CHOCOLATE & CROISSANTS

Springtime in Paris: Orange You Glad it is Friday

2013-05-17T07:01:00.002-07:00

It is springtime in Paris and there are flowers everywhere. There are always flowers in Paris whether it be winter or spring. Their flowers are always beautifully displayed.

Orange you Glad it is Friday is hosted by Life's Sweets and Spices.

Ride of Silence

2013-05-16T06:36:00.002-07:00

Last night I participated in the Ride of Silence and event that is very dear to me. What is the Ride of Silence? It is a silent funeral procession on bikes and memorial to every cyclist that has lost their life in a traffic collision.

From the Ride of Silence Webpage:

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET

On May 15, 2013 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. (Read the full history here...)

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured.

The ride I participated in was held in Irvine, California. Starting off in New Zealand at 7 pm on May 15 and moving across the globe at 7 pm 26 countries had organized rides. The ride is silent, no talking the thought being that you remember those who have lost a life and you appreciate that you are still here able to enjoy yours. Riding in silence is not an easy task for me. Riding in silence does give you a sense of appreciation of what is around you. Irvine is not my cycling city. It is a great city to cycle in and has been recognized as such.

What makes a city a good cycling city. Good paved roads, bicycle paths and a police force that is willing to promote safe cycling both through motorist and cycling programs. In Irvine when a child is cited for not wearing a helmet or riding against traffic, the child is welcomed to participate in bicycle safety classes.

Cycling safety is both the responsibility of motorists and cyclists. For motorists the do's and do nots are obvious. Drive sober, do not be a distracted driver. For cyclists obey the rules of the road, (you would be shocked at how many cyclists run red lights or stop signs) and be alert. A simple pot hole can throw you into traffic.

My heart breaks every time I hear of a cyclist that has been killed or injured in a traffic collision. A dear friend of mine was left on the side of the road after being hit by a cyclist. Thankfully another group of cyclists found him and called 911. The car's license was tangled in his bike. When approached by police at their home washing their car, the driver said they thought they hit a rock. Yes, my friend is recovering but that is not the point.

Accidents happen. Driving a motor vehicle is a huge responsibility. Is talking on the phone, texting a friend, gulping down your Starbucks worth injuring or taking the life of another human? It seems we are always multi-tasking. Whether your are driving or riding a bike you should not be multi-tasking (yes I have also seen cyclists talking on the phone while riding). Slow down and focus on your task at hand. A little attention may prevent a collision that could change the life of another human.

Second Suns by David Relin Review

2013-05-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am amazed at how fortunate I am to receive books from publishers and Second Suns is no exception. This is one incredible story. What initially started off as a story about a sherpa led to the story about two doctors from very different parts of the world who set out to cure blindness and they are making progress.

(From the publisher) From the co-author of Three Cups of Tea comes the inspiring story of two very different doctors—one from the United States, the other from Nepal—united in a common mission: to rid the world of preventable blindness.

In this transporting book, David Oliver Relin shines a light on the work of Geoffrey Tabin and Sanduk Ruit, gifted ophthalmologists who have dedicated their lives to restoring sight to some of the world’s most isolated, impoverished people through the Himalayan Cataract Project, an organization they founded in 1995. Tabin was the high-achieving bad boy of Harvard Medical School, an accomplished mountain climber and adrenaline junkie as brilliant as he was unconventional. Ruit grew up in a remote Nepalese village, where he became intimately acquainted with the human costs of inadequate access to health care. Together they found their life’s calling: tending to the afflicted people of the Himalayas, a vast mountainous region with an alarmingly high incidence of cataract blindness.

Second Suns takes us from improvised plywood operating tables in villages without electricity or plumbing to state-of-the-art surgical centers at major American universities where these two driven men are restoring sight—and hope—to patients from around the world. With their revolutionary, inexpensive style of surgery, Tabin and Ruit have been able to cure tens of thousands—all for about twenty dollars per operation. David Oliver Relin brings the doctors’ work to vivid life through poignant portraits of patients helped by the surgery, from old men who cannot walk treacherous mountain trails unaided to cataract-stricken children who have not seen their mothers’ faces for years. With the dexterity of a master storyteller, Relin shows the profound emotional and practical impact that these operations have had on patients’ lives.

