona obviously felt right at home too...she was a mad woman running all over the place! 

It was HILARIOUS! 

Mama and her "babies"...

 And lastly...a look back

We are so thankful to the Latta family for loving this house the way our family did and still does.
Thank you for bringing her back to life!

The Gaither Kitchen: Vanilla and Cherry Muffins

I am seriously starting to surprise myself with all of the time I am spending in the kitchen these days!
We were fortunate enough to buy a home that had mature landscaping which includes a gorgeous cherry tree!  This year the tree has been incredible!  We've had neighbors pick cherries who then treated us with the most AMAZING cherry pie.  Our family members have stopped by to pick as well.  Here are a few picture from my precious Daddy (aka Pappy) and Fiona picking this past Monday.
 

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Are they not the cutest?!

Ok- Now for these Yummy Muffins!

Ingredients

3/4 cup finely chopped cherries

2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 ounces unsalted butter, melted

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

In a large mixing bowl, mix together your dry ingredients -  flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt 

 

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and vanilla extract

Next, pour wet ingredients into the dry – then add your butter and cherries.

Using a spatula to stir the ingredients together until just combined – try not to over mix as this will help to keep your muffins fluffy

 

Evenly scoop the muffin batter into the prepared pans, filling 3/4  of the way up
I used baking cups, but if you do no have any just make sure to grease the pan before pouring the mix in. 

 

Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until cooked through

Set aside to cool for about 5 minutes  

 

And...tada! 

Time to enjoy your Vanilla & Cherry Muffins