Combining the Romance of Chess

The first Friday of every month is the blog party "Vintage Black Friday" and every Friday is "Foodie Friday" so I wanted to join the two.  I believe you will find this combination both delectable and inspiring.

I couldn't decide which should be posted first so I chose the way opponents decide in a Chess game.  Holding a white pawn in one hand and a black pawn in the other, my husband chose the black pawn which represented the "Vintage Black Friday" party.  Therefore,  let the "Romance of Chess" begin.

The 1945 chess board was set up on a vintage desk.

The black pieces were placed first upon the vintage 1945 board since they won the draw to be first played.

The feather bouquet in the vintage black metal vase adds romance to the setting.

Adding a touch of black on the vintage clock helps to speed the game along.

This vintage chess set had the original First Edition, June 1945 rules book.

This booklet states, "The development of Chess through the ages presents an interesting and enlightening story.  It is a history that lends dignity and honor to the game."

All the chess pieces were still in the "Chess Men" box.

All the vintage black squares, numbers, and letters add charm and romance to this vignette.

It is interesting to note that the first person to bring Chess to public notice in the United States was Benjamn Franklin, who wrote an essay on "The Morals of Chess."  However, very little Chess was played in the United States prior to about 1825.  From then on, it gradually increased in popularity. 

In fact, this Independence Day weekend, my son, Nate, who lives in Philadelphia, is playing in the Continental Chess Association Chess Tournament:  'World Open 2010'  held at Valley Forge, PA..  He, also, has designed a Chess tournament online for his California relatives young and old.  They love the competition.

"Chess is truly a game that should live forever.  It sharpens the wits and is an endless source of intellectual pleasure for novice and masters alike."

You say, "How does this tie into Foodie Friday?

The first ingredient in this deliciously rich dessert is  
Chessmen Cookies.

When I first had a piece of this yummy dessert, it was so rich and delicious, I decided to make it for a "Lunch in the Country" dessert.  If you would like to go back to that post click here.

I didn't learn until after I had tasted the dessert (I should have known) that it is Paula Deen's 

"Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding"

Ingredients:

2   bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies

6 to 8 bananas, sliced

2 cups milk

1 (5 - ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding

1 (8 - ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

These are the ingredients so you know why I said it is so rich and yummy.

You first line the bottom of a 13 by 9 x 2 inch dish with one bag of Chessmen cookies.

Then, layer 6 - 8 sliced bananas.  I used six.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.

Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.

Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. 

Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.

Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas.

Even the "Mama" couldn't wait for a taste of the banana puddin' before the cookies were placed on top.

Cover with the remaining bag of Chessmen cookies and refrigerate until ready to serve.

This is a great recipe for serving about 12.  Prep time is about 30 minutes and it is easy.

Whether romancing playing the game of Chess or 

 using Chess to romance your decor or

or romancing over a Chess cookie dessert

It all ties in to the Romance of Chess.

WISHING YOU A SAFE AND

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY !!

I will be celebrating for a week with family so watch for posts after that time.

I am joining Vintage Black Friday or click on VBF button on my sidebar or

Foodie Friday click here.