Second Suns is the moving, unforgettable story of how two men with a shared dream are changing the world, one pair of eyes at a time.

MY REVIEW

I absolutely loved this story from start to finish. Relin is a great author. I was rather saddened to learn to that amidst all the controversy that surrounded the veracity of Three Cups of Tea he had taken his life this past December. In Second Suns, Relin follows Tabin and Ruit throughout the Himalayas and Africa as they attempt to eradicate preventable blindness. The story of both of these men is an incredible story in itself. Ruit was born in a remote Nepalese village. As a bored little boy who always seemed to be getting into trouble his father hiked for days to take him to the closest school. Tabin is just a likeable eccentric. As a pre-med student he was introduced to mountain climbing and had a difficult time deciding whether attending classes or taking off for his next pitch was more important. Together these men performed cataract surgeries in some of the most remote areas with less than ideal medical conditions.

The book captures the joy of the thousands of patients who have their sight and lives restored. For many of these individuals having limited vision meant being confined to their rooms. There is no room for error on the side of a mountain if one cannot see where to put their foot. It is shameful to think that millions live in darkness when having their vision restored is an easy 10 minute procedure.

The book also focuses on the medical industry and their goal of making money vs. helping others. I recognize that we all need to pay the bills. However I find it despicable that lenses can be made in India and other countries for about $4 vs the cost of having them made in a Western country. In the beginning of Ruit career he trained under an Australian physician who exposed the marked different between medical care to Aborigines vs. whites. He died early from cancer but his dream to have lenses made at a fraction of the cost was fulfilled. Ruit and Tabin attend a conference in Hong Kong where many doctors are only interested in gathering the sag from large pharmaceutical companies and paying attention to devices that will increase their profits. As a keynote speaker Ruit who discusses how the surgery can be done safely and successfully Ruit's audience is a small group of 11 doctors.

I recently took this book on vacation with me as I wandered around on a French island off the coast of France enjoying beautiful sunsets. That I was reading a book about blindness as I watched a sunset was not lost on me. If there is one book to pick up this year this is the one. I was truly touched by it and appreciative of the skills, talent and generosity of both of these men. This is one book that you will enjoy and remember for a time to come. My copy is now in the hands of a French journalist who writes about humanitarian issues. She was my seatmate on the flight.

Thank you to Random House for providing me with a copy of the book.

Chapel with a view

2013-05-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

After spending the night in St. Brieuc in Brittany I headed on the road to the Granite Coast. St. Brieuc was a pleasant little town that had a wonderful market on Saturday morning. The day had started off raining and gray and I was hoping for clear skies as I made my way along the coast. About 40 minutes from St. Brieuc my wish was granted. As I drove down the road I saw this quaint little chapel overlooking the water.

I knew that I just had to stop and take a photo of it. It is not often you see a chapel overlooking the water. As I walked around the grounds snapping photos I decided that if I ever renewed my vows I would want to do it here. I do not think you could find a prettier view.

Dreaming of France is hosted by Paulita at An Accidental Blog.

Digging for Clams

2013-05-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

On my last trip to Brittany I spent all my time along the coastline. Not a day went by when I was not sniffing the sweet scent of the ocean. Briny and salty, fresh and no doubt cold. One day I was driving my car when I saw groups of people out on the beds. A closer look revealed that they were digging for clams.

I had never seen anyone digging for clams before. It proved to be quite popular.

I can only imagine how delicious these clams must taste. While I did not have any clams during my time in Brittany the seafood I ate was amazing. I am a huge fans of oysters and must say that I was indulging in a dozen oysters on the half shell on a daily basis.

This is my contribution to Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads and Saturday Snapshots hosted by At Home with Books. Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. You do not have to post on the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page. For more information, see the welcome post. To participate in Saturday Snapshot: post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky below. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online

Orange Your're Glad it is Friday

2013-05-10T06:42:00.003-07:00

This was the sunset I was treated to every evening while staying on Belle Ile en Mer in France. When Monet visited he turned a short trip into a 10 week trip painting 39 canvases of the rock formations. Orange Your're Glad It is Friday is hosted by Maria at Life's Sweets and Spices.

Dreaming of France

2013-04-14T22:18:00.001-07:00

For all the times I had visited Paris, I never ventured out to Puces marche st ouen flea market. Located in the outskirts of Paris it is the largest flea market in the world.

Initially I was not impressed with what I saw. There was a lot of junk. Before entering the flea market one had to work through hawkers and very cheap wares. But once I made it into the flea market it was well worth it.

I would love a bed like this.

This one store had many suitcases. I never thought I would get excited over suitcases however they were gorgeous. For me they transported me back to another era. The era of getting dressed up and excited to go on an adventure, when travel was glamorous.

What do you dream of when you dream of France? Dreaming of France is hosted by Paulita at An Accidental Blog.

PS does anyone know the name of the blog where the blogger is an American with a blog about Paris/France? She returns to France regularly to purchase linens. I believe she lives on the east coast. Thank you.

Chocolate Designs from Paris

2013-04-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

One guess will tell you what country I was in when I discovered this delightful chocolate Eiffel tower. The French are one group of creative chocolatiers. Not only do they love their chocolate they love creating with chocolate.

As much as I love chocolate I enjoy looking at what these chefs are capable of creating with chocolate. Could you imagine receiving one of these creations and eating it bite by bite. The next time I visit France I may just have to take a chocolate class.

These are my contributions to Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads and Saturday Snapshots hosted by At Home with Books.

Orange Your're Glad it's Friday

2013-04-11T21:28:00.002-07:00

This is my contribution to Orange Your're Glad It's Friday hosted by Life's Sweets and Spices.

Orange Your're Glad it is Friday

2013-04-05T08:26:00.001-07:00

Here is my contribution from Monet's gardens to Lifes Sweets and Spices

and Saturday Snapshots.

St. Cirq Lapopie: Dreaming of France

2013-04-01T07:41:00.002-07:00

When I dream of France, St. Cirq Lapopie often comes to mind. Located above the Lot River it is an oasis of tranquility and beauty. As we drove up the single lane road to this tiny village perched 100 meters above the rivers the clouds that shrouded it started to lift. For me it was opening up a jewelry box.

As I peeked up above I could see the abbey making its way out of the clouds.

When I reached the top I fell in love. With its narrow walkways and hidden corners there was a surprise with every footstep.

St. Cirq Lapopie is where I first tasted clafoutis, an egg and milk dessert with stone fruit. We found a bakery and decided to have our morning tea and pastry. I had never tasted or heard of clafoutis before. The word meant nothing to me. The plums staring back at me looked delicious.

I still remember sitting outside the bakery below these sunflowers enjoying my dessert. The man brought out a white tea pot with a matching cappucino cup for my husband. I cannot tell you what he had. We both remember the clafoutis. Incroyable.

What surprise will you find behind these curtains?

PS I am looking for new ideas when visiting Paris. I think Louise suggested breakfast at Le Meurice. Please leave your suggestion behind. It may also be a day trip from Paris.

This is my contribution to Dreaming of France hosted by Paulita at An Accidental Blog.

Silk Tye Dyed Easter Eggs

2013-03-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what my kitties fascination is with dyed eggs but he loves them. Every year when I make them he is up on the table sniffing away at them. I will also say my cats eat eggs. Yes they love omlettes, but only the way I make them, not my husbands.

DIRECTIONS FOR SILK TIE DYED EGGS

The materials are quite simple, a dozen or so eggs, a few silk ties from Goodwill, an enamel pot, twist ties, white cloth and some vinegar. Two important steps are an enamel or glass pot and silk ties.

Head over to Goodwill or another thrift shop and pick up what you consider to be uglied pattered ties. The deeper the color the better. Do not worry about the pattern being something you hope your date would never be wearing. The pattern will transfer on to the egg and end up being quite pretty. Colors also come out different onto the egg, so do not fret about using a black or dark blue tie. You should be able to do about three eggs with one tie. Just remember that you want the ties to be silk. The uglier the tie the better the print.

1. Cut the tie open and taking the silk squares wrap the square around the egg. You want the patterned side of the tie to be wrapped around the egg. Cut out a piece of white cloth and wrap that around the silk. The white cloth may prevent other eggs colors from coloring your egg. I used an old t-shirt. Apparently, cheesecloth does not work. Tie these off with a twist tie.

2. Fill your enameled pot with enough water to cover the eggs. Add 3 tablespoons vinegar to the water and bring the eggs and water to a boil. Use a ladle or tongs to place the eggs in the water.

3. Simmer the eggs for 20 minutes. Simmer them longer if you want to eat the eggs.

4. Remove the eggs from the water and let cool.

5. If you want the eggs to shine, polish them with vegetable oil or shortening.

This is my contribution for Orange Your're Glad it is Friday hosted by Life's Sweets and Spices. Yes I am!!! This is also my contribution to Saturday Snapshots hosted by At Home with Books, Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth Fish Reads.

Happy Easter everyone

Peeps for Easter

2013-03-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

I must confess that I am not a big fan of eating Peeps. I am not just a fan of marshmallows period. Yes I have had homemade marshmallows and they are all the same to me. However that said you can make some really fun little peepy creations. I must confess that I love anything creative to add to my table. As adults we are not really encouraged to be creative so when the chance arises I am all over it. The tye dyed eggs seen above were made by me a few Easter's ago. That was going to be my project today however I think I am going to try making some little chicks. The egg directions are here.

The Washington Post holds an annual peep diaroma contest. Peep on over you will be amazed by the creativity found over here. The Peeps Website also has some fun ideas for Peep projects to decorate your Easter table with.

I found this recipe for making Peeps in today's edition of the LA Times. This recipe does call for the use of a candy thermometer.

LA TIMES RECIPE
Total time: 1 hour, plus setting time
Servings: About 3 dozen candies, depending on size
Note: This recipe requires the use of a candy or digital thermometer.
2 packages gelatin
3/4 cup water, divided
Butter for greasing a baking sheet, if cutting out shapes
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups colored sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, sprinkle the gelatin over one-fourth cup of water and let stand until the gelatin is softened. If piping chick-shaped candies, fit a piping bag with a large, round tip (preferably one-half inch) and place the colored sugar in a bowl. If cutting out shapes, butter the baking sheet and line with parchment paper, then butter the parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the remaining water with the sugar and corn syrup, and cook until the sugar reaches 245 degrees using a candy thermometer. Remove from heat.
3. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour the hot sugar syrup down the side of the mixer so it doesn't splash against the whisk. Slowly increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the marshmallow lightens in color, about 6 minutes, then beat in the vanilla. For piped marshmallows, continue beating on high speed until the marshmallow firms and stiffens in texture (similar to a stiff meringue); the marshmallow will have lost some of its sheen and should break off as the beater is removed, but it should not be overly stringy, 10 to 16 minutes. For cut marshmallows, beat less, only until the marshmallow is fluffy and doubled in volume, 8 to 10 minutes total.
4. To pipe marshmallow chicks, start by piping the body: Hold the piping bag over the colored sugar and begin piping the marshmallow out onto the sugar so it is about 1-inch in diameter and approximately one-half-inch thick. Continue piping the body so it is about 2½ inches in length, then slowly release the tip from the marshmallow, pushing the marshmallow up to form a tail. To form the chest and head, pipe on top of the body, starting from the front of the body and piping over half of the back. Continue piping, but reversing direction, to form the head, slowly releasing the tip to form the beak. Spoon the colored sugar over the formed marshmallow to coat completely. Remove the marshmallow to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
To form cuttable marshmallows, using a lightly greased offset spatula, immediately spread the mixture onto the buttered parchment-lined sheet, spreading the marshmallow so it covers the pan in an even layer. Set aside, uncovered, 2 to 4 hours to set. When the marshmallow is set, cut out shapes using lightly greased cutters. Gently press the marshmallows in colored sugar to evenly coat.
5. Form the eyes: Place the chocolate chips in a glass measuring cup or bowl and microwave in 10-second increments, stirring occasionally, until melted. Use a toothpick to dot the melted chocolate over the marshmallow candies to form eyes (and noses, for marshmallow bunnies).

What will you have on your Easter table?

This is my contribution to Saturday Snapshots and Weekend Cooking.

Paris Line by Line by Robinson

2013-03-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed by the books on Paris that are published. With each book there seems to be new creativity about one of the world's most visited cities. Robinson's Paris Line by Line is no exception. The book is truly remarkable. Robinson was an illustrator and through his talent has created a book that illustrates Paris through pen and ink

Paris Line by Line will appeal both to those who have visited Paris and those that dream of the city. The book opens up with an amazing view of the face of Paris. While the illustration is not accurate or probably to scal you are treated to a view of the face of Paris, You can see Notre Dame, the Eiffel tower, the Lourve and Sacre Couer along with other highlights of the city. Robinson's line capture the essence of the city. He then proceeds to give you illustrations of his view of the city.

Among them are the bouqinesttes with a man and his umbrella looking at the books, an inside view (and the only one I will ever see) into the Ritz Carleton. We get a peek at high tea, the front entrance and the summer patio reserved for dining in the hotel's private garden. Of course there is the facade of Notre Dame. One of my favourites is Montmartre-home to Sacre Couer. Here we are treated to a street guide of Sacre Couer along with the buildings and entryways to many of the buildings.

Robinson's illustrations are breathtaking to say the least. His book is unlike any book on Paris I have ever viewed. It is obvious from the author's note to you on What you will want and need to know that like many before and after him he fell in love with the City of Lights. His best advise is "You may do anything at all in Paris, except for one thing, no matter what: waste time." How true is that. Robinson has truly captured what makes Paris Paris.

If you want one more book on Paris, this is the one to have on your shelf. As I leaf through the book I find myself smiling as I recollect walking through the streets that have been illustrated.

Thank you to Rizzoli Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book

This is my contribution to Dreaming of France, hosted by An Accidental Blog.

Patisserie: Mastering the Fundamentals of FRENCH PASTRY

2013-03-15T22:40:00.001-07:00

If someone was to ask me what I dream about, it would be eating French pastries. I adore French pastries. When I return to Paris there are certain desserts that I always have. I always say I will try something new but there are some that I just always return to. I would love to have my own French pastry chef. Someone who makes me my favourite desserts.

If you do not have your own pastry chef then the next best thing one be to learn how to bake like the French.

Renowned pastry chef Christophe Felder has written his first book that has been translated into English. This book is a gem. Let me tell you. I own many many French pastry books. Pastry is all about technique and the ingredients. Felder's book is one of a kind. With over 206 lessons the book has 3,200 step by step photos. The guess work of baken has been removed. The lessons range from something as simple as a crumble pastry to Opera and Dacquoise aux Fruits (Mixed Fruit with white chocolate dacquoise). Not sure who to roll the dough for a croissant-now you have no reason not to know. The book is truly remarkable.

The book is divided into basic pastry and tarts-yes for those of you who are confused by what pastry to use there is a wonderful explanation, creams, custards and puddings, decorations-this is the art of French baking, classic cakes and desserts, chocolate desserts and candies, holiday cakes, cookies and other sweet treats, macarons, brioches and breakfast pastries, petits fours and Appendices-which includes an index, conversion chart, mail order sources and cooking schools and a how to use this book. All the book is missing is a chef and pastry.

Of course given that Felder is from the Alsace region the holiday cakes and treats are from this region. The recipes all seem authentic to me. For the holiday treats I recognize all the cookies that are regional favourites.

The book explains what the equipment you should use and helpful little tips. Practice will always make perfect but you will be able to see how fine your mixture should be or how ingredients are blended together. Recipes are also categorized by skill. While some of the techiniques (creating chocolate spaghetti and sugar decorations are for the advanced the book has something for everyone. The recipe for frasier a strawberry sponge cake dessert has 21 photos, even showing you what your whipped eggs whites and sugar should look like.

Have I tried anything yet? No, but I know I will. I may just have to make a Frasier for Easter.

Thank you to Rizzoli Publishing for providing me with this book to review. It is not only decadent but a wonderful book for any baker to have in their repetoire.

This is my contribution to Weekend Cooking and Saturday Snapshots.

Orange Your're Glad It is Friday

2013-03-15T08:01:00.001-07:00

I know there is not a lot of Orange in this photo but we are very glad it is Friday. The photo I wanted to include will not upload, I am late late late for work-so today is just a touch of Orange and a very sweet kitty waiting for the Easter bunny.

Orange Your're Glad it is Friday is hosted by Life's Sweets and Spices.

Springtime in Paris

2013-03-11T08:20:00.001-07:00

Is it springtime in Paris yet?

Oh, how I dream of France. Dreaming of France is hosted by Paulita at An Accidental Blog.

French Illusions by Linda Kovic-Skow

2013-03-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me you know that I love any book with the word French in it, any book that takes place in France and any book that is a memoir. And French Illusions did not disappoint.

Linda lead the life I would have wanted to live in my teen years (minus the au pair taking care of children). I always wanted to be a flight attendant and live abroad. I was too short on the flight attendant part and I was never going to babysit anyone's children on a full time basis.

It all started when author Linda wanted to work for the airlines. Finding out that she needed to speak another language she decided that she would be an au pair in France and learn the language so that she could fly to France. The part of the program that she did not take into account was that she would need to speak French. The author had a French speaker complete her application.

All was well until she met the family that she was going to work for an au pair for...or more specifically the madame of the house. Of course it is understandable that Madame was upset that that Linda did not speak French. But given she was about 8 months pregnant she decided to keep Linda. All was downhill from here. While every story has two sides, Madame comes across as the meanest crankiest person one could be stuck working for in a foreign country where one did not speak the language. When Linda takes ill with the flu Madame gives her barely a moment to get better warning her that she had better not infect the household. While Linda was expected to do light house work she found herself beating carpets and serving guests. Of course no visit to France would be complete without a married man hitting on you (it was one of the guests). My favourite was when Linda complained that there was no heat in her room and she was told to send home for warmer clothing.

To her credit Linda tries to make the best of the situation despite all the challenges. Madame's daughter is a mini Madame, snarky and undermining Linda. The young boy is a delight to spend time with and Linda enjoys baking and making him pancakes.

Trying to learn French Linda takes classes at a university in a nearby town. Here she meets some college kids and finds herself a cute boyfriend. Interacting with other English speaker and young people her age gives her some sanity.

After months of torture Linda makes a decision to quit. Once again Madame's true colours come out as she kicks Linda out of the house.

I give Linda credit for trying to make the best of a situation. Along the way she is able to experience some of the treasures of France. Messieur teaches her about wine and dinner at the house is always a culinary experience.

Should you read this book...without a doubt. It is fun and keeps your attention throughout. You want Linda to succeed and not succumb to tears.

This is my contribution to Dreaming of France hosted by Paulita at An Accidental Blog.

Thank you to Pump up your Books for allowing me to be part of the tour.

Burgundy France

2013-02-24T20:46:00.001-08:00

I wish I could remember what village this was but I cannot. I do remember my time here. This was the first village I stopped in on my visit to Burgundy. I love taking photos and think I was a little too excited when I stopped for the photo. I parked my car and was taking the photo when I started seeing my car rolling down the hill.

Honestly I am not making this up. I was driving a stick and forgot to put on the brake. I had not been in the country even 3 hours. Fortunately I had not closed the door. I quickly jumped in the car and pulled the brake before the car hit another car.

In retrospect it was sort of funny. Funny in that the story has a happy ending. I can assure you I did not forgot to put on the brake again on that trip. You tell me was the photo worth it?

Dreaming of France is hosted by Paulita at An Accidental Blog.

Orange Your're Glad It is Friday

2013-02-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken so many many years ago. I was on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State with my brother and a long forgotten girlfriend of his (thank goodness). I am not sure what they did but I hung out on the beach reading and taking photos. This is a beautiful place to visit should you get the opportunity.

Orange Your're Glad It is Friday is hosted by Hood Photo Blog.

Saint Chapelle Paris France

2013-02-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Saint Chapelle is truly one of Paris's gems. The stained glass is just stunning. The secret to enjoying St. Chapelle is to visit it on a sunny day; when the rays of sun can shine through the panes. I have been fortunate to have been able to visit it on many occasions. I must say I have never been disappointed. On my last visit to the chapel I went to a concert. The nighttime experience is completely different from seeing the chapel during the day. If you have never been during the day I would not suggest only going at night.

The setting for an evening concert was just stunning. The chapel was delicately illuminated.

I then decided that I would have to return the next day to see the chapel in day light. It had been a few years since I had last visited. I was not disappointed.

Given the chance you should visit St. Chapelle.

This is my contribution to Dreaming of France hosted by Paulita at An Accidental Blog.

Happy Valentine's Day

2013-02-14T08:00:00.004-08:00

Will you be my Valentine and cuddle up with me?

I will share my pastry with you.

Dreaming of France

2013-02-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

Given all the snow that North America has received in the last week I thought it fitting to show Paris in a rare snowfall.

The above photo is a view of the Orsay Museum. I am not sure what possessed me to take a boat cruise on the Seine at night in the freezing weather. I met some fellow Canadians and we just huddled together.

This dog is not only warm but fashionable.

Dogs frolicking in the snow. They were quite enjoying it.

Walking through the Luxembourg Gardens.

Dreaming of France is hosted by Paulita at An Accidental Blog.

Malouf : Greg and Lucy Malouf

2013-02-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

Middle Eastern Food is one of my favourite foods. I love all the spices that go into cooking it. Their spices are often times a collection of many spices. Middle Eastern food also brings together fruits and vegetables in their dishes. For me everything about is enjoyable.

Needless to say I was excited when I saw there was a new cookbook by husband and wife team Malouf. I would expect every Middle Eastern Cookbook to have recipes for hummas, baba ganoush, stuffed vegetables and baklava. Malouf does have those recipes.

What makes Malouf different from other Middle Eastern cookbooks is that it combines Middle Eastern flavours with the author's travel around Europe and South-East Asia. In the words of author Greg Malouf it is "new" Middle Eastern cooking. Malouf has sought to discover the world of flavour, aroma, and colour. While I have only made one recipe from this book it was a huge success.

The book is divided into soups, small dishes, large dishes, side dishes, bakery, sweet larder and a glossary. There are many just gorgeous photos and my favourite a ribboned book mark.

I really like the larder section of the cookbook as it is informative on both how to make your own spice mixtures, pastes and dressing. There is an explanation for each of them as to where they originate from. Living in Southern California I have great access to spices. This is not to say that I have every spice in my house. With this guide you will always be able to have your own mixture. More importantly you will be able to keep your spice flavours consistent.

The small dishes could be a meal all by themselves. The small dishes are divided between stuffed vegetables, cheese dishes, seafood, kofte and fritters and meat and poultry. The large dishes offer a wonderful selection of seafood, lamb and meat and poultry. In the bakery section you have your choice of making your own bread, just think of aniseed bread with wild figs, to Turkish flatbread. Of course you could make a honey-cur pie with rose-scented figs. Notice this is the second time I have mentioned figs, one of my favourite fruits. You can also make toffeed fig pavlovas. There are a few recipes of baklava in the sweet section, but who needs baklava when you can make a green apple souffle with pistachio-halva ice cream.

This is a cookbook that I know will get pulled down from my shelf time after time. I always think of Middle Eastern cooking as healthy and these recipes offer plenty of choices for combining an assortment of spices with innovative dishes. The one dish I tried was a Seven-Vegetable tagine. It was simple to make and just delicious. Do I have a photo-no, everyone dug in before I could snap one. The recipes in this book are easy to follow. I like the way the book is organized. If you chose to have a Middle Eastern dinner theme you could select a recipe from each section. For me I want to make almost every recipe in the book.

This is my contribution for Weekend Food Blogging hosted by Beth Fish Reads and Saturday Snapshots hosted by At Home with Books.

Thank you to Rizzoli Publishing for letting me savour one of my favourite foods.

Orange Your're Glad it is Friday

2013-02-07T20:50:00.002-08:00

Orange Your're Glad it is Friday is hosted by Hood Photo Blog. I just love this photo as it represents everything that I love about Paris. I was at Ecole Militaire going to the market in the 7th. Look at how elegant this older women is. With her fur hat and lovely orange coat. No sweat pants for the French. You would be surprised by the fashion at the market.